Zenfone Smartphone series released at the CES

ASUS announced ZenFone at 6th January, a brand-new high-value smartphone series that offers a choice of screen sizes from 4 to 6 inches and is available in an array of striking colors — meaning there’s a ZenFone for everyone.

ZenFone also introduces ZenUI, a sublime new user interface that’s exclusive to ASUS smart devices. With simplified icons and menus, a selection of themes beautifully designed to match the device colors and a clever What’s Next feature that helps users keep track of their lives, ZenUI is the irresistible front end of these irresistible new devices — and proof that fantastic functionality can have a friendly face.

Design : 

The ZenFone 6, as its name suggests, has a 6-inch HD, IPS display with a 1,280x720-pixel resolution. As the biggest handset of the trio, I found this 'phablet' to be too wide and unwieldy; operating it with just my thumb was out of the question. However, it's understandable that someone with bigger hands than mine will find the 6 more comfortable.

Meanwhile, the ZenFone 5 has the same resolution on a 5-inch display. Due to its much more manageable size, this is the ZenFone I would get. Weighing in at a bit over 5 ounces, however, the device is notably heavier than most phones its size. Though, I didn't find its weight to be too much of detriment during my brief time with it.

Lastly, there's the 4-inch variant. With its 800x480-pixel resolution, the smartphone has the "grainiest" display of the three. I couldn't like it after handling the other two sharper handsets, but if you're on a budget, the ZenFone 4 would be the way to go.

Software :

All three ZenFone products use "ZenUI," a new interface overlay along the lines of TouchWiz or Sense, on top of Android 4.3. This includes the usual customized apps for the dialer, email, web browser, and gallery, but there are a few notable additions. The Omlet Chat app is your basic free chat app that competes with Hangouts and WhatsApp, and the Smart Reader Mode will adjust the tone of the screen to (hopefully) reduce eye strain.

Core components and features :

All three handsets launch with Asus' Zen user interface and Android 4.3, but the company reports that users can upgrade to 4.4 KitKat later on. They also are HSPA+ enabled and have 1GB of RAM. MicroSD card slots that are expandable up to 64GB, and dual micro-SIM ports are included as well.

Other than that, however, the devices do differ in terms of specs, in certain ways. The ZenFone 6, for instance, is the most high-end. Powering its innards is a 2GHz Intel Atom Z2580 processor and a 3,230mAh battery. It comes with the 720p resolution and it’s a plastic build body and is one of the lightest 6 inch phone which is weighting about 200 grams

For photo capturing and video recording, users can operate its 13-megapixel rear-facing camera, as well as its 2-megapixel front-facing shooter. The handset also comes with Asus' SonicMaster audio technology, which reportedly enhances sound quality. It will be available in black, white, red, and gold.

Though it has the same CPU and glove-touch capabilities, the ZenFone 5 has a less powerful 2,050mAh battery.

The ZenFone 5's camera equipment has also been scaled back. Namely, the rear-facing camera has been decreased to 8 megapixels, while the front-facing camera has a 2-megapixel lens. The ZenFone 5 will have also have an additional blue model.

Lastly, the PadFone 4 is powered by a 1.2GHz Intel Atom Z2520 processor and a 1,170mAh battery. On the back you'll find a 5-megapixel camera and the front features a 0.3-megapixel camera. It will be available in black, white, red, blue, and yellow. Quick look at the specifications

SPECIFICATIONS

ZenFone 4

·  4” WVGA 800 x 480-pixel TFT display ·  1.2GHz Intel Atom Z2520 CPU with Quad-Thread     Hyper-Threading Technology ·  Android 4.3 (will update to Android 4.4 KitKat) ·  GSM/GPRS/EDGE; WCDMA/HSPA+ ·  DC-HSPA+ (DL/UL): 42/5.76 Mbps ·  Integrated 802.11b/g/n; Wi-Fi Direct ·  5-megapixel rear camera ·  0.3-megapixel front camera ·  1GB RAM ·  1170mAh battery ·  Up to 64GB micro SD card ·  124.4 x 61.4 x 11.2-6.3mm ·  115g ZenFone 5 ·  5” HD 1280 x 720-pixel IPS display ·  2GHz Intel Atom Z2580 CPU with Quad-Thread     Hyper-Threading Technology ·  Android 4.3 (will update to Android 4.4 KitKat) ·  GSM/GPRS/EDGE; WCDMA/HSPA+ ·  DC-HSPA+ (DL/UL): 42/5.76 Mbps ·  Integrated 802.11b/g/n; Wi-Fi Direct ·  8-megapixel rear camera ·  2-megapixel front camera ·  1GB RAM ·  2050mAh battery ·  Up to 64GB micro SD card ·  148.2 x 72.8 x 10.3-5.5mm ·  144g

ZenFone 6

·  6inh HD 1280 x 720-pixel IPS display ·  2GHz Intel Atom Z2580 CPU with Quad-Thread     Hyper-Threading  Technology ·  Android 4.3 (will update to Android 4.4 KitKat) ·  GSM/GPRS/EDGE; WCDMA/HSPA+ ·  DC-HSPA+ (DL/UL): 42/5.76 Mbps ·  Integrated 802.11b/g/n; Wi-Fi Direct ·  13-megapixel rear camera ·  2-megapixel front camera ·  1GB RAM ·  3230mAh battery ·  Up to 64GB micro SD card ·  166.9 x 84.3 x 9.9-5.5mm ·  200g

Pricing and final thoughts :

As of now, Asus has not mentioned any information about US pricing or availability. The ZenFone 4, 5, and 6 will launch in Asia in the next few months, with unsubsidized prices equivalent to about $99, $149, and $199, respectively.

That range is pretty inexpensive, considering that big handsets in the US, like the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, MOTO G and the LG Optimus G Pro run about $99.99 to $299.99 with a carrier contract. If the ZenFone does ever make it to the US and keeps these price points, it will definitely be an edge for Asus. This devices are supposed to be released in the mid of year probably April.

Published on: 2:41 PM 0

10 Gadgets that caught our eye in 2013

2013 was a great year for exciting gadgets, and we've compiled a list of some of the most interesting products which caught our eye.

 Sony Lens Cameras:  

The Japanese electronics giant introduced a novel concept at IFA 2013 – what it called ‘Lens Cameras'. Meant as accessories for smartphones and tablets, the Lens Cameras enhanced the imaging experience of these devices. Interestingly, they can also be used cameras independently of any other device. The cameras work with Android and iOS devices able to support the Sony PlayMemories app.

 YotaPhone: 

Created by Yota Devices, a subsidiary of Russian wireless internet provider Yota, the YotaPhone is one of the most innovative smartphones to have been launched in 2013, featuring a novel dual-display configuration – an always-on E-Ink display on one side, and a regular LCD on the other. The phone's USP is its 'always on' feature, which Yota Devices says is a glaring omission in modern smartphones.

 Pebble:    

A smartwatch that seems to offer a wider-feature set than its counterparts from major manufacturers, namely Samsung and Sony, the Pebble smartwatch was started as a kickstarter project in 2012, but quickly raised sufficient funding, entering mass production in January 2013.

 Leap Motion:    

A motion sensor that enables a gesture control interface, with 10-point inputs, the Leap Motion 3D controller for Mac and PC uses an infrared sensor, and multiple cameras to operate. Apart from converting Mac and PC computers into gesture controlled devices, it also features an app store called Airspace, to truly explore and utilise the novel control mechanism.

 Google Chromecast:  

In July 2013, Google unveiled its $35 Chromecast streaming dongle that lets users stream Internet content from their smartphones, tablets and personal computers to their TVs. Called a smart, and disruptive gadget, it is Google's latest foray in the living room, where once it had failed with Google TV.

 Oculus Rift:  

While virtual reality (VR) is almost an ancient concept in technology timescales, it has yet to hit the mainstream, with display and control issues stopping it from mass adoption. The Oculus Rift, a VR goggle, is one of the most serious attempts at bringing VR to reality, and while it is still in its early stages, it has received critical acclaim, and solid funding to proceed.

 Nvidia Shield:   

Initially started as a concept project, and now available in only Hong Kong and the US, the Nvidia Shieldis anticipated to be launched on a wider scale in the near future. The portable gaming device features a flip-top display and full-fledged game controller, allowing users to play their favourite Android games on it, apart from, more excitingly, allowing users to stream their PC games onto the device, whilst connected on the same Wi-Fi network.

 PaperTab:   

One of the most exciting products to be showcased in 2013, the PaperTab is certainly a glimpse of the future – a paper-thin flexible tablet that can be twisted and dropped. Shown off at CES 2013, the tablet was developed by Queen's University in Canada in collaboration with Plastic Logic and Intel Labs. It features a 10.7-inch plastic display and a second generation Intel Core i5 processor.

 Samsung Curved OLED:   

Ushering in a new way to watch television, Samsung (and soon after, LG), launched the world's first curved OLED TV at CES 2013. According to Samsung, the curved panel provides more depth to the content displayed, for a more life-like viewing experience. It also provides an immersive panorama effect.

 HAPIfork:   

Looking to optimise your eating habits? This fork will help you. Called HAPIfork, it's a fork with a fat handle containing electronics and a battery, powering a motion sensor. If you're eating too fast, the fork will vibrate as a warning. The company behind it, HapiLabs, believes that using the fork 60 to 75 times during meals that last 20 to 30 minutes is ideal for optimum digestion.

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Published on: 5:59 AM 0