Asus has introduced a new lineup of monitors featuring built-in air purification, combining display technology with environmental health benefits. The VU Air Ionizer series includes three models: the 23.8-inch VU249HFI-W, the 27-inch VU279HFI-W, and the 34-inch VU34WCIP-W.
These displays come with an integrated “VU Air Ionizer” that, according to Asus, removes up to 90% of airborne dust and pollutants within a cubic meter over three hours. This feature aims to improve air quality, particularly for users in dusty environments, though air ionization technology remains a subject of debate in terms of its effectiveness.
The VU249HFI-W and VU279HFI-W use IPS panels with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, a 100Hz refresh rate, and a 1ms MPRT (Moving Picture Response Time). They offer a 1300:1 contrast ratio and 250 nits of brightness. Meanwhile, the VU34WCIP-W features a VA panel with a 3440 x 1440 resolution, a 21:9 ultrawide aspect ratio, a 100Hz refresh rate, and a 1ms MPRT. This model delivers a higher contrast ratio of 3000:1 and 300 nits of brightness, making it more suitable for deep blacks and high contrast visuals. All three monitors also come with Adaptive Sync support with variable refresh rate support.
Asus has priced the monitors competitively, with the VU249HFI-W starting at $129, the VU279HFI-W at $159, and the high-end VU34WCIP-W retailing for $359. These models are now available for purchase through Asus’s official channels and select retailers.
Beyond air purification, the monitors incorporate features such as SmoothMotion technology for fluid visuals and Color Vision Deficiency modes to aid users with color perception challenges. They also emphasize sustainability, with eco-friendly packaging that can be repurposed as document or laptop holders.
While the integration of an air purifier is a unique addition, the actual impact of air ionization remains uncertain. However, Asus’s VU Air Ionizer series stands out as an innovative approach to improving both display quality and workspace health.
Apple is less than a day away from launching its highly anticipated OLED MacBook Pro with a touch-sensitive screen. But it appears that the upgrade is going to cost a pretty penny. According to a report by Bloomberg, Apple is reportedly eyeing a starting price of $2,899 for the 14-inch MacBook Pro, while the 16-inch version could start at $3,399 in the US.
"At $2,899, the 14-inch model would mark the highest starting price for a new MacBook Pro model, surpassing the $2,799 Apple charged for a 17-inch version introduced in 2006," says the report. The report claims that Apple is targeting a minimum price hike of $400 for its upcoming redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.
I've spent a good amount of time digging into the spec sheet of the new M6 MacBook Pro (14-inch), and for all intents and purposes, this is a classic Apple "chip and connectivity" refresh. It's not a full redesign. The chassis, Liquid Retina XDR panel, speakers, ports, and battery, all of them carry over unchanged.
However, the M6 brings more cores, stronger on-device AI, higher memory bandwidth on the larger configs, and modern wireless. Here’s the practical rundown of what actually improved, and whether those gains are worth your money.
Two new highly requested iCloud plugins just got added to ChatGPT, giving people who rely on Apple’s Mail and Calendar services a way to search emails, check appointments, and manage their schedules directly through the chatbot.
The integration is rolling out to all ChatGPT plans, including the free tier. You can access it on the web, desktop, and iOS.