ASUS unveils ZenFone AR

ASUS has affirmed its position as a smartphone technology innovator with the launch of ZenFone AR in India. First showcased at CES (Consumer Electronics Show) 2017, ZenFone AR is the world's first Tango-enabled and Daydream-ready smartphone, with a massive 8GB of RAM. The ZenFone AR will be available exclusively on Flipkart - India's biggest online store.

Elaborating further on the sidelines of the event, Peter Chang, Regional Head, South Asia & Country Head, System Business Group - ASUS India, said, “Our phones already assist us in our day-to-day lives, but we know they can do even more. With ZenFone AR, we desire to turn your physical world into a magical world by enabling it to perceive space and motion that goes beyond the boundaries of a touch screen. We’re excited to be a part of the augmented reality universe, which will soon be part of our lifestyle.”

ZenFone AR

ZenFone AR is a next-generation smartphone that represents a significant advancement in mobile augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) and technologies. Developed in close cooperation with Google and Qualcomm, the ZenFone AR delivers high-quality AR and VR experiences. ZenFone AR is the thinnest and lightest Tango-enabled device, featuring a powerful Qualcomm^® Snapdragon™ 821 processor that is optimized for the demanding, real-time computing requirements of Tango. ZenFone AR's powerful performance and innovative TriCam system work in conjunction with Tango technology to enable smooth and compelling smartphone AR experiences.

Paired with the Daydream View headset and controller, ZenFone AR will be able to let users explore new worlds, kick back in their personal VR cinema, and play games that put them at the center of action.  Additionally, Android 7.0 ‘Nougat’ lets users get the most out of ZenFone AR with new multitasking multi-window display and other enhancements that deliver a great mobile experience.

 ASUS TriCam system for Tango experiences

ZenFone AR uses an ASUS TriCam system consisting of three rear cameras — a motion-tracking camera, depth-sensing camera and high-resolution 23MP PixelMaster 3.0 camera — which provide input to Tango, enabling smartphone AR experiences for users. The motion-tracking camera lets ZenFone AR keep track of its location as it moves through three-dimensional space. The depth-sensing camera lets ZenFone AR determine its distance from objects by projecting an infrared (IR) laser and measuring the amount of time it takes for IR beam to bounce off objects and return to the phone. The 23MP PixelMaster 3.0 camera features a Sony IMX318 image sensor to vividly capture the environment as a backdrop for AR experiences while serving as an excellent, high resolution camera for photos.

AR is a rapidly growing area of mobile technology, and one that consumers are extremely excited about. ASUS and Google have partnered with well-known brands, such as Gap, to bring the smartphone AR experience to customers. Tango also provides developers with the ability to deliver consistent AR experiences across devices and helps users easily discover a wide range of new apps, such as exciting games, home decor utilities, and apps that provide new ways to explore. To date, the ecosystem has growing quickly and there are plenty of apps on Google Play^<1> that are Tango-enabled.

 Daydream by Google

The Asus ZenFone AR has a 5.7-inch WQHD (2K) (1440 x 2560) display. This large size and high resolution screen makes it ideal for VR apps and games when used with Daydream View, immersing users in incredible VR worlds that appear detailed and lifelike. Super AMOLED technology enables deep blacks and high contrast, further enhancing image quality and 3D effects.

With ZenFone AR and Daydream View, users can explore new worlds with apps like Street View and Fantastic Beasts, kick back in a personal VR cinema with YouTube VR and Netflix, and get in the game with Gunjack 2, Need for Speed and more.

Impressive audio, inside and out

In addition to video, high-quality audio is an important component of immersive AR and VR experiences. To fulfill this demand, ZenFone AR comes with ASUS SonicMaster 3.0 technology. A five-magnet speaker driven by a powerful NXP smart amplifier delivers clear, expansive sound that can be played at high volumes without distortion. ZenFone AR can also output certified High-Resolution Audio (HRA) to compatible devices at 24-bit/192kHz — or 4X CD-quality. DTS Headphone:X provides virtual 7.1-channel surround sound for immersive entertainment experiences. A premium Asus ZenEar S Headset available inbox.

Cutting-edge hardware forAR and VR performance

ZenFone AR is designed with the latest, top-of-the-line components to provide high-quality AR and VR experiences. This cutting-edge hardware also makes ZenFone AR one of the most powerful smartphones available.

ZenFone AR features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor that has been specially optimized for the demanding, real-time calculations of AR. ASUS worked closely with Qualcomm Technologies and Google engineers to help develop methods for efficiently distributing computer-vision workloads, as well as rapidly processing movement and positioning instructions with Tango to deliver smooth, immersive, and compelling AR experiences. It also features the desktop-class Qualcomm Adreno 530 graphics-processing unit (GPU) to deliver supercharged graphics performance and handle the graphical demands of Tango and Daydream applications with ease.

Thin and light metallic design

ZenFone AR packages its advanced technology in a beautifully minimalist, light, and compact design. A precision-milled metal frame and slim, 4.8mm edge provides a luxurious look that is further enhanced by stainless-steel accents around the camera. These accents also help protect the camera lens from scratches. ZenFone AR has an ergonomic curved shape with a 4.8mm edge and a tactile, leather-patterned rear surface that feels great in the hand.

23 megapixel ASUS PixelMaster 3.0 — Capture reality, fast and steady

ZenFone AR also features an advanced camera that takes beautiful, high-resolution photos and videos in any lighting condition. It has an ASUS PixelMaster 3.0 camera that uses the world's highest resolution camera sensor (a 23MP Sony IMX318) and the ASUS TriTech autofocus system. Other key camera features include:

• Four-axis optical image stabilization (OIS) photo and three-axis electronic image stabilization (EIS) video stabilization— Enables sharp photos and shake-free videos.
• 0.03-second ASUS TriTech System— exclusive TriTech autofocus technology is the ultimate integration of phase-detection autofocus, laser autofocus and subject-tracking autofocus, the result is perfectly focus and sharp image every time – day on night, indoor or out.
• Super Resolution mode— Creates ultra-high resolution, 92MP photos by capturing and combining four native 23MP photos to create a single image with exceptional clarity, greater detail, and less noise.
• RAW file support — ZenFone AR offers photographers the freedom to shoot and store compositions in RAW format. RAW files save the full data of the photo captured by the camera’s sensor and are ideal for enhancement with editing software, where users are able to uncover fine details in areas of shadow, or recover overexposed areas in the highlights, with much lower loss of image quality when compared to editing JPEG image files.
• High-resolution 4K UHD video recording— Captures ultra-detailed and sharp videos.
• Professional manual creative controls— Gives keen photographers control over advanced camera settings, like white balance, exposure value (EV), ISO sensitivity, shutter speed, and focus. This makes ZenFone AR a powerful tool for learning the fundamental skills of photography and allows users to shoot scenes with many different creative interpretations.