Archive for 2018
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| Leading digital services providers PLDT, Inc. and Smart Communications unlock the future with new innovative products and services powered by the country's fastest fixed and mobile networks. In the photo: PLDT and Smart Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan leads the celebratory toast with PLDT and Smart executives and partners from ABS-CBN, Cignal, ESPN 5, Google, Huawei, iflix, NBA, Oppo, Samsung, StarMobile, and Roku. |
Fresh from their latest recognition as the Philippine’s fastest fixed and mobile networks, leading digital services provider PLDT Inc. and its mobile arm Smart Communications are ushering in a new wave of innovative products & services that aim to unlock amazing experiences for Filipinos whether they are in the comfort of their home or on the go.
PLDT and Smart presented their latest products at a powerhouse event aptly themed ‘Unlock the Future’ and graced by executives, endorsers, celebrities, and partners in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
“Over the past years, we’ve been hard at work to future-proof our network and beef up our digital content and product partners. We’re delighted to present our most exciting services that are designed to meet the ever-evolving needs of Filipinos,” said Oscar A. Reyes, Jr., PLDT and Smart SVP and Consumer Business Market Development Head.
“Backed by our fastest networks, these innovative solutions will elevate the way our customers enjoy digital devices, services, and content. As we get ready to close 2018 and prepare for a new year ahead, we will continue our groundbreaking work to help empower Filipinos to enjoy an amazing life,” said Andrew L. Santos, PLDT-Smart FVP and Consumer Marketing Head.
Unlocking an amazing life for Filipinos
To establish even stronger connections at home, PLDT has introduced the new PLDT Home Fibr Google Wifi Plans, which feature a whole home wifi network system that puts an end to dead spots and ensures strong and Fibr-fast connection in every corner of your home.
New PLDT Home customers can now subscribe to Google Wifi Plan 3799, which comes with an unlimited 50Mbps connection, three Google Wifi points, and free service assistance from the Home Geek Squad. On the other hand, existing PLDT Home Fibr customers can simply avail of Google Wifi units as an add-on for Php799 per month for a set of three.
PLDT is also unlocking a new entertainment experience at home with the upcoming launch of the new PLDT Home TVolution Lite that is powered by Roku®. The new service features a plug-and-play device that allows customers to easily and effortlessly watch trending videos on YouTube; their favorite HD channels from Cignal; Top Hollywood, Asian and local movies and TV series from iflix; critically-acclaimed Netflix originals and films, and hundreds of free streaming channels on their TV.
Following their support for the much celebrated Esports and Gaming Summit 2018 and the recently concluded ‘Road to the Nationals,’ which awarded the country’s top DOTA 2 and Tekken 7 players, PLDT and Smart also affirmed their commitment to deliver the best gaming experience for Filipino gamers powered by PLDT Home Fibr, the fastest Fibr connection for lag-free gaming at home, and Smart LTE, the fastest LTE network for gaming on-the-go.
Unlocking bigger and more rewarding experiences
On the other hand, buoyed by the massive success of its Free YouTube campaign, which more than doubled the daily active YouTube users on its network and drove over 13 times more data usage traffic from customers, Smart has stepped up to unlock total entertainment with Video Every Day.
A new promo that comes with all of Smart’s GigaSurf data packages, Video Every Day provides customers with up to 1 hour of Video access daily for YouTube, iflix, iWant TV, Cignal Play and NBA League Pass - for as long as their GigaSurf subscription is valid. Smart customers can now register to GigaSurf with Video Every Day by simply dialing *121# or via the mySmart app.
Apart from these services, Smart has also announced game-changing partnerships with popular smartphone manufacturers Oppo, Samsung, and Starmobile to encourage more Filipinos to upgrade to LTE-capable handsets that come with special discounts and freebies.
Among these special LTE-capable handsets are the OPPO A71 Smart LTE phone kit, which is now available for Php5,998 (from the original SRP of Php6,990); the Samsung J2 Core Smart LTE Phone Kit priced at Php4,990 (from Php5,990); and Starmobile Play Click TNT LTE phone kit, which is very affordable at Php2,998 (from Php3,490).
To offer a much bigger digital experience, Smart also continues to strengthen its portfolio of the latest flagship devices with the data-packed GigaX Plans, which feature separate data allocations for streaming videos, as well as enjoying apps and surfing websites.
Smart offers the newly launched Huawei Mate 20 with the GigaX Plans at Php2199 per month, and the Huawei Mate 20 Pro at Php2,599 per month.
Smart also makes it easier for customers to get hold of the latest iPhones, starting with the iPhone XS at Php3,299 per month, and the iPhone XS Max at Php3,599 per month. The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is also available with the Smart GigaX Plans.
Finally, in celebration of its 25th anniversary, Smart announced its biggest anniversary e-raffle promo in the company’s history, which gives customers a chance to win data packages, MVP Rewards points, LTE smartphones every month, leading up to the grand raffle on February 25, 2019 in which one lucky subscriber will win Php25 million cash! To join, subscribers need only to register to select data promos and add-ons.
Twin awards for the country’s fastest network
Earlier this year, PLDT and Smart were cited for being the country’s fastest fixed and mobile networks for Q1-Q2 2018, respectively, by Ookla®, the global leader in internet testing and analysis.
Just recently, independent mobile analytics company OpenSignal also cited Smart for providing its customers the best video experience in the country. The UK-based firm has published an independent analysis of the customer experience for video services by telecom carriers in Asia, showing that Smart garnered a video experience score of 42.2, well ahead of competition in the Philippines and well above the national average.
OpenSignal also recognized Smart earlier this year for having the country’s fastest LTE network, awarding the company with four citations including best in 4G LTE download speed; best in overall download speed; best 4G latency performance; and best 3G latency performance in its March 2018 report.
Smart Communications and PLDT Unlock Amazing Deals on Fastest Network
HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, celebrates years of reliable mobile experience with Nokia 3310’s 18th birthday on September 1. The much-loved Nokia phone, which has connected people around the globe since its introduction in 2000, is the embodiment of reliability and durability—the same commitment exemplified by the new generation of Nokia phones today. The reimagined Nokia 3310 in 2G with chic new colors and a retro user interface, is now available for only PHP1,999 as an exclusive offer for its anniversary. Nokia fans can enjoy this promo from September 1 to 30, 2018.
The Nokia 3310 Anniversary Promo
Smart, the wireless arm of leading telco and digital services provider PLDT Inc., has announced that it is offering the much awaited Samsung Galaxy Note9 under the data-packed GigaX Plans, aimed at giving customers an unstoppable digital lifestyle powered by the country’s fastest LTE network.
Smart offers Samsung Galaxy Note9 at Php2,799 per month, inclusive of monthly 15G data that comprise of 10GB video streaming and 5GB for surfing websites and enjoying online apps. The plan also includes monthly unlimited texts to all networks, and 60 minutes of calls to all networks under a 24-month contract.
Be among the first to experience Samsung's latest flagship device when it officially launches in the Philippines by pre-ordering at Smart Stores nationwide and on the Smart Online Store at store.smart.com.ph from August 11 to 19, 2018.
As an awesome bonus, customers who will pre-order within this period will also enjoy up to Php18,000 worth of Samsung freebies to complement your Samsung Galaxy Note9 experience: get a FREE Gear Fit 2 Pro, Gear IconX wireless earbuds, and a 1-year Nanofixit screen protection with the 512GB variant. If you opt for the 128GB variant, you can also take home a FREE Gear Fit 2 Pro plus Nanofixit screen protection.
Built for unstoppable excellence
Revealed at the much anticipated Unpacked event in New York City last August 9, the new super powerful Samsung Galaxy Note9 is designed for heavy multitaskers who strive for unstoppable excellence.
This is evident with the device’s key features, such as its advanced Bluetooth S-Pen, which lets you take photos and selfies, direct presentations, and control voice recording. The Samsung Galaxy Note9 also offers the next evolution of Samsung Dex, allowing you to connect the smartphone to a monitor, keyboard and mouse for a convenient desktop experience while you access your apps, files, and documents.
Samsung’s latest flagship smartphone comes with a 6.4-inch Quad HD+ Infinity display – the Korean giant’s largest Infinity display yet – for a more immersive and richer mobile entertainment experience, plus an advanced AI-assisted camera with super slow motion and dual aperture for professional level photography. Moreover, it features a long-lasting 4000maH battery to power all your mobile activities across your favorite apps throughout the day.
Level up with the country’s fastest LTE network
By leveling up to the new Smart GigaX Plans, you can optimize Samsung’s latest flagship smartphone powered by the country’s fastest LTE network, based on the latest Speedtest report by Ookla, the global leader in internet testing and analysis.
Using over 2.1 million user-initiated on LTE-capable handsets in Q1-Q2 2018, Ookla cited Smart as fastest network in the Philippines, delivering average download speeds of 17.25 Mbps and average upload speeds of 7.65 Mbps.
With Smart GigaX Plans powered by Smart LTE, you can make the most of Samsung Galaxy Note9’s cutting-edge features as you upload your work files in an instant, stream videos and music seamlessly, and share your precious moments with loved ones in real-time.
Be among the first to experience Samsung’s latest flagship smartphone with Smart GigaX Plans by pre-ordering now at the nearest Smart Store, or online at store.smart.com.ph.
Smart kicks off pre-orders for the new Samsung Galaxy Note9
People’s Television 4 (PTV4), the Philippines’ public broadcasting network, has gone from analog to fully digital after the launch of the network’s digital terrestrial broadcasting system on January 2017. NEC Philippines, Inc. provided overall support for the introduction of digital terrestrial TV equipment, including its installation and the training of personnel, as part of enabling viewers to enjoy their favorite programs with better and clearer reception.
A “switch-on” ceremony was held at PTV4’s broadcasting center in Quezon City and was led by the Secretary of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), Martin Andanar.
Andanar said, “The administration’s goal of bringing the government closer to its people is now more achievable than ever.” At the time of his appointment, Andanar pushed efforts tomodernize the state network. He envisioned PTV to be on par with its local counterparts in the country, and expanded the breadth and depth of PTV4’s educational, cultural and internationalprograms.
PTV Network General Manager, Dino Apolonio, said that the network must keep pace with its counterparts, both locally and abroad. “As the state network, we have to take it upon ourselves to lead the charge towards digital transition. It will be very beneficial for the people first of all, and we have to keep up with the rest of the world,” he said.
“NEC is proud to be working with PTV4 to expand the delivery of high quality broadcasting to a larger audience in the Philippines,” said Elizabeth Pangan, President, NEC Philippines. “As part of NEC’s focus on providing Solutions for Society, this equipment will help to ensure that broadcasting and access to information is reliably maintained, especially during times of emergency, such as when powerful storms strike the region,” she added.
Image on post not mine, credits belong to their respective owners.
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PTV4 and NEC starts digital terrestrial broadcasting services in thePhilippines
In light of Apple’s official communication regarding the chemical aging issue of batteries on older iPhone units, Power Mac Center, being an Authorized Service Provider, is committed to provide efficient and professional service through a strict set of protocols, which consists of the following:
• Devices must undergo diagnosis to check the battery condition and other internal and external physical/accidental damage or unauthorized modification that may or may not be visible to the naked eye.
• If such issues are found, the iPhone will be ineligible for the battery replacement.
• If, during the diagnosis, we also find other hardware issues, our Apple Certified Engineer will recommend a part/unit replacement accordingly.
• Customers may or may not proceed with the recommendation, but if they decide to pull out, they have to settle the diagnostic fee if the unit is out or void of warranty. The battery replacement fee is Php1,500 for eligible units out of warranty, inclusive of labor. This price may change due to importation costs and without prior notice.
This is Apple’s current and official procedure in all of their partner service centers and we have to comply with it.
We would like to assure our customers that Power Mac Center Service Engineers are Apple-certified and they take their craft seriously. Whatever they do reflects on the brand so there must be no room for error in such proceedings.
Moreover, Power Mac Center is wholly committed to providing Filipinos the complete Apple experience. Since its announcement two weeks ago, we have successfully replaced the iPhone batteries of over 150 satisfied customers. Should they have further questions, they are free to contact the AppleCare Hotline.
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