New Delhi, India (February 21, 2017) — ASUS today announced wins of 18 prestigious 2018 iF Product Design Awards. Spanning three product categories — Gaming Hardware/VR, Computer, and Telecommunications — the award-winning products represent the ASUS commitment to design innovation and engineering excellence. The awarded products were selected from a competitive field of 6,400 entries from 54 countries.
The winners in the Gaming Hardware/VR category are the ASUS FX503, ROG G703, ROG Zephyrus, ROG Strix SCAR Edition and ROG Strix Hero Edition gaming laptops; ROG Poseidon GeForce GTX 1080 Ti, ROG Strix GeForce GTX 1080 Ti graphics cards; ASUS Windows Mixed Reality headset; ASUS SBW-06D3X-U UHD Blu-Ray optical drive; ROG Strix Fusion gaming headset series; ASUS Cerberus Fortus mouse; and ROG Ranger 2-in-1 backpack.
In the Computer category, the award-winning products are the ASUS TUF X299 Mark 1 motherboard, ASUS Zen AiO ZN242 all-in-one desktop, ZenBook Flip S (UX370) convertible laptop, ASUS Designo MZ27 monitor, ASUS Zenbo smart home robot, and ASUSPRO B9440 business laptop. The ZenFone 4 Series won an award in the Telecommunications category.
Each year, the world’s oldest independent design organization, Hannover-based iF International Forum Design GmbH, organizes the iF Design Awards. These awards are recognized worldwide as a seal of quality for products that excel in specific criteria, including design quality, degree of innovation, functionality, ergonomics and more. An independent jury of 63 experts from countries around the world assesses products and selects winners.
2018 iF Design Award Winners – Gaming Hardware/VR category
ASUS FX503
ASUS FX503 is a compact and powerful Windows 10 laptop that packs the latest 7th Generation Intel® Core™ processor and NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 10-Series graphics. A high-capacity battery ensures that users stay productive or entertained throughout the day, while an intelligent cooling system enables graphically intense gaming sessions without throttling. FX503 is the first in the series to feature an ultrafast 120Hz, 15.6-inch Full HD display for cinematic experiences and smoothest gameplay. While offering power and performance, its lightweight design allows for easy portability.
ROG G703
ROG G703 is the world’s first gaming laptop with an ultrasmooth 17.3-inch Full HD IPS-level display with NVIDIA® G-SYNC™ technology for a 144Hz refresh rate. Powered by the factory-overclocked Intel® Core™ i7-7820HK processor that reaches incredible speeds of up to 4.3GHz out of the box, NVIDIA GeForce® GTX 1080 graphics with a maximum boost clock of up to 1974MHz, and Windows 10, ROG G703 is an unmatched gaming powerhouse.
ROG Zephyrus
ROG Zephyrus is the world’s slimmest gaming laptop powered by a 7th Generation Intel® Core™ i7 processor and the latest NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1080 (Max-Q) graphics. It features the Windows 10 Creators Update, which improves the performance of PC games via the all-new Windows Game Mode while also making it easier to perform native game-streaming with Beam, Microsoft’s streaming service. The 15.6-inch ROG Zephyrus features an ultraslim profile and incorporates the ROG-exclusive Active Aerodynamic System (AAS) — a specially designed cooling system. It also features customizable ASUS Aura RGB lighting effects and a superfast 120Hz panel with wide-view technology, 100 percent sRGB color gamut and NVIDIA G-SYNC™ for breathtaking gaming visuals.
ROG Strix SCAR Edition and ROG Strix Hero Edition
ROG Strix SCAR and Strix Hero Editions are built for esports gaming titles. Hero Edition is ideal for fearless multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games, and features an aggressive design with monster scales, silver Mayan-inspired patterns, and deep blue accents that project heroes’ might. SCAR Edition is ideal for first-person shooters, and features an anodized Gunmetal Grey finish. Engineered with Intel® Core™ i7 processors and NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 10-Series graphics, the 15.6-inch GL503 and 17.3‑inch Strix GL703 give gamers the tools they need to control the competition — so they can gear up, stake their ground and get ready to win.
ROG Poseidon GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
ROG Poseidon GeForce GTX 1080 Ti features the next-generation DirectCU H2O cooler, combining liquid and air in a larger 2.5-slot design. The expanded heatsink boasts 40 percent more area than its predecessor, while the updated plumbing improves the liquid flow rate by 22 percent. Support for standard G1/4 fittings make it easy to add the card to custom loops, and dual FanConnect II headers let the card manage system fans for gaming-optimized cooling. Poseidon GTX 1080 Ti features ASUS Aura Sync lighting and adds a new twist with a ‘mirror-reflection’ design that gives the illusion of a lighting effect that extends to infinity. ROG Poseidon GeForce GTX 1080 Ti is produced using Auto-Extreme technology, the industry’s first and only 100 percent-automated production process, for improved quality and reliability.
ROG Strix GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
ROG Strix GeForce GTX 1080 Ti includes a 2.5-slot for 40 percent more surface area for heat dissipation, compared to previous two-slot designs. It is packed with exclusive ASUS technologies, including the all-new MaxContact, an industry-first GPU cooling technology that features an optimized copper heat-spreader that is in direct contact with the GPU for improved thermal transfer. MaxContact, together with three patented wing-blade 0dB fans, delivers cooler, quieter performance. The fans are IP5X dust-resistant for improved reliability and extended lifespan. ASUS FanConnect II provides hybrid-controlled fan headers and a comprehensive set of GPU Tweak II tuning options to optimize system cooling even further. Industry-exclusive Auto-Extreme technology with 10+2-phase Super Alloy Power II components ensures premium quality and reliability.
Strix GeForce GTX 1080 Ti also features synchronized ASUS Aura Sync technology for complete RGB LED customization and personalization. A VR-friendly design with two HDMI ports lets gamers keep a VR headset connected to their system for immersive, virtual-reality gaming any time.
ASUS Windows Mixed Reality headset
The ASUS Windows Mixed Reality Headset features innovative Microsoft technology to bring immersive real-world and virtual experiences to users. It features a beautifully unique design with a pattern of hundreds of 3D polygons and a glossy tone-on-tone effect. Weighing under 400 grams and featuring premium antibacterial cushioned materials and a balanced-crown design that reduces pressure on the nose and face, the ASUS Windows Mixed Reality Headset is cool and comfortable to wear for extended periods, so users can enjoy amazingly immersive experiences for longer. It features innovative inside-out tracking with two built-in front-facing tracking cameras with six-degrees-of-freedom (6DoF) position tracking and it doesn’t need external sensors or additional software — so initial setup is simple and users can get up and running in minutes. To ensure the widest range of stunningly immersive virtual experiences, the ASUS Windows Mixed Reality Headset supports more than 20,000 Windows apps and more than 2,000 Steam® VR titles.
ASUS SBW-06D3X-U optical drive
ASUS SBW-06D3X-U is the world’s first external Blu-ray optical drive capable of playing 4K UHD Blu-ray movies. It has a futuristic design with ASUS Aura Sync RGB LEDs, giving it a look that goes well with gaming systems. It has a built-in fold-out stand for space-saving vertical placement. A USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C™ (USB-C) port provides fast file transfer speeds and eliminates the need for a power adapter.
ROG Strix Fusion gaming headset series
ROG Strix Fusion series is a new gaming headset series that offers no-compromise gaming audio quality, comfort and style. Currently available in two models — ROG Fusion 300 and ROG Fusion 500 — ROG Strix Fusion headsets feature exclusive ASUS Essence drivers, airtight chamber technology for top-notch audio, ROG Hybrid cushions for extreme comfort, plus captivating lighting that lets gamers show their personal style.
ASUS Cerberus Fortus
ASUS Cerberus Fortus is an ambidextrous gaming mouse engineered for battlefield-dominating performance. Its magnesium-alloy base evenly distributes weight to provide smooth gliding and pinpoint accuracy. The metal base also improves durability, providing reassurance that Cerberus Fortus is built to last. High-quality Omron mouse switches also ensure the fastest response times and extended durability, with a lifespan of up to 50-million clicks.
ROG Ranger 2-in-1 Backpack
Ranger 2-in-1 Backpack is a unique and stylish travel accessory for gamers. Featuring detachable front and rear compartments, it’s designed for comfortable and easy transport of any gaming gear. The modular design of the Ranger 2-in-1 Backpack lets gamers easily customize its capacity to suit whatever gaming gear they’re transporting — from light to heavy loads, and from small accessories to 17-inch gaming laptops. A full-size front ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) panel with a reflective ROG logo provides total protection, while displaying a gamer’s unique ROG style. With its ergonomic shoulder straps and ventilated back-padding — constructed from memory foam — the Ranger 2-in-1 Backpack is comfortable for all-day use, even when fully loaded.
2018 iF Design Award Winners – Computer category
ASUS TUF X299 Mark 1 motherboard
TUF X299 Mark 1 comes from the TUF family of motherboards that prioritize reliability and durability for PCs built to go the distance. TUF X299 Mark 1 features a protective cover that streamlines airflow over the board and prevents dust accumulation. Besides the dedicated fan that directs cool air toward the primary M.2 slot, it is also laced with additional temperature sensors to monitor different zones on the motherboard and in your system as a whole. Sensor data is fed into Thermal Radar 3 software that intelligently manages system cooling to keep temperatures and acoustics low. Its updated armor is the strongest yet for TUF motherboards, but its real strength comes from the Fortifier backplate that prevents the board from warping while helping to support massive air coolers that tend to hang a lot of weight off of the socket. The TUF X299 Mark 1 also features a VGA holder that eliminates ugly and potentially damaging graphics card sag by supporting the motherboard to prevent bowing and bending.
ASUS Zen AiO ZN242
Zen AiO ZN242 is a powerful, compact and elegant all-in-one PC that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible — to deliver the ultimate AiO computing experience. Zen AiO ZN242 features a 23.8-inch NanoEdge frameless display with an industry-leading 90% screen-to-body ratio, 100% sRGB color gamut and 178° wide-view technology for incredibly immersive viewing. As well as stunning looks, Zen AiO ZN242 delivers seriously powerful performance, with a 7th Generation Intel® Core™ i7 quad-core processor, up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM, and gaming-grade NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1050 graphics. Zen AiO ZN242 offers a clean and uncluttered design with a gorgeous metal-like Icicle Silver finish. It features many thoughtful and practical touches including a pop-up camera and hidden cooling vents in the rear logo. It has a sturdy, diamond-cut stand with an ultraslim metal base adorned with our iconic Zen-inspired spun-metal finish.
ASUS ZenBook Flip S (UX370)
ZenBook Flip S is the world’s thinnest convertible laptop and it’s also one of the lightest. A mere 10.9mm thick and weighing only 1.1 kg, it features an Intel Core i7 processor, up to a 1TB SSD, 16 GB of RAM, a 13.3-inch high-resolution display with ASUS Pen support, and two USB-C ports. The new 360° ErgoLift hinge on ZenBook Flip S is smooth and stable, holding the display securely at any angle. The innovative hinge has a dual-action mechanism that lifts and tilts the keyboard into the perfect typing position when the display is opened beyond 135°. The integrated fingerprint scanner in the ZenBook Flip S is one of the slimmest scanners in the world, and it’s positioned on the side of the laptop for easy access in any mode.
ASUS Designo MZ27AQ monitor
Designo MZ27AQ is a stunning 27-inch monitor that heralds a new generation of frameless, ultraslim monitors. Winner of a 2017 Computex d&i award, Designo MZ27AQ measures just 7mm at its thinnest point, and boasts a sharp, WQHD (2560 x 1440) IPS panel with a 100% sRGB color gamut to deliver incredible visuals for home entertainment. With an integrated 2.1-channel ASUS SonicMaster audio system co-developed with Harman Kardon, Designo MZ27AQ features two 6-watt stereo speakers and an external 5-watt subwoofer.
ASUS Zenbo
Zenbo is the first commercially available home robot designed to provide assistance, entertainment, and companionship to families. Zenbo is a fun and educational playmate for kids, entertaining them with interactive storytelling and learning games that foster creativity and logical thinking skills. As a hands-free household keeper, Zenbo enriches the home with a broad range of skills that make life easier and more enjoyable. He can control many smart home devices, assist in the kitchen by reading recipes out loud and by functioning as a voice-controlled timer, serve as a family photographer with his built-in camera, and operate as a home security camera to give homeowners peace of mind when they are away.
ASUSPRO B9440
ASUSPRO B9440 is currently the world’s lightest 14-inch business notebook. Designed for discerning on-the-go professionals and weighing just 1.05 kg, B9440 has an ultracompact design with a footprint no larger than many 13-inch notebooks, making it the ultimate take-anywhere notebook for business productivity. Stylish and practical, the sleek B9440 features an all-metal chassis crafted from magnesium alloy — a premium material that is both lighter and more rigid than standard aluminum alloy. Its ergonomic keyboard has an innovative tilting design that positions it perfectly for comfortable typing. B9440 is US MIL-STD 810G military-graded and also passes extra-strict ASUSPRO reliability standards, undergoing a series of extreme tests to ensure dependable operation in any environment.
2018 iF Design Award Winners – Telecommunications category
ZenFone 4 Series
ZenFone 4 Series smartphones are designed to provide the best mobile photography experiences, with dual cameras that enable unlimited creative options and give users the freedom to capture their world from multiple perspectives.
ZenFone 4 is a 5.5-inch smartphone that evolves the ZenFone lineage with luxurious design while delivering an unparalleled mobile photography experience with a dual-lens camera system featuring the flagship Sony IMX362 image sensor, a large f/1.8 aperture lens, and a 120° wide-angle lens. The latest powerful and energy-efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon 660/630 Mobile Platform provides performance for every scenario, and a high-capacity 3300mAh lithium-polymer battery coupled with ASUS BoostMaster fast-charge technology keeps ZenFone 4 going longer.
