Philippines
vivo 3×3 Basketball Challenge 2024 to commence on July 21
3 stops, 1 grand final
The vivo 3×3 Basketball Challenge is back. Now in its second year, the annual hoops competition will tip off on Sunday, July 21, 2024.
The series has expanded to a total of 16 teams per stop, eight each from the men’s and women’s divisions. Each team may have a maximum of four members aged 19 and above.
The stops are as follows:
- July 21: SM Fairview, Quezon City
- July 28: SM Dasmariñas, Cavite
- August 11: Ayala Malls Feliz, Pasig City
For both categories, the format per tournament stop is two groups of four playing a single round-robin elimination. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stages.
The top four finishers of each tournament stop will also advance automatically to the Grand Finals, which is scheduled to take place from August 16 to 17 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City.
The final list of participating vivo 3×3 Basketball Challenge 2024 teams shall be announced on July 18. For event visitors, each stop will feature amazing prices and freebies from vivo. The brand’s latest smartphones shall also be on display for fans to try throughout the 3×3 series.
Throughout recent years, vivo hasn’t shied away from sports-related partnerships. In the Philippines specifically, the brand is the NBA’s official smartphone partner. Globally, vivo has also partnered with UEFA which allowed them to showcase the X100 series at the Euro 2024.
Philippines
Smart launches AI.Smart, an affordable AI workspace
Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has launched AI.Smart, an affordable, one-stop artificial intelligence (AI) workspace that gives more Filipinos access to advanced AI tools.
Powered by Avtica, AI.Smart gives Smart and TNT subscribers access to multiple AI models through a single browser-based platform. These include AWS Nova, ChatGPT, Claude, Google Gemini, and Thinking Machines.
AI.Smart automatically selects the appropriate AI model based on a user’s prompt. Subscribers can generate content and images, create documents and presentations, and analyze data in English, Filipino, or Taglish.
Smart says each subscriber’s workspace keeps uploaded files private. The platform does not use these files to train AI models or retain subscriber data. It also encrypts data and handles it in accordance with the Philippine Data Privacy Act.
Bringing AI to more Filipinos
“AI should be for everyone, not just for those who can afford premium AI services,” said Lloyd R. Manaloto, Smart’s First Vice President and OIC.
“With AI.Smart, we are making AI more inclusive by bringing powerful AI models and tools together in one affordable platform, giving more Filipinos the opportunity to use AI to learn, create, work smarter, and achieve more,” Manaloto added.
Smart and TNT subscribers can sign up for AI.Smart using their mobile numbers and verify their accounts via SMS.
The platform offers several credit packs to suit different needs. Access starts at PHP 49 for seven days. Subscribers who need more credits can opt for the PHP 499 plan, which remains valid for 30 days and allows up to 10 users to share a pool of credits.
Subscribers can purchase additional credits through AI.Smart. Payment options include prepaid load, postpaid billing, credit and debit cards, and select e-wallets.
Free AI.Smart access
As a launch offer, Smart and TNT subscribers who sign up for AI.Smart can get a chance to enjoy seven days of free access.
Smart and TNT subscribers can also use AI.Smart with Smart 5G for mobile activities such as video streaming, gaming, and real-time social media sharing.
Smart recently received recognition from global connectivity intelligence leader Ookla for delivering the Best Mobile Video Experience in the Philippines for the first half of 2026. The company earned a Video Score of 72.82, the highest among mobile operators in the country.
For more information about AI.Smart, visit the official AI.Smart website.
News
Power Mac Center SM Aura is now an Apple Premium Partner store
With a new protection plan dubbed as “1Protect” for your precious new iPhones
Power Mac Center has upgraded its SM Aura branch into an Apple Premium Partner (APP) store. The “APP” designation is the highest tier for reseller stores worldwide.
Originally opened in 2014, the redesigned store now houses its retail space, training center, and a service center in one.
The new space also puts more emphasis on learning. Free group demos will be held every Friday to Sunday. These will cover topics such as iPad creativity, or camera features, personalization, and Continuity for the latest iPhone series.
To celebrate the opening, customers can also score discounts on select Apple devices and accessories until September 27, 2026.
Deals include up to:
- ₱PhP 36,000 off MacBook Pros
- PhP 19,500 off iPads
- PhP 3000 off Apple Watches; and
- PhP 11,000 off iPhone models
There are also service discounts until September 25. Plus, new iPhones purchases here are also covered with 1Protect coverage options.
ICYMI, it’s a partnership between PMC and Bolttech. It’s basically a new way to protect your precious new iPhones.
Your regular one-year warranty does not cover accidental drops and water damage. Purchasing this new coverage plan (good for one year) gives you an unlimited dose of that.
Parts are guaranteed original and is an official part of AppleCare Services.
This protection program also covers one-time unwarranted exchanges (or change of mind returns) from micro scratches to color options. It will even replace your iPhone (of the same model and configuration) if it was stolen once.
There’s also the 1 Infinite loyalty program. Members can earn points from purchases and redeem them for devices, accessories, services, and training.
The Power Mac Center SM Aura APP store is located on Level 2 and is open daily from 10AM to 10PM.
Apps
Smart launches LiveSmart App for exclusive deals
Exclusive deals, cashback, and bill payments in one app.
Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) and TNT have launched the LiveSmart App, a new platform that combines loading, bill payments, exclusive offers, and other everyday transactions in one app.
The app is available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. It is open to Smart, TNT, and subscribers of other mobile networks.
The LiveSmart App gives users access to exclusive deals and savings. These include cashback offers, discounted Smart and TNT data packages, and limited-time access to AI.Smart.
“Filipinos are becoming more deliberate about where they spend and how they can get more value from every peso,” said Lloyd R. Manaloto, FVP and OIC for Smart. “The LiveSmart App is designed to help make those everyday decisions a little smarter, by giving users convenient ways to load, pay bills, and access exclusive savings and offers in one place.”
Exclusive deals and perks
Smart and TNT are rolling out several offers on the LiveSmart App starting September 18.
Smart and TNT subscribers can get 5% cashback when they purchase load or pay their Smart Postpaid bill through the app.
The app also offers data packages at exclusive prices. Smart Prepaid subscribers can get Power All 109 for PHP 105, while TNT subscribers can get Saya All 109 for PHP 105.
Users who download the LiveSmart App may also receive limited-time free access to AI.Smart.
AI.Smart combines multiple AI models, including AWS Nova, ChatGPT, Claude, Google Gemini, and Thinking Machines, in one workspace. Users can use it to generate images, create presentations, draft documents and spreadsheets, and get help with schoolwork, content creation, and other projects.
To claim the free AI.Smart credits, users need to tap the AI.Smart banner in the LiveSmart App. They then need to create an AI.Smart account using their Smart or TNT number.
Smart says users can also expect more exclusive deals and perks from lifestyle partners as it expands the LiveSmart App.
Powered by Smart 5G
The LiveSmart App runs on Smart’s network. Smart 5G supports activities such as video streaming, gaming, and real-time social media sharing.
The company said Ookla recently recognized its network for the Best Mobile Video Experience in the Philippines for the first half of 2026. Smart recorded a Video Score of 72.82, which it said was the highest among mobile operators in the country.
The LiveSmart App is now available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Users can learn more about the app through Smart’s website.
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