New in tech: Asus chromebox and Logitech bluetooth adapter

Asus chromebox

Home computers needn’t be expensive or complicated — that’s the message Asus is trying to convey by launching the Chromebox — a tiny (12 cm x 12 cm) computer powered by Google’s Chrome Operating System. Chrome includes all the apps you need to get started with basic work or play, communication and internet. Virus protection and multimedia features are built in too. You can use it with any existing monitor or TV and plug in any existing USB keyboard & mouse. A big bonus is the VESA mounting capability — if your monitor or TV supports this, it can be mounted discreetly behind the set for a clutter free look. The Celeron processor Chromebox is priced at Rs 21,000 while the Core i3 and Core i5 versions are priced at Rs 36,500 and Rs 58,000 respectively.

Logitech bluetooth adapter

Bluetooth is an easy way to stream audio — and most of your portable devices have it already. But what if your stereo system or home theatre doesn’t? Logitech offers a solution with this unobtrusive little gadget. It can pair with two of your devices at thesame time while a standard RCA or 3.5 mm output can supply the audio stream to an existing amplifier or set of speakers. Logitech says that the device provides a reliable connection within a distance of 50 feet (line of sight needed). A neat feature of the adapter is that if one of the paired devices goes out of range it automatically searches for and connects to other nearby paired devices.