These are the MUST-SEE announcements for Windows PCs, laptops, and gaming at IFA 2024

As someone who has spent countless hours hunched over various gadgets and devices, I must say that the latest tech announcements have really caught my attention. The Acer Nitro Blaze 7 seems to be an intriguing handheld gaming device, especially for those of us on a budget. Its unique features like the detachable on-screen keyboard and Hall Effect joysticks make it stand out among its competitors.

2024’s IFA kicked off on September 6th, however, the significant announcements that truly piqued our interest predominantly unfolded during the week preceding it.

Notably, Intel, Qualcomm, Acer, ASUS, and Lenovo showcased a variety of intriguing hardware innovations, including various types of PC processors (CPUs) and Systems-on-Chip (SoCs), new laptop models, gaming monitors, and even conceptual designs that could potentially remain prototypes.

Among the numerous announcements made by IFA, we’ve carefully chosen nine standout ones that truly impress us, which we will showcase and honor in this post.

Qualcomm goes budget with its 8-core Snapdragon X Plus SoC

As an analyst, I’m excited to share that Qualcomm unveiled a new addition to their Snapdragon X family at IFA 2024 – the Snapdragon X Plus System-on-Chip (SoC). This innovative technology is specifically tailored for budget-friendly Windows on ARM laptops, expanding the versatility of these devices. With this launch, the Snapdragon X series now includes a total of eight chips, featuring four X Elite and four X Plus models.

The latest Snapdragon X Plus model comes in two variations:

The X Plus model (X1P-42-100) boasts an earlier arrival, featuring a multi-core frequency of 3.2GHz that can turbo boost up to 3.4GHz. Additionally, it is equipped with a 1.7 TFLOPS integrated graphics processing unit. This advanced hardware has been noticed in upcoming Acer, Dell, and Lenovo laptops, slated for imminent release.

The ThinkBook 16 (Gen 7) is affordably priced at $749, offering ARM64 efficiency and performance as one of the budget options. According to Qualcomm, the SoC outperforms the Core Ultra 5 125U, AMD Ryzen 5 8640U, and Apple M2, and it can even accommodate up to three external monitors.

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but be thrilled about the remarkable feature that sets this device apart – the seamless integration of Copilot+, thanks to its impressive 45 TOPS Neural Processing Unit (NPU), which powers all Snapdragon X chips from Qualcomm. On a related note, Intel laptops equipped with the latest Core Ultra Series 2 processors and AMD laptops boasting Ryzen AI 300 chips will start enjoying Copilot+ access come November.

As a tech enthusiast, I eagerly anticipate Intel’s upcoming generation processors taking on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X hardware. While Intel pushes to excel in both high performance and energy efficiency, Qualcomm is now concentrating on providing more affordable silicon for a wider array of personal computers.

Intel’s next-gen “Lunar Lake” mobile CPUs are here

After several months of speculation and sneak peeks, Intel has finally revealed its “Lunar Lake” Core Ultra Series 2 processors. The new x86 mobile chips, which follow a revamped 200V naming convention, were presented by Intel as the “most efficient family of x86 processors yet,” a move that appears to be aimed at countering Qualcomm’s growing influence in the Windows laptop market.

As per Intel, the Core Ultra Series 2 processors deliver exceptional power efficiency improvements and a significant boost in graphics performance from integrated Arc GPUs, termed as revolutionary and monumental leaps respectively. The series comprises nine CPUs, each featuring eight cores evenly divided between Performance and Power Efficiency. All these processors support eight threads, LPDDR5x RAM with a speed of 8533MHz, have a Turbo power consumption of 37W, and come equipped with an NPU capable of up to 48 TOPS for local AI acceleration.

A higher level of Neural Processing Unit (NPU) power, such as what Microsoft’s tools in Windows demand (minimum 40 Tera Operations Per Second or TOPS), is something that Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X chips can’t currently provide (maxing out at 45 TOPS). This becomes increasingly crucial now that both Intel and AMD are gaining access to Copilot+ in November.

As a researcher, I’m constantly focusing on efficiency as a key objective. It seems that Qualcomm is making significant strides in this area, particularly with their ARM-based chips for Windows, outpacing Intel in many aspects. The Core Ultra 9 and Ultra 7 chips from Qualcomm operate at a base TDP of 30W (minimally dipping to 17W), while the Ultra 5 chips run at a more efficient 17W base TDP, with a minimum consumption of just 8W. This indicates that Qualcomm’s designs are becoming increasingly power-efficient compared to Intel’s offerings.

Intel claims that the Core Ultra 200V CPUs can provide up to 20 hours of battery life, offering performance-per-watt comparable to Qualcomm and AMD in certain tests. However, we’ll need to verify this when we test the upcoming laptops from Acer, ASUS, Dell, and HP, which will be equipped with these Intel processors.

Acer’s Project DualPlay concept gaming laptop has a removable gamepad

The innovative concept behind Acer’s Project DualPlay stands out as one of the most distinctive gaming laptops we’ve encountered. Upon initial observation, it bears a resemblance to a stylish adaptation of Acer’s Predator gaming equipment, featuring additional RGB lighting on the chassis. However, what sets it apart is a hidden feature that simplifies couch co-op gaming significantly.

As a tech enthusiast, I’m excited to share that this device features a versatile touchpad that transforms into a wireless gamepad! It comes equipped with dual joysticks, a D-Pad, buttons, and bumpers situated along the edges, making it perfect for gaming on the go. The detachable part resembles a handheld gaming console, but instead of a screen, you’ve got a touchpad section where the display would typically be.

Improvement is on the horizon. In a design reminiscent of devices such as Legion Go or Nintendo Switch, each half of the gamepad can be effortlessly separated from the central touchpad section, enabling simultaneous play by two gamers using individual controllers. An ingenious electromagnetic mechanism facilitates this detachment, making it simple to free the gamepad from the laptop. Once detached, the laptop reveals two five-watt speakers hidden on its sides, delivering superior sound quality for an immersive gaming experience.

Not only does this proposed gaming laptop feature customizable RGB lighting on its gamepad and individual controllers, but it also offers a unique advantage for PC gamers who enjoy playing games in the company of friends and relatives. However, since this design may not reach the market as an official product, it remains a conceptual idea for now.

Lenovo’s Auto Twist AI PC concept has a display that follows you as you move

A laptop webcam with auto-framing abilities to keep you in view is one thing, but Lenovo’s new Auto Twist AI PC concept takes the idea to another level.

The ThinkBook laptop, under its brand, features what Lenovo terms as “Dual Degree of Freedom Automatic Rotation System (DARS)”. This system links the display with the laptop’s main body. The screen can be opened conventionally, but also rotates around the central hinge, allowing it to pivot in various directions. In essence, the screen can rotate freely, transforming into a tablet position or even lying flat, all without requiring manual adjustment.

The actuators on this device effortlessly control and adjust the display position, allowing you to simply direct it to your desired location. It even has an intelligent AI feature that follows you around the room, ensuring you remain in focus as you move. This is particularly beneficial for educators in virtual meetings. Moreover, the automatic adjustments contribute significantly to maintaining proper ergonomics.

Taking a short break from your computer? The screen will automatically shut off and secure Windows until you come back. It’s uncertain if this particular model laptop will hit the market, but Lenovo’s DARS technology may make another appearance in the future.

Acer’s Nitro XV240 F6 gaming monitor hits an insane 600Hz

Acer’s latest hardware boasts an unprecedented speed level, specifically designed for dedicated PC gamers engaged in competitive play, exceeding the boundaries of what might be considered reasonable refresh rates.

Last year, refresh rates between 300Hz and 400Hz might have seemed excessive for most users. However, Acer has taken it to another level with the 600Hz Nitro XV240 F6 monitor. Yes, that’s correct, and if you heard a sound just then, it was probably your graphics card expressing its exhaustion.

This upcoming monitor boasts a Full High Definition (FHD) TN panel that pairs an impressive refresh rate with a rapid 0.1 millisecond response time. To enhance the image quality even more, it comes equipped with AMD FreeSync Premium technology. Expected to hit the market in Q1 2025 for $599.99, it’s wise to start setting aside some funds now.

Lenovo has an $849 Snapdragon X Plus Copilot+ PC

It’s clear that many laptop shoppers prefer models priced between $700 and $1,000, a fact not lost on Qualcomm. However, the initial launch of Snapdragon X Systems-on-Chip (SoC) with Copilot+ capabilities, announced in May, didn’t quite hit that affordability mark yet.

As an observer, I’m excited to announce that Qualcomm’s latest 8-core Snapdragon X Plus chip has officially been unveiled and is set to power Lenovo’s upcoming IdeaPad 5x 14 2-in-1 (Gen 9). This device, expected to hit the market in October for a starting price of $849, promises to be an excellent opportunity to own a potent Copilot+ PC running Windows on ARM.

The new IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 model doesn’t just excel in ARM64 performance and energy efficiency; it also boasts a stunning 14-inch OLED display that offers Full HD+ resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, HDR 500 compatibility, 100% DCI-P3 color spectrum, and touch screen functionality with inking capabilities, perfectly complementing its versatile design.

At this cost, it’s clear that no corners have been compromised; it boasts a Full High Definition (FHD) RGB webcam, Wi-Fi 7 compatibility, an abundance of ports, and is backed by MIL-STD 810H durability certifications.

Lenovo and Intel team up to deliver Aura Edition laptops

At the IFA 2024 event, Lenovo and Intel collaborated to launch the “Aura Edition” line of laptops, featuring the latest versions: ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Generation 13) and Yoga Slim 7i 15 (Generation 9).

In my observations, Aura Edition laptops strive for a seamless blend of human and digital interaction, ensuring the process is effortless. Simultaneously, they aim to provide the top-tier computing experiences one would anticipate from these elite Windows notebooks.

Aura Edition features boil down to Smart Modes, Smart Share, and Smart Care (which is essentially just extra tech support). Starting with the Smart Modes first, four options dynamically tune your laptop depending on the task at hand.

The Attention Mode filters out distracting sites, the Wellness Features issue reminders about posture and eye health, the Collaboration Tools enhance camera clarity, and the Shield Mode provides instant privacy notifications, screen darkening, and a request for a VPN.

Smart Share streamlines the process of transferring files between phones and computers, making it as straightforward as a casual tap. If your Android or iOS device is compatible with Aura Edition, you can effortlessly initiate file sharing by tapping it onto the laptop’s lid. This action opens a sharing application, after which transferring files becomes as simple as dragging and dropping content across devices.

The 13th Generation ThinkPad X1 Carbon Aura Edition, which is set to release in November, is anticipated to cost around $1,999. On the other hand, the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition, slated for a September launch, will start at approximately $1,299.

Acer’s Nitro Blaze 7 aims to be a more affordable gaming handheld

It appears that virtually all computer manufacturers now have a gaming handheld device, and Acer is the most recent to join the trend by introducing its Nitro Blaze 7.

Acer didn’t primarily aim to surpass other handheld devices in terms of features and performance, except perhaps the distinctive on-screen keyboard shortcut for faster messaging during gaming. It offers Hall Effect joysticks, which can also be found in the MSI Claw.

This device is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS processor, AMD Radeon 780M graphics, 16GB of high-speed LPDDR5x memory, a 50Wh battery, and offers up to 2TB of blazing fast M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD storage. Its compact 7-inch IPS screen boasts Full HD resolution and a swift refresh rate of 144Hz.

The Nitro Blaze is expected to shine particularly in terms of its affordable pricing. Although Acer has not disclosed the exact price or launch date yet, to keep up with the existing market competitors, it needs to offer a substantially lower price tag.

Many video game enthusiasts are willing to accept reduced performance if it means a significantly lower cost, which is what makes the Nitro Blaze 7 such an appealing item.

HONOR’s MagicBook Art 14 has a detachable webcam

As an analyst, I’ve come across an intriguing development: a laptop equipped with a detachable webcam. At first glance, you might wonder why this is significant. The challenge for manufacturers has always been striking a balance between the size of the display bezel and the space needed for webcam hardware. This conundrum has led to innovative solutions such as pop-up cameras concealed beneath keyboard keys. However, the detachable webcam presents a fresh approach, potentially offering more flexibility in terms of video call setups and ease of cleaning or replacement.

For instance, I examined HONOR’s MagicBook 14 from last year, and this particular design method was employed. Although it managed to accomplish its purpose—reducing the thickness of the top screen border—the camera positioning was primarily suitable for closely inspecting the interior of one’s nose.

HONOR has re-emerged with the MagicBook Art 14, boasting a streamlined design and boasting a 14.6-inch, 3.8K OLED screen. The upper bezel is remarkably thin at only 2.2mm, yet HONOR discovered it was still too thick to accommodate the 1080p camera. In this instance, they’ve opted for a modular approach. The webcam can be found in a designated compartment on the laptop’s side when not needed. Simply pull it out and position it on the laptop’s cover, where it stays securely thanks to magnets.

This device functions equally well whether oriented forward or backward, offering an extra degree of flexibility compared to typical notebooks. Moreover, since the camera doesn’t interact with the computer unless it’s properly positioned, a privacy shutter isn’t necessary.

The latest MagicBook Art 14 model comes equipped with either an Intel Core Ultra Series 1 processor or a Qualcomm Snapdragon X chip, the latter being compatible with enhanced AI features under the name Copilot+. At present, the Intel variant can be found in certain Asian and European markets; we currently have one for testing purposes. However, HONOR has not disclosed pricing details or release dates for the Qualcomm version as of yet.

We have a lot to look forward to in the coming months

Though CES 2024 kicked off the year with enthusiasm, IFA 2024 took it a step further. The showcase of concept devices was as engaging as ever, and this time was no exception. However, the significant CPU updates from Intel and Qualcomm are what will resonate most directly with many consumers.

At the IFA 2024 exhibition, winners were chosen by attendees on-site, showcasing the crème de la crème in various categories. There’s a wealth of other hardware to explore, so make sure to peruse our entire coverage of IFA 2024 for more insights.

2024-09-07 18:10