LIVE FROM IFA 2016, BERLIN: Asus launched the new ZenWatch 3 with a “focus on personalisation”, as well as a tablet, and stated it is working on virtual reality products.
With the ZenWatch 3, retailing at €229, Asus made a switch to a circular rather than rectangular dial, as was anticipated. The device comes with three buttons on the side, which the Taiwanese firm claims is a first for an Android Wear device, and gives users a more intuitive interface as its style is close to traditional watches.
The watch is made from jewellery grade stainless steel that underwent rigorous sensitivity tests so it sits comfortably on the skin, boasts an Italian leather strap, and comes in three colours: gun metal, silver and rose gold.
The firm said it wanted to give attention to personalisation, and the watch gives users the option of six different themes and over 50 designer watch faces to “fit their mood”.
The device also claims to track fitness with 95 per cent accuracy.
Accessories available are a magnetic charger that clicks on to the base of the watch, a watch stand and a premium battery pack that can be attached to to the watch to get 40 per cent more battery life.
Its HyperCharge feature also lets users charge the device to up to 60 per cent in 15 minutes.
VR and new ZenPad tablet
The firm said VR options are coming up very soon with “pure entertainment that will blow you away”.
Meanwhile the Asus ZenPad 3S 10 was also launched at the press conference. Featuring a Hexacore processor, metallic body design, 4 GB RAM and 3.0 Qualcomm QuickCharge, it will retail for €379.
Despite having seen a drop in revenue from its mobile unit last quarter, Asus is not shying away from its mobile products, and also launched the ZenPhone 3 earlier in the year.
Earlier in the month it was reported that Asus’ mobile unit had a tough Q2 as it shifted attention to its new ZenFone 3 line, as it also “adjusted” its tablet business to meet weakening demand in this segment.
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