PLDT underscores innovation as key for businesses to succeed in the post-pandemic era

Tweet

Businesses need to be agile across their operations and participate in digital ecosystems to succeed in the post-pandemic world according to the country’s largest integrated telecommunications provider PLDT.

PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications President and CEO Alfredo S. Panlilio

During the recent Franchise Asia Philippines Virtual International Conference, PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications President and CEO Alfredo S. Panlilio stressed that Filipinos need to embrace resilience and adaptability to overcome the difficulties brought by the pandemic.

“It has become imperative to adapt and act fast—pivoting processes and operations to survive, and build resilience for a sustainable future ahead,” said Panlilio.

The PLDT executive said that the past year had presented the significance of digital transformation in every industry, which now redefines how businesses operate. Panlilio said companies strived to digitize their core processes by putting digital transformation on the top of their priority list as a long-term investment.

“It is the incubation of technology, purpose, and balance that drives people growth, business strategies, and sustainability. At the center of it all is still the customer. Hence, it is imperative to go beyond the hype of new technologies and discover how they can shape our future,” he added.

Given this scenario, PLDT and Smart have been leveraging digital technology and a robust network to deliver a world-class customer experience at the forefront of breakthrough innovations in the telco industry.

“PLDT and Smart are establishing programs that can effectively identify, evaluate, and incubate digitization to transform ourselves. By doing so, we are also creating new opportunities and harnessing advanced technologies to chart a path to the next horizon, mindful of our civic duty to help with economic recovery and overall nation-building,” Panlilio said.

Likewise, he mentioned PLDT’s continuous investment in network bandwidth capacity and fast-tracking of its fiber rollout, which has already reached over 524,000 km as of June 2021, a 22 percent increase compared to last year.

The group, through its B2B arm PLDT Enterprise, also continues to upgrade its network of 10 globally certified data center facilities to serve the hyperscaler market. PLDT is optimistic that making the Philippines a strategic hyperscaler hub in the Asia Pacific will propel the country to be the region’s next digital destination of choice by hyperscalers.

“PLDT and Smart continuously support Filipino enterprises by providing them with the best solutions available, exemplifying the most innovative digital transformation, enabling e-Industries, and empowering businesses in all shapes and sizes to evolve and thrive in this new operating condition,” he concluded.

For more information, visit pldtenterprise.com.

Cinemagic arrives in the Philippines with the newly launched Xiaomi 11T Series and Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE

Tweet

Global technology leader, Xiaomi, today announced the Philippine launch of new smartphones under the Xiaomi 11T family of devices - Xiaomi 11T and Xiaomi 11T Pro - all designed to inspire creativity among smartphone users - as well as the refreshed and stylish Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE.

Xiaomi continues to revolutionize smartphone photography and videography by offering a slew of innovative “Cinemagic” filmmaking features in Xiaomi 11T and Xiaomi 11T Pro. Gone are the days of heavy and expensive movie-making equipment, with Xiaomi 11T Series, industry-leading filmmaking technology is now available in the palms of aspiring creators’ hands.

At the same time, the ultra-slim, featherweight Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE, is the perfect offering for users seeking a high-end stylish smartphone that includes innovative features to enable creativity.

Xiaomi 11T Pro: The Ultimate Flagship for Cinemagic Filmmaking and Phenomenal Performance

Xiaomi has achieved another milestone with the launch of the cinematic powerhouse Xiaomi 11T Pro - Xiaomi’s first smartphone to launch globally with the company's proprietary 120W Xiaomi HyperCharge technology. The industry-leading technology will enable a 100% charge in just 17 minutes*, giving creators more time to keep up with their creativity and minimize downtime by ensuring a full day use. This is achieved through innovative technologies such as dual charge pumps, dual-cell battery structure, MTW, Graphene application on Li-ion battery and Mi-FC technology. The safety of the battery is guaranteed by a TÜV Rheinland Safe Fast-Charge System Certification, 34 charging and battery safety features, real-time temperature monitoring and other measures. All that while the flagship Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 888 mobile platform delivers the power needed to propel a plethora of AI features.

Not only does Xiaomi 11T Pro pack a lot of performance punch, but it also features a powerful triple camera set up with a pro-grade 108MP wide angle, 2x telemacro, and a 120° ultra-wide angle lens. On top of that, the smartphone boasts impressive computational filmography capabilities with one-click AI Cinema modes, 8K recording and HDR10+, allowing users to capture footage with the same smart ISO technology found in digital cameras.

A real Cinemagic powerhouse wouldn’t be complete without a stunning, durable and responsive display. Xiaomi 11T Pro is equipped with DisplayMate A+ rated 6.67’’ FHD+ 120Hz AMOLED flat display, TrueColor, Dolby Vision® and HDR10+, showcases over 1 billion colors, boasts 1000 nits of peak brightness, up to 480Hz touch sampling rate and is shielded by the strongest Gorilla® glass to date Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus™. With Dolby Vision, users can enjoy ultra vivid pictures with vibrant colors, incredible brightness and contrast rich details. The display also features a number of eye care functions to protect users from eye strain, such as True Display which automatically adjusts the color temperature according to the surrounding conditions as well as Reading Mode 3.0. Xiaomi 11T Pro further tops that up with Dolby Atmos® immersive audio as well as dedicated dual speakers with SOUND BY Harman Kardon, bringing engaging, intelligible audio across various content categories like music, movies, podcasts, and gaming.

Xiaomi 11T: The Cinemagic Powerhouse for Content Creation

Xiaomi 11T continues the mission to make Cinemagic available to everyone by offering features such as a high-resolution triple camera, along with a suite of AI-powered tools to boost your creativity and productivity.

Enjoy breathtaking shots with the Xiaomi 11T triple camera featuring a 108MP high-resolution wide-angle, 120° ultra-wide angle, and 2x telemacro camera. The smartphone combines this with its one-click AI cinema modes to distill the tricks of professional cinematographers such as Time Freeze, Magic Zoom and other types of complicated shots into just a single click while the faintest of sounds is brought to life in cinematic fashion with Audio Zoom.

Xiaomi 11T 6.67’’ 120Hz flat AMOLED display equally delivers HDR10+ with stunning sharpness and crystal clarity, over 1 billion colors, a smorgasbord of eye care features and up to 480Hz touch sampling rate, ensuring that the slightest tap on the screen will allow users to capture the perfect shot even in a fleeting moment.

Whether you’re shooting or editing your very own cinematic footage, Xiaomi 11T keeps up with you throughout your day thanks to a power-efficient MediaTek Dimensity 1200-Ultra chipset, a massive 5000mAh battery and 67W wired turbocharging that gets to 100% in only 36 minutes*

Pricing & Availability

The Xiaomi 11T Pro and Xiaomi 11T come in 3 stylish colors with a brushed finish including Meteorite Gray, Moonlight White, and Celestial Blue.

● Xiaomi 11T comes in two variants, 8GB+128GB, 8GB+256GB with a recommended retail price of PHP 21,990 and PHP 24,990 respectively.

● Xiaomi 11T Pro variants include 8GB+256GB and 12GB+256GB, with the recommended price of PHP 27,990 and PHP 29,990.

You can also pre-order the Xiaomi 11T Pro and Xiaomi 11T in Authorized Xiaomi Stores from October 24 to 29 and get a Mi Robot Vacuum and Mi Recyclable Eco Bag worth PHP 10,000. Xiaomi Philippines will also have an open sale on October 30, 2021 where buyers of the Xiaomi 11T and Xiaomi 11T Pro will get a free Xiaomi 11T Series Edition Bluetooth Speaker worth PHP 3,250.

Freebies also await those who pre-order the Xiaomi 11T and Xiaomi 11T Pro in Xiaomi’s online stores! For every purchase of the Xiaomi 11T on the Xiaomi Shopee Global Store from October 24 to 29, buyers of the Xiaomi 11T Pro will get a free Mi Watch and Wireless Earphone 2 Basic while those who decide to get the Xiaomi 11T will also be getting a Mi Watch Lite and Wireless Earphone 2 Basic.

An open sale will also be happening starting October 30 where every purchase of the Xiaomi 11T and Xiaomi 11T Pro will entitle buyers to a free Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Basic.

Meanwhile, the Official Xiaomi Philippines Shopee store will also be including a free Mi Robot Vacuum and eco bag with every purchase of the Xiaomi 11T.

Each purchase of the device comes with a 1+1 year limited warranty and free screen replacement within six months.

Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE: Own Your Style

Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE unveils a sleek yet striking aesthetic, packing all the perks into an ultra thin and lightweight body, measuring a mere 6.81mm and 158g**. The design is further accentuated by a razor-thin 1.88mm on both top and side bezels, as well as four choices of stylish color. While Truffle Black, Bubblegum Blue, and Peach Pink are making a return, Xiaomi is adding a brand new color - Snowflake White, matte and frosted white similar to freshly fallen snow.

Thanks to the 6.55” AMOLED DotDisplay, 10-bit TrueColor support and Dolby Vision®, Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE offers truly stunning ultra vivid picture quality with vibrant colors, incredible brightness, contrast and amazing detail. Continuing the camera heritage of the Xiaomi 11 Family, Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE delivers best-in-class shooting with a 64MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide angle camera, and a 5MP telemacro camera. Bundled with a toolbox of AI-powered features including One-click AI cinema, cinematic video filters, and a new Vlog mode.

Featuring the Qualcomm® SnapdragonTM 778G 5G Mobile Platform, Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE leverages the power of 5G*** to elevate your daily experience. With ultra-fast connection at your fingertips, you can stream HD videos or resource-heavy games without lag, and enjoy crystal-clear video calls. The device is also equipped with a 4,250mAh battery and 33W fast charging that powers up in no time.

Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE comes in three variants, 6GB+128GB, 8GB+128GB, 8GB+256GB, and will be available for purchase from official Xiaomi channels. Recommended retail price are PHP 16,990, PHP 18,990, and PHP 20,990 respectively.

The Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE will be available for pre-order in Authorized Xiaomi Stores from October 23 to 29 and get a Mi Robot Vacuum and Mi Recyclable Eco Bag worth PHP 10,000. It will also be available on the open day sale of Xiaomi Philippines on October 30, 2021 where buyers of the Xiaomi 11T Lite will get a free Limited Edition Bluetooth Speaker worth PHP 3,250.

Pre-orders of the Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE on the Xiaomi Shopee Global Store from October 24 to 29 will also include a free Mi Watch Lite, while on the Open Sale on October 30, buyers will be receiving a Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Basic for free.

Xiaomi will also be giving away a free 10000mah Mi 18W FCP Powerbank 3 with every Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE purchase made in the Official Xiaomi Philippines Shopee Store.

For the Open Day Sale of Xiaomi Philippines on October 30, 2021, buyers of the Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE will get a free 10000mAh Mi 18W FCP Powerbank for every purchase.

You may visit the Xiaomi Shopee Global stores as well as the Xiaomi Philippines store on Shopee. You can also follow the official Xiaomi Facebook Page for other updates.

-------------------------------------------

*Data sourced from Xiaomi labs.

** Product weight, size and related specifications are theoretical values only. Actual measurements between individual products may vary. All specifications are subject to the actual product.

*** 5G connectivity may vary based on regional availability and local operator support.

**** Availability may vary by markets and carriers.

***** Dual SIM availability may vary by markets and carriers.

****** Xiaomi 11T Pro typical battery capacity is equivalent to 5000mAh. The battery is split into a two 2500mAh cell structure.

Online Bonding and Fun Leveled Up with the Xiaomi Redmi 10

Tweet

As quarantine restrictions continue to prevent us from being physically together, it's easy to be consumed by loneliness and boredom at home. All our interactions are limited to being virtual-only but that doesn't mean it won't be as fun as it could be face to face.

Introducing the Redmi 10, a smartphone packed with flagship-grade features to deliver performance that exceeds expectations, allowing you to stay better connected during the pandemic. Here are some reasons why this device is a must-have most especially now.

See each other in stellar detail with Redmi 10's killer camera and display

The Redmi 10’s 50MP ultra-high-resolution main camera means people can see you in utmost quality during video calls and conferences and its large 6.5” screen with FHD+ resolution means you will also see who you're talking to in the best quality possible. Conversations don't have to feel distant because with the Redmi 10's camera and display combination, it will feel like there is no screen dividing you from being with your loved ones.

The Redmi 10 is also accompanied by an 8MP ultra-wide camera, 2MP macro camera, and a 2MP depth sensor that gives you perfect tool to capture important moments of your life and share with your friends and family. The device also packs a suite of stylish filters to add flair for your shots, as well as panorama selfies perfect for selfies with all your family members.

Long-lasting battery and fast charging feature equals longer conversations and shorter waiting time

Video calls can sometimes last for hours, especially when you’re talking with your family and friends who you don’t get to see or bond with often because of quarantine. And if there is one thing to expect from long hours of using your phone, it is a drained battery and a long waiting time for it to recharge. This is a big hassle, especially if you’re really into the conversation and you don’t want it to end.

Well, with the Redmi 10’s massive 5000 mAh battery, you can have hours of video calls, virtual hangouts and endless messaging without worrying about your phone running out of charge. It’s also equipped with AdaptiveSync technology - meaning that the Redmi 10 automatically adjusts its refresh rate based on your content, keeping your battery alive longer as it’ll boost refresh rates only for those moments when you need it. And when the time comes that you need to plug it in, it’s 18W fast charging and in-box 22.5W charger will have your phone ready and you can reconnect with whoever you want to in no time.

Dual speakers and unique reading mode feature to add color when you feel gray during isolation

In case you want to have a dance party at home, here’s the perfect sound system to blast your favorite tunes as you dance the night away. Redmi 10 comes with MIUI 12.5 out of the box and offers an immersive audio experience with its dual speakers. Or, maybe you’re in the mood for a Netflix watch party with your friends – just grab some popcorn and enjoy as many films as you want with crystal clear audio. But if you’re just in the mood to surf through the internet and explore the vast world of social media, Redmi 10’s Reading Mode 3.0 feature is perfect to relax your eyes as you flip through your favorite content. Whatever you're in the mood to do, Redmi 10’s got your back!

Large storage, Maximum performance with an elegant design in the palm of your hand

With two variants available – 4GB+64GB and 6GB+128GB, the Redmi 10 can store any and as many apps as you would like. There's also no need to worry about lagging or overheating as the Redmi 10 is powered by a 2.0GHz octa-core MediaTek Helio G88 processor. Designed from the ground up to perform with its lightning-fast GPU, Redmi 10 takes your mobile performance to new heights with powerful hardware and next-level features.

All of this is contained in a device with a sleek design that is a joy to hold. It’s available in 3 beautiful colors; matte Carbon Gray and Pebble White with a classic, smooth fingerprint-proof finish, and a beautifully textured glossy Sea Blue.

The Redmi 10 is available in the official Xiaomi Lazada and Shopee. The 4GB+64GB and 6+128GB variants can also be availed through Home Credit at 0% interest in 6 months for as low as ₱913/month and ₱1,033/month respectively.

Stay updated on the latest Xiaomi news through their official website and information portal at https://www.mi.com/ph/ or follow the official Xiaomi Facebook and Instagram pages for other updates.

 

From Malls to Mobile: How Home Credit Redefined the BNPL Experience

Tweet

There is no doubt that the global pandemic has accelerated digital transformation, changing our day-to-day lives. Due to current events, the digital shift that was supposed to take years happened in a blink of an eye – putting the spotlight on businesses and how they make an effort to innovate their products and services.

For Home Credit, it did not come as a surprise since their digital efforts started years ago knowing that digitalization, especially in the financial industry, is the next big thing. Their journey started from their launching in 2013, where they already proved to be a gamechanger in the financial landscape.

Coming from a predominantly unbanked market like ours, Home Credit came into the picture and started catering to Filipinos with little to no credit history and providing affordable installments for their gadget and electronic needs. This is what we now call as “buy now, pay later” and despite the term finding its fame during the pandemic, it’s actually a relatively old concept – and Home Credit has long been considered a pioneer and leader in this industry.

Not only has it solidified its footprint as the country’s leading consumer finance with a presence in over 9000+ stores nationwide, it has also rapidly grown its mobile presence in recent years through the My Home Credit App in Google Play Store which now has more than 9 million app users, putting their total customer count to almost 8 million.

As they celebrate their 8th year anniversary, their growing customer base will continue to enjoy several of its offers through physical touchpoints at partner retail stores as well as explore contactless options through the My Home Credit App providing every need in just one place – loans, pay bills, buy load, contactless payments, shopping through partner stores, exciting discounts, and so much more.

Home Credit’s one-minute approval for loan applications is known as the fastest in the industry. Including simple requirements, interested borrowers can apply in partner retail stores all over the country. As the pandemic pushed us to convert to contactless means, Marketplace – one of the features of My Home Credit App – was introduced as the one-stop-shop to browse big-ticket items, compare deals and products, and apply for loans, all within the app. Redefining the traditional way of shopping and the buy now pay later experience of Filipino consumers, they are the first consumer finance provider to offer pre-approval in the mobile app.

Beyond offering easy installments, Home Credit now offers easy payments. With the introduction of its newest payment option Qwarta, Home Credit customers will be given as much as P10,000 additional spending limit within the app to increase their purchasing power. Qwarta can be used to pay bills without additional cost, shop or buy load with discounts, or purchase via QR Code.

The Home Credit app now houses telco load from all networks, over 200 billers, and can also scan QR codes at 50,000+ partner brands and merchants nationwide, allowing customers to stretch their budget on countless shopping scenarios. And even better news, by using the app at selected stores, customers can enjoy up to 50% off through its SMILE discounts program.

Home Credit’s financial literacy campaign has also evolved through the years. For the longest time, they have made it their purpose to teach the basics of budgeting and saving to ordinary Filipinos through the ‘Juan, Two, Three‘ campaign. Staying true to this mission but having in mind the effects of the pandemic, they started leveraging on digital platforms to deliver financial literacy concepts through their official website, social media and mobile app – this time with their newest program dubbed as “DigitizEd”.

“Home Credit introduced a lot of firsts to the Philippine market, and this is a testament of how well we anticipate the needs of the consumers and continue to innovate our services and offerings to meet those demands. Having evolved over the past 8 years, we want to offer a 360° service and be your go-to partner for all your financial needs” said David Minol, Home Credit PH Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Celebrate with Home Credit as they turn 8 this year by keeping yourself posted on the latest announcements and special promos – one of which is the much-awaited awarding of their 8 millionth customer who will receive exciting prizes sponsored by (brand partner). For more information, visit www.homecredit.ph and follow Home Credit at www.facebook.com.homecreditph.

Sold out in just 6 minutes! realme Pad achieves excellent launch sales on Shopee

Tweet

The brand makes a stellar debut in the tablet category with the realme Pad selling out on Shopee in only 6 minutes after its launch.   

  

2021 is proving to be an exceptional year for realme Philippines as it has continuously solidified its position in the tech industry across different categories. After emerging as the country’s no. 1 smartphone brand for two consecutive quarters this year, in addition to being the no. 1 watch and True Wireless Stereo (TWS) brand for Q2, the brand also recently proved its mettle in an entirely new category with the successful debut of its first-ever tablet, the realme Pad.

Unveiled via a Livestream event on the realme Philippines Facebook page and YouTube channel on October 21, the realme Pad, along with other new TechLife devices, is in line with the brand’s mission to build a full-circle digital ecosystem with smart AIoT products that cater to the modern needs of Filipinos.

The realme Pad’s exclusive first selling on Shopee was an unprecedented feat; its 3GB+32GB variant sold out in just six minutes after its on-site debut on the e-commerce platform.

“This truly is a groundbreaking milestone for realme, and we are grateful to every single member of the realme Squad for making this possible,” shares Austine Huang, realme Philippines’ VP for Marketing. “The stellar debut of the realme Pad in the Philippines further inspires us to continue delivering the best in technology to better serve our loyal Filipino fans and be their tech and lifestyle partner in every way. Maraming salamat po!,” adds Huang.

Designed to entertain, the realme Pad provides an all-around experience with a multitude of features ideal for leisure and productivity. It boasts a sharp 10.4-inch WUXGA+ immersive display with up to 2000x1200 resolution, Dolby Atmos Quad Speakers, Helio G80 Gaming Processor, 7100mAh massive battery with 18W super fast charge, and an 8MP front and rear camera, among many other features. It comes in two stunning colors: Real Grey and Real Gold.

The realme Squad can stay tuned for the restock of the realme Pad 3GB+32GB exclusively on Shopee happening real soon. The variant will still be offered at an exclusive early-bird deal of only P8,990 (P2,000 OFF from SRP).

The realme Pad is also still available in nearly 500 realme stores and over 4,000 partner dealers nationwide. From October 22 to 31, the realme Pad 3GB+32GB variant will also be available at a discounted price of P9,990 (P1,000 OFF from SRP). The tablet is also available in 4GB+64GB and 6GB+128GB variants for P14,990 and P16,990 respectively.

This is your realme TechLife: Up to 35% OFF

Aside from the realme Pad, the brand also unveiled the realme Band 2, a fitness band designed to be your 24/7 health companion, and two new exciting smart home innovations, the realme TechLife Robot Vacuum and the realme TechLife Handheld Vacuum. Other items launched include the realme Beard Trimmer, realme Beard Trimmer Plus, and the realme Hair Dryer.

Starting October 22, these products are available for early-bird deals of up to 35% OFF on Lazada and Shopee. These will also be available in nearly 500 realme stores and over 4,000 partner dealers nationwide.

For more information and updates on realme, visit realme Philippines’ website https://www.realme.com/ph/ and follow realme Philippines’ official Facebook page at http://facebook.com/realmePhilippines. #realmeTechLife #realmePH