As you know, today all ASUS Android devices come with ZenUI proprietary graphical shell. We mention this in almost every review. But it so happened that there is still no review of ZenUI itself on the blog. We decided to correct this omission, and devoted this review to reviewing the latest version of the proprietary ASUS graphical shell using the ZenFone 2 smartphone as an example.
Work tables
ASUS ZenFone 2 main screen represented by a 5x4 grid, which is optimal for this screen. However, its size can be changed.
Arrangement of icons on the selected grid.
Double tap on the screen turns off the display. If you want to see a preview of all desktops, you need to pinch with two fingers.
Desktop thumbnails, their location can be changed.
Animation of paging tables. You can change the scroll animation by choosing one of eight preset modes.
Just hold your finger on the screen and get quick access to the main screen menu.
Here you can quickly change the look of your desktops. For example, by installing "live wallpaper" or another set of icons.
A large number of different options for the background of desktops. Can be customized to suit every taste.
It is easy to change the grid in the system settings and appearance folders, define access settings for notifications for applications, set a password for launching applications.
Choose the right font or choose the color of the labels? It's also possible.
Application menu
Applications can be sorted by intelligently selected folders, frequency of use, hidden some of them, or you can choose to sort between all applications and downloaded.
Lock screen
At the top of the lock screen, there are widgets and shortcuts for quickly calling the camera, applications for calls, SMS. It also displays information from What’s Next.
Apps and Widgets
Display color rendering can be changed by choosing one of the preset profiles or by applying manual settings. Using the built-in program Splendid you can vary the color mode between warm and cool tones, and also increase the brightness of the picture.
You can customize a new notification bar that displays 4 icons quick launch apps and 12 icons for other functions. This panel opens after a double swipe - a single swipe opens standard notifications.
In the preset themes, you can change fonts and general style, set different wallpapers.
Implemented support for gestures for quickly launching applications - using touch and movement. By drawing a squiggle in a certain way, for example, "W", you can call the application even from the locked screen. You can zoom out to make it easier to use one-handed fingers.
By eliminating the Google search bar on desktops, more usable space is shown on the display. In this screenshot, the theme has been changed from the standard to the "Autumn" one: not only the desktop has changed, but also the icons and the font.
MyASUS... The application is designed to communicate with the 24/7 support team. It also provides information on new products, displays the addresses of nearby service points. Using the utility, you can quickly register a product by simply taking a photo of it and access services such as inquiries about the status of the repair process, hotline customer support, and instructions for use.
The autorun manager allows you to disable the autorun of selected programs without superuser rights.
File Manager. It has already integrated cloud storage ASUS WebStorage, as well as services such as Dropbox, Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive. The dispatcher supports the exchange of files with computers in local network without installing additional programs.
ZenLink- only 4 applications - designed to connect to other devices. Share Link is used to share photos, videos and other materials stored on your smartphone with other devices. Party Link lets you stream photos or videos to multiple other devices at once. PC Link allows you to use your smartphone as a remote control remote control presentations. And Remote Link is designed to connect to a computer.
SuperNote- taking notes with support for handwriting input, various templates and cloud sync. You can also add a photo to a note.
V What’s Next upcoming events and appointments, missed calls and SMS from important contacts, weather information are displayed. The most important events are displayed on the lock screen, on the home screen, and in the notification area.
With help ASUS MiniMovie you can make a slideshow from the selected photos. It is possible to add text and music to the video.
And about the weather: the most detailed information.
« Do it later»Allows you to create a reminder to call back or save interesting content.
Using an Instant Messaging Platform Omlet you can share messages with device owners who also support Omlet chat.
In chapter " ASUS Support»Provides information on system maintenance and actual news related to shell updates. An extensive guide to working with the system and applications is also presented here, but it is not translated into Russian.
« Child mode»Allows you to configure access to a limited range of selected applications, as well as set a time limit for using your smartphone.
The keyboard has several themes and supports continuous input and punctuation by holding your finger on the desired letter.
The keyboard has its own dictionary and predictive input system, as well as many different settings, thanks to which it can change both the appearance of the keyboard (for example, by setting a wallpaper) and customize the ways of interacting with the text.
Another innovation in ZenUI is notification control. The volume control button on the body of the smartphone is responsible for the appearance of a menu in which you can select one of several notification methods. In this section, you can configure the information about which notifications and calls ZenFone 2 will beep.
Working with SIM-cards
In addition, the shell is optimized to work with two SIM cards: when a second SIM is connected, a call button is added. In the SMS sending mode, two buttons are displayed in the same way, which are responsible for sending from a particular SIM card.
Music
You can customize the sound using the built-in equalizer, but its capabilities are inferior to external applications for playing music / video.
The music application can play music by album, artist and folder. Integration with the cloud has been implemented - you can listen to music directly from there.
Gallery
The Gallery displays all the images on the smartphone, sorted by album. You can change the sorting if you want. Snapshots can be edited using the preset menu tools.
Accessories
There are several functional accessories for ASUS Zenfone 2.
The signature Zenfone 2 View Cover Deluxe, which protects against shock and scratches, is installed instead of back cover, has a built-in NFC and a round window through which a number of notifications are reflected: time, weather, missed calls, photos - with all these applications you can start working without opening the case.
Zenfone 2 offers an unusual docking station consisting of two halves, as well as a lightweight external battery 10,050 mAh - ASUS ZenPower. And Zenfone 2 will definitely work in conjunction with the ASUS ZenWatch. In addition, photography lovers can purchase external flashes ZenFlash and LolliFlash.
Autonomy
You can choose from four presented modes of battery consumption or customize your own scenario of energy saving. Additionally, you can configure the switching schedule in different modes.
It clearly demonstrates which applications are putting the most strain on the battery.
Camera
In addition to the preset shooting modes with automatic parameters (you can change the depth of field in the frame, remove unnecessary objects from the picture, shoot in the dark), there is also a manual mode.
For high-quality images at dusk, you can use HDR mode... To enhance the quality of night shots, there is a special night mode. Super Resolution mode increases the resolution of images and produces more detailed photos. Manual settings offer many options for changing the shooting parameters.
Finally
ASUS ZenUI interface is easy to learn, functional and endowed with numerous tools for visual "sharpening" for user requests. Perhaps not everything is before installed applications suit you specifically, but extra programs you can always hide, leaving only the essentials for yourself.Among the disadvantages of the shell, one item can be distinguished that is relevant for the Russian user: part of the help menu (as well as some elements "in the depth" of the interface) did not receive full localization.
Asus is well known for gadgets as it manufactures a wide variety of products. Ever since he started devices on Android base, all Android lovers started looking at their products. and a host of other new ones became popular shortly after release due to highly packaged specifications and technical specifications. Asus ZenFone 5 was released a couple of years ago and yet it was the main device for most users. The 5-inch smartphone comes with Jellybean and maybe. But as usage increases on the device, problems arise.
Poor battery life
Problem. Many users have reported poor battery life on their phones and we have classified this as a very common problem with all Android devices. Even though the Asus Zenfone 5 smartphone is equipped with a 2110mAh Li-Po battery, it seems that the problem stems from poor battery life. Therefore, by taking a few precautions, we can quickly fix this problem.
Solution. Always remember to turn off WiFi, Bluetooth, and data connections when not in use, as these connections drain your battery faster. Also, use original charging device to charge the device, since redundant chargers drain the battery earlier. Never install battery draining apps, and if installed, uninstall them to maximize battery life.
Overheating problem
Problem. Several users reported overheating issue on their devices. Because of this, sometimes the phone can burn out. Therefore, to avoid this, users need to complete a specific task.
Solution. Never use the handset while it is connected for charging, and try removing the case while charging the device. If the problem persists, check all apps from the App Manager. There is a possibility that multiple applications can cause an overheating problem when the processor is overloaded. So, check which app is using more CPU and try uninstalling it.
Also, avoid Widgets and Live Wallpapers from your device, as they overload the processor and can cause an overheating problem. Delete unnecessary applications and keep your device safe.
Denial of performance
Problem. Nearly all users reported a lag issue on their phones and it seems to be another common issue on Android devices... Typically, the device gets a performance lag after several months of use, but by performing certain tasks we can speed up the phone to improve performance.
Solution. To avoid the lag issue, the first thing you can do is turn off animations. To do this, you need to enable developer options on the device, and this can be done by tapping a few times on "Build number" under "Settings> About> Software Information". Once enabled, you can see the options in your device's settings. Open them up and scroll down to find the animation settings where they pointed to 1X by default. Now disable them or reduce them to 0.5X for better device performance.
Also, clear the cache stored in apps by opening each app from the app manager and clicking the "Clear cache" button. If the lag problem still exists, try clearing the device cache. To do this, you need to turn off your phone and enter recovery mode. Press and hold the volume up button and the power button at the same time after turning off the phone. Release the keys as soon as you see the menu, using the volume down and power button, select and confirm the "Restore" button. Now go to the "Wipe the cache partition" section and when done select and confirm "Reboot system now". By now, the lag issue should have been resolved and if you can't try a factory reset as a last resort.
Factory reset erases everything on your phone, so do backup data before proceeding. Turn off your phone and enter recovery mode as described above. In "Recovery" you need to select and confirm "wipe data / factory reset" and "Yes - delete all user data" using the volume and power buttons. Then go to the "Reboot your system now" section. Another way to do the factory is reset by tapping on Settings> Backup & reset> Factory data reset> Reset phone> Erase everything and follow the instructions on the screen. It's all; you have completed the factory reset and you will now have a new device in hand with increased productivity.
Asus ZenFone Wi-Fi Problem
Problem. Most users complain about the problem Wi-Fi connections on their phones. And this can be solved by performing several steps
Solution. If you have any problems with Wi-Fi, try restarting your device once and check the connection. It can fix the problem, and if the problem still exists, check wifi router once, as it might cause a problem. If everything is ok and you cannot connect to Wi-Fi, go to Settings> Wi-Fi and select “forget network” on the connected server and then reconnect it. By now, the Wi-Fi problem should be resolved.
The microSD card has been reinserted. Notification
Problem. After using the device for several months, some of the users reported that they receive a “microSD card reinserted” notification on their phone. Well, it might be a temporary problem, but if you ignore it, you won't be able to use the contents of the SD card.
Solution. To fix this problem, remove the SD card from the device and check the SD card tray correctly. Now re-insert the card into it without any displacement. The notice should be terminated by now. Few users have stated that they receive this notification after installing certain apps. Thus, you need to uninstall such apps from your device to fix the problem. Also, try to regularly clear your app cache by opening each app from the app manager and clicking the "Clear cache" button.
Low quality Asus cameras ZenFone 5
Problem. Several users reported that they get very low quality images whenever the camera is used. We cannot replace the camera, but we can try an alternative to solve the problem. But remember that with the solution below, you may only see a slight change in image quality.
Solution... The Asus Zenfone 5 comes with an 8MP rear camera and a 2MP front camera. To get quality images from your camera, you can use third-party cameras that may be available from the play store. Try to use best app for the camera, as it can help you get quality images. But be careful when installing third party application for the camera as some may cause problems. So, find the best camera app and install it on your phone.
A few other tips
Apart from the aforementioned problems and solutions, there are a few precautions you can take to avoid any future problems on your device. Always stay up to date. You can check the update software in the section "Settings> About the program> System update". Software updates will fix minor bugs on your device and help improve performance.
Whenever you see abnormal phone operation, try restarting your device. Also disable preinstalled apps from the device to reduce the risk of any other problems. Regularly clear app caches from the device and reduce the use of Live Wallpapers and Widgets. By doing this, you can prevent any problems on your phone.
If you are facing any other problem with your Asus Zenfone 5 smartphone then write us the same in the comments section below and we will try to resolve it for you.
My experience with Asus devices can be called minimal: a couple of presentations, a few quick acquaintances with the devices, and, perhaps, that's all. It was all the more interesting for me to work with the ZenUI shell from scratch and draw conclusions for myself about the organization and speed of the system that Asus offers in its Android devices.
The review used the Asus Zenfone 4 (Z554KL) smartphone, powered by ZenUI 4.0 under Android 7.1.1.
Appearance
From the first activation it becomes clear that the "pure" version of Android is deeply hidden under the design from Asus. There are color accents, font, and redrawn icons in the status bar. The color minimalism inherent in "stock" in ZenUI gave way to bright colors and colorful icons of different colors.
Running a little ahead, I would like to note that at first the color and brightness of the shell are striking, but, which is characteristic of a person, the eye gets used to it and no longer pays attention. Of course, to some, such a design will seem redundant and even lurid. Here we are talking about individual preferences, there are fans.
ZenUI has built-in support for a variety of themes, dynamic and static, allowing you to change the color accents, the design of the desktop, the appearance of icons, and so on. As a result, the user will receive a more or less acceptable design.
Personalization settings are quite wide, about them - in the corresponding section of the review.
Desktop
After completing a few standard steps to set up the device, we find ourselves on the desktop. The main screen contains a folder with Google applications, as well as the most necessary, according to the manufacturer, applications: Google play, camera, gallery, messages, Chrome browser, themes and utility for creating and decorating selfies.
On the additional desktop on the right is a folder with pre-installed applications from Asus, as well as clients social networks(Facebook, Instagram) and Facebook Messenger... The desktop to the left of the main one is the Google Now panel familiar to many users, everything is unchanged here.
The animation of the transition between desktops is smooth, but there are no visible delays, in the case of the Zenfone 4, there is work done on optimizing the system. Shell behavior settings are available by long pressing on the desktop in the corresponding menu. Here you can change the wallpaper, set convenient size main screen grids and application menus (up to 5x5), adjust the transparency of individual elements, set the animation parameters when scrolling and the desktop display mode - two-layer (application menu and two desktops) or single-layer (all applications on desktops). Also, in these settings, widgets are available, among which there are branded widgets from Asus, Evgeny Vildyaev wrote about them in his review.
Smart sorting is optionally available in the applications menu, after which applications are divided into folders depending on their purpose. Subjectively, this is a useful functionality, but I would put such folders on the desktop itself, not necessarily on the main one, but on the auxiliary one. For individual applications a counter of unread notifications is available, they are configured in the same menu by a long tap on the desktop in the "main screen" section.
If we talk about the number of settings and personalization options, then in this regard, Asus did a great job and brought maximum amount settings into a single whole so that the system does not turn into a grotesque "combine", "hung" with everything, whatever, just to be.
Preinstalled Apps
As mentioned above, a number of Google applications are preinstalled in the shell from Asus: mail, maps, search, notes, calendar, messages, documents, spreadsheets, Google Drive, YouTube, Play Music, Chrome, Play Movies, Duo. Thus, we can see that Asus ditched its own music player and browser in favor of solutions from Google. It is difficult to judge whether this decision is controversial or not, Android does not limit the user in the choice third-party programs... However, ZenUI in Zenfone 4 gives you the ability to select a messaging client, browser, "main app", calling app, and a range of apps that will open certain links by default. Music appears to be played via Google Play by default, and there are no options. Of course, there is a choice, but I would like more flexibility in this regard. Google policy?
Let's take a look at the pre-installed apps from Asus. At first glance, the dialer is unremarkable: tabs with recent calls, a list of contacts, a breakdown by groups. Nevertheless, there are positive differences from some other shells: the option of searching for contacts a la T9 is available, you can optionally enable automatic call recording, there is a dark theme, which, however, is out of the general design.
I really liked the keyboard from Asus. It works quickly and correctly, both in standard input mode and with a stroke ("swipe"), it is customizable "from and to", whether it is the input method, design or the structure of the keyboard itself.
The Mobile Dispatcher application should be noted separately. A kind of more advanced analogue of CCleaner and similar products, which allows you to clear RAM and physical memory from unnecessary processes, optimize power consumption, "speed up" the device, track traffic consumption and check security settings, all in one place. I don’t think Asus suffers from slowing down the processor as the battery ages, and devices over time are unlikely to repeat the fate of their “apple” competitors, and, in my opinion, such utilities are superfluous in smartphones like Zenfone 4. However, the "dispatcher" will be able to prompt the user necessary information and ensure more confident operation of the device.
The camera interface has been brought up to modern standards and the trend towards using a dual main camera. But the settings have become more concise and capacious, even if they open in a separate window. This is what the camera looks like on Zenfone 4 in Normal and Pro mode.
The gallery is not distinguished by visual innovations: images and videos are divided into folders depending on the "origin" of the files, the settings are minimal. Among the "bonuses" I would like to note the display mode of RAW images, as well as the recognition of human faces with subsequent placement in the appropriate group on the "Overview" tab.
Images are easy to edit, add one or another effect to them, crop, rotate and so on directly from the gallery.
The calculator has basic functionality, a floating widget, three color themes and two types of key designs are available.
The visually pleasing "Clock" application, by and large, is also not distinguished by anything innovative. A stopwatch is available as a separate tab.
There are three recording quality settings available for the voice recorder - AMR, AAC and PCM.
The weather app uses AccuWeather data and offers detailed information about weather conditions, and its layout reminded me very much of Yahoo Weather.
The list of preinstalled applications is completed by a pleasant and understandable file manager, everything is intuitive and simple here.
Settings
For the most part, the list of settings has not changed much compared to the "clean" Android version, therefore, I will try to highlight only significant changes that are different from the "runoff".
Here we are primarily interested in the item "Individual settings Asus". It concentrates, in my opinion, the main developments of the company in terms of improving the user experience. So, ZenUI includes Twin Apps functionality, which allows you to create copies of Facebook, Instagram and Messenger and use two Accounts: for example, for business and personal correspondence. For Google chrome Asus software includes the Page Marker extension, which allows you to save web pages for later reading and upload them to the cloud in Google Drive. Provided Game Mode, activating which will improve the performance of the device, automatically start broadcasting to YouTube and Twitch, and also prevent accidental logging out of the game.
The ZenMotion item is responsible for the gestures, in which I discovered for myself the gestures that have become familiar to OnePlus 5 to turn the screen on and off with a double tap, as well as less familiar, but familiar gestures in the style of "swipe down to search" or "draw the letter Z to launch the application. "Gallery"". There is also an on / off switch for increased screen sensitivity for working with gloves.
The Special Modes tab hides child mode allowing an adult to control the time spent by the child at the device, as well as to limit the list of available applications by blocking other applications and their information with a pin code. Here is a simplified mode with large icons and a minimum of unnecessary parameters.
From the rest of the settings, I will note the ZenUI Security mode, which allows you to send an SOS signal and your location to a pre-approved list of reliable contacts in case of an unforeseen situation. For those who like to carry their phone in an official case from Asus, there is the Asus Cover mode, which configures the behavior of the system when opening / closing the cover. The OptiFlex Utility speeds up the launch of three applications.
Impressions
Despite the tendency to systematically bring their system to a minimalist appearance and a unified concept in design, there is a certain dissonance in ZenUI between the design of applications from Google and the system design language. Geeks will appreciate a large number of settings, but for an ordinary unpretentious user, such a variety may seem too complicated at first. I liked the fast and stable operation of the system, which is more of a plus for the device than for ZenUI itself, but, nevertheless, the optimization is at a decent level. I also appreciated the minimum of pre-installed applications, among which there is no redundant software, and the absence of any advertising.
It so happened that this year, using the example of several devices, I was able to see how quickly and how confidently major manufacturers are developing their smartphones and shells. ZenUI from Asus is firmly in this list, despite some subjective points that are unlikely to somehow interfere with the work with the shell.
Related links
Keep your phone in top condition with Mobile Manager! This all-in-one application provides quick decisions for your phone dilemmas. With Mobile Manager, you can easily monitor power consumption, free up more memory, manage apps and data, clean unused apps, manage app permissions, scan privacy issues and optimize overall performance systems.
Main characteristics
Scan: Scans and optimizes overall system performance, which includes data usage, power consumption, memory usage, storage, and privacy.
PowerMaster:
- Scan - have a general survey of battery usage
- Care rechargeable battery... - Extend battery life up to 2 times with AI.
- Autostart manager - to prevent the app from automatically restarting to save energy
Battery Modes - customize battery usage for different scenarios and switch smartly - Battery saving option - provide shortcuts to quickly monitor battery usage
Memory Cleaner: Optimizes power and frees up more memory for a fast and seamless user experience without lags. You can also enable Super Clean mode to close unused applications.
Data Usage: Data Usage Monitor and manage apps that use mobile data so you don't have any surprises in your phone bills.
Notifications Annoyed with fussy notifications? Block them with the notification feature! Choose which apps you don’t want to receive notifications from or block specific notifications you don’t want to receive more!
Cleanup: Clean up unused apps for more storage. You can also redeem free 100GB from Google Drive for Reserve copy data from your phone.
Security and permission:
- App Permissions helps reduce the risk of information leakage
Notes (edit)
The appearance and operation of some features may vary depending on your device.
-Mobile manager works at the system level. This keeps your phone in top condition.
-Mobile managers are free app for ASUS devices. You will not be charged for downloading or using this application.
-Mobile manager works on Android 5.0 and higher.
-Mobile Manager is not supported on ZenFone 4 (A400CG), ZenFone 5 (A500CG) and ZenFone 6 (A600CG).Additional Information
For more product information and videos, check:
http://www.zenui.com
https://www.instagram.com/asus_zenui/
https://www.facebook.com/ASUSZenUI/
Check your phone's privacy issues and provide recommendations on how to fix them. Use App Lock to protect your phone's app data and prevent information leakage - App Permissions helps reduce the risk of information leakage
Mobile Dispatcher
Manage devices and view trackers on the map
for android
Version 1.9.4
App Description
The "Mobile Dispatcher" application was created specifically for users of our online GPS / GLONASS monitoring.
Using the application, you can monitor the current location and movement of all your gps trackers and trackers of your friends directly from your smartphone, as well as set a geo-zone on any tracker.
If you are registered on the site and in your personal account at least 1 tracker is connected or you have access to at least one tracker of your friends, you can watch the movement from your smartphone.
View mode
The main purpose of the mode is to see on the map where all your trackers are at the moment.
At the same time on the map can be viewed from 4 trackers. When choosing, it does not matter whether the tracker is connected to your account or your friends. But the total number that you can choose for simultaneous viewing depends on the number of those connected to your account.
Updating the location of trackers can occur automatically and manual modes... And you can also calculate the distance from where you are now to any of the trackers. The distance is not only calculated but also drawn on the map, so it is possible to find the tracker by following the direction.
Alarm mode
The main goal of the regime is quick installation geo-zones around the current location of the tracker and notification of the event of leaving this zone.
In what situations the mode can be useful:
Usually geo-zones on the site are set up in the places where you or the person being monitored visit regularly. For example, home, work, child's school, driver's regular route, etc. But how many places can there be in a day, where you can find yourself unexpectedly and, for example, leave the car for an hour or an hour and a half. Hypermarket parking and shopping centers, meeting points for work or with friends, neighboring streets where you have found a free parking space - you cannot guess where you will have to stop, so setting a geo-zone in advance in this case is impossible.
But everything becomes possible in the "Mobile Dispatcher" application. Once you've found a parking spot, select your tracker in the app and set a tracking zone around it with one click. If the object leaves the area without you, you will be notified immediately.
Change history
Changes in version 1.9.3
Changes in version 1.9.2
Changes in version 1.9.1
Changes in version 1.9
Changes in version 1.8
Changes in version 1.7
Changes in version 1.6
Changes in version 1.5
Changes in version 1.4
Changes in version 1.3
Changes in version 1.2
Changes in version 1.1.2
Changes in version 1.1.1
Changes in version 1.1
Feedback
If you are missing something in the program, if you notice errors - write.
