August ZenFone 6 Firmware Update adds 18 new options for smart key

August 22, 2019 Categories: Firmware Updates, News, Software Updates, ZenFone 6, ZS630KL by 0 Comments

Deep breath for ZenFone 6 owners. ASUS has just started to roll out a new firmware/software update. This continues the trend where ASUS is releasing firmware updates on a monthly basis. If you’ve wanted some more usability for the smart key, this update is going to make you very happy.

People have mentioned the desire for more options with the Smart Key. Opening apps was something people had mentioned and with this firmware update, ASUS bring the usability closer to what people were hoping for. Here is a list of the 18 added options for the Smart Key:

  • Toggle Hotspot
  • Toggle Bluetooth
  • Phone
    • Make a call
    • Show my QR code
  • Calculator
    • Open calculator
    • Open currency converter
    • Open unit converter
  • Clock
    • Open Stopwatch
    • Open Timer
    • Set an alarm
  • File Manager
    • Open Recent files
  • Gallery
    • Open photo album
  • Camera
    • Open camera
    • Take picture
    • Record video

Individual apps still cannot be launched using the Smart Key but perhaps ASUS is still working on making this happen.

Here is a list of other updates, fixes and tweaks:

  1. Video call tuning parameters updated.
  2. Updated audio parameter & quality Improved.
  3. General system & app stability improved.
  4. Optimized Translation Strings
  5. 2019 Jul. & Aug. security patch level updated
  6. GMS_9_0_201906_r1 updated
  7. Preload new Rajiko & HybridRadio APK for JP
  8. Preload new Netflix APK for BR

There have been some complaints about the earpiece volume in noisy environments. ASUS has been continuing to work on this issue and in this latest update, there is an option to optimize the call volume. It should be interesting to see the feedback in the ZenTalk forums about this update and whether it is able to resolve the complaints that have been posted.

There is some good news in there also for South American fans of the ZenFone 6. It would appear that your release date is nearly rather quickly as ASUS put in a specific Brazil Netflix APK. There can only be one reason for that!

Version: 16.1220.1908.189 / ZenFone 6 ZS630KL_ WW_16.1220.1908.189

Model: ZenFone 6 (ZS630KL)

Release Date: 2019/08/21

Connect your phone to WiFi and the update notification should come through. Otherwise you can initiate the update through system settings.

[source: ASUS ZenTalk]

Is your ZenFone 6 camera loose or floppy? Here is the simple fix!

August 19, 2019 Categories: FAQ, Q&A, ZenFone 6, ZenFone 6 Edition 30, ZS630KL by 0 Comments

How to easily fix a loose or wobbly ZenFone 6 camera module

With the level of innovation on the ZenFone 6 flip camera, there have been some initial concerns from people about its durability. The flip camera module is unlike anything on the market so people are somewhat hysterical when there is something amiss. ASUS put a lot of time into development to ensure quality. So if you’re finding it loose or floppy don’t freak out.

If your ZenFone 6 camera seems loose or floppy it’s a super simple fix. You need to adjust the calibration.

It’s just a menu setting that you need to use:

Swipe down menu > long press retract camera button > select calibrate camera angle

We’re heard this solution from a Reddit user who says this simple setting fixed their camera wobble.

It’s normal to think worst case scenario when something wobbles or is loose on a smartphone. It’s rather unnatural. That said, put the panic aside and realize a fix is only a setting away. Our hope is that this quick fix is more widely known so that people don’t need to panic and post concerns on the internet about the camera module breaking or being faulty.

We would love to have screenshots but hopefully those can be added in the near future. Let us know in the comments if this fix helped you and if you knew this camera calibration setting existed.

[source: Reddit]

First chance to buy ZenFone 6 Edition 30 with 12GB RAM and 512GB Storage

August 19, 2019 Categories: News, ZenFone 6, ZenFone 6 Edition 30, ZS630KL by 0 Comments

It seems like ages ago when ASUS unveiled a limited edition ZenFone 6 Edition 30 at Computex in June. Since that time people have been asking about prices and availability. Well if this particular model interests you, we have great news for you. One is available to buy!

Link: $985 USD – ZenFone 6 Edition 30 – 12GB RAM – 512 Storage – Free Shipping – eBay click here

The listing (link above) says it has the following network bands:

FDD-LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28)
TD-LTE (Bands 38, 39, 41*, 46) *LTE B41(2535–2655 120MHz)
WCDMA (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 19)
EDGE/GPRS/GSM (850, 900, 1800, 1900MHz)

The seller will not ship to: Alaska/Hawaii, US Protectorates, APO/FPO, Africa, Central America and Caribbean, Europe, Middle East, Southeast Asia, South America, Bermuda, Greenland, Mexico, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan Republic, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Georgia, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna, Western Samoa, Russian Federation, PO Box

From what we’ve seen, this is one of the first opportunities to buy this model of ZenFone 6. It is being sold out of Taipei, Taiwan and it was just released in that market. It seems to us that this is a very special opportunity to buy one and ASUS hasn’t really disclosed which markets will even get this model in stock.

In case you’re wondering, no, we didn’t make a typo. There is 12GB of RAM onboard if you can believe it. The 512GB of storage will most certainly come in handy as well. Regarding the extended warranty we do not know how that will transfer to other regions. Given this is a limited edition you would hope ASUS provides special treatment to go along with this “special” edition. Just be aware that ASUS can be a challenge to deal with when it comes to warranty claims. This model has a special VIP 30-month warranty but the terms of that warranty we do not know at this point. Design wise the ZenFone 6 Edition 30 comes with a special 30-year anniversary logo and the iconic “concentric-circle” design on the rear.

Shipping Exclusions: India, Russian Federation, Sri Lanka, Netherlands, Indonesia, Taiwan

ZenFone 6 quickly becomes a #1 best seller at US retailer

August 19, 2019 Categories: News, ZenFone 6, ZS630KL by 0 Comments

Talk about a quick turnaround for ASUS and their mobile phone business. It wasn’t that long ago when rumors were suggesting an end of the ZenFone brand. That didn’t happen, but a shifting and downsizing of their mobile phone business did happen. ASUS was down, but certainly not out. Consumers have responded favorably to the ZenFone 6 which has ultimately turned into sales.

We’ve just noticed that the US retailer B&H has labeled the $499 model (6GB/64GB) as their #1 Best Seller in mobile phones. It’s currently in pre-order phase but a short time ago it was in-stock and apparently some units sold. Enough to warrant a best seller label.

This news may frustrate folks in countries still waiting for a ZenFone 6 release. That’s understandable. Consider how unconventional this US release has been for ASUS.

First, no Amazon.com listings. Second, B&H was the only retailer in the US that ASUS gave units to. So for the entire country, US consumers could opt for the ASUS online store or B&H. That’s it. There is a silver lining to having B&H as the chosen retailer because they do ship internationally and ship for free to Canada on orders more than $99. If you want information about the 8GB/256GB model then check out our update details here.

Seeing this #1 Best Seller award on B&H should be encouraging news for ASUS. Sure the critics can say nice things and sure all the reviews can glow about the ZenFone 6 but that doesn’t necessarily mean that consumers are going to buy it. ASUS is still working on being seen as a mobile phone contender and a lot of consumers likely are not aware of the ASUS ZenFone products.

Step one, get reviews to love your device. Success! Step two, get people to buy your device. Success! Step three, produce enough inventory so people can buy your device. Clearly this is the only kink in the rollout of the ZenFone 6 and it’s a major one at that.

If the ZenFone 6 is selling and continues to sell, let’s hope to see some official ASUS accessories come to markets that normally don’t get those accessories. US and Canada certainly do not get ZenFone accessories. Bring the fine folks the official ZenFone 6 Stand Case please.

ASUS discloses the culprit for ZenFone 6 delays

August 14, 2019 Categories: News, ZenFone 6, ZS630KL by 4 Comments

Considering it’s mid-August, most people outside of Europe wanting a ZenFone 6 have grown increasingly impatient and frustrated. It’s still not available in big numbers outside of Europe, and some markets are still waiting for communication from ASUS about when it will be available to buy. Things aren’t all negative though. The 2019 Q2 ASUS investor conference in Taipei, Taiwan yesterday offers up news that you are going to like. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel!

ASUS executives answered a variety of questions and one of the topics was about the ZenFone 6 production issues. The topic of ZenFone 6 inventory shortages has been well documented and it’s only natural to come up at an investor conference.

According to one executive, the main culprit for the delays was the unique material, liquid metal. This material was chosen for the flip camera housing and was a key ingredient in making the mechanism and module strong and reliable. A lot of experimentation was done during the development of the ZenFone 6 but liquid metal was chosen as the best option.

A lesser material would have certainly put in doubt the durability of the key innovation of the ZenFone 6. The company needed to exceed customer expectations according to ASUS executives by making the flip camera extra durable.

Innovations sometimes comes at a cost. The execution on getting units onto store shelves has been an epic challenge for the company largely due to the unique nature of the ZenFone 6. Considering how innovative the module is, there is a greater risk of delay or slowdown in the production department. It’s certainly not your typical production run of smartphones.

“Our early supply was not great. However we have resolved that situation.”

Based on the above quote, it sounds like ASUS can ramp up production at this point. When they say it’s resolved, clearly they don’t mean they have resolved the inventory woes. It doesn’t necessarily mean there are thousands of units being shipped to markets as we write this. What it sounds like is the production (material supply) issues are resolved which means units should start rolling out more quickly to the many waiting markets.

We did learn previously that ASUS underestimated the demand for the ZenFone 6 and that really started them off at a disadvantage. Then on top of that they need liquid metal for the flip camera mechanism which slowed things down further. Of course we could also mention that the Twilight Silver color also required more time in production to create. A host of production challenges for ASUS to deal with but the company hasn’t had a ZenFone in such high demand before.

We’ve had to say this once too many times but the wait for many of you should be over soon. Folks in the UK aren’t happy because ASUS started the rollout and then pulled it back without an update as to what’s going on. Now that ASUS executives have spoken and said the production issues are resolved, surely there are no more excuses. Are you still hanging in there for your chance to buy a ZenFone 6?

[source: ASUS Investor]

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