Acer’s Michele Montecchio: AI, Gaming, and Green at Gitex 2024

At Gitex Global 2024, Acer’s General Manager, Michele Montecchio, shared insights into the company’s latest AI-driven innovations, cutting-edge gaming products, and strong commitment to sustainability. In an interview with TECHx’ Executive Editor, Rabab Zehra, Montecchio highlighted how Acer is pushing boundaries with new AI solutions, eco-friendly practices, and enterprise-focused digital transformation tools.

When asked how Acer is meeting the evolving demands of consumers and businesses with AI, Montecchio highlighted Acer’s swift adaptation to AI developments and its close collaboration with major NPU suppliers. “Acer has cutting-edge technology launched alongside new NPUs from various suppliers,” he explained. He pointed out Acer’s recent products, like the Swift Go AI and Swift 14 AI, which utilize NPUs capable of over 40 TOPS (Trillion Operations Per Second) to ensure that AI processing remains within personal devices, enhancing both security and privacy. Montecchio emphasized that this approach allows AI to learn from user habits while keeping data protected locally, ensuring that sensitive information does not need to be transmitted over the internet.

Montecchio also shared Acer’s latest innovations and products showcased at Gitex 2024. “We have expanded our gaming lineup significantly,” he noted, introducing the Nitro Blaze 7, Acer’s first end-gaming device designed for gaming on the go. Powered by AMD Ryzen processors, this device enables users to download and play AAA titles through platforms like Steam and Microsoft Game Pass. Additionally, Acer launched the Nitro V series, including the compact 14-inch model, which is geared toward a younger audience, including female gamers who prefer lighter colors. The 16-inch Nitro V model, featuring the latest CPUs and GPUs, was also unveiled.

Acer’s AI-integrated devices, such as the Swift 14 and 16-inch models, were highlighted, as well as the Orion 7000 desktop, which uses liquid cooling to maintain high performance. Montecchio also mentioned Acer’s high-refresh-rate gaming monitors, providing a comprehensive ecosystem for gamers.

Acer has long been committed to sustainability, a topic Montecchio addressed with pride. He shared that in 2015, Acer launched its “Earthion” initiative, combining the words “earth” and “mission.” This project focuses on using clean energy across the supply chain and encouraging Acer’s suppliers to adopt sustainable practices. “By 2025, we are committed to using 20~ 30% post-consumer recycled plastics in our computers & display products,” Montecchio stated, adding that the company aims for zero carbon emissions by 2050. Acer’s early commitment to sustainability sets an example in the IT industry, blending innovation with environmental responsibility.

In the business sector, Acer is aiding digital transformation through its cutting-edge devices. Montecchio introduced the TravelMate P6, a lightweight, portable laptop equipped with next-generation AI NPUs, weighing less than one kilogram. Alongside the TravelMate, Acer offers ruggedized devices for the education market and provides both Windows and Google-based operating systems. Moreover, Acer is helping enterprises build ecosystems through in-house-developed cloud solutions, leveraging Acer technologies for comprehensive support.

Through AI innovation, product expansion, and sustainability initiatives, Acer continues to be at the forefront of technology, offering solutions that cater to both consumers and businesses while maintaining an eco-conscious approach.