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ASUS Media Press Conference Taipei – Zenvolution
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ASUS Media Press Conference Taipei – Zenvolution

by Super DaddyMay 31, 2016
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Today, we attended the Asus’ 2016 Media Press Conference in Taipei, Taiwan in two separate sessions – once for their conventional product (Zenvolution) and the other for their Republic Of Gamers (Join The Republic) line-up. I’m not going to bore us with long text because there’s plenty to share, so we’ll skim through images instead to keep this engaging. I had a pretty decent seating position, but to compensate other medias and not interrupting their view, I had to work within my means, so some images might be blurry. Just click on them for a larger version. Let’s begin.

The Zenvolution is where Asus announces their conventional product line. Conventional as in non-gaming, daily use machines.

The Zenvolution is where Asus announces their conventional product line. Conventional as in non-gaming, daily use machines.

Mr. Jonny Shih - Chairman of Asus takes the stage. Seems pretty excited to share the insights, and I'll tell you, he has all the reasons to be excited.

Mr. Jonny Shih – Chairman of Asus takes the stage. Seems pretty excited to share the insights, and I’ll tell you, he has all the reasons to be excited.

The curtain unfolds with the Asus Zenbook 3. Claiming it as the "most prestigious laptop with unprecedented performance". That's quite a claim to live up to.

The curtain unfolds with the Asus Zenbook 3. Claiming it as the “most prestigious laptop with unprecedented performance”. That’s quite a claim to live up to.

Crafted to perfection. I'm not sure how perfect, but that color blend definitely captured my eyes.

Crafted to perfection. I’m not sure how perfect, but that color blend definitely captured my eyes.

Not just is it thinner than the Macbook Air, it's even thinner than the Macbook. At this point, I'm starting to have my doubts about the specs because the Macbook, while being extremely thin doesn't impress me with it's specs much.

Not just is it thinner than the Macbook Air, it’s even thinner than the Macbook. At this point, I’m starting to have my doubts about the specs because the Macbook, while being extremely thin doesn’t impress me with it’s specs much.

But of course, thinner would only demand lighter too. Sitting at 910g, you would be wondering if it's even true.

But of course, thinner would only demand lighter too. Sitting at 910g, you would be wondering if it’s even true.

But Asus is not keen in keeping secrets. Aerospace-grade aluminium alloy design is how they achieved it. Not just it's lighter, it's tougher. Aerospace is rocket science - in which all the hard work is already done. You just need to reuse it.

But Asus is not keen in keeping secrets. Aerospace-grade aluminium alloy design is how they achieved it. Not just it’s lighter, it’s tougher. Aerospace is rocket science – in which all the hard work is already done. You just need to reuse it.

Oh, yes. I got the shock myself too. I was expecting an Intel Core M nonsense but was left speechless with the Intel Core i7. 1TB PCIe 3.0 SSD, 16GB DDR3 and USB Type-C means this machine is more than just good looks. It's pretty bad ass!

Oh, yes. I got the shock myself too. I was expecting an Intel Core M nonsense but was left speechless with the Intel Core i7. 1TB PCIe 3.0 SSD, 16GB DDR3 and USB Type-C means this machine is more than just good looks. It’s pretty bad ass!

Which actually means, you have Macbook AIr powerhouse, in the package size of the thin Macbook.

Which actually means, you have Macbook AIr powerhouse, in the package size of the thin Macbook.

This one is rather subjective to me. Unless we were spotting NVMe or HBM chips here, these will require some real world benchmarking.

This one is rather subjective to me. Unless we were spotting NVMe or HBM chips here, these will require some real world benchmarking.

2133MHz and 1866MHz do have different clock speeds, but in the real world, you will almost not see the difference (do notice the word almost). Especially when you are running a bloated Windows on the machine.

2133MHz and 1866MHz do have different clock speeds, but in the real world, you will almost not see the difference (do notice the word almost). Especially when you are running a bloated Windows on the machine.

World's thinnest fan design at 3mm. Claiming it's throne LIVE before thousands of eyes.

World’s thinnest fan design at 3mm. Claiming it’s throne LIVE before thousands of eyes.

And this is the part where my prayers were answered. As a user of the Asus UX305 ultrabook, I always hated the much wasted border which could be used for a better viewing area. 82% ratio means this will be a beautiful challenge for the Macbooks.

And this is the part where my prayers were answered. As a user of the Asus UX305 ultrabook, I always hated the much wasted border which could be used for a better viewing area. 82% ratio means this will be a beautiful challenge for the Macbooks.

This is a bonus because at least I myself have never scratched or broke my laptop display before.

This is a bonus because at least I myself have never scratched or broke my laptop display before.

My UX305 runs on a 45W battery, so 40W is not really a shout. But fast charging? Who can say no to that?!

My UX305 runs on a 45W battery, so 40W is not really a shout. But fast charging? Who can say no to that?!

Sorry for the blurry image. That's more travel time for the keys. I love it. Vyncent likes shorter keys travel. But that's the reason why I have never cherished the touch keyboard. Because I love that distance of the key travelled.

Sorry for the blurry image. That’s more travel time for the keys. I love it. Vyncent likes shorter keys travel. But that’s the reason why I have never cherished the touch keyboard. Because I love that distance of the key travelled.

I think fingerprint unlocking should become an industry standard. If a device has storage, fingerprint security should be mandatory. That's my belief.

I think fingerprint unlocking should become an industry standard. If a device has storage, fingerprint security should be mandatory. That’s my belief.

Quartz Grey, Rose Gold and Royal Blue. My favorite is the Royal Blue and it looks like the UX301 blue. And that gold just couldn't have been any other color.

Quartz Grey, Rose Gold and Royal Blue. My favorite is the Royal Blue and it looks like the UX301 blue. And that gold just couldn’t have been any other color.

$1999 USD. Roughly RM8222. Out of my range. But that's because of 1TB storage.

$1999 USD. Roughly RM8222. Out of my range. But that’s because of 1TB storage.

The sweet spot! 512GB storage and everything else the same. $1499 USD equivalent to RM6166 at time of writing. But remember, you can only decide this upfront before purchasing.

The sweet spot! 512GB storage and everything else the same. $1499 USD equivalent to RM6166 at time of writing. But remember, you can only decide this upfront before purchasing.

Still too expensive but you need something for your daily productivity? The Core i5 + 4GB RAM + 256GB SSD will be perfect. You're thinking it's underpowered? I've got similar specs with a Core M ultrabook from which I'm typing this and batch converted CR2 RAW images to JPEG with literally no hiccups. $999 USD equivalent to RM4109.

Still too expensive but you need something for your daily productivity? The Core i5 + 4GB RAM + 256GB SSD will be perfect. You’re thinking it’s underpowered? I’ve got similar specs with a Core M ultrabook from which I’m typing this and batch converted CR2 RAW images to JPEG with literally no hiccups. $999 USD equivalent to RM4109.

Yes, the Zenbook 3 is awesome. But this one right here is my love at first sight. Introducing, the Asus Transformer 3 Pro. Wanna know why?

Yes, the Zenbook 3 is awesome. But this one right here is my love at first sight. Introducing, the Asus Transformer 3 Pro. Wanna know why?

It's a much beautiful Surface Pro. Aluminium alloy with diamond cut lid. But that's just the beginning.

It’s a much beautiful Surface Pro. Aluminium alloy with diamond cut lid. But that’s just the beginning.

A tad thinner than the Microsoft Surface Pro at 8.35mm. This babe has a beautiful body.

A tad thinner than the Microsoft Surface Pro at 8.35mm. This babe has a beautiful body.

This hinge takes a little practice for getting used to because it really can bend, satisfying your imaginations.

This hinge takes a little practice for getting used to because it really can bend, satisfying your imaginations.

275ppi on the Transformer 3 Pro vs 267ppi on the Surface Pro. Nothing that your eyes are going to be able to differentiate though.

275ppi on the Transformer 3 Pro vs 267ppi on the Surface Pro. Nothing that your eyes are going to be able to differentiate though.

121% sRGB vs 98.7% sRGB on Surface Pro. This one is something designers are so going to love!

121% sRGB vs 98.7% sRGB on Surface Pro. This one is something designers are so going to love!

I couldn't be bothered much with the sound on the tablet personally. But some users would find it interesting bragging rights bearing the Harman Kardon speakers.

I couldn’t be bothered much with the sound on the tablet personally. But some users would find it interesting bragging rights bearing the Harman Kardon speakers.

Loudness is less important but higher frequency range = YES! Again, my personal option.

Loudness is less important but higher frequency range = YES! Again, my personal option.

Yup! This is where I fell in love! Core i7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD and Intel Thunderbolt 3 port. Sounds pretty familiar, right? This is the Zenbook 3 repackaged into a totally different experience. And this IS the experience I crave for!

Yup! This is where I fell in love! Core i7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD and Intel Thunderbolt 3 port. Sounds pretty familiar, right? This is the Zenbook 3 repackaged into a totally different experience. And this IS the experience I crave for!

Dual 4K output. But I can tell you, the machine will be struggling. 40Gbps transfer, heavily needed! 8X faster than Surface Pro - that's just a matter of time.

Dual 4K output. But I can tell you, the machine will be struggling. 40Gbps transfer, heavily needed! 8X faster than Surface Pro – that’s just a matter of time.

With the universal dock, even VGA is available for you!

With the universal dock, even VGA is available for you!

1024 pressure levels. Nothing new here. Definitely enough. Obviously worth it.

1024 pressure levels. Nothing new here. Definitely enough. Obviously worth it.

Not my cup of tea. My audio cravings are not on external speakers. Period.

Not my cup of tea. My audio cravings are not on external speakers. Period.

ROG XG Station 2. Boost the performance of Transformer 3 Pro using plug and play mechanism and have GTX1080 at your disposal. See where this is going now?

ROG XG Station 2. Boost the performance of Transformer 3 Pro using plug and play mechanism and have GTX1080 at your disposal. See where this is going now?

Extend to VR if you must. How portable is your VR equipment?

Extend to VR if you must. How portable is your VR equipment?

Too much for you to handle, well, let's tone down to a non-Pro edition then. Introducing the Asus Transformer 3.

Too much for you to handle, well, let’s tone down to a non-Pro edition then. Introducing the Asus Transformer 3.

I won't deny, it IS beautiful!!

I won’t deny, it IS beautiful!!

You don't like Asus bashing other products? Innovation requires improvement. Even from your OWN past products!

You don’t like Asus bashing other products? Innovation requires improvement. Even from your OWN past products!

Again, viewing area is VERY important to me. Don't omit the bezel altogether but minimize as much as possible.At least 75% is sufficient. 80% nails it!

Again, viewing area is VERY important to me. Don’t omit the bezel altogether but minimize as much as possible.At least 75% is sufficient. 80% nails it!

Unlike the earlier comparison, 275ppi from 155ppi is a pretty significant difference to the bare eye!

Unlike the earlier comparison, 275ppi from 155ppi is a pretty significant difference to the bare eye!

Again, designers are sooo gonna love this!

Again, designers are sooo gonna love this!

You will sooo cherish this under the scorching hot sun! That's almost double the display brightness from it's predecessor.

You will sooo cherish this under the scorching hot sun! That’s almost double the display brightness from it’s predecessor.

Okay.

Okay.

What if I start marking "no fingerprint sensor" as a CON in the future? Would you support my motion?

What if I start marking “no fingerprint sensor” as a CON in the future? Would you support my motion?

Why? You thought it would be under-powered compared to it's PRO counterpart? 7th gen Processor (not i7), 512GB SSD and thunderbolt 3 ALSO present means this is not your average tablet.

Why? You thought it would be under-powered compared to it’s PRO counterpart? 7th gen Processor (not i7), 512GB SSD and thunderbolt 3 ALSO present means this is not your average tablet.

more than twice the juice from it's predecessor.

more than twice the juice from it’s predecessor.

Well, 1067MHz to 1866MHz is quite a jump. This one is bound to yield noticeable results.

Well, 1067MHz to 1866MHz is quite a jump. This one is bound to yield noticeable results.

SSD baby! Who can say no to SSD today?!

SSD baby! Who can say no to SSD today?!

If you have not used the Thunderbolt 3 before, you would probably be thinking that it's over-hyping. But you're downright wrong!

If you have not used the Thunderbolt 3 before, you would probably be thinking that it’s over-hyping. But you’re downright wrong!

Click, click, click!

Click, click, click!

Never had a specific need for this. Matte will do fine too

Never had a specific need for this. Matte will do fine too

Can tell the difference with the PRO sibling? This one relies on it's accessory to redefine it's placement.

Can tell the difference with the PRO sibling? This one relies on it’s accessory to redefine it’s placement.

Obviously color choice is a must nowadays! I've eyed the PRO so you can make your choice here.

Obviously color choice is a must nowadays! I’ve eyed the PRO so you can make your choice here.

Note the word "starting from" to avoid confusion. $999 is about RM4109 while $799 is about RM3287 at the time of writing.

Note the word “starting from” to avoid confusion. $999 is about RM4109 while $799 is about RM3287 at the time of writing.

Let's move to the Zenfone 3. Jen Chuang, director of Asus Design Centre takes over.

Let’s move to the Zenfone 3. Jen Chuang, director of Asus Design Centre takes over.

Full metal smartphone with invisible antenna. You know what are we comparing it with, don't pretend!

Full metal smartphone with invisible antenna. You know what are we comparing it with, don’t pretend!

Asus calls it "PureMetal Technology"

Asus calls it “PureMetal Technology”

My only concern when I saw this was how Asus is going to meet the demand within the time frame.

My only concern when I saw this was how Asus is going to meet the demand within the time frame.

Honestly, I have yet to discover, to what extend of "handmade craftsmanship" are we talking about.

Honestly, I have yet to discover, to what extend of “handmade craftsmanship” are we talking about.

5.7" super AMOLED with 1.3mm ultra-slim bezel with 79% screen to body ratio. Yep, ideally fit our requirements here.

5.7″ super AMOLED with 1.3mm ultra-slim bezel with 79% screen to body ratio. Yep, ideally fit our requirements here.

23MP Sony IMX318 sensor. Bye-bye Toshiba sensor.

23MP Sony IMX318 sensor. Bye-bye Toshiba sensor.

Reusing the existing. Improvising to perfection. Wait for my review in the future to explain this further.

Reusing the existing. Improvising to perfection. Wait for my review in the future to explain this further.

Oh yes, if you have not yet seen the Laser in action, you're late to the party because it actually got a LOT better!

Oh yes, if you have not yet seen the Laser in action, you’re late to the party because it actually got a LOT better!

Gone are the days where only the nearest object was of interest. Jen said, by the time you focus to the object, that moment could be long gone. Just the PERFECT definition!

Gone are the days where only the nearest object was of interest. Jen said, by the time you focus to the object, that moment could be long gone. Just the PERFECT definition!

This one requires animation for demonstration. But we saw it LIVE after the presentation and they were not lying!

This one requires animation for demonstration. But we saw it LIVE after the presentation and they were not lying!

92MP super resolution. You can start printing road side advertisment banners from your phone now. lol.

92MP super resolution. You can start printing road side advertisment banners from your phone now. lol.

Not something I'd justify on any other display other than the device itself.

Not something I’d justify on any other display other than the device itself.

We'll see how "professional" does it get when we get our hands on one of these soon.

We’ll see how “professional” does it get when we get our hands on one of these soon.

I don't even have words to describe these monstrous specs. If you are already on a 64-bit smartphone, you try to explain this to yourself - if you manage to. PERFECT!

I don’t even have words to describe these monstrous specs. If you are already on a 64-bit smartphone, you try to explain this to yourself – if you manage to. PERFECT!

Again, it's nice to see numbers for as long as your device is not yet bloated.

Again, it’s nice to see numbers for as long as your device is not yet bloated.

I'd vouch for this. 4GB RAM has already left a significant difference in my life. 6GB will something my brain needs to digest first!

I’d vouch for this. 4GB RAM has already left a significant difference in my life. 6GB will something my brain needs to digest first!

For those always in rush!

For those always in rush!

That was Zenfone 3 Deluxe. Now we move on to Zenfone 3. A little toned down.

That was Zenfone 3 Deluxe. Now we move on to Zenfone 3. A little toned down.

I miss the red already :(

I miss the red already :(

No comments. Will only comment if they actually make it to our country.

No comments. Will only comment if they actually make it to our country.

Super IPS and 2.1mm bezel. That's pretty decent!

Super IPS and 2.1mm bezel. That’s pretty decent!

16MP/8MP with 64MP super resolution. After knowing the Deluxe's specs, this one looks "meh!"

16MP/8MP with 64MP super resolution. After knowing the Deluxe’s specs, this one looks “meh!”

Vyncent is not gonna like this. I wanted to write it first. But then he reached out to me earlier than that. And I was right! :(

Vyncent is not gonna like this. I wanted to write it first. But then he reached out to me earlier than that. And I was right! :(

The ZenUI turns 3! There are several improvements and I do not want to highlight them except for...

The ZenUI turns 3! There are several improvements and I do not want to highlight them except for…

Game Genie! This one packs some punch! But here's what I would say. Release this to the public, or it will not be that much of a success. Brand it as Asus and let everyone have it because today, exclusivity has no value when it comes to apps. Remember BBM?

Game Genie! This one packs some punch! But here’s what I would say. Release this to the public, or it will not be that much of a success. Brand it as Asus and let everyone have it because today, exclusivity has no value when it comes to apps. Remember BBM?

You couldn't care about the performance and rather have a phablet? Well, here's your option. Asus Zenfone 3 Ultra.

You couldn’t care about the performance and rather have a phablet? Well, here’s your option. Asus Zenfone 3 Ultra.

Wider. Larger. 'nuff said.

Wider. Larger. ’nuff said.

This should be called Zenphablet, no?

This should be called Zenphablet, no?

Nope, 4K is definitely not why I would get this device in the fisrt

Nope, 4K is definitely not why I would get this device in the fisrt

This one looks rather familiar :)

This one looks rather familiar :)

When you have that much space, give them more power! Use it as a power bank too. Although it's slightly smaller capacity than the Zenfone Max.

When you have that much space, give them more power! Use it as a power bank too. Although it’s slightly smaller capacity than the Zenfone Max.

Zenfone Deluxe starting from $499 USD (RM2052)

Zenfone Deluxe starting from $499 USD (RM2052)

The normal Zenfone 3 starts from $249 USD (RM1024) and the Zenfone 3 Ultra starts from $479 USD (RM1970)

The normal Zenfone 3 starts from $249 USD (RM1024) and the Zenfone 3 Ultra starts from $479 USD (RM1970)

That marks the end of our press journey today. What did you like and/or not like? Which one of these do you want us to review first? Please do share with us. I, personally have my eyes set on the Transformer 3 Pro already.

About The Author
Super Daddy
A proof that the real fun does not actually ends, but rather begins when you become a daddy. Enterprise Application Co-ordinator, Web Developer, Hardware Enthusiast, Gadgets lover, Android Evangelist, Desktop and Consoles Gamer, Metal Music Guitarist, Audiophile, Networking Freak, Radio Controlled Toys rat, Ferrari Crazy and above all - a daddy in every kid's dream.

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