Acer's crazy Predator 8 gaming tablet officially launches, available Nov. 6 for $299

After showing off its somewhat-crazy gaming tablet, the Predator 8, at Computex, Acer is ready to put it on sale for everyone. The Predator 8 (officially the GT-810) is a gaming-focused tablet with lots of power and looks to match its branding.

The 8-inch 1920x1080 display is wrapped in aluminum and unique styling, sporting four front-facing speakers with virtual surround sound and "TacSense" enhanced tactile feedback from games. On the inside you have an Intel Atom x7-Z8700 processor, 2GB of RAM, 32 or 64GB of storage (plus an SD card slot) and 2x2 MIMO Wifi for the best connection. The screen is marketed as being "highly precise" and capable of taking input from a pen or stylus, and has a 100 percent NTSC color gamut rating as well.

Acer is launching the Predator 8 on November 6 in North America starting at $299, with Newegg having exclusive on the sales for the first two weeks and other retailers picking it up after that. Those elsewhere in the world will be able to get one earlier in October, with prices at €349 in Europe and ¥2499 in China.

Press release:

Acer Introduces its First Dedicated Gaming Tablet with the Powerful Predator 8

  • Game play comes to life with Predator Quadio, a combination of four front- facing speakers and virtual surround sound, while tactile feedback is delivered through Predator TacSense
  • Exceptionally realistic visuals are delivered on the 8-inch FHD display (1920 x 1200) featuring Predator ColorBlast technology.
  • Immersive and graphically rich gaming is powered by the Intel® AtomTM x7 processor, Android 5.1, and 2x2 MIMO wireless technology for blazing-fast Internet connections
  • Extremely thin and lightweight, the dark grey brushed aluminum design is just 8.7mm thin and 350 grams light

BERLIN, GERMANY (September 2, 2015) Today 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® AtomTM 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 feedback.

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® AtomTM 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® AudioTM 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 on acer.com/predator.

Andrew Martonik

Andrew was an Executive Editor, U.S. at Android Central between 2012 and 2020.