February 18, 2015 | Prepys' Homepage

Will Android One save the reputation of local brands?

February 18, 2015February 18, 2015 Abe Olandres Leave a comment

Yesterday saw the official launching of Android One in the Philippines and two giant local brands were there to introduce their own version of a low-cost Android One certified smartphone — Cherry Mobile One and MyPhone Uno.

In simpler terms, the Android One Program is like the Google Nexus Program for the mass market (lower C, D and E).

While a lot of people are ecstatic about their release, the bigger and perhaps more important question is will Android One improve the rather unpleasant reputation of local brands?

We look closely and focus on several of the key issues plaguing local brands.

1) Release and Forget Attitude. Most (dare we say 90%) of the smartphone models they release never get to see any updates at all. This issue isn’t isolated with local brands as international brands have the same problem, only that it is very glaring with the local ones.

Android One addresses this problem by putting the responsibility to update the operating system to Google instead of the individual manufacturers. In fact, this is the single biggest advantage offered by the Android One Program.

2) High Return Rate. From buggy handsets to long lines in the service center — these are typical complaints by customers who spend their hard-earned money to buy their very first and affordable smartphone.

Google has reported that the Android One Program has reduced the return rate of handsets for brands who participated in India. The same trend is expected for Android One in the Philippines. The problem is, only Android One handsets will enjoy this improved success rate. All other (90% or more) handsets will continue to earn the same return rate.

3) Customer Service. While we’ve seen local brands continue to expand their reach, increase the number of their service centers, a significant amount of customers are still unsatisfied with their quality of after-sales service. Android One hopes to eliminate that horrendous trip to the service center after 2 months of buying the phone. Sorry but Google will not have any dedicated service centers for Android One handsets. You still have to line up the usual way.

Then, we also look at the promises being offered by the Android One Program.

1) Low-Cost Smartphone for First-Time Users. The Android One Program’s mission is to deliver low-cost handsets to first-time smartphone users. While this is generally the case in most emerging markets that the program has been launched, these existing markets already have affordable handsets for over a year now. Hence, the baseline economic impact of Android One might not be that significant.

2) Better Smartphone Experience. We notice that people are already complaining when they see 1GB of RAM on a Kitkat handset. Perhaps 1GB of RAM on a Lollipop handset will make a world of difference?

We will test this theory once we get hold of an Android One unit and compare it with a similarly-specced Kitkat device. In our experience, the general sluggishness of an Android device (Jellybean, Kitkat, Lollipop) has more to do with the volume of installed and running apps rather than the version of Android it has.

Bottom line. The Android One Program can only do so much to help improve the reputation of any brand, local or international. The Nexus Program has done wonders to HTC (but where is HTC now), as well as Motorola (which has been sold off in pieces). Samsung was the biggest winner, along with Asus but that Google halo effect will not last very long.

In the end, local brands have to do it by themselves. Improve their service, roll-out reasonable and timely updates, and strive for better quality control.

The post Will Android One save the reputation of local brands? appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines, Tech News & Reviews.

Will Android One save the reputation of local brands?

February 18, 2015February 18, 2015 Abe Olandres Leave a comment

In simpler terms, the Android One Program is like the Google Nexus Program for the mass market (lower C, D and E).

While a lot of people are ecstatic about their release, the bigger and perhaps more important question is will Android One improve the rather unpleasant reputation of local brands?

We look closely and focus on several of the key issues plaguing local brands.

Then, we also look at the promises being offered by the Android One Program.

In the end, local brands have to do it by themselves. Improve their service, roll-out reasonable and timely updates, and strive for better quality control.

Will Android One save the reputation of local brands?

February 18, 2015February 18, 2015 Abe Olandres Leave a comment

In simpler terms, the Android One Program is like the Google Nexus Program for the mass market (lower C, D and E).

While a lot of people are ecstatic about their release, the bigger and perhaps more important question is will Android One improve the rather unpleasant reputation of local brands?

We look closely and focus on several of the key issues plaguing local brands.

Then, we also look at the promises being offered by the Android One Program.

In the end, local brands have to do it by themselves. Improve their service, roll-out reasonable and timely updates, and strive for better quality control.

Will Android One save the reputation of local brands?

February 18, 2015February 18, 2015 Abe Olandres Leave a comment

In simpler terms, the Android One Program is like the Google Nexus Program for the mass market (lower C, D and E).

While a lot of people are ecstatic about their release, the bigger and perhaps more important question is will Android One improve the rather unpleasant reputation of local brands?

We look closely and focus on several of the key issues plaguing local brands.

Then, we also look at the promises being offered by the Android One Program.

In the end, local brands have to do it by themselves. Improve their service, roll-out reasonable and timely updates, and strive for better quality control.

A Quick Ride with the Honda Click 125i

February 18, 2015February 18, 2015 Carl Lamiel Leave a comment

We just came from Honda Philippines’ press conference earlier today at their Safety Driving Center in Parañaque, and we got a chance to take their new Honda Click 125i for a test drive.

The Click 125i is a straightforward automatic transmission motorcycle that looks really sharp and agressive. Its design may remind you of some sci-fi elements you may have seen before in films and television series. Among its physical highlight features include a futuristic-looking LCD meter panel, dual LED keen headlights that promise brighter illumination, aggressive tail lights, tubeless tires, and an 18-liter compartment space large enough to put a helmet in as well as a dedicated button to open your seat compartment.

As for features that make this scooter stand out from the rest of the pack, Honda touts that this is their first motorcycle to be equipped with their new Enhanced Smart Power (eSP) fuel system engine technology that boasts a liquid cooling system and promotes noise reduction, adds durability, and maintains high fuel efficiency in its 5.5-liter fuel tank.

Honda-Click125i (12)

Another breakthrough that can be seen in the Click 125i is their ‘Idling Stop’ feature. When activated through the switch, the engine will program itself to automatically stop after three seconds of being idle, and will easily resume working when throttled. This works pretty well in traffic-heavy roads and highways such as EDSA.

A member of the Honda PH team giving the media an orientation and demo of the motorcycle before the test ride.

We were only give five minutes to test the new scooter, and we definitely have to say that the motorcycle is pretty good to maneuver around the Safety Driving Center. It’s comfortable, and it feels lighter to drive when compared to other 125cc motorcycles. The engine starts smoothly when prompted, and definitely emits lesser noise. Its Combi Brake system is very responsive to levers are pressed, and the idling system is a really neat feature that we used. The kickstand also automatically turns the engine off when used as well.

A downside we initially saw is its LCD panel where the fuel meter is situated, which may not be legible enough in direct sunlight. The handles also offer little grip to those who sweat their hands profusely, but can be remedied by wearing gloves or replacing with a better one.

Honda Click 125 specs:

honda-click-125ispecs

Available in Pearl Horizon White, Asteroid Metallic Black, and Candy Rosy Red, the Honda Click 125i will be available starting on Saturday, February 21, at dealers nationwide for Php87,900. For those who want to see this up close and personal, Honda PH will be launching the new motorcycle in a grand public launch at the Trinoma Activity Center on the same day.

Specs Source *May be slightly different from the model released in the country

The post A Quick Ride with the Honda Click 125i appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines, Tech News & Reviews.