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ASUS rolls out an AOSP-based Android 10 beta for the ZenFone 5
ASUS has released an open Android 10 beta for the ZenFone 5, allowing the early adopters to test out the in-development software in advance.
In November last year, ASUS began rolling out stable Android 10 to the ZenFone 6 series. The rollout was extended to the ZenFone 5Z a few weeks later. However, at the time, the mid-range ZenFone 5 was missing from the list, drawing speculations from users that there will not be any further Android updates. But thankfully, the phone will not be left on Android Pie forever as ASUS has just released an open Android 10 beta for the ZenFone 5, allowing the early adopters to test out the in-development software ahead of its official release.
[Update: Official] Asus Zenfone 5's Android Pie update with new ZenUI software leaks
Asus launched the Asus Zenfone 5 with Android Oreo back in February at MWC and now it's getting some Android Pie goodness.
The Asus Zenfone 5 was announced in February at MWC as a solid mid-range device. The phone features a 6.2-inch QHD display, Snapdragon 636 SoC, 4/6GB of RAM, dual 12MP cameras, and a 3,300 mAh battery. Asus launched the phone with Android Oreo and now it's getting some Android Pie goodness.
ASUS PixelMaster Camera app is getting built-in Google Lens integration
The ASUS PixelMaster Camera is getting built-in Google Lens integration, as part of a partnership with 10 device OEMs that Google announced at Google I/O.
The ASUS PixelMaster Camera application is getting built-in Google Lens integration. Google Lens, for those that don't know, is Google's Artificial Intelligence-powered item identification program. While the Google Pixel phones were the first Android devices to support Lens in the native camera app, it has since come to the Sony Xperia XZ2 and Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact, LG G7 ThinQ, and Moto Z3 Play. More devices can use it too, such as the OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T, but they have to do it through the Google Assistant app. Google Lens is pretty easy to figure out. Simply open it up, tap an item in the viewfinder, and it will attempt to identify the item. The ASUS PixelMaster camera app comes pre-installed on all ASUS devices, and the updated application is confirmed to be released for the ASUS ZenFone 5.
Would you buy a phone with a notch if you could hide the notch?
Huawei has added a 'hide notch' option in the newly launched Huawei P20 series, which adds a black background to the display notch. OnePlus has also stated that the OnePlus 6's notch will not interfere with video playback. Therefore, would you buy a phone with a notch if you could hide it?
The controversial display notch is set to become mainstream this year. The Essential Phone was the first to pack in a small display notch (cutout), but Apple popularized it with a much bigger notch in the iPhone X. 2017 heralded the advent of taller 18:9 displays, and this year, device makers are interested in increasing the screen-to-body ratios of their phones even more.
Hate Display Notches? Hide the Notch for Free with "Nacho Notch—Notch Hider!"
Do you hate the recent display notch trend, but want to still purchase a phone with a notch? Do you want to hide the notch from view but still see the status bar? With "Nacho Notch," you can easily hide display notches on the Essential Phone, ASUS Zenfone 5, OnePlus 6, and more!
Although the Apple iPhone X gets all of the blame for Android phones with notches, it was actually the Essential Phone that first implemented the controversial display notch. This year, we're seeing many smartphone makers pursuing the display notch. The ASUS Zenfone 5/5Z, the rumored LG G7, the Huawei P20, and the OnePlus 6 are all either rumored or are confirmed to have notches. Only Samsung and Xiaomi have bucked the trend so far with their flagship devices, the Samsung Galaxy S9 and the Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S respectively. If you're looking to buy a new phone this year, there's a good chance it may have a notch, but fret not, there's a way to hide the notch for free! Introducing "Nacho Notch—Notch Hider!"
What are your thoughts on a display notch like on the iPhone X or Essential Phone?
The latest trend in smartphones is bezel-less displays, but the side effect on some devices is a display notch. How do you feel about this feature that was sparked by Essential and Apple?
Sometimes smartphone trends come out of nowhere. Headphone jacks were considered an integral component of every phone until Apple's "courageous" decision. Now, we're seeing more smartphones launch without the headphone jack every year. The latest trend sparked by Apple might be even more annoying for some.
ASUS Zenfone 5 Receives Android Oreo Alpha ROM
Check out this early Android Oreo alpha ROM for the ASUS Zenfone 5. While a lot of key functionality isn't working at the moment, it's still a great start!
Android enthusiasts around the world have Oreo fever now that Google has announced the name and released the source code for the new update. Millions of people are now looking to their OEMs for details about when their device will receive the official update. Enthusiasts however, are looking to custom ROM developers and wondering the same. We recently brought attention to a new Oreo ROM for the Xiaomi Mi 3 and Mi 4 (Cancro), and today we want to do the same for the ASUS Zenfone 5.