Asus Cetra Open Earbuds Highlight Shift Toward Situational Awareness in Gaming
AI-generated image · Bay Street Wire
The rise of open-style audio allows gamers to blend immersive console soundscapes with real-world environmental noise.
The gaming hardware market is seeing a pivot toward open-ear audio, as exemplified by the Asus Cetra Open wireless earbuds. Unlike traditional headsets, these earbuds feature drivers that sit outside the ear, a design that allows external sounds to mix with audio from a gaming console. According to reporting from The Verge, this functionality is specifically geared toward users who prefer to remain aware of their surroundings while playing games or listening to podcasts.
Beyond the open-ear design, the Cetra Open are compatible with a wide range of hardware, including the PlayStation 5, PC, Nintendo Switch 2, and Steam Deck, as well as mobile phones. The device includes a USB-C 2.4GHz transmitter that supports up to 60W of passthrough charging, allowing users to charge their device while playing, though the port does not support data transfer. For those using the earbuds for physical activity, Asus includes a reflective band to link the buds behind the neck for increased stability and visibility.
As reported by The Verge, the earbuds feature deep customization via browser or mobile apps and respectable battery life. While the standard price is $230 via Asus, the earbuds have recently been discounted to $206.99 at Best Buy and Amazon.