MANILA -- Consistent with its goal of revolutionizing the digital lifestyle of Filipinos, Smart Communications recently launched its plans for 2016 at the #SmartUnbox event held at Shangri-La at the Fort in Taguig.

After launching its new logo in June, Smart has now unboxed 10 new products and services that aim to change the way Pinoys connect, enrich their passion, and optimize digital life.

"This is an extension of our tradition of innovation that we'd like to convey to you. Maybe for the past years or so, we've been rather asleep. Starting this year you'll see more and more innovations, more and more progress, more and more activities that this digital world demands of us," PLDT & Smart Chairman, CEO & President Manuel V. Pangilinan said in a speech.

In preparation for this digital shift, Smart is offering a bigger and better Smartphone Prepaid Kit for only P1,288 and a Smart Bro Pocket Wi-Fi for only P888. Both are available in Smart Stores nationwide and at the Smart Online Store.

Recently, Smart also launched Giga Surf 50 -- its biggest data offer comprising of 1GB data for surfing and apps, plus free 300MB for video streaming on YouTube and iflix, valid for three days at only P50. This data can also be shared to other prepaid subscribers through the "Pasadata" service. The Giga Surf 50 is ideal for daily surfing, apps, and games like the highly anticipated Pokemon Go game from Niantic.

According to Smart Wireless Consumer Operations Head Katrina Luna-Abelarde, these are just the first of many innovations to be unveiled this year.

"Our multi-pronged efforts range from bringing the smartphone to the hands of more digital newbies, to providing the most awesome content for young digital natives, to making sure that everyone will enjoy the best data experience," she said.

Better customer care

Since consumer satisfaction remains at the core of its business, Smart is also putting more focus in improving customer experience.

Smart has partnered with social media giant Twitter to launch the first business profile page via @SMARTCares, which allows Smart subscribers to receive quicker feedback through Direct Messages. This makes Smart the first brand in the country to utilize the Twitter Business Profile as its main customer service touchpoint for real-time response.

Meanwhile, customers who have concerns with mobile data and Internet can direct their questions to Marty the Smarty – accessible via www.martythesmarty.com and on Twitter (@AskMartySmarty).

Apart from this, prepaid and postpaid subscribers can now manage their accounts, anytime and anywhere, through the My Smart mobile app, which they can download on Google Play Store and iTunes.

Smart also launched Smart Life -- a breakthrough app featuring daily exclusive digital perks, videos, music, and games for mobile users.

Currently in its initial phase, Smart Life will roll out exciting new functions, as well as a host top-rated content from D5 Studio, sports coverage such as FIBA and the upcoming Olympics, and other compelling digital content created for and by users.

Enriched experiences

While digitizing customer experience is the top priority, Smart is unveiling its “Own It” campaign – a platform that encourages everyone, especially the youth, to share their passions to the world.

In line with this, Smart has teamed up with YouTube for Smart Launchpad. This will help aspiringcontent creators to upload and broadcast it to the world via Upload Stations all over the country.
Smart will also be tapping industry experts for workshops and will fly content creators to Los Angeles, California to collaborate with some of the biggest YouTube stars.

Last Thursday, Smart kicked off the “Smart Music Live!” at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, featuring Ely Buendia, Up Dharma Down and Nathan.

Smart Music Live will also feature meet and greet events for upcoming concerts of top artists like Selena Gomez on July 31; Third Eye Blind, Panic! At the Disco, James Bay, Elle King and Twin Pines on August 18; and Shawn Mendes in October.