The ZenWatch has a 1.63″ 320 x 320 px AMOLED screen covered in 2.5D Gorilla Glass 3 to help protect against any scratches or cracks with over 100 changeable watch faces. Powering the device is a Snapdragon 400 processor clocked at 1.2 GHz, backed up by 512MB of RAM and 4GB of storage. The watch is IP55 rated so you won’t need to worry about any splashes of water or if you get caught in a shower. The only concern is the battery, a polymer 1.4Wh unit which should last a day before you need to charge it using a standard micro USB cable, although as seen with the LG G Watch this may be shorter. Packed within the 50.6 x 39.8 x 9.4 mm body is (deep breath) a “wellness manager”, presentation remote controller, phone locater, automatic phone unlocker, remote camera controller and 9 axis sensor.
Berlin, Germany (3rd September, 2014) — ASUS Corporate Vice President Eric Chen, accompanied by ASUS Design Center Vice President Mitch Yang and ASUS Senior Product Director Derek Yu, today went on stage at a pre-IFA 2014 event held at the Classic Remise to announce the company’s latest lineup of innovations, including ASUS ZenWatch, the company’s first wearable device produced in partnership with Google.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Chen covered the company’s evolution from a small motherboard company, founded in 1989, to a leading global technology company 25 years later. Mr. Chen went on to highlight the recent success of the company’s ZenFone smartphone range, which has enjoyed worldwide critical acclaim and consumer recognition in all launch territories to date. “The success of ZenFone reflects our desire to create the most extraordinary phone that can empower everyone,” said Mr. Chen, adding: “It is our great pleasure to announce that the LTE version of ZenFone will be available in Europe during the fourth quarter of this year.”
Derek Yu then took the stage to unveil a full range of innovative new products designed to empower mobile lifestyles, including Zenbook UX305, the world’s thinnest 13.3-inch QHD+ laptop; the chic, compact and colorful EeeBook X205; and MeMO Pad 7 (ME572C), the latest and most stylish addition to the highly-successful MeMO Pad family of Android tablets. Mr. Yu concluded with the announcement of the ProSieben Entertainment Pad, an exclusive 8-inch tablet based on MeMO Pad 8, which is being launched in Germany in partnership with ProSieben* and Intel.
Rounding off the event, Mitch Yang offered an insightful look at the design process responsible for the ASUS ZenWatch, explaining how the final product was inspired by the ASUS user-centric ‘design thinking’ philosophy.
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.
