After being the star of the show for various tech conventions and events across the world since the start of the year, ASUS Philippines finally launched today its latest smartphone – the much-awaited and game-changing ASUS Zenfone AR.
Symbolizing a new dawn for mobile and smartphone technology, the ASUS Zenfone AR is actually the world’s first 5.7-inch smartphone that is Google Tango-enabled and Daydream-ready, allowing users to experience both mobile virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies.
ASUS Zenfone AR: World’s First 8GB RAM Tango and Daydream-powered Smartphone
Tango is a set of sensors and computer-vision software by Google that enables smartphone augmented reality. Tango technologies add three key capabilities — Tango motion tracking, Tango depth perception, and Tango area learning — to enable smartphone augmented reality to create unique AR user experiences, such as AR gaming, AR utilities, and indoor navigation.
Daydream is Google’s platform for high-quality, mobile virtual reality and supports Daydream VR apps. Paired with the Daydream View headset and controller, ZenFone AR allows users explore new worlds, kick back in their personal VR cinema, and play games that put them at the center of the action. The ASUS Zenfone AR was developed in close cooperation with Google to deliver the best AR and VR experiences.
Furthermore, ASUS Zenfone AR is the thinnest and lightest Tango-enabled device. This breakthrough in size and weight is made possible by the innovative ASUS TriCam™ system — a three-camera system consisting of a 23MP PixelMaster 3.0 main camera, a motion-tracking camera, and a depth-sensing camera that meet Tango specifications. Unlike three-camera systems in other devices, the design of the ASUS TriCam system clusters its array of cameras to reduce their footprint on the phone, enabling the entire phone to be thinner and lighter.
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Making this smartphone a powerhouse like no other, the ASUS Zenfone AR features a powerful Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 821 processor that is optimized for Tango and is the world’s first smartphone with 8GB of RAM. The ASUS ZenFone AR also includes 128 GB of fast UFS 2.0 storage, enabling users to store a large library of apps, games, videos, photos, and music, and open them quickly. ASUS ZenFone AR’s powerful performance and innovative camera work in conjunction with Tango technology to enable smooth and compelling smartphone AR experiences.
A beautiful, 5.7-inch WQHD Super AMOLED display and a new five-magnet speaker make Daydream’s virtual reality apps, games, and videos more immersive and entertaining. Android™ 7.0 ‘Nougat’ lets users get the most out of ASUS ZenFone AR with new multitasking features and other enhancements that deliver a great mobile experience.
The Powerful ASUS Zenfone AR TriCam system for Tango experiences
ZenFone AR uses an ASUS TriCam system consisting of three rear cameras — a motion-tracking camera, depth-sensing camera, and high-resolution 23MP PixelMaster 3.0 camera — which provide input to Tango, enabling smartphone augmented reality experiences for users. The motion-tracking camera lets ASUS ZenFone AR keep track of its location as it moves through three-dimensional space. The depth-sensing camera lets ASUS ZenFone AR determine its distance from objects by projecting an infrared (IR) laser and measuring the amount of time it takes for IR light to bounce off objects and return to the phone.
The 23 MP PixelMaster 3.0 camera features a Sony IMX 318 image sensor to vividly capture the environment as a backdrop for AR experiences.
AR is a rapidly growing area of mobile technology and one that consumers are extremely excited about. ASUS and Google have partnered with well-known industry-leading companies, such as Megaworld (Property and Real Estate), DevCon (IT), as well as Kooapps and GDAP (Gaming), in order for individuals from all walks of life to experience smartphone AR.
Tango also provides developers with the ability to deliver consistent AR experiences across devices and helps users easily discover a wide range of new apps, such as exciting games, home decor utilities, and apps that provide new ways to explore. To date, the ecosystem has grown quickly and there are plenty of apps on Google Play that is Tango-enabled.
Experience Daydream by Google Through Zenfone AR
The expansive 5.7-inch display of ZenFone AR makes it ideal for VR apps and games when used with Daydream View, immersing users in incredible VR worlds that appear detailed and lifelike in WQHD (2560 x 1440) resolution. Super AMOLED technology enables deep blacks and high contrast, further enhancing image quality and 3D effects.
With ASUS ZenFone AR and Daydream View, users can explore new and fictional worlds with apps like Street View and Fantastic Beasts, kick back in a personal VR cinema with YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO, and get in the game with Gunjack 2, LEGO® BrickHeadz, Need for Speed, and more.
However, no word has been said about Daydream View’s local release as of yet.
Impressive audio, inside and out
In addition to the video, high-quality audio is an important component of immersive AR and VR experiences. To fulfill this demand, ASUS ZenFone AR comes with ASUS SonicMaster 3.0 technology. A five-magnet speaker driven by a powerful NXP smart amplifier delivers clear, expansive sound that can be played at high volumes without distortion. ASUS ZenFone AR can also output certified High-Resolution Audio (HRA) to compatible devices at 24-bit/192kHz — or 4X CD-quality. DTS Headphone:X™ provides virtual 7.1-channel surround sound for immersive entertainment experiences.
Cutting-edge hardware for unrivaled AR and VR performance
The ASUS ZenFone AR is designed with the latest, top-of-the-line components to provide high-quality AR and VR experiences. This cutting-edge hardware also makes ASUS ZenFone AR one of the most powerful smartphones available.
ASUS ZenFone AR features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor that has been specially optimized for AR operations. ASUS worked closely with Qualcomm Technologies and Google engineers to help develop methods for efficiently distributing computer-vision workloads, as well as rapidly processing movement and positioning instructions with Tango to deliver smooth, immersive, and compelling AR experiences. It also features the desktop-class Qualcomm Adreno 530 graphics-processing unit (GPU) to deliver supercharged graphics performance and handle the graphical demands of Tango and Daydream applications with ease.
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Thin and light metallic design
ASUS ZenFone AR packages its advanced technology in a beautifully minimalist, light, and compact design. A precision-milled metal frame and slim, 4.6 mm edge provide a luxurious look that is further enhanced by stainless-steel accents around the camera. These accents also help protect the camera lens from scratches. ASUS ZenFone AR has an ergonomic curved shape with a 4.6 mm edge and a tactile, leather-patterned rear surface that feels great in the hand.
ASUS PixelMaster 3.0 — Capture reality, fast and steady
ASUS ZenFone AR also features an advanced camera that takes beautiful, high-resolution photos and videos in almost any lighting condition. It has an ASUS PixelMaster 3.0 camera that uses the world’s highest resolution camera sensor (Sony IMX318) and the ASUS TriTech autofocus system.
Zenfone AR Availability in the Philippine Market
The ASUS Zenfone AR is available for pre-ordering from July 6 to 16, 2017. Interested parties should pre-order now to get the ASUS ZenFone AR together with the exclusive bundle of the ZenPower Ultra, exclusive ASUS ZenFone AR Clear Case, and Tempered Glass, as well as the ASUS ZenFone AR VR Cardboard.
You check the ASUS Zenfone AR Pre-order page for more details.
For more information on local ASUS events, the ASUS Zenfone AR, and other incredible products available in the market, please tune into ASUS Philippines’ Official Facebook Page.
