ZenFone 6 features DTS:X Ultra audio technology

May 30, 2019 Categories: ZenFone 6, ZS630KL by 0 Comments

ASUS is no stranger to DTS technology in their phones. Going back to the ZenFone 3 series, ASUS included DTS Headphone:X which was unique for its time. It provides an impressive audio experience and ASUS has continued offering DTS Headphone:X on each new flagship ZenFone release. A couple days ago, Xperi Corporation issued a press release to announce their newest mobile audio solution named DTS:X Ultra in the ZenFone 6. Is it worth raving about?

Without getting overly technical, DTS:X Ultra supports 5.1 and 7.1 multi-channel audio which can be enjoyed on your standard headphone or headset. The technology features “redesigned audio post-processing algorithms for speaker and headphone routes provide enhanced bass response.” DTS:X Ultra also brings a realistic head tracker and customs tuning allowing for up to six pre-loaded headphone profiles.

I admit this topic turned out to be far more involved than I first thought.

In terms of surround sound advancements over the years, there is now object-based surround sound. If you want to experience this technology, Dolby has their “Dolby Atmos” and DTS has their “DTS:X”. Both provide a similar experience.

Since we’re talking mobile phones, we can tell you each company has an object-based surround sound offering for the mobile phone market. Think of this as an optimized solution for headphones and ear buds. Dolby doesn’t have a brand specific to mobile and just refers to is as “Dolby Atmos for mobile”. DTS has DTS Headphone:X branding for their mobile technology.

So you might ask yourself, what’s so impressive about DTS:X Ultra and why is it better than the previous DTS Headphone: X technology? Well here is where the discussion gets a bit confusing.

First, let’s looks for answers from DTS and their website. Here is how they describe each technology:

“The latest version of DTS Headphone:X® puts gamers in the middle of the action via an unmatched immersive audio experience. Sounds move above and around the listener to provide a competitive advantage to any game.”

“DTS:X® Ultra is designed for gaming and XR experiences with support for static, multi-channel and object-based audio. Now supported in Windows Spatial Sound PC Gaming.”

I’ve done some reading and it sounds like the two engines are basically the same. DTS:X Ultra has some extras but without an expert, we can’t say exactly what those differences are. We’re going to reach out to DTS and see if they can articulate how DTS:X Ultra is better or different than DTS Headphone: X.

To confuse matters more, the ZenFone 6 retail box sports the “DTS Headphone:X” logo but not have a “DTS:X Ultra” logo. Kind of strange to my way of thinking. Is DTS:X Ultra is just a fresh coat of paint on the DTS Headphone X technology? A few new extras?

Whatever the case, it seems DTS:X Ultra is essentially DTS Headphone:X which isn’t a bad thing at all. Back at the ZenFone 4 launch, Geir Skaaden, chief product and services officer at Xperi said, “No matter the brand or model of headphones or ear buds the user selects, DTS Headphone:X technology enhances all smartphone-based audio content, delivering a premium entertainment experience.”

The key takeaway from that quote is that you don’t need special equipment to get the DTS Headphone:X audio experience. The same applies to DTS:X Ultra in that you don’t need special headphone or ear buds to get 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound.

Did you know that the ZenFone 6 includes ZenEar Pro ear buds (tuned by 1MORE) in the box? Everyone will be able to appreciate DTS:X Ultra technology right out of the box.

So it seems that DTS:X Ultra may be more marketing than substance, but it doesn’t take away from the fact it’s an excellent technology. Also consider that mobile optimized object-based surround sound solutions like DTS Headphone:X or Dolby Atmos are part of much more expensive flagship phones. ASUS is offering some good value by offering great audio technology at a cheaper price point.

Cheap ZenFone AR deals right now – Why you should buy one

May 29, 2019 Categories: Shopping and Deals, Zenfone AR by 0 Comments

With all the ZenFone 6 talk it may seem out of place to be talking about the ZenFone AR. However, we’re here to serve you and with that in mind, a deal is a deal. Why should you buy one? It’s a tremendous phone.

We have seen many eBay listings from one seller with used (mostly mint) ZenFone AR models. Call this an inventory blow out if you want. The seller ships all over the world (free ship to US) and has a pretty decent return policy.

With this many units being auctioned at the same time, a good price seems quite likely. But ACT FAST. Many of the listings are going to end soon. Like in hours so move on this quick and decide. Price will likely end up being around $100 USD based on an auction we just witnessed.

Deal Link: ZenFone AR cheap deals on eBay – Click Here

If you want to pay a bit more, we’ve also spotted brand new in box. This is going to be about $50 more than the used models being sold but consider a couple things. First, new means no risk. New means you don’t have to buy a charger and you also get a cheap case and ZenEar Pro earbuds in the box. Those are worth part of the price. New battery also and possibly the one-year warranty.

Link to $149 USD model: Brand new in box ZenFone AR with 128GB Storage – Click here

I own one to be honest. This may be your best and cheapest option for getting into the AR and VR game. Even just as a Daydream option it’s a worthwhile investment. Enjoy some adult entertainment!

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ASUS unveils second ZenFone 6 version

May 27, 2019 Categories: Computex, News, ZenFone 6 by 0 Comments

[Update: You can now buy the ZenFone 6 Edition 30 with global shipping. Full details here.]

Surprise! ASUS has more tricks up its sleeve for ZenFone fans. A new limited-edition ZenFone 6 variant named “ZenFone 6 Edition 30” has just been unveiled at Computex 2019. If you need more RAM and storage in your life then this is the phone for you.

Computex has always been a big show for ASUS. Their biggest products unveils happen each year at Computex and this year, ASUS is celebrating their 30th anniversary. As part of that celebration, a few limited-edition products were announced including this rather robust ZenFone 6 Edition 30.

If you liked the original ZenFone 6 then have no fear. ASUS didn’t make big changes to this special limited-edition.

This new version has a slightly different look. The special design features the “iconic Zen-inspired concentric-circle patterning” that become an ASUS signature of sorts on the rear of the phone. Along with the concentric-circle design, you also get a swank “embossed” (Star Trekish) 30th anniversary logo on the rear. The color is called “matte black”. These are rather subtle design changes but elegance has been taken up a notch (no pun intended).

The ZenFone 6 Edition 30 features an embarrassment of riches when it comes to RAM and storage. You will get 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage which is not available in any other ZenFone 6 variant. The Zenfone 6 Edition 30 also comes with a whopping 30-month warranty which is far greater than the industry typical 12-month warranty.

No other differences have been mentioned at this point between the standard ZenFone 6 and this new anniversary edition.

Does this special limited-edition tickle your fancy? If it does then you better start saving so you’re ready when pre orders begin. ASUS has said there are only going to be 3,000 units sold. Availability has not be announced but we will update with the details as they become available.

Best ZenFone 6 Case – Official ASUS Stand Case

May 27, 2019 Categories: Cases, ZenFone 6 by 3 Comments

We’ve had a lot of experience with official ASUS accessories in the past. And truthfully, those haven’t always been the best experiences. In particular, the official ASUS clear cases that have been included with recent ZenFone models are not exactly ideal when it comes to drop protection. Don’t despair! We’ve seen a full-fledged ZenFone 6 case that is an official ASUS accessory and it looks to be a worthwhile investment.

We’ve seen unboxing videos and yes, the ZenFone 6 comes with a clear case. It appears to be a typical hard shell type of case which doesn’t provide any shock protection from drops and it doesn’t have rounded top edges to save your screen should it land on the ground facing down. If it’s like previous clear cases, it’s also very slippery. We are simply cautioning you against thinking the included clear case is enough to protect your new investment.

So let us introduce you to the “ZenFone 6 Stand Case”.

Why do we like this official ZenFone 6 case so much?

First, the all important top glass protection is evident on the ZenFone 6 Stand Case. It’s rounded on top, making it slightly higher than the glass display. This “lip” will protect the front face of the ZenFone 6 especially if it falls on uneven ground. Rounded top edges are crucial for drop protection and this case has them. Additionally, we see that the corners of the case are much more reinforced which will offer that all important shock absorption protection.

Secondly, how about that kick stand? Sure there are pop sockets on the market but a built-in stand seems like a more sensible and slim option.

Thirdly, the buttons on the case show some real tactile feel to them. Without having the ZenFone 6 stand case in our hand, we predict the buttons will be a pleasure to press. Certain cases make pressing buttons a real burden. When designed poorly, those buttons require extra force from your fingers because you have to deal with depressing the button through the case itself.

Fourth, this ZenFone 6 case appears to be true protection from drops. There is clearly some padding or thickness to the case which can help save you a big bill to repair a cracked display or worse.

Bottom Line: The ZenFone 6 Stand Case is a far superior option in terms of shock protection than the included clear case. We hope that this accessory becomes widely available. In the past, finding official ASUS accessories in certain markets like North America has been next to impossible. We will provide links and more details soon.

Note: Price and availability are not available yet.

Image Gallery:

 

Near stock Android on ZenFone 6 – New ZenUI 6 trims the fat

May 27, 2019 Categories: ZenFone 6, ZenUI by 0 Comments

Since around the launch of the ZenFone 2, ASUS has taken harsh criticism of their ZenUI and the number of pre-installed apps. The complaints from users and prospective ZenFone owners peaked around the ZenFone 3 generation. Too many pre-install apps brings on the label of “bloatware” which brings about negativity and stigma for an otherwise stellar product line.

Well that was then, this is now. With each new generation, ASUS has been trimming the pre-installed app fat to a point now where the new ZenUI on the ZenFone 6 is as close to stock Android as you can get. It seems like ASUS has been listening to the complaints after all.

A bigger selling point for the ZenFone 6 would be to have stock Android, but for whatever reason, Android phone manufacturers do not want to do it. Stock Android is pretty much exclusive to Google products with a few exceptions of course. For top-end flagship smartphones, you’re going to be faced with a company’s version of Android whether you like it or not.

So what does the new ZenUI 6 do better? According to ASUS there is a lot to discuss in that regard.

Let’s first talk pre-installed apps. ASUS says that they reduced the number of pre-installed apps by 43-percent compared way back to ZenFone 2. Here are the apps pre-installed on the ZenFone 6:

  • Launcher
  • Safeguard
  • Gallery
  • File Manager
  • Weather
  • Game Genie
  • Camera
  • Clock
  • Settings
  • Calculator
  • Phone
  • Contacts
  • Audio Wizard
  • Data Transfer
  • Sound Recorder

So looking at that list, there is nothing outrageous. At least half are legitimate and useful no matter your love of stock Android. Personally I could do without weather, contacts and safeguard but most others are solid apps in their own right. Google’s contacts, photos and clock apps are my preferred ones and they can be easily added to the system. I’ve dabbled with installing an older version of the Google dialer vs. the ASUS phone app, but I’ve since given up on changing this out because of sketchy performance.

We haven’t gotten our hands on the ZenFone 6 yet, but ASUS has put out a few claims about the new ZenUI 6.

First and foremost, ASUS claims the ZenUI 6 is simple, clean and easy to use. I will say that in previous ZenUI versions, there was sometimes and extraordinary amount of drilling down into settings. A lot of clutter and redundancy hampered previous ZenFone generations and ASUS has apparently addressed these types of complaints.

A new feature of ZenUI 6 is “OptiFlex” which ASUS claims is “all about the speed”. OptiFlex accelerates app launches, reduces app reloads and saves power on standby. ASUS shows in demo’s that you can select certain apps like Chrome, Facebook. Gmail, YouTube and Google to “speed up”. Given how much time most of us rely on those apps, this could be a very cool feature but wait for some reviews first.

Not so much new to ZenUI 6, but possibly improved, is the AI Boost. This means when gaming, the ZenFone 6 will reach maximum potential. Based on the benchmark test results, clearly the AI Boost works! Gamers take note. It’s unclear to us right now if a user must manually switch to AI Boost mode or if it’s automatic.

Rounding out the ZenUI 6 features:

  • ASUS claims ZenUI 6 is the smoothest ZenUI ever.
  • “Smart Volume” adapts the initial volume of ringtone, media (music/video) and third-party VoIP call to a volume appropriate to the ambient noise level. If it’s noisy around the phone, the ZenFone will increase volume and when in quiet environments the ZenFone will decrease volume.
  • Improved one-handed functionality by adjusting the position of on-screen controls.
  • Dark Mode – a system wide, instant dark mode is built into ZenUI 6 which will ease stress on your eyes when using the ZenFone 6 in low-light conditions.
  • Double tap to wake up the screen.
  • Smart Key on the ZenFone 6 integrates ZenUI 6 allowing you to customize the button’s functionality. The Smart Key is customizable and lets you perform multiple functions based on how you press it (press once, press twice, press and hold).

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