Beyond PCs: Acer Dips Toes into AI Translation and Smart Rings
Acer may be a household name in the world of computers, but a lesser-known branch of the company, Acer Gadget, is busy working on other technological frontiers like eBikes and scooters. Acer Gadget is now making a move into the continually growing wearables space with two new offerings that are pretty intriguing: AI-powered translating earbuds and a fitness-tracking smart ring.
Breaking Language Barriers with Acer AI TransBuds
Imagine having a personal translator in your ear. That's what Acer AI TransBuds claim to offer. The wireless earbuds are meant to deliver two-way, real-time voice translation. How. It does so by leveraging AI to detect speech and interpret the meaning of the words. It's another intriguing attempt at turning that sci-fi fantasy of a universal translator, like the Babel Fish, a little more into reality.
Here's the tiny catch: the earbuds themselves aren't doing all the heavy lifting. You'll have to pair them with a smartphone or tablet that has a special plug-in receiver. This means the earbuds are essentially acting as the audio input/output, and the translation magic is happening on your paired device.
Still, the concept is exciting. Acer claims to support "15 major languages spoken in Asia, the Americas, and Europe." On top of voice, the system can even provide live captions and transcriptions, which could be incredibly useful for keeping up with a conversation or for recording notes. Remarkably, the translation even works if only one person is wearing the earbuds.
Design-wise, the AI TransBuds feature an earhook fit and use Bluetooth 5.4. They have 50 mAh batteries, and the included charging case provides an additional 400 mAh, which is replenished via USB-C.
Remaining Connected to Your Well-being via the Acer FreeSense Ring
From communications to wellness, Acer also unveiled the FreeSense Ring. The fashionable wearable is crafted in titanium alloy and will be available in matte rose gold or polished black finishes. It's built to withstand the elements with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
What does it track. The FreeSense Ring incorporates sensors to monitor key health factors, which are:
- Heart rate
- Blood oxygen levels (SpO2)
- Sleep quality
Pricing details and availability of these new gadgets have not been announced by Acer yet. One thing that is for sure is the fact that Acer is attempting to leave a bigger technology footprint in innovative ways.
