Asus launches first augmented and virtual reality smartphone

ASUS recently announced the price and availability of its ZenFone AR in Malaysia. According to the phone maker, the smartphone represents an advancement in mobile virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies.
The Asus ZenFone AR is also the first smartphone that is Tango-­enabled and Daydream-ready.
Tango is a set of sensors and computer-vision software by Google that enables smartphone AR.
It lets the phone track motion, perceive depth, and take full advantage of AR ­technologies such as in games, utilities, and indoor navigation.
Daydream is Google’s platform for high-quality mobile VR. When paired with the Daydream View headset and controller (top, far right), the ZenFone AR lets users experience the best of mobile VR.
Apart from being the world’s first smartphone to adopt these two technologies, the Asus AR is also the thinnest and lightest Tango-enabled device.
It achieves this using the Asus TriCam system, a three-camera system consisting of a 23MP PixelMaster 3.0 primary camera, a motion-tracking camera, and a depth-sensing camera.
It also takes noteworthy stills and 4K videos, thanks to its Sony IMX318 sensor, which Asus says is the world’s highest-resolution camera sensor.
The brains of the ZenFone AR is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor, that is optimised for Tango, 8GB of RAM (another world first), and 256GB of fast UFS 2.0 storage. It also has a 5.7in WQHD Super Amoled display, and a new five-magnet speaker that Asus claims ­enhances the VR and AR ­experience.
Because of its thin bezels and design, the ZenFone AR does not feel bulky in the hand. Its textured back, which feels like polished stone, also gives it a unique tactile feel that neither glass nor metal could ­emulate.
The Asus ZenFone AR is built for content consumption. Its 1440x2560 resolution display looks gorgeous, and its suite of audio technologies sounds impressive.
The added VR and AR experience could be the next big thing in mobile tech, and if it is, the Asus ZenFone AR is at its forefront.
Despite all of its ­bleeding-edge features, the greatest hurdle for the phone could be its price.
At RM3,799, it faces ­competition that touts prestige, a more powerful processor, the latest in flagship phone design, and tried-and-tested technology.
The Asus ZenFone AR is now available, and each purchase comes with a one-year one-to-one exchange warranty.
Customers may call Asus for a Pick-Up & Return service or, if they are in Kuala Lumpur, ­Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya, Puchong, Cheras, Ampang, Kajang, or Serdang, have the phone replaced on the same day (before 3pm).
This warranty does not cover damages caused by the user.