KitGuru KitGuru.net – Tech News | Hardware News | Hardware Reviews | IOS | Mobile | Gaming | Graphics Cards
Following on from our initial visit to ASUS HQ in Taiwan and our report from CES, ASUS continues to release details about new products that will hit the market in 2024. We’re now learning more about their upcoming Wi-Fi 7 products for home and business use, as well as new gaming peripherals, the line-up for the BTF (back to the Future) Alliance and Core Ultra 9 processor based NUC units.
In the networking sector, ASUS has introduced products catering to both home and business environments. The home-use ZenWiFi range includes models like the ZenWiFi BQ16 and BT10, which are based on Wi-Fi 7 technology. The BQ16 model features two 10-gigabit connections and three 1-gigabit connections for wired internet – along with twelve omnidirectional antennas for wireless coverage.
The BT10 model, while similar in its use of Wi-Fi 7 technology, offers a different antenna setup and simplified connectivity options. Both models support 4G/5G Auto Mobile Tethering for countries where that’s popular. The ASUS documentation we saw claims a maximum of 30,000Mbps with the Pro version of the BQ16. That's some step up from the 56kb fax/modems of yesteryear.
The ExpertWiFi series is ASUS’s solution for business networking needs. These products use Wi-Fi 6 technology and are designed to facilitate the setup of networks for employees, guests, VPN, and IoT devices. They also include a feature for using a mobile phone as an internet backup. Network management is conducted through a cloud controller, which is available without a subscription and includes AiProtection, an IPS firewall, and regular security updates.
In our previous story, we reported that a range of new BTF products was coming to market in 2024. Alongside the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero BTF and TUF Gaming Z790-BTF WIFI, there are new graphic cards like the ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4090 BTF Edition and the TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super BTF White Edition that have been optimised for new power connection systems. All of these require special chassis that are capable of (a) hiding the cables behind the main build zone and (b) offer a ‘hidden’ PSU placement slot. Cases that are designed to support ASUS BTF will be available from the BTF Alliance. Right now, the BTF Alliance includes Corsair, Cooler Master, InWin, Phanteks, Silverstone and Thermaltake. ASUS Says that it expects more case makers are expected to join in the near future.
Staying with gaming performance, ASUS has now released the Keris II Ace mouse, designed with optical microswitches and a lightweight structure. By lightweight, they mean 54 grams. The ROG Polling Rate Booster offers 4,000Hz in wireless mode and 8,000Hz wired. The AimPoint Pro optical sensor is rated at 42,000d dpi (<1% deviation) – which feels close to insane. Despite its size and weight, the optimal micro switches are expected to last for 100 million clicks.
The ROG Falchion RX Low Profile Keyboard is a low-profile 65% option with a protective cover and UV-coated keycaps. Battery is rated at 430 hours with RGB off and the pre-lubed ROG RX low profile switches should give a sleek gaming experience – according to ASUS.
For high quality audio reproduction, the company is offering the ROG Cetra True Wireless SpeedNova earbuds – with support for advanced audio codecs like BT:SBC, AAC / 2.4 GHz: LC3 and LC3+. According to ASUS, these earphones and charging case combine to give up to 46 hours of battery life in Bluetooth mode.
Finally, the Carnyx professional microphone is a cardioid condenser that features a studio-grade 25 mm condenser capsule, 192 kHz / 24-bit sampling rate, high-pass filter, built-in pop filter and premium metal shock mount. It’s also compatible with ASUS Aura Sync RGB lighting for those that like a light show when broadcasting. There is a one touch mute function on the top of the mic and a separate integrated pop filter.
Finally, we come to the ASUS NUC 14 Pro+. With Intel’s decision to pull away from offering NUC devices of their own – a gap opened in the market and ASUS has been chosen to take the format forward. as the brand holder for these devices. The Next Unit of Computing was launched into the market just over 10 years ago and it has a mainboard that is 4” by 4”. The tool-less chassis is typically no more than 1” bigger. Given the size of the chassis, thermals need to be intelligent – especially for high-spec NUCs. This unit includes a new triple 6mm heat pipe, dual side exchanger with optimised airflow guides.
The ASUS NUC 14 Pro+ we saw comes with an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor. The idea here is that Intel/ASUS believes users will want decent performance when running generative Ai apps locally. It also includes HDMI 2.1, Thunderbolt 4 and various USB connections. ASUS has provisioned space for two M2 SSDs. The board will support DDR5 SO-DIMMS up to 5600MHz and you can attach up to four displays.
Versions with a Core Ultra 5 125H processor will also be available. Essentially, as long as a CPU can be made to produce inside the available TDP of 65w, then it’s a candidate.
Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.
KitGuru says: Exact UK street pricing on many of the products that we’ve seen recently, is yet to be confirmed. The rate of innovation is pleasing – but you have to wonder what Q3 2024 might bring.
