Traders Hotel, Manila Launches PressReader Offering Guests Access To 2,500+ Newspapers and Magazines

Guests Can Use Personal Devices to Read and Download Global Selection of Titles

Manila, July 23, 2014 —Traders Hotels is raising the bar by implementing PressReader, an all-you-can-read digital news stand, in its 15 hotels throughout Australia, Asia and the Middle East.

PressReader’s innovative technology offers Traders Hotel guests cover-to-cover full editions of more than 2,500 global newspapers and magazines in 60 languages from over 100 countries, which can be read or downloaded on personal laptops and mobile devices.

“We at Traders Hotels strongly believe in offering our guests the quickest and easiest way to get what they need.  In this instance, PressReader clearly does that,” says Lothar Nessmann, chief operating officer, Traders Hotels.

Traders Hotels, part of the Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts network, is the practical choice for both business and leisure travelers. Its hotels are located in key hubs, such as, Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai and even Brisbane. Traders Hotels caters to the savvy traveler who appreciates smart functionality at work, rest or play.

“We are happy to support Traders Hotels’ goal of making life easier for their guests,” said Igor Smirnoff, chief commercial officer of PressReader. “This partnership allows us to meet the needs of Traders Hotels’ guests while aligning to their eco-friendly practices through PressReader’s digital delivery format.”

Guests of Traders Hotel, Manila will find it very convenient to start reading the latest editions of their favorite newspapers and magazines the moment they check in. There is no need for guests to set up an account or login. Once the guest connects to the hotel

i, they can download and launch the PressReader app on their personal device and will instantly be able to select from thousands of titles. The service is available anywhere on the hotel property.

PressReader’s broad selection includes many local newspapers and lifestyle magazines from the areas served by the hotels.

For inquiries, please call (63 2) 708 4888. For updates, visit www.facebook.com/TradersHotelManila.

Smart to train teachers on mobile apps development

Wireless leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) will hold a four-day training workshop on mobile applications development for faculty members of colleges and universities in a bid to help meet market demand for mobile apps developers.

The SWEEPx Mobile Apps Development project is designed for faculty members in tertiary level schools. It will have its first run at the Angeles University Foundation in Angeles City on August 15 to 20.  Similar training programs will be organized in other educational hubs in other parts of the country over the coming months such as the cities of Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Legazpi, and Davao.

The training will focus on Android mobile apps development.  Industry data has revealed that majority of mobile handsets and tablets in the Philippines run on the Android operating platform.

“SWEEPx aims to help nurture the mobile apps development community by building a bigger base of Android apps developers in our colleges and universities.  There is a growing demand for mobile apps with the increased take-up of smartphones and other mobile devices,” said Ramon R. Isberto, head of Public Affairs at Smart.

“By tapping the creative pool from our schools, we want to make the Philippines a hub for mobile apps development for learning, games and recreation, mobile money, and even for social good,” added Isberto.

SWEEPx is the latest initiative of Smart in the mobile education space, where mobile technologies and content are utilized to help further expand learning opportunities for target learning communities.  For this initiative, Smart will promote skills development among the teachers and familiarize them with the latest technology trends in this highly digitized environment.

Research firm IDC predicts smartphone adoption in the country will rise 22 percent year-on-year in 2014. In 2013, market analyst GfK reported a 42-percent jump in smartphone sales.

IDC said the sustained demand for smartphones will lead to a consequent increase in mobile apps usage among Filipinos.  IDC said demand for more localized apps and those that cater to the interests of Philippine consumers will further increase, opening up huge opportunities for mobile apps developers in the country.

“With SWEEPx, we want to help build and expand the skills of the faculty members of our colleges and universities.  This initiative is in line with our efforts to sustain learning among our teachers and keep them abreast with the latest trends in mobile technologies,” said Stephanie Orlino, senior manager and head of education programs at Smart Public Affairs.

“This will also help colleges and universities come up with course offerings that are relevant to the needs of the marketplace,” added Orlino.

Guided by the principle of matching the technology platform to the partner community’s context, Smart has been instituting various initiatives under its Smart Schools Program that aim to enhance Philippine education.