Asus Windows Mixed Reality Headset, ROG Strix Flare Keyboard, and More Launched at CES 2018

Asus displayed its latest Windows Mixed Reality headset at CES 2018. This is the company's first foray into Mixed Reality (MR); the headset was first unveiled at IFA 2017. Apart from that, Asus also unveiled a few gaming accessories under the ROG brand, including an RGB mechanical keyboard, an RGB controller, a lighting accessory, and the Aura SDK program. Additionally, Asus showcased numerous gaming laptops, AiO PCs, and more at CES 2018.

One of the highlights of Asus' CES 2018 announcements was the new HC102 Windows Mixed Reality headset. It will be available in Q1 2018, according to Liliputing. Unlike other premium VR headsets in the market, the Asus Windows MR headset does not require any external peripherals or accessories. It has inside-out tracking that makes use of two front-mounted controllers on the headset. A 3D-polygonal pattern gives it one of the most unique designs in the Mixed Reality headset market. It will work with Windows 10 Fall Creators Update.

The headset has a 2.89-inch diagonal display, with a resolution of 1440x1440 per eye (1440x2880 combined) and a brightness of 100 nits. It also has a refresh rate of 90Hz and a 95-degrees field of view. Sensors on the Mixed Reality headset include Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Compass, and Proximity sensor. For connectivity, the HC102 features a 4 metre headset connection cable, an HDMI 2.0 port, a USB 3.0 port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The weight of the device is under 400 grams.

ROG Accessories

Asus ROG Strix Flare and ROG Aura Terminal

Under the Republic Of Gamers (ROG) brand, Asus announced the new Strix Flare RGB mechanical keyboard. The keyboard has Cherry MX RGB switches, dedicated media keys, a volume wheel (located on the upper left end), a USB pass-through port, and a detachable wrist rest. The Strix Flare keyboard comes equipped with Asus' proprietary Aura Sync lighting that lets users individually program RGB keys and LEDs to create a customised experience.

The ROG Spotlight is a new RGB accessory that projects the ROG logo on a wall or surface. It synchronises with Aura Sync on your system to enhance the gaming station. This accessory has a matte black finish, and can be attached to metallic surfaces with a magnetic base. With a 360-degree rotating angle, the ROG Spotlight can be used flexibly.

Equipped with ROG Halo technology, the new ROG Aura Terminal is a quad-channel addressable ROG controller incorporates lighting effects that are synchronised with the gameplay on the ROG system. Mounting LED strips on the back of the monitor will help the Terminal recognise the colours displayed on the edges of the display. It can then match them to light up the LED strip, creating a sort of immersive experience.

And, finally, Asus also showcased the Aura SDK program that enables developers and the company's hardware partners to integrate the synchronised Aura lighting technology on to their products. ROG has added numerous new capabilities to the Aura SDK program allowing third parties to make use of them during game production.