Computex2018
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Watch Intel's Computex keynote in under nine minutes
Intel had a surprising amount of news in store for Computex. The chip giant announced the special edition 8086K processor, which is its first desktop chip to reach 5GHz boost speed. It also formed a new partnership with Sprint to sell 5G PCs next year, and revealed new technology for low power LCD displays. Giving us a glimpse of what's ahead, we saw a preview of Lenovo's Yoga Book 2, and a demo of Intel's 28-core 5GHz CPU (which it plans to release by the end of the year). Click here to catch up on all the latest news from Computex 2018!
How the new ZenBook Pro compares to the MacBook Pro
With its thin build, UHD screen and new ScreenPad, ASUS' latest ZenBook Pro is firmly aimed at creative professionals. Of course, it'll have to contend with Apple's own Pro machine and its contextually adaptive TouchBar. While your ultimate buying decision may lie in whether you'd prefer the secondary display replace either your function keys or touchpad, it's worth taking a look at the table below to see what each machine packs on the inside — especially with this year's WWDC not bringing us anything in terms of updated hardware.
The trackpad-touchscreen laptop is back, but I'm not sure why
ASUS' new ZenBook Pro has launched with one big new standout feature: a touchscreen in place of the traditional laptop trackpad. The ScreenPad uses a Windows Precision Touchpad floating over a 5.5-inch FHD IPS display. These two technologies mean that people can both push their cursor around and interact with their laptops in a whole new way.
Here's everything ASUS unveiled at Computex 2018
It's been a busy start of Computex 2018 for ASUS. The company kicked off the show with its annual launch event, and unveiled a bunch of intriguing new devices. Between the concept dual-screen AI-powered laptop known for now as Project Precog and the ZenBook Pro 15 with its touchscreen trackpad, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the news. Not to worry -- Team Engadget has your back. We've combed all the announcements, even from its gaming sub-brand ROG, to bring you the most interesting of the lot.
MSI's latest Prestige notebook is lightweight but powerful
MSI's laptops aren't just all play, no work. Though best known for its gaming laptops, MSI also revealed a more sedate, but still well-equipped model, the 14-inch Prestige PS42. It packs decent an Intel Core i7-8550U quad-core CPU, near bezel-less 1080p screen, a fingerprint reader, two fans and optional 25W MX150 discrete graphics. What's best, all of that is packed into a very decent-looking 15.9mm (0.6-inch) thick, 2.64-pound brushed aluminum housing.
ASUS' Zen AiO Pro swivels on its screen hinge
ASUS is making a big deal of helping "unleash your creative power" with its Computex 2018 announcements, and while all eyes may be on the ZenBook Pro 15's new Screenpad, there are other computers worth taking note of as well. Creative professionals may actually find the new Zen AiO Pro Z272 intriguing. It's a 27-inch all-in-one desktop with an articulating hinge, similar to the Surface Studio, but with different angles of rotation. Plus, it cuts a thin profile, which ASUS managed by moving the AiO's brains to its base, instead of in the back of the screen like in older models. ASUS isn't the only company to do that, of course, but it's one of few that's also embedded a wireless charging pad into the computer's base.
Intel will launch a 28-core 5GHz CPU by the end of the year
Intel's 18-core i9 CPU is still impressive, but that's last year's news. Today at Computex, Intel SVP Gregory Bryant demoed a 28-core processor running at 5GHz. It's the first time we've seen a single socket desktop CPU cram in that many cores, and it's certainly powerful. In Cinebench, it achieved a score of 7,334 on stage, something that's only bested by multi-processor systems. Better yet, Bryant says it's not just a concept, as Intel plans to sell the 28-core CPU by the end of the year. Time to start saving. Click here to catch up on all the latest news from Computex 2018!
Lenovo's new Yoga Book actually has dual screens
ASUS may be turning heads with its concept dual-screen laptop here at Computex 2018, but let's not forget that other companies have tried similar things before. (ZTE's Axon M, anyone?) Lenovo, for one, isn't going to let ASUS hog the spotlight, and unveiled its second-generation Yoga Book at Intel's keynote at the show.
Intel and Sprint team up to sell 5G PCs in 2019
It won't be long until 5G-equipped computers are more than just tradeshow demos. At Computex today, Intel announced that it's partnered with Sprint to sell 5G PCs in its stores next year. There aren't many more details about the arrangement, and Sprint hasn't said much about how it'll roll out 5G following T-Mobile's acquisition. At this point, the two carriers are basically spitting out corporate propaganda.
Intel's special edition 8086K CPU can reach 5GHz
Intel is counting down to its 50th anniversary on July 18th, and to celebrate the company has a milestone announcement for Computex: The special edition Core i7 8086K CPU, its first to reach 5GHz in boost mode. Basically, it's a souped-up version of its existing i7 lineup, but it should appeal to gamers who have been eager to own a 5GHz CPU that doesn't require overclocking. And for those who don't mind tinkering, it's unlocked, so it could have some killer overclocking potential too. Intel will also hold a sweepstakes on its site to give away 8,086 chips.
Intel aims to fix battery woes with low power LCD tech
Running out of juice continues to be one of the biggest frustrations of our generation, and the tech industry keeps trying to come up with ways to extend battery life. Intel's latest solution is something it's calling "Low Power Display Technology," which targets the most power-sucking part of most devices.
ASUS’ new ZenBook S is thin, light and rugged
ASUS has announced the ZenBook S (UX391), a 13.3-inch ultraportable that is designed to be tougher than your average laptop. Built to military specifications, the company claims that the S has proved its mettle in a series of endurance tests in tough conditions. But, unlike most rugged devices, the ZenBook S is light and thin enough to make you think it's a delicate piece of gear.
ASUS' Project Precog is a dual-screen AI-powered concept PC
ASUS always has a few surprises in store at Computex, and this year is no different. During its keynote today, ASUS unveiled its Project Precog concept computer, a dual-screen PC with AI features. It looks similar to Lenovo's Yoga Book, but hopefully it'll be more than just a novelty like that machine. ASUS says it'll be smart enough to optimize battery charging depending on the time of day, and the company showed off how it can receive Excel suggestions while you're working on a document. Using Intel's Movidius visual processing unit, it'll also be able to detect where your hands are at all times.
ASUS stuffed a screen into the ZenBook Pro 15's touchpad
Remember Razer's Switchblade UI? Remember Windows SideShow? If you ever dreamt of a computer with its own secondary display, then ASUS' New ZenBook Pro is the device for you. In place of a traditional touchpad, the company is adding the ScreenPad, a 5.5-inch touchscreen that can even run its own apps. That's the headline feature, at least, of the company's latest flagship laptop aimed at creative professionals.
ASUS adds a dash of color to its upgraded midrange VivoBooks
ASUS' midrange VivoBooks may not be as sexy as its ZenBooks, but they're still pretty solid laptops in their own right. This year's crop continues to provide meaty features at an affordable price, with the latest refresh of the VivoBook Flip 14, a 14-inch convertible laptop with 360-degree hinge, as well as the newest iterations of the VivoBook S15 and S14, two slightly more traditional laptops that come in not-so-traditional color block designs. Plus, there's a new VivoBook S13.
ASUS VivoWatch BP keeps track of your location and blood pressure
ASUS might have pulled out of the Android smartwatch race after the ZenWatch 3, but it's not quite done yet with wearables. At Computex, the company surprised many by unveiling the VivoWatch BP, a follow-up to the original low-power VivoWatch from three years ago. We're looking at a handful of new features and improvements here, with the highlight being a built-in blood pressure monitor -- a rare feature in the smartwatch category. The only other recent direct competitor is the Omron HeartGuide, which is also due to launch later this year.
Samsung is making a Snapdragon-powered PC
Samsung is the latest device manufacturer to take a chance on Snapdragon-powered PCs, joining the ranks of HP, ASUS and Lenovo. In addition to its new Snapdragon 850 chipset, Qualcomm announced today that the Galaxy phone maker will be integrating the card "in a future device." Given Samsung already makes Windows-powered convertibles like the Galaxy Book, which are portable enough to meet Microsoft's requirements for the "Always Connected PC" ecosystem, it's entirely possible that the upcoming device is a 2-in-1.
The Snapdragon 850 is Qualcomm's first chip built for Windows PCs
Qualcomm has developed a hobby. It's been building specialized chips for the Internet of Things and VR headsets lately, in addition to its smartphone-focused and wearable products. Today at Computex 2018 in Taiwan, the company unveiled the Snapdragon 850 -- a processor designed specifically for Windows devices. The chip is supposed to drive a new generation of Windows on Snapdragon devices around this holiday season, made by Qualcomm's numerous partners. In fact, Samsung announced today that it will be making a 2-in-1 PC powered by the Snapdragon 850.
Sprint will give free data to Snapdragon PCs
It's official. Sprint is definitely giving away free unlimited LTE data through 2018 to those who use laptops packing Qualcomm's Snapdragon 835 processor. We first learned of this last month, and the announcement today clarifies which devices qualify. If you own or buy the HP Envy X2, ASUS NovaGo or Lenovo Miix 630, you'll be able to get free unlimited data if you sign up for AutoPay with the carrier. This won't cover devices using the new Snapdragon 850 chipset, although that's not available in an actual computer yet, and we'll possibly hear more later this year.
ASUS slims the bezels on its ROG Strix II gaming laptops
Just as we expected, ASUS is keeping up with the gaming laptop competition with its new ROG Strix II gaming laptops. Available in two models, "Hero" and "Scar," the Strix II machines have been upgraded with thin bezel displays running at 144Hz. We've seen those features from all of the major gaming notebook makers this year, but ASUS is going a step further by including a 15.6-inch 1080p panel with a low 3ms response rate, compared to the 7ms screens other companies are using. That should make the Strix II notebooks ideal for fast-paced games.
