Coming off a year that brought everyone’s priorities into focus, the all-digital CES 2021 was a powerful reflection of the importance of devices in peoples’ daily lives. The digital conference gathered global brands online to share ideas and introduce products that will define the future of the tech industry. This week, we’ve seen innovative PCs, gaming consoles, tablets, Microsoft Teams Room systems and other devices that will make it even easier to work, learn, shop, stream, play and connect in any scenario.
Devices designed to empower people
This year’s event was the perfect illustration of Microsoft’s belief that modern tech empowers everyone to do more. The intelligent cloud and the intelligent edge are not only transforming how we work, but also serving as a force for good with a strong emphasis on sustainability and security. We are more optimistic than ever about the role of innovation in improving lives and livelihoods as we move toward recovery from the pandemic in the year ahead.
Our partners make this possible. Partners are at the center of how we bring technologies, services and solutions to more users with new devices for streaming, gaming, communicating and creating with the intelligent edge and cloud. These devices – and the chips inside them – are empowering people to reimagine routines and be at their best in their work, studies and downtime, knowing their data and privacy are protected by Microsoft’s built-in security tools.
Microsoft President Brad Smith delivered a keynote this morning titled The Promise and Peril of the Digital Age (keynote starts at 15:38). He discussed the dual use of digital technology, a powerful tool that serves as the underpinning of economies and communities that if misused, can become a formidable weapon that undermines fundamental human rights. Brad highlighted the steps needed to address these issues and why the tech sector must take responsibility to ensure that technology is used as a force for human progress and the greater good.
Innovative devices for unique scenarios
Microsoft and its partners have expanded our vision and portfolios to address the evolving needs of millions of consumers, students and businesses around the world still working and learning remotely. The latest devices from our partners at CES show best-in-class technology, chip innovation, a commitment to sustainability and a deeper understanding of how people interact with their devices throughout the day by providing great audio, video and expanded connectivity choices. Here are just a few examples of the devices launched at CES 2021:
Acer, Predator Triton 300
Acer has pushed performance-per-pound limits with the next generation of its slim and portable Predator Triton 300 SE. Gamers can play on the go with this notebook’s 11th Gen Intel Core i7 H35-series processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop GPUs. Meanwhile, the dual-fan cooling system – including the latest 5th Gen AeroBlade Fan and Acer’s Vortex Flow technology – keeps temperatures in check to optimize performance. Users will appreciate the 14-inch FHD display, boasting a 144 Hz refresh rate. The 10-hour battery life, DTS:X Ultra audio, Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX 1650, wide range of ports and backlit, three-zone RGB keyboard complete the experience.
ASUS, ROG Flow X13 (Ryzen)
ASUS is delivering its first-ever 2-1 convertible gaming laptop with its ROG Flow X13. Powered by an AMD Ryzen Mobile Processor, this laptop delivers powerful hardware in an ultra-slim 13-inch body. And, with a slick convertible design and a 360-degree hinge, The Flow X13 gives gamers the power to use different modes for different tasks. Standard laptop mode is optimal for serious gaming and multitasking while tablet mode makes it possible to swipe through content or draw and take handwritten notes. A textured exterior with a wave-like design adds style while providing a secure, fingerprint-resistant grip for easy carrying. Integrated one-touch login also allows the Flow X13 to wake up like a smartphone.
Dell, Latitude 9420
Dell’s portfolio of intelligent, collaborative and sustainable devices now includes the Latitude 9420. It features powerful camera enhancements, the latest 11th Gen Intel Core i7 vPro processors, Intel Wi-Fi 6E (Gig+) or 5G LTE connectivity, Intel Visual Sensing Technology and secure biometric authentication with Windows Hello to help professionals – especially those switching between home and office work environments – feel connected, confident and in control. The 9420 was developed with advanced security built in at every point, including features like SafeShutter, the industry’s first automatic webcam shutter that opens and closes in sync with videoconferencing apps.
HP, Elite Folio
The HP Elite Folio combines what people love about their phones, tablets and PCs into one device. The device features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2 5G compute platform delivering up to multi-gigabit connectivity speeds with 5G and Wi-Fi 6, and incredible performance and efficiency with battery life that can last for days (or up to 24.5 hours of continuous local video playback) so users can be more productive from anywhere. With a wideview HD webcam and premium audio, the HP Elite Folio enables mobile professionals to move around without missing a beat. Its fanless design, quiet keyboard and always-ready HP Elite Slim Active Pen make the HP Elite Folio a device for all environments in laptop, tablet and media modes – all on a sleek 13.5-inch diagonal display in a vegan leather case.
Lenovo, ThinkBook 16p Gen 2
Powered by the latest AMD Ryzen Mobile Processors, ThinkBook 16p will appeal to power users who crave performance models with sophisticated display quality, fast memory and high-speed connectivity. Remote workers will enjoy features optimized for video conferencing, including a larger touchpad, a keyboard with quick access conference keys, an AI-based noise cancellation algorithm to suppress ambient noise, and a variety of audio modes for different types of calls. ThinkBook 16p will be available with optional next-generation NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics to complement AMD Ryzen Mobile processing power. Its 16-inch display is a ready canvas for creatives to work, especially when configured with a digital pen, Windows Ink and a pre-calibrated Pantone-certified display for true color accuracy.
Partners – and modern tech – make more possible
CES transformed into a totally different experience this year, one enabled entirely by modern tech and devices. The devices above demonstrate the impact of Microsoft’s innovation, the strength of our mission and especially the value of our partnerships. And although we’ve missed seeing our partners in person, these innovations remind us of the power of these devices and solutions to keep us connected.
Thanks to the Consumer Technology Association and its partnership with Microsoft as well as our Windows ecosystem partners, CES certainly demonstrated that we all have reason to be optimistic for a better and brighter 2021.
