Asus has launched its second smartwatch at Computex, following last year's
ZenWatch. The ZenWatch 2 remains an Android Wear-powered device, but the design of the original has been altered to include a side crown, though more as a button than the Digital Crown of the Apple Watch, with it also replacing the previous dock with new magnetic charger to simplify the charging process, as well as improving the recharge time overall.
Two versions of the ZenWatch 2 will be produced, with one version measuring 49x41mm (1.9x1.6 inches) with a 22mm strap, while the other measures 45x37mm (1.8x1.5 inches) with an 18mm strap. While there is a difference in size, both have the same set of specifications and customization options, including three case colors and 18 different strap and color combinations.
Using an AMOLED display protected by a curved Corning Gorilla Glass 3 panel, the ZenWatch 2 has an IP67 rating for water resistance, allowing it to be worn all day. Though battery life has not been mentioned by Asus yet, it will have an optional back cover that can increase the battery capacity.
Capable of fitness tracking and using a new Wellness smartphone app, it offers the usual notifications and other features of other Android Wear devices. The Remote Camera function from the ZenWatch makes a return, allowing the wearer to use the smartwatch as a viewfinder for their smartphone's camera, with it now allowing for a longer range, the option to switch between a phone's front and rear cameras, and introducing zoom controls for the first time.
Pricing and availability for the ZenWatch 2 has yet to be confirmed, aside from a third-quarter release, but it is likely to be in the same $200 price region as the original.
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