A FILIPINO tech firm ABC Tech introduced a new line of affordable, high quality tablets and other educational devices recently at a product launch event in BGC. The local technology maker, established during the midst of the global pandemic, developed a line of ‘edutools’–peripherals including tablets, large-format ‘smart interactive’ monitors and screens, complete learning conference tools they call ‘smart classrooms’–for use in the middle of the all-online learning during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
The company exhibited strategic foresight, recognizing the impending challenges confronting the Philippine educational system, and took a calculated risk to establish its presence as pioneers in educational technology. This developed because laptops and tablets were extremely prohibitive in cost, and often, the more affordable ones were limited in capability.
“We saw a challenge and made it into an opportunity,” ABC Tech Chief Executive Officer, Arvin Arik Carranceja told the attendees of the launch event which included members of the media, officials of the Department of Education and device dealers. “We recognized our role in nation building starts with providing the tools that can help students learn and be productive, and educators utilize the technology to be able to be more effective,” Carranceja told Malaya Business Insight.
The company released the X8, X10, and X10 Plus tablets exclusively for students who continue to have hybrid learning classes. These IP56-compliant devices have heightened durability, incorporating waterproof and dustproof features to withstand rigorous daily usage by students. Priced between P6.5K to P11K and up, the devices are ready for most learning systems running Android 11 or 12, and its notebooks and laptops using Windows 10 or 11.
Despite their seeming utilitarian functionality, the tablets have a classy, polished and premium aesthetic, resonating with high-end devices and are available in four colors.
Higher-end models boast dual cameras, comprising an 8MP front-facing camera and a 13MP rear-facing camera, adept at capturing and documenting class-related content. Conversely, the X8 model features an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera.
Notably, each tablet model targets a specific age group, with size and storage capacity being the primary differentiators. The X8, with an 8.0-inch screen and 32GB storage, ideally suits grade school children. In contrast, the X10, featuring a 10.1-inch screen and 64GB storage, caters to high school level learners. The subsequent model upgrade, the X10 Plus, shares similar features with the X10 but boasts a slightly larger 10.4-inch screen and augmented storage capacity of 128GB.
The meticulous calibration of these tablets has proven effective, catalyzing ABC Tech’s remarkable growth. This year, the company aspires to produce 100,000 tablets, further cementing its reputation as the premier choice for educational tools in the country.
In addition, ABC Tech has undertaken commendable initiatives with strategic partners, notably the creation and launch of a learning center at Ayala Malls Circuit in Makati City. This collaborative project with Dream Lab offers a dynamic, interactive environment designed to stimulate the creative intellect of young aspiring entrepreneurs, aged 12 and below.
Upholding its commitment to supporting students and learners, ABC Tech signed a memorandum of agreement with EdVenture, an online tutorial platform catering to students from Preschool to Grade 10. This platform offers subjects such as Singapore Math, Science, Reading, English, Filipino, and Araling Panlipunan, adding value for customers who purchase ABC Tech tablets until December 31, 2023.
Additionally, ABC Tech strives to promote educational equity by heavily investing in the Windows of Opportunity scholarship initiative (WOOP), aimed at providing scholarships to deserving students who lack the financial means to access quality education.
