When it comes to mobile phones, Randy Ortiz is a practical user. The fashion designer, who recently marked his 25th year in fashion with the stunning gala “Randy O Silver: Heaven on Earth” at the Rigodon Ballroom of the Peninsula Manila, describes himself as “the type of person who would use a phone basically for its intended purpose, which is to text and call.”
Since getting his hands on the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and Gear, however, Ortiz has been more adventurous and up to speed with the mobile phone’s newer functions.
“The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is actually very user-friendly,” he says. “It has exposed me to the world of Android, and the adjustment has been quite easy since all the applications I need are right there when I open the phone.”
In other words, he doesn’t just text and call anymore: he sends and receives e-mail, and stays connected through Facebook, Instagram, Viber and WhatsApp.
“They’re very helpful for me to connect with family and friends, and for my business as well,” he says.
The designer is particularly impressed with the Galaxy Note 3’s 13-megapixel camera, which he says is “perfect for capturing moments especially when I travel, and the images of anything and everything that can inspire my creative juices.”
Meanwhile, the phone’s S Pen, a feature that does everything from converting one’s handwriting to actionable links to organizing screen shots, favorite YouTube videos and important web pages into one place called the Scrapbook, serves as an efficient assistant to Ortiz.
“It’s very helpful especially when I’m on the road; I can make a direct link to my staff, make corrections, approve modifications and scribble designs that I can then easily send to the office with a simple touch of an application,” says Ortiz. “Crystal-clear and vivid pictures plus a designer-friendly S Pen definitely make the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 a must gadget for me.”
Ortiz also thinks highly of the Samsung Galaxy Gear, a 4GB wristwatch that acts as an extension to the Samsung Galaxy Note. The gadget makes and answers calls, retrieves phone notifications like missed calls and texts, plays music, captures images, records videos and converts voice recordings to memo form.
“Being able to access my phone through the Galaxy Gear’s wrist manipulation capacity is perfect when I’m in the middle of a very busy work schedule,” says Ortiz.
Naturally, the Galaxy Gear’s cool, sports-inspired design does not escape Ortiz. “It’s a fashion accessory,” he says, “comparable to a traditional timepiece.”
Built with a 5.7” HD Super Amoled display, the 32GB Samsung Galaxy Note 3 retails for P36,990. The Samsung Gear retails for P13,990.
