Asus rolls out massive updates for the Zenfone Zoom and Zenfone 2 Laser

By Abhinav Pathak on Apr 07, 2016 04:30 PM

Zenfone 2 Laser Ota Update

Asus has just started rolling out some major updates for the Zenfone Zoom and Zenfone 2 Laser. At present only the Zenfone 2 Laser ZE601KL and ZX551ML variant of the Zenfone Zoom is getting the new update. It seems that Asus is prepping these devices for the Marshmallow update and has fixed some issues with camera, network, data connectivity alongwith several app updates.

The changelog is pretty substantial for both phones. Here's a look at everything that's being updated on the Zenfone Zoom:

1.[Charger] Fixed incorrect charging status after cable out.
2.[Camera] Fixed the bug resuled from previous power-on via shutter key.
3.[Audio] Increase headset detect de-bounce time to improve music auto play when plug out headset slowly.
4.[Modem]Patch for MO MT call failure in some areas in GuanZhou
5.[Modem]Improved SIM drop issue.
6.[Camera] Support more Auto Exposure shutter speed value in Mannual Mode.
7.[Camera] Improved Auto Exposure accuracy in Auto Mode.
8.[Camera] Improved digital zoom image quality.
9.[Camera] ImprovedAuto white balance under artificial light source.
10.[Modem]Improve modem stability
11.[Modem]Improved modem service stability
12.[Modem]Improved modem data service stability
13.[Modem]Improved capability of returning to LTE service
14.[eMMC]Enable eMMC ver5.1
15.[Codec]Disable ALAC
16.[Camera]Fixed occational camera APP drop
17.[SD Card]Add the new Project ID of HW_ID_MP_SD
18.[SDCARD]Fixed drop SD card issue and remove the redundant power
19.[Camera] Improved of Auto White Balance
20.[Camera] Improved Auto Focus Speed
21.[Camera] Optimized image quality
22.[Camera] Fixed the NR zoom parameter failure.
23.Several Apps updated
24.Modified several JP version strings
25.ZenUI support Burmese language (Zawgyi font)
26.Add Dr. Booster
Smart and free game speed booster for a faster performance on ASUS mobile devices.
27.E-label update (add ID SKD)
28.Improvement of Auto Exposure accuracy.
29.Improvement of digital zoom image quality.
30.Improvement of Auto Focus Speed

And here goes the changelog for the Zenfone 2 Laser:

1.Several Apps update
2.Fix Simp. Chinese Pinyin input issue when searching "Xu" in dialer
3.Improve ASUS Cell Broadcast overall stability
4.Prevent from having no service after reboot while inserting 2 STK cards into device.
5.Fix "滴滴司机" can not dial issue.
6.Add ZenChoice - Your All-in-One app solutions platform to enrich your device's functionality
7.Powered by both local and cloud engines, and supported by experience with 500,000,000 users and 16-years of history in the PC & mobile security industries. Repeatedly ranked first in tests carried out by AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives
8.ZenUI support Burmese language (Zawgyi)
9."ASUS Camera new feature
- Enable Pano Sphere Mode
- Adjusts the color cast of the ambient light in Beautification mode. This feature provides a more natural glow of people's faces in Beautification mode. Tap the sun icon to enable/disable the feature."
10.Settings: Add "Asia/Manila" timezone
11.Update Theme store feature- A new variety of premium themes now available in Themes app!
12.Add Screenshot sound settings
13.Add Android for Work feature
14.Enable Pano Sphere Mode
15.Several Apps update

Since you have "Several Apps update" twice, there's no denying the work that has gone into these updates. The Update version for the Zenfone 2 Laser carries the number V1.16.40.1338 and for the Zenfone Zoom you have 2.26.40.72(MR3.2). Sadly, these updates are not bringing Marshmallow to the mix, something that Asus had said would be delivered in April 2016.

Asus does have a decent track record for updates, and the updates to the current Zenfone 2 Line-up will solidify that record with consumers.