News of Zenfone 4 release date delays may be overblown

March 2, 2017 Categories: News, Release Date by 0 Comments

The news about the Zenfone 4 launch being delayed came our a week or two ago. At first glance this may seem like a big problem. However when you consider the previous Zenfone series release dates vs. announcements, perhaps the news isn’t so bad.

According to Asus executives, a shortage of supplies has resulted in them having to push back the Zenfone 4 release date. The original release date was going to be April or May, but now it’s going to be released in June or July.

Here’s the thing. Asus was not going to be release the Zenfone 4 prior to the big Computex 2017 show which is essentially the last week of May, first week of June. Often Asus has their event on June 1. So unless Asus was going to bring out the Zenfone 4 prior to Computex 2017, then the schedule is not that far off from previous years.

With Computex being the unveiling show for Asus, that usually meant pre orders would begin in Taiwan who get to buy the new phones a month or months ahead of all other markets. So I think the headline of the Zenfone 4 delay is more directed to their Taiwan release date. Of course there could be a trickle down effect so if Taiwan is delayed, then each other market will be delayed down the line.

The question we are asking is whether the North American market will be sitting idle though the Spring and Summer and getting their pre orders in September with models being sold in around October. The Zenfone 3 rollout to North America was tedious according to many consumers who were eager to get their hands on the new Zenfone 3 series.

So ultimately if you ask people living in North America, the Zenfone 3 release date was delayed. If anything, the North American market can hope for a quicker release date than last years Zenfone 3. With Asus being on record as saying they are focused on sales with the Zenfone 4, then they certainly need to come in during the summer months and not the fall months.

Asus may have a better idea with the Zenfone 4 in terms of what models are going to sell out and they can ensure a more reliable supply of materials. Asus CEO Jerry Shen stated that with the Zenfone 3 Deluxe, the company didn’t have enough materials because they didn’t expect their most expensive and premium model to be in such high demand.

[source: China Post, Taipei Times]

Asus cuts price of Zenfone 3 Max series in Philippines

March 2, 2017 Categories: News, Philippines, Shopping and Deals, ZC520TL, ZC553KL, Zenfone 3 Max by 0 Comments

If you live in the Philippines you have a chance to buy a cheaper priced Zenfone 3 Max. This deal is included on both the 5.2-inch and 5.5-inch models. There are some differences between the two models, largely that the bigger model has a Snapdragon 430 processor whereas the 5.2-inch model has a MediaTek processor. From most reviews, the 5.5-inch model is the more power efficient.

Sale Prices:

  • 5.2-inch (ZC520TL) – Php 8,995 is now Php 8,495
  • 5.5-inch (ZC553KL) – Php 10,995 is now Php 9,995

Aside from the processor and size, there are some other noteworthy differences. The 5.5-inch model has a 1920 x 1080 resolution display whereas the 5.2-inch model has a 1280 x 720 resolution display. The larger model also has a better rear camera. Both models have 3GB of RAM and come with 4,100mAh batteries.

[source: Asus Philippines]

Asus officially starts Android 7.0 Nougat update rollout for Zenfone 3 series

March 1, 2017 Categories: Android Nougat, Android Updates, Firmware Updates, News by 0 Comments

It’s official. Asus is now rolling out the Android 7.0 Nougat update and details are listed on the Zen Talk forum.

Here is what we know so far:

Android 7.0 Nougat Available For:

  • Zenfone 3 Deluxe (ZS550KL)

Update Software Version:

  • V22.40.26.43 (ZS550KL)

Release Notes:

(It takes about one week for the system to complete the autopush, if you did not receive the updation, please go to 【Setting】->【About】->【System Update】to update manually)

1.Upgrade from Android M to Android N
2.”Remove “”Share Link””

For user who upgrade from Android M to Android N, ASUS Share link will not work properly, please use the following alternative solutions.
Other alternative apps:
– If you want to share files across LAN, you can use ASUS file manager’s Network place and wireless transfer function.
https://play.google.com/store/ap … om.asus.filemanager
– If you want to useWiFi hotspotto share files toWindows 10 PCor Android devices, you can also use “”ZenLink”” which is compatible with Share Link. http://www.zenui.com/zenlink/”
3.”Remove redundant app shortcuts “Audio Wizard”, “Splendid”, “System update” and “Flashlight” from all apps menu.
– How to turn on Audio Wizard? (System settings > Sound& Vibration > Audio Wizard or Quick settings > Add Audio wizard tile)
– How to turn on Splendid? (System settings > Display > Splendid)
– How to check system update? (System settings > System Update)
– How to turn on flashlight? (Quick settings > Flashlight)

For users who upgraded from Android M to Android N and have upgraded ASUS Flashlight from Google Play Store before (Flashlight APK still exist in their data partition), they can still launch ASUS Flashlight from all apps menu.”
4.Remove ”PC Suite” (CD ROM)
5.Remove ShakeShake from ZenMotion.
6.The preloaded Holo Spiral, Bubbles, Black Hole, and Phase Beam live wallpapers are not compatible with Android N and will be removed after system update.

 

Asus announces Android 7.0 Nougat update for Zenfone 3 series

February 27, 2017 Categories: Android Nougat, Android Updates, News by 0 Comments

This news is just breaking. Apparently in Q2 Asus is rolling out Android 7.0 Nougat to all their Zenfone 3 models, with the exception of the Zenfone 3 Max which will wait until Q3. This update should happen between April and June.

We are updating and seeking original sources of this information. Apparently this information comes courtesy of an Asus press release which at this point we cannot source.

Update: We see on notebookcheck.com a more detailed or legitimate source. They have an image listing the dates which appears to be from this mystery Asus press release. From what we can see, this is sourced from Asus Germany. This means too, that there are some models not listed. As in, the Zenfone 3 Ultra is not listed but because it’s a premium model, it’s going to be lumped into the Q2 2017 models.

[source: Techniknews.net]

Does Asus need a Zenfone 4 model with removable battery?

February 27, 2017 Categories: Opinion, Zenfone 4 by 3 Comments

Let’s talk about Zenfone 4. Most every company is ditching removable batteries but one could argue that this leaves an opening for Asus. They could offer something that the others aren’t. In a competitive marketplace, being different can be a bonus.  A removable battery would be filling a void in the marketplace.

But of course the answer isn’t so easy.

Arguments for not having a removable battery:

  • all metal design isn’t possible
  • waterproofing would be impossible
  • Quick Charge technology
  • 5,000mAh or larger batteries are possible

Arguments for having a removable battery:

  • swapping a battery is much faster than Quick Charge
  • no need for a charger or portable battery pack
  • using two batteries will lengthen their lifespan

Those are a few quick thoughts of mine on the subject. If you have any please add a comment below.

Asus has offered a removable battery with the Zenfone 2 Laser. However none of the Zenfone 3 models had removable batteries.

 

 

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