01732 759725 magazine 23 PCs encrypt data or protect endpoints, and NVIDIA OpenShell runtime, enabling users to define what agents can and cannot do, intelligently route queries to local models based on privacy policies and disguise personal information in queries sent to cloud models. This layer is being adopted by leading agent developers such as Hermes Agent and OpenClaw in new Windows apps designed to enable users to access on‑device agents that can execute tasks in Windows applications, reason through cross-app workflows, generate images and video, code plug-ins and apps, and semantically search local files. NVIDIA and Microsoft aim to extend their collaboration to include new RTX Spark-powered Windows agent experiences accessible from the Windows taskbar user interface. “Our goal is to deliver unmetered intelligence to every home and every desk with Windows,” said Satya Nadella, chairman and CEO of Microsoft. “RTX Spark marks a real breakthrough towards that vision.” Major hardware vendors like ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft Surface, MSI, Acer and GIGABYTE are supporting RTX Spark with the development of slim, lightweight, 14-16in RTX Spark laptops (with all-day battery life) as well as compact RTX Spark desktops due to be launched this autumn. Acer EMEA moves to AI-powered platform to track road, air and sea shipments in real-time and monitor CO2 emissions across its logistics network Smarter logistics Acer EMEA is accelerating the digital transformation of its global supply chain by moving to an AI-powered logistics solution that facilitates the shift from firefighting to a proactive model supported by increasingly automated decision-making. Developed by Wakeo, the platform will enable Acer to monitor international shipments by sea, air, road and rail, end-to-end, and integrate data from carriers, corporate ERP systems, logistics platforms and independent satellite sources into a single, centralised and reliable source of information for the entire supply chain. As well as identifying weaknesses in the logistics network and anticipating delays and disruptions, the system supports sustainability and environmental optimisation of the supply chain by monitoring the CO2 emissions of each shipment. Acer EMEA Supply Chain Senior Director Riccardo Bernasconi said: “The new predictive system enables the team to access more accurate information and take faster decisions. In an increasingly volatile environment, having access to reliable, up-to-date shipment data means improving the supply chain’s responsiveness and ensuring greater service continuity for customers and end consumers. The value of this project lies not only in operational visibility but also in the opportunity to evolve towards a smarter decision-making model capable of supporting the business even in the most complex situations.” The new system has already enabled Acer to achieve greater accuracy in Estimated Times of Arrival (ETAs) ten days prior to arrival on routes between East Asia and Western Europe, reduce delays and achieve cost savings and a reduction in safety stock. The transition from a traditional tracking system to a predictive, AI‑powered logistics model allows supply chain teams to focus exclusively on critical shipments, adopting a ‘by exception” management approach that accelerates decisionmaking and significantly reduces manual tasks related to updating and correcting operational data, including optimising inventory levels and tracking shipments down to the SKU level. www.acer.com https://wakeo.co especially those using AI tools like Copilot or working in areas like data and development, where more advanced devices can offer better performance and higher value. These devices also support key priorities for customers, such as stronger security, keeping data on the device rather than in the cloud and reducing energy use. While this helps position devices as ‘AI-ready’ and future-proof, sales are likely to increase gradually, starting with early adopters over the next 12–18 months, then building into wider upgrades over the following 2–3 years and eventually becoming a standard feature in most PCs, much like SSD storage and built-in security are today. In summary, I would say that while the NVIDIA RTX Spark announcement marks the shift towards AI-first PCs – a genuine but early-stage change – it won’t drive immediate sales spikes. But it does create a longer-term opportunity for higher-value, AI-led refresh cycles and premium device experiences. www.phoenixs.co.uk AI-powered logistics enables Acer to track shipments of its Predator Atlas 8 gaming device across land, sea and air
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