ASUS ZenFone 6 update brings August 2019 patches, Google Lens shortcut in camera, new Smart Key options, and more

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In 2019, ASUS has been on a roll when it comes to new smartphone hardware and software updates. The ASUS ZenFone 6 and ROG Phone II are both highly praised devices among smartphone enthusiasts and having used both, I can see why. Since its initial release, the ZenFone 6 has received numerous software updates, a few custom ROMs like LineageOS and OmniROM, a decent Google Camera port, and more. While I’m itching to try out some of the new AOSP-based custom ROMs, I’m a fan of how ZenUI 6 has turned out. The latest update rolling out today adds a few new useful features and updated security patches, but as usual, the official changelog is pretty useless for telling you what’s been changed.

For reference, here’s the official changelog:

Build Number 16.1220.1908.189 Changelog:

Video call tuning parameters updated. Supported more 18 settings in smart key. Updated audio parameter & quality Improved. General system & app stability improved. Optimized Translation Strings 2019 Jul. & Aug. security patch level updated GMS_9_0_201906_r1 updated Preload new Rajiko & HybridRadio APK for JP Preload new Netflix APK for BR

16.1220.1908.189 for the ASUS ZenFone 6 (Unofficial Changelog)

New Smart Key Settings

After receiving the update, we can confirm that the ASUS ZenFone 6 reports running the August 2019 security patch level and that there are new Smart Key options. What are the new options? Here’s a list:

Toggle Hotspot

Toggle Bluetooth

Phone Make a call Show my QR code

Calculator Open calculator Open currency converter Open unit converter

Clock Open Stopwatch Open Timer Set an alarm

File Manager Open Recent files

Gallery Open photo album

Camera Open camera Take picture Record video



In the top-level settings page for Smart Key, there are also new options to have the Smart Key answer incoming calls and snooze alarms when pressed.

Google Lens Shortcut

In the stock camera app, there’s now a shortcut to open Google Lens in the bottom right-hand corner of the viewfinder.

Call Volume “Optimization”

After booting up your ZenFone 6 on the latest update, you’ll get a notification to “optimize” the call volume. This new feature lets you preset a comfortable in-call volume level so you won’t have to adjust it in the middle of a phone call. ZenUI 6 also lets you unlink the notification and ringer volumes, so this new call volume option is just another cherry on top of the plethora of audio options available in ASUS’ Android software.

The update is rolling out for both international and EU software builds. ASUS is pretty good at rolling out updates immediately since I received the update within seconds of checking in Settings. If you spot something in the latest update that we missed, leave a comment down below.

ASUS ZenFone 6 (2019) Forums