Asus to launch PadFone 2 in Milan on October 16

After the recent launch of Asus’ new tablet and phone combination – the PadFone – the company is all set to launch the next version of the device. According to the company’s website, the PadFone 2 will be launched at a media event to be held in Milan on October 16. The PadFone is an Android (Ice Cream Sandwich) smartphone with a 4.3-inch screen. When paired with the PadFone Station, it transforms into a 10.1-inch Android ICS tablet. With a keyboard dock, the Padfone transforms into a notebook.

The PadFone 2 will be launched on October 16

DynamicDisplay technology allows transition between standalone and docked modes, where most of applications are automatically enhanced with their display layouts adjusted to suit the screen. A good example of the use of DynamicDisplay is the email app. Users can connect the PadFone to the PadFone Station while halfway through typing an email, and the app will automatically adjust to suit the PadFone Station’s 10.1-inch, 1280 x 800 screen, by displaying more information such as the list of emails in the inbox with a full view of an open email. DynamicDisplay technology will also ensure that the app remembers where it stopped. So in a scenario where a user halts a game to switch from the PadFone to the PadFone Station or vice versa, the game resumes from where she left it. 

More from News & Analysis

What is the US HIRE Bill and why is India’s $250-billion IT sector worried? Is the internet dead? What's this theory that OpenAI's Sam Altman says might be true?

At the launch of the original PadFone in September, Alex Huang, Managing Director, System Business Group, Asus India had said, “Today’s introduction of PadFone will be an utmost expansion of our users’ world where they will enjoy, achieve and save categorically. It is an alluring proof to substantiate our prime focus on the mastery of technological innovation and design perfection. We are assertive that PadFone will touch customers’ heart in terms of incredible product, incredible design, incredible quality and incredible service.”

The PadFone provides all of the PadFone Station’s processing power and storage when the two are docked. Irrespective of the device used last, all photos, documents, and games are kept up-to-date and available whenever users need them. When docked, the PadFone Station uses the PadFone’s 3G connection for Internet access allowing users to use a single data plan for two devices.

The PadFone Station comes with its own keyboard dock – the PadFone Station Dock. To maximise productivity, the Station Dock keyboard accessory also houses its own battery that charges the PadFone for up to 102 hours of talk time, and comes with additional USB ports and card reader.

You can read our review of the Asus PadFone here.