Google Tango-ready Asus ZenFone to launch in Jan

Lenovo Phab 2 Pro was the first commercially available Tango-enabled smartphone that made its debut earlier this month. The high-end smartphone came equipped with Google’s Project Tango functionalities while offering AR (augmented reality) experience to users.

Now according to a recent report, Asus plans on launching a Tango-ready smartphone as well. The unannounced smartphone is expected to be a latest addition to the Asus ZenFone family. DigiTimes recently posted a report that suggests that Asus’ CEO Jerry Shen shared that they will be launching this phone in January, 2017 at the CES event.

‘The ZenFone AR will come with advanced functionalities and performance at a competitive price,’ said Shen.

However, no additional details regarding the smartphone’s specs were revealed.

At the same time, Asus is also readying its 4^th generation of ZenFone smartphones in latter part of 2017. Several reports go on to suggest that the first devices could officially be unveiled in February at the Mobile World Congress trade fair.

‘Shen noted, adding that he expects the new models, which will feature enhanced cameras, to help ramp up shipments and profitability,’ reported DigiTimes.

The company’s handset business unit suffered losses in the third quarter of 2016 especially due to lower than expected shipments, Shen acknowledged. However, he believes that sales of smartphones will be able to generate profits during the period between October 2016 and March 2017.

Asus also plans on launching an all-in-one (AIO) VR device in the third quarter of 2017. These devices will feature a built-in camera, sensors and controllers and will be aimed towards being different from current models available in the market such as HTC Vive or Oculus Rift.