AI: The Catalyst for Personalized Experiences

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Smartphones today are no longer simple communications devices that surf the web and offer a few apps. With the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI), today’s smartphones should be perceived as ‘platforms of intelligence’. Today’s phones strive to understand user behavior in ways that will elevate the user experience to greater heights. Gartner[1] has predicted that by 2022, 80% of smartphones will have on-device AI capabilities, this is up from 10% in 2017. In coming years, an AI smartphone will no longer be a ‘nice to have’, it will be critical to fulfilling consumers’ needs. 

Most AI enabled smartphones in the market today are highly priced. However, Vivo is set to shake up the industry by including AI features into their phones at a much affordable level. The V11 model for example, is designed to understand the needs of users in an ‘intelligent’ and personalized way. For Vivo, the development of its AI features essentially elevates the user experience through better understanding, improved interactions and ‘decoding’ of scenarios in smarter and more personalized ways. 

Meet Jovi, the personal AI assistant 

The V11 comes with Jovi - Vivo’s AI assistant, that aims to take the user experience to new heights. Users will not have to stress about missing an action item on to-do-lists with the help of Jovi. 

Picture a world where you have a virtual assistant to help you with your everyday mundane tasks. Jovi comes with features that are creatively incorporated into the V11 to enhance such experiences. 

With Google Assistant, users can now utilize voice commands to complete actions with more convenience and more precision. With this feature, completing tasks, such as playing music or videos, sending messages, booking hotels can easily be done anywhere. The best part? These can all be done hands-free. 

Jovi also enables Funmoji - a new and fun way to socialize with friends and families. The V11 can create a unique set of cute expressions using the AI algorithm by detecting changes in users’ facial expressions. This adds further fun and engagement when communicating with each other. 

“Jovi - Vivo’s AI assistant, that aims to take the user experience to new heights” 

Detects and recalls context and situations 

Jovi also comes with Jovi Smart Scene and Google Lens that can easily decode context and situations accordingly. These two features are designed to help users to save valuable time while automating simple chores. 

Jovi Smart Scene is a thoughtful and dedicated personal assistant that specializes in recognizing different scenarios and learns how to proactively support the user accordingly. It helps to provide users with more personalized services that are efficient, interactive and able to assist them in making decisions. From preempting users on bad weather forecasts to checking in on them when they are staying up late at work or updating them on the latest sport results - Jovi has it covered. Essentially, Jovi is the intelligent assistant that understands users’ needs in a better way. 

“Jovi Smart Scene specializes in recognizing different scenarios and provides efficient personalized user experience” 

Have you ever seen something you really wanted to buy but had no idea where to purchase it? Just point your V11 camera at an object, and the integrated Google Lens will identify it and perform related searches. Whether you see your dream dress in a magazine, or a dream travel location – just point your V11 at it and Jovi will tell you where to find it. 

AI engine optimizes performance 

The V11 is also here to accommodate the busiest workaholics. V11’s Jovi AI Engine delivers a more efficient allocation of CPU and memory resources than ever before. By ‘reading’ user phone usage habits, the CPU will provide a custom operating mode to consumers. For the high-performing professional, when the V11 detects that he/she is constantly working overtime based on their location and timing, it will remind them to take a rest early. The heart of the V11’s AI features is the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 660AIE processor, which features first-class energy efficiency and processing power that seamlessly accommodates the busiest schedules. 

Imagine having a smartphone that could detect the current apps being used and allocate exactly the correct processing power to optimize performance? This could be the hardcore gamer’s new best friend. The V11 also features an AI Game Mode to ensure an uninterrupted gaming experience, with features such as Game Assistant to access floating call alerts and background calls, and an Automatic Game Mode to run your game in the background while the screen is switched off – so you never lose your progress. 

Beyond the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 660AIE processor, the V11 comes with a 6GB RAM + 128GB ROM setup which ensures storage is enough for all users. Not only that, Vivo’s Dual-Engine Fast Charging also safely tops up the large 3400mAh capacity battery at a rapid speed, ensuring that the phone battery is well-charged, so gamers can focus on winning. 

The V11 is designed to provide a more personalized experience, and to streamline heavy workloads with ease. AI will be the catalyst to stimulate the growth of modern smartphone software and hardware. Essentially, it will be the core engine for understanding and interacting with users in a more intelligent and engaging way. 

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. 

JCI Manila and Gold Seas Tuna launches the first underwater exhibition coral reefs rehabilitation

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JCI Manila, in partnership with Gold Seas Tuna Chunks, launches the first and official underwater exhibition that will become artificial coral reefs.

Gold Seas Tuna Chunks’ dedication to responsible and sustainable fishing practices, which has enabled it to be certified dolphin-safe, has expanded this commitment to help rehabilitate Philippine coral reefs and revive the rich marine ecosystem.

2018 Sea of Life Museum, the underwater artificial reef exhibition built on a Philippine neutrally balance, environmentally, friendly formulation that will promote marine life. 

Artwork with a Purpose

The Philippines is considered a center of marine biodiversity in the world, with coral reefs stretching 26,000 kms nurturing more species of fish and corals than any other marine environment on earth. At present, reef degradation caused by factors such as pollution, coral bleaching, destruction of mangroves, and unsustainable fishing methods have affected the Philippines’ coral reefs. Only 5% of the Philippines’ coral reefs remain in good condition.

It can take thousands of years for natural coral reefs to regenerate. Long-lasting, artificial reefs are a useful and faster way to help restore the reef systems to a natural and productive balance. These multi-purpose artworks will help serve the function of natural coral reefs: serve as nurseries for growing fish and protect the shoreline from erosion. They can also help to boost eco-tourism, and provide jobs in a green economy.

Supporting Marine Life

In 2011, Junior Chamber International (JCI) Manila launched project Sea of Life. It is a marine environment awareness effort through artificial reefs deployment, coral transplantation, mangrove planting, coastal clean-up, and marine environmental awareness seminars.

Since then, Sea of Life has made a positive environmental impact in marine ecosystems in Batangas, Bohol, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Cebu, and Iloilo. This month, Sea of Life is set to launch the first ever underwater exhibition that aims to rehabilitate corals.

It has taken the exhibition almost two years to fully be installed in order to ensure that best practices are applied according to all government and environmental compliance requirements.

JCI Manila has been closely working with various government and environmental agencies to ensure feasibility of this project. With the support and guidance of the Department of Environment and Resources (DENR), the Philippine Navy, and LGUs, JCI Manila and Gold Seas Tuna Chunks will deploy locally designed underwater sculptures that will serve as artificial reefs.

Travel to Drop Site

In coordination with the Philippine Navy, the BRP Gregorio Velasquez or AGR 702, an impressive 279 feet long vessel with hydrographic survey and maritime research capabilities, will transport the sculptures to the installation site. From Pier 13 at Port Area, Manila, the AGR702, complete with a crew of mariners, will set off for the waters of Tingloy, Batangas.

In close coordination with DENR's Biodiversity Management Bureau, the project was given the go-signal to cover less than 1,000 sqm in land area. Safety and accessibility were the key factors in identifying the location. The site must be safe from strong currents, must not disrupt or destroy existing corals, and must be accessible for easy monitoring and analysis.

A site off the shores of Tingloy, Batangas was identified as an ideal site, with flat and sandy bottom so sculptures are kept stable on the seabed, with 40 feet in depth so the corals can benefit from sunlight and be accessible to both leisure snorkelers and professional divers.

A Professional Dive Team

Planning the dive logistics was a challenge, having to work with factors such as the weight of the sculptures. Underwater, the installation will be carried out by the dive team composed of 20 divers, a combination of the country’s Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG) and certified dive masters and underwater photographers from JCI Manila.

The team will use the AGR 702, two outrigger boats, two rubber boats and five naval lift bags in order to safely drop the sculptures. The team also made sure to incorporate the Green Fins approach in the plan. Green Fins is a recognized environmental set of standards with a comprehensive management approach to provide guidance and support for any diving and snorkeling activity.

Creating an Underwater Museum

The sculptures will be dropped in the waters on November 20, 2018. Six sculptures will be installed featuring JCI luminaries who exemplify outstanding corporate citizenship and passion for nation-building, namely, Kofi A. Anan, Ramon V. Del Rosario, Sr., Henry Giessenbier, Washington Z. Sycip, Artemio L. Vergel De Dios, and Alfonso T. Yuchengco. Each sculpture is 3-4 ft tall and weigh 370-400 kgs.

To create the sculptures, the committee consulted marine scientists and the Reef Ball Foundation (reefball.org), an international non-profit foundation that introduced a formulation of globally recognized artificial reef modules.

The sculptures are made of pH-neutral cement that is not harmful to the sea and at the same time will protect and promote marine life. The concrete features 10,000 micro silica to create a high strength, abrasion resistant concrete that has a pH similar to natural seawater, which has a pH of 8.3. This is unlike regular concrete which has a surface pH as high as 12, and can inhibit the settlement and growth of many species of marine life, including larval corals.

Micro silica gives the sculpture an expected life of 500 years or more. A variety of surface textures that enhance the settlement of marine life will also applied so corals can easily grow.

A Living Coral Reef

Artificial reefs tend to develop in predictable stages. First, where an ocean current encounters a vertical structure, it creates a plankton-rich upwelling that provides a reliable feeding spot for small fish such as sardines and minnows, which draw in pelagic predators such as the tuna and shark. Next come creatures seeking protection from the ocean's lethal openness—hole and crevice dwellers such as the grouper, snapper, squirrelfish, eel, and triggerfish. Predators such as the jack and barracuda also appear. Over months and years, the reef structure becomes encrusted with algae, tunicates, hard and soft corals, and sponges as the ecosystem grows.

Artificial reefs can show quick increases in local fish population, coral reef and algae growth in the first 1.5 years, and a complete reef structure covered in corals after its third year. In fact, the Sea of Life Barangay Saimsim, Batangas leg last 2015 has had encouraging results. The team returned to the site after three years and saw colorful marine fauna flourishing on all 30 underwater dome sculptures.

The installation of the first sculptures is just Phase 1. Every year, Sea of Life Museum will drop more sculptures at the same site until a total of 50 sculptures is completed within four to five years. Each batch deployed will be closely coordinated with DENR Calabarzon and Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office-Batangas.

With these efforts, organizations like JCI Manila and Gold Seas Tuna Chunks can contribute to the preservation, rehabilitation, and restoration of our marine ecosystems for this generation and those to come.

The 2018 Sea of Life Museum is presented by JCI Manila and Gold Seas Tuna Chucks, supported by Chivas Regal, and in cooperation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Philippine Navy, and the Municipality of Tingloy, Batangas.

About JCI Manila

The Junior Chamber International (JCI) Manila is the oldest leadership development organization in Asia. Since its initiation in 1947, the Jaycees has branched out to more than 300 chapters all over the Philippines with over 10,000 members from various sectors and industries. Some of the most illustrious names in government, business, entertainment, and socio-civic circles have belonged to the ranks of JCI Manila.

About Gold Seas Tuna Chunks

Gold Seas Tuna Chunks is the first Philippine canned tuna brand to offer exciting gourmet flavors. Every can of tuna chunks is responsibly fished, dolphin-safe, and Halal-certified. Like @goldseastunachunks on Facebook. #TasteMatters #HealthyChunkyGoodness

Price drop alert: Vivo Y81i can be all yours for only Php6,999

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Christmas is finally in the air! Global smartphone brand Vivo is making sure its loyal patrons going to get a steal. It has dropped the price of its Vivo Y81i to Php6,999 from Php7,999. 

Steal one of this Christmas season’s best deals! The Vivo Y81i can be all yours for Php1,000 lower than its original price. 

Vivo released the Y81i in the Philippines mid-2018. It is a trendy, notch-bearing smartphone that gives users 6.22-inch FullView™ Display. 

Just like its predecessors, it has the smartphone maker’s thumbprint specs. It has a 13-megapixel rear 

camera and a 5MP selfie camera equipped with the AI Face Beauty that produces natural-looking shots. 

The Vivo Y81i also comes with Face Unlock feature to give users an additional layer of convenience security. 

This smartphone also offers smoother performance with its 2GB RAM and 16GB internal storage, running with MediaTek MT6761 processor and Funtouch OS 4.0 (Android 8.1 Oreo). 

Vivo Y81i delivers extended battery life and other innovative features like the dual SIM standby and the Motorbike Mode. 

Get to know more about this incredible smartphone at all Vivo stores nationwide. 

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. 

Taste the sounds of Pinoy music as KZ Tandingan and Apl De Ap collaborate for Coke Studio Season 2

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KZ TANDINGAN AND APL DE AP: WE WILL ALWAYS RETURN HOME 

If there’s one thing we Pinoys love, it’s a good underdog story. And it’s even better when that underdog goes way beyond our shores to fly the Pinoy pride flag. Then, when we know that they choose to return to the Philippines and spread the love, then it’s the modern day edition of the fairy tale, with a particularly Pinoy twist. For the finale of Coke Studio Season Two, artists who have conquered the international arena come together for a surprise collaboration that captures the soulful and complex journey of each and every Filipino proving their worth to the world. 

KZ first came to national prominence when she won a major reality show on one of the country’s top free television networks. She joined the contest so that her family could help out in the building of their parish church. She became a part of ABS CBN’s Sunday variety show ASAP and also sang theme songs for Star Cinema movies. But KZ went way beyond her comfort zone when she joined a singing contest in Beijing where she trended on the Chinese equivalent of Twitter, aka Weibo. “Even if the schedule would allow me to be home only for one day, I would go. I just couldn't be away from home too long. Home is where I can just really be myself and I needed to feel that so I could be my best at the competition.” 

Apl de Ap, born Allan Pineda Lindo, was actually legally blind as a child and this condition qualified him for an operation in America, sponsored by the Pearl S. Buck foundation. When he got to California and settled there, he then befriended a neighbor, William James, who then became more famous as rapper and songwriter Will.i.am; Apl then went on to worldwide phenomenal success. They won Grammy’s and sold -out stadiums and arenas all over the world. But Apl always made it a point to remember his roots. “I try to follow in the footsteps of those who came before me. The Pearl S. Buck foundation helped me and so I want to do the same. If I come back to help my countrymen, it’s because I love my country and want to see us be competitive among the best in the world.” In this light, he has set up the Apl de Ap foundation, which concentrates on empowering Filipino youth especially in the fields of arts and technology. On a personal note, he says, for him coming home can be summed up in three words. “Family. Food. Festive.” 

When it was time for KZ and Apl to collaborate, it is reasonable to imagine that the younger KZ would be intimidated.

“I had followed Season 1, and did want to be included but when it was time to meet Apl and also start recording, I was a bit quiet. He was always asking me, ‘how do you feel about it?’ or ‘how would you change it?’ And my first thought would always be, ‘Who am I to do that? What gives me the right to tell you anything?’ But after a while , I would give my inputs and suggestions, and I think I was able to add my own flavor to it. He allowed me to see that my complexity can be my strength. And so our song reflects the story of the Filipino who has to go away, how they manage their fears. ” 

 Apl says of their song, “It’s the story of every Filipino. It’s about trials and tribulations. It’s about having to to seek a better life.” 

 When he is traveling, Apl loves it when he lands at an airport with a lot of Filipinos who love to call out to him, “Kabayan.” He reveals, “They know that I know what they’re going through. I did what they’re doing.” KZ also gets a rush when she does shows for the Filipino communities abroad. “When they come to our shows, it’s a way for them to get to feel they’re at home, even if they’re still far from home.” 

For both KZ and Apl, music is also their home, and through music they can bring that feeling of home to all who share in their art. 

Taste the sounds of Pinoy music as KZ Tandingan and Apl De Ap collaborate for Coke Studio Season 2. Catch them on November 18, at 11:15 a.m. before ASAP on ABS-CBN or on www.youtube.com/CokeStudioPH

PLDT, Smart unlock amazing digital experiences powered by PH’s fastest network

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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.