Huawei files patent for “ZenFone-like” flip camera design

November 20, 2019 Categories: News, ZenFone 6, ZenFone 7 by 2 Comments

Haven’t we discussed recently another company filing patents for a very similar looking flip camera module ala ZenFone 6? Yes, indeed Oppo patent filings clearly showed some similarities. Now one of the biggest phone manufacturers Huawei have filed patents for designs that look incredibly similar to the ASUS flip camera module design. ASUS have seemingly become trend setters in the mobile phone space.

ASUS has a long history of innovation. The company doesn’t fear failure and as a result they have created and launched many products that may have been considered ahead of their time. The ZenFone 6 flip camera fits in that category of being a solution to a problem that no other manufacturers have been able to solve. It shouldn’t be surprising to see some other phone manufacturers jump onboard the flip camera craze now that ASUS has proven it works and it is durable.

We have wondered out loud if the ZenFone 7 will feature the flip camera and whether it will become a trademark of the ASUS ZenFone series. With seeing Oppo and Huawei filing their patents, it’s quite clear that ASUS should keep the flip camera because most likely in 2020 other phones from competitors will feature a similar design.

ASUS recently spoke about their manufacturing challenges of the ZenFone 6 as the inventory situation was just short of a complete disaster. The materials were a challenge, but it seems that the actual production of the flip camera module was difficult in the early stages. ASUS executives indicated that for the ZenFone 7 things will be different. Certainly ASUS has a better grasp on the manufacturing of the flip camera module and have a good understanding of the process and materials required.

Seeing Oppo with a patent similar to the ASUS flip camera is one thing, but when Huawei is looking to a similar design, it really provides far more insight into where the industry is headed. Considering the bleak outlook of the ZenFone series and the squabbling within the ASUS executive ranks about the mobile phone business, seeing Huawei patents of a similar design should be a proud moment for ASUS.

[source: LetsGoDigital via NotebookCheck.net]

ZenFone 7 will have 5G (resulting in higher price) says ASUS

November 16, 2019 Categories: News, ZenFone 7 by 2 Comments

ASUS managed to keep the ZenFone 6 pricing in line with the previous ZenFone 5Z model, which as it turns out, was cheap enough to stand out from the competition. With the ZenFone 7, everyone should temper their expectations because ASUS has essentially said adding 5G will increase the average sales price (ASP) but a significant amount.

At the most recent ASUS investors conference in Taipei, Taiwan, executives fielding some questions regarding the ZenFone 7 release next year. It was confirmed that the ZenFone 7 will ship with 5G and because of that technology onboard, the price will be increasing. In business speak, this is referred to as ASP, or average selling price. ASUS is quoted as saying the addition of 5G will make the ASP “significantly higher”.

Don’t panic here folks. Expect ASUS pricing to still be lower than a majority of the competition. If adding 5G technology will be essential for all mobile phones in 2020 and beyond, then other manufacturers will also need to increase their device pricing. Simply said, 5G will cost consumers more and it will be unavoidable because 4G only phones will be rare and likely won’t exist in any flagship level phones.

Obviously 5G is a real game changer and will be something everyone will want to utilize. However, 5G rollout across the planet has been slow and it has limited availability in many countries. That will gradually be changing, but in 2020, how much more 5G will be available in your home country? Likely only major metropolitan centers will enjoy the benefits so paying more for a 5G enabled phone might be a sore point for many.

The ZenFone 7 rumors should start soon enough as we are just winding down 2019. It’s a safe bet that a price increase is coming next year thanks (or not) to the addition of 5G which ASUS says will be part of every phone they release in 2020. We at least have one solid answer about the ZenFone 7. Let’s not forget the strong possibility of wireless charging for the ZenFone 7 based on this accessory leak.

A big question for us is whether the ZenFone 7 will adopt the flip camera. Stay tuned, we’re all over the breaking ZenFone 7 news as we move closer to launch date!

[source: ASUS Inventors]

Android 10 rolling out to ZenFone 6

November 4, 2019 Categories: News, Software Updates, Uncategorized, ZenFone 6, ZenFone 6 Edition 30, ZS630KL by 1 Comment

Things appeared bleak when ASUS announced cutbacks in their mobile phone division prior to the ZenFone 6 launch. Maybe they simply reduced some of the bulk. From the outside, many saw this downsizing as meaning an eventual exit from the mobile phone business by ASUS. In an odd twist, the ZenFone brand is seeing better than ever coverage and positivity thanks to the qualities of the ZenFone 6. The push to be a legit player in the mobile phone business is still on, and with that, ASUS are now rolling out Android 10 to ZenFone 6 users across the globe.

When ASUS unveiled the ZenFone 6 in Italy back in Spring 2019, they made bold promises when it comes to future Android updates. First, they announced joining the Google Android Beta Program. More importantly though, ASUS guaranteed updates to Android 10 and Android 11 with their ZenFone 6.

It’s one thing to update, but it’s the speed in which ASUS updated that is even more impressive. Google rolled out their Pixel updates to Android 10 just two months ago. A few other phones out there have been upgraded to the new Android 10 update, but ASUS has beaten Samsung, LG and Huawei. Considering there are only three other companies faster than ASUS, it’s an impressive feat for the ASUS mobile division.

ASUS has been running a beta program so in theory, the global rollout of Android 10 to ZenFone 6 models should be smooth. However, a successful beta run won’t guarantee anything. The more users, the more possibilities for bugs and issues to arise. With there being so many different apps and user behavior it would be virtually impossible to cover all possible situations. One thing is for certain, issues and bugs seem to make headlines so everyone will know soon enough if there are problems. Hopefully ASUS is quick to fix issues.

If you’re excited about the Android 10 update and aren’t sure what the main new features are, we suggest you check out the official Google page for Android 10 here. In case you’re wondering about the dessert names for Android, Google no longer does that. From here on in, the updates will be numbered.

We’ve been tracking ZenFone launches and updates for a number of years now. It’s impressive to see such a timely Android update by ASUS considering the lack of updates was a big negative people often complained about when it came to previous ZenFone releases. So most of the big question marks around the ZenFone 6 have been addressed. The supply issue seems resolved. The flip camera module has proven to be reliable and there are not widespread complaints out there. Now ASUS is delivering one of their main promises of updating Android on their ZenFone 6 in a very timely manner. Things are really looking up!

[source: XDA Developers]

ASUS releases new color “matte black” ZenFone 6 version

October 24, 2019 Categories: News, Video, ZenFone 6, ZS630KL by 0 Comments

Sure you still might be waiting for the original two versions (colors) of ZenFone 6 to make an appearance at retail stores in your country but that isn’t stopping ASUS from moving forward. Today ASUS released a video that showcases a new ZenFone 6 color, “matte black”.

We can’t say what markets are going to have access to this “matte black” colored ZenFone 6, but maybe this means there is hope for other markets. A new color must mean production is ramping up. Right? Of course we’re just having fun with this. Certainly a new color doesn’t mean very much in terms of when and where the ZenFone 6 will launch next.

This “matte black” color features the world famous ASUS concentric circle design. You know, that spiral looking design? It’s essentially the ZenFone 6 Edition 30 rear design/color and the only thing missing is that 30-year anniversary logo/icon. So this is “new” but it’s already been seen before. It’s going to be in the typical price range for the 6GB/64GB, 6GB/128GB, and 8GB/256GB models and you won’t have to splurge for the special edition ZenFone 6 to get this new design/color.

It’s funny when ASUS posts anything on their social media or YouTube channel relating to the ZenFone 6. You find out very quickly from the comments which countries are waiting for news of a release in their country. And of course those comments/questions go unanswered and the vicious circle seemingly has no end.

Here is the new marketing video from ASUS:

No mention of availability so far. Most likely Europe first, seeing as the European market has been swimming in ZenFone 6 inventory consistently from the release date before the summer. We will keep track and report and retail opportunities for this concentric circle, matte black version of the ZenFone 6.

 

Possible ZenFone 7 accessories spotted online

October 22, 2019 Categories: Accessories, News, ZenFone 7 by 0 Comments

Just as we mentioned the ZenFone 7 discussion showing up online, we now have some information on what looks like some official ZenFone 7 accessories. Maybe it’s not too soon to start discussing the ZenFone 7 after all.

The regulatory website Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) has posted some new ASUS products that are officially named “ASUS wireless charger”. There are three different colors and these listings have been added within the past month.

The model numbers are “W1G-AWPM” and list the potential power level of “15 watts” with the Qi standard. There are three different colors listed—blue, pink and white. The blue and pink are a light pastel type color that is more of a tint rather than deeply colored.

Obviously ASUS has these wireless charge pads for a reason and currently no products would make use of them. That is why logic says these would be for the next generation of ZenFone and possibly ROG phones. If ASUS is going to bring new features to the ZenFone 7 then wireless charging would be necessary as it’s industry wide at this point and largely expected to be part of any flagship device.

An accessory that appears this neutral could also be used for other devices and wouldn’t be specific to ASUS phones only. In that sense, calling this a ZenFone 7 specific accessory is a bit of a stretch. However it’s unlikely that ASUS would bother with releasing an accessory that wouldn’t be used on one of their future devices.

It’s going to be interesting to see what the ZenFone 7 launch schedule will be like given the lengthy delays for the ZenFone 6 roll out. It would be surprising to see any type of leaks in 2019 and the end of May is the typical target for ASUS and their ZenFone launch dates. They like to have a mid-year update but those may not be part of their new mobile phone strategy as they want to reduce their products and focus on one model a year.

[source: WPC]

 

 

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