Dominant carrier PLDT has joined forces with chipmaking giant Intel to introduce in the country the TVolution Stick — an apparent answer to the Chromecast stick which tech titan Google will soon to roll out in tandem with Globe Telecom.
The TVolution Stick combines the features of PLDT?s TVolution ? a small device which turns an ordinary TV into an Internet TV, much like the Apple TV ? and the Intel Compute Stick, which transforms a TV or monitor into a full PC.
No bigger than a dongle, the TVolution Stick runs on Windows OS 8.1, letting users stream movies and videos, search the Web, send and receive emails and do other activities that are normally done on a PC.
Offering integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies, the TVolution Stick sports a quad-core Intel Atom processor and Intel HD Graphics to ensure smooth performance and vivid picture quality.
Its pocket-sized body carries 32 GB storage, 2 GB memory, a USB 2.0 port and a Micro SD card slot. Users simply need to plug the TVolution Stick into the TV?s HDMI port to activate the computer on screen, and can easily charge it via DC wall charger or powerbank.
On a limited run only until November 30, new subscribers of DSL Plans 999 and up and all PLDT Home Fibr plans who apply online will get the gadget for free, along with content from Fox, iflix and Spinnr.
?We?re very happy to introduce the most advanced TVolution, in collaboration with Intel. Apart from providing our consumers entertainment, it gives them a full suite of PC functionality on their TV screens backed by PLDT Home?s most trusted broadband services,? PLDT VP and Home marketing head Gary Dujali said.
Intel Philippines country manager Calum Chisholm added, ?The TVolution Stick collaboration between Intel and PLDT provides a complete computing experience compared to other ordinary streaming sticks. [It] will serve to augment the home entertainment experience offered by PLDT by also bringing full PC capabilities to the home, so Filipinos can both consume and create thus connecting to their potential with technology.?
The collaboration with Intel comes at the heels of the partnerships with global entertainment company and Asia Pacific broadcaster FOX International Channels and Southeast Asia?s Internet TV service iflix.
PLDT Home said commands a market share of over 70% in the first half of the year
?PLDT Home?s partnership with Intel in introducing the new TVolution Stick lets Filipino families integrate Fox, iflix, and other digital applications in one small but powerful device enabling a richer and a more convenient digital lifestyle as we forge the strongest connections at home,? Dujali concluded.