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Asus Unveils Chromebook CX14 and CX15 Featuring Intel Celeron Processor, Alongside New Chromebook Plus Models

Asus has unveiled its latest Chromebook models, including the refreshed Chromebook CX14 and CX15 series, now powered by Intel Celeron processors. These new Chromebooks are available in two screen sizes: a 14-inch version for the CX14 and a 15.6-inch version for the CX15, both featuring Full HD screens. One standout design feature of these models is the 180-degree “lay-flat” hinge, which offers users flexibility in adjusting the screen angle for various viewing preferences. In addition to these models, Asus also introduced the Chromebook Plus lineup, which offers more powerful configurations with Intel Core 3 N355 CPUs and enhanced AI capabilities.

The Chromebook CX14 features a 14.0-inch Full HD IPS screen, offering a peak brightness of 300 nits and a 45% NTSC color gamut for a vibrant and clear display. The Chromebook CX15, on the other hand, sports a larger 15.6-inch Full HD display with the same specifications. Both models are powered by the Intel Celeron N4500 processor, paired with up to 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and up to 256GB of eMMC storage. For added security, the Chromebooks are equipped with a Titan C security chip, ensuring safe and secure usage.

Connectivity options on both the CX14 and CX15 include USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C with DisplayPort 1.2 support, an HDMI 1.4b port, and a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port. Additionally, they come with a 3.5mm headphone jack, a Kensington lock slot, and Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 support for fast and stable connections. For audio, both models are equipped with dual 2W stereo speakers and integrated dual microphones, along with Google Assistant support for hands-free operation. The laptops feature a full-sized Chiclet keyboard with 1.35mm key travel, ensuring a comfortable typing experience. Battery life is another key highlight, with the CX14 featuring a 42Wh battery and the CX15 coming with a 50Wh battery, both supporting USB Type-C charging.

As for the more premium Chromebook Plus models, they come equipped with Intel Core 3 N355 processors, offering improved performance and multitasking capabilities. These models are paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB of eMMC storage. Additionally, the Chromebook Plus series supports Wi-Fi 6E for faster internet speeds. One of the key features of the Chromebook Plus lineup is the inclusion of a 12-month Google One AI Premium plan, which gives users access to 2TB of cloud storage and advanced AI tools integrated into Gmail, Google Docs, and other Google apps. This adds value to the Chromebook Plus experience, providing access to AI-driven features that enhance productivity and efficiency.

Asus Launches V500 Mini Tower and S501 SFF PCs in India: Specs and Pricing Revealed

Asus has introduced two new desktop computing solutions in India—the V500 Mini Tower and the S501 Small Form Factor (SFF) PC. Designed to cater to home and everyday computing needs, both models offer powerful specifications in compact designs. The V500 Mini Tower is equipped with up to a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, supports DDR5 RAM, and includes a 512GB NVMe SSD. The S501 SFF PC, meanwhile, is powered by an Intel Core i5-14500 processor and comes with Intel UHD Graphics 770, making it a suitable choice for users seeking a balance of performance and efficiency.

In terms of pricing, Asus has positioned these desktops to appeal to a broad range of users. The V500 Mini Tower starts at ₹34,990 for the base model featuring an Intel Core i3-1315U processor, while the top-tier configuration with a Core i7-13620H is priced at ₹64,990. The more compact S501 SFF desktop starts at ₹42,990 for the Intel Core i3-14100 variant, and the Intel Core i5-14500 version is available for ₹55,990. Both devices can be purchased through Asus Exclusive Stores, authorised retailers, Amazon India, and the official Asus E-shop.

Looking at specifications, the V500 Mini Tower stands out with its upgradability and connectivity features. It includes 8GB of DDR5 RAM (expandable up to 64GB), 512GB of NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD storage, and additional M.2 NVMe slots for expansion. The desktop comes preloaded with Windows 11 Home and supports an upgrade to Windows 11 Pro. Connectivity options are robust, including Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, multiple USB ports (including USB 3.2 Type-C), HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, and audio jack support—all housed in a 15-liter chassis.

Meanwhile, the S501 SFF PC focuses on delivering strong multitasking capabilities within a smaller footprint. It also ships with 8GB of DDR5 RAM (expandable to 64GB) and 512GB of PCIe 4.0 SSD storage, which can be upgraded to 2TB. The 14-core Intel Core i5-14500 chip and integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770 provide ample power for productivity tasks. Like the V500, it comes with Windows 11 Home, but Asus suggests upgrading to Windows 11 Pro for business environments to unlock enhanced security and device management features.

Asus Hints at Upcoming ROG Ally Model, Potentially a Portable Xbox Handheld

Asus has given gamers a glimpse of its upcoming next-gen ROG Ally handheld gaming console, hinting at several exciting hardware upgrades ahead of the Nintendo Switch 2’s showcase. Initially introduced in 2023, the ROG Ally received a mid-cycle refresh last year, but the company is already looking forward to the next iteration. In a recent teaser video shared on social media, Asus showcased what could be a significant step forward in handheld gaming, with features like “marathon stamina,” “more capacity,” “faster speeds,” and a “fresh look.” These cryptic terms suggest that the next-gen ROG Ally will come with substantial performance improvements to enhance the overall gaming experience.

The teaser, posted on X (formerly Twitter), features Asus’ mascot, Omni, sitting at a machine displaying various performance upgrades. The video ends with a silhouette of the new handheld, its display showing Omni’s face. However, Asus has been tight-lipped about the specific details of the upcoming device, including the release date and hardware specifications. The mysterious nature of the teaser has sparked intrigue, leaving fans eagerly awaiting more information on what promises to be a powerful gaming device. Interestingly, the official Xbox account responded to the post with a meme, further fueling speculation about a possible collaboration between Asus and Xbox.

According to earlier reports, Asus is working on a new handheld gaming console that could carry the Xbox brand, codenamed “Project Kennan.” This device is said to combine the capabilities of Windows and Xbox, creating a hybrid experience that blends the best of both platforms. The handheld will likely run on Windows, with a new user interface (UI) that draws inspiration from the Xbox console’s design, offering a familiar environment for Xbox fans. This move could mark a significant step in the evolution of portable gaming, especially for those who enjoy the flexibility of accessing both Xbox and Windows games on the go.

Asus’ foray into the handheld gaming market with a potential Xbox-branded device raises interesting questions about the future of portable gaming. If the partnership with Xbox materializes, the new device could bring a seamless and powerful gaming experience to handhelds, challenging the dominance of the Nintendo Switch in this space. With both hardware improvements and a new user interface, Asus appears poised to offer a device that not only delivers in performance but also redefines the way we interact with handheld gaming consoles. While we await further details, the anticipation surrounding Asus’ next-gen ROG Ally is already building, setting the stage for a potential game-changer in portable gaming.