How to Live Stream GoPro Videos (For GoPro Hero 4 Silver and Black)

It's cool that you can film extreme activities using GoPro. Underwater, extreme heat, or even filming a mach 1 jet fighter. No mass produced, realistically affordable camera has done all that before. Last year, I finally decided to get myself one to document my travels and (mis)adventures, specially recording my son's milestones. As a blogger, live streaming is often times one of my requirements as well. My iPhone can do that. My fast LTE connection can also do that. BUT, I would like it better if my GoPro can be the one doing the video recording and live stream what I am seeing at the same time. Now, GoPro can do it.. via Periscope. Read on to know how.

Read More

iOS 8.1.3 Update

Today, I updated two iPhone units to iOS version '8.1.3'. If your device is Jailbroken, do not update. There's no known Jailbreak for it yet but otherwise, go ahead. Here are the changes:

*Reduces the amount of storage required to perform a software update
*Fixes an issue that prevented some users from entering their Apple ID password for Messages and FaceTime
*Addresses an issue that caused Spotlight to stop displaying app results
*Fixes an issue which prevented multitasking gestures from working on iPad
*Adds new configuration options for education standardised testing.

Read More

Smart LTE Network Upgrade [w/ Actual Speedtest]

As a Smart LTE user, I personally have experienced the actual improvement of LTE signal specifically in our area. Before, I do get LTE signal but only outside the gate and that would be almost useless. I don't know when this year but when I checked, we do get FULL bar LTE signal even inside our living room! Honestly, it rendered our home internet service useless (not literally) because once you go LTE, you'll be spoiled by the speed it can achieve.

A few weeks back, I posted this on my Instagram account:

I was watching car reviews the whole afternoon, in HD with settings on the highest resolution possible. No waiting time, no lags. It was as if I have downloaded the video on my desktop and just clicked play. This was the first time that I fully appreciated the no-waiting, super fast speed and felt like living in a first world country. Really, LTE is meant to be like this and I'm glad that Smart keeps on upgrading and expanding their coverage without feeling any down time at all. 

The day iOS8 was released, the first thing I did was to update my phone. Since I now have Smart LTE inside the house, I tethered my phone and used it to download iOS8. To my disappointment, it said there "download time: 24 minutes". After a few more seconds, it lowered to 18 minutes (wasn't able to take a photo of it already). Imagine how spoiled I was using Smart LTE, downloading iOS8 worth 1.1GB under 20 minutes while others got this:

That's almost 1/5 of the download total yet this user got 40 more minutes left. Some even reported to have almost 2 hours waiting time. I stopped complaining on my 20-minute waiting time.

Here are a few of my uploaded speed tests for the past week:

Using my Smart Bro LTE Pocket WiFi

Using my iPhone 5s with Smart LTE signal

Early this week, they announced that they are further expanding their LTE coverage. This is in preparation for the launch of LTE-A in the VERY near future as they hinted. LTE-A has the capability to reach (as already tested) over 200Mbps. That would've probably cut my 20-minute waiting time to 3~5 minutes? 

LTE-A as they mentioned also uses the same LTE sites but with upgrades. This makes LTE-A rollout easier. For those wondering if LTE currently has a cap, no. I am a testament to it. They do not cap nor limit usage but like any other telcos out there, they implement FUP. Just yesterday, I went over 1GB in a span of 3 hours and it was still working fine after that. But honestly, I have never been cut off due to over usage. They are quite lenient in implementing the FUP.

Here are some official released facts from Smart:

> Smart is deploying a total of 1,400 new LTE sites, comprised of both FD-LTE and TD-LTE installations, to bring its total LTE footprint to more than 3,400 sites across the country.

> Smart is beefing up its mobile network infrastructure by adding 400 more mobile LTE sites, majority of which will be in Metro Manila. This is part of the continuing roll out program for its LTE facilities.

> To complement its mobile LTE services, it is also rolling out 1,000 additional TD-LTE sites to support its fixed wireless service to homes. This will bring high-speed mobile broadband speeds to more cities and municipalities in Bulacan, Cavite, Cebu, Laguna, Pampanga, Rizal, Metro Manila among many others.

> They have already fired up the second LTE Advanced network recently, which is in Mactan Island Cebu. The first one initially went live at the JUMP Experience Center in SM Megamall last August.

> All this was made possible because the PLDT group rolled out more than 90,000km of fiber optic cables around the country. It also modernized its mobile network to make more than 10,000 4G sites enabling it to quickly roll out LTE services via a simple software update.
(For more info about their latest, check out: https://www1.smart.com.ph/about/newsroom/press-releases)

Given all that information, we can all expect that very soon, we will all feel the increase in speed and expanded coverage. Overall, the LTE experience is what the actual subscribers personally experience. It's not about hearing how far you can reach or how fast you can go. All that will be useless unless the subscriber really feels and experiences the actual blazing fast speeds the telcos are offering.

In the coming weeks, I'll be doing more speed tests and check if Smart really is improving. Also, to have a an idea of the LTE speed from Globe, I'll make a way on how I can have a unit for me to test the speed of Globe LTE and do a comparison of both. For Sun? They also have LTE. Let's see if I can do one for Sun as well.

Cheftonio

PS. Liked the post? Subscribe to my blog by typing in your email below. You'll get my posts in your inbox via email.

Enter your email address:


Delivered by FeedBurner

-->

Read More

First look: LG G2 Mini LTE version

As all things become more and more modern, so does mobile phone ownership. In fact, Smart and Sun has seen  an 18% jump in smartphone ownership in the first quarter of 2014 alone. This is due to the availability of smartphones out there. One of the newest devices is the LG G2 Mini. Starting May 13, 2014, Smart announced the exclusive availability of the LG G2 mini LTE version free on Postpaid Plan 1200. This is one of the most affordable LTE-equipped mobile phones available in their roster as it comes with unlimited LTE surfing allowing you to maximize your phones potential.

With the plan 1200, 995 of it goes to unli LTE and the rest is either consumable or you can choose from the available call and text bundles. Also, Smart has a great offer! You can also get the LG quick window casing for free is you subscribe (Available while it lasts. Please check with the store first)

Read More

Smart Bro LTE NO lock-in Plan 599 / 1299

Last week, Smart launched the country's first ever no-lock sim only LTE plans. Although, you can purchase devices with it for a minimal add-on or even free(See details below), you can also opt for the no lock-in sim only plan. Just present a valid ID!

Read More

Smart LTE Advanced and LTE Coverage Expansion

Photo from the LTE launch last August 2012

Smart LTE signal definitely made a lot of people's lives easier. With LTE, you can access high speed data anywhere there is LTE signal and do your job more efficiently or simply entertain you with your video streaming without the stress of waiting for the buffering to finish.

Read More

Smart LTE Pocket Wifi Review

LTE has been the must-have nowadays when talking about mobile internet connectivity. Currently, phones that can connect to the LTE network has a premium price tag attached to it. On the average, popular branded phones with LTE costs more than 20,000 and those not so branded like ZTE (don't confuse it with LTE) costs around 13-17k.

Read More

Smart Prepaid LTE: How to Avail, Upgrade, Load to iPad and other Important Information

Smart, being the first to launch the LTE service in the Philippines among many other firsts is also the first to introduce Smart Prepaid LTE for mobile phones. They are making the LTE service available to a wider segment of market with this move as so not to discriminate giving the LTE service for postpaid users but also to prepaid users as well.

As per writing, they have 100,000 pieces of Prepaid LTE sim cards for mobile phones available for sale via various channels (Smart stores, telco tiangges etc) and they have currently placed orders for additional stocks. To cope up with the increasing demand, they are continuously doing the necessary upgrades to make sure the infrastructure and hardware in place will be ready for it. Currently, their LTE coverage is supported by 71,000 kilometers of total fiber footprint with 1,000+ LTE sites nationwide. Greater Metro Manila area are mostly covered and currently expanding.

This move was pushed by the decreasing price PLUS the increasing number of LTE capable handsets combining with their efforts to make LTE available to almost anyone. (Check out Smart's LTE capable handsets)

Below are important information you should know with regards to the Smart Prepaid LTE service. (FAQs)

Read More

Which Smart LTE Phone is for you?

Comparison between Samsung Galaxy S4, Sony Xperia Z, Sony Xperia V, Nokia Lumia 920, ZTE T82, and Huawei Ascend D1.

Smart, the leader in Wireless and the first to launch LTE here in the Philippines is offering LTE phones with their plans. Out of the many units, have you decided which one is for you? Let me help by giving you a summarized side-by-side comparison of each phone using the data we gathered. In the end of course, you still decide what you want to get.

Read More

Smart iPad LTE plans

Starting tomorrow, Smart will be offering iPad LTE plans! You can get an iPad mini wifi + cellular at an P8,000 discount and pay as low as P13,990 for the 16gb model. (Pay in cash or avail of the credit card for 12mo installment at ZERO interest.)

iPad Plan 999

iPad mini wifi + cellular (16gb - P13,990) ; (32gb - P18,990) ; (64gb - P23,990)

iPad 4 wifi + cellular (16gb - P21,990) ; (32gb - P26,990) ; (64gb - P31,990)

*Device cost charged on top of plan service fee of P999/mo

iPad Plan 499

iPad mini wifi + cellular (16gb - P875/mo) ; (32gb - P1,083/mo) ; (64gb - P1,240/mo)

iPad 4 wifi + cellular (16gb - P1,167/mo) ; (32gb - P1,333/mo) ; (64gb - P1,542/mo)

*Device cost charged on top of plan service fee of P499/mo

Freebies:

1) Free reversible neoprene sleeve

2) Vouchers for discounts up to 20% on accessories. (A Shop, Switch, Power Mac)

3) Complimentary tickets for two to "digital lifestyle sessions" at Jump. Sessions start on June 2013.

4) Best priced insurance against theft or accidental loss and damage for as low as     P1,371/year. (If you go directly to theinsurance  provider, you pay around 40% more)

Requirements:

1 valid ID (If existing postpaid subscriber)

Proof of income

Proof of billing

Fully accomplished SAF (form)

Important Notes:

*Lock-in period of 24 months

*Plan 499 only comes with 65hours of 3g/LTE but comes with bill shock protection for data internet. It just means that if you exceed 999, you only pay 999 pesos. 

*For prepaid units, same SRP outside.

*iPad and iPad mini plans get 24 months of unlimited LTE.

*For plan 499, you will be charged 10 pesos per 30 minutes block time. When your bill reaches P999, it stops there.

More information as the press conference progresses. Will update this post. For questions about Smart iPad LTE plans, feel free to post them on the comment section below.

More info? www.smart.com.ph/getmini

Smart LTE info? www.smart.com.ph/smartLTE

Read More

Smart LTE on iPad 4th Gen - Actual Test

Last week even before Smart announced that they are offering plans for the 4th Gen iPad (WiFi + cellular) and iPad mini, I've thought of trying out my Smart LTE sim with a 4th Gen iPad w/ LTE. It's just yesterday that I get to try and do an actual test.

For those curious on what Smart LTE can do with an iPad Mini or iPad 4th gen w/ LTE, I took videos of the actual performance and performed some "real life" scenarios on it. Not just speed tests. Here they are.

Test location: Dolcelatte, Quezon Avenue
Test date: May 13, 2013
Test time: ~7:30pm
Unit used: Apple iPad 4th gen (Wifi + cellular) / 16gb / White

Test #1 - App download test
(App size downloaded: 47.8 MB / App downloaded in: 27 seconds)


Test #2 - Multiple App Download Test
Apps downloaded:
A) I Am MT (Size: 49.6 MB)
B) Fields of Battle (Size: 47.4 MB)
C) Hill Climb Racing (Size: 13.0 MB)
Time it took to download A,B and C with a total of 110 MB = 53 seconds

D) Zombie Tsunami (Size: 50.8 MB)
E) Hay Day (Size: 38.7 MB)
Time it took to download D and E with a total of 89.5 MB = 38.5 seconds


Test #3 - Speedtest and Video Buffer Test


Conclusion
Using Smart LTE prepaid sim in the iPad 4th gen (wifi + cellular), video buffering was a thing of the past. Actual app downloads were averaging 2 MB/ second. Doing speed tests is not the same when performing actual tasks so I did all these tests. I can't wait to go to those locations were LTE signals are more optimized and stronger because where I did the tests, move a few steps more and the LTE signal is gone. Well, Smart is still 100x better than Globe in terms of providing LTE signal (and speed) because my friend w/ an iPhone 5 didn't have LTE signal in most of the places where I got Smart LTE signal.

Since iPad is more for entertainment and is easier to use when doing some work, I suggest that you go for the wifi + cellular version of the iPad 4th gen and get the Smart LTE prepaid sim.

BUT if you can wait for May 18 which is this Saturday already, check out Smart's iPad LTE plans. They said that it will be available for the iPad mini and iPad 4th gen. I'm pretty sure that the prices will be competitive as Smart has always been.

I will do more actual performance videos in the coming days.

To know more, visit http://www1.smart.com.ph/pages/ipadmini

Can't wait to check out their offers!

Cheftonio
PS. Liked the post? Subscribe to my blog by typing in your email below. You'll get my posts in your inbox via email.

Enter your email address:


Delivered by FeedBurner

-->

Read More

Smart Launches First Prepaid LTE in the Philippines

Smart announced that LTE for prepaid will be available for sale starting this Sunday, April 21 2013. Just last year, they were also the first one to publicly launch LTE for postpaid. With over 800 LTE sites, Smart LTE is available in 46 cities and 69 municipalities. They also have the most extensive fiber optic network in the Philippines to date at 54,000 kms!

Read More

Smart LTE Speedtest around Metro Manila

Have you updated your Smart iPhone 5 to version iOS 6.1? If not, do so now because you can now access LTE! As per inquiry with Smart, the first batch of users who can use LTE are those who subscribed to their iPhone 5 postpaid data plans.

After your update, you can now enable LTE by going to Settings > General > Cellular then enable LTE.

Read More

LTE: Now More Affordable in the Philippines

Third quarter last year, Smart was first to launch the fastest mobile connection ever, the LTE. Smart is also the first to support it in multi-band. Now, they are first in launching the lowest plans for LTE ever -- Plan 1299 and another reason to get it is that Smart has the widest coverage so far! Currently, it has 600 hotspots in 10 cities and over 500 establishments in the Metro! Better offer from the better network!
Check out the current coverage here: Smart LTE Coverage Map

You can either get the plan with a free phone or a free dongle. Choose from:

LTE Dongle/ Wifi Plans
All plans below come with: 42 MBPS connection speed, Expanded coverage in key cities around the Metro, Also compatible with 2G/3G/HSPA/HSPA+ networks with a 24-months lock in period.

Plan 1299
Free: 5GB of data and a LTE Dongle. (You can add a one time payment of 2,000 and your free dongle will be upgraded to a pocket wifi.)
Plan 1749
Free: 10GB of data and a LTE Dongle. (You can add a one time payment of 2,000 and your free dongle will be upgraded to a LTE pocket wifi.)
Plan 3500
Free: 21GB of data and a LTE pocket WiFi.

Img from GSM Arena

LTE Phone Plans
Plan 1500
SMS (all-net): 120 Mins (all-net): 60 Data (GB): 1.5 FREE
Free: ZTE T82 or *Sony Xperia V (LTE)
Plan 2000
SMS (all-net):200 Mins (all-net):150 Data (GB): 2.5 FREE
Free: Sony Xperia V (LTE)


I suggest that if you want to get a LTE phone @ Plan 1500, get the Sony Xperia V because it will only be free until January 30, 2013! After that, there is a 6,500 cash out already. (Click here for Sony Xperia V Specs)
Source: Smart LTE Plans

Having a fast and reliable internet is important for bloggers like me and more crucial to those who use it for work. Have you ever tried to go online with a full signal bar and you can't even receive 1 byte of data? There was one time I left my Smart Mobile WiFi and I had to borrow one. That one time was crucial because I was going to use it for work and it was time sensitive. I only needed to send out one email, all text, not more than a paragraph.

Here's what I got:

I had to find a restaurant with free WiFi or drive out and try to search for a real signal that is not for display only. Kind of defeats the purpose of it and you have no freedom to use it whenever and wherever.

Well, this is a better approach. At least they're honest. Hindi paasa.

That's just my rant and it's very important for me to have internet access whenever and wherever I need it. Disclaimer, I'm not on a Smart LTE plan. Just their regular 3G and my average speed is not bad at all! Fast and consistent if I may describe it.

I searched Twitter for a Smart LTE speedtest and here's one:

This is a true testimony to what Smart is offering. Imagine if your internet is this fast. Downloading huge files will be a breeze, attending online classes or webinars would be smooth and lag-free and in terms of online gaming (well, this is counter-productive) consistency and speed of your internet is half the battle.

On a #Betternetwork with that speed, what can you do with #SmartLTE to #Livemore?
Interested? More details: Smart LTE Plans

Cheftonio
PS. Liked the post? Subscribe to my blog by typing in your email below. You'll get my posts in your inbox via email.

Enter your email address:


Delivered by FeedBurner

-->

Read More

Multi-band LTE from Smart

Smart puts the Philippines in the map again by launching one of Asia's first commercial LTE service. Launched last August 25, 2012, they are the first LTE service provider in the Philippines. [Read more about: LTE plans and promos]

Currently, they are installing more than 54,000 kilometers of Fiber Optic Cable as part of their continuous network upgrade. In less than 2 weeks after the LTE launch, Smart fired up their multi-band frequency LTE service. This makes them the first multi-frequency service provider of mobile LTE in the country and one of the first in the world.
 
Let me explain a bit on what this means.

Read More

Smart LTE Launched! [Plans and Promos]

Today, Smart launched their 42Mbps wireless internet service! Smart is the first commercial LTE service provider in the Philippines and because of this, we are now one of the first few countries in Asia with LTE!

Read More