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Acer brings MediaTek into Chromebook land

First major win for MediaTek Kompanio Ultra 910 with integrated NPU.

Jon Peddie

Acer’s Chromebook Plus Spin 514 uses MediaTek’s Kompanio Ultra (50-TOPS NPU, Immortalis GPU) for on-device AI. A TPU accelerates vision, speech, and language inference, sustaining multitasking and up to 17 hours of battery life. ChromeOS adds smart tab grouping, on-device image editing, and Lens search. The MIL-STD 810H aluminum 2-in-1 offers a 14-inch WQXGA+ or WUXGA Gorilla Glass touchscreen with USI 2.0 stylus. Options include AI-tuned webcams, Wi-Fi 7, and Google AI Pro for one year. Acer also introduced Chromebox CXI6/CXM2.

Acer

(Source: Acer)

The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 (CP514-5HN) operates as a ChromeOS PC (although Acer wants to call it a workstation) for AI processing and operational efficiency. The system utilizes MediaTek’s Kompanio Ultra processor, which claims 50 TOPS AI processing with its NPU and an Arm Immortalis-G925 MC11 GPU. This configuration enables local execution of generative models, automated task processing, and context-aware functionality without requiring continuous network connectivity.

The processor architecture divides computational work between the CPU for general system operations and a TPU block for accelerating inference operations across imaging, speech recognition, and language processing workloads. This arrangement, claims Acer, reduces application launch latency and maintains multitasking performance while enabling local execution of creative applications that would otherwise require cloud-based processing. MediaTek’s integrated power management system controls thermal output and provides battery life extending to 17 hours under manufacturer testing conditions.

ChromeOS integration includes Google AI features that utilize the hardware capabilities. The smart grouping function organizes browser tabs, documents, and applications by content category to reduce navigation complexity during research workflows. Gallery Image Editing applies device-resident models for image cleanup and enhancement operations, eliminating dependencies on external services during mobile usage or connectivity limitations. A Quick Insert key provides single-action access to frequently used tools and custom integrations. The launcher supports Lens functionality for image and video frame search capabilities.

Acer provides a 12-month Google AI Pro subscription with qualifying purchases in supported markets. The subscription includes access to Gemini, Flow, and NotebookLM services, along with 2TB cloud storage distributed across Drive, Gmail, and Photos platforms.

The chassis meets MIL-STD 810H specifications and features an aluminum exterior. Drop resistance extends to 122 cm under specified test conditions, with reinforced I/O ports designed for mechanical stability. The 360-degree hinge mechanism targets 25,000 operational cycles and supports laptop, tablet, display, and tent configurations.

Display options include a 14-inch touchscreen in 16:10 aspect ratio, available in resolution at 2800×1800 pixels (WQXGA+ ) or 1920×1200 pixels (WUXGA). Both configurations incorporate anti-fingerprint coatings and Corning Gorilla Glass protection. USI 2.0 stylus compatibility enables handwriting workflows including strike-through deletion, circle-to-move, line-to-space, and box-to-copy functions. The complete system weighs 1.36 kg, with a 15.5 mm thickness profile.

Videoconferencing components include 5MP and 1080p webcam options with AI-assisted controls for clarity adjustment, lighting compensation, background noise suppression, and device-based background blur processing. A physical privacy shutter and single-action mute function provide session security controls. Audio output utilizes upward-firing stereo speakers with DTS audio processing.

Connectivity specifications include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and dual USB Type-C ports. An optional backlit keyboard accommodates low-light operational requirements. The OceanGlass touchpad incorporates recycled ocean-bound plastic materials and provides moisture resistance.

Acer simultaneously introduced the Chromebox CXI6 and Chromebox Mini CXM2 for stationary deployments. The CXI6 operates with Intel Core 7 150U processors and supports multiple independent displays through USB and HDMI connections, incorporating Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5G LAN networking. The CXM2 employs a fanless design with Intel Core 3 N350 processors and supports three-display configurations for space-constrained applications including kiosks and digital signage. Both units accommodate VESA mounting systems and Kensington security locks.

AI Processors Market Development — a report on the AI processors market segment

Jon Peddie Research’s AI Processor Market Development Report is a supply-side report series that establishes the AI Processing market size by shipments, value, segment type, installed base, and investment from the current quarter back to Q1’14 for a historical perspective.

The report offers a comprehensive database of all AI Processor chip suppliers. It serves as an indicator of how the AI Processor market is currently positioned and how it may develop. With 115 suppliers competing for market share and one dominant provider holding 95% of the market, combined with $13.5 billion invested by venture capitalists and other firms to challenge the incumbent, the market is set to be very dynamic, to say the least.

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