Philippines

Smart launches AI.Smart, an affordable AI workspace

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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.

Philippines

Lazada kicks off 11.11 Biggest Sale of the Year ahead of holiday rush

With up to 90% off deals

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Lazada Philippines is kicking off its 11.11 Biggest Sale of the Year ahead of the holiday shopping rush. The sale runs from 8 PM on November 6 to November 13, 2026.

Shoppers can enjoy up to 90% off LazFlash Deals and additional Lazada vouchers worth up to PHP 3,000. The promotions cover gifts, household essentials, personal technology, fashion, and everyday lifestyle products.

Featured brands include SharkNinja, Jo Malone, CAROTE Global, Tempur, HONOR, Scrub Daddy, Karat World, and FitFlop.

Filipino shoppers become more discerning

The 2026 eCommerce Savvy Shopper Report by Cube, in partnership with Lazada, highlights changing Filipino shopping habits. The report found that 36% of Filipino online shoppers qualify as “Savvy Shoppers.”

This represents the highest proportion among six Southeast Asian markets surveyed. Another 22% of Filipino respondents fall under the “Near-Savvy” category.

The study measures shopping habits across four dimensions: Verification, Value Optimisation, Confidence & Protection, and Digital Fluency. These dimensions examine how consumers evaluate products and sellers, find better deals, and navigate digital shopping tools.

They also consider how shoppers assess safeguards throughout their online purchasing journey. The findings show that Filipinos now consider more than price when shopping online.

Product authenticity, seller credibility, buyer protection, and reliable information also influence their purchasing decisions.

Lazada aims to address these priorities through its shopping features and services. LazMall offers an authenticity guarantee, while AI chatbot LazzieChat helps shoppers make informed purchasing decisions.

Other in-app tools also help consumers navigate their online shopping experience with greater confidence.

Start holiday shopping early with Lazada

Lazada Philippines brings together trusted global brands and promotional offers to help shoppers prepare for the holidays.Consumers can explore gifts, home essentials, and everyday lifestyle products for the season and beyond.

Shoppers can access the 11.11 Biggest Sale of the Year through the Lazada Philippines app. The sale runs from 8 PM on November 6 to November 13, 2026.

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Philippines

Smart boosts 5G network in Siargao for World Surf League event

Smart expands 5G coverage across Siargao.

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Siargao | Smart

Smart Communications is strengthening its 5G network in Siargao ahead of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour, which is being held at Cloud 9 in General Luna until November 10.

The network enhancements aim to provide faster mobile connectivity for residents, tourists, athletes, media practitioners, and spectators attending the competition.

As the event’s official telecommunications partner, Smart has expanded its existing 5G coverage and capacity in key areas of the island. These include Cloud 9, Siargao Airport, Siargao Seaport, and other strategic locations.

The competition marks the first time the Philippines is hosting a stop on the prestigious WSL Championship Tour, bringing international surfing talent and visitors to the island.

“Siargao is an important tourism destination, and we are committed to supporting its continued growth through reliable connectivity,” said Lloyd R. Manaloto, Smart’s First Vice President and officer-in-charge.

He added that the partnership with WSL provides an opportunity to deliver better digital experiences to athletes, visitors, and local communities.

Beyond the competition, Smart says improved mobile connectivity can help residents and tourists with digital payments, accommodation and transportation bookings, real-time communication, and sharing their travel experiences online. It can also help local businesses facilitate transactions and engage customers.

Smart 5G offers for WSL visitors

Visitors attending the WSL Championship Tour can access select Smart Unli 5G offers, which include unlimited 5G data and non-stop 4G data starting at PHP 90 for three days.

Smart Postpaid subscribers can also take advantage of plans with Smart Device Link, allowing them to share their primary mobile number and plan with a smartwatch for calls, texts, and mobile data even when their iPhone is not nearby.

Smart subscribers who avail of select offers at designated booths and partner stores in Siargao may also receive freebies.

The network improvements are part of Smart’s continued investment in mobile connectivity across the Philippines. The company also highlighted its recognition from Ookla for Best Mobile Latency and Best Mobile Video Experience.

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Philippines

LG showcases its latest AI TVs in the Philippines

OLED, Micro RGB, and QNED take the spotlight.

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LG Electronics Philippines showcased its latest AI-powered OLED, Micro RGB, and QNED televisions at the LG OLED TV Media Launch on October 30, 2026, at the Ayala Museum in Makati City.

Held under the theme “A Canvas of Possibilities,” the event demonstrated how LG’s latest television technologies can enhance home entertainment, gaming, and digital art experiences.

The showcase featured three television lines: the LG OLED evo AI, LG Micro RGB evo AI, and LG QNED evo AI. Each demonstrated different approaches to picture quality, color reproduction, and everyday viewing.

LG highlights its latest TV technologies

The True Cinema showcase highlighted the picture quality of LG’s latest television lineup. The LG OLED evo AI delivered an immersive viewing experience, while the LG Micro RGB evo AI demonstrated its Triple Crown 100% Color Coverage for vibrant, lifelike visuals.

The LG QNED evo AI also showcased its contrast, color reproduction, and motion capabilities, offering another option for viewers seeking an enhanced entertainment experience.

These televisions build on LG’s broader 2026 AI TV lineup, which the company introduced at IFA 2026 in Berlin, Germany.

Among the technologies highlighted was the α11 AI Processor Gen3, which debuted in the LG OLED evo series and extends to ultra-large Micro RGB evo TVs. The processor enables features such as AI Dual 4K Upscaling for sharper images and AI Sound Pro for more immersive audio.

LG also highlighted personalization features, including Voice ID for tailored content recommendations and AI Concierge for content discovery. LG Shield provides an integrated security system designed to protect user information and privacy.

Gaming and digital art take center stage

Beyond traditional television viewing, LG demonstrated how its displays can serve as entertainment hubs for gaming and digital art.

The Ultimate Gaming zone gave guests a closer look at the smooth gameplay experience offered by LG OLED evo AI technology. The gaming-inspired lounge highlighted how display innovations can make interactive entertainment more immersive.

Meanwhile, the Digital Art showcase featured LG OLED evo AI, LG QNED evo AI, and LG Micro RGB evo AI televisions displaying digital artworks through LG Gallery+.

The exhibit demonstrated how televisions can double as digital canvases, allowing users to bring artwork into their living spaces when they are not watching movies or playing games.

Through the launch, LG presented its latest televisions as more than displays for traditional entertainment, highlighting their potential to complement different interests, lifestyles, and creative pursuits.

“Through this launch, we wanted guests to see these innovations for themselves and imagine how they could bring the same experiences into their own homes,” said Yongwoo Park, Media Solutions Product Director at LG Electronics Philippines.

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