Software update for Zenfone 3 Max (ZC520TL) adds better battery life

April 3, 2017 Categories: Firmware Updates, News, Software Updates, ZC520TL, Zenfone 3 Max by 0 Comments

Rarely does a software update garner such attention. However the most recent Zenfone 3 Max software update has made headlines.

Asus has created a new app called “ASUS Power Master” which they say will “excel battery performance”. With the MediTek processor inside, this app may bring some help to the battery life. The ZC520TL has a 4,100mAh battery inside but the phone wasn’t reviewed as having outstanding battery life. This new app may do wonders.

There is no word right now on the update coming to the 5.5-inch Zenfone 3 Max, but it’s most likely. We will update as news unfolds.

Update:

  • ZC520TL_WW_13.1.0.56
  • ZC520TL_WW_13.1.0.58

Date: 2017/03/26

These are the release notes:

1. Add ASUS Power Master: a brand-new application to excel battery performance.
2. Optimized Fingerprint sensor sensitivity.
3. Updated PLMN ID list.
4. Fixed the customer service call issue in Italy.
5. Optimized camera performance.
6. Optimized touch panel display performance.
7. Updated LED notification effects during charging.

 

[ Source: Asus and Asus ]

How to disable Game Genie on your Zenfone 3 / Zenfone 4

April 3, 2017 Categories: Help, How To by 0 Comments

Game Genie is a pre installed app which is part of the Asus ZenUI. This automatically launches when you open a game app. With Game Genie being an overlay on the edge of the screen it may be too intrusive for some people. I’m here to help you make it out of sight, out of mind.

How Game Genie is displayed during a game:

The menu you access when you press the Game Genie icon:

First, I will list the location of the disable button. In a way, Game Genie is buried in the ZenUI setting because a search for some reason won’t find it. After listing the location I will also provide screenshots of the menu where you can disable Game Genie.

Path:

System Settings > ASUS Customised Setting > Launch Game Genie Setting Page > Game tool bar (turn on/off) to disable

Screenshots:

  1. Go to the system settings.
  2. Click on ASUS Customised Setting

3. Touch “Launch Game Genie Setting Page” for next menu.

4. To disable, press the “Game tool bar” on/off toggle.

5. If you want to disable Game Genie, your settings should be as displayed in the screenshot below.

 

Canada sees Zenfone 3 (ZE552KL) price drop – Now $379 CAD

April 2, 2017 Categories: Canada, Shopping and Deals, ZE552KL, Zenfone 3 by 0 Comments

If you’re looking at a new smartphone and you live in Canada, the Zenfone 3 (ZE552KL) is now sale priced at $379 vs. the regular price of $429. It’s not clear how long this discount price will remain, so you might want to decide fairly quickly.

Canada has enjoyed the ZE552KL release but Asus did not bring this model to the US market until very recently. In limit stock you can get your hands on one via the Asus US online store for $299 USD.

It’s hard to say whether this sale price in Canada is a sign of price drops on other Zenfone 3 models. With the imminent launch of the Zenfone 3 Zoom and the upcoming Zenfone AR, it’s entirely possible that the original Zenfone 3 models will see price drops as well. You might want to keep you eyes on the Zenfone 3 Deluxe if sale prices are coming.

Both NCIX and Amazon.ca are selling the blue and white models at this $379 CAD price right now.

Official video for new Zenfone Live (ZB501KL)

April 2, 2017 Categories: Video, ZB501KL, Zenfone Live by 0 Comments

The new Zenfone Live is a budget friendly model that has some video streaming enhancements. Asus is rolling out this model to selected markets which won’t include North America. The “beautification mode” for video streaming is interesting. You will see in the video a dial from zero to ten for the amount of “beauty” that you want on your not so beautiful face. You mileage may vary here folks. If you don’t need to be more beautiful, there are still some aspects of the Zenfone Live that will interest you. However, since when is there such a thing as being too beautiful? Don’t limit your beauty when you have this simple to use dial!

The Zenfone Live (ZB501KL) comes in three colors. As part of the streaming prowess, there are dual microphones for clearer chat and less noise. The audio onboard has DTS Headphone: X for 7.1-channel surround sound.

 

Screenshots:

Shortage of Snapdragon 835 processors has Asus considering MediaTek according to Digitimes report

March 31, 2017 Categories: News, Zenfone 4 by 0 Comments

The plot thickens. There were strong indications that Samsung took most of the entire initial supply of Snapdragon 835 processors with their Galaxy S8 smartphones. It appears only Samsung and Xiaomi has been granted early access and everyone else will be waiting three months for the increased production of the Snapdragon 835.

There is a serious consequence and challenge for Asus regarding this situation, as outlined in a recent Digitimes report.

Does Asus delay their launch by 3 months waiting for the Snapdragon 835 or do they opt for MediaTek? The report indicates that Asus is certainly considering MediaTek although details are not clear. Some models with MediaTek? Just a strategic bluff on Asus’ part? Hard to say for sure. Challenging times for the Asus executives trying to map out strategies moving forward.

One of the issues at hand is the fact a launch delay means going up against the almighty Apple iPhone 8 launch. This is just bad timing because media coverage is all Apple and will make the Zenfone 4 launch much more challenging.

You could say Asus is in a pickle. The smartphone business appears to be a nasty one especially when dealing with priority partners, lack of supply, costs, and launch delays.

Asus has opted for MediaTek in some Zenfone models already and has used their processors in various ZenPad tablets over the past couple of years. MediaTek may not have the prestige of Qualcomm, but it’s likely that Asus could work out cheaper prices which could result in a lower price point for consumers.

At this point it appears Asus is weighing their options. It’s a bit odd to be in this situation because Asus was touting that Qualcomm saw Asus has being full of potential. Business is business and talk is talk. My personal preference is to see Asus wait out the Snapdragon 835 supply and bring the very best Zenfone 4 to the table. Some MediaTek models would be welcome, but these days it’s Qualcomm.

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