The Acer Leap Ware smartwatch, once marketed as a fitness-focused wearable with advanced biometric tracking, has become functionally obsolete due to Acer’s silent shutdown of the Liquid Life app servers. Without access to the proprietary app, users are unable to sync data, configure settings, or use core features — effectively bricking the device. No migration path, refund, or open-source alternative was offered, raising serious concerns about digital ownership and planned obsolescence.
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Background
The Acer Leap Ware smartwatch was announced on April 27, 2017, and became available in North America in July 2017. It was also released in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa later that year. As a fitness watch, Acer Leap Ware comes with advanced sensors that monitor heart rate, stamina, stress, and fatigue levels, as well as exposure to ultraviolet rays
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[Incident]
Acer Leap Ware Smartwatch Obsolescence
- Product: Acer Leap Ware Smartwatch
- Product Line: Acer Wearables
- Start Date: 2019-2023
- End Date: Ongoing (functional obsolescence began after app server shutdown)
- Status: Unresolved
- Type of Incident: Anti-ownership / Forced obsolescence
- Related Company: Acer Inc.
- Description: The Acer Leap Ware smartwatch became unusable after Acer shut down the Liquid Life app servers, which were required for core functionality. Consumers were not offered alternative firmware, refunds, or migration paths — effectively rendering the device a paperweight.
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References
https://www.acer.com/ca-en/support/product-support/Leap_Ware
https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2017/4/27/15452740/acer-leap-ware-watch-announced-price-release-date-specs
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