See that Acer handset up there? It's not set to actually be unveiled until Mobile World Congress rolls around later this month, but today Acer announced that the device has won an iF design award and teased the hardware a tad early. There's not much known about what makes the phone tick, but Acer does say that it's packing a 4.3-inch HD display, a Dolby speaker plate on its backside and a body that measures less than 10mm thick and features a "Sleeve DNA design" that it says will "enhance the handheld experience." Acer also says that this device will feature AcerCloud tech to share content like music and photos between your computers and mobile devices.
Obviously there's a lot that's still up in the air surrounding this mysterious Acer handset, but the folks at Pocket-lint think that it could be packing Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich when it launches in Q3 2012, so that's encouraging. The good news is that MWC is just a couple of weeks out, so it won't be long before more is revealed. We've the the full press release available below to help you pass the time until we head to Barcelona.
Acer Flagship Smartphone Wins iF Product Design Award
TAIPEI, TAIWAN (February 10, 2012) - The Acer CloudMobileTM smartphone has just received the iF design award 2012, in recognition of outstanding achievement in design.
Acer CloudMobileTM is the first smartphone to offer AcerCloud technology, which securely connects personal content from Cloud PCs through CloudMobileTM anytime, anywhere. Users can push thousands of photos to and from CloudMobileTM and listen to their entire music collection whether at home or on the go.
AcerCloud also enhances mobile productivity by providing seamless document management. Users can access and browse all recent files from CloudMobileTM and print wirelessly with Acer Print.
Designed to showcase Acer's most advanced technology, Acer CloudMobileTM is ultra-slim with a depth of less than one centimeter. Its Sleeve DNA design has soft, wrapping contours which enhance the handheld experience.
The stainless steel receiver on the front, and the Dolby speaker plate on the back, have tiny perforation that exude style and high-quality craftsmanship. Tactile details on the volume button and rear side of the phone further enhance the exquisite look and feel. A narrow bezel slims Acer CloudMobileTM down, while still providing room for a 4.3-inch fully laminated HD display.
Organized by the International Forum Design of Germany, the iF awards have been held since 1953 and are regarded as an indicator of outstanding quality in design.
An international panel of experts judged on numerous criteria including design workmanship, choice of material, environmental compatibility and functionality. According to iF, participation in the iF design awards demonstrates the will to innovate and the courage to be compared next to others in competition.
Acer smartphone design has been awarded for its innovation the last two years in a row (Iconia Smart S300, 2011 Computex Design & Innovation).
The Acer CloudMobileTM smartphone will be unveiled at the end of February 2012 at the Mobile World Congress exhibition in Barcelona, Spain, and will be available in Q3, 2012.
About Acer
Since its founding in 1976, Acer has achieved the goal of breaking the barriers between people and technology. Globally, Acer ranks No. 2 for notebook PCs. A profitable and sustainable Channel Business Model is instrumental to the company's continuing growth, while its multi-brand approach integrates Acer, Gateway, Packard Bell, and eMachines brands in worldwide markets. Acer designs environmentally friendly products and has established a green supply chain through collaboration with suppliers. Acer is proud to be a Worldwide Partner of the Olympic Movement, including supporting the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games and London 2012 Olympic Games. The Acer Group employs 8,000 people worldwide. Revenues for 2010 reached US$19.9 billion. Visit www.acer-group.com for more information.
Via Engadget, Pocket-lint, Hexus
