1. Smart unveils new logo
Leading wireless services provider, Smart Communications, Inc. has unveiled its new logo
which reflects the evolving digital lifestyle of Filipinos.
Smart’s corporate name is rendered in a more youthful blue and its signature rays have morphed
into eight dots in various vibrant colors, to reflect the freedom and empowerment that Smart's
broader range of products and services make possible.
“Our new look is an exciting metaphor of our business. From providing traditional telco
services, Smart is evolving into a webtelco--offering Filipinos integrated access to call, text,
mobile internet, wireless broadband, social networking and mobile commerce services,” said
Orlando B. Vea, Chief Wireless Advisor.
In recent months there have been dramatic changes in the usage patterns of mobile users. From
February to August of this year, smartphone use within the Smart network has doubled while use
of mobile broadband services, such asSmart Bro, has risen nearly six-fold.
Smarter devices, too, are enjoying increased uptake in the local market. Last
May, Smart recorded a doubling of the total number of Android devices running on its network
which is consistent with the worldwide trend.
To date, Google’s mobile OS is reported to be enjoying a worldwide activation rate of 1 million
devices daily.
Increasingly, social media is going mobile. For example, nearly half of all tweets on the micro-
blogging site Twitter are now being sent via mobile devices.
Already the texting capital of the world, the Philippines has also acquired the title of social
networking capital of the world. According to analytics firm Comscore, more than 90% of
Filipino Netizens visit Facebook frequently, the highest social media penetration rate in the
world.
“This evolution is providing Filipinos with a richer communication experience and a lifestyle of
greater freedom and empowerment,” Vea added.
The new Smart logo was unveiled at the Black Eyed Peas concert on October 25, together
with Smart’s new jingle composed by Black Eyed Peas’ Filipino member, apl.de.ap.
This is the fourth version of Smart logo since the company's beginnings in 1993. The first update
came in 1999, following Smart’s shift to GSM. The logo was further tweaked over the years, as
the company marked various technology milestones.
This year, Smart has launched a variety of mobile offers that underscore Smart’ shift in the
business, including the much-awaited Netphone, the world's first smartphone backed by an
operator-managed platform.