It seems that Microsoft’s goal to bring Windows to everyone is about to come true!
Just tonight, September 9, the country’s leading mobile device brand, Cherry Mobile, launched the Alpha Series at Harbor Garden Tent of Sofitel Manila. The series includes value for money smartphones and tablets, powered by Windows – Alpha Morph, Play, Style and Luxe. The 2 former devices are tablets with Intel inside, while the 2 latter smartphones are equipped with Qualcomm processors.
During an interview with Karrie Ilagan, General Manager of Microsoft Philippines, she said that their partnership with Cherry Mobile represent their strong commitment to deliver a family of consumer devices that Filipinos will love. She also added that their strategic alliance with Cherry Mobile will further support their commitment to make consumer technology accessible to more Filipinos.
Mighty Morphin Alpha Tablets
2 of the devices launched, which gained a lot of attention are Alpha Play and Alpha Morph. Both devices are equipped with 1.33Ghz quad-core Intel Z3735D and pre-installed with Windows 8.1. These 2 devices mark the start of Microsoft’s and Cherry Mobile’s beautiful friendship that will likely beget more tablets and laptops in the future.
Kim Chiu is the face of Cherry Mobile Alpha Series. The TVC, which was directed by Sid Maderazzo, was also launched today
Priced at PhP11,999, Alpha Morph is the Cherry’s flagship Windows tablet. Apart from its quad-core processor, it has 32gb ROM and 2gb RAM. It also has a 7th generation Intel HD graphics, which can pretty much handle games like LOL, Strife, Unity-based games and other casual games from Steam. It has a 10-inch HD IPS Full Touch Screen display, 2mp rear and front camera, and USB-OTG compatible USB port. While Intel processors are known for being battery efficient, Cherry Mobile still put an 8000mAh battery on the tablet. You can also conveniently put in a microSD card on the laptop up to 64gb. There is also an included keyboard dock out of the box. Totally not bad at all.
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- P1100289
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Meanwhile, Cherry’s more affordable tablet – Alpha Play – has lower specs accordingly. It has a similar Intel processor, but with lower RAM (1gb), ROM (16gb), smaller screen (8-inch HD IPS Full Touch screen) and battery (3500mAh battery). Its rear camera, however, has slightly higher megapixels (5mp). And it also has a 2mp front camera for Skype or video chat purposes. You can score one for only PhP7,999.
Most Affordable Windows Phones
Here are the 2 serious threats to Lumia devices – Cherry Mobile Alpha Style and Alpha Luxe. Both devices are pre-installed with Windows Phone 8.1 operation system. Priced at PhP2,999 and PhP4,999 respectively, these are definitely 2 of the most affordable Windows phones in the country today.
The 2 devices are powered with 1.2 quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processors and Adreno 305 graphics (mobile gamers rejoice!). Both are also dual-SIM capable devices.
Style is positioned for young techies, according to Cherry Mobile. It has a 4-inch 800×480 IPS screen, which I find just fine for its affordable price! It has 4gb of internal memory and only 512 mb of RAM.
If you’re more of a power-user, then Luxe may be the one you’re looking for. It is perfect for professions who are after powerful smartphones, which they can use for work and also play. With Luxe’s 5-inch HD display, 8gb internal memory and a gig of RAM, professionals will be greatly satisfied with it.
Watch out for our unboxing and review of Cherry Mobile Alpha Luxe soon!
One Proud Cherry Mobile
The night was indeed filled with smiles and admiration to Cherry Mobile. The company has truly embraced its core mission to bring high-tech to everyone. You will probably remember last week that they shocked us with the announcement of their TV box and Ultra On the Go. With the introduction of Alpha Series and their partnership with Microsoft, the company had yet again marked an unprecedented feat in the local tech scene.
According to Lonson Alejandrino, Cherry Mobile’s Product Manager, “Cherry Mobile takes pride in partnering with Microsoft.” He also added that like Microsoft, Cherry Mobile believes in the era of consumer technology and people should be provided with a no-compromise computing experience between work and play. With the Alpha Series, they hope to further enhance the digital lifestyle of Filipinos by offering them enjoyable and affordable gadget experiences without compromising their need to achieve more.
What can you say about the new Windows devices, which Cherry Mobile launched? Do you think that these devices will sell well in the market? Let us know your thoughts guys! Don’t be shy to type in your comments below.
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.
