Razer has announced a stacked slate of new products at CES 2023, from stuff we knew about like the Razer Edge handheld to brand-new ideas like Project Carol. There’s a lot to be excited about here, so we’ve broken down each announcement below.
The Razer Edge Gets A Release Date
Razer announced the Edge and Edge 5G a few months ago, entering the dedicated Android cloud gaming handheld race alongside the likes of the Logitech G Cloud.
For its own take, Razer’s Edge handheld is a a 6.8″ tablet that has a 144Hz AMOLED, 2400×1080 display as well as a Snapdragon G3x Gen 1 processor with active cooling and a Kishi V2 Pro controller.
Both the Razer Edge and Edge 5G are set to release in US markets on January 26th, with the Edge retailing at $399.99 USD (approx $600 AUD). Pricing for the Edge 5G and local availability for both models are yet to be revealed.
New Razer Blade 16 And Razer Blade 18 Gaming Laptops
Razer has unveiled two new models in its ultra-thin Razer Blade gaming laptop line at CES 2023, with the brand new Razer Blade 16 and Razer Blade 18.
Both machines are a slight shift in size for the Blade range, with each sporting a 16:10 display and the Razer Blade 18 being the company’s largest model yet in terms of screen real estate.
Both the Razer Blade 16 and Blade 18 will carry the newest 13th gen Intel Core chipsets and NVIDIA RTX 40-series GPUs, with upgradeable DDR5 5600Mhz memory. Razer says these new models also represent breakthroughs in design and thermal regulation.
Both laptops will be launching in Q1 2023 with local pricing and availability to come.
The Razer Leviathan V2 Pro Is A Head Tracking Soundbar
Partnering with THX and Audioscenic, Razer has created a soundbar that aims to deliver a fantastic surround soundstage in a desktop soundbar that intelligently keeps the user in the sweet spot for the best sound experience. It works by using an integrated IR camera to adjust the beamformed audio in real-time to the users’ position, combining it with THX Spatial Audio for both stereo and multi-channel content to provide full immersive audio.
Like the standard Leviathan V2, the Pro model includes a dedicated subwoofer and Razer Chroma RGB, with 30 lighting zones this time (up from 18).
The Leviathan V2 Pro is set to launch in February 2023 at an RRP of $399.99 USD (approx $600 AUD). We’ll endeavour to update this story once local pricing and availability is revealed. You can learn more here.
Project Carol Is A Gaming Chair Head Cushion With Surround Sound And Haptic Feedback
Aside from being named after somebody’s mum, this concept from Razer’s R&D division is a unique marriage of the gaming brand’s audio prowess and its recent forays into the world of gaming chairs.
The idea is simple enough – a headrest that attaches to existing chairs (designed with Razer’s range in mind, of course) that offers near-field surround sound combined with Razer’s existing HyperSense haptic technology to put players’ heads right in the game.
Of course, it’s little more than a concept for now and not a product you’ll be able to pick up any time soon, but if you’re keen to read more about the project you can do that right here.
The Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra Has The Largest-Ever Sensor In A Webcam
The new big boi in the Razer Kiyo range, the Kiyo Pro Ultra sports an ultra-large Sony 1/1.2″ STARVIS 2 sensor with a customer F/1.7 aperture lens to capture more detail and more light than other high-end webcams.
The built-in processor can push through uncompressed 4K/24, 1440p/30 or 1080p/60 video directly into streams as well as powering AI Face Tracking auto-focus without the need for added hardware or software. The processor will also automatically adjust lighting and contrast with HDR support and can be tweaked further using the Razer Synapse software.
The Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra is available now in select regions for $299.99 USD (approx $440 USD)
Razer Has New Meta Quest 2 Accessories On The Way
Lastly, Razer has announced two custom accessories for the ever-popular Meta Quest 2 – the Razer Adjustable Head Strap System and the Razer Facial Interface, both of which sound far scarier than they actually are.
The Adjustable Head Strap System aims to provide optimised weight distribution for Meta’s VR headset while providing comfort and reliability during gameplay and an easy slip-on fit.
The Facial Interface uses ultra-thin, textured membranes made of hypoallergenic materials to reduce skin irritation and provide extra facial comfort, while also blocking out light without sacrificing ventilation.
Both of these are aimed to be available in US markets in Q1 2023 with other regions coming later.
