Lenovo introduces new laptops for the ‘modern avid gamer’

Lenovo, a global leader in PCs and smart devices development, is launching two new laptops designed to meet the demands of the ‘modern avid gamers’.

“Through our market research, we have discovered that there is a subset of gamers being ignored – the modern avid gamers. Most of these are millennials who carried their enthusiasm to adulthood but find it hard to continue due to their responsibilities at work, family, and social life. They are looking for a gaming PC that lets them partake in their passion but in a way that fits their lifestyle and time constraints. Our newest gaming machines are designed to meet their needs – a powerful, portable device with a stylish and minimalist exterior,” said

Michael Ngan, Country General Manager of Lenovo Philippines.

Lenovo Legion Y530 and Lenovo IdeaPad 330 

The new devices, namely, theLenovo Legion Y530 and theIdeaPad 330 are built for more than just gaming. Both can handle programs for work or study easily, but also allows you to watch movies and TV series, it supports digital performance like video, animation, and graphics editing.

The new devices, namely, theLenovo Legion Y530 and theIdeaPad 330 are built for more than just gaming. Both can handle programs for work or study easily, but also allows you to watch movies and TV series, it supports digital performance like video, animation, and graphics editing.

Lenovo Legion Y530 – The portable gaming and office workhorse

The new Lenovo Legion laptops are built for today’s on-the-go gamers who travel light. The Lenovo Legion Y530 Laptop has a subtle but compelling top cover texture that radiates out from the “O” in its Legion emblem. The laptop is fully equipped with up to NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1050 Ti GPUs, up to the latest 8th Gen Intel® Core™ i7 processors and Windows® 10.

With up to 16GB DDR4 2666MHz memory and up to 256GB M.2 PCIe SSD or 2TB HDD storage, it can fulfill both powering and storage demands. Heat is no longer a bother to gamers as the new Legion Y530 features improved thermal layout with dual fan design and quad-vent cooling for increased airflow.

           

Users can enjoy clear and crisp audio with its Dolby Audio™ Premium, which can dynamically adjust audio to deliver home theatre quality in a virtual surround sound experience. The Legion Y530 comes in at only 24 mm thin and 5.1 lbs. light. Its bezels are 62% thinner compared to previous gaming laptops, making it more portable and easy to carry.

The device is available in Onyx Black with backlit keyboards.

Lenovo IdeaPad 330 – The all-around productivity and entertainment booster

Stacked with premium processing and discrete graphics options, the Lenovo IdeaPad™ 330 is as powerful as it is easy to use.  Buyers can choose up to 7^thGeneration Intel® Core™ i7 processor, coming with the lightning-fast responsiveness and reliable performance.

The device supports up to NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1050 graphics, perfect for those who want to play graphics-intensive games and handle resource-intensive business applications smoothly at the same time.

In addition, users can choose from up to 2 TB SATA HDD storage. The laptop comes in 14-, 15- and 17-inch anti-glare screens, in HD and full HD resolution options. Starting at 4.6 lbs, the device is made up of sturdy PC-ABS material chassis and it promises up to 8 hours of battery life.

Lenovo IdeaPad 330 comes in Onyx Black, Platinum Grey, Midnight Blue, and Chocolate.

Starting price for the Legion Y530 and IdeaPad 330 are P59,995 and P17,995, respectively. Both devices are now available at leading electronics stores.

The devices will be first showcased at Conquerors Manila 2018

where Lenovo is the official gaming hardware partner.

New generation of the Nokia 2 and Nokia 3 arrives in the Philippines

HMD Global brings affordable premium design and long-lasting entertainment in new smartphones

HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, announces that the new Nokia 2.1 and Nokia 3.1 will be available for PHP5,990 and PHP9,990, respectively, starting August 29.

Delivering premium experience and a sophisticated aluminum design, the Nokia 3.1 exudes the quality and craftsmanship fans can expect from a Nokia smartphone. Joining the Android One family, the Nokia 3.1 is endorsed by Google as a best-in-class experience across hardware and software given its price point.

On top of 50 percent performance boost over its predecessor, the Nokia 2.1 combines a larger screen and dual front-front facing speakers with an incredible 2-day battery life to give users everything they need for entertainment on the go.

Shannon Mead, HMD Global Philippines country manager, said:

“At HMD Global, innovation means merging premium quality with affordability and accessibility. The Nokia 3.1 and Nokia 2.1 are just two of the breakthroughs we are proud to bring to the Filipinos, with the design and technology upgrade for even better mobile experience.

The Nokia 3.1 brings perfect balance between power and design while the Nokia 2.1 gives better and long-lasting experience with its great battery life, faster processor, bigger screen and dual front-facing stereo speakers.”

Nokia 3.1: Premium design, high-quality experience

Like the original, the new Nokia 3.1 blends a careful selection of materials into a perfect harmony with a stunning design. Its anodized machined metal frame and sculpted glass display deliver the perfect combination for both stand-out looks and comfortable feel in the hand. Subtle but striking metal accents are matched with dual diamond cuts for a premium finish.

The Nokia 3.1 is Nokia mobile’s most-affordable 18:9 smartphone, delivering the same screen ratio users get from modern flagships to give them more content with a single glance in a slim device. Just the right size for single-handed use, it now packs a larger 5.2-inch HD+ display protected by a damage-resistant 2.5D curved Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3 to keep its original aesthetic.

The Nokia 3.1 runs on an octa-core MediaTek 6750 chip, which gives its user twice the processor cores and 50 percent faster performance than the previous generation to keep up with modern users’ busy and fast-paced lifestyle. Featuring an upgraded 13MP auto-focus rear camera, the Nokia 3.1 captures the memories that its user would want to relive over and over while the wide-angle front camera fits more subjects into every selfie.

Thanks to its full set of sensors - usually only found on premium phones - the Nokia 3.1 runs the latest apps and features effortlessly. Users can make the most out of popular AR apps such as Pokémon Go, pay securely and easily with Google Pay,[1]  and capture the whole scene with panoramic imaging.

Nokia 2.1: Long-lasting entertainment, designed to be powerful

Designed to deliver long-lasting entertainment to consumers who are always on-the-go, the Nokia 2.1 comes with 2-day battery life, a large 5.5-inch HD screen and dual front-facing stereo speakers. The Nokia 2.1’s powerful 4,000mAh battery now charges even faster so users can get back up and running even more quickly than before.

With its HD display 20 percent bigger than the original, Nokia mobile fans can now enjoy high-definition videos on the go. The dual speakers, with bespoke 3D formed stainless steel detail, provide amazing stereo sound.

The upgraded Qualcomm™ Snapdragon® 425 64-bit Mobile Platform gives users 50 percent faster and smoother performance to enable efficient and fast switching between apps.

Nokia 2.1’s cameras allow users to capture the action wherever they are with its 5MP front-facing selfie snapper or 8MP rear camera with auto focus.

Offering the quality and style fans expect from a Nokia phone, Nokia 2.1’s sophisticated Nordic design and metallic accents guarantee that its user will stand out from the crowd. Its sleek, rounded and ergonomically designed, inherently colored polycarbonate back keeps the phone looking great even after long periods of use.

Pure, secure and up-to-date Android

The Nokia 3.1 is entering the Android One family where it joins the comprehensive range of Nokia smartphones already delivering an experience designed by Google that is smart, secure and simply amazing. Nokia smartphones with Android One offer more storage and battery life out of the box as well as the latest AI-powered innovations from Google to help the user stay ahead of the game every day. The Nokia 3.1 will receive three years of monthly security patches and two years of OS updates as guaranteed in the Android One program. This puts the new Nokia 3.1 among the most-secure phones out there, always up-to-date with the latest Google services such as Google Assistant and Google Photos with free unlimited high-quality photo storage.

Tailored to devices with 1GB RAM or less, Android Oreo™ (Go edition) is what’s operating Nokia 2.1 with a new range of apps from Google designed to run faster while consuming less data. Optimized to be smooth and fast, these include Google Go web search app, Google Maps™ Go, YouTube™ Go and Google Assistant for Android (Go edition), to quickly send messages, make calls, set alarms and do more, simply by using your voice.

Availability and pricing

• The Nokia 3.1 will be available in Black/Chrome on August 29 and will retail for PHP9,990.
• Coming in three colors — Blue/Copper, Blue/Silver, Gray/Silver — the Nokia 2.1 is available starting August 29 for PHP5,990.

Pre-sale of Nokia 3.1 started in August 15 and lasts until August 26 through Nokia mobile stores and MemoXpress. See full details at http://uniteforpromo.ph/premium

With HMD Global’s extended partnership with Home Credit, you can also avail the Nokia 2.1 and the Nokia 3.1 at 0% interest for a 6-month installment period.

Experience the new generation of Nokia phones you can rely on and enjoy a free Kingston 16GB SD card at any authorized Nokia reseller, as well as any Nokia store, kiosk or exhibit:

Nokia mobile stores:

SM City North EDSA

SM City Clark

SM City Tarlac

SM City Bacolod

SM City Iloilo

Gaisano Mall Davao

Nokia mobile kiosks:

SM City Megamall

Robinsons Manila

SM City Bacoor

SM City Batangas

SM City Dasmarinas

SM City Olongapo

SM City Rosales

SM City San Fernando, Pampanga

SM City San Pablo

SM City Sta. Rosa

SM City Urdaneta

Nokia mobile exhibits:

SM Mall of Asia

Gaisano Mall Tagum

SM City Davao

SM City Marilao

SM City Rosario

Visit the official Nokia website https://www.nokia.com/en_ph/phones/store-locator for the full list of the top stores near you.

AI is Making Mobile Life Easier

Not too long ago, artificial intelligence (AI) seems like an idea from a distant, unreachable future. In old sci-fi flicks, AI is often portrayed as robots—mostly evil robots that will bring havoc to the world. But, AI means so much more. It has even evolved into an everyday companion that complements human lifestyle.

The Vivo leveled up its AI features on the all-new NEX.

In mobile technology, global smartphone brand Vivo is among the companies that maximized AI in its recent flagship units. But this concept is not new. AI was theorized decades ago after it was introduced by American computer scientist pioneer and inventor John McCarthy at the Dartmouth Summer Research Project on Artificial Intelligence in 1956. The conference was formed to discuss ideas on what they called thinking machines. He was eventually named the Father of AI.

McCarthy eventually became part of the Stanford University’s Computer Science Department and published a document breaking down his understanding of AI. He wrote in 2007 that AI is the science and engineering of making intelligent machines or intelligent computer programs. In other words, AI will try to understand, simulate, and mimic human intelligence. McCarthy then said some of the applications of AI include game playing, speech recognition, understanding natural language, computer vision, expert systems, and heuristic classification.

Fast forward to 2018, AI has already penetrated various fields including the smartphone industry that basically touched on McCarthy’s defined applications of AI to make mobile life much easier.

Strategy Analytics Inc., a company that provides data and analysis, business consulting, advisory, and strategic market research services on a global scale, estimated that smartphone processors with on-device AI functionality such as Qualcomm grew almost three-fold year-over-year in the first quarter of 2018.

A closer look at the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 mobile platform inside every Vivo NEX. Courtesy of: Qualcomm.com

For instance, the latest Vivo NEX launched is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 Octa Core 2.8 GHz. This has the 3rd Generation Hexagon™ 685 DSP that supports on-device AI processing to deliver richer camera, voice, XR, and gaming experiences.

Meanwhile, Vivo’s latest flagship smartphone in the Philippines, the Vivo X21, is run by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 AIE Octacore 2.2 GHz (4 core) + 1.8 GHz (4 core). This chipset has an AI-powered engine with Hexagon Vector Processor, Adreno GPU, and Kryo CPU. It also has software features that make on-device AI experiences possible in camera, audio, security, and gaming.

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. Senior Marketing Manager Dominikus Susanto visited the Philippines in April to explain the Vivo V9’s chipset.

Going beyond the AI-powered chipsets, Vivo’s first flagship smartphone in 2018 was the V9 with a 24-megapixel AI front camera. The selfie camera allowed users to maximize every shot with the use of various AI features like the Face Beauty, the AR Stickers, and Selfie Lighting.

The integration of AI and mobile technology proved that the rise of AI should not be something to be afraid of. Now that AI is becoming ubiquitous in smartphones, one can’t help but ask, what are the next developments users should look forward to?I

Vivo and Smart Forge Partnership For Unlimited Data Plan with Vivo X21

Global smartphone brand Vivo and PLDT Enterprise, the B2B arm of the country’s leading ICT and digital services provider, together with top wireless brand, Smart Communications Inc., seal a strong partnership for an exciting new offer: a non-stop data bundle with Vivo’s latest pride, the X21.

The partnership was established last August 16, 2018 in Makati City. Vivo executive Ms. Annie Lim, Vice President for PR Strategy and Partnerships, represented the smartphone brand. Representing PLDT Enterprise on the other hand was Smart AVP & Head for Enterprise Wireless Solutions Chet Alviz.

The Vivo X21 is the first in the world to implement the In-Display Fingerprint Scanning Technology, the center of topic during the Mobile World Congress and Global Stage for Innovation CES events. Through this strategic partnership with Smart, Vivo aims to expand and cater to the Filipino corporate market.

Smart will bundle the X21 with the Data on the Go Plan 2000, which includes unlimited calls to Smart and non-stop surf—allowing corporate clients to enjoy the X21's high-end specifications for a low monthly amortization of 400 pesos for 24 months. The Vivo X21 makes for a perfect business companion. The Vivo X21's 6.28" Super AMOLED display is the ideal device for all professionals in the business and corporate world as it can aid users in various business-related functions. From attending critical business online conferences to performing business research on multiple websites, the Vivo X21 delivers the goods more than ever especially as it comes with the Smart’s non-stop surf bundle.

Smart is the exclusive operator partner of Vivo for this exciting X21 Project. The said offer will be available to all corporate partners of PLDT and Smart by August 15, 2018.

Get your hands on the notched beauty of Vivo Y85 for Php11,999

This is a new treat for you! You can now enjoy Vivo Y85 in a lesser price. 

Global smartphone brand Vivo has a treat for its loyal customers: the Y85 is now available for Php11,999 or Php2,000 less its original retail price.

The Y series smartphone was first introduced in May. It has a 6.22-inch 19:9 high definition FullView™ Display with an 88% screen-to-body ratio.

Vivo Global Philippines  ( http://vivoglobal.ph/vivo-phones/vivo_y85/) also boasts of a 13-megapixel plus 2MP dual rear camera that can produce 52MP Ultra HD photos. This smartphone also has a Face ID Access, apart from the fingerprint scanner, to ensure hassle-free unlocking especially for those on-the-go.

The smartphone also has an 8MP front camera with AI Face Beauty and Portrait capabilities that bring the user’s natural beauty in every selfie.

The Y85 also has a 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage running on a 12nm octa-core processor with an Android 8.1-based Funtouch OS 4.0 operating system. These specs ensure that the smartphone can handle multiple and complex tasks to keep up with every digital native’s lifestyle.

The Android 8.1 OS also complements the smartphone’s 3260mAh battery to ensure longer battery life.

The Vivo Y85 is available in black and red. It has a 2.5D subtle curved edges flow at the back and the front. The sleek back cover even gleams in the light for those who want to standout from the crowd.  

About Vivo

A global smartphone brand focused on introducing perfect sound quality and ultimate photography with cutting-edge technology, Vivo develops innovative and stylish products for young people. We now have over two hundred million users and are one of the preferred brands of young people around the world. As an Official Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup™, Vivo believes in the importance of encouraging young people to embrace self-expression and an energetic lifestyle. In the Philippines, Vivo is the top 3 smartphone brand in terms of market share with 1.5 million users nationwide.

For inquiries about Vivo, visit the Vivo website at vivoglobal.ph or check out their Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/vivophil), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/vivo_philippines/), and Twitter (https://twitter.com/vivo_phil) accounts.

PLDT Home, the country’s No.1 home broadband, launches its first prepaid broadband service

With the company’s vision of bringing world-class Internet to Filipino families, PLDT has launched its first ever PLDT Home Prepaid WiFi, an affordable service that makes it easier than ever for more families to enjoy their online activities in the comfort of their home.

The PLDT Home Prepaid WiFi is a plug and play device that instantly connects you to the Internet. Once plugged into a power source, it can simultaneously connect up to 5 WiFi-ready devices, such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, to high-speed Internet.

Unlike the regular Pocket WiFi which is meant for users on the go, the PLDT Home Prepaid WiFi is specially designed for home use as it utilizes the LTE 700MHZ band, a low frequency that easily penetrates houses and buildings. This way, the PLDT Home Prepaid WiFi is able to deliver high-speed Internet indoors – whether in the living room, kitchen, or bedroom.

PLDT’s pinakasulit Home Internet

Aside from being affordable, PLDT Home Prepaid WiFi also lets you enjoy PLDT Home’spinakasulit Internet with the Home Boost 15, which comes with 1GB valid for 1 day for only Php15. You can enjoy Home Boost 15 as an add-on to promos like Home Boost 50 or up, for greater savings.

With the PLDT Prepaid Home Wifi, families can learn together and research for school; bond by streaming videos and music; stay active on their favorite apps; or catch up with loved ones and friends on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter – all in the comfort of their homes.

And because it is prepaid, there’s no need to worry about monthly bill payments, lock-in period, or uncontrolled data usage because customers simply have to load it up and register to promos that suit their family’s needs.

Powered by the Philippines’ fastest mobile Internet

The PLDT Home Prepaid WiFi is powered Smart’s LTE network, the Philippines’s fastest mobile Internet, according to the latest Speedtest® report of Ookla, the global leader in Internet testing and analysis.

In its analysis of over 2 million user-generated tests on LTE devices in the Philippines from Q1 to Q2 of 2018, Ookla said Smart provided the country’s fastest LTE connection with average download speeds of 17.25 Mbps, and average upload speeds of 7.65 Mbps.

On the other hand, UK-based mobile analytics firm OpenSignal also recognized Smart for having the country’s fastest LTE network, bestowing the company four citations in its March 2018 report: best in 4G LTE download speed; best in overall download speed; best 4G latency performance; and best 3G latency performance.

High-speed Smart LTE now covers major urban areas including Metro Manila, Rizal, Cebu, and Davao, and top sites in Bacolod, Baguio, Baler, Batanes, Bohol, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, Laguna, Leyte, Palawan, Sagada, Sarangani, and Zamboanga, among others.

Get the PLDT Home Prepaid WiFi with FREE 10GB for only P1,995

The PLDT Home Prepaid WiFi is now available at all PLDT Stores and retailers nationwide and comes with FREE 10GB, valid for 7 days, for a one-time payment of only Php1,995.

FINTQ’s online lending platform Lendr also makes it easier for customers to get hold of the PLDT Home Prepaid WiFi via affordable installment payments.

With Lendr, customers can buy the device for an initial low cash-out of Php495, followed by six weekly payments of Php370, which can be paid through any Smart Padala center, Bayad Center, ECPay, and 7-Eleven outlets. They simply need to visit https://pldthomewifi.lendr.com.ph to create an account, complete the application form and apply for a loan to purchase the device. FINTQ is the financial technology arm of Voyager Innovations--the digital innovations arm of PLDT and Smart.

What are you waiting for?  Get your own PLDT Home Prepaid WiFi now! To know more, visitwww.pldthome.com and follow PLDT’s official accounts on Facebook (www.facebook.com/PLDTHome) and Twitter (@PLDTHome).

Live network by first half of 2019: Smart and Ericsson to deploy 5G in PH

PLDT wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) and Ericsson have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deploy the country’s first 5G pilot network by the first half of 2019.

Smart and Ericsson team up for 5G in PH. At the signing were PLDT Chief Corporate Services Officer Ray C. Espinosa, PLDT chair and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan, Ericsson Head of Market Area South East Asia, Oceania and India Nunzio Mirtillo and Martin Wiktorin, Head of Ericsson Singapore, Brunei, Philippines and Pacific Islands.

Smart and Ericsson team up for 5G in PH. At the signing were PLDT Chief Corporate Services Officer Ray C. Espinosa, PLDT chair and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan, Ericsson Head of Market Area South East Asia, Oceania and India Nunzio Mirtillo and Martin Wiktorin, Head of Ericsson Singapore, Brunei, Philippines and Pacific Islands.

Under the MoU, the 5G network will be first deployed in Luzon, the country’s largest and most populous island where about a third of the population work and live.

The 3GPP compliant 5G Trial System that will be deployed in Smart includes Ericsson 5G RAN, Core and Transport solutions. The 5G pilot deployment will allow Smart to explore industry partnership engagements, collaborate with schools and universities, and further develop competence in 5G.

“As 5G opens up more opportunities for new services and solutions to offer to our customers, we are investing in future-proofing our network and making sure that our network is ready for 5G,” said PLDT-Smart chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan.

“Our partnership with Ericsson is part of our commitment to bring to the country the latest technologies to improve the experience of our customers, as well as boost the digital transformation of enterprises and industries,” he added.

“We are happy to partner with Smart to pioneer 5G in the Philippines. We believe first movers in 5G can reshape the market, grow market share and increase revenue streams. Combining improved capacity and ultra-low latency, 5G will help realize new use cases and business models and capture new revenue opportunities by addressing industry digitalization,” said Martin Wiktorin, Head of Ericsson Singapore, Brunei, Philippines and Pacific Islands.

All set for 5G. Gracing the MoU signing were Ericsson vice president and key account manager Anthony Valdez, PLDT-Smart Chief Technology and Information Advisor Joachim Horn, PLDT Chief Corporate Services Officer Ray C. Espinosa, PLDT chair and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan, Ericsson Head of Market Area South East Asia, Oceania and India Nunzio Mirtillo, PLDT-Smart Chief Revenue Officer Eric Alberto, Head of Ericsson Singapore, Brunei, Philippines and Pacific Islands Martin Wiktorin and PLDT-Smart head of Consumer Business for Customer Development Alex O. Caeg.

Future-proofed network

“To be able to deliver 5G services to its customers in the future, Smart is upgrading its network’s Core and Transport elements. This includes upgrading to fiber the backhaul connecting the network’s cell sites around the country and deploying 5G-ready equipment in the ongoing LTE roll-out,” according to Mario G. Tamayo, PLDT and Smart Senior Vice President for Network Planning and Engineering.

“As we continue to ramp up the roll-out of LTE, LTE-Advanced and carrier aggregation technology nationwide, we are also making sure that these are already future-proof and 5G-capable,” Tamayo added.

Under its current upgrades, Smart is installing 5G-compatible radio equipment across its network, which now has over 2,000 5G-ready sites.

Exciting possibilities

With its capability to deliver extremely high speeds coupled with low latency, 5G opens up exciting possibilities for Internet of Things (IoT) applications for Filipinos, particularly in healthcare and smart cities.

Smart has been testing 5G since 2016, when it achieved with technology partner Nokia 5G speeds of 2.5 Gigabits per second (Gbps) using 100 MHz with latency of just 1 millisecond over a ‘live’ network--the first in the Philippines.

Months later, PLDT and Smart announced that it had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with technology partner Huawei Technologies Phils. “to shape the strategic and commercial development of the 5G ecosystem in the Philippines.” In particular, the two parties were looking to identify and develop the areas of technological innovation needed to deliver 5G, which is expected to provide the foundation for the digital connected society.

In June, Smart launched its 5G TechnoLab, which is the company’s flagship facility for the research and development, standardization, and testing of 5G and is designed to be a sustainable environment for innovative services.

With Huawei, Smart also successfully breached 5G speeds of over 14Gbps in a test held at the 5G TechnoLab using 5G New Radio, in which the second set of global standards have been recently ratified.

Parent company PLDT has committed historic levels of resources for network transformation. For 2018, PLDT capex is expected to reach P58 billion, which includes allocations for the aggressive roll-out of its fiber broadband service, which also supports the stepped-up deployment of the mobile network by providing high-capacity links for cellular base stations.

Converge ICT Gears Up for Nationwide Rollout

Converge ICT Solutions Inc. announced today that it has intensified efforts to lay the groundwork for a nationwide rollout, seeking to provide its pure fiber internet connectivity for more households and enterprises.

Premier pure fiber internet provider taps experienced industry partners to fast-track nationwide rollout, eyes exponential growth with the aim to bring better connectivity for the Philippines

In a strategic partnership with several local and foreign companies such as Korea Telecoms, LSI-Fibernet Konstruk Corporation, and TE Connectivity Subcom, Converge ICT Solutions shared its mission to fast-track the completion of its massive, nationwide network rollout to the public. These efforts are sustained as part of an ongoing campaign spearheaded by Converge to provide an advanced and reliable backbone of internet connectivity for more Filipino households and enterprises.

Chosen for their wide-ranging technical expertise and extensive business portfolios in the IT industry, Converge ICT Solutions´ new partners will help build and deploy the infrastructures necessary to provide pure end-to-end fiber internet connectivity at a nationwide scale. With the combined strength of its partners´ industry credentials and financial backings, Converge is taking bold steps ahead of the curve, leading the way towards building and connecting the Filipino people with better and more reliable internet infrastructures.

This vision is something which Converge President and CEO Dennis Uy firmly believes would serve as a catalyst for social and economic progress, helping everyone from ordinary Filipino netizens trying to connect with loved ones from around the world; to small and medium businesses trying to grow their ideas, as well helping accelerate the Philippine government´s ongoing IT projects designed to serve the Filipino people. With this in mind, Converge´s humble efforts seek to help prepare, lift, and further open the Philippines to global competitiveness, leveraging its unique and strategic position in the burgeoning Asian economy.

“We have set our sights to bring the best internet connectivity by starting in Metro Manila and some key provinces in Luzon. By going nationwide, we can do more rollouts and more installations in other islands in the Philippines, helping more people connect with one another through our infrastructure” Uy shared passionately.

According to Mr. Miles Tonn Chua, Chief Operating Officer of MetroWorks ICT Construction, Inc. (a subsidiary of Converge ICT) the total flow of investments is estimated at US$ 2 billion for the next 5 years. The rollout currently being executed has the potential to reach more than 13 million of the 22 million households nationwide, particularly the major islands situated in Visayas and Mindanao. Chua shared that the project is a 5-year plan, and the network backbones are targeted to be completed by 2021 but would be operational through different phases to enable the project to become complete prior to 2021.

The partnerships are slated to implement both Full Turn Key (FTK) and Semi-Turn Key (STK) approaches, according to Chua. FTK entails an end-to-end approach, which includes supply for imported materials and provides services up to acceptance. The STK approach, on the other hand, is where the Converge Group provides owner-supplied materials, an approach that is practical especially for demographics which include National Capital Region. The partnership is currently both in ongoing implementation and final negotiation stages.

“With more projects to be completed, it will certainly contribute to the growth of Converge ICT, which is expected to be exponential,” adds Chua.

Chua also bared that they are looking to enter into more partnerships in the future to further improve its service offerings. “What the public is experiencing now as the best internet service, they can also expect that same kind in the next year or two.” the Converge COO shared.

Packetworx grand launch to accelerate the adoption of Internet of Things in the Philippines

With Packetworx, the Internet of Things (IoT) technology will be easily available for every Filipino. Through its brand campaign, “We Connect Things”, enabling IoT in the Philippines is made easy and possible.

Packetworx, the leading Internet of Things (IoT) company in the Philippines, will be launching its brand with the campaign, ‘We Connect Things’ on August 8, 2018. Its brand campaign, ‘We Connect Things,’ aims to promote Packetworx, as an enabler of IoT in the country with its full suite of end-to-end solution from devices, software applications to network connectivity.

The next Internet revolution: The Internet of Things

Internet of Things is the concept of connecting any device to the Internet and to the other connected devices. It is a network of things that sends, receives and collects information. According to a report of Software.org, a global research organization, in 2020 there will be about 50 billion devices connected to the internet. Packetworx aims to enable and equip the Philippines for this next internet revolution.

Packetworx as a driver of IoT in the country

Packetworx’s mission is to accelerate the adoption of IoT in the country. It aims to equip and enable Filipino innovators and IoT enthusiasts to create IoT devices, applications and solutions. The IoT network is free for individuals and for non-commercial use. Packetworx uses leading LoRaWAN enabled solutions that provide long range sensors and control capable devices which allow wide range of IoT applications and total cost of ownership.

Packetworx, a social enterprise for creating smart communities

To achieve its goal to an IoT-ready Philippines, Packetworx’s as a social enterprise, has three (3) major initiatives which anyone can be a part of (1) the IoT Technology Hub, the first free access co-working space dedicated IoT. It makes available computer, soldering stations, test equipment, pick and place and even reflow oven. It will enable IoT enthusiasts to develop devices, applications and solutions (2) free IoT hardware kits and free LoRa Academy curriculum for 100 schools and, (3) Free device sensors and network connectivity to 60 local government units for disaster-preparedness, air quality monitoring and safety.

Packetworx will be covering 80% of Greater Metro Manila by August 2018 and 90% of the Philippines by the end of the year. In the IoT Technology Hub there will be a series of IoT Tech talks featuring IoT experts, hackathons and seminars.

For more information on Packetworx and its products and solutions, visit www.packetworx.com.

About Packetworx

Packetworx is a technology social enterprise which focuses on enabling IoT in the Philippines. It is a member of the LoRa Alliance, a world-wide alliance of over 500-member companies that support the standardization of LPWAN with the LoRaWAN specification and has created a certification and compliance program to ensure interoperability among its members.

It is the official host of the regional LoRaWAN network for Philippines and Southeast Asia through its partnership with The Things Network (TTN), the largest community of startups, businesses and developers globally building a public IoT data network,

Steal Liza’s laid-back style for picture-perfect date nights

Liza Soberano captures hearts with her timeless beauty and effortless style. In her latest commercial with Enrique Gil for the new SAMSUNG Galaxy J8, the young actress sports standout looks on her date nights with her partner.

Be as picture-perfect as Liza and get inspired by her OOTDs in the video:

1. Florals and earth tones make for a subdued yet appealing look.

In the party scene and poolside date, Liza wears a white floral top and a pair of flowy mustard-colored pants. The pops of color add fun to this simple look.

2. Pair shirts or sweaters with distressed jeans to balance casual and rugged elements.

An oversized knitted sweater is the best piece to wear for snuggling with that special someone. The ripped denim jeans add a cool twist to this comfortable look.

3. One can still be adventurous with a simple dress.

With an asymmetrical neckline and a flowy sleeve, this chic fuchsia piece is tight around the torso, but loose at the bottom. Liza’s classy dress proves that one can stand out in a monochromatic dress, given a few design tweaks.

Check out all of Liza’s stylist moments HERE! Like Liza, complete date nights with the perfect companion for life’s picture-perfect moments: the Samsung Galaxy J8. Capture memories in vivid detail with its Professional Dual Camera. Equipped with Live Focus, the 16MP F1.7 + 5MP F1.9 Rear Camera allows one to adjust the background blur to produce vibrant shots. The Great Night Camera ensures that date night OOTDs stand out in photos, even in low light conditions, while the 16MP F1.9 Front Camera helps couples take cute and candid selfies.

With the Galaxy J8’s powerful 3,500 mAh battery, capture precious memories without worrying about losing power. Relive the magic in high resolution through the Galaxy J8’s premium and immersive 6” Super AMOLED Infinity Display, an expansive screen complemented by smooth and seamless design.

Available in black, purple, and gold, the Galaxy J8 also provides access to exclusive benefits via the Samsung Members app, and anti-theft function through Find my Mobile. Also get quick emergency access via the Samsung 321 app.

Pre-order the new Samsung Galaxy J8, with a suggested retail price of Php 15,990, starting July 21 before its market launch in August. To know more, visit any Samsung-authorized stores nationwide or visit facebook.com/SamsungPH o r samsung.com/ph .