Gaming tablet. Those are two words I honestly didn't expect to say side-by-side about anything aside from SHIELD Tablet, but alas, here we are. It looks like Acer thought there should be something more in this market, because it just officially announced its Predator 8 gaming tablet. Sounds mean.

As the name suggests, this is an eight-inch device, which has a 1920x1200 display resolution. It also has four front-facing speakers and virtual surround sound, which Acer refers to as Predator Quadio. It's powered by an Intel Atom x7 processor, and runs Android 5.1 out of the box. On paper, it sounds like a pretty solid device.

But then you see it.

I'm not going to say it's ugly, but...well, let's just say the design isn't for everyone. And it still looks exactly like it did back in April. Have a look:

Unlike SHIELD Tablet, Predator doesn't come with its own controller - instead, Acer built it with tactile feedback, much like a traditional game controller should be...only on a touchscreen. So, basically, some games will still feel a little wonky if you're the type who hates touch controls.

At only 12.35 ounces, the Predator 8 is pretty light, and at just 8.7mm, it's equally as thin. The back of the device is brushed aluminum, so it may actually feel pretty good to hold, too.

According to the press release, it will have "up to 64GB of storage and expansion capabilities via a microSD card of up to 128GB," but it only offers one price ($299), so I'm not sure how to take that. Hopefully 64GB is the standard, because honestly that's a good place to start for a gaming unit.

Acer is boasting that the Predator 8 has "one of the best touch experiences available," thanks to its smaller, more densely-arranged touch sensors. This supposedly offers better control and accuracy, and even allows things like graphite pencils to be used as a stylus (though I don't imagine that's a good idea). Acer also has its own stylus - called Accurate Stylus - which will be available for Predator 8.

The Predator tablet will be available in North America for $299 beginning on November 6th, exclusively at Newegg for the first two weeks. After that, it will be available at "other retailers" nationwide.

Source: Acer

[pr]Acer announced its new Predator 8 GT-810 gaming tablet, one of several new gaming devices in Acer’s high-octane Predator gaming series. The sleek brushed aluminum GT-810 is powered by the Intel® Atom™ x7 processor, Android 5.1 and the latest 2x2 MIMO wireless technology, taking portable gaming to a new level of fun and immersion. Making games, movies and videos thrilling and immersive, the Predator 8 includes a high-quality FHD display (1920 x 1200) for crystal clear viewing and incredible graphics, while Predator Quadio, four array front-facing speakers with virtual surround sound and red stainless steel mesh, deliver exceptionally realistic stereo audio. In addition, Predator TacSense makes gaming more enjoyable and memorable, enhancing game play with tactile feedback1.

Thin and lightweight, the Predator 8 is just 8.7mm thin (11⁄32 inches) and weighs only 350 grams (12.35 ounces), making it highly portable and easy to hold with either one or two hands. In addition, soft texturized panels on the back make it comfortable to hold and carry.

High-Octane Performance Keeps it Real

Gamers will appreciate the raw power found on the Predator 8. The newest generation Intel® Atom™ x7 Processor with Intel HD Graphics (Gen 8 –LP) deliver extraordinary graphics and performance, while 802.11a/b/g/n wireless with 2x2 MIMO supports fast connection speeds, processing data at up to twice the speed2 of traditional 1x1 solutions. Predator TacSense provides tactile feedback which makes the gaming experience more engaging and enjoyable with a real sense of vibration. And with up to 64GB of on-board storage and expansion capabilities via a microSD card of up to 128GB, gamers have room to take their games, videos and music with them wherever they go.

Designed For Gaming

Acer has collaborated with Gameloft since the design stage of the Predator 8 to fine-tune the gaming experience. As a result, Gameloft’s Asphalt 8 racing game works seamlessly with Predator TacSense to bring a realistic and immersive experience for gamers. The Predator 8 GT 810 will be preloaded3 with Asphalt 8 and 320,000 game credits (approximately US$50 value).

Top-Notch Visuals and Audio Engage the Senses

In addition to the tablet’s 8-inch full high-definition display (1920 x 1200), it uses Zero Air Gap and IPS technology to deliver superior color saturation, making details easily seen from all angles, and movies crisp and clear. Taking the visuals up a notch even further, Predator ColorBlast technology brings high-quality color from professional monitors to the tablet, supporting 100% of the NTSC color gamut.

Extraordinarily powerful sound is delivered via Predator Quadio -- four front-facing speakers that deliver virtual surround sound and amazingly realistic and dynamic audio and accurate tones that are never distorted. Quadio’s special algorithm distributes sound intelligently between each of the speakers for maximum clarity and volume, resulting in an audio experience that’s perfect for personal enjoyment or can easily fill a room for larger gatherings or social events. In addition, Dolby® Audio™ greatly enhances the overall sound quality by intelligently optimizing the audio for various situations -- streaming a movie or playing music, connected to external speakers or listening through headphones, it delivers clear dialogue, clean highs, solid midrange tones and powerful bass.

Lastly, Predator MediaMaster is a unique Acer application that allows the audio and video set up to be customized for standard, album, movie and game use. For example, in game mode the radius of the surround sound, color saturation, and global contrast are increased, while in movie mode the bass is set to median level and the dark levels of the display are enhanced for more detail.

Highly Precise Touchscreen plays well with Fingertip, Pencil or Stylus

Providing one of the best touch experiences available, the Predator 8 features Predator Precision Plus technology, which incorporates touch sensors that are smaller and more densely arranged than the industry standard. With a higher density of touch sensors, greater control accuracy can be achieved, which is especially beneficial in FPS games. Also ideal for sketching or writing, the tablet can be used with any 2mm fine tip writing implement such as a graphite pencil or an optional Acer Accurate Stylus.

Accessories

Acer will offer a number of optional accessories for its Predator 8 gaming tablet, including covers, carrying cases, a stylus, travel adapter, SlimPort adapter dongle and gaming headset.

Pricing and Availability

The Acer Predator 8 GT-810 will be available in North America for $299.99 exclusively at Newegg for 2 weeks beginning on Nov. 6. After that it will be available at other retailers nationwide. It will be available in EMEA in October with prices starting at €349, and in China with prices starting at ¥2499. Exact specifications, prices, and availability will vary by region. To find out about availability, product specifications and prices in specific markets, please contact your nearest Acer office or retailer via www.acer.com.

The new products were unveiled today at the next@acer press event at IFA Berlin in Germany, where the company announced its latest devices and solutions for gamers and consumers for the holiday season. Visit Acer’s booth at IFA 2015 in Messe Berlin (Hall 12/101) or learn about the new product range onacer.com/predator.[/pr]