
Acer just dropped its most powerful Predator yet, and it's shockingly slim
The Helios Neo 16 AI sticks to a classic, full-sized Predator shell but comes loaded with next-gen internals like Intel's Core Ultra 9 chips and Nvidia's RTX 5070 Ti GPU. Think desktop-level grunt in a package that won't look out of place in a backpack. The thinner Helios Neo 16S AI is all about portability, clocking in under 18.9 mm thick, it's the slimmest Predator ever made.
Both machines feature dedicated NPUs (Neural Processing Units) that handle AI features like real-time background blur, voice isolation, and image generation, leaving your CPU and GPU to focus on gaming and creative work. You also get support for DLSS 4, Reflex 2, and fourth-gen ray tracing, giving both laptops serious gaming credibility.
There's a clear display divide here. The Neo 16 AI comes with a 240Hz WQXGA IPS panel, boasting 500 nits brightness and 100% DCI-P3 coverage. Meanwhile, the Neo 16S AI offers a richer, punchier OLED display, true blacks, and over 90% screen-to-body ratio. This makes it ideal for creators or anyone chasing immersive visuals.
Storage and memory are maxed out at 64 GB DDR5 RAM and 2 TB PCIe Gen4 SSD support. Both laptops include Acer's revamped thermal setup: AeroBlade 3D fans, liquid metal paste, and vector heat pipes to keep things cool under load.
RGB fans get a four-zone RGB keyboard and a glowing Predator logo on the lid. Both customizable via PredatorSense. There's also a dedicated Copilot key for quick access to Windows AI tools.
The Predator Helios Neo 16S AI starts at ₹ 1,54,999, while the Helios Neo 16 AI kicks off at ₹ 2,29,999. Both models are available now via Acer Exclusive Stores, Acer E-store, Amazon, Flipkart, Croma, Reliance, and Vijay Sales.

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First Post
an hour ago
- First Post
US export license backlog hits record levels amid internal commerce department turmoil
Thousands of US export license applications, including high-value tech shipments to China, are stuck in limbo due to bureaucratic dysfunction within the Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security. read more An American flag flutters over a ship and shipping containers at the Port of Los Angeles, in San Pedro California, US. File image/ Reuters Thousands of license applications by US companies to export goods and technology around the globe, including to China, are in limbo because turmoil at the agency in charge of approving them has left it nearly paralyzed, two sources said. While US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has become a familiar face touting President Donald Trump's tariff and trade deals, sources said the export bureau under Lutnick's command has failed to issue expected new rules, stifled communications with industry representatives, pushed out experts, and lost staff through buyouts and resignations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Shipments of artificial intelligence chips from Nvidia to China are the most high-profile example of licenses not being swiftly approved. The company said July 14 the government assured it licenses would be granted for its H20 chip, and it hoped to start deliveries soon. Lutnick and other officials confirmed sales would be allowed. But sources said this week no licenses have yet been issued, and billions of dollars of AI chip orders are at stake. One US official said the backlog of license applications is the lengthiest in more than three decades. A spokesperson for Nvidia declined to comment. The Department of Commerce did not respond to a request for comment. The turmoil and resulting inaction at an agency tasked with promoting overseas trade and safeguarding American technology are alarming both those seeking tougher restrictions on exports to China and companies trying to sell their wares abroad. 'Licensing is how the US does business and competes globally,' said Meghan Harris, who served on the National Security Council in the first Trump administration and has worked at Commerce. 'Delays and unpredictability put us at an unnecessary disadvantage.' The Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security averaged 38 days per export license application in fiscal year 2023, the most recent data available, denying 2% of 37,943 applications. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The license process enforces US export restrictions in an effort to make sure sensitive goods and technology do not reach countries or entities whose use of the items could harm US national security. Some staff have criticized Jeffrey Kessler, who became BIS undersecretary in March, saying he has micromanaged the bureau and failed to communicate adequately. Kessler did not respond to a request for comment. At a staff meeting soon after he took office, Kessler urged BIS staff to limit communications with company representatives and industry officials, according to two additional sources, who said he later asked for all meetings to be entered on a spreadsheet. Getting approval from Kessler's office to attend meetings with other government agencies has also been tricky, those sources said. Sources spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to speak publicly. Frustration among exporters Frustration is growing within US industry. 'We're seeing whole sectors where there is no movement or indication if or when licenses will be issued," including license applications for semiconductor manufacturing equipment worth billions of dollars, said Sean Stein, president of the US-China Business Council. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While the clock is ticking on license applications, 'Chinese companies are exploring and doing deals with suppliers in China and other countries,' he said. 'The longer we have the delay, the more market share we're going to lose." Jim Anzalone, president of Compliance Assurance, a Florida-based trade consultancy, said he has seen delays in license approvals for sensors, radars, and sonar to Latin America and other parts of the world. 'There's nothing official about what the policy is and when the backlog would be cleared,' he said. He has received denials sporadically after submitting some two dozen applications months ago to export semiconductor manufacturing equipment to China, including four denials on Wednesday, he added. Sources stressed that some licenses are getting approved, especially exports to allied countries, and they noted that some communication with companies continues, especially around license applications. Commerce is also delaying regulatory changes. The agency said in May it would rescind and replace a Biden administration rule before it went into effect that month restricting where AI chips can be exported, but the agency has not done so yet. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Other rules, which sources said have been drafted for months, have not been published, including one to expand export restrictions to subsidiaries of companies already banned from receiving controlled US exports. Meanwhile, important staff vacancies such as China-based export control officers have not been filled, and high-level career employees have resigned. A retirement party was held this week for Dan Clutch, acting director of the BIS Office of Export Enforcement, the latest experienced staff member to leave.

The Hindu
2 hours ago
- The Hindu
Karnataka is open, ready to partner with the world, CM tells diplomats
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday announced that the Bengaluru Tech Summit, 2025, will be held from November 18 to 20 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre, and told diplomats of different countries that Karnataka is 'open and ready to partner with the world.' Speaking at 'Bridge to Bengaluru', a dialogue with diplomats on global innovation alliance for technology as a prelude to India's flagship technology forum, in New Delhi, the Chief Minister said, 'Whether through technology, tourism or talent, we see global collaboration as the path to shared success.' He said the Bengaluru Tech Summit hosted Nobel Laureates, world leaders, and innovators in the past year. 'This year, we expect over 1,00,000 attendees, 1,200 exhibitors, and 600 speakers from 60 countries.' Inclusive growth Noting that Karnataka is committed to inclusive growth, Mr. Siddaramaiah said innovation districts in Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Belagavi would boost research and jobs. Initiatives like fintech in Mangaluru and drone development in Hubballi-Dharwad have shown balanced progress in the State. 'The Tech Summit is a chance to connect, collaborate, and shape a shared future,' he said. The Chief Minister said Karnataka is an economic powerhouse with a GSDP of $337 billion, India's fourth-largest economy, contributing nearly 9% to the national GDP. Bengaluru is a global tech leader, ranked among the top 15 start-up ecosystems worldwide. It hosts over 18,000 start-ups, including 50 plus unicorns, and 40% of India's Global Capability Centres, with R&D hubs from companies like Bosch, Intel, and SAP. Skilling youth 'Through programmes like NIPUNA Karnataka, we are training over 1,00,000 young people in skills like AI, cybersecurity, and biotechnology, partnering with global leaders like Microsoft and Accenture', Mr. Siddaramaiah said.


Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Intel's manufacturing unit gets more ‘bad news' after company CEO Lip-Bu Tan's major restructuring announcement
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