News & Reviews:   ASUS ZenWatch 2 specification

ASUS recently announced their new ASUS ZenWatch 2, the second generation in the ASUS ZenWatch series (which didn't manage to make it to Malaysia officially last time). While keeping the same beautiful curved glass look and design, the new ZenWatch 2 offers a different size and many other options to customize the smartwatch according to your tastes. The ZenWatch 2 will come in the original size with a 1.63-inch display at a 320 x 320 pixel resolution, but there is now a smaller version with a 1.45-inch display and 280 x 280 pixel resolution. Both feature the same tech specs which include a 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor, 512MB RAM, 4GB storage and a 400 mAh battery for the larger version and 300 mAh battery for the smaller version. Both use a magnetic connector to charge and are expected to launch in October although there are no specific Malaysia release dates just yet. You can customize the ZenWatch by choosing from a silver, gunmetal grey or rose gold body, various watch straps and using a watchface-creation tool. International pricing begins at €149 (RM702) for the larger version and €169 (RM796) for the smaller version.

ASUS has officially announced the ASUS ZenWatch 2 smartwatch. Utilizing Android Wear it comes in 22mm and 18mm bands, quite obviously designed for men and women or those with big wrists and small wrists. Tech specs include and a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, OLED display covered by 2.5D Gorilla Glass 3 and IP67 water resistance certification. This means you can bring it swimming. On top of this, battery life has been improved and a new magnetic charging system has been implemented although the details are still rather unclear. The ZenWatch 2 will be available in gunmetal, silver and rose gold with a choice over rubber, leather and metal bands. Other bands are due as well, along with one covered with Swarovski crystals. No Malaysia release dates or pricing details yet, but we should find out more in the coming months.

ASUS may have solved the problem of low battery life on smartwatches. According to a report from Focus Taiwan, ASUS will incorporate a power efficient CPU unit inside the second generation ASUS ZenWatch 2 to improve the battery life drastically. Asus Chairman Jonney Shih said that the next ZenWatch will come with a simplified CPU and operating system which should extend its battery life up to one week on a single charge. If this turns out to be true, the ZenWatch 2 will become one of the best smartwatches in the market in terms of battery life. At present, modern smartwatches provide up to one to two days of battery at the most. The ZenWatch 2 will also reportedly come with a feature wherein it can make and receive calls without a companion smartphone. This would make it a standalone smartwatch, much like the Samsung Gear S that was recently announced. The Taiwanese giant plans to release this new watch by Q3 2015. At present, the company has the ZenWatch in most markets (just not Malaysia) which retails for around $199 (RM718). Reports suggest ASUS will also unveil two new smartbands in the coming months targeted at a lower price band (perhaps we'll get those).