Wednesday, April 8, 2026

HUAWEI Brings Elite Precision to Filipino Runners with the Launch of the WATCH GT Runner 2

HUAWEI is set to raise the bar for running technology in the Philippines with the upcoming launch of the HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2, a next-generation smartwatch designed specifically for serious runners and performance-focused athletes. Marketed as the lightest titanium smartwatch for runners, the device combines advanced tracking precision, intelligent coaching tools, and long-lasting durability in a sleek, ultra-light form factor.

Co-created with marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge, the WATCH GT Runner 2 reflects the needs of elite athletes who demand both accuracy and comfort. The smartwatch is engineered to feel nearly weightless on the wrist while delivering professional-grade performance insights that help runners train smarter and push beyond their limits.

At the heart of its design is aerospace-grade titanium construction paired with second-generation Kunlun Glass, offering durability without compromising comfort. With an ultra-slim 10.7mm profile and a weight of just 43.5 grams, the watch is built for long-distance performance while maintaining a premium feel suitable for everyday wear.

One of the standout innovations of the WATCH GT Runner 2 is its industry-first 3D Floating Antenna technology combined with the XDR Positioning Algorithm. This advanced positioning system ensures highly accurate GPS tracking even in challenging environments such as dense urban areas, tunnels, and high-rise districts where traditional smartwatch tracking often struggles.

Beyond navigation accuracy, the smartwatch introduces professional-level training support features. These include full-phase marathon coaching, Real-Time Lactate Threshold Detection, and Running Posture Analysis. Together, these tools allow runners to monitor fatigue levels, optimize training intensity, and improve efficiency while reducing the risk of injury.

Health monitoring remains a central feature of the device as well. Powered by HUAWEI TruSense technology, the watch delivers up to 98 percent heart rate accuracy comparable to chest strap monitors. Additional features include ECG tracking, heart rate variability analysis, and advanced sleep monitoring, giving users a comprehensive view of their recovery and overall wellness.

Battery performance is another major strength of the WATCH GT Runner 2. Users can expect up to 14 days of battery life under typical usage and up to 32 hours of continuous GPS tracking, making it ideal for marathon training and endurance athletes. The watch also supports both iOS and Android devices for flexible compatibility.

Pre-orders for the HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2 run from April 17 to April 23, with early buyers eligible for an exclusive bundle worth PHP 13,384. A special early-bird discount of PHP 3,000 is already available starting April 8.

Eastern Communications Assures Stable Services Amid Middle East Tensions

As tensions in the Middle East continue to make headlines, concerns about potential disruptions to global connectivity have grown. Eastern Communications, a leading telecommunications provider in the Philippines, reassures its customers and partners that its services remain fully operational with no anticipated interruptions.

The company has proactively activated its Business Continuity Management Plan (BCMP), a comprehensive framework designed to maintain seamless operations under any circumstance. Critical technical and field personnel remain fully deployed, supported by a hybrid work arrangement that ensures employee safety without compromising service delivery.

“Connectivity is essential for businesses and communities, and our priority is to keep it uninterrupted,” said Atty. Aileen Regio, Co-Coordinator of Eastern Communications. “Our preparedness measures, combined with a resilient network design, allow us to continue providing reliable service even amid global uncertainties.”

Eastern Communications’ network architecture is built for adaptability. With geographically diverse submarine cable routes and independent core nodes, traffic is automatically rerouted in the event of any localized or regional disruption. This layered redundancy ensures that enterprises, institutions, and households continue to use stable, high-quality connectivity at all times.

The company’s commitment to continuity extends to power management. In line with the National Energy Emergency Plan, Eastern Communications optimizes energy use across its facilities. Its sites are also equipped with uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems and backup generators. In contrast, a guaranteed fuel supply ensures that operations can continue without interruption, even during commercial power fluctuations.

Jaeson Evangelista, Co-Coordinator of Eastern Communications, emphasized the company’s proactive approach: “We continuously monitor our network and coordinate with international partners to identify potential risks early. This vigilance, combined with our technical safeguards, ensures that our customers can rely on us for continuously reliable service.”

Through these measures, Eastern Communications safeguards its operations while also reinforcing its role as a dependable partner for businesses and communities across the Philippines. By combining robust infrastructure, strategic planning, and vigilant monitoring, the company demonstrates that it can maintain seamless connectivity even amid an unpredictable global environment.

For inquiries or to learn more about Eastern Communications’ services, please contact 5300-7000 or visit www.eastern.com.ph.

Vivo V70 FE Launches with Massive 7000mAh Battery Built for All-Day Filipino Lifestyles

 Smartphones today are expected to keep up with busy routines, long commutes, and nonstop connectivity—and the upcoming Vivo V70 FE is designed to meet exactly that demand. Set to launch in the Philippines on April 12, the device introduces a powerful 7000mAh BlueVolt Battery, the largest battery capacity ever featured in the V series, paired with ultra-fast 90W FlashCharge technology.

For many Filipino users who rely heavily on their smartphones throughout the day, battery reliability is more than just a convenience—it’s essential. From navigating morning traffic to staying active in group chats, watching videos, and mobile gaming after work hours, the Vivo V70 FE is engineered to support continuous use without frequent charging interruptions.

On a full charge, the phone can deliver up to 43.8 hours of YouTube playback. For typical mixed daily usage—including navigation apps, social media browsing, messaging, streaming, and gaming—the device can last up to 16 hours while still maintaining a remaining battery reserve. This makes the V70 FE especially practical for users who spend long hours outside the home or office.

To further extend usability during critical moments, Super Battery Saver mode ensures that even at just 5% battery, users can still make calls and maintain standby connectivity. This added reliability becomes especially useful during travel delays or unexpected long days away from charging outlets.

Charging performance is equally impressive. With 90W FlashCharge support, the Vivo V70 FE can reach a full charge in approximately one hour. Quick charging sessions during short breaks are enough to provide several additional hours of usage, reducing downtime significantly.

The device also features Multi-Scenario Bypass Charging technology, which directs power straight to the phone’s system while plugged in. This helps manage heat more efficiently and protects long-term battery health—ideal for users who frequently multitask while charging.

Despite housing a massive battery, the Vivo V70 FE maintains a slim and lightweight build at only 7.59 mm thick and weighing 200 grams. Advanced internal engineering allows for increased battery capacity without sacrificing portability or comfort during everyday handling.

Designed for long-term reliability, the battery is optimized to maintain performance for up to five years. The Vivo V70 FE officially launches on April 12 at 5:00 PM via Facebook livestream, offering users a closer look at a smartphone built to stay powered through even the busiest days.

Globe Promotes Safer Digital Spaces for Youth in North Luzon Amid Growing Online Threats

As young Filipinos spend more time online for school, communication, and daily activities, the need for stronger digital safety awareness continues to grow. In 2024, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center logged 10,004 cybercrime complaints, more than triple the previous year, while reported financial losses from online scams reached nearly ₱198 million, underscoring the growing scale of digital threats affecting Filipino internet users.

Supporting the nationwide observance of Safer Internet Month, Globe strengthened its digital citizenship advocacy by bringing its Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP) to schools across North Luzon. The initiative aligns with the campaign led by the Department of Justice through the National Coordination Center Against OSAEC and CSAEM under the theme “Ako, Ikaw, Tayo: Konektado at Protektado Laban sa OSAEC at CSAEM.”

Globe’s Digital Thumbprint Program gives students practical tools to manage their digital footprints, safeguard personal information, and make responsible choices online. The program also raises awareness of serious risks, including child sexual exploitation and abuse (OSAEC) and child sexual abuse material (CSAEM), helping students recognize risky behaviors like grooming or catfishing. It further addresses pressing online threats such as scams and misleading content that often target young users.

Nearly 1,000 students participated in the sessions held at Wesleyan University of the Philippines, Echague National High School, Cagayan State University, and Cagayan National High School. Through guided discussions and interactive learning activities facilitated by Globe employee-trained ambassadors, participants explored ways to identify online risks and contribute to safer digital environments in their communities.

The urgency of digital education is reinforced by broader fraud data. In 2024, 74 percent of Filipinos experienced fraud attempts through email, online platforms, phone calls, or text messages, while the country posted a 13.4 percent suspected digital fraud rate, well above the global average.

“At Globe, we believe that sustainability includes creating a safe and secure digital environment for every Filipino. Through our support for Safer Internet Month and our Digital Thumbprint Program, we continue to empower students with the knowledge and values they need to navigate the online world responsibly. As digital risks grow, from exploitation to scams, safeguarding the digital space is a shared responsibility. Together, we can create a more protected and inclusive online community,” said Yoly Crisanto.

Globe continues to collaborate with schools, communities, and government institutions to ensure that digital access is paired with awareness, responsibility, and protection, helping Filipino youth thrive safely online.

For more information about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Smart, Ericsson, Meta Joint Network Optimizations Deliver Major Improvements in Messenger Call Quality Across the Philippines

Millions of Messenger users in the Philippines are now enjoying clearer, more reliable voice and video calls, following a joint network enhancement effort collaboration between Smart Communications, Ericsson, and Meta’s team in the Philippines. By optimizing network performance at scale, the partners reduced call disruptions and delays—making everyday Messenger conversations across the Philippines smoother and more dependable.

This collaboration has led to clear improvements in call quality over Messenger, resulting in a much better voice and video calling experience for millions of Filipinos nationwide. Additionally, these benefits were felt across several calling apps, not just Messenger.

The enhanced network performance was enabled by Ericsson and Smart fine-tuning key technical parameters in Smart's live network in the Luzon area of the Philippines.

The collaboration delivered major performance improvements. Messenger calls now have less delay at 24.6% lower RTT or round-trip time, fewer interruptions at 55% lower packet loss, and clearer video at nearly 20% higher video bitrate, with users across the Philippines experiencing more stable and reliable real-time conversations.

“This initiative with Ericsson and Meta aligns with our commitment to delivering exceptional service quality to all our customers. These improvements mean their video calls over Messenger are sharper, and they can enjoy continuous calls with their loved ones. We are grateful for this opportunity to turn innovation into everyday excellence, to the benefit of our customers,” according to Debbie M. Hu, head of network at Smart Communications.

“We’re proud to work in close partnership with Smart and Meta to optimize network performance and deliver clearer, more reliable service across the Philippines. This initiative demonstrates how focused global technical expertise, decades of trusted telco leadership, and platform-level coordination can come together to produce tangible, customer-facing improvements — clearer audio, fewer interruptions, and a more dependable calling experience that Filipinos can rely on every day,” says Daniel Ode, Head of Singapore, Philippines, and Brunei, Ericsson.

The resulting improved Messenger experience underscores how strong collaboration between a network operator, technology partner, and digital platform can deliver real, everyday improvements for users on live networks. It is also aligned with Smart and its parent company, PLDT’s drive to raise the standard of connectivity for millions of Filipinos across the country and beyond.