SYDNEY: Taiwanese tech firm ASUS launched its first Android Wear device, the ZenWatch in partnership with Google. The watch will be in Australian markets in April.
The new Android based smartwatch ZenWatch features a Gorilla Glass 3 display, instantly changeable watch faces and apps like Remote Camera.
The watch puts an emphasis on design, focusing on “high quality materials” including a premium stitched-leather strap with a unique clasp.
ASUS said the device will be available at Bing Lee for $289 from April, and will also be available for pre-order from ASUS’ online store in April. It is available now on Google Play.
The device is set to go head to head with the Apple Watch, which is also launching in April.
The ASUS ZenWatch is compatible only with Android devices running Android 4.3 or later, so it won’t pair with an iPhone for example.
It also boasts several exclusive apps including Unlock My Phone, which turns the ZenWatch into a universal key that lets wearers quickly unlock their phone by tapping the watch face, and Cover to Mute which lets wearers mute an incoming call by placing their hand over the watch face.
Other features include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor, 512MB of RAM, a built-in microphone and micro USB charging.
For more on the battle of the smartwatch see the Technology Spectator feature Apple Watch vs. Android Wear.
