SmartNet & Netphone...

The newest service from SMART Communications, SmartNet, is finally here. This service is now available on the new Smart Netphone. Built on ZTE blade mobile unit, this service is bound to change the way subscribers use social networking and mobile data communications. Of course, basic services like SMS,Voice & MMS are included.

So what is SmartNet?


It's a Saturday, I should be at home trying to having some time with my little girl, but then, I'm in the office and it's all hands on deck. It's not something unusual for me, I've been in this business for more than ten years so it's just another saturday in the office. But this day is different, this marks a new beginning in mobile communications technology as we launch our newest service, SmartNet & the Smart Netphone. So what really is SmartNet?

I go around my workplace asking my office mates, "O, may smartnet account ka na ba?" then I get the usual reply, "Ano yun?". And so, I go on explaining for the next 60 seconds on the basic details of the service. Then I get comments like, "Talaga,ok yan ah, try ko nga!". You can visit our site by clicking on SmartNet link above.

Ano nga ba ang SmartNet?

 SmartNet is the newest Social Networking Service (SNS) from SMART. Along with the Netphone, this service offers a lot of convenience to mobile subscribers using social networking as their way of life. This is also available via Internet. The web interface offers full access and customizations but it is updated along with the widget running on the Netphone. Simply put, it's just another Facebook, Twitter or Google+ service, but there's more. Not only does it combine your social networks into one but it also comes with features offered only by the largest telecom company in the country. Using SmartNet, you can update your social networks with ease and convenience using the Netphone.It is built with SMART's own applications that makes complicated tasks easier with a touch of an icon. The technology behind this service is truly amazing. You'll be able to enjoy mobile chat, posting Twitter & Facebook updates for free (using Netphone messenger & Social Stream)* anytime, anywhere.

The NetPhone Interface:


 The Netphone homepage uses the SmartNet widget which shows your current updates. Information is updated along with your SmartNet profile on the Internet. A press of a button shows you your current balance and other info. Built-in icons make chatting, email, SMS and SNS updates a breeze. A press of a button shows you your current subscriptions and service status.

 Another cool feature of NetPhone is the Net Setting widget. This widget let's you control the connectivity of the phone so as to prevent unwanted data charges. A simple touch of an icon enables Internet or safe browsing mode.

 Of course, basic services like Voice call, SMS and MMS are available. Additional features like FX are also included. I will share additional details on these services, including  the overall user experience,browsing speeds & network related issues on my next post. More features will be available soon for the service is under continuous development. For now, I invite you to try it out.


The mobile unit. - NetPhone701

On a personal note, my overall impression is good if not the best for the choice of unit. This unit compares pretty good against my 7" Samsung Galaxy Tab.

Pros:

Don't be fooled by just looks, this phone has a lot of features considering it's only around Php9K in the market. It's actually a ZTE Blade unit.I like to agree on Sam Pinto's "this is one sexy phone". I like the fact that this this phone can do most of the things that I consider a "high end or high profile" phone can do. This unit is a 2G/3G multi-band (GSM 900/1800/1900 HSDPA 900/2100) phone. Weighs around 110g with bright and crisp 480 x 800 pixels, 3.5" AMOLED capacitive touchscreen display. Also comes with Wi-Fi, USB and bluetooth for connectivity. It has a 3.2MP camera which is enough for really good pictures in lit environments. It's equipped with 600 MHz ARM 11 processor, Adreno 200 GPU, Qualcomm MSM7227 chipset, running Android 2.2 Froyo OS. And to top it all, this unit also has GPS functionality,FM radio,150 MB of storage, 512 MB RAM, 512 MB ROM and an expandable 2G microSD memory card for storing music, videos and other files. One unique feature I really appreciate on this unit is USB and WIFI tethering, meaning this unit can share it's mobile data connection via USB connection or act as a Wi-Fi hotspot. Now how cool is that! And by the way, this unit can also play HQ YouTube videos and music sounds good enough.User Interface is the basic android stuff with home,back,menu,volume side keys and power/display keys. Battery life is on the average,but if you're a "tweaky" user like me, or if you love angry birds,then travel charger at hand is a must. By the way,this unit also charge via any USB port (but slower than the wall-charger), that's another good feature.

Cons:

Well, you can't just have it all. First of all, the camera has no built-in flash, so you won't be able to snap a pose with your friends while hanging out on a dim corner of your favorite bar.But hey,this is no camera (it's a phone). Another thing is some lack of responsiveness from the touchscreen though it may be capacitive. Sometimes,you have to really put a little effort to try and slide those menus up and down. But I think this is due to the fact that it only has a basic processor to accommodate all of what you're trying to do at the same time. GPS drains the battery easily so i recommend you use a mobile charger when using this device with the built-in navigator.

That's all for now, watch out for the latest updates on my future posts. Thanks!

*Terms and Conditions Apply