As FIBA’s official global partner, Smart, the wireless unit of PLDT Inc., collaborated with Radisys to involve select Filipino personalities in experiencing the future of mobile streaming while they watched the much-anticipated FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 match between the Philippines and Italy on August 29.
The all-new features of the enhanced Smart LiveStream App include a 360-degree camera, allowing users to freely adjust their viewing angle by swiping across their screens to capture all the hardcourt action and the excitement of the game.
An interactive Live Chat feature makes streaming more engaging and fun for users, including a Live Poll to gather viewers’ sentiments on the game.
The ‘Match Up’ and ‘Box Score’ tabs provide team and individual stats in real-time.
A ‘Watch Party’ tab enables users to share the livestream with up to seven other people, enabling video and audio communication while they watch the game.
This beta test marks the first collaboration between PLDT and Smart with Radisys since their announcement of a cross-border partnership for enhanced digital experiences in the Philippines in August 2023.
“The successful showcase of game-changing features on the Smart LiveStream App is a significant step forward in our ongoing collaboration with Radisys and our shared commitment to providing the best mobile experience to Filipinos.
“It offers a glimpse of a more fun, interactive, and immersive streaming experience that we will soon bring to the fingertips of our subscribers, powered by our award-winning mobile network,” said PLDT and Smart President and CEO Alfredo S. Panlilio.
“Radisys is thrilled with the progress of our collaboration with PLDT-Smart. With the success of our beta test and the positive reception from participants, we are eager to share and leverage our expertise and experience as we roll out breakthrough innovations relevant to our customers,” said Arun Bhikshesvaran, President and CEO of Radisys.
The successful beta test of the new Smart LiveStream App represents one of Smart’s efforts to provide the best on-ground and online basketball experiences to Filipinos during the country’s hosting of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, taking place from August 25 to September 10.
Smart has made history as the first and only Philippine mobile operator to be recognized as the country’s Best Mobile Network for three consecutive reporting periods by Ookla, the global leader in mobile and broadband network intelligence. To earn this prestigious recognition, Smart secured top positions in both Ookla’s ‘Fastest Network’ and ‘Best Mobile Coverage’ categories within the same reporting periods: first in Q1-Q2 2022, Q3-Q4 2022, and most recently in Q1-Q2 2023.
