Acer looks to game machine, new desktops

Typically associated with notebooks, Acer's plans for next year include some form of game machine, according to the company's senior vice president. James T. Wong explains, however, that the company is not merely working on a performance-tuned Windows PC, but something intended to compete with the current crop of dedicated consoles. Furthermore, the machine is expected to be based on "open standards," a term which may refer to the Linux operating system.

"If you look at most of the other game machines that are out there right now -- Nintendo's, the Xbox -- they are 'closed' and proprietary systems," says Wong. To develop for modern consoles, companies must generally gain the approval of the consoles' designers for both hardware and software releases.

Acer has additionally announced that it will be producing desktop PCs under a number of brands in 2009, including its own as well as Gateway, eMachines and Packard Bell. Acer acquired Gateway late last year, at the same time as the latter decided to absorb Packard Bell. Now in control of Gateway, Acer has just finalized the Packard Bell deal. [via BetaNews]

Filed under: computers, gaming
Other story tags: Acer, Gateway, eMachines, Packard Bell