Globe unveils exclusive mobile apps

MANILA, Philippines - Keeping up with the growing demand for a better and richer mobile experience with the use of smartphones, Globe Telecom has unveiled its own suite of apps that will address the needs of mobile phone users.

The Globe Mobile Apps are GServices, GCash, GMovies and GMessage, all designed to suit the interests and lifestyle of today’s smartphone owners, which includes account management and personalized services, financial services, movies, and instant messaging.

GServices is the complete account management app available for free for Globe subscribers. With it, subscribers can check their prepaid load or outstanding postpaid balance, register to promos, share load to family and friends, check reward points and redeem rewards, and view postpaid bills and have them sent to their home or e-mail address.

The GCash app empowers subscribers to buy prepaid load anytime and anywhere with a 10 percent rebate, pay bills, send money to family and friends via their mobile, Facebook or e-mail accounts, and send donations without having to memorize keywords or access numbers.

On top of the full color user-friendly interface, the GCash app gives subscribers access to their contact list and even Facebook friends without having to switch applications.

GMovies is a one-stop mobile application for checking movie schedules and reviews, booking and reserving seats, and buying movie tickets initially available in Ayala Cinemas, and soon in SM Cinemas.

The first of its kind in the Philippines, the GMovies app provides users with the convenience of e-movie tickets by letting them view movie schedules, choose seats, and pay for ticket purchases minus the hassle of long queues in theaters, especially during preview of blockbuster movies.

Finally, GMessage is a mobile messaging application that enables users to send and receive free and unlimited messages with other GMessage users anywhere in the world.

The app also allows users to send and receive messages with non-GMessage users for only P0.15 per message. With the app, users can also share photos, videos and audio files.

The app also incorporates an innovative technology called “Magic Words,” which can detect the context of a sentence and provide a link to what the user is talking about. Globe is the first operator in Asia to launch GMessage, a new tool perfect for Filipinos who have led the world in text messaging over the last few years.

“Once again, Globe leads in innovation with the launch of our mobile applications, thanks to our genius Globe developers and experts who designed, conceptualized, and produced the apps with such compelling functionalities and features,” said Peter Bithos, senior advisor for consumer business at Globe.

“With Globe Mobile Apps, we provide subscribers with unique, relevant and delightful content that will add value to today’s fast-paced lifestyle — whether movies, instant messaging, or financial and personalized services. Access to the apps is also easy and hassle-free, further empowering our subscribers to enjoy Globe apps, their way,” Bithos added.

GMovies and GMessage are initially offered to Android users via Google Play, and soon to iPhone users via the App Store.

The GServices app is available on App Store and soon on Google Play. The GCash app is available on the App Store, Google Play and BlackBerry App World.

To download the apps, type glb.ph/GMOVIES, glb.ph/GMESSAGE, glb.ph/GSERVICES, or glb.ph/GCASH on the phone browser, or send APPS to 8888. Standard mobile browsing rates apply.

The development of the new Globe apps is on the back of the increasing smartphone penetration in the country, giving more Filipinos access to the World Wide Web and the opportunity to take their mobile experience to the next level, beyond call and text.

According to Ericsson’s Mobility Report, Filipinos are the world’s fourth fastest growing mobile Internet users with five million new users during the third quarter of 2012, trailing behind China with 38 million subscriptions, followed by Brazil with nine million, and Indonesia with seven million.

“Mobility is becoming an increasingly significant part of our daily lives with the availability of smartphones and tablets that have changed the way we use the Internet. We always have devices within arm’s reach, allowing us instant access to information, entertainment and social interaction,” said Douglas Gilstrap, senior vice president and head of strategy at Ericsson.