For IFA 2024, Acer has revealed tons of new products including several new AI-powered Acer Swift AI laptops, a gaming laptop and gaming PC, and – most surprisingly – a brand-new gaming handheld.
Non-gaming Swift AI laptopsThere are two main models of the Intel-powered Swift AI laptops: the 14-inch with an Intel Core Ultra 7 (Series 2) CPU and a 2K OLED display, while the 16-inch comes with a Core Ultra 9 (Series 2) CPU and 3K OLED display. The NPU in both devices is capable of up to 48 TOPS and, according to Acer, up to a whopping 29 hours of video playback for the Swift 14 AI. Pricing will start at $1,199.99 / AU$1,899 for the 14-inch and $1,199.99 / AU$1,999 for the 16-inch, the former launching in September 2024 and the latter model releasing in October 2024 and Q1 2025, respectively.
Meanwhile, there are two other upcoming Swift models: the Swift 14 AI, powered by the AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 CPU that features up to 50 TOPS, and the Swift Go 14 AI, equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus CPU with up to 45 TOPS. The former features three display options: the OLED WQXGA, the IPS WQXGA, and the IPS WUXGA. The Swift Go 14 AI will launch in September 2024, starting at $999, and Q4 starting at AU$1,399. The Swift 14 AI will also launch in September 2024 at a starting price of $1,999 and in Q4 2024 at AU$2,799.
All the Swift laptops will have touchpads with an AI Activity Indicator that shows when the NPU is utilized and if Copilot is activated, as well as a 1440p QHD IR webcam.
Like other AI PCs launched this year, the entire Swift line will have Copilot+ – though they’ll come through free updates later in 2024. These specific laptops will also feature Acer-designed AI apps.
Gaming laptops, a gaming desktop, and a gaming handheldThe Predator Orion 7000 desktop is clearly meant to be a high-end gaming rig with up to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 graphics card and AI-powered DLSS, as well as both fan and liquid cooling systems. No pricing or release information has been revealed as of now, though.
There are also Nitro V 14 and Nitro V 16 gaming laptops. The 14 comes with two display options – a WQXGA (2560 x 1600) or WUXGA (1920x1200) – AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS CPU, up to an Nvidia RTX 4050 GPU, up to 32GB of RAM, and up to 2TB of storage. Meanwhile, the 16 features up to an Intel Core i7-14650HX CPU, up to an Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU, a WQXGA (2500 x 1600) display, up to 32GB of RAM, and up to 2TB of storage. The Nitro V 14 launches in September 2024 for $1,099 / AU$2,099, while the Nitro V 16 launches in October 2024 starting at $1,299.99 / AU$2,299.
Finally, Acer’s debuting its first PC gaming handheld, the Acer Nitro Blaze 7. The specs are quite impressive, featuring an AMD Ryzen 8040 Series CPU with up to 39 total AI TOPS and AMD Radeon 780M GPU, up to 16GB of RAM, and up to 2TB of storage.
The display itself is a full HD IP touch panel with an impressive 144 Hz refresh rate and boasts AMD FreeSync compatiblity. It uses Windows 11 as the OS, which has so far been mixed in terms of its usability compared to other PC gaming handhelds. No pricing or launch window information has been revealed yet, so stay tuned.
You might also likeGoPro fans who were hoping for 8K video or a new and bigger sensor in the Hero 13 Black are going to be disappointed right now. That's because GoPro's latest flagship, which comes 12 months after the Hero 12 Black, is largely the same as its predecessor.
There's still the 8:7 aspect ratio sensor with 5.3K video and 27MP photos, industry-leading HyperSmooth stabilization, and waterproofing up to 33ft / 10m – you'll even get all of that in the older-again Hero 11 Black.
And since those previous-generation models launched, the action camera competition has raised its game: DJI's Osmo Action 4 has better low-light performance than GoPro's (and rumors say it'll be replaced by the Osmo Action 5 Pro really soon), while Insta360 dropped the Ace Pro, an 8K video beast.
The picture doesn't look good for an iterative update then, but I'm here to say don't write the GoPro Hero 13 Black off. GoPro has been a long-time player in the action camera space, its Hero 12 Black still sits at the top of our best action cameras buying guide, and there are some tweaks in the Hero 13 Black that actually go a long way to making it an even more compelling choice, especially for serious filmmakers.
The Anamorphic Lens Mod, available in 2025, attached to the Hero 13 Black (Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)No other brand can offer such a wide range of accessories, and GoPro has introduced a whole lot more of them alongside the Hero 13 Black, namely the HB-series of lenses and ND filters.
GoPro has announced the Ultra-Wide, Macro and Anamorphic Lens Mods, as well as a 4-pack of ND filters. These mods rotate into place over the Hero 13 Black's built-in lens, which has a newly designed mount that can auto-detect which mod is attached and adjust the camera settings accordingly.
With one simple new feature, the camera becomes an infinitely more creative tool, and compelling for a wider range of users.
GoPro has also taken a leaf out of the competition's book by finally utilizing quick and reliable magnetic mounting, which is added to its existing 'fingers' and 1/4-20-inch mounting options.
Better battery life and heat dissipation are two other areas that have been addressed: the redesigned 10% higher-capacity 1,900mAh battery is capable of shooting 5.3K video for up to 1.5 hours and Full HD 1080p videos for around 2.5 hours.
The Hero 13 Black's newly designed battery. (Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)Although the maximum video resolution remains at 5.3K, there's now Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) HDR video to minimize lost detail in highlights and shadows, plus better slow-mo recording, now up to 13x in a 720p 400fps Burst Slo-Mo mode. Content can be uploaded 40% quicker thanks to the introduction of Wi-Fi 6 tech.
GPS is also back, following its disappointing omission from the Hero 12 Black. Through the Quik app, Performance Stickers can be added to embed info such as speed, altitude and G-force into video clips, as well as the location info.
Those are the highlight improvements. Like I said, there's not a whole lot that's new, but progress isn't always about big moves in headline specs like video resolution; it's as much about real-world performance, and here the Hero 13 Black feels like the most compelling action camera package out there for serious creators.
GoPro Hero 13 Black: release date and priceThe GoPro Hero 13 Black starts at $399 / £399.99 / AU$649.95, while the Creator Edition, which includes the Media Mod, Light Mod and Volta grip costs $599 / £599.99 / AU$979.95. The camera will be available to buy from September 10.
Alongside the camera, GoPro unveiled a the new HB-Series of lenses and filters, including the Macro Lens Mod ($129.99 / £129.99 / AU$249.95), Ultra Wide Lens Mod ($99.99 / £99.99 / AU$169.95) and a new ND Filter 4-pack ($69.99 / £69.99 / AU$119.95), all of which will also be available from September 10.
Another noteworthy accessory is the Contacto, which replaces the battery door to enable charging on the go via a magnetic mount, without compromising waterproofing, and costs $79.99 / £79.99 / AU$139.95. GoPro also announced the Anamorphic Lens Mod ($129.99 / £129.99 / AU$219.95), although this lens won't be available until 2025.
There are too many accessories available for the Hero 13 Black to easily list here, so do check out GoPro's website for more info.
(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman) GoPro Hero 13 Black: design and handlingUsed a GoPro Hero Black camera before? The Hero 13 Black will be familiar, being as it is identical in size to previous models, with external dimensions of 71.8 x 50.8 x 33.6mm, albeit with a larger-capacity battery squeezed in and a negligible weight gain, tipping the scales at 5.6oz / 159g.
GoPro Hero 13 Black key specsSensor: 27MP multi-aspect 8:7
Video: 5.3K 60fps, 4K 120fps, slow-mo 720p 400fps
LCD: 2.27-inch rear touchscreen, 1.4-inch front
Video modes: TimeWarp, Time Lapse, Slo-Mo, Night
Connectivity: USB-C 3.2, Wi-Fi 6GHz, Bluetooth 5.0
Weight: 159g
Battery capacity is upped by 10% to 1,900mAh – with run times up to 1.5 hours of 5.3K video or up to 2.5 hours of 1080p video. GoPro lists the real-world improvement over the Hero 12 Black as averaging 13.5% with airflow and 26.7% without airflow – that's a decent bump in performance.
The battery isn’t backwards compatible with the Hero 12 Black and earlier models, as it’s a different size and design. Nor are older batteries forwards compatible, so if you’re upgrading you’ll need to factor in the cost of any additional batteries.
I rigged the Hero 13 Black for go-karting in 30-degree heat, recording 5.3K video for a total of around one hour, with both the front and rear screens and GPS active, and the battery went from around 80% power to being almost fully out of juice, which isn't bad going. I’ll run more tests during my in-depth full review.
The Hero 13 Black’s Lens Mod mount is new. Not in the way that you attach a Lens Mod, but because it has a point of contact with the new HB-series of lenses and filters, which means it can detect the attached lens – a feature that mirrorless and DSLR camera users are familiar with.
Handily, thanks to the communication between camera and lens, your settings are automatically updated to accommodate the lens in play. It’s a small detail, but it makes switching between lenses that bit easier, and propels the Hero 13 Black into new realms of creativity.
Image 1 of 3(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)Image 2 of 3(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)Image 3 of 3(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)The Macro Lens Mod is a revelation, reducing the close-focusing distance to 4.3 inches / 11cm – that’s 4x closer than the Hero 13 Black's built-in lens. Traditionally, action cameras can’t focus particularly closely, which all but counts them out for vlogging – when I’ve tried in the past, I feel like I have to hold the camera further away than I would like, nor could I capture little details. That totally changes with the Macro Lens Mod. If GoPro wanted to improve the shooting experience for a huge slice of potential users, this lens should be the ticket.
The Anamorphic Lens Mod was not available for use during my hands-on testing (though I did get my hands on it), nor was GoPro's new ‘Contacto’ accessory. The latter replaces the battery / memory card door, and has a magnetic charging mount for on-the-go charging. The supplied USB-C cable works with any compatible charger. You don’t sacrifice waterproofing either – this remains rated to 33ft / 10m – and theory you could film underwater while charging the camera via the Contacto, obviously provided that the power source is either waterproof or not submerged the water – for which you might need a long cable.
If you regularly change what your Hero 13 Black is mounted to, the new magnetic mounting will be a godsend. The likes of DJI and Insta360 already utilize magnetic mounting, and GoPro has thankfully has followed suit – it really needed to – and introduced some ball-head mounts for easy repositioning of the camera.
GoPro continues to embrace its legacy 'fingers' mounting method – the lowest-profile option – plus 1/4-20-inch mounting, easing the transition for those already familiar with the GoPro system.
Image 1 of 3(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)Image 2 of 3(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)Image 3 of 3(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman) GoPro Hero 13 Black: features and performanceAs with the Hero 12 Black, regular 5.3K video recording remains at up to 60fps, but you can up that rate to 120fps – that’s 4x slow motion – using the new Burst Slo-Mo video option.
In the same Burst Slo-Mo menu there’s also a 400fps option at a resolution of 720p, plus 360fps at 900p. All these burst modes are limited in capture time: the 5.3K 120fps option can run for five seconds, while the other two last for 15 seconds.
It takes the Hero 13 Black approximately the same amount of time to process the files before you can start shooting again. As such, I wouldn’t rely on these new burst modes in all situations because of the processing time, during which you could be missing the moment in demanding shoots. Burst Slo-Mo is an example of a feature that's impressive on paper, but which has limited real-world usefulness.
Image 1 of 1(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)In the video preset menu you can choose between standard, HDR and Log color profiles. Depending on which option you select, and if you’ve got a Lens Mod in play, the maximum video resolution and frame rates available might change.
For example, with the Ultra-Wide Lens Mod attachted you can’t shoot 5.3K video; you’re limited to 4K. For HDR video, you can’t shoot at 60fps because 30fps is the limit. It takes a while to figure out what you can and can’t do with the Hero 13 Black – those headline features aren’t available at all settings.
I’m not knocking GoPro for this – I can’t think of another action camera that shoots unlimited 5.3K 120fps video, nor one that has Lens Mods for different looks. I’m just managing your expectations.
Battery life and overheating are hot topics with GoPro cameras (no pun intended), and as mentioned there are improvements in both of these areas. You'll notice much improved battery performance for video runtime when there isn't airflow, for example when you're recording in a room or simply walking about.
I was using the Hero 13 Black in Spain in 30C heat and, although it was getting warm, it never gave me any problems. I'll do more in-depth testing on this in the coming weeks.
GoPro Hero 13 Black: image and video qualityTo get a feel for the Hero 13 Black's image quality, you can take a look at our Hero 12 Black review – after all they share the same image sensor, and the same maximum video and photo resolution.
Using GoPro's Lens Mods it's possible to shoot different kinds of images, and I look forward to using the Macro Lens Mod more, plus the anamorphic lens next year.
I've included a few video samples that I'm able to share, below, and I'll unpack video and image quality in detail in my full review.
How I tested the GoPro Hero 13 BlackDuring a two day hands-on with the Hero 13 Black ahead of its release, I was able to shoot behind the scenes at the MotoGP (from which video clips can’t be shared), making timewarp sequences, plus it had a proper run out around a go karting track. I attached it to a crash helmet and to an arm for different perspectives, used the Ultra-Wide Lens Mod and tried out the various color profiles, including HDR. The slow motion burst modes were utilized, too, to slow down movement of water and bottles of bubbly on the post race podium. I also tested the close focusing capabilities with and without the Macro Lens Mod. Since that trip, I've been using the camera on bike rides and will be running more tests in the coming weeks to complete the full review.
First reviewed September 2024
Multiple business router models, built by the Taiwanese networking giant Zyxel, carried a critical vulnerability which allowed malicious actors to run any command, remotely. The manufacturer recently released a fix which addresses the flaw, so installing it straight away is highly recommended.
As the company explained in an advisory, the vulnerability is described as an “input validation fault caused by improper handling of user-supplied data.” In other words, the underlying OS does not validate the data a user inputs, potentially allowing crooks to run OS command injection. The bug is tracked as CVE-2024-7261, and carries a severity score of 9.8/10 - critical.
"The improper neutralization of special elements in the parameter "host" in the CGI program of some AP and security router versions could allow an unauthenticated attacker to execute OS commands by sending a crafted cookie to a vulnerable device," Zyxel said in the advisory.
Numerous devices affectedMultiple Zyxel access points (AP) are vulnerable to the flaw. The full list is below:
Security router USG LITE 60AX running V2.00(ACIP.2) is also vulnerable, but this device is automatically patched, so users should be safe. In any case, if you’re using this model make sure it’s running version V2.00(ACIP.3).
Zyxel is a popular manufacturer of networking devices, with its routers, switches, and wireless access points being used by thousands of organizations worldwide. As such, it is a popular target among cybercriminals, who are always on the hunt for a new vulnerability to exploit. Zyxel customers are advised to apply the patch as soon as possible and thus secure their premises.
Via BleepingComputer
More from TechRadar ProIt’s September, which means two virtual certainties in tech: we’re getting new iPhones and the latest GoPros. True to form, the action camera king has launched its latest flagship, the Hero 13 Black, plus an-all new beginner-friendly model, simply called the Hero.
The all-new model, the Hero, is GoPro's smallest-ever 4K action camera with a screen, and is designed to be as simple and affordable as they come. The entry-level model is is due to hit the shelves on September 22 and is also GoPro's cheapest-ever action camera, with a $199 / £199.99 / AU$349.95 list price.
Coming in at twice the price of the Hero is the flagship Hero 13 Black, which starts at $399 / £399.99 / AU$649.95, while the Creator Edition costs $599 / £599.99 / AU$979.95. It'll be available sooner than the Hero, with a September 10 on-sale date. You can read our first impressions of the new flagship model in our hands-on GoPro Hero 13 Black review.
GoPro has also unveiled a host of new accessories for the Hero 13 Black, notably new HB-Series lenses that include a Macro Lens Mod ($129.99 / £129.99 / AU$249.95), which overcomes the close-focusing limitations that action cameras suffer from, and a compelling Anamorphic Lens Mod ($129.99 / £129.99 / AU$219.95) for de-squeezed letterboxed cinematic footage.
These latest Lens Mods join the Ultra Wide Lens Mod ($99.99 / £99.99 / AU$169.95), as well as a new ND Filter 4-pack ($69.99 / £69.99 / AU$119.95), and when attached these are all automatically detected by the Hero 13 Black for ease of use – that’s a first.
(Image credit: GoPro) GoPro Hero 13 Black: the most refined action camera system yetThe top-line features of the Hero 13 Black are much the same as before: an 8:7 aspect ratio sensor with video resolution up to 5.3K, industry-leading HyperSmooth stabilization and waterproofing up to 33ft / 10m.
So how exactly is GoPro hoping it can fend off fierce competition from DJI and its Osmo Action 4 (which it's rumored will be replaced by the Osmo Action 5 Pro soon) and the excellent Insta360 Ace Pro (which also has a rumored Ace Pro 2 successor in the pipeline)? By elevating its mature system of accessories, it seems, as well as by taking a leaf out of the competition's books.
In a first for GoPro, the Hero 13 Black features convenient magnetic mounting, a feature that's also utilized by the new ’Contacto’ on-the-go charging accessory ($79.99 / £79.99 / AU$139.95). The redesigned built-in battery is also a higher-capacity 1,900mAh unit, capable of shooting 5.3K video for up to 1.5 hours and Full HD 1080p videos for around 2.5 hours.
We also get the new series of Lens Mods, all of which are auto-detected by the Hero 13 Black thanks to a new mount design. For example, the anamorphic lens produces an ultra-wide letterboxed perspective that is de-squeezed by the camera, with signature lens flares, which are a popular effect with filmmakers.
The previous Max Mod lens from the Hero 12 Black can be used with the Hero 13 Black, albeit without auto-detection. However, the new HB-series lenses are not backwards compatible.
(Image credit: GoPro)And while we’re not getting a new sensor or higher-resolution video, which will disappoint those with their heart set on a 8K GoPro that's also better in low light, video footage can be more cinematic. That’s because 5.3K video can be shot at up to 120fps for 4x slow-motion recording, as well as in superior 10-bit color depth, with an option for Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) HDR video to minimize lost detail in highlights and shadows.
GoPro has also responded to the calls for the return of GPS – which was a disappointing omission from the Hero 12 Black. Not only can the Hero 13 Black tag your location, but through the Quik app Performance Stickers can be added to embed info such as speed, altitude and G-force into video clips. This is an open-source feature and compatible with third-party media management apps.
Despite there not being a lot that's new, the Hero 13 Black feels like a much more compelling package for serious creators than the Hero 12 Black.
(Image credit: GoPro) GoPro Hero: the new beginner action camera to beat?While the Hero 13 Black is steadily becoming a sophisticated cinematic tool for serious filmmakers, there’s a larger portion of users, especially beginners, who simply want to power up their action camera and shoot without all the fuss. It’s these people who could be interested in the Hero instead.
The Hero is GoPro’s smallest and lightest 4K action camera with a screen yet, weighing just 3oz / 86g. It measures 56.6mm x 47.7mm x 29.4mm (WxHxD), meaning that overall it’s around 40% smaller than the Hero 13 Black.
Being half the price of the GoPro Hero 13 Black, the Hero is naturally a simpler device. It has a smaller sensor than the Hero 13 Black, delivering 4K video up to 30fps with a run time of up to 100 minutes, plus 2.7K video at 60fps and 12MP photos.
However, it has a slightly wider field of view, with 165-degree coverage compared to the Hero 13 Black's 156-degree FOV, so you won't really need a lens adaptor like the Ultra-Wide Lens Mod to fit more into your shots.
Beyond the specs, it’s the simplicity of the Hero, which is waterproof up to 16ft / 5m, that appeals. You can choose from three shooting options – Video (up to 4K), Slo-Mo (2.7K 60fps) and Photo – and the camera does the rest.
(Image credit: GoPro)Being a simple, low-cost model, the Hero lacks a key feature: GoPro's HyperSmooth stabilization. That means your action videos will look pretty shaky when played back in-camera, but you can apply stabilization afterwards using the GoPro Quik app (as you can to footage from the Insta360 Go 3S using the Insta360 Studio app). From personal experience, the Quik app goes a long way to eliminating the shakes.
The Insta360 Go 3S is another tiny action camera, but a different prospect to the Hero. GoPro's camera is much cheaper and has a built-in screen, but much simpler shooting modes. The Go 3S on the other hand is a modular camera, smaller in its screen-less form, then it loses its waterproofing when inserted to the Action Pod which has a screen, and which is very similar in size to the Hero.
If you just want to get up and running quickly without fiddling around with camera settings, and want a more compact option than the Hero 13 Black, then the Hero looks like a solid choice, though we haven't had the chance to try out the new model yet.
We'll be sharing more GoPro content soon, including more opinions and in-depth reviews.
You might also likeYaber has announced the successor to its very affordable K2 Series projectors. The new K3 series has two models, the K3 and the K3 Pro, and both versions come with two significant upgrades: an improved cooling system and updated optical technology to deliver improved brightness and image quality.
The new K3 projectors promise 1,600 ANSI Lumens of brightness at 1080p FHD resolution, and they're capable of images from 40 inches to 200 inches in normal lighting conditions. There are twin 15W JBL speakers with Dolby Audio support, each of which has a 60mm driver. If you go for the Pro model, there's even a full external subwoofer to give you some enhanced low-end thump.
We got a demonstration of the subwoofer at the IFA 2024 show in Berlin, and unsurprisingly it make a giant difference to the sound you get built into other projectors – there's real imapact and scale to the low-end.
Yaber K3 projectors: key featuresBoth models include a built-in TV dongle (of unspecified software) with access to key apps such as Disney Plus, Netflix and YouTube, and you can control the projector with voice commands. There's blue light filtering to reduce eye strain, an all-glass lens to minimize focal drift, and the projectors also deliver Auto Focus, Auto Keystone Correction, Intelligent Screen Alignment for seamless setup, and Intelligent Obstacle Avoidance for optimal image alignment.
The cooling system here is designed to deliver stable performance as well as longer life, and it consists of a U-shaped heatsink and dual thermoelectric coolers.
Pricing for the K3 is €599 (about $660 / £500 / AU$980), or for the Pro version with its subwoofer, you'll pay €649 (about $710 / £550 / AU$1,060) – we're awaiting official prices in other regions. The current K-series projectors are $499 for the K1 and $549.99 for the K2. While the K3 specs might not rival the best 4K projectors for detail, getting a 200-inch screen for around is nothing to be sniffed at, and the K3 has a lot of useful auto-adjustment features to make it easy to set up.
Yaber also announced a new generation of its even more affordable L series portable projector at IFA this week. The new L2s has dual 8W JBL speakers, a brightness of 700 ANSI Lumens with 1080p resolution, and a cute mid-sized build that promises to emit only 35dB of noise. It will cost €239 (about $260 / £200 / AU$390); the current L1 is just $149.99.
You might also likeA key aide to several New York Democratic governors has pleaded not guilty after being accused of working on behalf of China. And, a government reshuffle in Ukraine after deadly Russian missile strike.
(Image credit: Evgeniy Maloletka)