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Smart delivers best mobile video experience in PH — Ookla

Smooth mobile streaming

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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.

Gaming

Kirby and the World Beyond is Kirby’s first open-world game

Kirby and the World Beyond launches in the spring of 2027.

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Apple isn’t the only company doing a “One More Thing” today. In today’s Nintendo Direct, Nintendo unveiled its next major project, Kirby and the World Beyond. To celebrate Kirby’s 35th anniversary next year, the lovable pink blob is getting an open-world game.

In the latest effort to make all of its franchises into open-world games, Nintendo is plopping Kirby into a much larger map. Now, if you’ve seen the trailer, you might have had a pesky thought: “Wow, for an open world game, this one seems… sparse.” After all, Kirby looks like he’s trapped in one small map with King Dedede as the sole boss.

Well, that’s because he is trapped. After an attack sends Kirby cannonballing into the clouds, his squishy exterior busts a literal hole in the sky itself.

Yes, Kirby is in The Truman Show. (Not really, but you get the idea.)

A mystical being appears and gives Kirby a magical sword, which he uses to completely dismantle the fake sky and discover the world beyond. The trailer conveniently cuts off as Kirby begins to explore this whole new world, but we’re beyond excited.

After the hero entered the 3D space in Forgotten Land, Kirby and the World Beyond takes the next step and gives the protagonist a much more massive playground to eat and fight. If Breath of the Wild, Mario Odyssey, and Donkey Kong Bananza are any indication, this should be a worthy addition to your Switch collection.

Kirby and the World Beyond drops on the Switch 2 sometime in the spring of 2027.

SEE ALSO: Metroid finally returns to its 2D roots in new Metroid Ravenous

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Gaming

Metroid finally returns to its 2D roots in new Metroid Ravenous

The new 2D side-scroller comes out next year.

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Metroid, the iconic franchise that lent its name to the Metroidvania genre, is finally coming back to its 2D roots. In the latest Nintendo Direct, Nintendo unveiled the series’ latest 2D outing, Metroid Ravenous.

Sapped from her energy, Samus finds herself trapped underground by a group of mysterious kasa-touting beings. She must struggle against treacherous enemies and puzzles in a quest to emerge once again on the surface and face her foes.

But she won’t be powerless. She will have energy-sapping abilities of her own. The trailer even has her pick several creatures and seemingly drain them of their energy. Since this is a classic Metroidvania, this might be how Samus gets abilities to get her across the map.

It’s a unique take on the formula that will surely provide its fair share of epic moments, if the trailer can be believed.

Beyond that, the trailer reveals little more. Thankfully, the wait won’t be long. Metroid Ravenous will be available on the Switch 2 starting January 28.

In the meantime, Metroid Dread is still available on the original Switch and the Switch 2. The Switch 2 version even maximizes the console’s mouse mode.

SEE ALSO: Here’s a list of big games coming to the Switch 2

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HONOR teases Magic9 Pro Max at Venice

ARRI cinematic imaging comes to HONOR

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HONOR has teased the Magic9 Pro Max at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, highlighting its growing partnership with cinema camera maker ARRI.

The Magic9 Pro Max made its first public debut at the festival. It comes in a distinctive moss green finish, with an ARRI-branded camera module inspired by the design language of one of the company’s iconic cinema cameras.

HONOR and ARRI are working to bring elements of professional filmmaking workflows to smartphones. The partnership adapts ARRI’s image science for mobile devices, giving creators greater flexibility during production while preserving creative control in post-production.

The collaboration brings ARRI LogC3, ARRI Wide Gamut 3, and ARRI Looks to HONOR’s mobile imaging platform. LogC3 preserves more highlight and shadow information for post-production, while Wide Gamut 3 provides a broader color space. ARRI Looks also offer controlled cinematic color styles.

HONOR also showcased its Robot Phone at Venice. Co-engineered with ARRI, the device features a mechanical gimbal and professional-grade cinematic imaging capabilities, demonstrating the companies’ push toward more accessible mobile filmmaking.

The partnership will extend to more HONOR devices in the future. The upcoming HONOR Magic9 Series is scheduled to launch first in China in late September, bringing ARRI imaging capabilities to a wider range of mobile users.

HONOR and ARRI say they will continue refining their integrated imaging technologies and workflows through technical validation and real-world filmmaking applications.

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