What Stole the Spotlight at Computex 2025

• Computex will celebrate its 44th edition in 2025, with over 1,500 exhibitors from 30+ countries and an estimated 45,000 guests, confirming its status as Asia’s premier technology showcase.
• AI and hardware integration are taking centre stage, with over 100 AI-specific hardware devices and 50+ game brands reinventing performance, ergonomics, and engagement.

As Computex 2025 opened in Taipei on May 20, the tone was set quickly—this year’s showcase leans heavily into artificial intelligence, bold hardware redesigns, and some genuinely strange but intriguing ideas. With more than 1,500 exhibitors from over 30 countries and an expected 45,000+ visitors, the event is poised to be a major reference point for what tech could look like over the next 12 months.

In the year 1981, Computex first opened its doors to visitors. Now in its 44th year, all initiated as a small trade show showcasing Taiwan’s then nascent computer industry. With its further growth, it is now one of the most important technology trade shows in the world, if not shaping hardware trends worldwide.

Being distinguished for its emphasis on computing and components, one might say that Computex has changed. This year, AI on some occasions was no longer just a buzzword but formed the backbone for most presentations. The lines between hardware and software continue to blur and are thus becoming more and more interwoven with design and functionality.

AI at Every Turn

The dominance of AI was visible across every major pavilion. Nvidia’s announcements were particularly compelling. The DGX Spark—a pocket-sized AI supercomputer—showed how powerful computing is becoming accessible in smaller, portable forms. Its Grace Blackwell superchip, capable of 800 GB/s memory bandwidth, signals a leap forward in edge computing capabilities. Alongside that, plans to develop an AI supercomputer in Taiwan with TSMC and Foxconn reinforced Nvidia’s ambitions in regional infrastructure.

Qualcomm and Microsoft brought their own AI momentum with Copilot+ PCs, running on Snapdragon X chips. These devices promise real-time processing of productivity tasks, translation, and summarisation, all on-device, cutting out the cloud latency entirely.

MediaTek’s commitment to innovation was clear in its announcement of a 2nm chip, with tape-out at TSMC scheduled for September. That level of miniaturisation suggests a major shift for mobile and embedded AI systems.

Gaming Tech with Real Appeal

Gaming hardware at Computex 2025 was both familiar and fresh. MSI’s Claw A8 BZ2EM drew interest with its AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor, 8-inch 120Hz display, and robust configuration options. It’s designed to compete head-to-head with other portable Windows gaming devices like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally.

Asus focused on how players interact rather than just what they play on. The ROG Falcata keyboard is an ergonomic split design with magnetic switches, offering smoother response and wrist comfort during extended use. The ultra-high polling rate of 8,000 Hz caters to competitive users seeking an edge and precision.

Both devices reflect a trend towards design that understands real-world usage—portability without performance loss and comfort without compromise.

The Oddball Innovations

Away from the spotlight of mainstream product lines, Computex also served up its share of eccentric prototypes.

One of the more memorable exhibits involved an insect-powered speaker system. By stimulating cicadas with low-voltage currents, developers turned their chirps into functional acoustic outputs. While more conceptual than commercial, the idea provokes a conversation about how nature and tech can intersect.

Another outlier was the picoRing mouse. Worn like a ring, it lets users control cursors with subtle gestures and promises over 92 hours of battery life on a single charge. While not ready for precision work, it fits well into the expanding category of wearable tech meant for casual navigation or presentations.

These concepts, though not market-ready, contribute to broader industry dialogue around input devices, interaction, and alternative design thinking.

Data Points from the Ground

The scale of the event matches the ambition of its ideas:

• Over 1,500 exhibiting companies
• 45,000+ visitors projected across five days
• More than 100 AI-focused hardware products on display
• At least 50 gaming brands present
• 500+ accredited members of the media in attendance

Takeaways for Global Brands

AI is now embedded not just in software but in every layer of tech products, from microchips to desktop systems. Brands hoping to remain relevant must think in terms of native AI hardware design.

Smaller, more portable form factors continue to dominate, particularly for gaming and productivity. The success of devices like the Claw A8 and ROG Falcata shows a user preference for performance that travels.

Ergonomics is becoming a strong differentiator. Whether for work or leisure, comfort in design is being treated as essential rather than optional.

And perhaps most importantly, Computex validated risk-taking. Unconventional gadgets—while often flawed—were widely discussed. In a sea of product refinement, original ideas stood out.

What You Should Watch Next

There are several trends worth tracking post-Computex:

Will mainstream laptops begin adopting AI co-processors more widely in 2026? Is the popularity of ergonomic gear enough to shift R&D priorities across industries? Could wearable input devices move beyond novelty and into enterprise or accessibility contexts? Will the unconventional experiments seen here set the tone for CES 2026 or IFA?

Computex 2025 is a reminder that innovation isn’t always about polish or immediate practicality. It’s about challenging form, function, and assumption. Whether it’s a mini AI server, a split keyboard, or a chirping insect speaker, each product brought a unique perspective to what technology can be.

For brands tuning into what’s next in AI, hardware, or design evolution, this was a week worth paying attention to.