Marketers need to align with smartphone use in APAC

- Smartphone traffic in India has increased by 290% since 2014. The Mobile Adobe Digital Insights (ADI) Report forecasts a 46% smartphone share by 2018, up from 18% in 2014.

- Share of smartphone Internet traffic in China is forecast to reach 37% by 2018, up from 18% in 2014.

- Although Malaysia and New Zealand have historically lagged their Asia Pacific (APAC) counterparts, both countries are poised to break 40% smartphone penetration by 2018.

Source: ADI. China will lead the smartphone charge in the APAC region.

The unstoppable momentum of smartphones is almost singlehandedly driving the phenomenal growth in the number of new Internet users globally, the latest Mobile Adobe Digital Insights (ADI) Report has found, with the APAC region responsible for the lion’s share of that growth.

The report, based on the global analysis of 1.7 trillion visits to more than 16,000 websites between January 2014 and January 2017, found that smartphones were the source of 500 million new Internet users globally. India and China combined accounted for 366.3 million new consumers – 268.9 million and 97.4 million respectively, while Indonesia accounted for 15.7 million new Internet visitors.

Nearly all the growth in traffic to the Internet can be attributed to smartphones, according to senior ADI analyst Trevor Jones. He flags China, India, Malaysia and New Zealand as the countries to watch for big growth in smartphone penetration. “These countries are not showing any signs of slowing down over the course of 2017,” he says.

Smartphone traffic in India has increased by 290% since 2014. Desktop traffic is down 6% while tablet traffic is steady at 3% growth. “Desktop and tablet traffic is stagnant or shrinking in the vast majority of APAC countries,” he says. For India, ADI forecasts 46% smartphone share by 2018, up from 18% in 2014.

While mobile growth in China has been relatively slow, Jones observes that “each percentage point brings millions more smartphone users to the Internet”. The ADI Report forecasts share of smartphone Internet traffic in China to reach 37% by 2018, up from 18% in 2014.


Malaysia and New Zealand have historically lagged their APAC counterparts, but both countries are poised to break 40% smartphone penetration by 2018.

“The biggest opportunities lie in India and China, both of which are experiencing huge growth, yet large amounts of their population remain untouched,” he says.

“Every percentage change in share of traffic or traffic growth has a much bigger impact in these countries. India and China still have millions of people that have yet to access the Internet, therefore they are the markets where growth will be the easiest to attain.”

As Asia moves away from tablets in favour of cheaper and more convenient smartphones, Jones believes their increased adoption presents challenges for marketers. “Smartphones are allowing millions of people to access the Internet that otherwise might never have had the opportunity. Developing countries have latched on to smartphones and have caught up and outpaced many affluent countries around the world,” Jones says.

“APAC marketers need to understand that many consumers might never even use a desktop or a tablet and that the smartphone experience needs to be smooth enough to keep people satisfied and engaged.”

When it comes to app installation growth, India leads the pack with a 49% increase since 2014, in contrast to most countries that have experienced a decrease in the use of apps.

“The huge adoption rates of smartphones in developing countries are helping keep app usage steady for now, but countries like the US and UK have seen app installation declines of -9% and -38% respectively since 2014,” Jones says. “These trends are likely a precursor of what will occur in other countries.”

Interested?

View Mobile Adobe Digital Insights (ADI) Report results (Slideshare)

Hashtags: #MWC17, #MWC2017

Media Literacy Council of Singapore launches Better Internet Campaign

Source: Media Literacy Council. From left: Chong Ee Jay, Manager of TOUCH Family Services and a member of the Media Literacy Council, a former victim of cyberbullying who subsequently cyberbullied in retaliation; Tan Chee Wee, Executive Director, Media Literacy Council, and Lock Wai Han, Chairman, Media Literacy Council.

Singapore's Media Literacy Council (MLC) recently celebrated Safer Internet Day (SID) on February 7 with the launch of the Better Internet Campaign. The campaign will run till 31 May 2017, focusing on current cyber wellness issues of cyberbullying, discernment and excessive screen time. 

The MLC partners industry, community and government to champion and develop public education and awareness programmes relating to media literacy and cyber wellness. The council has spearheaded the campaign for the fourth time since Singapore’s participation in the global initiative in 2013. This year ,campaign activities include a series of on-ground engagements and broadcasts on mainstream and social media to bring more awareness and discussions about various issues around the areas of focus.

MLC has adopted the campaign tagline Do What’s Right Online, Be the Change for a Better Internet. A showcase of real-life stories profiling a diverse range of individuals who have personally experienced cyber-wellness issues (including students, educators, counsellors, perpetrators and victims will also be available at the campaign website. A series of social experiments covering these issues will further be conducted to generate awareness, conversations and reflections on the issues.

Lock Wai Han, Chairman of the Media Literacy Council, said: “The Internet and mobile devices have become an integral part of our lives, especially among our young people. It is therefore critical to encourage our youths to be positive online, while giving them the resilience, knowledge and support they need to navigate online risks. With the proliferation of news sources online, we need to be discerning to distinguish between falsehood and the truth, to avoid falling prey to scams and fake news.” 

Chong Ee Jay – Manager, TOUCH Family Services, and Member, Media Literacy Council, a former victim of cyberbullying who subsequently bullied back in retaliation, said that online interactions should be governed by sensitivity to others. "Basically, it is a question about good manners, and what is acceptable between family and close friends. Some remarks can be hurtful and we must be mindful about this, especially when it is a sensitive subject of say, how a person looks, his/her size, etc. This applies whether online or offline," he commented.

That said, cyberbullying is even more of a problem compared to face-to-face bullying for several reasons, noted Chong. "The cloak of anonymity online often creates an enhanced false sense of security or empowerment which results in users often becoming seemingly bolder or adventurous online to do things which they often may not dare or be willing to try out in real life.," he explained. "Cyberbullying is one clear example where bullies resort to hiding behind their keyboards to make hurtful comments rather than resolving the matter in person. That's why often in cyber bullying cases, anyone can be the bully."

If someone is being cyberbullied, creating a supportive environment is essential. "Often many are hurt by the comments. However not all victimised cases end up depressed or in a despondent state. Some whose personalities are more resilient, or those who have better management of their emotions and have healthy social support from friends and family, tend to cope much better in the face of cyber bullying," said Chong.

Chong also advises against running away from it all through deleting social media accounts, for example. "Running away would not solve the problem. In fact more often than not, it sends the message to the bully (or bullies) that he/she/they have 'succeeded'. An alternative proposition would be to block or delete the bullies from your social media friends' list. Minimise possible social contact with the bully until you are better able to manage your emotions," he said.

Getting a respected third party to offer a balanced perspective can also help, as it did in Chong's case. "Our teacher/counsellor stepped in and reasoned with the both of us who were involved in the matter. I realised that by retaliating (against) the cyberbully, I became a bully myself. Both of us then realised the value of our friendship and how silly the whole matter had become as our ‘battle’ was in full view of our other friends, too. We stopped hitting out at each other via the Internet after that. We remain friends till today," he shared.

"As adults, resolve it face to face and talk it out, or seek help from professional Counsellors or even Family Centres like TOUCH Family Services. As some of the bullying incidents may happen in school, it would be important for parents to teach their young to inform and seek advice from school leaders such as teachers and counsellors who would provide emotional support as well as keep a look out for the students in school. It would also be important for students to share the incident with parents and allow them to better understand what the students are facing as well as provide advice, and if required, to make reports to the school together with the student."

Chong also said that the law can be called in for more serious cases. "In severe harassment cases which involves offensive messages are defamatory or criminal intimidation*, a police report can be lodged," he added.

SID is a public awareness initiative started in 2004 by the Insafe Network, a network of Awareness Centres funded under the Safer Internet Programme of the European Commission. The SID takes place on the second Tuesday of February every year and seeks to promote safe and positive use of digital technology, especially amongst children and young people. This year’s global theme is Be the Change: Unite for a Better Internet which emphasises the importance of collaboration and unity.

Interested?

Find out more about Chong's cyberbullying experience, and those of others

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog post about Microsoft's commemoration of Safer Internet Day with the Digital Civility Index

*A definition provided by Chong for criminal intimidation runs: "Whoever threatens another with any injury to his or her person, reputation or property, or to the person or reputation of any one in whom that person is interested, with intent to cause alarm to that person, or to cause that person to do any act which he or she is not legally bound to do, or to omit to do any act which that person is legally entitled to do, as the means of avoiding the execution of such threat, commits criminal intimidation." More on the law

Opera browser includes a free, no-log VPN

Source: Opera.

A free, no-log, easy-to-use VPN is available directly in the Opera desktop browser. With this launch, Opera has become the first major browser to release a built-in VPN service.

"If people knew how the Internet truly works, I believe they all would use a VPN," says Krystian Kolondra, SVP of Opera browser for computers. "By making our browser VPN free and easy to use, we hope to make it an essential tool, just as the lock and key is to your house."

When turned on, Opera's VPN creates a secure connection to one of Opera's five server locations around the world. The VPN lets people choose where to appear on the Internet, giving their online privacy and security a boost while making content easier to access.

People can also let the Opera browser intelligently select the optimal server location based on factors such as network speed, latency, location and server capacity. When in automatic location mode, browsing through the VPN is always at the maximum available speed.

The VPN feature - powered by Opera subsidiary SurfEasy - utilises a secure 256-bit AES encrypted connection to the VPN virtual locations and is a no-log service, which means neither Opera nor SurfEasy will store any information about a user's browsing history.

"We know that people are concerned about their privacy online and that the interest for VPN is increasing," Kolondra said. "However, two major obstacles are blocking people from using it: VPNs are too complicated to use, and they require a monthly subscription. Opera resolves both issues by introducing its free and easy-to-use service right into the browser."

Interested?

Watch the video introducing the VPN feature in the Opera browser

The VPN feature can be enabled by going to Settings or Preferences in the software, then toggling the 'Privacy & Security' option on. An icon labeled "VPN" will appear in the browser to the left of the address field, from which users can activate the VPN and choose their preferred location. Download the Opera browser

SamKnows invites Singaporeans to join the National Internet Measurement Infrastructure project

The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA), responsible for regulating the country’s telecoms, has contracted SamKnows, a broadband measurement performance provider, to measure consumer Internet performance.

Source: SamKnows. A SamKnows dashboard.

By taking part in the National Internet Measurement Infrastructure (NIMI) project, Singaporeans can join thousands of other consumers in putting their ISPs to the test and ensuring they are getting the quality of experience that they are expecting. 

As part of a drive to expand the project, SamKnows is now offering free hardware devices called ‘Whiteboxes’ to new volunteers, allowing users to measure speeds of up to 1Gbps. Volunteers are asked to download the free SamKnows mobile app to receive accurate real-time data and analytics via the SamKnows dashboard. 

Singapore is one of 40 countries currently using the SamKnows measurement platform. 

Interested?

Apply for a free Whitebox 

Twice the mobile data, just for a little more: Singtel

Source: Singtel website.

In conjunction with the opening of IT Show 2016, Singtel will launch DataX2, a new add-on that offers customers double their mobile data allowance for a flat fee of S$5.90 a month. The new data option is an extension of Singtel’s move to offer more data-centric services following the introduction of its SIM Only Plan last year.

DataX2 will allow customers the option to double their data allowance whenever they sign up or re-contract on one of Singtel’s Combo Mobile Plans (Combo 2 and above). For example, a customer on a S$62.90 a month Combo 3 Plan with 3GB of data will enjoy 6GB of data for S$5.90 more a month with DataX2.

Yuen Kuan Moon, CEO of Consumer Singapore for Singtel said, “The decision to expand our datacentric mobile plan offerings came naturally to us as this is exactly what customers want. Better value for their mobile data. With DataX2, customers can enjoy double their data allowance and more of their favourite videos and music on the go. Extra data has never been more affordable.” 

Interested?

Customers who sign up for DataX2 at IT Show 2016, online or at any Singtel Shop and Singtel Exclusive Retailer from 10 March 2016 will be able to enjoy double the data immediately. 

Plans	Combo 1	Combo 2	Combo 3	Combo 4	Combo 6	Combo 12
Combo Plan monthly subscription (S$)	$27.90	$42.90	$62.90	$82.90	$102.90	$239.90
Minutes	100	200	300	400	700	Unlimited
SMS	500	1,000	1,200	1,300	1,500	Unlimited
Data	100MB	2GB	3GB	4GB	6GB	12GB
DataX2 monthly subscription (S$)	N.A.	$5.90	$5.90	$5.90	$5.90	$5.90
DataX2 Data	N.A.	2GB	3GB	4GB	6GB	12GB
Total Data	100MB	4GB	6GB	8GB	12GB	24GB

*Applicable to new and re-contracting customers on eligible Mobile Combo Plans upon signing a two-year device agreement. Minimum subscription period of 24 months applies.

Singtel ups max speeds on fibre broadband for home offices

Singtel will offer a 10Gbps fibre broadband service to residential customers in Singapore starting this month. Leveraging on its Next Generation 10GPON or Gigabit Passive Optical Network, this first-of-its-kind service for residential customers follows the launch of the pilot phase last year.

Goh Seow Eng, MD, Home, Consumer Singapore, Singtel, said, “We made a commitment to our customers to bring them the best network innovations, the very latest technologies for work and play. We recognise that residential customers are using greater bandwidth and requiring faster speeds for their online activities.”

Through a dedicated, ultra-high-speed 10Gbps wired connection*, users will be able to download and stream at larger volumes of data. The service, which also features four 1Gbps ports, can serve as a home networking solution for multi-user environments such as home offices and large households. This will enable individuals working from home to conduct multiple videoconferences, file transfer sessions and even run a home business without compromising on connectivity and bandwidth.

To enhance their 10Gbps experience, customers can set up Singtel’s latest WiFi Mesh to improve wireless performance and connectivity in their homes. WiFi Mesh ensures consistent bandwidth at high speeds and increased coverage, providing robust wireless connectivity for data-demanding applications.

Interested?

Singtel’s 10Gbps Fibre Home Bundle** is priced at S$189/month and includes a 10G optical network router, a wireless Dual-Band AC router, NetLink Trust installation and Singtel weekday installation, a 4G Mobile Broadband 500MB subscription, and for a limited period, a pair of WiFi Mesh devices worth S$240.  Customers can register their interest up to 15 February.  
                                             

System Requirements***,****	End User Macintosh	PC
Processor	Core i7 minimum	Core i7-4790K minimum
System Memory	8GB RAM minimum	8GB RAM minimum
Hard disk	SSD	SSD, PCI-E interface
OS	Mac OS X	Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10
Cable	Cat6/6a cable	Cat6/6a cable
Required connection port	10 Gigabit Ethernet port (10GBase-T) network card or Thunderbolt 2 to 10 Gigabit Ethernet adapter (e.g. SANLink2)	10 Gigabit Ethernet port (10GBase-T) network card

*10-GbE copper (10GBase-T) network port required to communicate over CAT6 (or 6a/7) copper LAN cable to another 10-Gb-T supported computer or network device. Actual speed experienced using the service will be dependent on various elements such as the bandwidth of the destination application, performance of your device and other extraneous factors.  

**Plan comes with 24-month contract. Terms and conditions apply. 

***Customers can connect a 10 Gigabit switch to the 10GbE optical network router (ONR) port available to share connection to more 10GbE computers or network attached storage (NAS) devices   

****Customers can utilise the ONR 4x1GbE to distribute bandwidth to multiple rooms with any existing Gigabit Ethernet enabled devices/computers/WiFi routers   

Google brings free Wi-Fi to Mumbai Central Station, introduces Indic keyboard app

Source: Google Asia Pacific blog.

Starting 22 January, those passing through Mumbai Central station in India will have access to free, high-speed Wi-Fi, courtesy of Google. The service is part of a project announced in September 2015 to provide high-speed public Wi-Fi in 400 train stations across India.

Working with Indian Railways, which operates one of the world's largest railway networks, and RailTel, which provides Internet services as RailWire via its fibre network along many of the railway lines, Google's Access & Energy team plans to cover 100 of the busiest stations in India before the end of 2016, with the remaining stations following in quick succession.

"We’re hoping those of you from — or travelling through — Allahabad, Jaipur, Patna and Ranchi, will be as excited to learn that your stations are up next!" said Gulzar Azad, Head of Access Programs in India for Google in a blog post.

"Commuters will be able to tell if there is high-speed Wi-Fi available if they can see the ‘RailWire Wi-Fi’ network in Wi-Fi settings. If you see it, select it and follow the simple steps below to gain access on your phone and up to two additional devices, like a laptop or tablet — you’ll just need an Indian mobile number to get an access code for each device."

Azad said the Wi-Fi will initially be free, with a drop in speed after the first hour online. The long-term intention is to charge for the service in some way for self-sustainability.

The news follows an 18 January announcement that Google has developed a touch-based keyboard for the easier input of Hindi—and ten other Indian languages—with a phone or tablet. The Google Indic Keyboard app has been downloaded over 10 million times, and supports the alphabet used for that language, a transliteration keyboard, and handwriting input. Both Latin characters and native characters are recognised.

"By making mobile input easier for almost one billion speakers of Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil and Telugu, we also hope to see more engaging content in these languages on the web," said Linda Lin, Product Manager, Google in a separate blog post.

January 2016 also saw the launch of YouTube home pages customised for Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, in the local language and domain. YouTube was previously available in Nepali, Sinhalese and Urdu.

Interested?

View the associated video
How to watch YouTube videos offline
Download the Google Indic Keyboard from the Play store

Protecting yourself when banking online

HSBC has shared some best practices on using their security device with Internet banking:  

• The bank encourages clients to use a different PIN for their ATM card, phone banking and Internet banking, and not to reuse them for other purposes. "Do not disclose your Internet banking password or security code to anyone (including parties claiming to be bank staff or the police)," HSBC said in a statement.

• Unusual screens requesting additional personal information or an unusually slow response is cause for concern, HSBC said, suggesting that clients should scan their systems for malware.

• As a rule, clients should always access Internet banking by keying in the HSBC website address at the address bar of the browser, or bookmark the website and use that function to access to their HSBC Internet Banking accounts. This eliminates the risk of visiting faked websites through hyperlinks embedded in emails, pop-up windows and search results from search engines, for example.

• Keep computers updated with the latest security software, which can help to prevent problems from clicking on attachments or embedded URLs in suspicious emails. "HSBC will not display your personal information in emails or ask you to provide any personal information including username, password and security code by replying emails," the bank said.

• Avoid sharing personal details such as full name, passport details or credit card numbers. "HSBC Internet Banking will not ask you to provide CVV/CVC code and expiry date of your credit card. You should exercise caution in communicating your personal information," the bank noted.

• Irregularities can be caught through regularly reviewing online transaction records regularly and reporting anything unusual to the bank. Clients are also asked to review transfer limits regularly as this can limit any losses.

Interested?

Clients which have disclosed personal details to suspicious parties should immediately report the incidents to the bank or to the police, HSBC advises.

Suspicious websites encountered in Hong Kong can be reported to HSBC's customer service hotlines at +852 2233 3322 for HSBC Premier customers, +852 2748 8333 for HSBC Advance customers and +852 2233 3000 for other customers.

Review online security tips published by HSBC Singapore

Small business owners benefit from Digi's Pi1M Training Programme

Source: Digi. Participants of the Pi1M Training Programme pose for a group shot.

Digi Telecommunications recently held a training programme for the community members living around the Pusat Internet 1 Malaysia (Pi1M) centres managed by the company. This customised training programme is part of Digi’s ambition to inspire online entrepreneurship amongst its Pi1M community members. To date, Digi has 34 Pi1Ms in Pahang, Kelantan, Terengganu, Johor, Melaka and Sarawak, and is committed to launch 70 more centres by end of this year. 

According to Eugene Teh, Digi’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Digi has always wanted to empower societies and enable connected communities to bring about socioeconomic improvements. “Our priority has always been to ensure that Digi’s Pi1Ms are economically sustainable in the long run and to support the communities with easy access to connectivity as well as unlimited information and resources,” he said.

“This is just the first of many similar training programmes that are in the pipeline. It is our objective to ensure that all interested community members as well as our Pi1M managers get the opportunity to learn and benefit from the Internet. We firmly believe that these programmes will pave the way for them to enjoy equal opportunities for both social and economic empowerment."

The three-day pilot training programme saw the participation of 36 people from 11 Pi1Ms around Malaysia. The 36 participants were selected based on a profile evaluation and interviews as part of the process to understand their ambitions and keenness, and their business experience and potential. They were introduced to the power of the Internet and the exciting prospects of conducting business and earning income online by Digi and its strategic partners Google Business Group Malaysia, The Star, Pos Malaysia, MMSC Ventures and Zalora. 

At the event, Google Malaysia and its premium partner Kasatria shared insights on Google Apps, while theStar introduced participants to iBilik, a homestay proposition; Pos Malaysia presented their online marketplace PostMe as well as their other service offerings, and Zalora shared its experience as an online business. MMSC Ventures also discussed online education and Internet-based income generation. 

Mohd Hairulnizam Ismail, an F&B business owner from Lundu, Sarawak, said the workshop session had benefited him and his business in many ways. “As a consumer, I’ve experienced purchasing airplane tickets from Air Asia’s online portal, but I still needed the knowledge on how to bring my business onto the online platform. By attending this workshop, I’ve learned a lot on how to track my website’s popularity using Google tools. Besides that, I have also learned how to use domain tracking tools on my website through Google Webmaster,” he commented.

Maszni Abdul Aziz, owner of Sparkle Beads Enterprise in Melaka, said the workshop was an eye opener especially for people like her who are not fully exposed to the potential of the Internet. 

“I have not been exposed very much to the internet, and I have never bought anything online before. My objective of coming to this workshop is to explore, and learn about what the internet has to offer," she shared. "After the session with Zalora, I’m very happy because I’ve learned a lot about the possibilities that the internet can offer for expanding my business. My dream is to bring my business up to a global scale, and with the Internet, I’m confident that I will be able to achieve that dream.”

Digi will work closely with Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in coming up with similar workshops for its Pi1M communities with the aim of having them at least once a quarter. Each workshop session is designed to have a maximum of 35 participants including managers of the respective Pi1M centres to encourage interaction as well as to effectively address all topics. 

Ubiquitous Internet has changed everyday behaviour: Euromonitor

Euromonitor International has found that Internet-connected consumers in both developed and emerging markets are expanding their use of technology in everyday life, leading to significant changes in how they interact with the world around them.

Source: Euromonitor website.

In a new survey focused on hyperconnected consumers and their use of technology, including shopping habits and attitudes toward online privacy and security, Consumers in the Digital World: Hyperconnectivity and Technology Trends, 67% of smartphone users rely on their phone for GPS navigation and 33% use the device to book a taxi or car service. However, larger-screen devices such as computers and tablets are still favoured when consumers stream a video or television show.

Constant Internet access also allows the hyperconnected consumer to utilise their phone or mobile device to compare prices, product details, and purchase goods wherever and whenever. Per the latest survey results, 94% of respondents go online to research a potential purchase, regardless of whether they end up buying on a website or in store.

Internet-connected consumers in emerging markets, particularly India and China, are leading the way in online shopping. For example, 87% of Internet-connected consumers in China typically purchase apparel online, as do 73% in India. However, virtual shopping is not the norm in all emerging markets; just 47% in the Middle East buy clothes via the Internet.

“Understanding how the consumer utilises technology in their purchasing decisions is crucial for companies striving to grow their customer base,” says Euromonitor's Senior Survey Analyst, Lisa Holmes. “As consumers continue to become more hyperconnected, the need to market products and make them easily accessible through technology is more important than ever.”

A free extract of the report can be downloaded here.

Telecom Square rolls out Wi-Ho! prepaid SIM for data services

Source: Telecom Square website.

Telecom Square has launched the sales Wi - Ho! Prepaid SIM for overseas visitors to Japan. The service allows visitors to Japan to use the Internet by inserting the SIM into their own devices, and includes three free sessions of telephone interpretation for English, Chinese, or Korean.

Plans are available for 1GB (4,500 yen) and 3GB (6,500 yen), with recharges of 1GB at 1,980 yen. The service allows download speeds of up to 150 Mbps and support is available in English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese, and lasts for 30 days.

The company also offers a Wi-Fi router for those who have multiple devices.

HP announces free roaming Wi-Fi offer for selected notebooks and tablets

HP and iPass, the world's largest Wi-Fi network, announced last week that selected* HP notebook and tablet PCs will include the option to access the iPass global Wi-Fi network.

Source: HP website.

Through this agreement, iPass and HP make it simpler and more affordable for users in Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ) to connect to the Internet locally, and stay connected when they travel. Customers who purchase new HP notebook and tablet PCs with this option will be able to register and automatically get access to millions of hotspots on the iPass global Wi-Fi network** for one year at no additional cost. The first of HP’s products with this option should be available from October 2014***.

“As an ‘always on’ world continues to drive user expectations for affordable, seamless connectivity, HP continues to champion new mobile solutions for our customers,” said Roland Ng, VP, Mobile Connectivity, HP Asia Pacific and Japan. “We’re simplifying the process of connecting to the Internet locally, and while traveling, to ensure consumers and business get the most from their notebook and tablet devices.”

“People want easy access to stay connected to what matters to them most,” said Evan Kaplan, President and CEO, iPass. “We believe HP’s strength in the notebook and tablet business combined with the iPass global Wi-Fi network and easy to use apps will provide a powerful experience for consumers to connect to Wi-Fi while traveling. We are excited about this acceleration of making iPass available to the APJ market.”

To view a hotspot location map and to learn more about how to connect to iPass on an HP notebook or tablet PC visit www.ipass.com/hpoffer.

*HP commercial and consumer notebook and tablet PCs with operating systems such as Windows 8.1, Android 4.2.2 and above. Devices with Windows 7 and Chrome OS may be added in subsequent months. Devices with FreeDos and Ubuntu OS are not included. For more information, visit www.hp.com/go/stayconnected.

**Connectivity is not available everywhere. The offer excludes premium iPass inflight access on planes. Subscription renewal and purchase of the iPass service is required after the one year trial period. To view a hotspot location map and to learn more about the service visit www.ipass.com/hpoffer.

***Timing will vary by product and country. For more information, visit www.hp.com/go/stayconnected.

Etihad Airways provides mobile and Internet connectivity in all Boeing 777s

Etihad Airways has completed the deployment of mobile and Internet connectivity across its entire fleet of 24 Boeing 777 passenger aircraft, making it easier for guests to stay in touch with while in the air.

Source: Etihad. In-flight connectivity becomes a reality.

The airline expects that its entire fleet of 89 passenger aircraft is connected in the coming months, which will make Etihad Airways the first in the region and one of the few airlines in the world to offer mobile and internet connectivity services on every aircraft. The passenger fleet includes 28 Airbus A320s, 26 A330s, 11 A340s and 24 Boeing 777 family aircraft.

The full suite of inflight connectivity services on the fleet includes Wi-Fi, mobile services and live TV. The services combine the Etihad Wi-Fly solution, powered by the Panasonic Avionics Global Communications Suite, and OnAir’s inflight connectivity solution.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We are a global market leader in terms of onboard connectivity solutions. We believe that onboard connectivity is an important competitive differentiator for our guests and are continuously introducing new communications technology to enhance their travel experience. The rollout of our state-of-the-art connectivity solution will give our modern connected guests a seamless, robust experience at 35,000 feet, similar to what they expect at home or work.”

Guests will be able to enjoy high-speed broadband services on Wi-Fi enabled devices including smartphones, tablets and laptops from the comfort of their seat. The mobile connectivity service can be accessed by guests using their mobile phones and smartphones to make and receive phone calls, send and receive text messages and emails, and use mobile data services.

The live TV onboard service allows guests to watch live news and major sporting events on seven popular television channels including BBC World News, CNBC, CNN, euronews, Japan’s NHK World Premium, Sky News Arabia, and Sport 24.

Cabin crew and flight deck operations can also utilise Wi-Fi connections to handle medical emergencies. The crew is empowered to manage inflight guest issues by phone or email in real-time with the airline’s ground teams based in Abu Dhabi. Connectivity is also paving the way for the airline to enhance the guest experience through increased onboard retail opportunities, with the added benefit of real-time credit card transactions.

Packages to access the internet start at US$5 and can be purchased using credit cards, PayPal and other payment methods. Mobile telephone usage will be billed by the guest’s mobile service providers based on the international roaming rates levied by the service providers.

Etihad Airways’ Boeing 777 aircraft are used for long-haul destinations across the airline’s network, such as to Los Angeles and Washington DC, London, Manchester, Dublin, Düsseldorf, Paris, Sydney, Melbourne, São Paulo, Bangkok and Jakarta.

Fishbat comments on iOS8 developments, Apple Pay

Apple recently released the first beta of iOS 8.1, an upgrade to iOS 8 that followed just a few days after the release of iOS 8.0.2, which itself fixed a bug in the recently-introduced iOS 8.0.1. 

The new beta version includes these features:

• A newly designed iBooks icon.
• A new Enable Dictation toggle in the keyboard settings.
• New permission settings of applications.
• Larger application icons for new widgets in the notification center.
• Solutions to issues relating to mail, notifications, & photos.

With all the releases and changes, it's getting pretty hard to keep up, notes Internet marketing firm fishbat.

Apple is expected to be launching Apple Pay on or around October 20. Many believe that will be the launch date of iOS 8.1, the company points out. Apple Pay is expected to change the way users pay for items by using payment technology built into the device, so they no longer need to carry around credit cards. The current 8.0 version has a credit card icon in the Passbook, but lacks functionality, fishbat observed. Rather than abolishing credit card companies completely, Apple Pay will simply store the credit card information in Passbook, in a secure enclave.

Scott Darrohn, COO, fishbat, said: "Apple's beta process typically takes months, not weeks, therefore it will be interesting to see if the rumours hold value." 

Smartphone service for guests at ibis Singapore on Bencoolen offers free calls, data

The ibis Singapore on Bencoolen has introduced a guest service to provide guests with unlimited 3G Internet, free local and international calls, and a complete city guide to Singapore. 

Source: Accor.
The handy smartphone.

The handy smartphone service is part of the 'extra benefits' room package, and includes a smartphone which can be taken outside of the hotel and used throughout the guest’s stay to help them navigate Singapore, thus reducing data bills that are often associated with travelling. The service supports efforts to be more sustainable by reducing the need for printed materials, such as in-room directories, and by providing useful information about the hotel’s full range of green facilities.

”At ibis Singapore on Bencoolen, we are committed to maintaining sustainable hotel operations. We are leading the way in offering guests greener and environmentally friendlier amenities and with handy, we are able to inform and stay in touch with guests through an innovative smartphone platform that is integrated with our hotel features. We look forward to achieving significant reductions in printing and paper waste through the handy phone, our new form digital communication channel,” said General Manager Pierre-Etienne de Montgrand.

The handy devices are the pioneer product of Tink Labs, Hong Kong’s first technology incubator of mobile travel solutions. They are  customised specifically for the hotel and come fully-loaded with information about Bencoolen and its surrounding neighborhoods.

“Handy is excited to partner with ibis Singapore on Bencoolen, providing guests with seamless connectivity during their travels, as well as helping the hotel achieve their green innovation efforts,” said Terence Kwok, CEO of Tink Labs.

Features of handy include:

· Unlimited 3G internet
· Unlimited local calls
· Unlimited international calls to 26 countries and territories on both fixed line and mobile lines from Singapore (Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Canada, mainland China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, UK, US, Vietnam)
· Local city guide with proprietary content sourced by an in-house team of locals, as well as guest content from well-respected local editors
· Discounts and deals with participating merchant partners

The hotel also features green amenities including recycling bins, meters to help guests measure their water consumption, access to a complimentary Bamboo Bike and a travel card called the EZ-link to help them minimise their carbon footprint as they explore the island. 

EmTech Singapore 2015 now open for delegate registration

MIT Technology Review’s EmTech Singapore event, has been conceptualised to discuss the convergence of technology, business, and culture. It is a showcase for the technologies that matter and how they’ll change the face of business and drive the new global economy. To be held 27-28 January 2015 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, the event has opened for delegate registration. 

The key themes for EmTech Singapore for 2015 are: 

Digital Life

The Internet of Things (IoT), which marks a revolution in technological advancement, will be discussed alongside emerging platforms and a new era of computing. Topics also include wearable technology and the latest frontline innovation; how robotics is moving well beyond the factory; and how drones are interacting with humans and industry in new ways (agriculture, healthcare, and more).

Scott Farquhar, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Atlassian headlines this session alongside Marita Cheng, CEO, 2Mar Robotics Founder of Robogals; Jean-Christophe Baillie, Founder & President of Novaquark and Sonny Vu, Co-Founder of Misfit Wearables.

Healthcare & Life Sciences

Sessions under Healthcare & Life Sciences will examine the advancements that have occurred in the field of neuro-engineering; the future of genomics and medtech innovations that deliver cheaper, faster, more efficient patient care.

Speakers include Daniela Schiller, Assistant Professor, Neuroscience, Mount Sinai Hospital; Robert Nicol, Director of Sequencing Operations, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; and Alex Dickinson, Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Illumina.

Space 3.0

Speakers for Space 3.0 will examine how satellite technology can impact everyday life; whether space tourism is a near future reality; and how Space 3.0 will exploit commercial applications. 

Steve Isakowitz, President, Virgin Galactic, Chris Boshuize, Co-Founder and CTO of Planet Labs Inc; Bonnie Dunbar, Director, UH STEM Centerm, University of Houston and Kay Soon Low, Director, Satellite Research Centre – Nanyang Technological University are speakers here.

Sustainable Innovations 

EmTech Singapore 2015 will examine how sustainable innovations are addressing real world challenges. These include responding to changing demands for renewables and low carbon technology; integrating emerging technology to feed a growing global population; plus next generation urban development and sensible cities.

Speakers for Sustainable Innovations include Leslie Dewan, Co-founder & Chief Science Officer, Transatomic Power; Carlo Ratti, Director, SENSEable City Laboratory, MIT; and Daniel Hastings, Chief Executive Officer and Director Singapore MIT Alliance for Research and Technology.

Associated with the EmTech conference is the hunt for 10 regional Innovators under 35 who exemplify the spirit of innovation in business and technology. Organised by MIT Technology Review since 1999, Innovators Under 35 competition has honoured Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, JB Straubel of Tesla, Silicon Valley veteran investor Marc Andreessen and Nobel laureate Konstantin Novoselov.

Nominations close 19 September 2014. Nominations for young researchers and entrepreneurs who are using technology to come up with creative and inspirational projects to provide solutions to global problems are encouraged. The 10 honourees are recognised not only for their advances in a field of research, but also for their capacity to make an impact on society as a whole, and to lead the future of technology. For details, visit the EmTech site.

*Pictures from EmTech.