Asus seem to have their sights set on the home cinema market with the release of their new VivoPC computer, a small-form-factor machine that looks destined to be used as a media streamer in the living room.
Finished in aluminum and measuring just 190 x 190 x 36.2mm, it’s a dinky little machine housing an unspecified Intel processor (here’s hoping for Haswell) and Intel HD graphics, running Windows 8.
802.11ac Wi-Fi is onboard, further boosting its streaming credentials, while the chasis is designed to allow for the easy installation of both 3.5 and 2.5-inch SATA hard drives. Around the back is a pair of USB 3.0 ports, four USB 2.0 ports and an SD card slot alongside a pair of HDMI ports and a VGA connector. SonicMaster audio tech should help deliver impressive sound from the box too.
Alongside the VivoPC launches the VivoMouse, a striking pointer that looks to be the Windows 8 equivalent of Apple’s Magic Mouse.
Again made from aluminium, it has a large circular touchpad on its top for triggering multi-touch gesture commands, while it can also be used as a conventional mouse too, with its wireless abilities making it a good match for the living-room targeted VivoPC.
No pricing yet, but expect to see the pair land sometime in Q3 of this year.
