Acer in Thailand pushes gadgets for lifestyle use
Electronics firm unveils mixed-reality headset and pet feeding devices amid other new products in lifestyle market push
By Suchit Leesa-Nguansuk
Acer Computer Thailand is diversifying to digital lifestyle gadgets and virtual reality in search of a new revenue stream.
Digital lifestyle products could grow rapidly even as they make up a very small proportion of the company’s revenue today. Acer wants such gadgets and wearable devices to comprise 10-15 per cent of its revenue within five years, said Nitipat Praweenwongwuthi, marketing director at Acer Computer.
The new segment will offset the fall in the PC business, as that market has matured, he said.
To achieve the goal, the company introduced Acer Window Mixed Reality Headset, for consumers and business markets. The headset displays virtual reality content such as games, movies and others.
“Mixed reality headsets can be used in animation and for VR gaming production courses as well as simulation tools for property sales,” said Mr Nitipat.
Acer offers Holo 360, a 360-degree camera that lets users capture, view and share content in one device.
“Holo 360 is integrated with wireless connectivity through a mobile SIM that allows users to simply create and share content. The device will enable users to create more virtual reality content and live stream video,” he said.
Acer is positioning the new offerings in the premium mass segment, at more affordable prices than its rivals.
The company has also introduced a dog-feeding device and a cycling tracking device as part of a strategy to tap the digital lifestyle market.
Although the local computer market, consumer notebooks in particular, saw 1-2 per cent growth in term of units in 2017, total value is expected to double due to the rise of the gaming market.
