Smartphones, More Fun in the Philippines Essay Example

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David Lim, President of Soild Group Inc., has expressed his appreciation for the applications available for general amusement. He comments on the uniqueness of a new phone they have developed. According to Lim, "This phone is unique as we have incorporated a widget with distinct Pinoy features." He added, "Our goal was to produce a mobile device embraced by Pinoys due to its distinctive characteristics." Further, Lim emphasized that the new folder-style smartphone contains various Pinoy-centric features. In addition to this, smartphones significantly enhance the lifestyle of Filipinos with their accessibility and affordability, as stated by The President and CEO of Torque.

Topstrasse Global Inc., known for creating and distributing Torque, aims to make affordable smartphones accessible to every person in the Philippines, as expressed by Christopher Uyco. The country, globally acclaimed as the Texting Capital, seeks to stay abreast of contemporary trends. Currently, it is recognized as Southeast Asia's most rapidly growing smartphone market based on research. A study carried out by Singapore-based firm GfK revealed a substantial increase in the Philippines' share of the smartphone market from 9 percent to 24 percent compared to other Southeast Asian nations.

The Philippines, with a significant number of mobile users from the lower-income bracket, presents an ideal market for launching affordable Android smartphones. Several models priced below P5,000 are offered by reputable brands including Samsung, Torque, Cherry Mobile and MyPhone. Essentially designed for touchscreen devices such as smartphones and tablets, Android is an operating system jointly developed by Google and the Open Handset Alliance.

Founded initially and subsequently acquired by Google in 2005, Android Inc. launched the

Android platform in 2007. This launch was synchronous with the creation of the Open Handset Alliance, a consortium of 86 firms focused on hardware, software, and telecommunications. These firms are all dedicated to advancing open standards for mobile technology. In addition, Torque was established as a local Filipino brand in 2009 that provides an extensive array of products. By exploring the Android handset market, Torque is working hard to establish its standing within the mobile industry.

Due to relentless efforts, Torque mobiles have achieved the capability to rival established brands including Iphones, Samsung, and Nokia. Inexpensive Torque mobile phones have begun to saturate the mobile market, aiming to transform the domestic mobile landscape. The company's latest additions to their smartphone range are the DROIDZ GLEE, DROIDZ MATCH, and TQ800 Trinity. The DROIDZ GLEE is a dual-SIM and dual-standby Android phone that can hold numerous games as it allows access to the Android Market. Similar to other rapidly advancing phones, storage for DROIDZ GLEE is provided through a MicroSD with a capacity of 32GB.

The DROIDZ MATCH, a Quadband device, provides global connectivity via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. It is deemed superior to the other two newly released Android models by Torque. This smartphone comes with a price tag of Php7,899 and features a 3.5 inch HVGA capacitive touchscreen along with a 5MP Camera that is equipped with flash and Wi-Fi tethering capabilities. The Droidz Match not only offers dual-SIM and dual-standby functionalities but also allows up to 32GB storage through the use of MicroSD card. Operating on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), it includes an inbuilt G-sensor.

The TQ800 Trinity by Torque is a gadget

supporting three SIM CARDS simultaneously, making it ideal for business professionals and journeyers. Priced at Php6,000.00, it boasts a substantial 4-inch QVGA LCD display, a qwerty keyboard, a 2MP camera, and a VGA front-facing camera, along with a trackball for easy navigation. Alternatively, a local brand named Cherry Mobile was established in 2009 under the leadership of CEO Maynard Ngu. They aim to create "Everything For Everyone" with their diverse range of phones meant to satisfy various age groups and lifestyles.

The Head of Sales at Cherry Mobile, LonsonAlejandrino, is hopeful that their affordable smartphones will receive as much market acceptance as notable brands. He emphasized that smartphones are the upcoming trend and indicated that even prominent brands are experimenting with the Android platform. In addition to this, he underscored that their models represent the most budget-friendly options in the country when compared to other manufacturers. The company has recently introduced two new Android phones - Cherry Mobile Magnum 2x and Cherry Mobile W900 into the market. Priced at P15,899, the Cherry Mobile Magnum 2X operates on Android 2 Froyo and is powered by a NvidiaTegra Cortex A9 Dual Core 1GHz processor. It sports a matte finish design with a slightly curved metal plate which doesn't retain fingerprints. The phone features a Capacitive Touch Panel of 3.8" WVGA on its front surface along with volume buttons on its left side, a microUSB port at its top edge and also includes a built-in 3.5mm Stereo Audio Jack for audio input/output purposes . On its right side lies the power/sleep button while it comes equipped with additional features like VGA front camera and rear camera supporting

up to 5-megapixels besides GPS, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi facilities.

The 'Dragon Phone', otherwise identified as the Cherry Mobile W900, offers a substantial amount of storage with its 8GB ROM and 512MB RAM. It also features a Micro SD slot that can support up to 32GB additional storage. The initial price during its release was P 9,990 but has since been reduced to P 5,999 due to Cherry Mobile's third-anniversary sale discount. Standard accessories such as a USB cable, charger, and headset accompany this smartphone. The device earned its name 'Dragon Phone' due to the integration of the Snapdragon S2 processor which enhances its speed and performance.

The design of the phone incorporates dual hues, black and gold accents at both the upper and lower parts, with the term “Curvaceous” inscribed on its top section. The primary material used for its construction is plastic which lends it a lightweight and sleek feel. On the face of the device, there's a 4.0" Capacitive LCD screen paired with three touch-sensitive buttons: Menu, Home and Back placed at its base. The screen features an 800x400 resolution and also offers multi-wallpaper functionality. The gallery interface has been designed to include zooming in and zooming out animations. Atop the front screen lies a VGA camera facing towards the user along with an LED indicator light.

Located on the right side of the gadget are a power button, which also functions as a sleep/wake control, and directly beneath it is an Eco-mode switch designed for energy conservation and battery life extension. This side also houses a micro USB port meant for charging or computer connection. The left-hand aspect features

volume adjustment buttons and a 3.5mm audio outlet. Enhanced with Dolby Digital Plus technology, this device boasts an improved sound system. At its rear end, there's a 5-megapixel camera without built-in flash capability. Upon opening the device, one would see its 1350 mAh battery accompanied by specific compartments for SIM card and SD card.

MyPhone, which is part of Solid Group Inc and a local business, is working diligently to become the top Filipino brand for digital mobile devices that garners respect and favor across the nation. Their dedication lies in providing their clients with innovative communication technology solutions while simultaneously fostering "PINOY PRIDE" through creating custom products tailored specifically for Philippine consumers. Among their product lineup is the Myphone QW28 Duo, a QWERTY model priced at P4,999. This specific model boasts a 2.4" display combined with an attractively crafted QWERTY keypad.

The feature of dual SIM card in a device presents a significant benefit, especially if you need to utilize multiple phone numbers simultaneously without the necessity for another mobile gadget. The gadget includes integrated keys on its keypad for convenient access to each sim card. MyPhone QW28 Duo offers support for GPRS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. It comes with pre-loaded apps such as Yahoo Messenger, Google Talk, Skype among other instant messaging applications. This phone includes an integrated multimedia player which can play standard multimedia files like MP4, MP3 etc., compatible with 3.5mm-jack headphones. Additionally, the device provides mobile TV features.

Sporting an impressive 3.2-megapixel back camera with digital zoom capabilities, the gadget sets itself apart. It also boasts a microSD slot that can be expanded, accommodating up to 8GB of

storage and providing plenty of room for diverse multimedia content. Mobile devices such as Torque, Myphone, and Cherry mobile from the Philippines come with numerous advantages like cost-effectiveness, aesthetic attractiveness, and ease in repairs. Despite their price range being between Php. 5,000.00 and Php10,000 these smartphones offer features and specs that compete with those of Western brands such as Samsung Galaxy Y, Blackberry, Sony Ericsson or Nokia.

Some domestically-produced smartphones exhibit enhanced features in comparison to certain globally acknowledged brands. Consider, for example, the Cherry Mobile W900 that demonstrates more sophisticated features than the Samsung Galaxy Y, even though they share a similar price and both operate on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread smartphone). The only aspects where the Galaxy Y surpasses the W900 are its marginally advanced operating system version (Android 2.3.6) and its implementation of the Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. This implies that local smartphone producers can provide exceptional value at a lower cost.

Topstrasse Global Inc.'s President and CEO, Chris Uyco stated, "Our initial aim was to design mobile devices that not only serve their purpose but also offer an appealing price point". He additionally pointed out the appeal of Philippine-made smartphones mainly due to features like Dual SIM and sometimes Tri-SIM capabilities, which are not commonly found in other smartphones. This feature lets users operate numbers from three different telecom providers simultaneously, which keeps them connected regardless of their location. This added functionality has proven beneficial for all consumers.

The Torque TQ800 is a Tri-SIM smartphone that is an excellent match for entrepreneurs and globetrotters. This versatile gadget allows users to maintain three separate telephone numbers from varying service providers, including

landline-SIM carriers, ensuring they can always stay connected while on the go, as stated by Chris Uyco. Being a faith-oriented nation, the developers of MyPhone included the innovative 'madasalin' application. This application aids users by providing prayer reminders such as the 3 o'clock prayer and The Angelus among others, as well as sharing biblical quotes.

Devices from MyPhone may find favor with Catholic followers due to their faith-supporting features. The upkeep of these Smartphones is typically easy, thanks to the readily available local parts in the Philippines, unlike foreign-made phones. However, despite their many admirable attributes and apps, smartphones made in the Philippines do have some disadvantages. One prevalent false belief is that they are produced in China, which isn't true.

Phones made in China frequently face multiple disadvantages, such as substandard finishing due to the utilization of low-cost plastic for their framework. These devices are susceptible to harm if fallen. Compatibility issues also arise because of the flawed software found in these Chinese mobiles, making it challenging for users to locate appropriate apps. Yet, Mr. Christopher Uyco, Torque's President and CEO points out that "Torque is a brand from the Philippines but manufactured in China, reflecting Filipino innovation.