ASUS Presents Zen-Inspired Innovations at Milan Design Week 2016

2016/04/11

Comprehensive consumer product portfolio highlights people-centric design ethos

ASUS Design Center, the award-winning design center within ASUS, is presenting the Glow of Life exhibition at Milan Design Week from 12th-17th April, 2016 at Padiglione Visconti, Via Tortona 58, in Milan, Italy. The exhibition highlights the ASUS goal of bringing liveliness to each user's world through engaging digital experiences with innovative technology. Glow of Life features creative installation created by ASUS Design Center and a captivating product display area showcasing ASUS gaming, productivity, mobility, entertainment, and smart home products inspired by zen and the beauty of nature. Visitors to Milan Design Week are invited to visit the Glow of Life exhibition and experience how ASUS products empower users with beneficial functionality and beautiful design.

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG)

ROG GX700 is part of the newest lineup of ROG products that provide gamers with innovative hardware that empowers them with leading performance and stylish design. The latest generation of ROG products feature bold, asymmetric shapes and striking Plasma Copper, Armor Titanium, and Lava Red color themes. ROG GX700 is the world’s first liquid-cooled gaming laptop with the detachable ROG-exclusive Hydro Overclocking System cooling module. GX700 is powered by the 6th-generation Intel® mobile K-SKU processor and NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 980 graphics card. With the ROG Hydro Overclocking System, users can overclock ROG GX700’s CPU, GPU, and memory performance to give GX700 incredible desktop-grade gaming performance. ROG GX700 is the world’s first 17-inch gaming laptop that immerses users in real 4K UHD gaming environments. In addition, it features NVIDIA G-SYNC™ technology for smooth, stunning visuals.

ROG G752 is a gaming laptop powered by a 6th-generation Intel Core™ i7 processor and up to NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M discrete graphics. It can be upgraded to up to 64GB DDR4 RAM for faster, more energy-efficient performance. This aggressively-designed gaming laptop sports the new ROG Armor Titanium and Plasma Copper color scheme and features the ROG-exclusive mobile 3D Vapor Chamber thermal system on the GTX 980M SKU for more efficient cooling and increased stability. It has a backlit anti-ghosting gaming keyboard with 30-key rollover for precise input.

ROG Strix GL502is a compact 15.6-inch gaming laptop with a stunning display that delivers breathtaking visuals. Equipped with the latest quad-core Intel Core i7 processor and a dedicated, up to NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M GPU, Strix GL502 is a gaming powerhouse that delivers smooth performance and highly-detailed graphics with even the newest, most demanding titles. Combined with its lightweight, ultra-portable design, Strix GL502 enables users to enjoy high-end gaming anywhere.

ROG Centurionis a premium, true 7.1 surround-sound gaming headset designed especially for professional and hardcore gamers. The headset features 10 discrete neodymium magnet drivers to deliver incredibly realistic and immersive true 7.1-channel surround sound and precise in-game audio positioning. A fully flexible, retractable digital microphone ensures the best in-game communication with crystal-clear voice reproduction and low noise levels. ROG Centurion comes with a plug-and-play USB audio station that has a built-in Hi-Fi-grade ESS 9601 headphone amplifier that improves the audio experience even further for brilliant, balanced sound when gaming and listening to music. The USB audio station also has a built-in microphone that actively detects and counters more than 90% of environmental noise, such as mechanical keyboard sounds and other people's voices, ensuring that distracting and annoying sounds are not transmitted to teammates. ROG Centurion comes with interchangeable protein leather and memory foam ear cups, allowing gamers to customize their headset's fit and comfort to their personal preference.

ASUS RT-AC88Uis a dual-band AC3100-class 4x4 router for gamers and enthusiasts that features Broadcom® NitroQAM™ technology to deliver blazingly fast combined total speeds of up to 3167Mbps. With four external antennas and a 4x4 MIMO antenna design with AiRadar beamforming, RT-AC88U provides far-reaching, stable, and reliable Wi-Fi coverage and unparalleled multi-device performance. An exclusive built-in game accelerator uses a dedicated private network to reduce ping and latency for smooth, uninterrupted online gaming experiences. RT-AC88U comes with eight Gigabit LAN ports — twice the number of ports included on most routers — making it the perfect digital home hub.

ROG GT51is a gaming desktop boasting extreme performance, an aggressive design, and gamer- friendly features. Powered by a liquid-cooled 6th-generation Intel Core i7-6700K processor with Turbo Gear for one-click full-core CPU overclocking to 4.6GHz without rebooting and up to NVIDIA GeForce GTX TITAN X graphics with 2-way SLI, GT51 delivers incredibly powerful performance to satisfy hardcore gamers. ROG GT51 features an advanced cooling system with multi-zone airflow, comprising a silent liquid-cooling system for the CPU, isolated air flow for the power supply, and an internal air tunnel that draws cool air into the chassis to cool the graphics card, ensuring cool temperatures and system stability during marathon gaming sessions. In addition to extreme performance, ROG GT51 has an aggressive design with dynamic lighting effects across four zones that gamers can customize using a palette of up to 8-million colors to create their own unique avatar. The ROG Band wearable accessory lets gamers automatically access Shadow Drive — their own hidden hard drive space that lets them manage personal confidential data safely — or activate overclocking.

ROG Swift PG348Qis a 34-inch gaming monitor with an Ultra-Wide Quad HD (UWQHD) 3440x1440 panel that gives users highly detailed visuals and more onscreen space than WQHD monitors. Its ultra- wide 21:9 aspect curved display provides an immersive panoramic gaming experience. Swift PG348Q’s fast 100Hz refresh rate and built-in NVIDIA G-SYNC technology help eliminate lag and frame-rate stutter for the smoothest, fastest, and most breathtaking gaming imaginable. Its frameless design makes it perfect for a multi-display surround setup. In addition, Swift PG348Q features ASUS GamePlus in-game enhancements, ASUS GameVisual technology for optimized gaming visuals, and an exclusive Turbo hotkey so users can toggle refresh rates on the fly without needing to access the graphics driver control panel.

ROG Spathais an 8200dpi laser gaming mouse crafted for MMO glory. It has a magnesium-alloy chassis and features a total of 12 programmable buttons, including six ergonomic thumb buttons. Its left and right buttons feature an easy-upgrade switch socket design for customizable click feel, with Omron® switches giving users a 20-million-click lifespan. Users have the freedom to use it in wired or wireless modes, and can enjoy a polling rate of up to 2000Hz when in wired mode. In addition, it has customizable RGB LED effects across three zones.

ROG Claymoreis a gaming keyboard with Cherry MX RGB mechanical switches (Red, Blue, Brown, and Black options) and a detachable numeric keypad with macro functions to give users flexible placement options. This keyboard features individually backlit, customizable keys with RGB lighting and N-key Rollover technology. It can be synced to ROG motherboards, with hotkeys allowing users to control fan speed, boot up, CPU and memory overclocking, and BIOS access. ROG Claymore has a durable aluminum-alloy frame with Mayan-inspired detailing for a premium look.

ROG Horus GK200is a mechanical gaming keyboard with a built-in 32-bit micro-programmed control unit (MCU) and 4MB of onboard memory, plus an intuitive ROG user interface that allows users to customize macro and function keys for complex multi-key commands with just a single keystroke. ROG Horus GK2000 features Cherry MX Red mechanical switches for tactile, responsive keystrokes. Each key is backlit by red LEDs that can be customized with five preset lighting modes. ROG Horus GK2000 has a premium, high-quality feel and has CNC-processed aluminum accents with a special topcoat finish. It also features a removable palm rest, 2-way adjustable feet, and a detachable stand for mobile devices.

RT-AC5300is an innovative AC5300-class tri-band wireless router that delivers blazingly fast Wi-Fi — with Broadcom NitroQAM, RT-AC5300 delivers up to 1000Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and up to 2167Mbps on each of the two 5GHz bands, for a combined total of up to 5334Mbps. This gives users a low-latency gaming experience and ultra-fast 4K UHD video streaming anywhere in the home. With eight powerful external antennas in a 4x4 MIMO design, RT-AC5300 dramatically improves both Wi-Fi range and signal stability, giving wide coverage and outstanding multi-device performance. RT-AC5300 includes an exclusive built-in client and a free subscription to WTFast® that accelerates one selectable device at a time to provide users with the very best online gaming experience. WTFast uses Gamers Private Network® (GPN®), a dedicated private network that gives users lower ping times and reduced latency for smooth gameplay.

Zen-inspired productivity

ZenBook Flip UX360CA

ZenBook Flip UX360CA is the first ZenBook model to feature a 360° stepless hinge with a flippable display, allowing UX360CA to be used as a traditional touchscreen laptop, as a convenient lightweight tablet, or any option in between. ZenBook Flip UX360CA has an ultra-sharp 13.3-inch up to QHD+ (3200x1800) display with ASUS Tru2Life and ASUS Splendid technology for a lifelike viewing experience. The display's ultra-reliable hinge has been tested with 20,000 open/close cycles to ensure reliable performance over its lifespan.

ZenBook Flip UX360CA has a unibody chassis crafted from a single block of solid aluminum, with the lid featuring the signature spun-metal ZenBook finish with its Zen-inspired pattern of concentric circles. UX360CA measures just 13.9mm thick and weighs a mere 1.3kg. Its elegant looks are further enhanced by the two stylish color options of Icicle Gold and Mineral Gray. With its lightweight design and up to 12-hour battery life, UX360CA is the perfect choice for business travelers, commuters and professionals — or anyone who needs a truly versatile laptop that can adapt instantly to any situation.

VivoBook Flip (TP301)is a 13.3-inch convertible laptop with a robust 360° multi-gear metal hinge that allows users to flip instantly between laptop, tablet, tent, and stand modes to suit the task at hand. VivoBook Flip has a sleek, lightweight design with a stylish metallic finish and is available in two eye-catching colors — Pure Black and Icicle Gold. VivoBook Flip is powered by the latest 6th-generation Intel Core processors and up to NVIDIA GeForce 9240M graphics. Running Windows 10, VivoBook Flip features up to a 512GB SSD, USB 3.1 Type-C port, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and up to 10 hours of battery life for unrivalled productivity and entertainment throughout the day.

VivoBook Flip TP200

VivoBook Flip TP200 is a thin and light addition to the innovative Flip Series. Its 11.6‑inch form factor weighs just 1.2kg and it has an outstanding 8-hour battery life, making it the perfect choice to replace several devices for hassle-free mobility. With its innovative 360-degree stepless hinge, VivoBook Flip TP200 can be flipped instantly to any viewing angle. VivoBook Flip TP200 has a gorgeous metallic finish with a scratch-resistant texture that is amazingly tough and durable.

VivoBook Flip TP200 comes pre-installed with Windows 10 for full mobile productivity right out of the box. The new Windows 10 Continuum mode automatically configures VivoBook Flip TP200 with the ideal user interface for keyboard or tablet use, ensuring seamless switching between any of VivoBook Flip TP200’s versatile modes. VivoBook Flip TP200 is also the world’s first 11.6-inch flippable laptop to feature the latest USB 3.1 Type-C port, with its reversible any-way-up connector design that makes it much easier to connect devices.

Zen AiO Pro (Z240IC)is a premium all-in-one PC that fuses art with industry-leading technology, providing a perfect balance of beauty and performance for the ultimate home-computing experience. A masterpiece of craftsmanship and design, Zen AiO Pro features a slim and elegant unibody shell — forged from a solid block of anodized aluminum — that tapers to just 6mm thin at the edges, with a precision-crafted matching integral stand. The smooth, sophisticated appearance is enhanced by edge-to-edge glass that covers the display, a rear cover finished in our signature Zen-inspired concentric circle design, and a stylish yet subtle Icicle Gold color. Zen AiO Pro has incredible performance to match its incredible looks. It includes the latest Intel Core i7 processors, the latest ultra-fast M.2 PCIe Gen3 x4 SSD storage, and it is the world’s first AiO with USB 3.1 Type-C port. Designed for ultimate multimedia entertainment Zen AiO Pro has a stunning up to 4K UHD 10-point multi-touch IPS display for vibrant, pin-sharp visuals that make every detail visible, along with wide viewing angles and ultra-responsive touch interactivity.

Zen-inspired mobility and entertainment

ZenFone 2 Deluxeis a smartphone that delivers powerful all-round performance and beauty in abundance, with a gorgeous new multifaceted polygonal finish accentuating the signature ZenFone 2 Ergonomic Arc design. ZenFone 2 Deluxe features a 5.5-inch Full HD IPS display, 13MP/5MP PixelMaster cameras, 2.3GHz 64- bit Intel Atom™ processor with 4GB RAM, 128GB ROM and 4G/LTE connectivity. ZenFone 2 Deluxe also features an ergonomic arc design with intuitive rear controls that makes common tasks, such as snapping selfies and adjusting the volume easier than ever.

ZenFone Zoomis the world’s thinnest 3X optical-zoom smartphone ZenFone Zoom, with edges that taper to a mere 5mm. Its 13MP PixelMaster camera features an intricately-calibrated periscope design with an innovative 10-element lens arrangement, along with laser auto-focus, a Panasonic SmartFSI® image sensor and a professional-grade manual settings mode. ZenFone Zoom’s design takes its cues from the look and feel of professional DSLR cameras, with dedicated buttons for shooting, recording and telephoto operations gives users a pocket-sized DSLR experience.

ZenFone Zoom is a marvel of industrial engineering, created through 201 intricate processes. It incorporates the finest aerospace-grade alloy, precision-milled with 0.4mm diamond-cutting technology to provide custom protection for the 3X optical zoom. The rear cover of ZenFone Zoom is finished with gorgeous, hand-selected leather. This careful selection process results in only 38% of hides making the cut, ensuring that the leather used on ZenFone Zoom is not only thin and tough, but also feels great in the hand.

ZenWatch 2is a smart assistant for Android™ and iOS smartphones that provides wearers with a convenient, at-a-glance view of important information, and is also a full-featured activity tracker. It is designed to be a truly personal device that wearers can customize even further to express their unique sense of style. Available in two sizes — 1.45 inches and 1.63 inches— and in three stainless-steel case colors, with 18 different strap material and color combinations, more than 60 instantly-changeable official ASUS watch faces, and the new FaceDesigner smartphone app that lets wearers create their own watch faces with customized style and functionality, there is truly a ZenWatch 2 for everyone. The timeless new design includes an elegant yet practical crown button that’s inspired by watchmaking traditions, adding convenient and intuitive functionality. ZenWatch 2 also introduces an effortless charging system and features an enhanced battery for up to two days of use.

ASUS ZenPadis a range of premium Android tablets that combine refined styling, incredible entertainment capabilities, and customizable functionality with interchangeable covers to redefine the tablet experience and bring true luxury to consumers. ZenPad features an alluring appearance inspired by the ASUS Zen design philosophy of crafting harmonious beauty and functionality.

ZenPad is crafted to provide exceptional entertainment experiences. ASUS Tru2Life[1] is an exclusive image processing technology that performs intelligent contrast and sharpness adjustments to boost dynamic range. ASUS Tru2Life reveals even the ZenPad also features DTS-HD Premium Sound and SonicMaster technology to provide further enhancement, ensuring the ultimate audio experience.

Audio Coveris an entertainment accessory for ZenPad 7.0 and ZenPad 8.0 that provides cinematic, 5.1‑channel surround sound. It includes four satellite speakers, one center-channel speaker, and one subwoofer to provide an incredible surround-sound experience when watching videos or listening to music. Audio Cover provides up to six times (6X) louder volume than ZenPad alone and up to six hours of continuous usage on a single charge. Audio Cover also doubles as a convenient stand for watching videos or getting some work done.

Power Caseis an accessory for ZenPad 7.0 and ZenPad 8.0 that extends its battery life, giving users up to 15 hours of usage to easily get them through their day or even the longest international flights. This elegant solution seamlessly attaches to ZenPad and maintains its compact size, delivering power on the go without the need to carry bulky portable batteries and extra cables.

Zen Clutchis a fashionable accessory for ZenPad 7.0 and ZenPad 8.0 that combines elegant style with premium materials to provide a sophisticated carrying and protection solution for ZenPad. It features a fine leather finish and is available in a choice of device-matching white or black colors. Its unique folding design also serves as a stand for typing or watching videos.

Audio Dockis an accessory designed exclusively for ZenPad 10 that features Bluetooth® stereo speakers with ASUS SonicMaster technology and a comfortable keyboard to provide enhanced entertainment and productivity experiences. Designed as a perfect match for ZenPad 10, Audio Dock has a stylish look and a premium leather texture that is both elegant and soft to the touch. With a range of up to 10 meters, it can be used even when not physically connected to ZenPad 10, providing extra convenience and flexibility. Audio Dock is also compatible with a wide range of other tablets, mobile phones, and Bluetooth-supported devices, and can be paired with up to eight devices at a time.

ASUS ZenBeam E1ZASUS ZenBeam E1Z is Android and Windows-compatible USB projector that works seamlessly with ASUS ZenFone, ASUS ZenPad, or any Android (version 5.0+) mobile device. ASUS ZenBeam E1Z has an all-new design that features iconic ASUS Zen-inspired elements including concentric-circle detailing on the lens cap. ASUS ZenBeam E1Z features DLP™ technology and delivers bright and crisp 150-lumen WVGA (854 x 480) projections ranging from 15 to 120 inches. Its built-in rechargeable battery and speaker lets users play videos or conduct presentations without having to plug in to a power source up to five hours, and doubles as a 6000mAh power bank to charge mobile devices. With ZenBeam E1Z’s small size and easy portability, users can always project content from their mobile devices from their pocket, just via an USB cable to plug and project.

Zen-inspired smart home

ASUS Smart Home Systemis an ecosystem combining a gateway with a series of devices designed to provide users with a comprehensive, safe, and energy-efficient home-automation solution. Built on the concept of strong family union, the Smart Home Gateway features a beautiful sapphire-blue arc to indicate connections to smart features around the home. The system connects to a range of devices — including the Smart Door Lock, Motion Sensor, Meter Plug, Open/Close Sensor, Temperature/humidity Sensor and Siren — that can be controlled from anywhere using a user-friendly smartphone app.

ASUS Designo MX27UQis a 27-inch 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) IPS monitor with 100% sRGB wide color gamut that delivers stunning levels of detail and precise colors. Built with uncompromising attention to detail, Designo MX27UQ features exquisite metal craftsmanship, a sturdy, sundial-inspired stand, and a beautiful Icicle Gold finish. ASUS SonicMaster audio incorporating ICEpower®, Bang and Olufsen technology, refines every acoustic detail to deliver crystal clear sound with more distinct vocals, and 3- watt stereo speakers with Bluetooth wireless technology lets users enjoy high-quality music streams. Designo MX27UQ also incorporates TÜV Rheinland-certified ASUS Low Blue Light and Flicker-Free technologies to protect the viewer against harmful blue light emissions and onscreen flicker.

The Designo MX Series 34-inch curved monitoroffers timeless aesthetics through exquisite metal artisanship and a sturdy sundial-inspired base stand. Its subtle but elegant design makes a beautiful addition to any home or office workspace. In addition to stunning visuals and striking design, the panel curvature ensures every point on the curved display is equidistant to the user’s eyes to provide an immersive viewing angle with industry-leading audio technology, featuring dual 8-watt speakers for incredible sound. The base of the monitor serves as a wireless charging pad for Qi-enabled mobile devices.

VivoMini UN65His a mini PC designed to deliver fully functional computing for the home or office in an ultra-compact and elegant form factor that weighs less than 700g. Powered by the latest 6th-generation Intel Core processors, VivoMini UN65H gives users a combination of outstanding performance and incredible energy efficiency. VivoMini UN65H is the recipient of a Good Design Award, and features smoothly-rounded edges and the iconic spun-metal-effect finish with its Zen-inspired concentric circles. Its high-gloss Midnight Blue color scheme makes it a striking addition to any office or home. VivoMini UN65H features a dual-storage design that users can specify with up to a 2.5-inch 1TB hard disk or 512GB solid state drive (SSD), a 256GB M.2 SSD, or a combination of both for added flexibility. VivoMini UN65H also comes with lightning-fast 802.11ac Wi-Fi, an extensive array of connectivity options, and USB battery charging on its side USB ports for 2X-faster device charging.

VivoStick PC TS10 is a slim and stylish fountain-pen-inspired stick PC that turns any HDMI-enabled TV or monitor into a fully-functional computer. Powered by the latest-generation Intel Atom processors and featuring Windows 10, VivoStick PC TS10 is an essential PC that provides productive and enjoyable computing experiences. Networking and connectivity options, including fast 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, two USB ports (USB 3.0 and USB 2.0), an audio output jack, provide added flexibility, and ASUS HyStream lets users turn their TV into a home entertainment PC where they can share and play content from anywhere. The user-friendly VivoRemote app is also available, letting users sit back and control VivoStick from the comfort of their sofa. The bundled VivoStick holder lets users mount VivoStick on the front or side of their TV or monitor for easy access.

ASUS Design Center

ASUS Design Center is the multi-disciplinary and award-winning design team within ASUS that consists of designers and dreamers who work together to craft memorable experiences for users. Since 2001, ASUS Design Center has received over 359 awards, including the International Design Excellence Award (IDEA), iF Design Award, Good Design Award (G Mark), Red Dot Award, and other prestigious international design accolades.

ASUS employs a ‘start with people’ approach to product design that ensures a focus on creating value for users. By understanding the needs of people, ASUS aims to empower users and delight them with meaningful and charming experiences. ASUS places great emphasis on design and aesthetics, and participating in Milan Design Week gives us a unique opportunity to share our design philosophy with the world. This year is the sixth consecutive year that ASUS will join Milan Design Week.

[1]Not available on ZenPad Z170 Series