Since August, ASUS has been teasing their first effort into the expanding smart wearables market. While their initial skethes of the upcoming device were potentially good enough to get smartwatch enthusiasts excited, it wasn't until the video teasing the device broke cover that the device itself really started to shine. Now, based on a new report from Taiwan's Central News Agency, it looks the price tag might be just as enticing all on its own.
As The Verge reports, the new smartwatch from ASUS is the first effort by the company with a device running Google's Android Wear platform. According to the initial report, ASUS says this will be the "best looking" smartwatch to run on the platform to date, and that it will be sold for less than $199. If that is indeed the case, it means that the wearable will see a price tag lower than what's currently on offer by LG and Samsung. The device will also feature voice control functionality, initially in English and then supporting Chinese at some point down the line, but it is unknown how this will differ from the already present voice control options within Android Wear. As noted in the report, manufacturers aren't given a lot of wiggle room when it comes to customizing Android Wear, so this could be an app that ASUS pre-loads on the device.
As far as a release date goes, ASUS has already confirmed that they will be showcasing the device at this year's IFA convention in Berlin, however, they won't be putting it up for sale until October. At that time, it will be available in the United States and some additonal markets, but nothing has been nailed down quite yet, it seems. The details are still light, as well, but the report states that the ZenWatch will be able to be used without being paired to an Android-baesd smartphone.
With its brushed metal look, and slightly curved aeshtetics, do you plan on picking up a ZenWatch if it does indeed come priced lower than $199?
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