Smart and Uber team up for special iPhone 6s midnight delivery on Nov. 6 Be among the first to get the Rose Gold iPhone 6s in style

Excited and can't wait to get your hands on the much anticipated Rose Gold iPhone 6s on launch day?

You can have it especially delivered in style right at your doorstep as unrivaled mobile services leader Smart Communications teams up with Uber, the world's most popular ride-sharing service, for the  first ever iPhone midnight delivery service in the Philippines.

Available from 12 am to 4 am of Nov. 6, the official launch day of the latest iPhones in the country, the service allows you to request the Rose Gold iPhone 6s (16GB) unit worth Php 35,990 delivered wherever you are in Metro Manila via the Uber app. Just request for a Smart iPhone6s on the Uber app, prepare to pay using your credit or debit card, and get ready to have your new phone delivered to you in style.

Exciting surprises

You can pay in 12-month installment at 0% interest if you opt for a credit card transaction. As an added perk, all iPhone 6s deliveries come with P2,000 worth of Rustan's gift certificates!

"Smart is thrilled to partner with Uber to bring the brand new iPhones to excited subscribers who want to get the first dibs on the Rose Gold iPhone units via the country's first ever midnight iPhone delivery service," said Kathy Carag, Smart Postpaid Head. "Aside from utter convenience, subscribers who will avail of this special service can also look forward to more exciting surprises! This is part of our efforts to give our beloved subscribers awesome Smart Life experience," she added.

Simple, fast, convenient

Ordering your Rose Gold iPhone 6s (16GB) via the Smart-Uber midnight delivery service is simple, fast and convenient with these steps:

1. Download the Uber app and allow location access

2. Register / sign-in with your account

3. Choose the Smart iPhone6s option

4. Look for the Rose Gold car near you and input your delivery location for both the pick-up and destination fields

5. Click on Request to get the iPhone 6s delivered to you.

As soon as you've made the request, you shall receive a verification call from a Smart Representative, who will confirm your purchase and your payment method. Upon confirmation, your brand new iPhone will be on its way. Don’t forget to prepare your debit or credit card (strictly no cash payments) and valid ID to complete the transaction with the Smart Representative.

Unbeatable iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus plans

Aside from the Smart-Uber iPhone 6s midnight delivery service, you can also avail of the latest iPhones at all Smart Stores nationwide and via the Smart Online Store at store.smart.com.ph  

Smart offers the iPhone 6s with ZERO handset cashout at Plan 2000 with a super-sized 10GB data per month, and the iPhone 6s Plus with ZERO handset cashout at Plan 2499 with a super-sized 15GB per month – both under a 30-month contract.

Both plans come with All-Month Surf for 30 months so you can access your favorite sites and apps like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as well as chat apps like Viber, Messenger and Whatsapp – all on top of your data allowance. Moreover, you also get FREE access to the app of your choice every month throughout your contract, and unbeatable extra perks from Smart's partners like Uber, Airbnb and Zalora.

Smart's ZERO handset cashout offer for iPhone 6s at and iPhone 6s is until December 31, 2015. 

To know more about Smart's unbeatable iPhone plans, visit www.smart.com.ph/iphone.

OpenSignal: Globe outpaces competition in LTE speed, coverage

Providing fastest mobile internet service in the Philippines

OpenSignal State of LTE report:

Globe Telecom provides the fastest LTE service in the Philippines, affirming the superiority of its mobile internet service and network infrastructure amid intensely competitive environment in the local telecommunications industry.

Based on OpenSignal’s State of LTE report for the third quarter of 2015, Globe Telecom’s LTE download speed is at 10 Mbps, double its competition’s LTE download speed of only 5 Mbps. Globe Telecom’s LTE download speed is comparable to territories/countries like Hong Kong (Smart Tone), India (Airtel), Norway (Telenor, Network Norway), Portugal (NOS), Indonesia (Indosat), which all registered a 10 Mbps download speed, and even higher than the 8 Mbps download speed in Russia (MTS), Malaysia (DiGi) and even US (AT&T, US Cellular, Sprint, C Spire Wireless).

While Globe Telecom’s download speed of 10 Mbps is considered adequate, its competition’s download speed of 5 Mbps dragged down the Philippines’ average LTE download speed to 8Mbps. OpenSignal specializes in mobile coverage mapping by crowdsourcing signal strength, data speed and reliability. In terms of LTE coverage, that of Globe is also superior at 41% against its competitor’s 36%.

“These findings prove our success in continuously expanding our network capacities amid ever-increasing demand for high-speed mobile internet access as more and more of our customers

build their life and work experiences around a digital lifestyle,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications, noting that about a third of the company’s 48.4 million mobile customers are now using smartphones.

As part of the company’s aggressive LTE rollout, the Globe network’s mobile ultra-broadband access in Visayas and Mindanao were expanded, utilizing the LTE-TDD and LTE-FDD technologies, Agustin said. Currently one of the most relevant mobile network technologies, 4G LTE offers much higher bandwidth, lower latency even as it increases overall network capacity. This allows customers to use more applications on their mobile devices.

Crisanto said the continuing expansion of Globe network capacities is intended to provide its customers with holistic digital experience as the company continues to offer products and services that enhance the Filipino digital lifestyle. “Globe is committed in providing the right infrastructure support to ensure that the data needs of our customers are served, thus strengthening our position as the network of choice for smartphone users in the country. When it comes to mobile internet speed, we believe that the Philippines can compete globally but there is a need to distinguish between mobile and wireline,” she added.

Amid ongoing network expansion, Globe capital expenditure this year is expected to reach $850 million. As of June this year, capex stood at P11.4 billion, bulk of which were allocated for data-related projects that include investments for the company’s broadband network, capacities for wireless data, LTE, domestic and international transmission facilities. A significant portion of the company’s capex for the year were also allotted for its IT infrastructure as Globe continues to create platform for new products as well as to build on its IT transmission initiatives.

The OpenSignal data is collected from real consumer smartphones and is recorded under conditions of normal usage. Rather than approximate the user experience, it is directly measured from the users of OpenSignal smartphone application, which can be freely downloaded on both iOS and Android devices, and thus it is able to constantly monitor the true network experience that users are getting on those devices.

Through the app, OpenSignal is able to observe the network exactly as the end user experiences it. Such customer-centric approach allows OpenSignal to measure the true end-to-end experience of the mobile network. It isolated the networks in the Philippines by extracting all those points sent with network IDs corresponding to the brands operational there and then perform a geographical query to isolate only those data points that have been captured within the region. The different brands have been identified by investigating the network names associated with the SIM in the reporting device and the network which is serving the device.

Power-Up with ASUS Notebooks and Get a stylish, limited edition ASUS ROG Shuttle Backpack plus, 2-Year Global Warranty

Power up with ASUS Notebooks and enjoy incredible performance, style and 2-Year Global Warranty at an amazing price. From October 1st until November 30th, select ASUS Notebooks with Intel™ Core® i5 and i7 processors are now bundled with limited edition water-resistant Republic of Gamers Shuttle Backpacks worth PHP 4,995 so you can bring your device wherever you go! Bag is roomy enough to fit most devices even laptops up to 17”. Store all your cables, mice, powerbanks and even other belongings in this functional ROG Backpack. Rainy days won’t be a problem since the water-resistant ROG Backpack keeps all your gadgets safe and secure.

As a big bonus, select ASUS notebooks now also come with a 2-year global warranty to lessen your worries on parts and services.

Protect your investment with an extended global warranty worth Php2,500 available for select ASUS notebook models with pre-loaded Microsoft Windows 10.

Benefits you can enjoy from the extended warranty services:

· Provides you with peace of mind knowing that you device is covered for two-years. 

· Save money on laptop repair service and parts 

· Convenience of enjoying the warranty in any of the 57 countries ASUS service centers are present. 

· Whether you plan to travel with your ASUS Notebook or plan to purchase it as a gift for your loved ones abroad, ASUS 2-year Global Warranty gives you the best value for your device.

Bundled ROG Backpacks Mechanics:

1. Promo is open to all endusers who purchase select ASUS notebooks from October 1 to November 30, 2015.

2. Each enduser who purchase any of the select ASUS notebook from authorized ASUS resellers will get a free ROG Shuttle backpack. One notebook is equivalent to one backpack.

3. Redemption of free item starts from November 1, 2015 and ends on January 31, 2016.

4. Enduser may claim their free backpacks in two (2) ways:

Claim at ASUS Concept Stores:

· Enduser must present the photocopy of their official receipt, serial number

box cut-out and provide their name, e-mail, contact number in the

following concept stores:

• SM Megamall (ASUS Shop-in-Shop), 4th Floor, SM Cyberzone

• SM North EDSA, 4th Floor, SM Cyberzone

• SM Fairview, 3rd Floor, SM Cyberzone

• Festival Supermall, 3rd Floor, Festival Supermall

• SM Lanang, 3rd Floor, SM Cyberzone

• SM Bacolod, 2nd Floor, SM Cyberzone

• SM Cabanatuan, 2nd Floor, SM Cyberzone

5. Ship to Customer’s Address

Enduser must email a copy of their official receipt, serial number box cut-out and provide their name, e-mail address, contact number and complete shipping address to: asusredemption@gmail.com.

Upon sending an email to ASUS from November 1. Customer just needs to wait up to 7days to receive the free item

6. Premiums are transferrable but not convertible to cash. Employees of ASUS Philippines, its advertising, PR and events agencies and their relatives up to the second degree of affinity or consanguinity are exempted from the promo.

Eligible model for free ROG Shuttle Backpacks

Feeling at home with the freelance lifestyle : A quick look at freelancing and the rise of online customer service

For freelancers, working at home is an incredibly attractive proposition. You don’t just get paid to develop your skills; you also get to exercise complete control over your own time and space as well. 

Global trends in the job market show that an increasing number of professionals are cutting their teeth on freelance work online, coinciding with the current ubiquity of the Internet in up to 40% of the world and its particular spike in demand for customer service agents.

According to industry statistics, the rising demand in customer care isn’t going away soon and this bodes well for the large number of skilled customer service people in the Philippines.

Thanks to the surge in online-based freelancer talent marketplaces like Upwork, customer service practitioners are in a position where they can successfully build entire international-standard careers for themselves, getting first-world pay without ever having to commute. 

This has proven to be incredibly appealing to businesses of all types and sizes —from bootstrapped startup to established enterprise—all over the world since they now have access to the talent they need to build phenomenal support teams thanks to an earth-sized talent pool of freelance professionals , giving an ultra-nuanced matching experience compared to traditional hiring methods.

The customer service category is one of the fastest growing categories on Upwork. Last year alone, companies spent 54 percent more than the year before. Increasingly companies are discovering the value of having a distributed customer support team – from reduced turnover to improved customer satisfaction and 24/7 multi-channel support.

If you are a passionate service professional looking to start practicing online freelance customer care, now is a great time to start.

The challenges of freedom

While the trend is unquestionably empowering for both businesses and freelancers, it is not without its quirks.

One thing that scares many aspiring online freelancers off early on is the fear of losing the distinction between “work time” and “home time.” For freelancers customer service professionals in the Philippines, the need to address this is particularly pressing.

Luckily, here are some tips to help you feel more at home with the freelance way of life:

Build your office

Your first step in kickstarting the freelance life is building the space you’ll be working in. While things should be welcoming and familiar for you, never forget that a clear work area goes hand in hand with a clear mind.

Remove unnecessary clutter from your table, and ensure that you have a professional-looking backdrop in case you need to face clients during your next online meeting. Also ensure that your immediate environment is quiet enough to work in. This will be your office from now on, so everything counts if you want to stay distraction-free, regardless if you’re offering email, chat, or voice support.

You may also need to secure a stronger or more reliable connection, as you may need the extra bandwith and speed for conference calls and long customer service sessions. Compare reviews and current product offerings from your preferred service provider.

Dress the part

The thought of going to work in your PJs is something many home-based professionals aspire for, but this may be particularly bad for you in the long run. 

A big part of the professional mindset knowing how to make the best possible impression when you present yourself to clients. The gesture alone shows them that you’re willing to be the best version of yourself for them, and it helps build trust between both parties.

While you may be incredibly talented, it’s hard to trust someone to deliver if they look like they just got out of bed all the time. Just think of it as something that cements your image as a working professional. Studies also show that a healthy self-image boosts productivity and motivation. It’s never a bad idea to dress up for work!

Develop a routine

People need a routine to ground them to certain aspects of their working lives. For many, this starts as early as the morning commute; something that may be foreign to the home-based customer care professional. I mean, how far do you have to walk to go from your house to… the other end of your house?

Try setting routine habits to get you into that working mood. Some would prefer a quick morning workout before the bulk of the day’s deliverables. Others cook, while others would prefer a simple walk to the nearest coffee shop for a good cup of coffee.

With opportunities to develop your customer service agent career, the comforts of home, and all the time you need for the things that matter in life; could you ask for a sweeter life? If you are a skilled customer service agent , online freelancing can make your dream of a freestyle life come true.

About Upwork:

Upwork is the world’s largest freelance talent marketplace. As an increasingly connected and independent workforce goes online, knowledge work — like software, shopping and content before it — is shifting online as well. This shift is making it faster and easier for clients to connect and work with talent in near real-time and is freeing professionals everywhere from having to work at a set time and place.  Upwork is headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., with offices in San Francisco and Oslo, Norway. 

For more information, visit the website at www.upwork.com, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Cherry Mobile launches Intel-powered MAIA Series, introduces newest endorser Janella Salvador

Cherry Mobile and Intel launches the MAIA Series - Fone i4, MAIA PAD, and the MAIA SMART TAB and presents Cherry Mobile’s newest endorser, teen actress and singer Janella Salvador with the campaign #KayaWithMAIA last September 29, 2015.

Empowerment and freedom to make their own choices have always been the clamor of today’s young generation. From making their next day fashion statement, down to choosing their next gadget, they always look forward to the opportunity to become independent young adults. Keeping their desires in mind, Cherry Mobile, the country’s leading value-for-money phone brand, recently collaborated with Intel to provide the youth and young professionals better smartphones and tablets that will surely empower them to achieve more and reach their dreams – the MAIA series.

The performance-driven MAIA series was officially launched alongside Cherry Mobile’s newest endorser, teen actress and singer Janella Salvador with the campaign #KayaWithMAIA to highlight the new series’ aim to power the youth’s passion. Just like Janella, Cherry Mobile’s newest Intel-powered devices will make a mark in the local electronic device landscape through the MAIA series’ two tablets, the MAIA Pad and MAIA Smart Tab, and the MAIA Fone i4.

“Cherry Mobile’s latest MAIA series is dedicated to the youth with their untiring passion in mind. By introducing these devices, we hope that the youth and young professionals would have more avenues to express their passions and realize their dreams just like Janella, who embodies our campaign #KayaWithMAIA,” said Maynard Ngu, CEO - Cherry Mobile.

Young professionals—and even the young-at-heart— can truly stay stylishly connected without jeopardizing functionality with the MAIA Fone i4, equipped with an Intel Atom x3 1.0GHz 64-bit processor, and Android Kitkat 4.4 Operating System out-of-the-box. Capping off this smartphone’s sweet offerings is its 4” Capacitive Screen, 4GB internal Memory expandable to 64GB via MicroSD, and Dual-SIM capabilities.

Following the series’ smartphone contender is the MAIA Pad, powered by the same Intel Atom x3 Processor. The MAIA Pad comes with the Android KitKat 4.4.4 operating system and 1GB RAM and 8GB internal memory expandable up to 32GB via MicroSD. The 7” widescreen tablet is equipped with a USB OTG for maximum on-the-go productivity, and also offers users various connection options with its Dual-SIM and HSPA+ capabilities.

Topping off the MAIA Series is Cherry Mobile’s newest 8” tablet, the MAIA Smart Tab. Powered by the Intel Atom Z3735F 1.8GHz quad-core processor, the MAIA Smart Tab is equipped with Smart Boot, enabling it to carry both Android KitKat 4.4 and Windows 8.1 as operating systems. It comes with an upgraded 2GB of RAM and 32GB internal memory upgradable to 64GB through its MicroSD card. It is also equipped with the same USB-OTG features and a 3,800mAh battery on top of Wi-Fi and dual-sim HSPA+ capabilities to ensure that users maximize their productivity wherever they connect.

“Today’s youth are more empowered and capable than ever. Their technological savvy presents them with the opportunities to accomplish more given the right avenues to express their passion. This is what we aim to leverage through our partnership with Cherry Mobile. The new MAIA series of mobile devices can help us provide amazing experiences to the youth, empowering them through affordable but competitive devices to help them take control of their productivity,” said Calum Chisholm, Intel Philippines Country Manager.

Cherry Mobile MAIA Series:  MAIA Fone i4, MAIA PAD, and the MAIA SMART TAB

The MAIA Fone i4 comes with an Intel Atom x3 processor, Android Kitkat 4.4 OS, a 4-inch capacitive screen, 4GB internal memory expandable up to 64 GB with an microSD card, and dual-SIM Capabilities. The smartphone is priced at P1,999.

The MAIA Pad is also powered by an Intel Atom x3 processor, as it comes with an Android Kitkat 4.4.4 OS, 1GB RAM, 8GB internal memory expandable by up to 32GB through microSD, has dual-SIM options, and has a 7” screen. The tablet is priced at P2,999.

The MAIA Smart Tab with its 8-inch screen is powered by an Intel Atom Z3735F 1.8GHz quad-core processor, as it comes with Smart Boot, enabling the tablet to function with operating systems: Kitkat 4.4 and Windows 8.1; 2BG RAM, 32 GB internal memory expandable up to 64 GB through microSD, and 3,800mAh battery. The tablet is priced at P4,999.

For more information about the Chery Mobile MAIA series, check out www.cherrymobile.com.ph or visit official facebook fan page at: www.facebook.com/cherrymobile

Meet ASUS’ High-Value 5’’ ZenFone with Pixelmaster Camera and Android Lollipop 5.1

A compact, stylish and high-value smartphone for today’s savvy and socially-connected consumers, with a vivid 5-inch IPS HD (1280 x 720) display and a feature-rich 8MP PixelMaster main camera with industry-leading low-light performance. The newest member of the original ZenFone generation keeps the fun rolling with a high-capacity battery that provides almost 30 hours of 3G talk time and over 10 days on standby.

ZenFone Go packs a powerful 1.3GHz quad core processor for superior everyday performance, and includes intelligent dual SIM, dual-active technology that lets users both deal with and switch seamlessly between business and personal needs.

This lightweight marvel also has exclusive ASUS SonicMaster audio technology, controlled by the intuitive ASUS AudioWizard with ICEpower® technology for mobile-audio experiences that sound great in any surroundings.

PixelMaster camera: See what others can’t see

ZenFone Go is equipped for superb everyday photography and fun selfies, with two built-in cameras. The main PixelMaster camera has a 8MP, f/2.0 lens to capture stunning photos. PixelMaster’s industry-leading Low Light mode employs pixel-merging technology to capture up to 400%-brighter photos at night, or in low-light scenes, without the need for a flash — something not previously possible with a 5MP camera.

The ZenFone Go’s PixelMaster main camera also has Backlight (HDR) mode to let users capture vivid, evenly-exposed photos in challenging backlit scenes such as sunset portraits. By using pixel-enhancing technology to increase contrast by up to 400%, Backlight (HDR) mode ensures that foreground subjects stand out clearly and are free of shadows.

ZenFone Go’s ZenUI Camera app also includes loads of powerful features to help users capture the very best photographs and selfies, including Time Rewind that snaps even before the shutter button is pressed and Depth of Field to create stunning miniature-world effects.

Android Lollipop 5.1

Browse through the ZenUI with Android Lollipop 5.1 from out of the box. It gives you the best Android experience with all the bug fixes and improved key aspects of the entire operating system, and added some new tricks and fancy animations to make ZenFone Go even livelier.

SonicMaster audio: Exclusive technology for high-quality mobile sound

ZenFone Go benefits from ASUS-exclusive SonicMaster technology for exceptional mobile-audio experiences. An ingenuous amplifier design enables ZenFone Go to deliver an output voltage that’s up to 25% greater than competing smartphones. The included ASUS AudioWizard app with ICEpower technology helps the users to shape the sound for every environment and situation. The result is rich, powerful and dynamic audio output that delivers louder, distortion-free sound for both work and play, from speakerphone calls and voiced map directions to music and movies.

AVAILABILITY & PRICING

ZenFone Go (ZC500TG) will be available next week in all authorized re-sellers nationwide for only P5,995.

MOBILE PHOTOGRAPHY AT ITS FINEST: ALCATEL LAUNCHES FLASH 2 EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH LAZADA PHILIPPINES ON SEPTEMBER 30, 12 NOON

New Prime Model From Alcatel Flash Pushes The Limits In Camera and Phone

Alcatel Flash today announced their latest prime model, the Alcatel Flash 2, with an even stronger focus on mobile photography than ever before. Fresh with their new brand color “Flash Green” signifying innovation, youth and energy, the Alcatel Flash 2 builds upon Alcatel Flash’s commitment in providing mobile users a unique mobile photography experience – mobigraphy.

“Mobigraphy is not just an action, but is now a lifestyle. We understand this from the very beginning when we created the Flash series,” Albert Wong, General Manager, Alcatel Flash. “What we have done for Alcatel Flash 2 is to continue to improve on what we already have and make it better yet at the same time continue to provide accessibility and convenience to the users to shoot their best moments.”

“The success of the Flash Plus has inspired the team to devise another smartphone with superb features and specifications at an affordable price,” Lei Zhang, Philippine Country Manager, Alcatel Flash.

Launching exclusively on September 30 at exactly 12 Noon, through the Philippines’ One-Stop Shopping and Selling Destination – Lazada; the Alcatel Flash 2 signifies the strong partnership between Alcatel and Lazada towards having the superior product quality of the Alcatel smartphones be accessible to a wider consumer base through Lazada’s strong logistical capability and robust cash-on-delivery network. With the partnership between Alcatel and Lazada, Filpinos can own the newest smartphone sensation – the Alcatel Flash 2, through the effortless and enjoyable online shopping experience that Lazada Philippines offers to its shoppers.

Improved Camera Technologies

The gSight. 13 Megapixels ƒ/2.0 rear camera provides sharper and clearer pictures. The accompanying RealTone Dual Flash gives an extra advantage in low light conditions while maintaining the colors as true as possible to real life.

For the Profie Cam front camera, Alcatel Flash 2 has the distinct LED flash, shedding light to the users’ selfies.

Design To Fit Perfectly In Your Hand

The Alcatel Flash 2 is ergonomically designed to fit perfectly in any hand. The non-slip and mark-free curved back keeps the device spotless and dirt-free at all times. Meanwhile, the balanced body gives easy access to all the functions by using just one hand.

Sweet Intuitive Android L UI Experience. 

Simple yet elegantly stunning. The authentic Android L UI that comes with the Alcatel Flash 2 is all about simple yet easy-to-use designs that understands the human behavior. The results is an overall user-friendly navigation and experience. 

Robust 64-bit Octa-core Processor. 

Built with the incredibly powerful 64-bit 8 core 1.3Ghz Cortex-A53 MT6753 Processor along with the 2GB LPDDR3 SDRAM, the Alcatel Flash 2 delivers robust performance for heavy duty usage. Users can multitask seamlessly. For peak graphic performance, the Alcatel Flash 2 comes with the Mali-T720MP4 GPU. 

Pricing & Availability 

The Alcatel Flash 2 is available in Volcanic Grey and Mica White. Only the former will be released initially. Philippines will be the first country to launch the device (22 September 2015) and the first to sell (30 September 2015). The Suggested Retail Price is at Php 6,190.00.

Alcatel Flash 2 will be sold exclusively in Lazada via www.lazada.com.ph/alcatel-flash-

Kata launches its newest KATA Box for home entertainment

Kata introduced Kata Box, the not-your-ordinary TV box which delivers not only your favourite channels but a whole new plethora of content – digital media, games and apps that would surely change the way you view home entertainment.

The Kata Box runs on an Android platform, and is equipped with Mali 450 and Amlogic S805 quad-core 1.5GHz processor, which will turn your TV into a whole new world of content. It is operated using Kitkat 4.4. Apart from its fast processor, it also has a built-in 1GB RAM + 8GB ROM internal storage, which allows you to save not only videos, but documents and apps which you could use for other tasks apart from just watching TV programs.

The Kata Box is created to turn your TV into a gateway for an amazing viewing experience.

By simply connecting your Kata Box into your Wi-Fi router, you can begin to download apps, movies and other media, or access your Facebook or YouTube accounts.

Why not enjoy everything on a bigger screen? In order to maximize your digital experience, Kata box also has additional accessories: a game controller which lets you enjoy your favourite android games, wireless keyboard with mouse, and an HDMI to VGA converter. All of these come in affordable prices which is just perfect for the whole family. Kata has been known as a brand which focuses on providing premium devices at affordable prices.

“It is our vision to provide our customers with the best digital experience straight into their homes. Now they can take home any content that they like, and at very affordable prices. It will always be a pleasure for us to turn this vision into something tangible and doable.” says Kata’s CEO.

Tattoo recognizes greatness among connected individuals, communities in 2015 Tatt Awards

Globe Telecom mobile broadband brand Tattoo has kicked off this year’s Tatt Awards, the country’s premier award-giving body that recognizes social media movers and shakers in the Philippines. Currently on its fifth year, the Tatt Awards is honoring greatness in connectivity this year, celebrating individuals, groups, and communities who have made an impact in the online space with their brand of content.

“This 2015, the Tatt Awards not only celebrates those who have been great online, but the connectivity that made their greatness possible. The Tatt Awards is part of Globe Telecom’s commitment to enabling the Filipino digital lifestyle, as it institutionalizes greatness, creativity, and innovation in the digital space. Before any content can make its mark, it must be liked, reposted, shared, followed, and passed on. It is through these connections that good things can become great. It becomes greatness amplified and greatness shared, and this is what this year’s Tatt Awards is all about,” said Ray Guinoo, Director for Tattoo Mobile Broadband.

The public is invited to nominate positive acts, ideas, talents, projects, or movements that achieved greatness by choosing to connect. Unlike previous Tatt Awards, this year’s nominations are not divided into specific categories. Any person or group may be nominated so long as the nominee has been able to create an impact through quality content that made a mark to the greater majority. The nominee must have also used social media to connect with the rest of the world, thus amplifying and sharing the work done. 

The nominations will be screened by the Tatt Council composed of key personalities from various fields, all of which have been chosen for their own brand of greatness. The members of the Tatt Council include environmental advocate Anna Oposa, social entrepreneur Bam Aquino, BasketballTV presenter Jinno Rufino, filmmaker Quark Henares, musician Jim Paredes, TV host and author Bianca Gonzalez-Intal, TV personality Daphne Osena-Paez, Emmy award-winning TV producer Mike Carandang, and technopreneur and Xurpas CEO and founder Nix Nolledo --- all of whom will face the daunting task of choosing the 2015 Tatt Awards winners from the public nominations. 

The ten awardees, or who will be known as The Great Ten, will be revealed and awarded at the Tatt Awards Night on November 11, 2015. Previous winners of the Tatt Awards include phenomenal star Vice Ganda, fashion blogger Tricia Gosingtian, social media sensation Kimpoy Feliciano, celebrity chef Erwan Heussaff, and technology blogger Abe Olandres for Yugatech.com. 

Public nominations will run from September 16 to October 15, 2015. Nominations can be submitted viawww.TattAwards.com.

As campaign versus text spam/scam intensifies to protect customers Globe blocks close to 31M spam/scam messages in less than a year

Globe Telecom blocked a total of 30.8 million of spam and scam text messages in less than a year as the mobile operator intensifies its campaign to rid its network of such annoying and unwanted messages and protect its customers.

The leading telecommunication provider expanded coverage of an automated filtering functionality that keeps its customers from receiving scam and spam messages. With the expansion, majority of the company’s 2.3 million postpaid customers are now covered by the filtering mechanism, said Joel Agustin, Globe Senior Vice President for Service Management Division, Network Technical Group. 

Such filtering mechanism, which prevents the transmittal of scam messages to mobile devices, has substantially reduced the number of text scams/scams going through the Globe network, Agustin explained. Globe operationalized the automated filtering mechanism in October 2014 as part of the telecommunication provider’s efforts to rid its network of both spam and scam messages.

The volume of messages blocked by the network filtering system averages about 90,000/day, reaching a peak of around 200,000 in July this year. The filtering mechanism can be reconfigured to address the kind of spam and scam messages that goes through the Globe network, Agustin said. Recently, bulk of spam and scam messages delivered to Globe customers originate from sim cards of competition (with prefixes 0922, 0943), he noted.

“We will never tolerate the use of the Globe network by some unscrupulous individuals who want to take advantage of our customers for their own personal gain. Globe has been long committed in eliminating text scam spam as part of our commitment to provide wonderful customer experience,” Agustin stressed. He added that the company is continually developing mechanisms that will purge its network of text spams/scams. According to him, mobile numbers that are identified to be a constant source of spam and scam messages will be temporarily disconnected from service.

Aside from the filtering mechanism, Globe implemented an awareness drive to educate its customers and keep them from falling victims to text spam/text scams through its #stopspam campaign. In addition, Globe made it easier for its customers to immediately report text scams or text spams that they get on their mobile devices thru http://www.globe.com.ph/stopspam. Customers just need to provide all the details required and numbers that are reported as source of text scams will be immediately blocked from the network. 

Mobile customers of Globe Telecom reached 48.4 million at the end of the first half, a 13% rise from 42.7 million a year