Globe innovates lifestyle through digital app revolution

MANILA, Philippines - Globe Telecom held a two-day digital lifestyle expo to recognize the growing relevance of recent technological innovations in the lives of Filipinos. The event was held at the Mega Fashion Hall of SM Megamall with a theme, “Wonderful World with Globe: Embracing a Wonderful Digital Life.”

The event launched the latest trends, gadgets and applications that aim to empower netizens and promote inclusion for Filipinos who have yet to join the digital revolution.

Peter Bithos, Globe Telecom chief operating advisor said that rise of Internet penetration, availability of more Internet-enabled phones, customization of data packages, and the boost of applications for all uses are different factors shaping our digital lifestyle.

With that being said, Globe Telecom aims to offer services that are flexible, convenient, and adaptable to people’s needs. In an interview with Mr. Glenn Estrella, Globe’s Vice President for Digital Media, he mentioned that Gmovies, Gdeals and Gcloud are among the front runners of Globe apps.

Gmovies aim to give the users less trouble, if not, no trouble at all when booking tickets for the latest flicks. Using this app, availing tickets can be done by booking through your mobile phone and and paying via cashless transactions. To further maximize the usage of this app, Globe is looking to expand it to the rest of the local Cinemas, and not just the Ayala Cinemas.

On the other hand, Gdeals is an aggregated app in which all the other apps are funneled into one. Apart from the aggregation, it is a location sensitive app. Deals and offers from merchants near you can be easily identified through this app. Moreover, it lets you discover privileges based on your credit cards you have which you probably did not know of.

Lastly, Gcloud lets you automatically back up all your contacts, messages, call log, photos, music and videos stored on your mobile phone to a secure cloud location. Gcloud provides convenience in so many ways.

First it is cost-effective.  “We have found out that transferring files and having backup contacts is not as easy for typical consumers. Every time we launch new phones, people are lining up the stores paying 500 just to transfer contacts. Google has contacts but it’s not as seemless,” Mr. Estrella said.

Moreover, Gcloud offers storage in small packets. Gcloud is the cheapest among all. In terms of small packets, 1 GB is only sold for P15. The Gcloud can be purchased for free in Google play and apple store. Upon purchase, storage of 1 GB is given for free.

Secondly, scalability is not an issue for Gcloud. You may expand the storage to up to 100 GB, which is big enough to store all your files.

Lastly, Gcloud is proactive to the users.” You can unsubscribe to Gcloud anytime. And since you are given a GB for free, if you go beyond it, it would automatically ask you if you want to continue. It is not like you would be automatically billed. It is up to you whether you want to get more storage,” Mr. Estrella added.

All the apps are lifestyle apps, which help you go through your every day routine in a more comfortable and convenient way.

During the interview, Mr. Estrella also shared how Globe apps contribute to his lifestyle.

“When I started using Gcloud, it was merely for testing. But I kept coming back to it naturally because everything that I need is there already. It is simple and easy to use and the security of your files is guaranteed. As for me, I wear two hats. I work for globe and its subsidiary. There is a bulk of files that I need to protect and Gcloud has been useful in doing so. I recommend it to my constituents as well, to let them back up important documents. On the other hand I use Gmovies and Gdeals for my personal likes.”

As for him, innovation has lead to having an “open source.” “What used to be the domain of big companies in terms of developing solutions for telecommunications like us is not a domain for even the smallest players. The power of open source in the software has liberated small biz to solve customer problems. It’s not just landlines and phones. If you compare the phones before and today they are different not just in terms of size but also its ability to contribute convenience.”

Globe is looking forward to improve their targeting. Giving the customers an excellent experience in term of basic calls and texts is also one of their targets. The company hopes to provide more apps that could provide more convenience.

As Mr. Estrella puts it, “If the generation is composed of people ‘who can't wait,’ then there’s a lot of opportunity for Globe to improve their lifestyle.”