Taiwan-based consumer electronics company Asus has revealed its next generation ZenWatch, the ZenWatch 3. It is the first wearable in the series to have a round screen display. With the new device, the company has addressed the battery-life problems that have plagued its smartwatches for years.
Asus unveiled the ZenWatch 3 at the IFA 2016. The new generation smartwatch features a 1.39-inch AMOLED round display, built on a jewelry grade 316L stainless steel watch case. According to the company, the new material is 82 percent stronger than traditional steel as it can withstand daily scrapes from clumsy users, and it is water resistant.
The ZenWatch 3 comes in three colors: rose gold, silver, and gunmetal (black), each having a gold inlay which the company dubs as "the corona of an annular solar eclipse."
The round edge feature of the new ZenWatch has an important purpose. According to Android Central, the smartwatch is equipped with three crown buttons for easy access to frequently used functions. Users can customize the top button to open an application of personal choice, while the middle button still functions as the main button. The function of the lower button was not specified, but there are speculations that it could be locked to the ZenFit application.
The most important update that Asus has made on the ZenWatch 3 is extending its battery life. Now the smartwatch can last for up to two days, and also features the "HyperCharge" fast-charging technology, which takes only 15 minutes to charge a battery to 60 percent charge.
Asus is also offering an optional battery pack equipped with a 40 percent capacity for users who demand more battery life.
Asus has announced that the ZenWatch 3 would be available on the market later this year. Although the official price has not been released, Engadget estimated that it would be priced at about $230 to $255.