Asus releases new ZenWatch
Asus revealed the ZenWatch at IFA 2014, and while it sports the more standard rectangular display, it features a curved 2.5D design (it’s 1.63″, 320×320, 278ppi display sits behind a curved piece of glass for a Gorilla Glass 3). The focus here is on looks – with the curved glass, a stainless back cover, and a tan leather strap with an Asus-labelled buckle. Internals are pretty standard Android Wear-fare, with 4GB storage, 512mb of ram, and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor. It includes a heart-rate sensor.
The software on the ZenWatch is the standard Android Wear, but would use a version of Asus ZenUI which is customised for wearables. There will also be a number of default Asus ZenUI apps, such as their Wellness feature, which would help users track steps taken, calories burned, exercise duration, heart rate, exercise intensity, and relaxation level. It would be interesting to see what they mean by relaxation level.
Overall, the ZenWatch does look rather nice, with Asus emphasizing on doing up the fashion touches. It has additional detailing with stitching on the strap and exposed screws on the watch back to mirror other contemporary watch designs. It’s a huge watch though, and might look slightly out of place if you have a small wrist.
No word on release date or worldwide pricing, but will update once we have more information – we know the ZenWatch will cost €200 in Europe.
ASUS ZenWatch, the perfect smart companion
ASUS ZenWatch is the first wearable device from ASUS, powered by Android Wear and featuring a version of the ASUS ZenUI user interface developed specifically for ZenWatch. This exquisitely-crafted and slim device pairs seamlessly with a smartphone running Android™ 4.3 or higher to provide relevant and useful information when it is needed most, and also to serve as a personal wellness manager in conjunction with the ASUS ZenUI Wellness app.
Explaining the design philosophy of the ZenWatch concept, Mitch Yang said “Our design philosophy is Start with People. We want to deliver a seamless digital experience for everyone to enjoy. With our ZenWatch, you will always be connected to everything that matters in your life.”
ZenWatch brings the luxury tradition of fine watchmaking to Android Wear, with an elegant, detail-focused design and use of high-quality materials. It is designed for supreme comfort, with a soft genuine stitched-leather strap and quick-release clasp. The 2.5D curved glass increases usability with a smooth and responsive touch experience. ZenWatch comes with a selection of instantly-changeable software watch faces, allowing users to customize ZenWatch easily to match their style.
ZenWatch is much more than a sophisticated timepiece. With a range of practical smart features, including Watch Unlock, Tap Tap, Remote Camera, Cover to Mute, Find My Phone and Presentation Control, ZenWatch is the perfect smart companion. Its seamless integration with ASUS ZenUI adds even more functionality for owners of ASUS smartphones, letting users enjoy enhanced versions of exclusive ASUS ZenUI apps such as What’s Next and Do It Later.
Thanks to its integrated 9-axis sensor, ZenWatch is also a fully-featured wellness manager. The companion ASUS ZenUI Wellness app lets users monitor and track a range of wellness statistics including steps taken, calories burned, activity duration, heart rate, exercise intensity and relaxation level. Users can set and monitor personal fitness goals with ease, and see their progress at a glance.
ZenWatch raises the bar on what users should expect from wearable devices, showcasing the power of the ASUS ‘design thinking’ philosophy and ushering in a new era of true luxury and sophistication.