The Department of Tourism and the Intramuros Administration tap PayMaya to provide cashless payment options

Planning to visit Intramuros? You can now pay the necessary fees via PayMaya. 

Visitors to the recently re-opened historic sites and museums in the walled city of Intramuros in Manila will be assured of a safer experience as digital financial services PayMaya offers cashless payment options for fees and tickets in the various tourist attractions in the area. 

 

The Department of Tourism and the Intramuros Administration have tapped PayMaya to provide cashless payment options via PayMaya QR as it re-opened select sites such as Fort Santiago, Casa Manila Museum, and Baluarte de Santiago on a limited-capacity basis to the public. 

 

When tourists and visitors go to these sites, they only have to scan the PayMaya QR displayed at the ticket booth using their PayMaya app to pay for the necessary fees and avoiding person-to-person contact with the site personnel. 

 

“PayMaya fully supports the DOT's efforts to bolster safety in the domestic tourism industry as we chart our path toward economic recovery. With the help of cashless payments powered by PayMaya, local tourists and visitors in Intramuros and other local destinations can be assured that it’s not just more fun but, more importantly, more convenient and safer to travel around the country at this time,” said Orlando B. Vea, Founder and CEO of PayMaya. 

 

The DOT has been promoting various local tourist destinations such as Boracay, Bohol, and Palawan for domestic travelers in order to re-ignite interest in local tourism sites and support the sector, which was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 

Linking the past to the future with cashless payments 

 

“We are glad to offer safe and convenient cashless payments to all of our tourists and visitors in Intramuros with the help of PayMaya. Today we start with select museums and sites but we are looking forward to equipping the other attractions and merchants around Intramuros with cashless payments, so that this historic walled city of the past can also be a progressive, cashless city of the future,” said Atty. Guiller Asido, Intramuros Administrator. 

 

Aside from empowering Intramuros with PayMaya QR for ticket sales in sites and museums, the Intramuros Administration is also utilizing PayMaya's digital invoicing solution, allowing them to accept card (Visa, Mastercard, and JCB) and PayMaya for online payments meant for rental payments of merchants, permits, and other similar transactions.

 

Other than cashless payments, the Intramuros Administration has also collaborated with PLDT wireless subsidiary, Smart Communications, in rolling out free Wi-Fi access around various sites and public areas of Intramuros, as well as interactive tourism markers powered by QR codes and Near Field Communication (NFC) technology as part of its nationwide Digital Tourism Program and #TravelSmart campaign.

To support the government in this endeavor, PayMaya has also enabled government agencies such as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), as well local tour operators and travel agencies, to accept cashless payments from local tourists and visitors. 

 

At the same time, PayMaya is the only financial technology company in the Philippines capable of enabling the entire transportation chain across the entire country with the widest range of solutions – a vital component in the revival of the local tourism industry. 

 

Getting your own PayMaya account and enjoying the convenience of traveling safe and paying cashless is very easy. Just download the PayMaya app at https://official.paymaya.com/CAK1/425eb133 and register an account to find out what it’s like to go cashless with the fastest, safest, and most rewarding way to pay for anything online and in stores! Remember, for your safe travel needs, don’t pay cash. PayMaya! 

 

PayMaya is the only end-to-end digital payments ecosystem enabler in the Philippines with platforms and services that cut across consumers, merchants, communities, and government. Through its enterprise business, it is the largest digital payments processor for key industries in the country including "everyday" merchants such as the largest retail, food, gas, and eCommerce merchants as well as government agencies and units.    

 

Through its app and wallet, PayMaya provides over 28 million Filipinos with access to financial services. Customers can conveniently pay, add money, cash out or remit through its over 200,000 digital touchpoints nationwide.  

Its Smart Padala by PayMaya network of over 37,000 partner agent touchpoints nationwide serves as last-mile digital financial hubs in communities, providing the unbanked and underserved with access to digital services. To know more about PayMaya's products and services, visit www.PayMaya.com or follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

HUAWEI’s Light Up Moments promo features some of the brand’s most beloved and favorite devices

Now, is your last chance to score your most coveted HUAWEI devices up until February 28! HUAWEI’s Light Up Moments promo features some of the brand’s most beloved and favorite devices are now offered at discounted prices with freebies that will help you cover each and every moment at your very best.

 

LIFESTYLE MADE MORE CONVENIENT WITH THE HUAWEI ECOSYSTEM

 

HUAWEI’s signature 1+8+N ecosystem is carefully imprinted in each device allowing seamless connectivity throughout all your other devices. From a single touch on your HUAWEI smartphone, it can act as a remote for either your laptop, smartwatch, tablets, wearables and even more. From this, the HUAWEI Ecosystem is sure to deliver a way of living for consumers that is both more intelligent and future-ready.

 

This year, HUAWEI will be soon launching a set of devices that will amplify user experience to  enhance daily routines for productivity, entertainment, wellness and every other aspect of your life! Stay tuned for exciting updates from the brand as HUAWEI’s upcoming devices will surely entice you to live out every moment in the best way that you can.

 

PRODUCTIVITY PARTNERS

 

Huawei’s signature MateBook line that offers consumers seamless experience with its intelligent features such as the HUAWEI Share and the Multi-Screen collaboration which allows convenient and efficient connectivity from all your HUAWEI devices.

 

 Huawei MateBook D14 and MateBook D15 - These laptops are perfect for students and young professionals on the go with its slim design, aesthetic features powered by AMD and the latest intel core processors which are perfect for the new normal’s learn and work from home set-ups. Users can further enhance productivity with using a NFC-configured HUAWEI phone or tablets to tap, share files or take the conversions  from devices to the laptops!

 

Huawei MateBook D14   is now priced at  Php 39,999 (from SRP Php 42,999) for Ryzen 7 variant and at Php 35,999 (form SRP Php 39,999) for Ryzen 5 variant with a FREE Bluetooth speaker worth Php 1,499. While the Huawei MateBook D15  is priced at Php 39,999 (from Php 40,999) for Ryzen 7 variant and Php 35,999 (from Php 37,990) for Ryzen 5 variant which also comes with a FREE Bluetooth speaker worth Php 1,499 as well.

 

The HUAWEI MateBook 14 on the other-hand is a full-powered productivity device that’s  equipped to take you through any challenges with ease and convenience! Sporting a 2K FullView display (3:2 aspect ratio), aluminium alloy chassis and octa-core AMD Ryzen 4000H Series processor, this premium ultrabook will definitely get each job done with ease. It is priced at Php 54,999 and comes with a FREE Bluetooth speaker worth Php 1,499.

 

CONNECTION MADE EASIER

 

Gain better connectivity with HUAWEI’s signature phones! From the world-class design and aesthetics, powerful processors, superb features and upgraded network connectivity – you’re set to conquer these devices by your side.

 

The Huawei P40 Pro is equipped with the edge-to-edge Horizon Display, Leica Ultra Vision Camera system, and Kirin 9000 5G chipset which will stylishly get you ahead of the game when it comes to speed and connectivity. Get yours at  Php 45,999 (from SRP Php 50,990) with a FREE wireless Charging table lamp worth Php 2,499.

 

For the youth and something more affordable, HUAWEI’s Y series will tick everything from your list from its specs to its unbelievable price point. The Huawei Y7a  is packed with segment-busting features like 48Mp Quad-AI cameras, a huge 5000mAh batery and 22.5W SuperCharge capability all for a very affordable  price at Php 7,499 (from Php 8,999) with a FREE umbrella worth Php 499. The Huawei Y7 comes with a  6.26-inch Dewdrop Display, 4GB RAM + 64GB of storage, and a huge 4,000mAh battery at  Php 5,999 (from SRP Php 6,999) with a FREE Notebook worth Php 299.

 

HUAWEI’s signature Nova series like Huawei Nova 7i - shames most flagships with its five AI cameras, 40W SuperCharge offering, and boosted with a Kirin 810 chipset that allows users to play, connect and enjoy all day. You can get this at Php 11,999 (from Php 12,999) with a FREE Bluetooth speaker worth Php 1,499.

 

HEALTH, WELLNESS, AND ENTERTAINMENT

 

Your health and wellness, should be at the top of your list. This includes staying active, relaxed and of course challenging your intellect for you to stay recharged and ready for whatever’s coming next.

 

Get active with  the Huawei Watch Fit which as over 12 animated workouts and over 10 days battery life boosted with a gorgeous AMOLED display. You can even connect your watch to you phone to track your health using the HUAWEI Health App, whether it be for sleep monitoring or oxygen levels. Get yours at promo price, Php 4,499 (from Php 4,999) with a FREE notebook worth Php 299.

 

Ease your mind and unleash your creativity with some relaxing downtime which spells quality entertainment! The Huawei FreeBuds Pro has intelligent Active Noise Cancelling, which immerses consumers to soak in a chill afternoon listening to your favorite tunes, or watching a movie with no disturbance while still staying stylish with its built-in comfortable design.  You can get this at  Php 6,999 (from Php 7,999) and comes FREE Huawei FreeBuds Pro case worth Php 399. Apart from an afternoon of good music, you can tune in with a good tablet like the Huawei MatePad  where you can explore creativity or catch-up on your reading  with the MatePad’s 10.4-inch FullView Display, M-Pencil support and 7,250mAh of endurance. Get this at promo price Php 18,999 (from Php 20,990) which comes with a FREE Bluetooth speaker worth Php 1,499.

 

To know more, you may check this link: 

 

Huawei Store: https://consumer.huawei.com/ph/offer/?utm_medium=display&utm_source=feature_article_2&utm_campaign=ph_lum&utm_content=pr_featurearticle2&utm_term=organic

 

Shopee: https://shopee.ph/shop/127208192/search?shopCollection=101824776&utm_source=pr&utm_medium=seller&utm_campaign=s127208192_SS_PH_OTHR_MegaFairTogetherLightUpCampaign&utm_content=AllProducts

 

Lazada: https://c.lazada.com.ph/t/c.0J6sgk?intent=false&fallback=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lazada.com.ph%2Fshop%2Fhuawei-philippines%2FLIGHTUPMOMENT.htm%3Fspm%3Dph_storebuilder.editMobile.0.0.28e2SkDgSkDgyu%26wh_weex%3Dtrue

 

Huawei advances APAC tech ecosystem to accelerate digital transformation

Huawei opened its first Digix Lab in the Asia Pacific in Singapore to empower developers and partners for the HMS ecosystem. This is one of the programs that the leading global tech company initiated to cultivate a diverse tech ecosystem and accelerate the digital transformation in the region, Huawei Asia Pacific spokesperson told the media on Thursday during the MWC Shanghai 2021. 

Located at Changi Business Park, Huawei leverages Singapore’s importance as a growing technological hub in Asia Pacific, boosting the mobile ecosystem throughout the region. Equipped with AR, VR, HMS Core Kits, and other open technological capabilities, the lab is designed to support developers of all levels throughout their mobile app development journey.

“In the new intelligent era, Huawei aims to build a ‘1+8+N’ all-scenario mobile ecosystem with HMS that empower developers to innovate as they build their business. The Digix Lab provides a platform to cultivate and equip developers with the necessary app development tools to innovate and advance the future of the digital space,” Jay Chen, Vice President of Huawei Asia Pacific, said in an interview during the Mobile World Congress (MWC), which runs from February 23 to February 25 in Shanghai.

Headlined “Connected Impact,” the MWC Shanghai 2021 showcases how the entire digital ecosystem continues to transform our lives towards a safer and better world. 

According to Jay, the Huawei will collaborate with its partners on multiple programs to cultivate the technology ecosystems in order to accelerate the digital transformation in the Asia Pacific region. 

Complementing the DIGIX Lab, Huawei also announced that it will bring more local in-demand apps onboard HUAWEI App Gallery to elevate its mobile ecosystem in the region.

Asia Pacific will be the leading region in terms of 5G technology adoption with 1.14 billion subscribers, accounting for 65% of global 5G subscriptions by 2024, according to latest statistics by GlobalData. 

 

Through joint innovation and strategic partnerships with its customers, Huawei is working to coordinate 5G communication and industry standards to scale up 5GtoB applications.

To cultivate the 5G ecosystem, Huawei plans to invest 475 million Thai baht (about 1.5 million USD) to support the 5G Ecosystem Innovation Center (EIC) in Bangkok. The tech company is committed to incubating more than 100 local SMEs and startups every year to adopt 5G solutions for different vertical industries within three years in the Asia Pacific country. 

“This 5G EIC is as a sandbox for digital innovations of 5G applications and services across various industries. These innovations will create new business opportunities for SMEs, startups and educational institutions, paving the way to achieve Thailand 4.0 and build the digital hub in the ASEAN region,” said Mrs. Vunnaporn Dehastin, Thailand Secretary-General of the National Digital Economy and Society Commission.

“This goal must be achieved through cooperation between the public and the private sectors, at both domestic and international level. Together, we can overcome the challenges and build a better future,” she said. 

For the startup ecosystem, Huawei Asia Pacific kicked off its Spark Program in Singapore in 2020 to support deep tech startups with the use of 5G, Machine Learning & Analytics, IoT, Mobile Edge Computing, and Mobile & SaaS applications. The program has attracted more than 500 startups from 75 countries.

The rapid development of the digital economy also means a potential shortage of ICT talent in the Asia Pacific region. Through projects such as Huawei Academy, ICT Certification, and Seeds for the Future, Huawei will help to train at least 200,000 ICT talents in the next five years.

“In the era of ecosystem collaboration, it is more important to manage cooperation than to manage competition. With this in mind, Huawei will continue to increase investment in building a diversified and prosperous ecosystem to build a fully connected, intelligent Asia Pacific,” said Jay Chen.

 

Get your hands on amazing freebies and discounts from Beko, Europe's No. 1 Appliance Brand

Beko, Europe's No. 1 Appliance Brand, is always on the lookout for ways to make people's lives easier. 

 

Aside from providing consumers appliances equipped with the latest technologies, Beko also holds seasonal sales so that more people can experience using the brand's products.

Avail of substantial discounts, freebies and Beko, Europe's No. 1 Appliance Brand.

The BIM25301X, a multifunctional 60cm built-in oven with eight cooking functions, is priced at Php19,992 from Php24,990 while the HIMW75225SX, a 70cm built-in gas hob, is at Php14,990 from Php19,990.

 

The HISW72225SOB, a 75cm built-in gas hob, is now at only Php10,392 from Php12,990 while the HISW73225SOB, another 75cm built-in gas hob, is at Php11,192 from Php13,990. The HIZG64120SX, a 60cm built-in gas hob, is now only Php7,192 from Php8,990 while the HIZM64121SX, a 60cm gas + electric hob, is now only Php9,192 from Php11,490.

 

The 12 cu. ft. RCNT340E50VZP, a bottom mount no frost refrigerator, is now at Php27,690 from Php31,990, while the 8.8 cu. ft. RDNT251I50VS, a top mount no frost refrigerator, is now only Php17,290 from Php21,990. The 12 cu. ft. RDNT340I20VZP, a top mount no frost refrigerator, is now at Php23,490 from Php27,990.

 

The WCV7612X0, a front load fully automatic washer with 7-kilo capacity, is now priced at Php24,090 from Php27,990.

 

You can also get freebies on top of discounts when you purchase other Beko models.

 

Get a free Beko vacuum cleaner when you buy the BDC6C55X , a 60-c.m. 4 vitro-ceramic hob oven, priced at Php46,791 from Php51,990. The DH10444RX0, a front load fully automatic dryer with 10-kilo capacity and heat pump technology, also comes with a free vacuum cleaner and is now at Php34,191 from Php37,990.

 

The 60 c.m. FSET63110DX, a 3 gas + hot plate electronic oven, is now only Php32,391 from Php35,990 and also comes with a free Beko vacuum cleaner. The electronic oven has Halogen Illumination and offers faster and more efficient cooking with special burner design. The 60 c.m. FSM63320TXDL, a 3 gas + hot plate multifunctional oven, is at Php35,991 from Php39,990. The 90 c.m. GG12116GX, a gas oven and electric grill with 4 gas and 2 hot plates, is priced at Php47,791 from Php51,990 and comes with a free Beko range hood.

The GG15126DXPR, a 90 c.m. electric oven and grill with 4 gas and 1 wok burner, is now at Php55,791 from Php61,990 and comes with a free range hood. This oven and grill gives you a clear view of what's happening inside with Halogen Illumination so you don't need fo open the oven door to see what's happening inside. Meanwhile, the GM15326DXPR, a 90cm electric oven and grill with 4 gas and 1 wok burner with an oven size cavity volume of 112L, is  now only at Php65,691 from Php72,990. Aside from Halogen Illumination, the oven and grill has Telescopic Shelves to make your life easier. The runner system lets you pull out the shelf all the way out (or 2/3 of it, for partial Telescopic version) of the oven while supporting the dish.

 

If you're looking at upgrading and replacing your household appliances, check out Beko's OXtra Ordinary Sale which runs until February 28.

 

For more information, visit Beko Philippines at facebook.com/bekoph.

UNIQLO is set to open its first store in SM Butuan City

Japanese global apparel retailer, UNIQLO, is set to open its first store in Butuan City on March 26, 2021. Situated at the ground floor of SM City Butuan, along JC Aquino Avenue, the opening of the store marks the brand’s commitment to provide affordable, stylish, and functional essentials to more locals in helping them with their everyday clothing lifestyle needs.

 

With 859 square meters shopping space, Butuanons can soon have access to the complete lineup of LifeWear clothing for women, men, kids, and babies, including UNIQLO shirts, pants, jeans, denims, dresses, the AIRism collection, and UV Protection pieces. On the opening week, customers can enjoy special offers on selected UNIQLO items perfect for the summer season.

 

For more updates, please visit UNIQLO Philippines’ website at www.uniqlo.com/ph and download the UNIQLO APP via Google Play Store or Apple Store. 

 

Follow UNIQLO Philippines’ social media accounts, Facebook (facebook.com/uniqlo.ph), Twitter (twitter.com/uniqloph) and Instagram (Instagram.com/uniqlophofficial). 

 

Quarantine discoveries online that performance smartphones like the vivo Y31 will teach us

A year into the quarantine and most Filipinos turned to one thing that kept them updated, connected and entertained: the internet. From learning a new recipe to participating in “new normal” online parties, going virtual does not only shake off the gloominess this pandemic brings. It is also a useful tool for self-discoveries. 

 

With more time spent online, the internet is giving its users useful realizations during the pandemic. Below are some examples: 

Available for a friendly price PHP12,999, the vivo Y31 will maximize your quarantine creativity and productivity with its longer battery life. May it be gaming, streaming, staying connected with friends, creating content, or shopping, vivo Y31 is packed with amazing smartphone features. 

 

 

Most work (if not all) can be done online 

From a list of online meeting softwares to group chat apps, and from file sharing programs to apps that provide remote access to office and school computers, quarantine restrictions compelled young professionals to really explore remote work. With multiple apps that need to be installed, handsets and computers with huge storage capacities - like the vivo Y31’s 128 GB internal capacity with an expandable microSDXC slot - make it possible to finish all tasks with just one device. 

 

There is so much streaming content out there! 

With the explosion of K-Dramas and with mainstream contents being made widely available online, the quarantine provided time for a virtual reunion with one’s favorite genre. 

 

A record high content consumption is seen in streaming apps like Netflix, HBO Go, Apple TV, and iFlix among others and making digital content all the more enjoyable are high definition screens like the vivo Y31’s 6.58-inch FHD (Full High Definition) display. From romance to sci-fi flicks, home entertainment can still be an immersive experience. 

 

We can ‘shop ‘til you drop’ online 

E-commerce and delivery apps, with the help of virtual super sales, made everything and anything available online. There are no more strange finds over the internet these days, especially if devices are running on the latest mobile programs like the Android 11 with FunTouch 11. Compatible apps running on the best programs, like in vivo Y31, make the best shopping experience. 

With increased online activities during this pandemic, vivo Y31 responds to the need for a more hardworking smartphone. For only PHP12,999, the newly-launched vivo Y31 is perfect for work, connecting with friends, creating contents, gaming, and online shopping. 

 

There’s more to gaming

In between the thrill of exciting games is something that have drawn gaming enthusiasts more engaged to this online activity: friendships. Especially during the pandemic, gamers found company in mobile games and created connections all over the world. 

 

Such is the importance of performance programs like the latest Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 662 octa-core processor which also runs on vivo Y31. They don’t just make fun mobile games moments, they also link together a world disconnected by the pandemic. 

 

Good memories are best kept in high quality

At the height of the lockdown, millennials went back to their digital archives for throwback contents to update their social pages. These moments would make content creators recognize the importance of high-quality photos captured by smartphones, like the stunning visual products of vivo Y31’s 48-megapixel main camera. These throwback photos are not just mere fillers, but also expressions of hope that someday we can all go back to those carefree days after the pandemic. 

 

These are just a few realizations as internet users continue to spend more time online. With the long-lasting battery performance of the vivo Y31, more clear connections and all-day fun moments are waiting to be made.

 

For more details of the vivo Y31, visit www.vivoglobal.ph/phone/vivo-Y31 or follow vivo Philippines on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also visit the official vivo store on Shopee and Lazada.

Cebuana Lhuillier has made their pawning service available online to ensure safer transactions

You can now pawn at the comfort of your home as Cebuana Lhuillier launches Cebuana From Home (CFH).

In the past year, we’ve seen how businesses have switched to digital platforms due to the community quarantine. Many have come up with innovative ways to ensure that they are able to provide their basic services to people at home. One of them is Cebuana Lhuillier, which is one of the most accessible pawnshops in the country with 2,500 branches nationwide. 

To further make themselves more accessible, they launched Cebuana From Home (CFH), a platform that gives clients 360-degree access to Cebuana Lhuillier’s services—from cash remittance to pawning. 

Here’s a quick rundown of CFH and how the platform can help the general public.

Pawn from Home

Cebuana Lhuillier has made their pawning service available online to ensure safer transactions. Pawn-from-Home allows clients to pawn jewelry online—they just need to accomplish an application form on the CFH site (https://www.cebuanafromhome.com). After it’s been reviewed, an appraiser from the nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch will go to the client’s home to appraise the item, negotiate the value, and release the loan.

Other Pawn-from-Home perks include being able to pay for the pawn renewal service interest fee online and redemption of pawned items through the CFH platform.

Hassle-free bills payment and cash remittance

CFH has likewise made it easier to pay bills and send money without leaving the house. The online Bills Payment service provides access to more than 10 billers nationwide. Meanwhile, the remit-from-home feature allows users to send money online through Cebuana Lhuillier agents.

In addition,  one can also avail of Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Broker’s (CLIB) roster of affordable and comprehensive packages, which include Personal Accident insurance, Medical Expenses insurance, and Doctor’s Consultation insurance.

Reliable express delivery

Because of the continued lockdown, delivery services for everyday needs have increased significantly from last year and Cebuana Lhuillier has made it possible for pawned items, to be sent or delivered, as well. 

With the Cebuana Lhuillier Express Delivery Service, clients from select pilot areas can have jewelry items and cash delivered right to their doorstep. The brand’s dedicated riders will ensure that items are secure and delivered on time. That way, there is no more need to go out and pick up the bought items, ensuring the safety of the whole family.

These Cebuana From Home services can be accessed at bit.ly/CebuanFromHome. A mobile app, as well as access points via Facebook Messenger and SMS, will be available to the public soon.

Giving your kids a better and safer online learning experience with WiFi technology

It appears that online learning is here to stay, at least until it’s safe once again to conduct face-to-face classroom sessions. Families are thriving with the online learning environment as the new norm and upgrading the home internet set-up has become imperative.  

 

The last thing you need are dead spots and weak signal areas in certain parts of your house, right? Many people might think their existing WiFi and router set-up is already good enough for their needs. What they don’t know is that equipping their household with a WiFi Mesh system takes their internet experience to a whole new level. As its name suggests, this system boosts internet connectivity and provides wider internet coverage without experiencing any of those troublesome dead spots practically anywhere in the house.

 

PLDT Home offers excellent benefits for this WiFi Mesh system, and here are the some of them.

 

One, setting it up is a breeze, your connection should be up and running in no time!

 

Two, thanks to its dual-band Wi-Fi technology, it automatically detects the best connectivity possible for any device. This means that whether you’re accessing basic internet applications – such as online surfing or research for daily study homework, attending online classes, and watching online videos for learning – it can identify the connection most applicable to your current use, allowing consistent and efficient connectivity. 

 

Three, its seamless roaming makes it possible to use only one Wi-Fi name in the house—room to room; in the lower floor or the upper floor—no need for multiple sign-ins! This allows you to conveniently set up or move your children’s learning spaces anytime and anywhere in the house without worrying about internet connectivity reaching the room, no matter how far it is from your internet’s main router. 

 

Four, connectivity management is made even easier, thanks to its mobile app where you can see all connected devices—from your smartphone or tablet—even while you’re on the go. 

 

Five, the WiFi Mesh system has powerful parental controls to keep your children safe while they’re online. You can set multiple user profiles on your network and assign timed usage and blocked content for each, making this feature perfect for that peace of mind every parent deserves.

 

PLDT Home offers an array of WiFi Mesh devices for as low as Php 298 per month for a starter kit, which already comes with two mesh units. Subscribers who need more internet coverage at home can also avail of an additional mesh device for as low as Php 149 per month.  

 

For more information on PLDT Home Wifi Mesh system, visit www.pldthome.com/wifimeshsystem.

 

Sony FX3 delivers a cinematic look and professional operability and reliability all in one device that answers the needs of young creators today

Sony officially announced today the FX3 (model ILME-FX3) camera that combines the best of Sony’s industry-leading digital cinema technology with advanced imaging features from Alpha mirrorless cameras to create the ultimate cinematic look. 

 

As the latest addition to Sony’s Cinema Line, the FX3 delivers a cinematic look and professional operability and reliability all in one device that answers the needs of young creators who are looking for new ways to express their creative vision. The new model provides outstanding image quality and usability for small scale and one-person shooting. The FX3 boasts first-class focus performance, optical image stabilization, handheld shooting design and advanced heat dissipation for extended recording times. All this in a compact, lightweight body that provides the performance and mobility to meet the growing demands of today’s content creators.

“The FX3 was designed to turn creative vision into reality,” said Ryo Ochi, General Manager, Digital Imaging Division, Sony Electronics Asia Pacific. “It allows creators to bring their visual expression into the world of cinema through immersive content. We will continue to support the world’s creators through Sony’s Cinema Line Series.”

 

Cinematic Look

The FX3 flaunts Sony’s industry-leading image sensor technology to achieve high processing speeds and outstanding image quality. The full-frame, back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor full-frame 10.2-megapixel(approx. effective) count for movie recording (and 12.1 effective megapixels for stills) and the BIONZ XR image processing engine team up to ensure high sensitivity with low noise. The standard ISO range is 80 to 102,400 (expandable to 409,600 when shooting a movie), and dynamic range is an impressively wide 15+ stops².

In response to a growing need for a more expressive depth, the FX3, along with FX9 and FX6 Cinema Line cameras, allows users to create a cinematic look without post-production using S-Cinetone. Based on the color science inspired by Sony’s flagship VENICE camera, S-Cinetone delivers natural mid-tones, plus soft colors and smooth highlights that are essential to cinematic look. 

 

Create movies with in-camera 4K recording at up to 120 frames per second³. Extraordinarily smooth slow-motion imagery[i] (up to 5x) at QFHD (3840 x 2160) resolution with autofocus provides new expressive capability.

 

Designed for Comfortable Solo-Shooting

The most compact and lightweight Cinema Line camera is ideal for handheld shooting, gimbal and drone-mounted work. It weighs just 715 grams, including the battery and memory cards, and the body is 77.8 mm high, 129.7 mm wide and 84.5 mm deep – without protrusions. The camera grip has been carefully designed to provide optimum flexibility, stability and comfort for long shoots.

Designed for mobility and efficiency, the FX3’s body features five thread holes (1/4-20 UNC) to easily attach compatible accessories while remaining light enough for handheld shooting and making it easy to carry and set up. The supplied XLR handle unit securely attaches to the body via the Multi Interface Shoe without any special tools and provides three additional thread holes for accessories: two on the top and one on the end. External monitors, recorders, wireless microphone receivers, the accessory shoe kit (cold shoe plate), or other add-ons can be securely attached. 

 

To enable high quality audio, the XLR handle unit includes two XLR/TRS audio inputs to the FX3. With an optional XLR microphone, digital audio data can be directly transferred to the camera for outstanding audio quality.  Camera settings provide audio recording formats, including 4-channel 24-bit recording. Because the XLR adaptor is integrated into the handle and does not require any additional cables or batteries, it offers stress-free set up.

The FX3 offers Fast Hybrid autofocus (AF) by using the 627 points[ii] focal plane phase-detection system during movie recording. The camera is further enhanced with Touch Tracking (Real-time Tracking) where simply touching the desired subject on the monitor screen initiates auto focus and tracking on that subject. Precise and smooth focus is maintained with Real-time Eye AF – technology that pinpoints eye even when subjects are looking down or up at steep angles. Additionally, other AF features have been included and refined in response to feedback from professional users, including AF Transition Speed, AF Subject Shift Sensitivity, intuitive control and AF support when focusing manually. These AF features have been implemented in the FX3 to ensure stable, flexible and precise focusing in any situation and are easy to operate for solo shoots. 

 

The FX3 features 5-axis optical in-body image stabilization - highly effective for handheld shooting. A high precision stabilization unit and gyro sensors have made it possible to provide an Active Mode⁴ that is dedicated to movie shooting in each format, including 4K. In-body image stabilization means that effective stabilization can be achieved with a wide range of lenses, including E-mount lenses that do not include stabilization of their own. In addition, the FX3 records image stabilization metadata that can be done more practical adjustment during post-production using Catalyst Browse/Prepare[iii]. 

 

Expandability and Operability for Content Creators

Operability 

No compromises have been made when designing the FX3 in terms of professional control and operability. The buttons frequently used in movie shooting such as ISO, iris, and white balance adjustment are located on the grip and on the top of the body. The design allows solo creators to control the buttons with one hand. In addition, 140 functions assignable to 15 custom keys allow for ultimate efficiency. 

 

The zoom lever located on the top of the grip not only controls compatible powered zoom lenses, but also allows Clear Image Zoom to be also used with unpowered zoom and prime lenses with less image degradation – reducing the number of lenses required for many projects. This lever also enables smooth zooming that is difficult for manual zoom-ring control. 

 

Recording lamps (tally) are provided on the upper front and rear of the camera, so that operator can easily distinguish when the camera is rolling. A side-opening vari-angle touch-panel LCD monitor allows for easy operation and is suitable for gimbal-mounted shots, complicated angles, handheld operation and more. Flexible Exposure Mode allows the FX3 to have a similar Auto/Manual switch operation as other FX series cameras for aperture (iris), shutter speed, and ISO, which can be set independently. A short press of the assigned custom buttons enables switching between locking the dial / Manual, and a long press on the custom buttons allows on-off switching of Auto setting.

 

Reliability 

Creators need more than just refined features and performance; they also need reliability and durability. The FX3 combines a fan for active cooling with effective heat dissipation resulting in uninterrupted 4K 60p recording without thermal shutdown⁵. The newly developed fan provides high-efficiency cooling.

The new camera also features a dust and moisture resistant design[iv] and durable magnesium alloy chassis. Moreover, USB PD (Power Delivery) supports fast charging[v] for uninterrupted recording.

 

Expandability

The FX3 is compatible with several recording functions including S-Log3 gamma with S-Gamut3.Cine color space to preserve rich color and gradation, that can record in a high dynamic range and wide color gamut. It also supports internal recording in XAVC S™ and XAVC S-I formats in 4K (QFHD) and FHD, and XAVC HS™ (MPEG-H HEVC/H.265, 4K only) format. 4K 60p video in 10-bit 4:2:2 or 16-bit RAW format can be output to an external device[vi] via the FX3 HDMI Type-A jack. 

 

The FX3 also offers fast, future-oriented media slots that contributes to unprecedented shooting freedom with two CFexpress Type A cards. The same data can be simultaneously recorded to both cards for backup, and a “relay” mode will automatically switch to the second media card when the first media card becomes full during recording.

 

The new camera has been developed with advanced connectivity features to better assist professional creators with high-speed wireless LAN functionality (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band[vii]) and wired LAN connection via a compatible USB-to-Ethernet adaptor. This FX3 also supports remote shooting from PC by Imaging Edge Desktop™ application “Remote” via Wi-Fi, or Superspeed USB 5Gbps connection over USB Type-C® terminal.

 

About Cinema Line

Cinema Line is a series of cameras that have a filmic look - cultivated from Sony’s long experience in digital cinema production – plus, enhanced operability and reliability that respond to the wide variety of creators’ high demands.

 

Cinema Line includes the digital cinema camera VENICE, highly acclaimed in the feature and episodic production industry, the professional camera FX9, which is popular for documentary and drama production and the FX6, for grab and shoot action and content creation. With the addition of the new FX3, the most compact camera in the series, Sony offers a true line up of versatile creative tools for all types of visual storytellers.

 

Pricing and Availability

The FX3 will be available in the Philippines soon.

 

Exclusive stories about Cinema Line, FX3 and Sony's other imaging products can be found at https://www.sony.com.ph/electronics/cinema-line and https://www.sony.com.ph/alphauniverse/home - resources designed to educate and inspire all fans of Sony’s technology for content creation and photography.

 

Watch the live announcement at: https://www.sony.com.ph/alphauniverse/news/sony-cinema-line-watch-our-live-announcement

 

A product video on the new FX3 can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/2YXh88hwqnM.  

 

For detailed product information, please visit: https://www.sony.com.ph/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras/ilme-fx3.

 

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[i] Post-production editing and S&Q mode recording required

[ii] Maximum AF points and area coverage. This varies according to the recording modes

[iii] Supported in Catalyst Browse/Prepare Version 2020.1 or later. Image stabilization metadata that can be used by Catalyst is generated when using a Sony E-mount lens with the camera’s optical image stabilization set to [OFF] or [Active].

[iv] Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof. The XLR handle does not feature a dust and moisture resistant design

[v] USB charging and power delivery are only supported via the USB Type-C® terminal. A battery must be installed in the camera when supplying USB power. The internal battery may drain even if USB power is supplied, depending on the adapter used and camera operating conditions.

[vi] Compatible recorders to be announced.

[vii] 5 GHz communication may be restricted in some countries and regions