News

Smart delivers best mobile video experience in PH — Ookla

Smooth mobile streaming

Published

March 11, 2026

GadgetMatch

Subscribers of Smart Communications and its value brand TNT enjoy the best mobile video experience in the Philippines, according to a new recognition from Ookla, the global network intelligence firm behind Speedtest.

Smart recently earned the Best Mobile Video Experience award based on analysis of Speedtest Intelligence data covering Q3 to Q4 2025.

The award measures users’ real-world quality of experience when streaming video over mobile networks. It evaluates three equally weighted factors: fast video start time, uninterrupted playback, and the ability to stream in full HD resolution.

Smart achieved a Video Score of 78.60, the highest among mobile operators nationwide.

Ookla’s methodology reflects the percentage of users who experience video start times of less than two seconds, minimal rebuffering interruptions, and 1080p or higher resolution in most playbacks.

For subscribers, this translates to smoother streaming of content on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and Netflix without long loading times or constant buffering.

Customers also benefit from faster video start times and clearer HD playback whether they are watching trending series during a commute, livestreaming events, sharing short-form videos, or tuning in to sports and concerts on their phones.

Filipinos among the world’s top video consumers

“We are proud to recognize Smart for winning Best Video Experience in the Philippines,” said Stephen Bye, President and CEO of Ookla. “This accolade is a testament to their industry-leading performance, as proven by Ookla’s methodology.”

Smart says the recognition reflects its ongoing investment in strengthening its mobile network.

“This latest recognition affirms our continued efforts in strengthening our network to support the growing digital needs of Filipinos, who are among the top video consumers in the world today,” said Debbie M. Hu, First Vice President and Head of Wireless Networks at Smart.

According to the Digital 2026 Report by Meltwater and We Are Social, Filipinos spend 20.48 hours per week watching online videos — the second highest in the world after Kenya.

“As video increasingly becomes the primary way people learn, work, and entertain themselves online, we remain focused on delivering a consistently superior streaming experience for our customers,” Hu added.

Back-to-back network recognitions

The latest award follows an earlier recognition from Ookla for Best Mobile Latency in the Philippines, highlighting the responsiveness of Smart’s network.

Low latency refers to the reduced delay between sending and receiving data. It plays a crucial role in delivering smooth experiences for real-time applications such as video streaming, online gaming, and video calls.

“Winning both the Best Mobile Video Experience and Best Mobile Latency awards reflects our goal of continuously elevating the digital experience of our customers,” said Lloyd R. Manaloto, First Vice President and co-OIC at Smart.

“As demand for high-quality video continues to grow, Smart will keep investing in network innovation to ensure Filipinos across the country continue to enjoy world-class mobile experiences wherever they are,” added Marjorie C. Garrovillo, also First Vice President and co-OIC at Smart.

The recognition also supports the broader mission of the PLDT Group to strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure and help build a more connected nation.

Related Topics:Ookla Smart Communications Smart Communications Inc TNT

News

vivo V70 FE pre-orders now open, starts at PhP 25,999

Offers, perks available throughout pre-order period

Published

April 13, 2026

GadgetMatch

vivo has officially opened pre-orders for the vivo V70 FE, the more affordable follow-up to the vivo V70 launched last February.

The pre-order period is until April 24 and the midrange smartphone is available in two memory configurations:

8GB+256GB: PhP 25,999
12GB+256GB: PhP 29,999

Customers who place pre-orders at vivo stores nationwide will receive:

limited-time vivo VIP Card with a 6-month extended warranty and 6-month broken screen insurance
limited edition vivo Buds Air3
PhP 1,000 discount

Customers can also bring home the vivo V70 FE for as low as PhP 37/day with 0% interest installment plans up to 18 months via Home Credit.

In addition, Globe has been tapped as the official network partner for a free prepaid SIM with 1-year unli 5G.

The vivo V70 FE has a POP MART Zsiga Exclusive Photo Border, thanks to its partnership with the IP. You may recall that the vivo V70 also released an exclusive Golden Hour colorway earlier.

The device is built for creators with a 200MP main camera, which can deliver portraits at different focal lengths, including an 85mm zoom.

In front is a 32MP camera and a 6.81-inch 120Hz 1.5K AMOLED display.

The phone is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7360-Turbo processor. It houses a 7,000mAh battery with support for 90W fast charging.

Customers can choose from three colorways: Muse Purple, Ocean Blue, and Urban Silver.

News

These space photos were taken with an iPhone 17 Pro Max

All three photos were taken with the selfie cam.

Published

April 13, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Image source: NASA

The iPhone 17 Pro Max has always been touted as the quintessential phone for creators. But what happens if that creator finds themselves on the far side of the Moon?

Last week, NASA concluded the Artemis II, the first manned mission around the far side of the Moon in this century. Naturally, the mission produced breathtaking views of both the Moon and the Earth. Though most of those photos were taken with dedicated cameras, a few of them were taken with an iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Before the mission launched into orbit, NASA confirmed that the premium iPhone model had been approved to be included in the spaceflight. Each of the four crew members were given the phones for their own photography.

Image source: NASA

All three of the photos posted here were reportedly taken with the phone’s selfie camera. That says a lot about the iPhone’s camera quality if they weren’t even taken with the powerful rear cameras.

When the mission ended last week, Apple CEO Tim Cook and marketing SVP Greg Joswiak congratulated the crew for finishing the mission and taking spectacular photos with the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Image source: NASA

Artemis II marks a special milestone for spaceflight. It’s the first time in almost 25 years that humans have gone to the Moon. NASA, as well as other agencies all over the world, are planning more manned spaceflights in the coming future.

Laptops

MacBook Neo pre-orders now open through Beyond the Box

Exclusive freebies, more perks available

Published

April 12, 2026

GadgetMatch

Customers in the Philippines can now pre-order the MacBook Neo through Beyond the Box.

Those who avail of the device during the pre-order period can get up to PhP 10,000 worth in freebies. This is a curated bundle of essential accessories.

The MacBook Neo will also appear at these two cafes, inviting those who plan on upgrading to experience Apple’s new offering first-hand:

April 16: Scout’s Honor, Uptown Mall
April 17: The Matcha Tokyo, Opus Mall

Attendees who pre-order on the spot will also enjoy complimentary beverage, live DJ performances, and the opportunity to engage with social media personalities.

And to ensure the MacBook Neo is more accessible, Beyond the Box is offering 0% interest installment plans. This is both through major credit cards, Home Credit, and GCash’s GGives.

Reservations can be made through all Beyond the Box, Digital Walker, and open_sources branches nationwide.

Alternatively, the MacBook Neo is available through beyondthebox.ph, Lazada, and Shopee. It is priced at PhP 33,990 (education) and PhP 39,990 (retail).

Apple MacBook Neo

The Apple MacBook Neo is the company’s latest laptop, which is also its most affordable. It retails at just about US$ 499 to US$ 599 in the United States and SG$ 729 to SG$ 849 in Singapore.

It runs on an A18 Pro chip for 50% faster everyday performance compared to Intel Core Ultra 5-level PCs. This chip also has a 16-core Neural Engine for Apple Intelligence and 5-core GPU for graphics workloads.

The portable and lightweight laptop has a 13-inch 2408 x 1506 display, two USB-C ports, a headphone jack, and Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 6 connectivity.

The MacBook Neo ships with MacOS Tahoe, complete with apps like Safari, Photos, Messages, and FaceTime. Users are promised up to 16 hours of usage on a single charge.