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Innovative 'Google' phone lands at Verizon in weeks

The Asus ZenFone AR with Google Tango and Google Daydream will come out this summer on Verizon. It has a few nifty tricks including letting you see clothes in your size before you buy.

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Headshot of Patrick Holland
Patrick Holland Managing Editor
As Managing Editor, I lead CNET's mobile team, covering news and reviews on smartphones, wireless carriers, AI, wearables and more. I oversee the team's product testing and translate our findings into accessible recommendations. With nearly a decade of experience at CNET, I've covered Apple and the iPhone, Google and the Pixel, Samsung and the Galaxy, Motorola and the Razr, iOS vs. Android and much more. I'm passionate about storytelling (hey, former theater director and playwright here).
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  • Patrick's play The Cowboy is included in the Best American Short Plays 2011-12 anthology. He co-wrote and starred in the short film Baden Krunk that won the Best Wisconsin Short Film award at the Milwaukee Short Film Festival.
Patrick Holland
2 min read
Watch this: ZenFone AR scores a first

This summer, Verizon will be the only carrier to sell the Asus ZenFone AR, the first phone with both of Google's reality-altering features.

The announcement came during Google I/O, the company's annual developer conference.

For those keeping track, the ZenFone AR is unique because it's the first phone that works with both Google Daydream (for VR) and Tango (for AR). That means you can use it in a headset like the Daydream View for a fully immersive experience, or have it overlay objects and information onto the real world around you using Google's Tango software.

The ZenFone AR offers up a bunch of unique uses. For example, you can view Gap clothes in your size on a digital mannequin (no more fitting rooms?) or you can experiment with different furniture in your living room from Lowe's. There are also apps for YouTube, Netflix and Google Street View.

The ZenFone AR is an important phone because it's the second Tango phone, after the . The ZenFone AR looks much more promising because it's thinner and has much better specs than the Phab 2 Pro. All this bodes well for potential sales, especially to those curious about AR.

The Asus ZenFone AR will also go on sale unlocked through other retailers, and will be compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile networks.

For more about and other announcements check out all of our coverage.

All the cool stuff Google announced at I/O

See all photos

First published May. 18, 10:37 a.m. PT.

Update, 3:10 p.m.: Adds comments that Verizon will be the exclusive wireless provider and unlocked versions compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile will be sold through other retailers.