Asus today announced the ZenWatch, its first smart watch to runs Google’s Android Wear platform. The device has a classic design, with a stainless steel body and leather strap.
The ZenWatch’s 1.63-inch AMOLED display is gently curved and offers 320 x 320 pixels. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor clocked at 1.2GHz. The ZenWatch includes 512MB of RAM and 4GB of on-board storage. It uses Bluetooth 4.0 LE for connectivity and has a 9-axis sensor for monitoring and interacting with its surroundings.
It features what Asus calls a biosensor, which is fitted into a ring that surrounds the watch face. When used with the proper app, ZenWatch owners will be able to check their heart rate by pressing their finger onto the display. Asus added other unique features, such as an SOS function that can place emergency calls if the ZenWatch determines that the wearer has fallen and needs assistance.
The ZenWatch will be available later this year for about $260. Asus didn’t say if the device will be sold in the U.S.
