Retail News CRM

Tag: experience

  • WhatsApp Revolutionizes Apple Watch Experience: Beta Testing Underway for All-New Messaging App

    WhatsApp Revolutionizes Apple Watch Experience: Beta Testing Underway for All-New Messaging App

    Several months after rolling out an iPad application, global messaging giant WhatsApp is reportedly gearing up to introduce a new application specifically designed for the Apple Watch. This anticipated development is set to enhance the user experience of Apple’s wearable technology by making WhatsApp more accessible and convenient to use.

    The Testing Phase of the Apple Watch WhatsApp App

    WhatsApp recently piloted its Apple Watch application for users who are part of the TestFlight beta on iOS. While the parent company, Meta, has not yet made any official announcements regarding the app, the beta release suggests that the WhatsApp application for the Apple Watch might soon be available for all iOS users.

    The newly tested app supports several features that allow users to read WhatsApp messages, send replies, react to messages, and share voice messages. Remarkably, all these functions can be accomplished without having to access WhatsApp on a separate device. Prior to this, users could only view and respond to new WhatsApp notifications through the limited inbuilt features on the Apple Watch.

    A Companion App, Not Standalone

    The WhatsApp application for the Apple Watch is not designed to function independently, much like its counterpart on Wear OS. To use this app, users must have a connected iPhone with the iOS version of WhatsApp installed. The app is currently in the testing phase, accessible only to beta testers.

    Currently, the only other major messaging app with features similar to those offered by the WhatsApp beta app on the Apple Watch is Apple’s own Messages app. Telegram previously had a Watch app, but it was discontinued, while apps like Messenger and Signal have never been compatible with Apple’s wearable device.

    Anticipated Update

    The anticipation for a dedicated WhatsApp app for the Apple Watch has been brewing for some time. The convenience of sending voice messages directly from a user’s wrist, while their phone remains stowed away, represents a significant shift in user accessibility and utility. Such a development has the potential to revolutionize the way users interact with their devices.

    Questions & Answers

    What new features does the WhatsApp app for Apple Watch support?
    The app allows users to read messages, reply, react to messages, and share voice messages without using another device.

    Can the WhatsApp app for Apple Watch be used independently?
    No, to use the app, it needs to be connected to an iPhone with the iOS version of WhatsApp installed.

    Are there any other major messaging apps with similar features on the Apple Watch?
    Currently, only Apple’s own Messages app offers similar features.

  • Coach Unveils Chic Dining Experience with New Flagship Restaurant at Jewel Changi Airport

    Coach Unveils Chic Dining Experience with New Flagship Restaurant at Jewel Changi Airport

    Coach, the well-known American fashion brand, has expanded its horizons into the hospitality industry by introducing The Coach Restaurant in Singapore’s Jewel Changi Airport. This venture is a part of the brand’s wider lifestyle strategy.

    Design Inspired by New York Heritage

    The Coach restaurant’s design takes inspiration from the brand’s New York roots. The establishment offers breathtaking views of Jewel’s Rain Vortex. It includes a spacious 56-seat dining room, a 10-seat bar, and a chef’s counter with 10 seats, all built around a centralized, open woodfire kitchen.

    The interior design showcases a harmonious blend of bronze mirrors, terrazzo floors, and tropical wooden louvres. Leather accents have been thoughtfully utilized in menu covers and staff aprons, adding to the restaurant’s sophisticated ambiance. A noteworthy feature is a full-sized yellow taxi cab hanging above the dining area, serving as a focal point and a nostalgic nod to the brand’s origins.

    Singapore: A Natural Choice for Coach’s Venture

    Marcus Sanders, the Vice President of Global Food and Beverage at Coach, shared his excitement about the brand’s new venture. He highlighted that Singapore’s vibrant food culture and diverse international community made it an excellent choice to host their hospitality concepts.

    Sanders expressed his desire to create a space where guests can gather, celebrate, and experience Coach in a manner that feels both traditional and innovative.

    Building on Previous Successes

    The new restaurant is an extension of Coach’s earlier forays into the food and beverage sector. It enhances the brand’s in-house coffee shop and its refurbished retail store, both located at Jewel. These three distinct spaces are strategically devised to bolster the brand’s most extensive integrated lifestyle concept in Asia.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the inspiration behind the design of The Coach Restaurant?
    The design of the restaurant is inspired by Coach’s New York Heritage. It features bronze mirrors, terrazzo flooring, and tropical wooden louvres alongside leather accents used in menu covers and staff aprons.

    Why did Coach choose Singapore for their hospitality venture?
    Coach chose Singapore due to its dynamic food culture and globally diverse community, which aligns with Coach’s broader lifestyle strategy.

    How does the new restaurant enhance Coach’s integrated lifestyle concept?
    The new restaurant, along with Coach’s coffee shop and refurbished retail store at Jewel Changi Airport, strengthens the brand’s largest integrated lifestyle concept in Asia.

  • Revolutionizing Tunes: Spotify Unveils Massive Upgrade for Apple TV App Experience

    Revolutionizing Tunes: Spotify Unveils Massive Upgrade for Apple TV App Experience

    Spotify has decided to give some much-needed attention to its Apple TV application by conducting a comprehensive revamp. The upgraded experience boasts improved speed, a significantly better aesthetic, and incorporates vital features that have been absent for a considerable amount of time.

    Revamping Spotify on Apple TV

    Previously, using Spotify on an Apple TV could be described as adequate at best. It functioned, but it seemed more like an afterthought and an awkward adaptation of the original. Spotify is now changing the narrative.

    The company has unveiled a freshly enhanced experience, totally reconstructed from scratch exclusively for tvOS. The reconstruction is not merely a superficial makeover. It’s a fundamental refurbishment based on user feedback, primarily criticisms. The aim is to provide a “faster, smarter, and more visually appealing experience.” The update is currently being rolled out worldwide via the App Store and is expected to reach all users with automatic updates by mid-November.

    What’s New in the Upgraded Spotify Apple TV App

    The revamped app comes with several new features:

    Smarter listening: Users will experience uninterrupted playback, superior remote control via Spotify Connect, and recommendations from an AI-powered DJ.

    Designed for the big screen: A modern interface that genuinely seems at home on tvOS, rather than a magnified phone app.

    Video improvements: Music videos and video podcasts can now be viewed directly on the TV.

    Additional notable features: At last, proper queue management is available. Users can also see lyrics and adjust the playback speed for podcasts.

    The primary motive behind the revamp is to catch up with the competition. The older version of Spotify’s app was not just awkward; it was subpar compared to native rivals. Apple Music on Apple TV is deeply integrated, visually appealing, and comes with features such as Apple Music Sing (the karaoke mode), which maximizes the use of the large screen.

    For quite some time, Spotify subscribers who also used Apple TV were subjected to a substandard experience. It seemed like Spotify had disregarded the platform. This update signifies Spotify’s commitment to improving the user experience and not conceding its position in the market.

    This is particularly relevant for the large number of users who are part of Spotify’s ecosystem but prefer Apple’s hardware. Users no longer have to feel disadvantaged for not using Apple Music.

    Spotify users who primarily use Apple TV for streaming have been eagerly waiting for this upgrade. The old app was reportedly quite poor, slow, unattractive, and lacked basic features such as queue management. Hopefully, this update will elevate the app to a satisfying status.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the goal of the Spotify Apple TV app revamp?
    The goal is to provide a “faster, smarter, more visually appealing experience” for Apple TV users.

    What are the new features in the revamped Spotify Apple TV app?
    The new features include smarter listening, a modern interface designed for a big screen, video improvements, and additional features such as proper queue management, viewing lyrics, and adjustable playback speed for podcasts.

    Why was this update necessary?
    The previous version of the Spotify Apple TV app provided a substandard user experience compared to native apps like Apple Music. The update aims to improve the user experience and make the app competitive in the market.

  • Apple Maps May Integrate Paid Advertisements: Implications And User Reactions

    Apple Maps May Integrate Paid Advertisements: Implications And User Reactions

    Recent reports suggest that Apple is considering the integration of paid advertisements within the Apple Maps application. Businesses would be able to pay for more visible placement in search results, potentially from as early as next year.

    Apple Maps and Advertising

    Apple’s ecosystem, previously thought to be a safe haven from direct advertising, may soon see a shift. The tech giant is reportedly making progress on its plan to introduce paid advertisements to Apple Maps. However, this move is not about intrusive pop-up banners; instead, businesses such as shops and restaurants would pay to have their listings highlighted when users conduct searches within the app. This concept closely mirrors the Search Ads seen in the App Store, where app developers pay for top placement in search results.

    The Implications

    It’s well-known that Google has been using this advertising approach for some time in Google Maps. Searches often result in “Sponsored” pins appearing at the top of the list. However, Apple’s brand identity isn’t typically associated with advertising. Instead, it’s known for selling premium, high-cost hardware and being a privacy-focused, user-centric alternative.

    If Apple were to start integrating third-party advertisements into a core feature like Maps, it could invite significant backlash. Customers are already expressing annoyance at the constant upselling of Apple’s own services, such as Apple TV+ and AppleCare+, especially on devices they have paid a premium for. The addition of advertisements could be perceived as a money-making move that detracts from the premium experience.

    A Personal Perspective

    While this move may seem inevitable to some, it doesn’t make it any less disappointing to others. Many users appreciate Apple Maps for its simple and user-friendly interface, uncluttered by constant advertisements. Google Maps, while powerful and accurate, often frustrates users with its persistent advertising presence.

    Even though sources suggest that Apple’s advertising approach will be “better” and use artificial intelligence to deliver “relevant” ads, an ad is still an ad—it can distract users from their primary objective of getting from point A to point B.

    Questions & Answers

    What are the potential implications of Apple integrating paid advertisements into Apple Maps?
    This move could face backlash from users who chose Apple for its premium, ad-free experience. The integration of paid advertisements could be perceived as a commercial maneuver that undermines Apple’s user-centric ethos.

    How will the paid advertisements work on Apple Maps?
    Businesses, such as shops and restaurants, would be able to pay for their listings to appear more prominently in search results within the app.

    Why are some users disappointed with this potential change?
    Many users appreciate Apple Maps for its clean, user-friendly interface without the presence of advertisements. With the introduction of ads, users might feel that the primary function of the app—navigation—is being overshadowed.

  • Uniqlo Launches Its First Touchpoint Store in Singapore, Elevating Retail Experience

    Uniqlo Launches Its First Touchpoint Store in Singapore, Elevating Retail Experience

    Uniqlo will unveil its very first touchpoint store at Velocity @ Novena Square in Singapore. This innovative space is only 10% the size of a typical Uniqlo outlet, strategically designed to cater to omnichannel shoppers seeking a seamless online-to-offline experience.

    Customers can easily browse and buy via the Uniqlo app or website, opting for Click & Collect to enjoy same-day delivery without any fees or minimum spend—talk about convenience!

    This smaller store format not only enables Uniqlo to broaden its footprint but also ensures an impressive range of products and services remain accessible. Cecilia Tan, the e-commerce director at Uniqlo, noted that nearly 50% of their customers take advantage of the Click & Collect service for its appeal. She emphasized, “The Velocity store is one way that we are combining the efficiency of digital with the accessibility of physical retail.”

    In a nod to sustainability, Uniqlo has teamed up with Cycle & Carriage Singapore to deliver Click & Collect orders using an all-electric vehicle fleet, minimizing its environmental impact. The new store is located at 238 Thomson Road, #01-01 to 04, Singapore 307683, and will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Don’t miss the special opening festivities running from June 13 to June 22—a perfect reason to check it out!

    Questions & Answers

    What is the size of Uniqlo’s new touchpoint store compared to traditional outlets?
    The new touchpoint store is just 10% the size of a typical Uniqlo outlet.

    When will the new store open for customers?
    The store will welcome customers starting June 13, and it will remain open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

    How is Uniqlo ensuring sustainability with this initiative?
    Uniqlo has partnered with Cycle & Carriage Singapore to deliver Click & Collect orders using an all-electric vehicle fleet, thereby reducing their environmental impact.

    Lees ook:

  • Vietnamese Retailers Sprint to Enhance In-Store Experience Amid Growing Competition

    Vietnamese Retailers Sprint to Enhance In-Store Experience Amid Growing Competition

    Vietnam’s retail landscape is flourishing, driven by a burgeoning middle class and a spirited demand for both online and in-store shopping experiences. As e-commerce is projected to soar to an impressive US$50 billion by 2025, it’s clear that physical retail remains at the heart of the consumer experience—and retailers are eagerly adapting to capitalize on this trend.

    Retail Expansion: A Booming Landscape

    Last year, Vietnam’s total retail sales reached around US$260 billion, buoyed by rising incomes and a rapidly growing middle and affluent class, according to Luan Nguyen, Principal at Boston Consulting Group (BCG). He noted, “By 2030, the middle and affluent classes are expected to account for 50% of Vietnam’s population, a figure 1.5 times greater than today.” This rising consumer base is prompting both domestic and international retailers to ramp up their presence throughout the country.

    A Wave of New Retail Formats

    Nguyen points out the sprawl of new supermarkets, convenience stores, and shopping malls emerging from urban centres to rural locales. He highlights, “With urbanization and enhanced retail infrastructure, we have a perfect recipe for robust offline retail growth.”

    Smart Pricing Strategies in a Competitive Market

    In this highly price-sensitive environment, Vietnam’s retailers are honing their pricing and promotional strategies. Reflecting on consumer habits, Nguyen remarked, “Vietnamese shoppers are price-conscious and always on the hunt for promotions.” A recent BCG survey revealed that an impressive 44% of customers actively seek promotions when contemplating major purchases.

    “It’s not just about low prices everywhere,” he elaborated. “With AI, we can simulate demand, which ultimately enhances our return on investment.”

    Elevating the In-Store Experience

    As competition heats up, the emphasis on in-store experience is becoming paramount. Nguyen asserted, “Retailers need to create an engaging in-store environment to entice customers back.” He mentioned the rise of in-store amenities like cozy mini coffee shops offering free Wi-Fi and ready-to-eat meals integrated into the shopping experience.

    Moreover, large retailers are investing in child-friendly play zones and hosting regular community events. “These added elements foster a community feeling that online shopping simply can’t replicate,” he noted.

    In an age where online shopping is just a click away, could the tactile pleasures of in-person shopping spark a revival in brick-and-mortar retail? Who knows, maybe the return of the shopping mall could become the next big trend in retail tourism!

    Questions & Answers

    What is driving the growth of Vietnam’s retail market? The growth is largely fueled by a young, affluent population and increasing demand for both online and offline shopping experiences.

    How significant is the role of promotions in Vietnamese retail? Promotions play a crucial role, with 44% of consumers actively seeking them before making significant purchases.

    What differentiates the in-store experience in Vietnam’s retail landscape? An enhanced in-store experience, including amenities like coffee shops, free Wi-Fi, and community events, creates a welcoming atmosphere that online platforms struggle to replicate.

  • Raffles City Unveils Exciting Second Edition of Its Beauty Vault Pop-Up Experience

    Raffles City Unveils Exciting Second Edition of Its Beauty Vault Pop-Up Experience

    Raffles City in Singapore is set to dazzle beauty aficionados once again with the return of its luxury beauty pop-up, Beauty Vault. Running from 8 May to 15 June 2025 at the Level 3 Main Atrium, this vibrant event will feature an impressive lineup of 21 premium brands.

    A Luxurious Lineup of Brands

    The Beauty Vault will spotlight both newcomers like Aesop, Armani Beauty, Diptyque, GUERLAIN, and YSL Beauty, along with fan-favorites such as Chanel, Dior, Gucci, and Maison Francis Kurkdjian. Shoppers will be treated to a series of rotating brand takeovers, ensuring fresh experiences with each visit.

    Engaging Activities Await

    Attendees can indulge in a plethora of exclusive experiences, including makeup masterclasses led by celebrity artists, skincare demonstrations from professional trainers, fragrance layering workshops, personalized color analyses, and holistic wellness solutions. But wait, there’s more—engage in lifestyle workshops on floral arrangement and cocktail-making, plus join in on sustainability talks and special in-store events designed to enrich your beauty journey.

    Exclusive Rewards and Highlights

    As an added incentive, Raffles City will reward its top spender with a luxurious trip for two to Paris, courtesy of Maison Francis Kurkdjian. Meanwhile, the Level 1 Fashion Walkway will transform into a glamorous beauty zone, showcasing seasonal must-haves that promise to elevate your beauty game.

    So, prepare your wallets and get ready for a beauty experience that’s anything but ordinary. After all, who wouldn’t want to look fabulous while learning to mix the perfect cocktail or arrange stunning floral displays?

    Questions & Answers

    What are the dates for the Beauty Vault event?
    Beauty Vault will be open from 8 May to 15 June 2025.

    Which premium brands will be featured at the event?
    The event will showcase 21 premium brands, including Aesop, Armani Beauty, Diptyque, GUERLAIN, YSL Beauty, Chanel, Dior, Gucci, and Maison Francis Kurkdjian.

    What unique experiences are offered at Beauty Vault?
    Visitors can enjoy makeup masterclasses, skincare demonstrations, fragrance workshops, and lifestyle classes on floral arrangements and cocktail-making, along with sustainability talks and more.

  • Waze adds ability to personalize drives, launches new zodiac driving experience

    Waze adds ability to personalize drives, launches new zodiac driving experience

    Waze is launching two new features at the same time this month, which is a little bit unusual for the navigation app. I know everyone is used to getting a new driving experience almost every month, this time around Waze is bringing more than just a fun way to spend your time while driving.

    The company announced earlier today plans to bring Waze users more ways to stay entertained on the road with Customize Your Drive and an astrological driving experience. The new ability to personalize drives allows users to choose from various driving experiences and access more such content in one place. For example, you’ll be able to select a theme that fits your mood and change it with ease.

    Whether you’re driving with some of your favorite personalities like Boy George, Christina Aguilera, or Karamo, or looking for something more kid-friendly like PAW Patrol or Fraggle Rock, there’s certainly something for everyone on their journeys.

    Now, the bad part is that while “Customize Your Drive” features is rolling out in the United States today, it will be launched globally in the future. So, unless you live in the U.S., you won’t be able to personalize your driving experience yet.

    On the bright side, there’s something else available those who don’t have access to “Customize Your Drive,” a new zodiac driving experience! Regardless of your zodiac sign, Waze’s resident astrologer has the right driving experience for you.

    The new zodiac driving experience includes a custom vehicle and Mood for each of the 12 signs. Waze users can start driving with a vehicle and Mood that match their sign today. If you live in the United States, the zodiac driving experience can be found through “Customize Your Drive,” The rest of the world can find it via the left menu in the Waze app.

    Lees ook:

  • WhatsApp for iOS has a redesigned voice call UI in the works

    WhatsApp for iOS has a redesigned voice call UI in the works

    WhatsApp has been working quite hard on improving the user experience in the app amidst all its rising rivals such as Signal and Telegram. Now, the app is working on a redesigned user interface for voice calls for iPhones, a feature that’s currently rolling out to WhatsApp beta testers on iOS.

    For a while now, WhatsApp has been working to improve the voice call experience, and now, the beta version 22.5.0.70 is showing a revamped user interface that should be coming to the app.

    Keep in mind that, as this is beta, the feature may change as it undergoes development before its official global release. With that being said, let’s explore what WhatsApp is working on to make your voice call experience on its app a better one.

    Here’s an image from version 22.5.0.70 (beta of WhatsApp for iOS), which shows the improved interface for group calls. It seems that real-time voice waveforms are going to come to calls. The app has recently rolled out similar waveforms for audio messages.

    This change will help you see who is currently talking, and also could be useful to determine who needs to mute their microphone (yeah, we all know those group call situations when someone has left their mic on and therefore distracts you from whatever the speaker is saying).

    On top of that, WhatsApp will be getting wallpapers for voice calls; however, they are not currently editable with this beta.

    Earlier, WhatsApp started working on a redesigned voice call interface that should look more modern and neatly organized. It is still under development, and at least at first glimpse, looks quite familiar to the current one. The point of this redesign is to make the UI more user-friendly and modern. On the other hand, there will be some more UI tweaks that are not visible in the screenshot below that could make their way to the official release.

    WhatsApp has been working hard to make its chat app as good as it could be, and as feature-rich as it could get for the best user experience. The app will soon be getting indicators for end-to-end encryption (as you may probably know, WhatsApp messages are end-to-end encrypted for a few years).

    With an update coming sometime in the future, the app will be getting new visuals to assure you that everything you say stays between you and the people you’re chatting with.

    Additionally, recently we reported on the fact that WhatsApp could finally be getting a dedicated iPad app. WhatsApp CEO Will Cathcart recently hinted at a possible WhatsApp for iPad release and the company seems to be working on it.

    The thing is that the data encrypted on WhatsApp wasn’t allowing for the company to safely sync it across multiple devices so far. However, as data encryption technology evolves, WhatsApp is working to make an iPad app a reality.

    “Our web and our desktop apps now have that. If I have multi-device on, I can turn my phone off or lose my network connection and still get messages on my desktop. That would be really important for a tablet app, to be able to use the app even if your phone isn’t on. So the underlying technology is there.”, stated Cathcart, giving some hope to users who have been wanting an iPad WhatsApp app.

    The beta version of multi-device support that was created last year allows users to link up to four devices at a time to their account. However, the downside of this feature was that it needed your phone to be connected to the internet the whole time for it to work. Last fall, WhatsApp introduced a new multi-device beta for iOS that can work without your iPhone connected to the internet.

  • Waze brings the college football experience to drivers on Android and iOS devices

    Waze brings the college football experience to drivers on Android and iOS devices

    Waze has been putting out a lot of new themes for its users all over the world, but the new experience released this week is aimed at US users only. Thanks to a partnership with Goodyear, Waze is bringing its users the College Football experience beyond the stadium to the roads.

    Although it will only be available for a limited time, Waze announced that its users will be able to download it starting this week and through January 31, 2022, so plenty of time to do that. If you’re living in the United States, you can now select the Goodyear Blimp icon to guide you to your destination.

    Additionally, drivers can receive navigation instruction from famous college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit as the voice for their trips on Waze. Furthermore, all 129 D1 college football stadiums will be marked on the Waze map to make it easier for fans to travel to their favorite stadium.

    On a side note, Goodyear will be hosting sweepstakes now through November 13. Fans who submit their predictions on the teams who will make it to the championships will have a chance to win tickets to the 2021 Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic and the 2022 CFP National Championship.

  • Singapore offers best mobile experience in South East Asia

    Singapore offers best mobile experience in South East Asia

    At a country-level, Singapore won in all metrics tested, with the most important win being the highest Excellent Consistent Quality in South East Asia, with 84.5% of connections having a network experience suitable for use-cases like 1080p video streaming, real-time mobile gaming and HD video calling. Singapore also had the highest Core Consistent Quality in the region at 94.4%.

    Consistent Quality is a set of metrics that Tutela has developed to objectively evaluate when connections are (or are not) enabling users to do the things they want to on their mobile devices. There are two sets of thresholds, Excellent and Core. A connection that hits the Excellent threshold is sufficient for use-cases like 1080p video streaming, HD video calling, and multiplayer gaming, while a Core connection should be sufficient to stream standard-definition video or handle day-to-day activities like web browsing or uploading photos to social media. The percentages seen in this report represent the percentage of tests for subscribers on a given operator that was above the Excellent or Core thresholds.

    Singapore also had the fastest download speed at 26.2 Mbps, the fastest upload speed at 14.7 Mbps, and the most responsive network with a latency result of 9.0 ms. However, Vietnam was always very close behind, with second-place winnings for both Excellent Consistent Quality (72.3%) and Core Consistent Quality (86.1%).

    The report was released by Tutela Technologies, a global crowdsourced mobile data company, and evaluated over 55 million speed and latency tests, conducted on the smartphones of real-world users of national mobile operators within Common Coverage Areas, between August 1st and January 31st, 2021.

    Per country findings were as follows:

    Singapore:

    • By operator in Singapore, StarHub dominated in four of the seven metrics tested, including the highest Excellent Consistent Quality with 87.3% of users having a network experience suitable for 1080p video streaming or HD group video calling.
    • StarHub also had the highest Core Consistent Quality, Tutela’s measure of whether a connection is good enough for everyday uses, like email, social media, and SD video streaming, the fastest download speeds, and the most responsive network in the country.

    Indonesia:

    • Telkomsel won six out of the seven metrics tested, with Indosat Ooredoo being the only other operator to make it onto the leaderboard in Indonesia with the fastest median upload speed.
    • Telkomsel was in first place for Excellent Consistent Quality with 65.0%, and also in first for Core Consistent Quality with 83.5%. However, there was only a 3% difference between the operator and second-place Indosat Ooredoo.

    Malaysia:

    • In Malaysia, the leaderboard was shared by at least four operators, with U Mobile offering its users the best mobile experience in the country. The operator won the highest Excellent and Core Consistent Quality, and fastest upload speed.
    • Digi had the fastest median download speed in Common Coverage Areas across Malaysia with 10.6 Mbps but came third in the upload speed test with 6.2 Mbps. Maxis had the most responsive network in the country, while Celcom had both the best 5G/4G coverage and total coverage.

    Thailand:

    • By operator in Thailand, AIS won in four of the seven categories tested, including the highest Excellent Consistent Quality and most responsive network. However, TrueMove was also on the leaderboard in three of the seven categories including the highest Core Consistent Quality and both the fastest download and upload speeds.
    • With only two operators in the Philippines to compare, Smart outperformed Globe in six out of the seven categories tested, with Globe taking out one category with the best total coverage.

    Vietnam:

    • Viettel Mobile in Vietnam offered the best mobile experience to its users, winning in five categories and tying for first place with Vinaphone for fastest median download speeds.
    • MobiFone was on the leaderboard in one category with the highest Core Consistent Quality.
  • 7-Eleven and Coca-Cola open crossover experiential store in Singapore

    7-Eleven and Coca-Cola open crossover experiential store in Singapore

    7-Eleven has collaborated with Coca-Cola to launch a crossover experience store in Singapore. Located at the House of Eden, the store spans two stories and is dressed in Coca-Cola’s signature red.

    Behind the floor-to-ceiling glass windows, a giant ‘Coca-Cola Splash Tree’ and beverage cooler signify this store is something different from the typical convenience store. The ground floor houses a 7-Eleven retail area which also sells ready-to-eat meals and fresh baked goods.

    To get to the upper floor, customers walk through a Coca-Cola branded staircase ‘tunnel’ with LED lighting under each panel to guide their steps. The floor houses a customized 7-Eleven x Coca-Cola Pit-Stop wall and a seating area with red and white furniture. Two claw machines are set up near the staircase for entertainment.

    The store also features several Instagrammable backdrops with the brands’ logos for visitors to take photos with.

    “Through this collaboration, we will further strengthen our position as a fun and innovative brand and create talk-of-the-town experiences for our customers,” said Steven Lye, MD of 7-Eleven Singapore.

    “Today, the convenience store culture has also become an intrinsic part of our fast-paced lifestyles,” said Chris Tan, commercial director, Coca-Cola Singapore Beverages. “At the Coca-Cola Pit Stop with 7- Eleven here in Singapore, they can re-energize within a safe environment that truly embodies the Coca-Cola brand.”

    Coca-Cola Pit-Stop Singapore is not the brand’s first collaboration with 7-Eleven. In July, both brands launched a themed store in Hong Kong, where the convenience-store business is owned by the same franchisee, Dairy Farm International. But compared to the Hong Kong store design, this Singapore store is considerably larger and more imaginative.

  • Burberry teams with Tencent to launch world-first social-retail store

    Burberry teams with Tencent to launch world-first social-retail store

    Luxury fashion label Burberry has teamed with technology giant Tencent to launch its first social retail store in Shenzhen, China. Located in the new Shenzhen Bay MixC development, the Burberry social store features a unique design with a variety of materials and textures ranging from plywood to mirror and high-gloss finishes. Occupying a 539sqm area, the storehouses 10 different rooms.

    The Burberry social store offers a wide range of items including the brand’s latest collections and pieces exclusive to the Shenzhen store. All the stock is labeled with QR codes which when scanned show information on the customer’s digital screen. This is the brand’s first store to have QR codes on product swing tags.

    When entering the store, customers are welcomed by an interactive window. Inspired by the brand’s mirrored runway, the window illustrates the visitors’ shape and response to body movement. The window changes through the seasons to reflect the latest collections and house codes.

    Burberry’s fitting rooms feature three different concepts reflecting the label’s house codes – the Burberry Animal Kingdom, Reflections, and the Thomas Burberry Monogram.

    Named after the fashion house’s founder, Thomas’s Cafe features a modern yet elegant design with high-gloss tones of beige, curtains, and chamfered mirroring. The cafe can be converted into a community space for social events such as workshops, exhibitions, and live performances.

    The social store also houses a Trench Experience space, designed with digital technology to “bring Burberry’s heritage of exploration to life and creating unique and personal content for the customer to share on social media”.

    “This store explores this relationship, blending the digital and the physical realms in an exciting new concept,” said Riccardo Tisci, chief creative officer at Burberry.

    “I wanted to bring this love of the outdoors to life through all the elements of the store, which can be seen in the Burberry Animal Kingdom prints in the cafe as well as in the fully immersive Trench Experience and even in the small details of the design materials. I really wanted to draw upon these familiar house codes to bring our community together in an interactive journey of discovery,” Tisci said.

    “When it came to innovating around social and retail, China was the obvious place to go to, as home to some of the most digitally savvy luxury customers,” said Marco Gobbetti, CEO at Burberry.

    The Burberry social retail store offers an interactive experience through Tencent’s WeChat mini program which allows customers to unlock exclusive content and personalized experiences.

    “… Burberry’s social retail store in Shenzhen is a place of discovery that connects and rewards customers as they explore online and in-store. It marks a shift in how we engage with our customers and we can’t wait to share this innovative experience with the world,” Gobbetti said.

    The mini-program also provides a platform where customers can explore the store and product, book in-store appointments, and reserve events or tables in the Thomas cafe and community space.

    The WeChat mini program also features a rewards program called “social currency” where customers are allocated characters and can engage with others. Customers can unlock exclusive content and personalized experiences by building their social currency. Rewards range from cafe menu items to mini-program content.

    The Burberry social retail store is a unique space to test and learn, and to trial innovation that can be expanded to the rest of the Burberry network in China, the company said in a statement.

    Burberry signed an exclusive partnership agreement with Tencent last year to develop social retail in China. The Shenzhen social store is the first step in the partnership, taking interactions from social media into a physical retail environment.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • New Digi partnership introduces VR experiential tourism using 5G

    New Digi partnership introduces VR experiential tourism using 5G

    Visitors to the launch enjoyed a 360-degree view of Gunung Machinchang, one of the island’s most popular mountains and tourist destinations, using a cable car gondola and a virtual reality (VR) experiential zone.

    A camera that was installed at the Langkawi Skycab middle station enabled the event to be live-streamed from 20 kilometers away.

    The Digi 5G showcase, part of the 5G Demonstration Projects, have been made successful thanks to the tireless efforts of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to encourage, develop and organize 5G use cases in a live but controlled environment.

    Digi’s CEO Albern Murty explained that the Langkawi 5G virtual tourism pilot is part of the telco’s objective in creating a 5G ecosystem with the support of its partners.

    “We are excited at the possibilities of 5G bringing next-gen virtual tourism to many other local destinations and connect more people to experiences that matter most to them. In partnership with Malaysia Airports and Panorama, we are pleased to bring a piece of Langkawi’s heritage to tourists from the moment they arrive at the airport,” Murty said.

    Panorama Langkawi acting COO Ir. Abu Hashim Abdul Rahman said, “We believe that 5G has the potential to deliver new and engaging digital activities that can improve tourist experiences and enhance the appeal of Langkawi and Malaysia in the eyes of foreign tourists.”

    Lees ook:

  • Asus Experience Store opens in Singapore

    Asus Experience Store opens in Singapore

    Singapore’s first Asus Experience Store has opened on the third level of Bugis Junction.

    The 3000sqft concept area contains three separate areas: a Republic of Gaming-branded store for gaming equipment, the main showcase space for laptops and peripherals and an assistance centre for service and technical advice.

    The gaming store contains a six-station gaming network called the Battlezone, which visitors can book online to use for free. The brand hopes to hold regular events in the space to help foster the local gaming community.

    The Asus computer outlet contains the brand’s full range of workstations and hosts workshops in image and video post-production.

    Included in the Asus Experience Store is space specially dedicated to workshops where customers can learn how to post-produce images and videos or hear professional talks about Asus products.

    Lees ook: