News

Smart delivers best mobile video experience in PH — Ookla

Smooth mobile streaming

Published

on

Smart Ookla

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.

News

POCO M8s 5G launches in the Philippines, starts at PhP 11,999

Affordable smartphone with essential features, AI

Published

on

POCO has announced the availability of another affordable smartphone in the Philippines in the POCO M8s 5G.

The handset is powered by a Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 mobile platform, and comes with up to 16GB of RAM (8GB base plus 8GB expansion).

It runs on Xiaomi HyperOS and supports intelligent features, including Google Gemini and Circle to Search.

The POCO M8s 5G comes with a 50MP main camera, along with creative AI tools like AI Erase and AI Sky.

In front is a 6.9-inch 1.5K display with Wet Touch Technology 2.0. The phone also houses a 7,000mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging and 18W reverse charging.

Other practical features include 200% volume boost, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and IP64 water and dust resistance.

Price, availability

In the Philippines, the POCO M8s 5G is available on Shopee exclusively from April 21 to 30.

During this early bird window, the phone is available for:

  • 6GB+128GB: PhP 11,999
  • 8GB+256GB: PhP 13,999

Afterwards, the phone will become available on Lazada and other platforms.

Continue Reading

Gaming

Ubisoft will showcase Assassin’s Creed Black Flag remake on April 23

The remake is real!

Published

on

Gaming’s worst kept secret is finally out. After months of rumors and speculations, Ubisoft will officially reveal its upcoming Assassin’s Creed Black Flag remake on April 23.

In March, the company first confirmed the game’s existence through the first concept art for the title. The upcoming remake will be officially called Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced, which definitely states that it’s going to be a remake, rather than just a remaster.

Today, Ubisoft has announced that the worldwide reveal will happen on April 23. The showcase should clear the air as to how the remake will handle the franchise’s most successful outing to date.

When it first came out, Black Flag rightfully claimed itself as the quintessential pirate life simulator in the modern era. Rather than a straightforward stealth and assassination game, the title featured Edward Kenway, a vagabond pirate turned reluctant assassin. It was a worthy next step coming from the Desmond Miles trilogy, which concluded with Assassin’s Creed III.

Now, the studio isn’t done with the title. Assassin’s Creed Black Flag will ideally see the pirate game built again from the ground up. However, it’s still a bit unclear how much of the game will actually be rebuilt. Thankfully, the wait isn’t long at all.

For now, the franchise is still thriving with its latest new outing, Assassin’s Creed Shadows. It is also gearing up for the next mainline entry, currently called Codename Hexe.

SEE ALSO: Ubisoft confirms Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag remake

Continue Reading

News

Tim Cook steps down, John Ternus named next Apple CEO

Leadership transition takes effect September 2026

Published

on

Tim Cook, John Ternus | Apple

Apple will shift its leadership structure later this year. John Ternus is its next chief executive officer (CEO). Meanwhile, Tim Cook steps into the role of executive chairman starting September 1, 2026.

Apple’s board unanimously approved the move as part of a long-term succession plan. Cook will continue to lead the company through the summer. He will work closely with Ternus to ensure a smooth transition before taking on his new responsibilities, including engaging with policymakers worldwide.

Cook closes a defining chapter

Cook joined Apple in 1998 and took over as CEO in 2011 after Steve Jobs stepped down. Over the past 15 years, he led Apple through a period of massive growth and expansion.

He grew Apple’s market value from around $350 billion to $4 trillion and pushed annual revenue to more than $416 billion in fiscal year 2025. Cook also expanded Apple’s presence to over 200 countries and territories. He helped grow its active installed base to more than 2.5 billion devices.

During his tenure, Cook introduced new product categories like Apple Watch and AirPods and expanded services such as iCloud, Apple Music, and Apple TV+. He also strengthened Apple’s focus on privacy, sustainability, and accessibility, embedding these values into the company’s products and operations.

Ternus steps up from hardware leadership

Ternus joined Apple in 2001 and built his career within the company’s hardware engineering teams. He now steps into the CEO role after serving as senior vice president of Hardware Engineering.

The incoming CEO led development efforts across key products including iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. He also drove Apple’s transition to its own silicon and pushed innovations in materials, durability, and repairability across multiple product lines.

Cook described Ternus as a “visionary” leader and expressed strong confidence in his ability to guide Apple into the future.

Leadership changes extend to the board

As part of the transition, Arthur Levinson will take on the role of lead independent director. Ternus will also join Apple’s board of directors effective September 1, 2026.

Ternus said he feels honored to take on the role and expressed optimism about Apple’s future, citing his experience working under both Jobs and Cook.

Apple now enters a new chapter, handing leadership to a product-focused executive while Cook continues to shape the company’s direction from the chairman role.

Continue Reading

Trending