Acer: IoT drives post-PC era

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Internet of Things (IoT) and living solutions will drive the post-PC era, says Acer Computer.

“The PC market is already saturated, and from now on computers will have different forms and functions, empowered by artificial intelligence,” said Alan Chiang, managing director of Acer Computer.

Thailand’s PC market growth over the past few years has been flat, remaining at 2.4 million units a year as the global computer business matures.

But the market did grow in value terms during 2016-17, thanks to the popularity of gaming and thin, light PCs selling at higher prices. In 2017, PC market value grew by 18% to US$1.15 billion (36.2 billion baht).

“We believe PC market growth in terms of value will continue to increase 15-20% over the next two years, as users prefer premium and high-performance products,” Mr Chiang said.

Acer maintained its leading PC position by securing 29% of the market in 2017.

The total consumer notebook market last year was 960,000 units, of which 14% came from the thin and light segment, 12% from gaming and 74% from traditional notebooks.

In the next three years, Acer forecasts the thin and light segment to capture 30-40% of the market, with gaming notebooks growing to 20-30%.

“The PC market is no longer a red ocean, but the competition will focus more on user experience,” Mr Chiang said.

Nitipat Praweenwongwuthi, marketing director of Acer Computer, said that to cash in on the opportunity, Acer has introduced a family of thin and light notebooks — Switch 7 and Swift 5 — as well as gaming accessories such as virtual reality headsets that enhance users’ gaming experience.

This year, Acer is ready to enter the smart city market by introducing new innovations, technology and products. Acer has divided solutions into five categories under the “Smart City, Smart Life” concept and aims to become a solution leader as well.

Acer will bring more IoT devices into smart solutions for smart living in the home-use market, including air monitors and pet-feeding machines that can be applied at pet hotels and clinics.

Acer will also introduce a robotic barista in the second half.

Mr Chiang said Acer aims to increase revenue by 15-20% in 2018.

Smart solutions and enterprise business will contribute 5-10% to the company.