At IFA can introduce Asus ZenWatch 3 release date, and they will be round!

The network has references to the model Asus ZenWatch 3 release date on the official website of the “Federal Communications Commission”, where the model should be registered. It is reported portal Ausdroid.

Firstly, this is an indication that in the near future will be the official announcement of hours – at IFA. But the author of the memo also points to the fact that the clock can change the shape.

In contrast to the first two – rectangular models of hours – on the FCC website’s photograph appeared, possibly a back cover, and it is – around. From the figure, it can be assumed and some characteristics of a future model: Bluetooth 4.2, WiFi 802.11 b / g / n (2.4GHZ) and some others.

Source: http://nsmartphone.com/asus-zenwatch-3-release-date/

ASUS ROG Strix GL502VT Review – Mythbusters

In particular, we are talking about ASUS ROG Strix GL502VT review – the gaming laptop on board – the latest hardware components, but weigh it with a conventional 15-inch notebook – just over 2 kg. Cool, right? Well, let’s look at this, yet bizarre instance, closer.

Remember the days when gaming laptops were so overall that the idea to move it to another room evokes nostalgia, not to mention the fact, to take the device anywhere with you? Fortunately, today in the computer industry has changed a lot, and what previously could only dream, now available in the free market.

DESIGN ASUS ROG STRIX GL502VT REVIEW

As usual, the appearance of notebook ROG line prominent and memorable. However, in the case of the ASUS ROG Strix GL502VT it seemed to us that the designers have changed a little bit, or gave vent experiments. The fact that, instead of the usual red, which “labeled” all the important elements of the housing, there is used a bright orange. Let’s start with the cover: orange illuminated company logo in the center, and two decorative strips on either side of him. To his credit, the top panel is made of brushed aluminum with a brushed surface. The lid is a magnet for fingerprints, so every time after contact with its fingers have thoroughly scrubbed.

Opening the laptop, we see all plastic: work surface, keyboard, screen frame, a touchpad. The interior is very bright news: not only that the keyboard unit is bright orange, so also the arm isolated on the perimeter of this color, not to mention the small company logos. The display is surrounded by a rather wide frame, which, frankly, looks shaky and pretty cheap. In general, the keyboard, at first glance, it seems easy and ergonomically suitable for computer games.

The bottom is not deprived of attention, also awarded him bright orange attributes: four legs for lack of the slip. The cover is easily removed, and the user gets access to the RAM, hard drive, battery, SSD.

Finally talk about the laptop dimensions: its dimensions are 390h266h23.5 mm, and weight – 2.2 kg. Build quality is good, all the details of a strong, well-fitting, sturdy body, the creaks, and sags. Well, what about colors, we note that this is a very subjective characteristic, and that did not like one, could lead to the delight of another!

DISPLAY, AUDIO, AND WEBCAM ASUS ROG STRIX GL502VT REVIEW

The 15.6-inch laptop screen is Full HD resolution and aspect ratio – 16: 9. Brightness and contrast ratio 300 cd / m2 and 855: 1 respectively, the black level – 0.3 cd / m2. sRGB color gamut is equal to 98%, but AdobeRGB – only 63%, however, if necessary, at this laptop can successfully process pictures.

This laptop uses a matrix IPS, so at any angle and the foreshortening image does not lose quality. For many gamers gloss unacceptable display, so, in this case, involved the matte surface. With the ASUS ROG Strix GL502VT it is generally true, because, due to its low weight, the user can easily carry the device with them, therefore, to use on the street. However, direct sunlight is still better to be avoided.

Two speakers, ASUS SonicMaster Premium is located in the lower corners of the working surface so that the sound goes directly to the user and risk of accident to cover up their hands – is minimal. However, this does not save the sound quality, but it’s pretty average. A strong sense of lack of bass and treble, the volume is relatively quiet, even at the maximum. In general, music to listen to something can be whiled away the time for web surfing, but during the game is still worth using headphones.

Webcam HD is the best one for video calls, something more large scale of its resources is definitely not enough. That is, try to take a picture, of course, possible, but the quality of it will be frustrating, so we advise all the same to use for this purpose special equipment.

KEYBOARD AND TOUCHPAD ASUS ROG STRIX GL502VT REVIEW

The keyboard does not present any surprises, except for changing the color positioning, as we wrote earlier. The full-size keyboard unit is made on island principle, buttons are small, square. At present all the markings of bright orange color, the brightness of which rather quickly tired eyes. The keys have an average speed, good feedback, they are triggered rather quiet.

To the player did not miss with the right buttons at the crucial moment, [W], [D], [S], [A] is completely painted in orange. With regard to other keys, often involved in the work, it has some distinct features in their appearance absent. For example, [Enter] turned-row, beneath it – a small [Shift]. On the opposite side of the same [Shift] has a slightly larger size.

In general, it should be noted that all the buttons on the keypad are quite compact, they complement each other, so look harmonious. Of course, there is a numpad in its upper right corner sheltered small power button of the laptop. The keypad backlight is endowed with three levels of brightness, so get to work and play, even in absolute darkness.

Touchpad medium size, square shape, shifted slightly to the left. It has the orange edging, and clear boundaries, making it easy groped fingers. We paddle a smooth surface, it responds well to commands, it supports multi-touch gestures. Physical keys not only built. The touch pad is perfect for surfing the Internet, well, to have an ardent gamer games certainly have a special mouse game.

PERFORMANCE ASUS ROG STRIX GL502VT REVIEW

ASUS ROG Strix GL502VT-FY145T (90NB0AP1-M02090) runs on Windows 10 Home 64-bit operating system. Our equipment is a quad-core Intel Core i7-6700HQ generation skylake. He is able to accelerate from 2.6 GHz to 3.5 GHz, there is support for the multi-threading Hyper-Threading technology. The chip is made on 14-nm process technology, it has 6 MB cache third level and is not energy efficient, given its TDP – 45 watts.

Integrated Intel HD Graphics 530 graphics card has 24 units and works at operating frequencies from 350 to 1150 MHz (Boost). She copes with everyday tasks, and simple toys with her too, really run. True, the latter in this case is irrelevant, since the filling of the notebook includes powerful discrete graphics NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970M (Maxwell), ideal for gaming battles. The size of its video memory – 3 GB of GDDR5 standard clock speed – 924-1038 MHz. Graphics Processing Unit is made on 28-nm process technology, supports DirectX 12 and Shader 5.0, its level TDP of 81 watts.

The amount of RAM is 12 GB of DDR4-2133 MHz standard (including 8 GB of soldered on the motherboard), as much as possible to actually get 16 GB. Data storage – combined, it is represented by hard disk 1TB (7200 rpm) and SSD 128 GB.

GAMES ASUS ROG STRIX GL502VT REVIEW

Of course, we could not verify the gaming capabilities of the laptop. So racing Need for Speed (2016) on the ultra-settings and a resolution of Full HD, it will show 54 frames per second. Game Far Cry Primal (2016) with the same parameters will go to 41 fps, and the Rise of the Tomb Raider (2016) – with 43 fps. Toy Assassin’s Creed Syndicate (2015) is also playable on the settings mentioned above, the result – 21-22 fps.

PORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS ASUS ROG STRIX GL502VT REVIEW

Let’s see what the interface is endowed with a laptop. So, on the left side have ports USB 3.0 and USB 3.1, HDMI and video outputs Mini DisplayPort, RJ-45 network connector socket for recharging.

The right side is endowed with two additional ports USB 3.0, card reader SD, combined audio jack and a slot for a Kensington lock.

In front there is no interface, but there are three indicators: work laptop and drive, battery charge status. At the rear of the laptop provided a grill for air circulation.

Wireless communications are nothing unusual: Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g / n / ac and Bluetooth 4.0.

BATTERY ASUS ROG STRIX GL502VT REVIEW

The notebook is a 4-cell battery capacity of 62 Wh. Just as with the weight of habit, I think, that the gaming laptop is able to survive without charging a maximum of two hours, of course, not the maximum load. But enough to be a prisoner of stereotypes: ASUS ROG Strix GL502VT working 6-7 hours on one charge mode watching movies, as much – if Web surfing. Of course, high load, which, in fact, are modern toys, drain the device much faster – approximately 2-2.5 hours.

The situation with heating quite controversial, because the body is heated, but not scalding-hot state. The good news is that important for a gamer button [W], [D], [S], [A] still remain cool during games, which is not the bottom. Therefore, we do not recommend playing with the laptop on your lap, it will cause you discomfort.

CONCLUSION ASUS ROG STRIX GL502VT REVIEW

Do you dream of a powerful laptop, which in this case does not look like a mini-car? If so, then the ASUS ROG Strix GL502VT review – for you! His weight – only 2.2 kg, while inside – the latest generation of hardware components, 12 GB of RAM and a fast SSD. Undoubtedly, a great bonus is the IPS-screen with Full HD-resolution, as well as capacity battery.

The downside, in our opinion, is a design device which in this case looks quite “kitsch” and overly bright. However, this view is subjective, and we are confident that there will be many people who are crazy about orange. In general, the summary happened like this: a powerful gaming laptop at a reasonable price (about $ 1,600 for a complete set described). Look, maybe it’s something that you so long lacked!

Source: http://nsmartphone.com/asus-rog-strix-gl502vt-review/

Review 4K Monitor ASUS PA328Q

Model of the 4K Monitor ASUS PA328Q, strictly speaking, can not be called a novelty (in the sale she went more than a year ago), but in our editorial office was able to get just now. Well, better late than never – the more so as the 32-inch models with high-quality 4K-display is still frankly a little.

DESIGN 4K MONITOR ASUS PA328Q

4K Monitor ASUS PA328Q refers to the professional series ProArt, and its overall design is not very different from the other models in this line: strict appearance, practicality and minimum limit “design refinements.” The black matte plastic, thin frame on the edges of the screen and “weighty” stand with all the necessary degrees of freedom, the only “tribute” design – a thin red stripe on the bottom; In general, this monitor will look equally appropriate and on the desktop, and in the home environment.

Stand – familiar from recent models of the ASUS, large and solid, her monitor is not stable, due to the large mass of the turn, it is possible only if you work hard. The display is attached to the leg tightly but slightly undermine it if you want you can still – so that when too vigorous pressing the display control button is still rocking.

We monitor has a VESA-compatible mount (100×100), so if you want it, you can hang on the wall. All sockets on the main rear wall oriented downwards and do not interfere with its operation to such an embodiment. From here you can find the video inputs as much as 3 port HDMI 2.0 (one of which is compatible with MHL), DisplayPort 1.2 and Mini DisplayPort 1.2. Also here there is a mini-jack for headphones and the USB-hub (4-port USB 3.0 brought to the sidebar for easy access).

MENU 4K MONITOR ASUS PA328Q

To control monitor, the standard for ASUS combination of hardware buttons and four-way joystick located on the back of the display in the lower right corner (in front of them on the front frame are applied, respectively, and the cross point).

Pressing any button or joystick opens the quick menu where you can call the main menu, select a different video input and cause QuickFit menu (with predetermined dimensions of different sheets of paper or a calibration grid). Also here there is two programmable item (default call assigned to them, and the brightness reduction menu blue light illumination, however, basically the user can assign them a menu or other feature).

From the main menu, the first item is the traditional monitor the Splendid ASUS section, in which you can select one of the preset video modes (among the usual items sRGB, Scenery, etc. can be found and new “Dark Room Mode” and two templates for custom settings). “Filter blue light” reduces the proportion of blue in the backlight of the monitor, which should have a positive impact on comfort during prolonged reading from the screen; parameter has 4 different degrees of “suppression” of the blue. In the menu “Color” are brightness, contrast, gamma (choose one of three options – 1.8, 2.2, 2.4), color temperature (instead of the usual “hot / cold” here indicate specific values in degrees), and thin to 6 settings primary colors individually. In the “Image” you can adjust the degree of overdrive (here it is called TraceFree), choose the image format, use image enhancement technology VividPixel and turn on the backlight compensation unevenness. The “Sound” menu, you can adjust the volume of the integrated speakers in “Setting the PIP / PBP» – turn on the “picture in picture” or “image next to the picture,” and adjust the settings of his work, “Input Selection” allows you to manually switch between all five video inputs and in the “system setup”, you can change the parameters of the menu, including the eco-mode, turn off the illumination of the power indicator, select the menu language, reset all settings to their factory defaults, etc. And the last item “shortcut”, allows you to assign the last two points of the quick menu, other functions.

THE PAPER 4K MONITOR ASUS PA328Q

The 4K Monitor ASUS PA328Q uses a 10-bit (8 bits + FRC) AHVA-matrix production AU Optronics (M320Q001) with a 32-inch, 16: 9 and a resolution of 3840h2160 pixel (dot density, in this case, is 138 PPI). This is not the first model based on AHVA-panel (Advanced Hyper-Viewing Angle, not to be confused with the * VA – Vertical Alignment), and we have already more than once to make sure that all their characteristics (including even the form of pixels), this technology is fully similar to IPS, that allows manufacturers of monitors IPS-call them models.

This model uses a semi-matte coating so that the crystal effect is virtually absent here – it can be seen on screen macro shots, where the ripples on the pixels are almost invisible.

Response time at the ASUS PA328Q started at 6 ms (GtG) – the normal rate for IPS-matrix, however, the dynamics can be observed lubricate. To reduce them, you can use overdrive (TraceFree option in the monitor settings). He has several degrees of “acceleration”, but the difference between them is actually small, and only a maximum overdrive can be seen that lubricate moving objects actually become smaller. Given that the overdrive artifacts in the form of blue trails behind moving objects appear only when TraceFree = 100 (and even then, they notice very difficult), we would recommend it to use the maximum acceleration, if you need more precise dynamic picture.

As with most other IPS-monitors, this model is strong enough Glow-effect – when viewed from above on a black background appears gray-green or brown “plaque” (depending on the viewing angle). In a typical arrangement of the monitor it is weak, mainly in the form of a light gray glow in the dark areas of the image in the lower edges of the screen.

The uniformity of illumination average, in a dark room on a black background becomes a spot in the lower right corner, and less pronounced – along the top edge of the screen.

The viewing angles are very high, even compared to other IPS-models – with the deviation towards the slightly reduced brightness and contrast, but the color distortion is not observed even at maximum deflection.

As with all the latest models of the ASUS, here for the brightness control is not used PWM, respectively, lights flicker is not observed in the entire brightness range – it should evaluate people with a sensitive eye because this decision is less load on the eye during prolonged work at the computer.

The minimum value of brightness at 4K Monitor ASUS PA328Q was 45 cd / m² – a rather low figure, with such brightness you can comfortably operate the monitor, even in the very low ambient light. The maximum brightness (average of measurement results in 35 points on the screen) was 273 cd / m², which is more than enough for use indoors with fluorescent lighting. Static contrast medium, and it is typical for IPS-matrix – 770: 1. In normal mode, the difference between the brightest portion (center) and the least bright (lower left corner) is quite significant – nearly 70 cd / m². If this is critical to the user, he can activate the illumination nonuniformity compensation option (located in the “Picture” menu). After that bypasses the brightness, contrast, saturation and other parameters, and the brightness is set at the level of 190 cd / m ², with the difference between the least and the most striking areas are significantly lower (although still a little more than you expect from this regime) – 27 cd / m².

ASUS PA328Q is factory calibrated sRGB mode, as evidenced by the report the attached to the monitor. Immediately we can say that the results of the tests prove it: gamma curve is almost flat and is very close to the standard of 2.2, color temperature and almost perfectly corresponds to 6500K, color accuracy is completely within the norm – the average deviation of less than one, maximum – less than three. So that users are going to work with color, in principle, can be done without prior calibration – unless, of course, they do not need to even higher color accuracy, or do not want installed by default brightness level of 160 cd / m² (in the sRGB mode, traditionally block all image adjustment). We note here that unlike other monitors, in this case, the color gamut corresponds fairly accurately sRGB space (99.7%), without trying to capture the “extra”.

Curve range in brightness scale, the graph of color temperature, color gamut and color accuracy, sRGB mode (factory calibration):

In the other modes, the coverage is slightly more than that seen for example in “Standard” – the other parameters it is very close to the sRGB (except for lower color accuracy as factory calibration is not performed for him), plus it available manual adjustment of the image.

PROS: EXCELLENT IMAGE QUALITY; ACCURATE COLOR; FACTORY CALIBRATION; ALMOST A 100% SRGB COVERAGE; NO BACKLIGHT FLICKERING
CONS: HIGH COST; THE ABSENCE OF AN EXTENDED COLOR GAMUT

CONCLUSION 4K MONITOR ASUS PA328Q

Due to high AHVA-matrix and calibration sRGB mode, the monitor shows an excellent image quality and accurate color “out of the box”, without a special need for self-calibration. The 32-inch 4K Monitor ASUS PA328Q makes the workspace really spacious, with a pixel resolution allows us to restrict the minimum zoom interface (or, in the case of acute, to opt out of it). If we talk about the shortcomings, it may be noted that all the same I would like to get even and support Adobe RGB space at such cost of the monitor; however, for designers and photographers, non-prepress, only sRGB support any significant disadvantage still is not.

http://nsmartphone.com/review-4k-monitor-asus/

ASUS Maximus VIII Impact Review

Although we have already had the privilege of reviewing one wonderfully compact ASUS Z170 motherboard - the Maximus VIII GENE - we still had our sights on something even smaller. With that in mind, we bring you today a review of the ASUS Maximus VIII Impact. This Mini ITX powerhouse falls under the Republics of Gamers (ROG) product line, so it represents the pinnacle of ASUS' engineering know-how, which really comes into play when you're dealing with such a small PCB footprint. You can either decide to leave features off or get clever with the design, and needless to say the Maximus VIII Impact is one clever piece of work.

First and foremost, thanks to the vertically-mounted Impact Power III module, this tiny Impact model is still outfitted with a robust power delivery subsystem in the form of an 8-phase digital power design, 60A MicroFine alloy chokes, and 10K Black Metallic Capacitors. This is basically the same high-end components that you see on all RoG models, so we expect precise power management and very high overclocking capabilities. Case in point, ASUS has certified this model's two DDR4 DIMM slots for speeds up to DDR4-4133. There's also an encyclopedia's worth of unique ASUS-only overclocking features onboard like KeyBot II, LN2 Mode, MemTweakIt, ProbeIt, and much more in the UEFI BIOS and various utilities.

The Impact features a single PCI-E 3.0 x16 slot, which is the only expansion slot on the motherboard if we discount the M.2 socket that is occupied by the pre-installed Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module. Speaking of which, this Wi-Fi module is a dual-band 802.11ac solution with MU-MIMO, Bluetooth 4.1, and a 2x2 external antenna. Those who prefer wired connections won't be disappointed since the single gigabit LAN port is powered by Intel's latest i219-V controller. When it comes to storage connectivity, this model features four SATA 6Gb/s ports, one NVMe U.2 connector, and both USB 3.1 Type-A and Type-C ports courtesy on an Intel Alpine Ridge controller. Regrettably, there is no M.2 NGFF connector on this model, despite it seemingly being an ideal fit for this form factor.

Despite an obvious shortage of PCB space, ASUS have maintained this model's gaming roots by including an upright PCB module that houses the new SupremeFX Impact III sub-system. This audio module houses a Realtek ALC1150 audio codec that simultaneously supports 7.1-channel playback and 2 channels of stereo output, a protective EMI cover, a renowned ESS ES9023P DAC, a dedicated headphone amplifier, and audio-grade Nichicon capacitors. It should be every bit as competitive as the SupremeFX 2015 audio found on the larger motherboards, and it supports the same Sonic SenseAmp, Sonic Studio II, and Perfect Voice features. One unique feature is the addition of color-coded LEDs inside the actual audio jacks, which helps you more easily select the appropriate output without having to be staring at the jacks head-on. We have really only scratched the surface here, and as you will see, this Mini ITX model packs a truly impressive number of features and capabilities despite its petite proportions. It might even make you think twice about the need for a standard ATX motherboard.

As is usually the case in the tech world, smaller dimensions don't usually mean a small price tag and that holds true with the Maximus VIII Impact. This model comes in at around $240 USD / $330 CAD, which makes it the second most expensive RoG model on the market right now, behind only the extravagant Maximus VIII Extreme. While we've already listed a lot of what you get for that money, it's whether it all works as flawlessly as expected that will be the big selling point. Keep reading to find out.