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Sunday, June 20, 2021
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ZenFone 3 With Snapdragon 821 Chip Showcased by Asus

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Asus unveils new ZenFone 3 with Snapdragon chip.

The ZenFone 3 series looks amazing, especially the Deluxe with the Snapdragon 821 chip.

Asus showcased its newest mobile device, the ZenFone 3. The technical specs are absolutely glorious. The price tag is not for the weak of heart. The phone will be available for purchase in Taiwan initially, and will hit the US markets later in 2016.

The ZenFone 3 Deluxe is Asus’ new pride and joy, as it should be.

What Makes A ZenFone?

The phone will be the first model ever to have Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 821 SoC. The chip has an amazing 2.4 GHz Kyro quad-core CPU, an enhanced graphics engine allowing for 4K video processing on proxy displays, and a modem that supports up to 600 Mbps download speed.

Accompanying the Snapdragon 821, the ZenFone 3 Deluxe boasts 6GB of DDR4 RAM.

Concerning storage capacity, Asus set up a comfortable 256 GB of UFS 2.0, but it also has an additional SIM slot which can host a microSD card with up to 128 GB of storage.

The additional SIM slot and the epic modem do also enable the ZenFone 3 to access privately managed cloud in ways smart device owners could only dream.

The display is a 5.7-inch screen. The Deluxe model comes with the Full-HD AMOLED display.

The front camera has an 8-megapixel range, while the back sensor is a 23-megapixel Sony model. Asus demonstrated the 4K video capture of the camera along with the flawless Snapdragon video processing on an external display.

The 3,000 mAh power source is medium-sized, and Asus stated heating should not be an issue.

Asus is running Zen UI on the ZenFone 3 Deluxe. The OS was built using the architecture of the Android 6.0 Marshmallow.

The Price Of Luxury

As previously stated, the price tag is not for the weak. In the United States, the Asus ZenFone 3 Deluxe is going to be ranging close to $780. In August in Taiwan, the price range will be the regional equivalent.  Pre-ordering in Taiwan will be available until the end of July.

In regards to the price tag, an initial overview may look it appear quite steep but the tech is brand new and cannot really be easily outmatched. This is one of the most outstanding Android phones to be available this year in terms of looks, design, and performance.

During the same presentation, Asus did mention upcoming development of the ZF3 Ultra, The ZenPad 3S 10 was also presented to the public, but the tablet did not sport tech anyway near as impressive as the ZenFone 3 Deluxe.

Image Courtesy of YouTube.

Asus PadFone X Mini is a Smartphone and a Tablet, but not a Phablet

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Earlier this year we discussed the Asus Chromebook and how it was possibly bringing the old PC back and today we’ve got more Asus news. Asus has launched the Asus PadFone X Mini, which is both a smartphone and a tablet, but it’s not a phablet.

How’s that, you may be thinking? Well, it’s a smartphone that slides into a docking station with a screen and becomes a tablet. That’s quite an innovative idea, isn’t it? Let’s take a look at the new Asus PadFone X Mini!

Asus PadFone X Mini

Asus and AT&T have announced that the Asus PadFone X Mini is going to be available in the U.S. starting with October 24 for the price of $199.99 with no contract on the GoPhone prepaid plans of AT&T. The Asus PadFone X Mini is an entry-level smartphone that comes with a docking station that transforms it into a tablet. The docking station has a display that allows this transformation to happen.

Asus PadFone X Mini

The Asus PadFone X Mini is not too shabby when it comes to technical specifications: it features 1 GB of RAM, 8 GB of internal memory, a dual-core 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor and a 4.5-inch display that has a resolution of 853×480 pixels. Granted, this is not the best smartphone on the market, nor does it want to be. The Asus PadFone is happy to be average in the tech specs domain, just because it’s not average at all as a device.

Its docking station that makes the Asus PadFone X Mini a cool tablet, features a 7’’ display that has a resolution of 1280×800 pixels with its own 2,200mAh battery. For the first time, a docking station improves the tech specs of a device.

The Asus PadFone X Mini also has a 5MP back camera and a 2MP front-facing camera with its own 2,060mAh battery.

Are you interesting in getting the Asus PadFone X Mini? Drop us a line in the comment section below and tell us about it.

Nexus 10 out of stock on Google Play, pointing at new model incoming

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nexus-10

Google has had regular bursts of unavailable directory when it comes to the Nexus 10, but now the Google Play page says the larger stock Android tablet is completely out of stock, pointing at the next generation model coming sometime soon.

The U.S Google Play store is showing both the 16GB and 32GB Nexus 10 out of stock and has no time when it will be back in stock. We are sure this was not some big order sweeping all the available units, but instead Google deciding it was time to stop the sales.

We have been waiting for a Nexus 10 refresh for some time, back when the Nexus 5 and Android KitKat 4.4 was unveiled, Sundar Pichai said the update was coming soon, but that was about four months ago and we still have nothing on the new tablet.

There was rumor going around saying Samsung would announce the next generation Nexus 10 at CES last week, but that never happened either. Either Google is stalling or they have simply given up on the Nexus 10, which could also be a possibility considering it was not the best selling tablet.

The problem with the Nexus 10 was the real lack of things to do – if seven-inch Android apps looked bad, then ten-inch Android apps looked awful. At the time the Nexus 10 was released, Android had serious problems on the developer side, with hardly any good tablet applications.

Android has continue to grow and we are seeing more developers start to make tablet user interfaces, instead of blow-up smartphone applications. We are also seeing new optimisation tools and more services available for tablets on Android, making the Nexus 10 more of a exciting prospect.

We still do not know the manufacturer or the release date – it could be Samsung or ASUS making the Nexus 10 and we will not know until it is finally revealed. Mobile World Congress may be the stage where it is finally announced or Google may hold their own event.

Asus Windows 8.1 tablet rumored with Wacom stylus support

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asus-vivotab-note-8Asus may not be ready to jump into the shackles of Windows RT, but the company is more than ready to continue expanding their line of Windows 8 tablets and new rumors point to an eight-inch Windows 8.1 tablet with a stylus incoming for the holiday season.

Named the Asus VivoTab Note 8, the Windows 8.1 device will come into the cheap end of the tablet environment. There is not a lot to go on, apart from the fact Asus obviously want to make more Windows 8.1 devices and the cheap end of the market seems to be drawing more customers in.

The Asus VivoTab Note 8 will come with a 1280 x 800 resolution display, Intel’s latest Bay Trail processor, 2GB of RAM, 32GB or 64GB of internal storage and a Wacom stylus. Styluses have become commonplace on most Windows 8.1 tablets, with many OEM partners picking them up.

Microsoft has already semi-released the tablet, putting the device on their “feature devices” list for the holiday season. This has given away the $299 price point Asus is going to hit with the VivoTab Note 8, a little higher than the Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire HDX and a little lower than most Windows 8.1 tablets.

Asus will look to get the VivoTab Note 8 out to the consumers at CES in January, but the device may already be available to purchase before that date. The VivoTab Note 8 doesn’t really have any impressive features, apart from the Wacom stylus.

The resolution is not as good as the Kindle Fire HDX, iPad Mini with Retina Display or the Nexus 7 (2013) and Intel Bay Trail is a little behind the Snapdragon 800 in terms of raw speed and performance, even though the difference may not be noticeable.

Windows 8.1 may be appealing to some users, but we would say the experience may be a little clunky in areas, especially if you try to do anything over the normal web browsing and using dedicated Windows 8.1 applications.

Asus Memo Pad HD 7 Now on Sale For $149

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Asus has launched the MeMO Pad HD 7 tablet which was first unveiled at the Computex event held last month. The device sports a highly affordable price tag of $149 which in turn pitches the device in direct competition with the myriad of low cost tablet that has invaded the market off late but also the Nexus 7 which it makes for Google. In fact, the MeMO Pad HD 7 is designed to be an alternative to the Nexus 7 and includes features specifically missing on the Google tablet.

Asus-MeMO-Pad-HD-7

Spec wise, the MeMO Pad HD 7 comes with a 7 inch IPS display having a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels. Powering the device is a quad-core SoC rated at 1.2 GHz and is aided by a 1 GB RAM. Onboard storage amounts to 16 GB but can be enhanced further by way of micro sd cards to up to 32 GB, something that’s impossible with the Nexus 7. The MeMO Pad HD 7 also comes with a 1.2 mp camera mounted on the front to allow for video chats. That’s not all for the MeMO Pad HD 7 also includes a 5 mp camera at the rear as well, something missing on the Nexus 7.

Other features of the MeMO Pad HD 7 include Bluetooth 4.0 (Nexus 7 offer Bluetooth 3.0), Wireless N, as well as a micro USB slot. Asus is also claiming a better battery backup time of up to 10 hours for the MeMO Pad HD 7 compared to the Nexus 7 that manages about 8 hours. What further adds to the appeal of the 7 inch Asus tablet is the choice of colors it comes in. These being pink, green and black which compares favorably with the Nexus 7 that is only available in black.

Asus is also offering an optional “protective TransCover with microfiber interior” with the MeMO Pad HD 7 which can also act as a stand for the device. This will come in handy when the device is used to watch videos and so on.

Asus Fonepad Released Date Rumors – Earlier than Expected?

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Are you one of the eager customers of Asus Fonepad? If yes, you might find this blast an exciting one! According to the latest buzz, the said handset may be hitting UK this April. Evidently, Cardphone Warehouse revealed that this gadget is currently marked as “coming soon” in the shelves. Yes, you’ve heard it right. It will be available in the market earlier than anticipated.

We had a first sight on this handset during the Mobile Congress 2013, together with the Asus Padfone Inifinity. At that time, the company estimated that the release date will be on the late second quarter. But now, we are going to have it this month.
ASUS-Fonepad-02
Asus Fonepad is a combination of a tablet and a Smartphone since you can make calls out of this device. It is actually a potential way to eliminate the need of two gadgets- Smartphone and tablet. However, for a 7-in handset, making calls is not an ideal function. Just try to visualize a book sticking to the side of your face- how awful isn’t it?

Talking about its specification, here are some of them: 1280 x 800 pixel LCD screen, a 3-megapixel rear camera, a 1.2-megapixel webcam, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of internal memory, and a microSD slot for expanded file storage. It is just like the usual Android tablet in the market.

As I went to different reviews regarding the specs of Asus Fonepad, plenty of writers commented that this Fonepad is fairly similar to Nexus 7. Just so you know Asus is also the manufacturing company of Nexus 7, though it is branded as a “Google” device.

Asus Rolls out Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2 For Transformer Pad Tablet – The First Non Nexus Brand to do so

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Asus has announced that it is rolling out an update for its entry-level TF300 Transformer Pad tablet that will bring the product up to Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2. That is some pretty fast updating on the part of Asus, and we are sure such rapid upgrade roll-outs could teach a few tech companies out there a thing or two (ahem, Samsung!).

Asus has brought the fireworks too, with the full Jelly Bean 4.2.2 experience, complete with actionable notifications, multiple user accounts and a bunch of other feature goodies. Of course, as a part of the newer Jelly Bean experience TF300 Transformer owners will also get all the aesthetic updates such as smooth Bluetooth connectivity and an improved interface.

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The update is rolling out now and is currently available in the United States and the great news is that it is available as an over the air download straight to the device. Asus was kind enough to tell us that other regions will get the update in the coming days/weeks and that other products will also be getting Jelly Bean 4.2.2 such as Transformer Pad Infinity, MeMO Pad Smart 10, and the original MeMO Pad.

We have to praise Asus for rolling this update out so quickly. The only other devices running Google’s latest Android are the Nexus 4, Nexus 10, Nexus 7, and the Samsung Galaxy Nexus (apart from Verizon versions) which of course are all built by Google. Asus has a reputation for quick updates, but this time it has outdone itself as Jelly Bean 4.2.2 only hit the Nexus products two weeks ago.

We thought a major manufacturer such as Sony, LG, or Samsung would get in first with the roll out but Asus seems to have beaten them all. So well done Asus, and now we are waiting to see other companies follow suit.

Asus considering windows 8 smart phones

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Asus,the Taiwanese company, brought out the Windows 8 and Nexus 7 for a far reaching influence on technology.The company has been successful in launching the 7 inch tablet in established markets.Asus has been eyeing the lesser known markets to bring out the 7 inch tablet at cheaper rates.

The company, which is known by its tablets and computers, is a major globalcompany.It has earlier come out with Padfones and Padfone 2 in its bid to establish itself as a smart phone manufacturer.It has so far not been successful in tapping this market. Asus is not giving up its attempts to try this out.

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Asus wants a pie in the smart phone market.The latest trend has seen a dip inthe computer sales.It is the smart phones and tablets that have recently made their presence felt all over the globe.

Since its launch of Windows 8, Asus is planning to bring out a Windows Phone 8 as a Padfone.The Padfone and Padfone 2 are devices that can be converted into a tablet when you place them on a dock.

In a bid to tap the market, Asus is looking at the US. It has been in talks with mobile service providers to bring out the smart phone in the coming year.Asus has so far been unsuccessful in impressing them so far.It may not be a goodidea for Asus to bring this phone out since it has seen less success in this arena than its contemporaries.

Asus is about to bring out Asus Padfone 2 in the UK with the help of a prominent mobile service provider.Windows 8 Vivo tablet and a dock Asus Varidrive have, already,made their entry into the market.

The Asus Transformer AIO

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Asus Transformer AIO is definitely one of the most unique computers. This is a
hybrid tablet and desktop and powered by two separate processors. This is really a
unique feature but the there is more to the strangeness. For example, each of those
processors operates on different operating system. For example, one is Android
4.1 Jelly Bean and the other is Windows 8. This is what makes Asus’s Transformer
AiO with unique functionality and this one really has a twist.

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For Windows 8, AiO comes with an Intel Ivy Bridge processor and for Android,
there is a Nvidia Tegra processor. The 10-finger multitouch 18.4-inch display and
a screen resolution of 1920 by1080, the device carries a stand usually, so one can
use it as an All-in-One PC. The stand can be detached by the users to convert it
as a regular tablet. With just a press of the button, the user can toggle between the
operating systems.

Asus Transformer AIO also offers 8GB of RAM and a discrete graphics chip that
makes use of 8GB of RAM. The tablet needs to be connected via Wi-Fi so as to
take advantage of the Intel chip and kick it off in the Windows 8 mode. Many
users find the device a bit bulky weighing 2.5kg. This is something that one cannot
carry easily in the bag tablet. There are some nice features such as a handle at the
top of backside of the tablet to lift it off. You can also prop the tablet on its own.

Other features include four USB ports, DVD drive, slot for MMC/SD/SDHC
card. The tablet also carries miniUSB, a card slot and offers its own set of
connectors. Wireless Asus keyboard and mouse are functional and pose no issues
when used with both Jelly Bean and Windows 8 modes. When it comes to hybrid
computers, this is really an odd man out. Running smoothly on both Windows 8
and Jelly Bean, it can potentially substitute for a number o f devices at home.