At the most recent Asus investors conference, we learned that the new strategy moving forward would utilize what is called “generational” releases. This means “3” for this years main products including Zenfone 3, ZenBook 3 and Transformer 3. We now believe that the next batch of ZenPad tablets, or at least a few of them will be known as ZenPad 3.
We’ve just seen news of the upcoming ZenPad 3S 10 (Z500M). Certain there is a “3” in the product name but it’s not clear if it will be marketed as a ZenPad 3 or not. We do believe that the recent sighting of a Z581KL will be known at the ZenPad 3 8.0 model. Would this mean the end of the ZenPad S 8.0 series or will there be a ZenPad 3S 8.0 model? At this point it is speculation.
We do think that the Zenbook 3 can give some insights. That particular ZenBook model is one of the best, most powerful laptops on the market. None of the other ZenBook models have the ZenBook 3 naming. It’s only the true top hero model. So in the case of ZenPad, having a ZenPad 3 may just be indicative enough to show it’s the flagship model. With what we’ve seen with the ZenPad 3S 10, it does muddy the waters for our naming theory. However it’s not clear if the “3S” is something specific to the feature set of the Z500M.
The reality is that Asus is thinning out the tablet line-up. Their previous naming conventions are going to be changed, and clearly this is happening already. Quite honestly, having something clean like ZenPad 3 8.0 or ZenPad 3 7.0 is ideal and easier to follow for consumers. The ZenPad 3S 10 has confused matters, but lets see how Asus unveils the new series on July 12.
Given that my Zenpad S 8.0 is still on Android 5.0, I will not be purchasing a new Zenpad. I actually like my Zenpad but without an explicit commitment to update the operating system, I will not buy another.
A lot of people are not happy about having the older Android. For myself, and I’m being honest here, I don’t see the “must have” aspect of the latest Android OS updates. When there is a major update like for multi window support, then I’m getting excited. I’ve found that Google has done more to frustrate me in terms of updates rather than blow up my skirt as it were.
If Zenpad S 8.0 is not update the Android, I will not be purchasing a new Zenpad another too.Not more for ASUS (zenpad, zenfone,more).The act of ASUS show don’t care Zenpad customer.?
I own the zenpad s 8.0 z580ca, zenbook ux501vw, zenwatch 2, two beefy Asus routers and kind of a fanboy of theirs. But i am bothered at their lack of upgrading the zenpad to marshmallow or Android N when available. The split screen would be fantastic on this device.
I think Android N is the one to hope for. I do know that when updating the OS it can cause system instability and other bugs. Split screen is a big change and upgrade so I agree, it would be nice. With the slumping tablet sales, I hope that doesn’t leave us too far down the priority scale!