Asus delays smartphone launch due to Covid surge

Taiwanese laptop and smartphone brand ASUS has cancelled the launch of its smartphone slated for this month citing the rising Covid-19 cases in the country. “Standing in solidarity with the nation during these testing times, ASUS India has delayed the launch that was originally slated during May, until the current situation improves,” it said in a statement on Monday.

According to online reports, the brand was supposed to launch its popular budget ASUS ZenFone 8 series in three variants ZenFone 8 Mini, ZenFone 8 and the ZenFone 8 Pro on May 12. “While we have been very excited to launch our new smartphone at the same time as global, ASUS India’s top priority in these challenging times is the safety of our customers, partners, employees and all other stakeholders in the fight against the virus,” said Dinesh Sharma, Business Head, Commercial PC and Smartphone, System Business Group, ASUS in India.

“Hence we have consciously decided to defer the launch until the current scenario improves. On behalf of the entire ASUS India family, we urge you to stay indoors, practice social distancing and help each other combat this crisis until we emerge stronger and in a safer environment,” he said. ASUS India will disclose the new launch date once the situation improves, the company said.