Smart to roll out own version of Smartphone

CEBU, Philippines - Reinforcing its bid to make Internet browsing available to every Filipino, Smart Communications deploys its own version of Smartphone, called “Netphone 701,” the first of many Netphone series to be introduced to the mobile-savvy Filipinos.

Introduced in Barcelona, Spain last February at the 2011 GSMA Mobile World Congress, the Netphone is an Android-compliant smartphone designed by Smart with the most advanced Internet-capability specifications, coupled with unique and locally-developed applications—all offered at an attractive price point.

In a press presentation held recently in Cebu, Giovanni R. Bacareza Jr., Smart head of broadband Internet and data services, said that Netphone 701 is introduced because of the stronger demand for affordable mobile internet service from the 80 million Filipino mobile users.

Of the 80 million mobile subscribers, only 30 million are online, while only five million are enjoying the mobile Internet browsing.

As an introductory offer, Smart is giving off “free” mobile Internet browsing via Netphone 701, at least in the next few months, in order to introduce the Internet browsing experience, not only to the sophisticated mobile users, but across market segments.

The Netphone is designed to provide users—including first time smartphone owners—with full Internet experience in “bite-sized” amounts, primarily through SmartNet.

Unlike any Android device that allows users to simply run apps (applications), SmartNet is what sets the Netphone apart, he said.

The suite of Smar-branded apps via SmartNet provides all users access to social networks and chatting—two of the most common activities people enjoy on the Internet.

He added that SmartNet also allows Netphone users to find contacts online, send custom messages with special effects (FX messaging), among others.

“We have integrated into SmartNet one-touch access to the likes of Facebook, Twitter, and Yahoo! Messenger, enabling its users—while on SmartNet—to stay online and keep tabs on their social activities, for free. This allows our subscribers to enjoy their habit yet save their airtime load,” Bacareza said.

Also, Smart’s patented “Safe Browse” feature on the Netphone will allow users to choose when the device and the apps can and cannot access the Internet. This is a feature, that not yet supported by any other smartphone, he said.

Promoted as the smartphone for “Pinoys”, Netphone is specifically designed with the Pinoy’s communication preferences, lifestyle and even budget in mind.

While there are a lot of other smartphones (OS-run, highly-customized Internet capable phones), never has there been a locally-designed smarphone made specifically for the Filipino usage habits, claimed Bacareza.— (FREEMAN)