Microsoft's futuristic HoloLens headset is getting some competition

ASUS has announced that it is making an augmented reality headset that would compete with Microsoft's HoloLens, CNET reports.

Details on the headset, which will come out "next year" according to Asus CEO Jerry Shen, are light. It will run Windows Holographic - just like the HoloLens does - and it will likely be cheaper than Microsoft's version, given ASUS' computing heritage.

Shen announced the plans during the company's earnings webcast. "It should be next year when we come out with a product. We think AR will be very important for people's lives," said Shen.

HoloLens has no official release date for consumers but a $3,000 (£1,900) "Developer Edition" model is coming in early 2016. If HoloLens is delayed until 2017 for consumers, then ASUS could be the first to market with an augmented reality headset.