According to ASUS, the ASUS ZenPad tablets were created to replace the ASUS Fonepad tablet phones or tablets with smartphone call and SMS capabilities. Now that the ASUS ZenPad is here with the ASUS ZenPad C 7.0 and ASUS ZenPad 7.0, we thought we'd take a step through memory lane by going through the design, look and feel of the previous ASUS Fonepad 7 tablets up until the current ZenPad tablets. While all of them carried a 7-inch display, the Fonepad tablets were initially a lot thicker and rounder, eventually evolving to a flat and thin look with the newer Fonepad tablets. This evolved again into the clutch case-like design of the ZenPad tablets with the interchangeable Zen Case backplates of the ZenPad 7.0. Check out our comparison video in this article for yourself.

Tablet phones or tablets with call capabilities have come a long way from the first days when people put 7-inch display devices to their ears. Apart from newer technologies, they have become thinner, slimmer and more compact, especially for the higher-end market. ASUS was one of the first to make such tablets for the entry-level market with their ASUS Fonepad tablets and now, they are replacing these well received devices with the new ASUS ZenPad range. Featuring the latest 64-bit Intel Atom x3 processors, dts-HD audio technologies and a more fashion conscious look and feel, the ASUS ZenPad C 7.0 (Z170C) is the most entry-level device on the ZenPad tablet range. In this day and age when it isn't uncommon to see someone using a tablet phone to make a call does the ASUS ZenPad C really offer improvements over the earlier ASUS Fonepad 7? We find out in our full review of the ASUS ZenPad C 7.0 in this article.

Just a day ahead of a sneak preview for the ASUS ZenPad tablets and we've just received screencaps of some benchmarks from an anonymous tipster. The benchmarks include AnTuTu and 3DMark, both benchmarks that we often use here at TechNave.com. The AnTuTu benchmark for the ZenPad C 7.0 is scored at 22396 which is much higher than the entry-level ASUS Fonepad 7 tablet it may replace. A quick look at the previous ASUS Fonepad 7 review reveals an AnTuTu score of just 19030 and that was without any PowerSaver function turned on. The new ZenPad C 7.0 is powered by Intel's latest Intel Atom x3 or SoFIA processor and offers built-in 3G connectivity along with features like DTS-HD audio technology. We'll be able to tell you more tomorrow after the sneak preview but so far, these benchmarks are indications that users will get a good performing device with the ASUS ZenPad C and other ZenPad tablets. No Malaysia release dates or official pricing details yet, but the ZenPad C is expected to cost around RM499. Stay tuned for more updates tomorrow.

Bloatware are typically apps that come pre-installed or with an official update for your smartphone or device that you do not actually need. Most of the time these bloatware apps are treated as system apps and can't be removed or uninstalled. The best thing you could do previously was to turn off notifications and disable it. For a while now, even the ASUS ZenUI packed on a good deal of bloatware, but with recent updates you can now remove said bloatware completely. To do that go to Apps and tap on the Uninstall Updates button. After tapping OK, a second dialog box will appear asking if you want to uninstall the app. Click OK and that resource draining sucker is gone! Bear in mind that this could be applicable for ASUS devices that have had the latest updates and so far it works on the ASUS ZenFone 2 and ASUS Fonepad 7 which have received their latest updates. You still can't delete everything though as some apps are considered non-removable for certain reasons. In any case, this is a great first step by ASUS and should make it even more popular, especially those who have been itching to remove a bloatware app in particular.

While many ASUS users are wondering when they'll get their Android 5.0 Lollipop upgrades, quite a few of the tablet users have already started receiving theirs. This includes those who got the ASUS Fonepad 7 FE375CG. Powered by a 64-bit 1.83GHz quad-core Intel Atom Z3560 processor, the new update offers native 64-bit processing. While many ZenFone users are silently screaming "why not us too?" this order does make sense as the Fonepads and other ASUS tablets did get their 64-bit Intel processors first. It does indicate that there is progress so those users should get their updates eventually. So far, the interface looks to have been revamped with some smoother animations and nicer layouts but this is just what we've seen so far at a glance. You also get some new apps and bloatware so make sure you have some extra space available. If you're interested in the ASUS Fonepad 7 FE375CG do check out our full review of the tablet but for now you can see the screenshots of the update along with some design changes and an early benchmark in this article.

A new range of tablets could be coming from ASUS soon as leaks have appeared for the ASUS ZenPad 7 and ZenPad 8. Featuring a cross-thatch pattern and build very familiar to the ASUS FonePad 7, the ZenPad will supposedly come in 7-inch display and 8-inch display versions. Both will have a WiFi and 3G version, while the ZenPad 7 will be priced from 7999 RUB (RM570) to 8999 RUB (RM641). Tech specs for the ZenPad 7 include a 64-bit 1GHz quad-core Intel Atom X3 (or formerly known as SoFIA), 1GB RAM, 8GB / 16GB storage, 7-inch display with 1024 x 600 pixel resolution, 2MP rear camera, VGA front camera, Bluetooth and a 3950 mAh battery. The ZenPad 8 on the other hand will get an Intel Z3560 or Z3530 processor, 2GB of RAM, 8GB / 16GB / 32GB / 64GB storage and an 8-inch display with 2048 x 1536 pixel resolution. Obviously, the ZenPad 8 is the more feature-filled despite it not having an actual Intel Atom X3 processor. No Malaysia released dates or pricing details yet but the ASUS ZenPad tablets are expected to get announced sometime in June during Computex 2015.

DirectD is one of the better known third-party mobile device sellers and retailers in Malaysia. This is due to their often lower than average prices and early (before official release) inventory of the latest smartphones, tablets, mobile devices and more. Recently, they held the grand opening for their latest DirectD Gadget Mega Store here in Petaling Jaya. Featuring 18000 square feet and lots of nearby parking space, DirectD say that they have the largest mobile phone shop in Malaysia yet. While there are more than 300 smartphones and tablets and 1000 or so accessories available at a time, the store also has the latest devices on display, a dedicated service center with comfortable waiting area and telco center for both new subscribers and bill payment. These telcos include DiGi, Maxis, U Mobile and YES with plans to add more soon. In addition, free WiFi is available throughout the store. Individual buyers can also opt to pay via installment plan or credit card while wholesale buyers are also welcome with no minimum order required. The DirectD Gadget Mega Store will be open from 9.00am to 9.30pm everyday. Here are some of the highlights and promotions available;

• located at Lot 11, Jln 51A/219, PJ (next to Mazda service Centre, same row with Avon and Hong Leong bank, along side Federal Highway)
• a snap post & win contest!
• the first 50 or so customers were able to buy a power bank at just RM1 or phone at RM10 or bid for a smartphone starting from RM10!
• those who came could also buy 1 and get free 1 original Lumia 530 smartphone
• "I am a member" membership program with redemption prizes and other benefits
• "I am a dealer" dealership program 

Another day, another device appearing at China's TENAA, this time it is the latest ASUS Fonepad 7 FE375CL tablet with smartphone capabilities. The FE375 series is a bit higher-end compared to say the FE170 or FE171 and as such comes with a 64-bit 1.3GHz quad-core Intel Atom Z3530 processor, 2GB RAM and 32GB storage. Other notable tech sepcs include a 7-inch display with 800 x 1280 pixel resolution, 3G and WiFi connectivity along with a 5MP rear camera and 2MP front camera. Like the recent ASUS Fonepad 7 FE171CG it looks like the design is flat and thin as well with controls that are no longer slanted at an angle. No Malaysia release dates or pricing details yet, but it should appear here in Malaysia soon with the next Fonepad 7 refresh.

While the ASUS Fonepad 7 FE171CG tablet with calling capabilities was announced for Malaysia quite recently, it is now officially available in Malaysia for RM529. Featuring a slimmer 7.9mm thin chassis and more premium looking metallic body, the Fonepad 7 FE171CG also packs in an 8MP PixelMaster auto-focus rear camera capable of taking clearer low-light shots. As our previous reports, it does not replace the previous ASUS Fonepad 7 FE170CG but offers a different form factor and some upgraded tech specs and features for those who want a bit more. Check out the full tech specs and features list using our Fonepad 7 FE171CG vs the Fonepad 7 FE170CG tech spec comparison tool. Stay tuned for the unboxing and hands-on videos in a bit.

ASUS Malaysia recently launched a trifecta of affordable yet feature-filled devices with the ASUS Fonepad 7 FE171CG, ASUS ZenFone C and ASUS EeeBook X205. The Fonepad 7 FE171CG doubles tech specs and features by offering a slimmer 7.9mm thin body, 8MP rear camera, 16GB storage and 2GB RAM for just RM529. While it doesn't replace the Fonepad 7 FE170CG, the ASUS ZenFone C replaces the ZenFone 4 smartphones for RM349. Notable tech specs for the ZenFone C includes a 4.5-inch display, larger 2100 mAh battery, 5MP PixelMaster camera with Low-Light function and SonicMaster audio with external amplifier. The third device is the ASUS EeeBook X205 which is a stylish and thin Windows 8.1 notebook computer with an 11.6-inch display for just RM699 for the 32GB storage version and RM799 for the 64GB storage version. Check out our hands-on photos of the three ASUS devices.