Get to know the hit YouTube channel as hosts Justin Quirino, Bea Chu, and Jaime Bunag provide info, insights, and inspo to a ‘smarter’ you this 2024!
Every new year brings about change — or better yet, an upgrade. In the realm of Filipino lifestyles, trends indicate a growing adoption of smart technology both inside and outside the home, promising greater convenience, enjoyment, and overall quality of life. A study conducted in November of the previous year by Statista projects that by 2024, there will be approximately 1.1 million smart homes in the Philippines, reflecting the country’s rapid advancement.
As Filipinos increasingly embrace smarter living with a plethora of smart tech devices, they seek a steady stream of information and reviews to navigate their evolving digital lifestyles.
One such platform dedicated to smart home technology and living is the YouTube channel Next Upgrade, which emerged in 2021 amid pandemic restrictions. Since its inception, the channel has garnered an Anvil award in 2023 and received a nomination for the YouTube Works Awards in 2022. Now in its third season, Next Upgrade is committed to empowering more Filipinos to thrive in the hybrid era through relevant content.
Hosts and smart home experts Justin Quirino, Bea Chu, and Jaime Bunag provide hands-on reviews and discussions on the latest in smart technology, gadgets, and wearables, while exploring the potential of smarter living. From addressing common questions about new smart home applications and devices to delving into how artificial intelligence (AI) can streamline household tasks, the Next Upgrade team has a wealth of content lined up for 2024.
Next Upgrade ‘upgraded’ In the third season of Next Upgrade, the hosts receive additional support from new faces, including game streamer and cosplayer Een Mercado, chef and actor Gerick Manalo, and online personalities Chico Cruz and Danzel Fernandez, each offering their unique perspectives on (smart) homemaking.
A highlight of the current season is the premiere episode, where Bea and Jaime tackle frequently asked questions about smart home devices and setups. They address concerns such as the cost of transitioning to smart devices and their impact on electricity bills, offering valuable insights for those contemplating but hesitating to take the leap.
In episode three, Bea partners with Chef Gerick Manalo to delve into the realm of generative AI and its applications in homemaking. They turn to ChatGPT to discover promising recipes for nutritious home-cooked meals, which they then prepare using a digital air fryer. It’s an experience that must be witnessed firsthand to truly appreciate!
During the year-end episode for 2023, all three main hosts reunite to recap the advancements in smart technology throughout the year and anticipate the innovations expected in 2024. They share their top picks for smart devices, including the Steam Deck OLED, the Meta Quest 3 VR headset, and the eufyCam 3, among others.
Looking to upgrade your digital life in 2024? Watch full episodes of the new season and the previous two seasons of Next Upgrade on its official YouTube channel. For more updates, bite-sized bits of all the tech talk, and even more exclusive smart home content, follow Next Upgrade on TikTok (@nextupgrade) and Instagram (@nextupgradeph)
