The future of computer: In-depth analysis from tech leaders

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — From Charles Babbage’s analytical engine to IBM’s Personal Computer (PC) with a diskette, the computer has evolved so much through the years, making one wonder – what would be the computer of the future look like? 

Will it be hologram like in “Star Trek”? Or telepathic with eye movements as cursor?

International technology brand Acer unveiled what they dubbed as “the future of PC” at panel discussions this week in Dubai and in the emirate’s hosting of COP28, the world’s largest gathering of environmental actionists opened by King Charles III of England.

Discussing the future of computer is important as currently, there are about 300 million computer users all over the world, according to Elizabeth Sturcken, Managing Director of non-profit organization tackling climate change, Environmental Defense Fund. 

Data company Statista estimated that by 2021, around 45% of the world’s population own a computer.

Every person’s shift to the PC is already a considerable amount of carbon footprint involved, so the future of the PC has to be taken seriously, reminded Gokul V Subramaniam, Intel India President and Vice President CCG for Sustainability Strategy.

As a company that dispatches millions of computers into the market yearly, it is important for the Taiwan-based Acer to be conscious of sending its message of sustainability to every person – one computer at a time, said Emmanuel Fromont, the company’s Corporate Vice President and President for EMEA and Operation.

“We distribute of laptops every year. One by one, these add up and contribute. The user is also in control with himself in making sure he does the less impact on the planet,” enthused Acer Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jason Chen in his keynote speech.

For the company, two words best describe the future computer: conscious and modular.

“One of the biggest challenges that humanity faces is climate change,” Chen noted.

“People could innovate and as they innovate, their innovation could also impact the planet, the climate.”

As a company, Chen said they believe they have to play their part in sustainability actions, and since PC is their core, they started their climate