Smart’s GigaLife App is among Top 10 most downloaded apps in PH – App Annie February 02, 2022 at 10:48PM

Out of Town Blog
Smart’s GigaLife App is among Top 10 most downloaded apps in PH – App Annie

Team Out of Town Blog Hub (Outoftownblog.com) – The GigaLife App of mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is the most downloaded network management app in the Philippines in 2021, according to App Annie, a leading global provider of mobile data and analytics.

In App Annie’s latest State of Mobile 2022 report, GigaLife emerged as the only network management app in the list of most downloaded apps by iOS and Android users in the country.

GigaLife App

Overall, GigaLife ranked 10th in a list led by social networking app Facebook. Also among the most downloaded apps in the country are those which App Annie categorized to be under ‘communication,’ ‘digital wallets and payment,’ ‘video editing’, ‘short videos,’ ‘e-commerce,’ ‘media sharing networks’, and ‘meeting.’

One-stop super app for Smart subscribers  

Downloadable on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and Huawei Mobile Services, GigaLife was launched in September 2020 as a one-stop super app that aims to put all the digital needs of Smart customers within easy reach.

Through innovative features on its easy-to-use interface, GigaLife has become an essential channel for Smart to serve subscribers during the pandemic – a time when everyone needs a more convenient and safer way to manage their accounts and access mobile services.

With just a few taps on their smartphone, GigaLife enables all subscribers of Smart Prepaid, Smart Postpaid, Smart Bro, PLDT Prepaid Home WiFi, and TNT to check their balance and account details, register to promos, top-up their account, pay their bills, enjoy freebies, and more.

As of October 2021 – or just a little over a year from its launch – GigaLife has reached over 10 million users.

Commitment to improve customer experience

“GigaLife is born out of our commitment to improving customer experience at a crucial time when our subscribers need both a simpler and safer way to manage their digital lifestyle. We developed the app after listening to thousands of customer feedback about what they want and need, and we’re glad that millions are now benefitting from it,” said Jane J. Basas, SVP, and Head of Consumer Wireless Business.

“The best thing is, GigaLife continues to evolve as we continue to respond to the needs of our customers. As such, they can expect more innovative features and amazing experiences to bring them closer to their passions with just a few taps on their phone,” Basas added.

Truly rewarding digital life with GigaPoints

Through the app, Smart has also been making the digital life of subscribers truly rewarding with GigaPoints, an innovative rewards program that enables users to earn points, which can be exchanged for exclusive data freebies, rewards, and discounts.

GigaLife users are also the first to get updates on Smart promos and services through the ‘Don’t Miss Out’ button on the app, which many eagerly anticipate every day.

Moreover, On GigaDays every 19th to the 22nd of the month, GigaLife users get to redeem enjoy free call minutes and bonus data when they log into the app at a special time. Using GigaPoints, Smart subscribers also get to redeem big-ticket items – such as Apple Airpods or Galaxy Buds+ – on these special days.

Just recently, Smart also enabled GigaLife App users to redeem a complimentary Apple Music subscription for six months. Using the app, Smart also launched a bigger and better GigaMania, which gives subscribers a chance to win millions worth of prizes in the form of daily freebies like data vouchers; weekly gadgets including iPhones, MacBook Air, Samsung devices, and gaming consoles; and a Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid as the grand prize.

Philippines’ fastest 5G mobile network 

GigaLife is powered by Smart, the country’s fastest 5G mobile network, according to the latest report by Ookla, the global leader in mobile and broadband intelligence.

Using 325,396 user-initiated 5G tests, Ookla declared Smart as the winner of its Speedtest Awards for Q3-Q4 2021 with a Speed Score of 201.95, while its closest competitor posted a Speed Score of 116.08.

To bag the award, Smart posted a median download speed of 218.82 Mbps and a median upload speed of 22.46 Mbps, while its closest competitor posted a median download speed of 116.92 Mbps and a median upload speed of 10.81 Mbps.

Make the Smart Move now  

To enjoy amazing GigaLife experiences, subscribers can download GigaLife on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and Huawei Mobile Services now.  Through the app, non-Smart customers can also make the Smart move without having to change their mobile number through Mobile Number Portability. Non-Smart customers can also know more about this service at x.smart/switch.

To learn more about GigaLife, visit https://smart.com.ph/Pages/gigalife-app.

Follow Out of Town Travel Blog on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bloglovin, and Pinterest if you want more travel and tech updates.

Read: Smart Lets You Enjoy Exclusive GigaPoints Discounts On GigaDays

Original article: Smart’s GigaLife App is among Top 10 most downloaded apps in PH – App Annie

©2022 Out of Town Blog. All Rights Reserved.

Smart’s GigaLife App is among Top 10 most downloaded apps in PH – App Annie
Melo Villareal
Out of Town Blog

PLDT is Philippines’ fastest internet provider in 2021 – Ookla® January 31, 2022 at 03:06AM

Out of Town Blog
PLDT is Philippines’ fastest internet provider in 2021 – Ookla®

Team Out of Town Blog Hub (Outoftownblog.com) –  PLDT Home remains undisputed as the fastest broadband network in the Philippines, dominating telco rivals with a Speed Score of 77.24 at the Ookla® Speedtest Awards for Q3-Q4 2021.

The latest result showed a big jump from PLDT’s Speed Score of 27.28 in the second half of the previous year. Speed Score is a measure that takes into account both upload and download speeds.

The latest data from the global benchmarking company also showed PLDT besting all other internet service providers (ISPs) in the country with top upload and download speeds of 217.07 Mbps and 203.97 Mbps, respectively.

In determining the network speed of ISPs, Ookla® compared data gathered from millions of consumer-initiated tests taken on Speedtest® platforms. The data include tests done by Filipino internet users on various networks using digital devices connected via Wi-Fi and fixed networks.

“Fast internet is no longer a luxury because it’s what Filipinos depend on to earn, work, and study from home. We’ve been relentless in continuously building and upgrading our network so that our customers enjoy better and future-ready homes,” says Butch G. Jimenez, Jr., Senior Vice President and Head of PLDT Home Business.

Fastest Broadband in PH’s Key Cities

Based on the latest Ookla® data, PLDT registered the highest upload and download speeds in key major cities in the Philippines – Manila, Cebu, and Davao Cities.

In Manila, PLDT bested major ISPs – including Converge, Globe, and Sky – with upload and download speeds of 54.52 Mbps and 58.57 Mbps, respectively. In Cebu, PLDT recorded 76.14 Mbps and 74.22 Mbps upload and download speeds. In Davao, PLDT is the fastest fixed network over ISPs Globe and Sky, with upload and download speeds of 70.06 Mbps and 71.50 Mbps, respectively.

PLDT Manila City Fastest Internet Broadband

PLDT Speed Score

PLDT Upload and Download Speed

When analyzing the fastest ISPs, Ookla assesses the fastest network speeds attained across a given network, accounting for tests that are taken on various Speedtest applications that connect to a fixed network, including tests taken on mobile phones over a Wi-Fi connection. Each top carrier accounts for at least 3% of the sample size in the geographic area.

Setting the Bar for PH Internet Speeds

PLDT has consistently dominated the Ookla® Speedtest Awards in the past four years as a result of the telco giant’s aggressive network expansion initiatives. In the second half of 2021, PLDT Home launched its biggest speed upgrade for customers with thrice as much speed versus the previous broadband plans.

In November 2021, PLDT Home launched the country’s first-ever 10,000 Mbps fiber-optic service in the Philippines, putting the country alongside first-world nations that have access to such ultra-fast home internet speeds as South Korea, Japan, Sweden, Norway, Italy, New Zealand, and the USA.

“The demand for the fastest broadband in the Philippines remains strong and we’re investing as well in our capabilities to install, upgrade, and repair throughout the year,” concludes Butch G. Jimenez, Jr., Senior Vice President and Head of PLDT Home Business.

PLDT Home continues to set the bar for the future of home internet connectivity in the Philippines as it provides access to future-ready innovations including top-of-the-line Smart Home solutions such as Wifi Mesh devices, Entertainment, and Security services bundled with its flexible broadband plans.

All these innovations are powered by the PLDT’s widest network in the country with its fiber infrastructure expanded to 743,700 kilometers, extending its reach to 13.9 million homes passed, and with over 5.77 million fiber-powered ports.

To date, PLDT Home has connected over 3.6 Million subscribers, proving to be the most trusted telco of Filipino families for fast internet speeds for work at home, online school, and family entertainment at home amid the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

For more information on PLDT Home, visit www.pldthome.com.

Disclaimer:
Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data Q3–Q4 2021. Ookla trademarks are used under license and reprinted with permission.

Follow Out of Town Travel Blog on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bloglovin, and Pinterest if you want more travel and tech updates.

Read: Smart 5G Is Nearly Twice The Speed Of Competitor, According To Ookla® Report

Original article: PLDT is Philippines’ fastest internet provider in 2021 – Ookla®

©2022 Out of Town Blog. All Rights Reserved.

PLDT is Philippines’ fastest internet provider in 2021 – Ookla®
Melo Villareal
Out of Town Blog

Strong Zero, Horoyoi Peach, and more Japanese faves now available in FamilyMart January 28, 2022 at 07:11PM

Out of Town Blog
Strong Zero, Horoyoi Peach, and more Japanese faves now available in FamilyMart

Team Out of Town Blog Hub (Outoftownblog.com) –  No need to wait until you can travel to Japan or scout for inconspicuous suppliers to enjoy Japanese convenience store favorites, thanks to FamilyMart. Iconic items such as Strong Zero, and Cheeza are now easily accessible across all FamilyMart stores in the Philippines.

Strong Zero, Horoyoi Peach, and more Japanese faves now available in FamilyMart

“We are so glad to add more Japanese treats to our stores, especially nowadays when travel is still limited. As a brand that originated in Japan, it’s only proper that we finally bring in these favorites so that we can delight more Filipinos amid these trying times,” shared FamilyMart General Manager Celina Matias.

The local franchise of the convenience store chain from Japan opened the new year by stocking its shelves with new products that Filipinos only used to enjoy when visiting the land of the rising sun. Some of the standout items include Strong Zero, a line of ‘chuhai’, which is a traditional Japanese liquor; the Suntory Horoyoi range, including the crowd-favorite peach flavor; and Cheeza, triangular cheese crackers with flavors like ‘Raw Cheese’ and ‘Camembert’. Meanwhile, a healthier option comes in Senbei, a savory, oven-baked rice cracker that’s ideal for snacking.

Aside from being available in stores for walk-in customers, these new offerings are also available via GrabMart, so even those working from home or simply staying in can enjoy these treats without even having to leave their house. According to Philippine FamilyMart, this is only the beginning as close to more items will be introduced starting next month.

Ms. Matias added, “We’re staying true to the brand’s Japanese heritage, and introducing to the local market close to a hundred new items in February, so watch out for that!”

Follow #TeamOutofTown, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bloglovin, and Pinterest for more travel updates.

Read: Free Limited-Edition, Acrylic Bottle With Your Next FamilyMart Purchase

Original article: Strong Zero, Horoyoi Peach, and more Japanese faves now available in FamilyMart

©2022 Out of Town Blog. All Rights Reserved.

Strong Zero, Horoyoi Peach, and more Japanese faves now available in FamilyMart
Melo Villareal
Out of Town Blog

Unleash Your Inner Water Tiger: Financial Tips from 2022’s Chinese Zodiac Sign January 28, 2022 at 12:26AM

Out of Town Blog
Unleash Your Inner Water Tiger: Financial Tips from 2022’s Chinese Zodiac Sign

Team Out of Town Blog Hub (Outoftownblog.com) – In a few days, we’ll be celebrating Lunar New Year and ushering in the Year of the Water Tiger. Depending on the representative Chinese zodiac and element, it is said to impact one’s luck and chances to become successful. Take charge of your own destiny and learn the traits of the Water Tiger in order to become more financially savvy and prosperous in 2022.

Here are some financial tips to keep in mind this Lunar Year:

Financial Tips from 2022’s Chinese Zodiac Sign

Don’t be afraid to be experimental and adventurous.

Water Tigers tend to be very open to new ideas. If you’re feeling stuck in an area of your life, this is the year to change things up. You can start small, such as listening to music genres that aren’t on your typical playlist, enrolling in a new hobby class, or taking on a new project at work. Soon you’ll find that you’re more courageous as you make bigger life decisions.

When it comes to finances, being receptive to non-traditional ways can help you become more prosperous and independent. E-wallets are a game changer in the financial world. This year, introduce yourself to ShopeePay, Shopee’s all-in-one e-wallet that enables you to buy load, pay bills, send money, and scan to pay at thousands of merchants nationwide. It only takes a few steps to enroll. Activate your ShopeePay account here.

Adaptability is key.

Water Tigers can quickly shift to improve their circumstances, making them ideal role models during a time of unprecedented changes. For businesses to continue thriving, entrepreneurs need to be more creative and strategic when it comes to running their operations. If you own a physical store, join ShopeePay’s growing list of Offline Partner Merchant’s for safe and convenient cashless transactions. ShopeePay’s Scan-To-Pay feature enables secure and real-time payments for your goods and services in-store via QR code. Enjoy the many benefits of ShopeePay by signing up to be a ShopeePay Partner Merchant. For those running an online business, chances are fund transfers are your primary means to get payments. Encourage your customers to transact using ShopeePay as it offers free and real time money transfers to any Shopee user or bank account.

Resourcefulness can help you go a long way.

Being resourceful like a Water Tiger means you’re able to find solutions to deal with problems or search for more efficient ways to perform a task. It’s actually one of the best traits to imbibe when it comes to money matters. Any good financial decision maker would weigh options and search ways to spend wisely and save more. Start by exploring your e-wallet’s features and keeping tabs on scheduled promos and ongoing deals.

Making sound financial decisions also means setting a budget and tracking expenses. With ShopeePay, you get access to exclusive promos and deals to help you stick to your budget. If you need to transfer money; whether it be to your family and friends, or to your own bank account, you can do so without the added transaction fees through ShopeePay’s free transfers feature. From January 26 to February 3, send personalized Angpaos and stand a chance to win up to P220,000 when you send at least P1 to any Shopee user with ShopeePay. You can even get the chance to win an additional P88 via ShopeePay when you cash in for free with your linked BPI Online Account. Finally, schedule your shopping and bills payments on January 30 in time for ShopeePay Day – where you can get up to 50% cashback on bills, discounts on load, and discounts on groceries and essentials with ShopeePay P1 Deals.

Those of the Tiger zodiacs portray courage and leadership. They’re determined to do anything to achieve their goal. 2022 is all about taking those traits and channeling them into opportunities to be more successful. After all, Water Tigers are action-based people who value hard work and don’t hesitate to make things happen.

Follow Out of Town Travel Blog on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bloglovin, and Pinterest if you want more travel and tech updates.

Read: Top 10 Items To Help You Fulfill Your 2022 New Year’s Resolutions

Original article: Unleash Your Inner Water Tiger: Financial Tips from 2022’s Chinese Zodiac Sign

©2022 Out of Town Blog. All Rights Reserved.

Unleash Your Inner Water Tiger: Financial Tips from 2022’s Chinese Zodiac Sign
Melo Villareal
Out of Town Blog