Smart launches ’5G’ LTE-A network

After only a couple of years since setting up their 4G network, Smart Communications is now moving on to what it calls ’5G’ wireless technology.

According to Smart, their new LTE-A network is capable of reaching up to 1 gigabit per second, with 100 megabits per second as the guaranteed base speed. That’s ten times as fast as 3G speeds and twice as fast as regular 4G LTE. To give you an impression on how fast this really is, imagine downloading a 10MB file in less than a second, setting up video calls with no lag, or even watching YouTube sans the wait for videos to buffer.

Perhaps more importantly, the LTE-A network can handle more load as demanded by users, reducing the chances of any network congestion from happening.

SK Telecom of South Korea also made a similar upgrade to their network early this year. Their 3band LTE-Advance network offers up to 300 megabits per second.

In all fairness, there’s still an ongoing debate on what exactly makes a 5G network—LTE-A is still considered to be part of the 4G standard. Nevertheless, you can’t help but appreciate the Internet speed that Smart will eventually offer across the country. No more lagging behind other nations in terms of Internet speed.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S hands-on: iPad killer?

Samsung's new premium tablet is thinner and lighter than the iPad, with a better screen and a fingerprint scanner

MANILA, Philippines – Six months after it unveiled its Pro tablet lineat the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Samsung has one more new lineup of tablets to unveil this year – the Galaxy Tab S.

To denote that this is a flagship device Samsung borrows the S from its flagship line of smartphones (i.e. Galaxy S5) but in a move that's a bit confusing. One would think that the Tab Pro is the most premium of its tablets but this is not the case.

Samsung hopes to differentiate its product line more clearly with 3 levels starting with the entry level Galaxy Tab series (currently on its 4th iteration), its business/productivity line the Galaxy Tab Pro and then its high-end Galaxy Tab S line.

The Tab S is available in two sizes 8.4 inches and 10.5 inches featuring the same dimpled faux leather back as the Galaxy S5. It comes in two colors: titanium bronze and dazzling white. The 8.4-inch model will also come in glam red.

We got hands-on time with both the white and titanium models.

The white tab has an iridescent sheen to it, while the titanium tab has a more metallic look. Both devices have an accent color – the sides are actually rose gold. The understated brushed metal band is what the band on the Galaxy S5 should have looked like.

The Tab S tells us all is not lost for Samsung. In the looks department this device is the most refined “modern glam” device we seen from them yet.

Both devices are the thinnest and lightest tablets Samsung has ever made. They both measure 6.6mm thick and weigh 465g and 294g respectively. It’s a weight difference you can really feel. The 8.4-inch model is thinner and lighter than my Retina iPad mini.

One compromise is that you can no longer remove the back plate – meaning no user-replaceable battery. The SIM card slot and Micro SD slot on the LTE models have been moved to the right hand side of the device. The volume rocker and power buttons are also on the right on the 8.4 inch model and on top of the device on the 10.5 inch model.

Both devices come with IR blasters that allow them to be used as TV remotes.

You’ll notice two circles on the back of both devices used to attach new book covers (an optional accessory). The Book Covers are also designed to look and feel premium. When attached they can be fashioned 3 different ways, varying the angle of the display. Samsung is also offering a bluetooth keyboard/cover and another less bulky cover.

Of course the biggest feature of the Tab S is its new Super AMOLED display. Samsung’s current lineup of tablets have LCD TFT displays. AMOLED displays are more superior – side by side with the Tab Pro you’ll notice images have richer contrast, are more vibrant and have darker blacks. Most users will love the extra punch. This is more evident when compared side-by-side with last January’s Tab Pro models and even the Retina iPad mini.

Like the Galaxy S5 - both devices come with fingerprint scanners – Samsung beat Apple to the punch here (we’ve yet to see iPads with fingerprint scanners) but unlike Apple’s implementation (on the iPhone 5S) it requires a clunky swipe over the home button.

The LTE variants come with a messaging app for text messaging and can accept phone calls. I like how Samsung didn’t take away this functionality, after all you have a SIM card for data why not give users the option to call and text if needed.

Software-wise the Tab S runs on Android 4.4.2 KitKat with the same version of TouchWiz found on the S5. You’ll also get Samsung’s tablet-only Magazine UI – a Flipboard-style customizable set of tiles that you can flip through on the home screen.

Some of our favorite software features of the S5 have also been carried over including Ultra Power Saving Mode, Download Booster and Private Mode.

Ultra Power Saving Mode dramatically improves the battery life on your device. We turned it on at 95% and got an extra 11.8 days of extended battery life. Download Booster combines WiFi and LTE connectivity to improve the speeds of downloads while Private Mode allows you to hide photos, videos and music.

A new setting called Adaptive Display adjusts the display depending on your environment. While a new feature called Side Sync (previously only available on Ativ notebooks) lets you access and control your Galaxy Smartphone from the Tab S. Pretty nifty if you have work to do on the tab and don’t want to have to carry you phone with you. You’ll still be able to access all the apps on your phone, send messages and answer phone calls.

WATCH OUR HANDS-ON VIDEO:

– Rappler.com

PLDT rolls out 5,000 new LTE base stations

In its drive to provide broadband connectivity to the whole country, PLDT has recently deployed 5,000 new fourth-generation base stations. The latest expansion which is part of PLDT Group’s 32 billion capital expenditures for the year brings ultra-fast wireless connectivity to nearly all cities and municipalities in the country in the succeeding months.

Just this April, PLDT has introduced its fixed wireless version of LTE, PLDT HOME Bro Ultera. With speeds of up to 10Mbps and originally offered in Metro Manila, PLDT Home Bro Ultera now has nearly 2,000 LTE base stations and is now available in provinces including Cagayan in Northern Luzon and Davao del Sur in Mindanao.

The deployment of more LTE base stations will also benefit PLDT’s wireless subsidiary, SMART Communications which first introduced its mobile LTE service a couple of years ago. PLDT now has an extensive fiber optic network reaching 85,000 kilometers or five times more than its competition.

“This aggressive expansion of our Long Term Evolution (LTE) network is part of our thrust to provide broadband connectivity to the whole country,” said PLDT President & CEO Napoleon L. Nazareno.“It complements our efforts to provide connectivity to all Filipino homes through fixed lined services like our fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and the Next Generation Network (NGN) services.”

Starmobile Early Christmas Sale

From August 20 until September 30, 2014 you can get the following Starmobile smartphones, phablets and tablets at discounted price. Starmobile will also be giving freebies to selected models.

Starmobile MUSE - Php 8,990 with FREE INSTACASE
Starmobile QUEST – Php 5,490 with FREE UNLTRATHIN CASE AND SCREEN PROTECTOR
Starmobile DIAMOND D2 – Php 4,990 with FREE ECO BAG
Starmobile OCTA – Php 13,990 with FREE 3-in-1 Wireless Charger and Bluetooth Speaker
Starmobile DIAMOND X1 – Php 11,990 with FREE FLIP CASE
Starmobile DIAMOND D3 – Php 5,990 with FREE ECO BAG
Starmobile ENGAGE 9i – Php 8,990 with FREE ECO BAG
Starmobile ENGAGE 7 Lite – Php 3,290 with FREE FLIP CASE
Starmobile ENGAGE 7TV+ – Php 3,290 with FREE ECO BAG

Visit Starmobile‘s website for more.