ASUS aimed to create a 'Zensation' at its Computex press event earlier today. Massively expanding the Zen range of devices ASUS Chairman Jonney Shih presented new smartphones, tablets, a smartwatch and All-in-One (AiO) PCs. The devices are trumpeted as bringing "a compelling balance of power and beauty, and perfectly embody our In Search of Incredible vision," according to Mr Shih.
ZenFone Selfie
This is a new photo-centric smartphone which boasts a 13MP PixelMaster camera on both front and back. For the ultimate selfies with realistic skin tones ASUS has equipped a dual-colour, dual LED Real Tone flash. There's a selfie panorama mode to offer a 140-degree FOV from the usually 88-degree FOV f2.2 lens. Once you have your selfie ASUS suggests you process it through the "brilliant ZenUI Beautification mode for live digital cosmetics". The rear camera features an f/2.0 aperture lens and laser auto-focus technology for fast focussing, even in low light.
Other key features of this new ASUS smartphone include; a 64-bit octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 processor, 5.5-inch 1920 x 1080 Full HD IPS display, Corning Gorilla Glass 4.
ZenPad Tablets
ASUS's new range of premium tablets come in three sizes; the 7-inch ZenPad 7.0 (Z370C/CG/CL), the 8-inch ZenPad 8.0 (Z380C/KL) and ZenPad S 8.0 (Z580C/CA) with optional Z Stylus, and the 10-inch ZenPad 10.1 (Z300C/CG/CL) with an optional keyboard. Models with Wi-Fi/LTE and 3G connectivity will be available and you can make phone calls on them if you wish.
All of the tablets are said to provide exceptional entertainment capabilities thanks to their ASUS TruVivid screens with ASUS Tru2Life colour. They are said to be the first tablets that incorporate DTS Premium Sound technology with a built-in DTS-HD codec.
The ZenPad 8 offers embossed-leather styling and ergonomic round edges to its polished metallic frame. It has interchangeable back covers which can offer premium or futuristic styles. Furthermore it can be functionally expanded with an 'Audio Cover' providing 5.1-channel surround sound. Another cover called the 'Power Cover' extends battery life to provide about 15 hours in total.
ASUS says the ZenPad S delivers the "ultimate style and beauty together with extreme performance". It's only 6.6mm thick with a diamond-cut metallic edge and weighs in at 298g. This tablet uses a 2K QXGA (1536x 2048) IPS display and is powered by a 64-bit Intel Atom Z3580 processor paired with 4GB of RAM. An optional Z Stylus lets you ink on the screen with 1024 levels of pressure sensitivity.
Zen AiO Series
ASUS has decided to make a range of premium AiO PCs under the Zen sub-brand. Initially only available in 23.8-inch (Zen AiO Z240IC) and 21.5-inch (Zen AiO Z220IC) screen sizes, these are said to offer the "perfect balance of beauty and performance for the ultimate home-computing experience". They look rather swish with their unibody anodized-aluminium construction which tapers down to 6mm at the edges. The style is complemented by a concentric circle Zen back and a matching integral stand.
Buyers will be able to specify latest generation Intel processors up to and including Core i7 chips. Dedicated Nvidia GeForce GTX 960M graphics with up to 4GB of video memory complements the Intel CPU muscle. Users can specify up to 32GB DDR4 memory and up to PCIe Gen 3 x4 SSD storage. USB 3.1 gen 2 is equipped allowing transfers of up to 10Gbit/s and it also boasts the reversible USB 3.1 Type-C connectors.
Both systems are equipped with a 16 watt six speaker array with excellent stereo separation. The larger Zen AiO Z240IC is also equipped with an Intel RealSense 3D camera for 3D facial recognition, motion sensing and more.
ZenWatch 2
ASUS's ZenWatch 2 builds upon its first wearable's design and now offers a refined design, improved user experience and new functionality. Improvements include a new magnetic charger and all-new Wellness smartphone app. It is an Android Wear powered device and is made to help wearers get things done with a simple touch or voice command.
Said to be crafted with high quality materials and with attention to detail, ASUS is making the ZenWatch 2 available in two sizes, three stainless steel crown colours and 18 strap and material colour combinations. Straps can be chosen from various leather, rubber and metal options. The IP67 water-resistant watch uses Gorilla Glass 3 to keep its face scratch free.
