Lei Jun Unveils Xiaomi Pilot Technology

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Xiaomi Group officially revealed the development status of Xiaomi Pilot Technology in the first R&D and staffing update since announcing its entry into the smart electric vehicle segment in March 2021, 500 days ago. Xiaomi plans to invest RMB 3.3 billion in the first R&D phase of its autonomous driving technology, and has established a sizable R&D team of more than 500 world-class professionals. A series of valuable acquisitions and strategic investments in upstream and downstream enterprises have also allowed Xiaomi to steadily build out its mid-to-long-term industrial capabilities in the field of autonomous driving.

During today's press conference, Xiaomi also released a live road test video of its autonomous driving technology, demonstrating its advanced algorithms and capability to handle a comprehensive list of scenarios.

"Xiaomi's autonomous driving technology adopts a self-developed full stack approach, and the project has made progress beyond expectations," said Lei Jun, founder, chairman and CEO of Xiaomi Group.

First R&D phase investment planned at RMB 3.3 billion, talent recruiting, and industry-wide deployment

Since announcing its entry into the smart electric vehicle industry, Xiaomi has remained committed to enter the field of autonomous driving. The company's zero to one breakthrough has been enabled through heavy resource allocation to R&D, selective hiring of the industry's best talents, and investment in upstream and downstream enterprises.

As revealed by Lei Jun, Xiaomi plans to invest RMB 3.3 billion in the first R&D phase of its autonomous driving technology, and the size of the dedicated team now exceeds 500. By the end of the year, the team is expected to continue to grow to more than 600 members.

Since official establishment last year, Xiaomi's autonomous driving team has attracted many top industry professionals. Currently, the 500 member department incorporates 50 industry experts who form the backbone of the team, and an exceptional education background team wide, with over 70% holding master's or doctorate degrees. Core members of the team have experience working for some of the most celebrated companies in the field of AI. Their professional expertise covers all areas necessary to develop Xiaomi's self-developed autonomous driving technology, including: sensors, chips, algorithms, simulation, tool-chain, data platform, and more.

Xiaomi has wholly acquired autonomous driving startup Shendong Technology, in order to enhance its autonomous driving technological expertise and talent pool. In addition, Xiaomi is also committed to building its mid-to-long-term strategic industrial capabilities by investing RMB2 billion in more than ten upstream and downstream enterprises in the autonomous driving field. These enterprises cover a variety of categories, such as core sensors, core actuators, domain controllers, and more.

Self-developed algorithm, aiming to become an industry leader in the smart EV industry in 2024

Xiaomi adopts a self-developed full stack approach to autonomous driving technology, covering all core areas, such as hardware and software development, perception and positioning, and focuses on full-scale proprietary solutions to enable complete closed-loop data capabilities. This approach allows autonomous driving algorithms to be quickly iterated based on user needs.

In a demonstration video, Xiaomi's test vehicle showcased accurate, safe and intelligent assisted driving in multiple scenarios including U-turns, roundabouts, and continuous downhill driving.

With an emphasis on parking, Xiaomi's autonomous driving team announced an innovative auto-parking solution that covers scenarios such as "reserved parking spaces", "autonomous valet parking", and "automatic robotic arm charging". In the future, other parking lot services will be made available, and, in order to comply with relevant national laws and regulations, a mix of AI and service-oriented features will be added.

Lei Jun also mentioned that Xiaomi plans to create a fleet of 140 test vehicles in the first phase of its autonomous driving technology development. They will be tested individually nationwide, with an aim of becoming an industry leader in the smart EV industry in 2024.

Apart from utilizing internal resources, Xiaomi Auto team also receives strong support from multiple other teams within Xiaomi, such as the Xiaomi AI Lab, XiaoAi AI Assistant team, and Smartphone Camera team to jointly create a cutting-edge autonomous driving experience.

In just over a year, Xiaomi's autonomous driving technology has achieved a real 0 to 1 breakthrough, and has become a new force attracting considerable attention in the industry.

Ben&Ben and Pamungkas team up for the performance video of “Stand By You”

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Filipino nine-piece collective Ben&Ben has recently joined forces with Indonesian singer-songwriter Pamungkas to release a performance video of “Stand By You.” The infectious pop-rock original, which is an English translation of Ben&Ben’s 2022 hit “Paninindigan Kita,” was recorded at SoundCheck Studio in Pasig City last August 5, 2022 (Friday).

Prior to the live studio session, both regional superstars were introduced to each other online last month, and got the chance to brainstorm on how to approach the song with a collaborative mindset. “We sent over a rough translation of our song Paninindigan Kita,” shares Ben&Ben in a statement. “He [Pamungkas] came up with brilliant lyrical ideas, and we ended up co-writing the English lyrics for this song with him.”

Ahead of their sold-out show at 123 Block in Mandaluyong City, Philippines, Ben&Ben and Pamungkas recently recorded a live performance of “Stand By You” complete with a fuller, more intricate arrangement and reassigned verses. The chart-topping Filipino band is more than happy about the result of the session, and how it brought the best of both worlds in one project.

“There was a natural chemistry between both artists,” says Ben&Ben. “This came out in the way the instruments were arranged and the different parts were worked into the final version of the performance.”

Ben&Ben also praised Pamungkas on how he managed to add a totally new vibe to the song, while injecting his own flair into the instrumentation. “This made the collaborative version very distinct in a way that represents both styles blended into one performance, instead of it being a straightforward cover version of the song.”

“Stand By You” is the first of the two-part collaboration between the prolific and award-winning Asian artists. They’re also set to release the performance video of “I Got To Get You” soon.

Pamungkas is currently headlining his own Southeast Asian tour to promote his fourth studio album, Birdy. His hit single “To The Bone” was a huge regional success, topping Spotify Indonesia Top 50 charts for several weeks and peaking at No. 5 on Spotify Philippines Top 50 charts last year. The song also performed well commercially in other Southeast Asian countries, particularly in Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia.

Ben&Ben is set to conquer the international stage with their first North American tour, performing in iconic and key venues across nine cities in the US and Canada. They’re also gearing up with the release of their new international single this month—ahead of their send-off concert on September 3 at the CCP Open Grounds.

Watch the live performance of “Stand By You” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wrYBtxxgZk

Mang Inasal supports Coco Martin’s Pasasalamat Tour

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Mang Inasal sponsored the first leg of Coco Martin's Pasasalamat Tour for a recently concluded, highly-popular TV series. The event was held at the Vista Mall Taguig Open Parking Grounds.

“Just like how Mang Inasal takes pride in having Coco Martin as our endorser since 2016, we also recognize how Coco's character in the series has become a source of inspiration among its viewers and even to our very own Mang Inasal customers for the past seven years," said Mang Inasal Business Unit Head Mike V. Castro.

Want more Mang Inasal exclusives NOW? Visit www.manginasal.com for the latest updates, https://manginasaldelivery.com.ph for delivery deals, and follow Mang Inasal on social media! 

Check out the Mang Inasal Store Directory through this link: https://bit.ly/MangInasalBRANCHES.

Get ready to Relive The Night: OPPO Reno8 Series is coming soon

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Equipped with Dual Sony Flagship Sensors, Ultra Night Portrait & Video, and Bokeh Flare Portrait, Reno8 Series will enable you to express your multifaceted self

Capture your best moments and express yourselves freely at night as global smart device brand OPPO is set to officially launch the much-anticipated addition to the Reno series line, the Reno8 Series 5G. 

Catch the livestream launch on September 1, Thursday via OPPO Philippines’ Facebook, YouTube, and Tiktok, and be treated to exciting performances and guest appearances.

“OPPO continues its commitment for every addition to the Reno series, constantly challenging the boundaries of AI camera technology. With the upcoming launch, upwardly mobile and savvy professionals now have a smartphone to creatively express themselves. They can capture the best and clearest moments of celebration and live life to the fullest wherever and whenever they are. The OPPO Reno8 Series 5G is a testament to our commitment in providing a mobile smartphone that keeps up with the fast changing digital world,” said Chiqui Tapawan, OPPO Philippines’ Head of Marketing Communications.

The Reno8 5G is equipped with flagship-grade camera specs that can shoot your nighttime and low-light photos and videos in the clearest and highest resolution. Thanks to AI camera technology, the Reno8 Series’ Ultra Night Video and Ultra Night Portrait modes can help you relive your best moments as if you were viewing them in real time.

Both smartphones produce professional-looking photos with the OPPO Reno8 5G having Dual Sony Flagship Sensors to give poster-quality portraits with crisp, color-rich images, and the OPPO Reno8 Z 5G having Ultra-Clear 108MP Image which delivers a high-definition photo no matter the light level.

The OPPO Reno8 Series 5G also features the brand new OPPO Glow design - the streamlined unibody design of the Reno8 5G gives a seamless and premium feel and is available in two colorways, Shimmer Gold and Shimmer Black, and the Reno8 Z 5G’s ultra-slim body comes in Dawnlight Gold and Starlight Black and features a retro design that sits snug in the palm of your hand.

The Reno8 Series 5G doesn’t just power your portraits, it also powers your lifestyle. Powered with the MediaTek Dimensity 1300 (available in Reno8 5G) and ColorOS 12.1 (both models), you’ll be assured of a smooth and efficient mobile phone experience. It also boasts super-fast charging speeds, thanks to the 80W SUPERVOOC of the Reno8 5G and 33W SUPERVOOC of the Reno8 Z 5G, making sure you’re powered up from morning till night.

Capture your epic memories with the all-new Reno8 Series 5G coming soon in the Philippines. Tune in on OPPO Philippines’ Facebook, Youtube and Tiktok pages for the exclusive livestream event where you can get a chance to win the latest and premium Reno series, and Relive The Night in Portrait. Pre-order starts on September 1 on all OPPO Philippines official partner stores, you can also check out e-commerce sites such as Lazada, Shopee and TikTok.

To know more about OPPO’s latest Reno8 Series 5G, visit the OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com.ph/.

Globe extends personalized service to more broadband customers through Viber communities

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Through challenging times, Filipinos have always found solace and support in being part of communities. That sense of belonging in a space with people we share something with has become a lifeline, especially as we continue to battle through the pandemic.

To extend Globe’s unique brand of care, the leading digital solutions platform is reaching out to more broadband customers by setting up new Viber communities.

Globe At Home has set up three more Viber communities this year to serve residents of Bonifacio Global City and McKinley, Acacia Estates, and select villages in Quezon City.

To date, Globe has 14 Viber communities catering to more than 7,000 members from Valenzuela, Cavite, Naga and Camarines Sur, Legazpi and Albay, Cebu, Davao, and other partner villages.

“These communities are our way of bringing care closer to home, assuring our customers that help is only a message away when they need it. Concurrently, our hotline remains open for customers who need utmost care such as our senior citizens and those affected by calamities,” said Beck Eclipse, Globe’s Chief Customer Experience Officer.

Broken down, ​Globe owns and manages 11 Viber groups with ​a total of ​5,406 members​, and joined 3 groups established by partners to serve​ 1,986 members.

Since the launch of its first Viber community in 2020, Globe At Home has continued to make strides in expanding to other communities around the country.

This brand of #AlagangGlobe is part of the company’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SDG No. 9 which highlights the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development.

These localized groups deliver targeted and more focused servicing such as addressing community-specific queries and concerns like fiber availability in the area and local service disruptions, recommending the best customer channel for a specific concern, and offering products that are relevant to the community. Members also get immediate assistance from live Globe Care Specialists and same-day repair visits depending on the time the concern was raised.

Likewise, the communities provide updates on the latest plans and relevant offers in their areas, as well as restoration efforts in case of outages.

More and more customers use these Viber communities to get the support they need and are sharing their positive experience.

"Thank you for your call and for speedily resolving the issues I brought up on this platform."

- Quezon City Community Member

“Just sharing feedback regarding this community chat. I joined and messaged them yesterday because I was having connectivity issues. They called me immediately and sent a technician this morning to check on my modem and mesh. It was fixed within an hour. So happy!”

- Acacia Estates Community Member

“Hello! Just wanted to extend my thanks for resolving my speed issue yesterday. All is well now. Thank you!”

- Ayala Westgrove Community Member

"Thank you so much Alagang Globe - Naga and CamSur for the prompt action on my concerns. God bless!"

- Naga and CamSur Community Member

“An actual person will reply and eventually contact you as needed. Worked for me and the response was great!”

- Acacia Estates Community Member

"Thank you for being so prompt and attentive."

- Alabang South Community Member

Interested Globe At Home postpaid and prepaid customers can check if there is a Viber community in their area by accessing the link or QR code at https://glbe.co/viber-help. Customers living in villages with existing Viber communities may also check with their respective homeowners associations on how to join.

“We believe that having an active presence in Viber communities enriches the service experience of our customers. This digital channel allows us to reach out directly to more customers than ever before,” said Eclipse.

Globe will continue to roll out more Viber communities in the coming months and introduce new features to further enhance customer experience.

To learn more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.