Skip to main content

PadFone officially revealed, ASUS hints at Ice Cream Sandwich and second-gen tablets

padfone-computex
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Computex Logo
This story is part of our coverage of Computex, the world's biggest computing conference.

Some images slipped out over the weekend with an early look at ASUS‘ planned device reveal at Computex this week, one that’s been teased with incomplete images and a question that reads, “Pad or Phone?” As we learned on Sunday, that answer to that question is “both.” Sort of.

At first glance, ASUS’ PadFone is a tablet/smartphone fusion in which a company-branded, iPhone-like cellular device fits snugly into a docking compartment that is part of a larger tablet. That’s what the weekend’s images showed us, but now Engadget has actually gotten to go hands on with the thing, and some additional details have emerged. Most importantly, the “pad” portion of this device does not function independently. It is essentially a tablet-shaped display, with the phone’s powers being enhanced in the joining.

Recommended Videos

What does that mean? Well, extended battery life, for starters. The display device apparently sports a built-in battery, much like the keyboard dock that goes with ASUS’ Eee Pad Transformer. The display also includes speakers and a small opening in the phone dock’s secret compartment that allows the camera to continue working, as well as, of course, a larger screen to gawk at. ASUS also hinted at other features, though nothing more was revealed.

Engadget also reports that the company is putting some thought into designing the display dock to remain compatible with future generations of branded phones, but no decisions have been made. There’s also no confirmation on which version of the Android operating system the phone will sport, but the ASUS rep pointed out to Engadget that Honeycomb is tablet-only, and this is technically a smartphone. With the PadFone targeted for a Christmas release, arriving alongside ASUS’ second generation of tablets, an Ice Cream Sandwich-powered release seems possibly, if not likely.

Adam Rosenberg
Former Gaming/Movies Editor
Previously, Adam worked in the games press as a freelance writer and critic for a range of outlets, including Digital Trends…
OnePlus Nord 5 shows Samsung how to make the perfect Galaxy S25 FE
Rwar shell of the the OnePlus Nord 5.

About three weeks ago, a rather interesting phone landed at my doorstep. It was OnePlus’ latest budget pleaser, which neither falls in the “mid-tier” segment, nor sniffs too close to the flagship summit. Yet, the value it offers at an MSRP of around $400 redefines the whole concept of the class that we often refer to as “budget flagships.” 

The Samsung Galaxy Fan Edition phones are the quintessential definition of this honor, at least for the competition-starved US market. After using the OnePlus Nord 5, I’ve come to the realization that this is what a true Fan Edition phone should look like. One that delivers where it matters, without a confoundingly high price tag slapped on the box. I believe it's a recipe for Samsung to emulate for its next Fan Edition phone.

Read more
I’m excited for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, but it could let us down in one area
Google's tipped to deny its most expensive phone a top spec
Someone holding the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, showing the back of the phone.

The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold looks set to gain a number of significant upgrades over its predecessor including a larger display, smaller hinge, bigger battery, and improved dust resistance.

The Google Pixel 10 series is tipped to arrive in the coming months - possibly as soon as August - and we're expecting to see a quartet of new devices, including the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

Read more
OnePlus 13 owners get a major new AI tool for free
Plus Mind is just the beginning of OnePlus' AI ecosystem
A person holding the OnePlus 13.

Owners of the OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 13R smartphones are receiving a software update which includes a significant new AI feature.

OnePlus has started to roll out its Plus Mind AI tool to 13 and 13R handsets around the world, giving users the ability to receive intelligently suggesting actions while also storing the information for you to search through at a later date.

Read more