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Chikka for the New Digital Generation
In 2000, as world Internet and mobile players were discussing the next “killer app” in the form of a mobile instant messenger that might hopefully soon be created, a Manila-based company quietly released Chikka Text Messenger on beta.
Chikka’s breakthrough had been in marrying IM technology seamlessly with SMS, and then building a back-end that would withstand its use by the world’s ‘text capital’ – The Philippines.
2010: Chikka for the New Digital Generation
Ten years later, Chikka has served over 68 million people who had registered on-line and via mobile to enjoy the way Chikka had united on-line Filipinos with the sea of SMS users. The company is also releasing the latest version of its Chikka Text Messenger.
“Back in 2000, Internet penetration in the country was a mere 2% but many had mobile phones and we were already a texting culture,” said Chikka founder Dennis Mendiola. “We enabled Filipinos to connect to an on-line IM community via texting which was second nature to us.”
Today, a “digital generation” has emerged and 30% of Filipinos have Internet access taking part in social networks and becoming active in social media. Mobile penetration is closer to 80%.
“We saw this during the great reawakening and national mourning for the passing of former President Cory Aquino. We witnessed it again as Typhoon Ondoy brought great floods to the Capital and the Youth, with their Internet and mobile tools helped relay information for mobilization and disaster relief,” said Mendiola.
Thus is setting for Chikka latest version release.
“Chikka is more relevant than ever. We observe for example that a lot of casual messaging previously exchanged via text has shifted to the social networks. Our latest version is being released, combining the cool convenience of sending an IM message when one is on-line with the personal warmth, immediacy even urgency of receiving a message as text, instantly read on ones phone,” Mendiola added.
Lighter “Load”
Promoting even higher utility for the community, the new Chikka version features P1.00 replies during off-peak hours when a lot of Global Filipinos are driving message traffic to friends and loved ones mobiles in the Philippines. Unlimited text packages akin to popular UNLI packages being offered by Philippine telcos are also now available all day.
It is also interoperable with Google Talk while Chikka is working on partnering with other instant messaging applications to make it easier for users to keep in touch.
“In 2010, there were over 16 million visits to the Chikka site from 215 countries during a one month period,” CIO Dennis Mendiola said. “Even though there are a lot of technological advancements in the communications industry, Chikka still remains to be the preferred communications tool for Global Pinoys.”
The Future
According to Mendiola much of the work that went into the “new Chikka” actually happened in the back-end with a major re-architecture.
This allows the company to pursue a technology roadmap that will very soon enable Chikka for any platform and operating system, for any IM aggregator, and also for any mobile device, Already a 3rd party developer has released an iPhone App. Chikka for its part is set to unveil its own app for the iPhone, as well as Blackberry and Android devices.
“The idea is for Chikka users to be able to access it on numerous communications platforms,” Mendiola said. “Simply put, as long as you have a computer or mobile phone, you can use Chikka.”
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P-Noy Launches Own Website
Yesterday, 16 Aug 2010 marked yet another page to be added in our nation’s very colorful history: the day our dear President Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III launched the official website of the Philippine President at http://www.president.gov.ph
The website was created with the aim of showing transparency in the government, as well as bridging the communication gap between the people of this nation and the administration. The site even gave the email address titonoy@president.gov.ph for any concern that you wish to be conveyed to the President.
This is a very cool idea. However, I had read somewhere in the interwebs people asking why the website uses ASPX instead of Open Source counterparts? Also, some are complaining that the website is not PWD-friendly (Persons With Disabilities).
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Affordable IT Trainings & Seminars
Are you looking for IT Trainings & Seminars to hone your skills for the web but has limited resources (read as budget; money)? I am proud to introduce the TurfSite Training & Seminar Services via http://training.turfsiteph.net
We’re setting our dry run month this August 2010, starting with the following courses:
- Basics of Web Development Module 1 on 30 Aug 2010 (non-working holiday) from 11am to 2pm
- Website Design & Development Using Microsoft Expression Web on 30 Aug 2010 (non-working holiday) from 2:30pm to 5:30pm
- Website Design & Development Using Adobe Dreamweaver on 30 Aug 2010 (non-working holiday) from 6pm to 9pm
All trainings/seminars will be held at Netopia Waltermart Makati (in front of Don Bosco Makati). Plus, all participants in any of the courses will receive a one (01) year website hosting subscription from TurfSitePH.net for FREE!
For inquiries, you may SMS 0916.320.1513 or email training@turfsiteph.net or simply visit us online at http://training.turfsiteph.net
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Exodus of PAL Pilots Has Started
Been hearing for more than a week now from colleagues in the aviation industry about a handful number of Philippine Airlines (PAL) pilots, particularly those who are licensed to commander Airbus A319/A320 aircrafts, planning to leave the flag carrier in search of greener pastures. The move was apparently agitated by PAL’s decision to “lend” some of the pilots to Air Philippines Express — a “sister” airline of PAL.
The above was somewhat “confirmed” today when PAL cancelled around 10 flights, primarily due to lack of Airbus A319/A320 pilots.
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Smart Buddy’s TGIF on the 30th!
Oh my! What is this?! Just got the scoop from Smart’s Facebook Page saying that this coming Friday, 30 July 2010 (birthday of my wife) will be a T.G.I.Free-day — FREE mobile internet day!
Are they insane?! No, Smart is not! This is what I told you a couple of days ago about something big and free from Smart will happen by end of the month. Imagine, one whole day of mobile internet — Twitter, Facebook, Plurk, Google, Yahoo, Uzzap, and even BBM for free! Now, that’s simply amazing from Smart!
Here’s the FAQ from Smart:
Q: WHAT IS T.G.I.Freeday?
A: Its Smart’s one-day offer for all subscribers to enjoy using mobile internet services for FREE. That means there are no charges to visit all internet sites using your mobile phone.
Q: When is T.G.I.Freeday available?
A: T.G.I.Freeday will start from 12:00 am of July 30, until 11:59pm of the same day. If you start browsing at 10pm, you only have 11:59 pm to enjoy free mobile internet.
Q: Do I need to register?
A: No registration needed. Just open your web browser, your Uzzap or GoMail application and go!
Q: Is there a special keyword or URL to visit?
A: No need to key in a keyword or a URL to use mobile internet. For as long as you have a data capable handset, you can do mobile surfing all your want. To get more information, text FREEDAY and send to 211.
Q: I don’t know how to use mobile internet. What’s the first thing I do?
A: You need to configure your 3G settings. Text SET send to 211 to get your 3G configuration for FREE. Save the configuration and then launch your mobile web browser to start browsing. As simple as that.
Q: Can I use 2G to browse the internet?
A: Yes you can. But for a faster and better experience, it is suggested that you take advantage of Smart’s nation widest coverage by using Smart’s superior 3G, HSPA, HSDPA network.
Q: I want to avail of a daily surfing package on Friday. Will this be allowed?
A: No. You will receive an SMS notification that today is a free day and that you will be able to use the service you wish to avail unlimited for the entire day.
Q: Will I be allowed to avail weekly and monthly package of the data services that I register to?
A: Subscribers can still avail of weekly and monthly packages every Friday but they will be reminded of T.G.I.Freeday Promo and they have to confirm their purchase before transaction is completed.
Q: I have a weekly/ monthly package. Will I be given additional 1 day extension as a result of T.G.I.Freeday?
A: Subscribers with current weekly and monthly packages that traverse on a Friday will not be given extra one day as a result of the free day Friday. The existing validity of their availed package will be retained.
Q: Is there a limit as to the number of services that I can avail for free?
A: For as long as subscribers have a data capable handset, there is no limit as to how many services subscribers can avail of for free.
Q: Is there a minimum maintaining balance?
A: Prepaid subscribers should have minimum balance of P1 to avail of the free services
Q: What if I browse after 11:59pm of Friday?
A: Should subscriber continue to browse even after 11:59pm, default charging P10/30 will commence and transactional fees for chat services will apply.
Q: What are the sites that I can access?
A: You can access all the sites that you want. All the Web Unli Sites offered currently at P20 per day by Smart will be FREE on TGIFreeday!
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Clues for Something Big & Free from Smart!
Last week, I posted about Something Big & Free from Smart is coming by end of this month.
So far, here are some clues on what will it be:
- It’s NOT a new endorser.
- It is something “SOCIAL” — nope! It’s NOT something related to jejemon
Hmmm … What could it be?
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