2019 v20n4 - THE WISH LIST ISSUE

The air is getting chilly, and the traffic is somehow even worse. This can only mean one thing: Christmas is just around the corner. The smarter among us have likely completed most of the shopping necessary for the requisite gift giving.

The rest are likely scrambling for ideas. No worries. This month is the start of our two-part Wishlist/Gift Guide combo to help you figure out what it is you want to get yourself and those who are special to you. We of course haven’t forgotten the reviews, parades, and features to keep you informed, so flip through the pages for those.

We’re wrapping up the year, but there’s no stop to the devices, and like Santa and his elves, our work is just starting. Enjoy the issue and see you again next month!

Ren Alcantara Editor-at-Large

MARIBELLE M. ALBA

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF #GIRLBOSS @bellealba

REN ALCANTARA

EDITOR-AT-LARGE Question EVERYTHING.

ARNEL DORIA

MOBILITY CONSULTANT

PRESIDENT & CEO

Maribelle Alba

SALES AND ADVERTISING MANAGER ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Marisa Consuelo

ACCOUNTING MANAGER ACCOUNTING STAFF

Maritess Pascua-Maulion Lorie Bernardo

@hisnameisren

Marketing guru. Automotive industry veteran. Road safety advocate.

JEWEL STA. ANA

JOSE ALVAREZ

Jose loves football, video games, computers, and history, but not necessarily in any order.

HR & ADMIN MANAGER ADMINISTRATION STAFF

Amy Christine Giray Ramil Almojano Clifford Dela Paz

@josealvarez

PR & MARKETING STAFF DIGITAL CONTENT PRODUCER

Paula Candoy Jerico Lutrania

LEGAL COUNSEL

JUNIOR EDITOR People say you can’t live without love, I think oxygen is more important. @monsterjewfloat

GABRIEL JOHN PE

CONTRIBUTOR

GERRY GAVIOLA

STAFF WRITER

CONTRIBUTOR

*Laughs in 5ft

Cineaste. Audiophile. Gadget addict.

@pe_gab

@gerry.g626

JERICO LUTRANIA

DIGITAL CONTENT PRODUCER

“Ceeeeeeeeeeeb!”

PAULA CANDOY

CONTRIBUTOR “You do note.”

@_easyo

@polacandoy

CHINI YU SORIANO

CONTRIBUTOR

I love dogs.

Self-proclaimed marketer. Pop culture fan. Sleeper, er, sleeping agent.

@chinisoriano

@hefedanyel

ZEIL ROMERO

ASSISTANT GRAPHIC ARTIST

GRAPHIC ARTIST

GRAPHIC ARTIST Let it be. @zeil_heyo

2

PRESY ALBA

EDITOR-AT-LARGE I don’t travel light, I lug too many gadgets, I can walk for miles exploring and I never say no to the local fare. @presy1121

NOVEMBER 2019

JEFF DANIEL RINGON

CLIFFORD DELA PAZ

Carol Agabin

Alba Law Office

GADGETS Magazine is published monthly by Great Minds Media Inc. Address all correspondence to Unit 801-802, The One Executive Office Bldg., #5 West Ave., 1104 Quezon City.

Our telephone number is: 8288-8588 Our website is: www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

All unsolicited manuscripts, illustrations and photos submitted must be accompanied by a stamped self-addressed envelope if they are to be returned.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Every care is taken to ensure that the content of Gadgets is fully accurate; however, the publisher and printer assume no responsibility for the effects arising therefrom. Gadgets Magazine is a registered trademark of Great Minds Media Inc.

Mugiwara no Rufi @iamclifford._

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NOVEMBER 2019 | Volume 20 No. 4 27. Cover Story

06

Parade

22

Gadgets Lab

27

Cover Story:

4

The Gadgets Wishlist

New gadgets for your wishlist.

We took a closer look at these devices.

The Gadgets Wishlist We give you our personal holiday wishlists.

NOVEMBER 2019

44

Photofeature:

50

Mobility

62

Apps: Angkas

A remarkable present under the tree Shoot beyond limits with the Vivo V17 Pro.

The latest on everything on wheels.

Beat the traffic by hopping on.

64

Everything Apple

66

Gaming

70

Feature: 2019

Should you get this year’s new Apple devices?

Grind your way to victory

CXO Innovation Summit Everything discussed at this year’s CXO Innovation Summit.

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

78. Visual Space

72

Executive Profile

78

Visual Space:

74

Travel:

80

Enterprise

76

Feature:

84

Cybersecurity

Get to know the man behind Ford Philippines’ success.

Mystical Siquijor Take a tour around one of the country’s smallest provinces.

Oppo Reno2 Taking the Oppo Reno2 to the extreme.

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Cine Noel

New Holiday flicks to get you in a jolly mood.

News from the business side.

87

Bits and Bytes

92

Relic: Basic

Your monthly dose of tech news.

Going back to BASIC.

The latest and news trends in cybersecurity.

NOVEMBER 2019

5

PARADE

Fitbit Versa 2 Smartwatch

Fitbit expands its best-selling smartwatch line with the launch of the Fitbit Versa 2. This second generation improves the way it handles notifications and tracks sleep. Essential upgrades include an always-on display, a built-in microphone that enables voice commands, water-resistance up to 50 meters, and Spotify support for music playback. It is packed with advanced features such as Sleep Score for reporting sleep quality, Smart Wake for waking users during an optimal time of their sleeping cycle, Sleep mode for disabling notifications when sleeping or when needed, and an Estimated Oxygen Variation Graph for estimating oxygen levels in the bloodstream through the smartwatch’s built-in sensors.

PHP 14,590 (special edition variant) PHP 12,890 (standard variant)

Fitbit Aria Air Smart Scale

Fitbit also unveiled the local availability of the Aria Air, its affordable smart scale. It tracks weight and syncs with the Fitbit app to calculate one’s Body Mass Index (BMI), giving a comprehensive view of trends over time alongside the user’s activity, heart rate, sleep, and nutrition data.

PHP 2,990

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NOVEMBER 2019

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Oppo Reno2 F Smartphone

The Reno2 F is the successor to Oppo’s F series smartphones. As the successor of the F11 and part of the Reno series, the Reno2 F is a camera beast. It has a quad-camera setup at the back with the main shooter having 48 megapixel resolution. The secondary ultra-wide angle lens sports an 8-megapixel sensor. Instead of a telephoto lens, it has a 2-megapixel mono lens and another 2-megapixel portrait lens. The pop-up selfie camera takes photos at 16 megapixels. It also offers the same photo and video enhancements as the Reno2. If you’re not into photography, the Reno2 F is still a great phone by itself. It runs on MediaTek’s Helio P70 processor paired with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage, and is also great for video consumption thanks to its 6.5-inch AMOLED display.

PHP 19,990

Oppo Enco Q1 Smartphone

The first wireless earphones from Oppo, the Enco Q1, has a hybrid active noise cancellation system. It has 11.8 mm dynamic drivers with PEEK + PU composite diaphragms for clearer treble and deeper bass. It also has a new digital noise cancellation chip which detects and cancels out surrounding noise in real-time. The Enco Q1 has three audio modes: music, cinema, and gaming, which makes the earphones your perfect entertainment partner. The Enco Q1 can deliver 15 hours of playback from a single two-hour charge.

PHP 4,790

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

NOVEMBER 2019

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Nokia 110

Feature Phone This latest feature phone from Nokia, the 110, is dedicated to entertainment. It has a removable 800 mAh battery that has a standby time of up to 18 days. The battery can also withstand up to 7.5 hours of video playback. The Nokia 110 has 4 GB of RAM and 4 GB of internal storage with support for up to 32 GB extra space via a micro SD slot. It has a qVGA camera, an LED torchlight, and FM radio. It also features retro games that the crowd used to play with.

PHP 1,290

Nokia 2720 Flip Feature Phone

Nokia’s flip phones are back! The brand’s updated flip phone runs on KaiOS and is powered by Qualcomm’s 205 mobile platform. It features Wi-Fi and 4G capability so you can stay connected whenever you are.

The Nokia 2720 Flip has 512 MB of RAM and 4 GB of internal storage which is expandable up to 32 GB via micro SD. It also has a removable 1500 mAh battery with standby times of up to 14 days for dual sim mode and 20 days for single sim use.

PHP 4,790

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NOVEMBER 2019

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Nokia 7.2

Smartphone The Nokia 7.2 is the brand’s newest mid-range smartphone. It is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 660 chipset and has 6 GB of RAM paired with 128 GB of internal storage that’s expandable up to 512 GB. It has a 6.3-inch FHD+ Waterdrop PureDisplay protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3. On its back is a triple camera setup all with Zeiss Optics: a 48-megapixel main shooter, an 8-megapixel wide-angle, and a 5-megapixel depth sensors. The 20 megapixel front camera is also equipped with Zeiss optics.

With its Zeiss optic lens and AI technology, you can shoot sharp images and even control the bokeh effects afterwards. The Nokia 7.2 is powered by a fast-charging, 3500 mAh battery thanks to its Type-C charger. Initially running on Android 9, the Nokia 7.2 will receive constant updates including an update to Android 10 as part of the Android One family.

PHP 15,990

Garmin Fenix 6 Smartwatch

Garmin’s latest line of premium, multisport GPS watches are not just for fitness buffs. As a fashion accessory, the Fenix 6 boasts a trimmer, more comfortable fit on the wrist and comes with two display sizes: a 1.3-inch and a 1.4-inch. In addition to bigger display sizes, the Fenix 6 has introduced the PacePro feature which keeps a runner’s pacing strategy on track with grade-adjusted guidance as they run a course.

Runners can now create plans directly or ahead of time from the Garmin Connect app. While running the course, users can see their target split pace, the actual split pace, distance to the next split, and how much time they are ahead or behind on their target, right on the watch face.

Starts at PHP 40,995

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NOVEMBER 2019

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Garmin vívomove 3 Smartwatch

Designed with style and functionality in mind, the vívomove 3 has the appearance of a traditional timepiece complete with real ticking hands. With a flick of your wrist, it reveals the hidden touchscreen. Like the vívoactive 4 and Venu, the vívomove 3 has all the necessary sensors that track your activities. It can also be paired to your phone for smart notifications. The vivomove3 can last for five days, with the analog clock running up to another seven days.

PHP 16,595

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NOVEMBER 2019

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Garmin Venu Smartwatch

The Garmin Venu is the brand’s first smartwatch with 1.2-inch AMOLED display covered with Corning’s Gorilla Glass 3. Designed for people with an active lifestyle, the Venu has an-always mode display and a variety of health sensors and trackers such as heart rate monitor, sleep monitor, stress monitor, and hydration tracker. As a smartwatch, it has smart notifications and can play your favorite tracks from Spotify directly on the watch itself. The Venu can last up to five days in smartwatch mode or up to six hours when the GPS and music are turned on.

PHP 23,595

Garmin vívoactive 4 Smartwatch

The vívoactive 4 is made for people with an active lifestyle but values functionality as well. Like the Venu, it has a variety of health and wellness trackers such as a heart rate monitor, sleep monitor, hydration tracker, stress monitors and many more. The vívoactive 4 has a 1.3-inch screen covered by Corning’s Gorilla Glass 3. It can also play music directly on the device and boasts a six day standby time so you wont have to worry about running out of juice.

PHP 21,595

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

NOVEMBER 2019

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Redmi Note 8 Pro Smartphone

Dubbed as the first-ever 64 MP quad-camera smartphone in the Philippines, the Redmi Note 8 Pro features a super AI quad-camera setup with a 64 MP primary Samsung GW1 sensor that can print photos up to 3.26 meters tall, 8 MP ultra-wide angle lens, 2 MP macro lens, and a 2 MP depth camera sensor. These cameras complement each other to capture stunning photos even at night.

Allowing users to put their best face forward, the smartphone is also equipped with a 20 MP AI camera that has scene detection, allows facial unlock, and delivers sharper portrait selfies. It is powered by the latest MediaTek Helio G90T processor clocked up to 2.05 GHz for extended everyday use. Upgrades from the previous version include a large 6.53-inch FHD+ Dot Drop display that maximizes screen-to-body ratio to 91.4 percent, 18 W fast-charging through its USB Type-C port, Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection, and TĂœV Rheinland certified blue light protection for a comfortable viewing experience.

PHP 11,490 (6 GB RAM + 64 GB internal memory) PHP 12,990 (6 GB RAM + 128 GB internal memory)

Redmi Note 8 Smartphone

A younger sibling of the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the Redmi Note 8 also sports a quad-camera setup. It has a 48 MP primary, 8 MP ultra-wide, 2 MP macro lens, and 2 MP depth cameras to capture stunning images at any distance. It also has a 13 MP front camera with an f/2.0 aperture, built-in AI technology, and a panorama selfie mode that can capture group images without cropping anyone out. Offering an incredibly immersive experience, the smartphone boasts a 6.3-inch Dot Drop display with a 2.5D rounded rear glass design. It has a 4,500 mAh battery that supports fast-charging up to 18 W, built with Corning Gorilla Glass 5, features LiquidCool technology, and has blue light protection to keep users from eye strain.

PHP 7,990 (3 GB RAM + 32 GB internal memory) PHP 8,990 (4 GB RAM+ 64 GB internal memory) PHP 9,990 (4 GB RAM + 128 GB internal memory)

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NOVEMBER 2019

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Fujifilm instax mini Link Photo printer

From the maker of instax cameras comes a stylish and compact photo printer. You can now capture and print your photos from your smartphone on instax film, thanks to Fujifilm instax mini Link. Just use its dedicated mobile app and connect the photo printer to your mobile device to print photos. The app offers a function to choose the best frame from a video and has a variety of unique and fun feature: a compatibility checker that examines compatibility between you and a friend or someone special, and a special feature that lets multiple people send their favorite pictures from their smartphone to the printer to compile it into a single instax print. The palm-top compact printer weighs just 200 g for excellent portability, making it a travel-friendly companion.

PHP 6,999

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NOVEMBER 2019

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Oppo Reno2 Smartphone

The Oppo Reno2 is the brand’s newest smartphone, made specifically with photo and video in mind. It has the same shark-fin, pop-up front camera with a 16-megapixel sensor. The rear houses the quad-camera setup, with the main shooter sporting a 48-megapixel Sony IMX sensor. The secondary 13-megapixel, an 8-megapixel ultrawide-angle, and a 2-megapixel depth sensors. Just like its predecessor, the Reno2 has 5x hybrid zoom and is capable of 20x digital zoom. What makes the Reno2 an exceptional camera for photos and videos are the various enhancements Oppo has fitted it with. It has Ultra Stable Mode, Ultra Dark Night Mode, an Audio Zoom, and a Background Noise Reduction Mode and a dedicated Bokeh mode for video. The Reno2 has a 6.5-inch Dynamic AMOLED display and is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 730G with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal storage.

PHP 28,990

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NOVEMBER 2019

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HP Smart Tank 500 Inkjet Printer

An all-in-one ink tank printer, the HP Smart Tank 500 offers low-cost and high-volume printing with a total page yield of 8,000 colored, and 6,000 black and white pages. It features four integrated ink tanks and an automatic ink sensor for a more compact and spill-free refilling system. It can print up to 11 ppm of black text and graphics, 5ppm of colored text and graphics, and colored photos in as fast as 76 seconds.

It also has a quick borderless printing mode for printing marketing collaterals such as brochures and flyers.

PHP 7,950

HP Smart Tank 519 and 515 Inkjet Printer

Coming in with stylish color and compact size, the Smart Tank 519 offers various connectivity options to its users. Apart from its Bluetooth and dual-band WiFi connectivity, this inkjet printer also supports a high-speed USB 2.0 connection for reliability. This allows mobile printing, scanning, and copying courtesy of the HP ePrint and HP Smart app, the brand’s dedicated mobile app, and Apple AirPrint which allows small business owners to work remotely. It adapts the same integrated ink tanks and ink sensors from the Smart Tank 500 for more convenient ink management.

Through the Smart Tasks feature found on the app, it eliminates repetitive tasks with customizable shortcuts on the user’s mobile device.

PHP 9,295

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

NOVEMBER 2019

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HP Smart Tank 615 Inkjet Printer

A high-capacity office machine with an auto-feeder and fax, the Smart Tank 615 performs 38 percent faster than previous HP inkjet models. This new breed offers low-cost yet high-volume printing up to 6,000 black pages and 8,000 color pages. For more user-friendly experience, it features a 2.2-inch touchscreen display for easier controls, and supports various connectivity options through USB 2.0, Bluetooth, and dual-band Wi-Fi. It can print in as fast as 14 seconds, offers the freedom to work from anywhere with the HP Smart app, and lets users easily monitor ink levels with its four integrated tanks and automatic ink sensors.

PHP 11,990

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NOVEMBER 2019

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HyperX Alpha S Gaming headset

The HyperX Alpha S takes everything from its predecessor and builds upon it. It has the same dual-chamber technology from the brand’s Alpha series. The Alpha S also utilizes HyperX’s virtual 7.1 surround sound. The Alpha S has a bass adjustment slider that helps users customize their listening experience. The in-line audio controls also has a game and chat balance controls so you can fully immerse yourself in the game without losing team chat. Also included is the detachable noise-canceling microphones which are Discord and TeamSpeak certified.

PHP 7,490

HyperX Cloud MIX Gaming headset

Play and take your sound anywhere you go with the Hyper Cloud Mix. These gaming headphones have Bluetooth connectivity so you’re free to take them anywhere. The Cloud Mix is also Hi-Res certified so media consumption is uncompromised. It has HyperX signature dual chamber technology giving it great audio directionality. Play on-the-go with the headset built-in mic. It has a detachable braided wire with in-line audio, and a detachable boom mic made for streaming.

PHP 11,999

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NOVEMBER 2019

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Canon EOS 90D DSLR Camera

The flagship DSLR camera from Canon now offers fast and convenient shooting through its optical viewfinder equipped with a 45 cross-type AF sensor. It has a 32.5-megapixel APS-C sensor good for capturing striking images and videos, particularly with fast-moving subjects. Powering the camera is an advanced DIGIC 8 image processor paired with Dual Pixel CMOS Auto Focus technology that easily tracks the subjects. Its ISO sensitivity can go up to 51,200 which gives users the freedom to shoot even in low-light conditions, while its silent electronic shutter has a maximum speed of 1/16,000 seconds good for sports photography. There’s also a multi-controller joystick that provides more tactile control over the AF point selection, a vari-angle LCD monitor, and a fatigue-reducing mechanism on the shutter button for continuous shooting. The EOS 90D is also supports cropped and uncropped 4K video recording and shoot dynamic footage in high frame rates of 120p and 100p.

PHP 81,998 (with basic kit lens) PHP 94,498 (with zoom lens) PHP 74,498 (main body only)

Canon EOS M6 Mark II Mirrorless Camera

The Canon EOS M6 Mark II is a compact, mirrorless camera designed for vloggers. Enhanced with fast-locking and fast-tracking autofocus, it is equipped with a 32.5-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor mated with a DIGIC 8 image processor. It adopts the same Dual Pixel CMOS Auto Focus technology from the EOS 90D for capturing sharper images.

It has 5,481 AF positions that provide flexibility when it comes to changing the focus position in the frame. As a good camera for event coverages, it’s capable of continuous shooting up to 30 fps in RAW burst mode, boasts an electronic shutter, and supports an optional electronic viewfinder that allows touch and drag autofocus. In terms of video recording, the EOS M6 Mark II has an option to shoot 4K video with no cropping, delivers super slow-motion scenes at 120p and 100p in Full High Definition, and is equipped with a 5-axis digital image stabilization.

PHP 60,998 (with basic kit lens) PHP 78,998 (with zoom lens) PHP 53,998 (main body only)

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NOVEMBER 2019

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Ferrari Carbon Fiber Eyewear

Created for that outgoing and always-on-the-move lifestyle, the Ferrari Carbon Fiber features iconic cues such as the Shield engraving on the lens and the Scuderia Ferrari Shield in the middle of the left temple. Enjoy it your way and choose between Chromance—which emphasizes color contrasts that allow the wearer to see in higher-quality detail—classic or mirrored lenses.

The Ferrari Carbon Fiber collection also sports the best in Ray-Ban’s carbon fiber technology, allowing the designs to be as lightweight as possible without sacrificing much-needed resiliency.

Ferrari LiteForce Eyewear

Marrying strength and lightweight construction is the Ferrari LiteForce.

Worthy of the Ferrari shields that on its metal hinges and lens, stay protected without experiencing that heavy feel. Mute matte colorways give you the option to go for polarized or mirrored lenses.

As one of its newest features, Ray-Ban’s LiteForce technology provides maximum comfort and utmost lightness. Made of PK001, a polymer that’s so strong it’s used in aeronautics and surgical equipment, LiteForce is the ultimate in durability.

Ferrari Active Eyewear

Every curve of a car is engineered for optimal performance—such was the thinking in designing the Ferrari Active. These squared nylon frames feature flourishes like rubber-reinforced temples that allow for better and an overall more comfortable grip, as well as chromance lens options that signature Ferrari logo on the temple and lens.

Ferrari Round Metal Double Bridge Eyewear

The double bridge is a classic and stylish design, but the full metal round double bridge makes it more relevant to this day and age.

Contemporary meets history in this eyeglasses.

The Ferrari Round Metal Double Bridge feature a full-metal double bridge, sport colorful plastic circles that surround the metal frame and a flex hinge that was designed for extra comfort. A subtle nod to Ferrari is seen through the display of its logo on the temple tips and a shield on its lens, each of which assert the frame’s racing pedigree.

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NOVEMBER 2019

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Honor Watch Magic Smartwatch

One of the slimmest smartwatches to date, the Honor Watch Magic boasts a 9.8mm 316L stainless dial paired with a classic, sweatproof band. It is a stylish, versatile accessory with a 1.2-inch AMOLED display that allows viewing of notifications from the connected smartphone along with other fitness statistics. Equipped with AI, the watch easily switches from power-saving mode to active mode when it’s needed. This gives longer battery life to the device up to one week. It has built-in sensors that keep one on track to health from bed to the office, thanks to the TruSleep Scientific Sleep Management and TruSeen3.0 Heartrate Monitoring. It also has different sports mode that accurately tracks one’s activities including running, hiking, swimming and cycling to keep users motivated and focused on reaching their daily and long-term targets.

PHP 5,990

www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

NOVEMBER 2019

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GADGETS LAB

Vivo V17 Pro Reviewed by Ren Alcantara

Vivo saw success with the elevating front camera of the V15. Can they replicate this with the V17? Read on and find out.

DESIGN Our review unit came in an eye-catching Glacier Blue that shifts colors with the angle you view it. It’s got a beautiful iridescent sheen that is quite unlike anything else around right now, which might not be for everyone, but it’s definitely a conversationstarter. The rear is also home to the four rear cameras, arranged in the middle and oriented vertically.

We’re not sure exactly why, but there’s quite a bit of heft to the phone. It’s not uncomfortable in its weight, but it’s certainly noticeable. You’re going to want to keep a firm grip on the phone, as it can also be a little slippery thank to the applied finish.

The front of the device is gorgeous, as can be expected from a phone that’s all display. This is achieved by placing the fingerprint scanner under the screen, and the inclusion of a pop-up front camera system. This builds on the success of the previous V15 model, and doubles the ante with an extra front snapper. This is a phone that wants to be seen, and is perfect for people who like a little bit of attention.

HARDWARE The Vivo V17 Pro sits solidly in midrange territory, spec-wise. You have the capable Snapdragon 675 SoC, an octa-core Kryo processor, a hefty 8 GB serving of RAM, and 128 GB of storage.

Where the V17 Pro shines is in the camera department. With a whopping six cameras split between the front and back, it’s made for those who want to do more than a little bit of photography. The rear has 48-, 8-,13-, and 2-MP snappers that do everything from shoot ultrawide photos, to 2x zoom, and recognize depth, for spectacular bokeh effects.

The display is a generous 6.44 inches large, with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. This gets you a pixel density of about 409 ppi which is plenty, even for the most discerning mobile video viewers out there.

after that, what struck me was the mesmerizing, pearlescent back. The color on the milky white back shifts colors depending on how you look at it, and I guarantee you’re going to spend the first few moments with the device just staring.

Once booted up, the V17 Pro was loading apps and zipping along with no problem. Vivo put their proprietary Funtouch OS on top of Android 9, and while some people might be wary of the overlay, it didn’t feel like there was any significant slowdown.

Gaming, which remains a significant part of my life, was extremely pleasant on the V17 Pro’s large, uninterrupted screen. The large display, capable processor, and Adreno 612 GPU made short work of titles such as PUBG Mobile and CoD Mobile. Vivo also baked in gaming mode, which shuts down background apps, freeing up system resources for better performance. This also silences notifications, keeping interruptions down. The weight does become a factor after a while, so don’t forget to get breaks in.

The camera experience on the V17 Pro is likewise superb. It doesn’t have six cameras just for fun. The main snapper provides great range and detail, but where the whole system really shines is low-light.

Noise and a little loss of detail can be expected, but it did seem to be in the same league as some much more expensive camera phones out there now. The dynamic range is remarkable, evening out scenes well. Colors remain vibrant, without looking blown out.

Another feature that I appreciated was the ultra wide-angle camera. It doesn’t have the same resolution as the main camera sensor, but is great for landscapes, large groups, and performs acceptably well, even at night, to capture gorgeous nighttime cityscapes.

The V17 Pro comes with a large 4100 mAh battery to drive all that hardware all day without running out.

USER EXPERIENCE

VALUE

The first thing I noticed about the V17 Pro was that it was a little heavier than it looks. Immediately

The Vivo V17 Pro does lean towards the pricier side of the spectrum of phones in its range. The

NOVEMBER 2019

SPECIFICATIONS: • Dimensions: 6.26 x 2.94 x 0.39 in • Weight: 201.8 g • Display: Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen, 6.44 inches, 1080 x 2400 • Chipset Qualcomm SDM675 Snapdragon 675 • Processor: Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver) • GPU: Adreno 612 • Main Cameras: 48 MP, f/1.8; 8 MPUlatrawide; 13 MP telephoto; 2 MP depth sensor • Front camera: Motorized pop-up 32 MP, Motorized pop-up 8 MP • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dualband, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot Bluetooth 5.0, USB 2.0, Type-C, 3.5 mm Audio Jack • Battery: 4100 mAh, 18W fast charging

What’s Hot: • It’s a looker • Interesting front camera setup • Great main snapper What’s Not: • The price is admittedly steep • Weight

The review of this phone would be incomplete without mentioning the elevating front camera module. At 32 MP and 8 MP ultra-wide respectively, these are cameras that can deliver some really impressive selfies at high resolution.

Battery life for the phone was also great. With such a large battery, users who don’t rely too much on mobile data can get a day and a half of use. This also gives you a little breathing room if you tend to tether off your phone’s internet connection a lot as I do, to get work done outside the office.

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technology behind the elevating front cameras adds a bit to the cost, but is justified by the existence of the notch- and bezel-less display. The price, PHP 21,999 might seem a bit steep, but there’s a lot of new tech in there too.

BOTTOMLINE It’s a looker that has great camera performance for the segment, at the cost of a little extra cash.

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Lenovo IdeaPad S340 Reviewed by Jewel Sta. Ana

Aside from a smartphone, if there’s one thing that students and yuppies can’t live without, it would probably be their laptops. People are able to work and study remotely thanks to the portability and convenience that these computing machines bring. However, it’s quite challenging to look for a device that combines style, performance, and value.

Our friends from Lenovo recently sent us one of its newest laptops introduced at the 2019 IFA. Is it a hit or a miss? Let’s find out.

DESIGN Coming in a chic Sand Pink, the IdeaPad S340 is a stunner. This new generation of IdeaPad has a slim and lightweight aluminum chassis which weighs only 1.69 kg. It may not be as ultra-thin as other ultrabooks, but it doesn’t compromise on connectivity. On its right lies two USB-A 3.1 ports and a 4-in-1 SD-card reader, while the power jack, HDMI and USB-C ports, and combination audio jack are all placed on the left side. For a more immersive viewing experience, it boasts a 14inch FHD display with extra narrow top and side bezels. Should you feel the need for more privacy, there’s a webcam shutter at the top center of the screen.

HARDWARE Lenovo has provided options for the IdeaPad S340. It’s available in two variants: a 14-inch or a 15.6-inch that both come in either HD or Full HD and optional touchscreen or IPS displays. Our review unit is a 14-inch FHD display with 220 nits of brightness and can be laid 180-degrees flat on a surface. It is powered by an 8th generation Intel Core i7 processor for seamless multitasking, and features internal storage composed of a 1 TB HDD plus a 128 GB SSD for reliability and faster booting. In addition to being a productivity workhorse, the IdeaPad S340 showcases unique features in the entertainment department. It is equipped with a Dolby Audio speaker system that delivers a cinematic audio experience right into your home. To make it more responsive, it has an 8 GB RAM onboard.

USER EXPERIENCE The Lenovo IdeaPad S340 is a stylish laptop that you can easily lug on your bag and bring anywhere.

It deserves to be flaunted at a coffee shop, thanks to its premium design and gorgeous color. Its size means it has a bigger and better display, which is

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good for both accomplishing daily tasks at the office or enjoying the weekend in the comfort of your home. You just need to adjust the right angle while binge-watching your favorite movies and TV shows. The placement of its Dolby Audio speakers may also affect performance. It works better with Spotify bringing in the party inside my room, while the volume can be quite low for Netflix.

When it comes to seamless multitasking, the IdeaPad S340 delivers. It can boot up in about five seconds. I never experienced any lag or crash, thanks to its hybrid internal memory mated with an 8th generation Intel Core i7 processor. It’s also pre-loaded with some useful software for apps and file management as well as security and productivity like Lenovo Utility, Lenovo Vantage, McAfee LiveSafe, and Microsoft Office. It has a springy, chiclet-like keyboard with larger keys that motivates users more to finish their workload.

And as advertised, it has an impressive battery life which can last up to 10 hours under the powersaving mode. It took me only one and a half hours to fully charge the device with its compact charger.

VALUE Packed with a decent 8th gen Intel processor and a mid-range graphics card, the Lenovo IdeaPad S340 is a suitable laptop for productivity and entertainment. It is a good investment mostly for students and young adults who are willing to shell out PHP 52,995.

There are definitely more powerful ultrabooks out there from the brand, but if you just want to have a mid-range laptop that could do more, you should add this to your wishlist.

SPECIFICATIONS: • • • • • • •

Processor: Intel Core i7-8565U Processor Operating System: Windows 10 Home Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce MX230 Display: 14-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) TN, 220 nits Memory: 8 GB DDR4 RAM Storage: 1 TB SATA HDD + 128 GB NVMe PCIe SSD Audio: 2 x 2 W speakers with Dolby Audio Premium • Keyboard: Standard QWERTY, with optional backlight • WiFi/Bluetooth: 802.11 AC 1x1 & 2x2, MU-MIMO technology + Bluetooth 4.2 • Ports: USB Type-C, 2 x USB 3.1 (one charging), HDMI, 4-in-1 SD card reader, combo audio jack, Power connector What’s Hot: • Impressive battery life • Stunning and lightweight design • Hybrid storage • A good productivity workhorse What’s Not: • Underwhelming speakers • USB-C port only works for transferring data and smartphone charging

BOTTOMLINE An all-around productivity laptop made to impress.

NOVEMBER 2019

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Nokia 8.1 Reviewed by Ren Alcantara

The world is positively rife with smartphones these days.

There is a device for every market, every price point, and every conceivable niche. Quietly in the background though, a sleeping giant is stirring. Nokia, once the name in mobile phones globally, is making another push into the consumer electronics market. With a solid Android One base built on premium design, they’re looking to get back in the running. One of their latest devices is the gorgeous Nokia 8.1, which we got to use for a few weeks. Are they once again on the road to greatness? Let’s find out.

DESIGN Our review unit was done in steel and a deep, almost brown copper, which was actually quite fetching in a world of color-shifting, backs with laser-engraved patterns. The camera module and rear-mounted fingerprint scanner are highlighted with a shiny silver trim, giving the phone a quiet, understated sort of elegance we don’t often see in devices these days.

The metal frame adds nicely to the phone’s heft, and gives it a solid, weighty feel in the hand which goes well with the premium look Nokia is trying to bring across. In my own opinion, this is one of the better-looking phones you can get your hands on at the moment—simple, elegant, and strong in its design and construction.

HARDWARE This Nokia’s hardware puts it a notch above midrange territory. An octa-core Snapdragon 710 SoC, 6 GB of RAM, and a 3500 mAh battery are more or less standard for its tier. It has a reasonably large 6.18-inch notched IPS LCD, and dual-sim capability, though you can choose to skip the second sim and pop a memory card in to supplement its storage.

The 8.1 has a dual 12 MP + 13 MP camera module on the rear which are still backed by Zeiss optics, so you get some pretty good glass, and at the front, you have a 20 MP selfie camera to up your selfie game.

USER EXPERIENCE The first thing you’ll notice about the Nokia 8.1 is the heft. It has some gravity to it. This isn’t a bad thing, and makes it feel good and solid in the hand, and lets its presence known in your pocket.

Another thing worth noting is that the Nokia 8.1 is part of the Android One program, optimizing the smartphone experience with an uncluttered Android experience and fast, regular updates.

I love plain Android. There’s no bloatware, and no fancy effects to slow response time. Swiping through screens, opening apps, and multitasking are all top-notch and indistinguishable from much higher-end devices in everyday use. All the usual phone functions—browsing, streaming, launching multiple apps—are all smooth and fire up without hesitation.

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The importance of OS updates cannot be overstated. With the amount of information we keep on our phones and the number of people who want to get their hands on that kind of information, updates matter. The Android One initiative makes for a much more secure device.

The notched screen is more than bright enough for outdoor use, even under bright sunlight.

The resolution is reasonably high, with a pixel density of about 408 PPI, and will stand up to close scrutiny even while streaming your favorite shows. The Adreno 616 GPU si plenty for pushing games like PUBG Mobile or CoD Mobile. Longer stretches of gaming are possible despite what seems like a small battery, though because of its weight, you’re going to want to put the phone down before you drain the battery.

Camera performance is actually quite good.

Nokia eschews quad cameras for a simpler, more cost-effective dual camera setup here, but makes up for it with Zeiss optics. The lenses deliver great sharpness and definition, and the sensor is able to do colors justice, keeping things vibrant, without looking overdone. Low-light performance is not bad, with even lighting appearing through the images. As with camera phones, it does struggle slightly when the scene is dim, but not any more than the competition in its price range.

The front camera is likewise sharp, though it smooths faces out a little too noticeably for my liking, making for shots that have a slightly artificial look that may or may not be your thing.

about the same price point. Still, for those who know what they’re getting with Android One, or for those who appreciate the build quality and storied past of the brand, this is a phone that’s definitely worth considering.

SPECIFICATIONS: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Dimensions: 154.8 x 75.76 x 7.97 mm Weight: 180 g Display: 6.18” FHD IPS SoC: Snapdragon 710 Memory: 6 GB RAM GPU: Adreno 616 Main Camera: 12 MP + 13 MP dual rear cameras with ZEISS optics Front Camera: 20 MP Dual SIM capable, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n/ac Bluetooth 5.0 A2DP, LE, aptX HD Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner USB Type- C 2.0 3,500 mAh battery

What’s Hot: • Zeiss optics • Great Android support • Excellent build

What’s Not: • A little pricier than others in the market • Overdone front camera shots

I was careful to temper my expectations for the phone when it came to battery life, seeing as it has all of 3500 mAh on tap—a little less than would be expected from something in this category. Thankfully, and probably because of the system optimizations in place, there was much more than enough to power the phone for a full workday, even with an occasional game thrown in there. This was connected to the office Wi-Fi network, so using solely mobile data will likely mean you’ll want a powerbank handy.

VALUE The phone itself is a wonderful performer on a great, quickly updating version of vanilla Android.

At this point though, it suffers a bit, no thanks to competition with better specs on paper, at

BOTTOMLINE It’s a looker that’s very capable— you just have to be willing to pay for it. www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Persona Mybook 14i Reviewed by Gabriel Pe

When I first saw the advertisement for the Persona Mybook14i, it piqued my interest. A sub- PHP 25,000 laptop running Intel’s Core-i3 and Windows was a good deal, I thought. As a new brand in the market, I wanted to try out the laptop and see how well it performs.

DESIGN The Mybook 14i is a 14-inch laptop that strongly resembles the Macbook. Just change the logo from Persona to an Apple logo and you’ll barely be able to tell the difference at first glance. The 14-inch display is not a retina display; instead, it is a Full HD LCD screen. It is not very color accurate but it is surprisingly bright.

The Mybook Persona 14i is not lacking in the I/O department. On the left are the power input, a USB 2.0 Type-A port, and the headphone jack. On the right are a USB 3.0 Type-A port, an HDMI port, a USB Type-C port, and a micro SD card reader.

HARDWARE The Mybook14i runs on an Intel Core i3-5005U. While the processor may be a bit dated, it still performed great especially paired with the 64 GB SSD and 1 TB HDD. The laptop also has 4 GB of RAM which is soldered on so don’t expect any expandability. The keyboard is backlit, which is great for working in the dark.

The trackpad is also decent, carrying Windows precision drivers. What impressed me is the included fingerprint scanner on the trackpad.

It is decent, but suffers from the occasional misreads.

USER EXPERIENCE The Persona Mybook 14i couldn’t have come at a better time in the office. I was about to go on a media drive in Siquijor and dreaded bringing my personal 17-inch laptop. Thankfully, this laptop is so portable. I didn’t even need to

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bring a laptop bag, opting instead for a laptop sleeve to keep my baggage light.

Since I’m a writer, I really don’t need much from a laptop. Just the usual Microsoft Office and web browser and I’m off. Despite running on a dated processor, the laptop still performed fast thanks to the SSD and HDD pairing. Battery life is fairly decent too, lasting a day with on and off use, and a full five hours of continuous use.

With the FHD Panel, I found the laptop to be great even when used outdoors. The laptop was also great for media consumption, and I found myself binging on Netflix and Twitch on this device.

One thing that I didn’t like are speakers, which are built underneath the laptop so it sounds muddy when used. I suggest that you use headphones when watching Netflix on this laptop.

SPECIFICATIONS: • • • • • •

CPU: Intel Core i3-5005U Display: 14-inch FHD LCD Memory: 4 GB Storage: 1TB HDD, 64 GB SSD (for Windows files) Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth Ports: Power input, 2x USB Type-A, 1x USB Type-C. HDMI, MicroUSB card Reader

What’s Hot: • Great performance • Good battery life • Fingerprint reader • Portable What’s Not: • Dated processor • No GPU • Bad built-in speakers

Also, you won’t be able to play games with this laptop since it doesn’t have a dedicated graphics card. I tried playing CS: GO and got an average of 6- 12 fps which is not a greatest experience.

Overall, this laptop isn’t for everybody but it is great for someone who needs a cheap laptop or a secondary computer for working on-the-go.

VALUE The Persona Mybook 14i has a price tag of PHP 22,990 and with that price, I’d say this laptop is something to consider for students and other light users.

BOTTOMLINE The Mybook Persona 14i is still a great laptop despite its obvious shortcomings.

NOVEMBER 2019

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Oppo Reno2 Reviewed by Ren Alcantara

It’s that time of the year that smartphone manufacturers are pulling out all the stops when it comes to phone releases. Oppo, a brand that isn’t known to rest on its previous successes, has just come up with the latest device meant to give everyone the tools needed to be a storyteller. The Oppo Reno2 delivers a lot of great new contentcreating features, combined with plenty of power, in a great-looking package.

DESIGN The Reno2 is striking. It builds on the design cues of the older Reno and gives it a slight tweak for the better. Our review unit came in a fetching shade of pearlescent pink that caught the light beautifully. It’s all smooth lines and soft edges that meld wonderfully in the hand, with a nice heft that lets you know it’s a solid piece of hardware.

The rear of the device has four camera modules together in a column, flanked by the flash on the right side. Below it is the signature Reno dot that keeps the snappers safe then you put the phone down on a surface. There’s a little with the Oppo branding that runs down the phone’s centerline, and wonderfully little else.

The front of the phone is all screen, with the slightest chin, and a solid metal frame that blends nicely with the rest of the device. It’s understated, giving up flashy patterns or additional design elements for a classier, more quiet look.

HARDWARE The Reno2 is at the very top of the midrange heap.

With a Snapdragon 730 Chipset, 8 GB of RAM, 256 GB of storage, and an Adreno 618 GPU, it has some of the best specifications in its class today.

The massive 6.5-inch display and 2400 x 1080 resolution mean you get crisp, clear images for a great mobile viewing experience. As for digital imaging, the Reno2 comes with a quad camera on the back. This system consists of a 48 MP main camera, a telephoto 8 MP camera, a 13 MP wide-angle camera, and the 2 MP depth sensor for delivering impressive bokeh effects. The camera system gives you 20x Digital Zoom, AI Noise reduction, OIS, and a thoroughly impressive night mode.

The most interesting about the device however, is the rising front camera. It has a 16 MP sensor that’s meant to deliver both great photos and videos, without sacrificing screen real estate. It pivots diagonally upward for an interesting asymmetrical look.

USER EXPERIENCE I’m a fan of the rising front camera not only because it allows manufacturers to have unhindered displays, but they’re actually quite an

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interesting hardware addition. The Reno2 is of particular note as the front camera module comes up from a pivot on the side, giving it a unique angled look then deployed. This happens each time the front camera is needed, so little things, such as face unlock bring a nice pop-up sound and a quick peek of the camera.

It doesn’t get old.

On to performance. The Reno2 does a particularly good job tackling modern smartphone tasks.

You can concurrently run literally all the apps you want, and the combination of powerful hardware and Android software optimization make the process entirely unremarkable. Firefox, with a download running in the background, along with music and all the requisite system processes did nothing to slow down suddenly launching Call of Duty Mobile.

Gaming is the most taxing thing you can do on any computing device, and even then the Reno2 can keep up with the competition. Oppo’s dedicated gaming mode, which drops all other processes and more importantly, disables notifications for smooth uninterrupted gaming. While Call of Duty Mobile is optimized properly for mobile devices, turning everything up while there are a number of explosions going on in the middle of a firefight can still cause dropped frames on less capable devices.

This wasn’t the case with the Reno2. Despite the worst of the action, it just kept going without the slightest problem.

One of the main reasons someone would get the Reno2 would be for content creation. The combination of excellent main cameras, OIS and a very capable front-facing snapper make for a content-creating monster. We took the Reno2 on an ATV adventure as part of their pre-launch event, and it held up to the rigors of the day.

Running around taking videos, with some even streaming the activity live, was seamless and easy. Even with adrenaline making everyone a little shaky, the output was smooth enough for live viewing. Being able to see the output on the massive display, even under bright sunlight opens up possibilities for shooting vlog content right outside. The massive 4000 mAh battery with quick charging also made sure there wouldn’t be any interruptions to the filming, even after more than 4 hours of onand-off filming and photography. A day’s worth of browsing, emails, streaming, and messaging

should be a total non-issue as far as battery life is concerned.

VALUE The Reno2 takes a little hit in the value department. The Reno2’s price was revealed at launch to be PHP 28,990. This is clearly a premium device with the specs to show for it. Still, the price isn’t for everyone, and will make some people think twice. Those who do make the plunge will be pleased with the phone, and have little more to want.

SPECIFICATIONS: • • • • • • • •

Dimensions: 6.30 x 2.93 x 0.37 in Weight: 189 g Display: 6.5 inch AMOLED, 1080 x 2400 Chipset: Snapdragon 730G, Octa-core processor GPU: Adreno 618 Main Camera: 48 MP, 13 MP, 8 MP, 2 MP Front Camera: 16 MP Pop-up Battery: 4,000 mAh, VOOC Flash Charge 3.0 20 W charging

What’s Hot: • Great looks • Superb camera and camera features • I still love the rising front camera What’s Not: • Pricey

BOTTOMLINE It’s a great-looking content-creating masterpiece that’s great to own if your wallet will let you. www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

COVER STORY

The Gadgets Wishlist It’s been a long, challenging year for everyone, but here you are at the end of it, still standing. Just like the rest of you, the Gadgets Editorial team have had a whole year to think about and choose the gifts we want to get ourselves. Again like you, we each have our own interests, and since it’s such a wide word of tech out there, we’d like to share our own Christmas wishlists with you—who knows? You might get a few ideas yourself. From home devices, to consumer electronics and gaming hardware, here are a few items you might want to put on your own shopping list this season.

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november 2019

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The Homr Home Wishlist Words by Ren Alcantara

While my wife and I don’t have a particularly large home, it nonetheless remains our castle. Home for us is a condo with a dog, a cat, and all the things that make living there quite comfortable. Still, there are a few things I personally feel would allow condo life to be a little more convenient, because with the traffic, work, and everything else going on, who doesn’t want an easier job keeping house?

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A Robot Vacuum

A Smart Lock

I get it. This is such a stereotypical modern home appliance to want to have. Still, with two fluffy residents sharing our space, there’s no end to the fur that accumulates on the floor.

Sweeping daily only barely keeps the mess at bay, and really, who has time to do that? A robot vacuum such as the Roomba or Xiaomi’s own offering is something that a solo condo-dweller or a couple living in a small space should consider. It’s smart, convenient, and actually does free up a significant amount of time that would otherwise be spent sweeping.

This is actually something we’d just gotten and installed, though there are a few upgrades I am looking at. I finally bit the bullet and purchased a Bluetooth Smart lock from August, and installed it myself in all of 10 minutes. The lock keeps us from having to fish for our keys every time we get home, and can be programmed to automatically unlock as we approach the door. It’s not perfect—sometimes it fails to recognize our presence automatically, requiring that we launch the app and unlock the door manually from there, but on the whole, it’s been great. What I’ve been looking to do, however, is purchase the Wi-Fi bridge that will allow authorized users to lock and inlock the door remotely, regardless of where we are, as long as there’s a wireless connection available. This is helpful for then the cleaning people come around, or if we have guests, or possibly some emergencies.

A Mean Vacuum Cleaner Autonomous vacuum cleaners are great, but for some jobs, a powerful hand-held vacuum cleaner is necessary. We’ve long needed to replace our old-style bagged machine for something a little more modern and compact, and while it’s a little pricey, we have been toying with the idea of buying something like the Dyson V-11 handheld cordless vacuum.

Reasonably compact, with great runtime and superb performance, it’s something that can be used for both spot cleaning, or the more general top-down, all-around type cleaning my wife loves to randomly do without warning.

If you’re going to have to suddenly clean the entire place, you might as well have good tools for it.

Low and Slow The final thing I want to add to my list of home devices is a simple appliance: a slow cooker.

Yes, it might not be as fancy or smart as literally anything else on this list, but it makes the often tedious job of cooking meals a lot easier. Toss the ingredients in, turn the heat up, go to sleep, and in the morning, you have enough food for a few days. It’s decidedly low-tech, but that’s a lot of reward for very little effort.

Smart Switches

Smartify Everything

Despite living in a relatively small space, we have a lot of lights with their accompanying switches. Late at night, when everyone is sleepy and dog/cat combination has us trapped under the duvet, switching off the lights can be a challenge. Smart switches, meant to replace your standard light switches, can be controlled by either your phone or home voice assistant, allowing you to switch off without getting out of bed, or even lifting a finger. If you really want to future it up, you can set timers or triggers so the whole process of switching off lights can happen automatically. It’s like having a personal assistant make sure you’re cozy and comfortable, without having to deal with social security or worker demands! This costs less than a smart lights which have to be bought and installed singly, though it does require a competent electrician to wire up.

A quick tip that might be of use to anyone who wants to make their home a bit smarter: smart plugs. These look like simple plug adapters, but have circuitry that allows them to connect to the wireless network. Combined with an app, you can switch the plugged device on or off remotely, or set power-up and power-down schedules. You can even group plugs together to act in concert with a single command. Just be aware that this only works with the simplest of devices, so anything with a remote won’t be compatible.

That’s about it for my home wishlist this year.

Hopefully, you’ve picked up a few ideas for tech-inclined friends and family as well.

Air Purifiers Pet fur, pollution, pollen and a whole other host of things cause respiratory problems, and with my wife’s asthma, it can be a real issue when we’re stuck at home for extended periods of time. Along with a few other things, we’ve been looking at air purifiers to help keep the dust, dander, and other small, floaty particles from bothering us. We haven’t decided on a particular one yet, but something with a washable filter, or at least something that isn’t immediately disposable is definitely on our list. There isn’t a shortage of brands that offer such ones, and many are even available online.

Coupled with smart plugs and scheduled hours, the intention is to run the purifiers for a few hours a day while we’re out to keep the air in our home clean, without any additional input from us. www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

November 2019

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A Tech Geek 's Wishlist Words by Jewel Sta. Ana

Apart from being a wordsmith and a photography junkie, my closest friends and family know that I’m particular about my gadgets. My philosophy of striking a balance between value, design, hardware, and user experience is non-negotiable. As a woman who always gets the first dibs to various consumer electronics, I’m more than lucky to be able to play with them for a certain span of time. Two weeks is not enough for me. I know no one but my fellow tech geeks would understand the way I feel, but if Santa would have a chance to read this article, I hope he’ll be able to send over one of these products for me on Christmas. P.S.: I’ve been a hardworking gal.

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For the Marvel fans Marvel fans, rejoice! Another addition to the official roster of Marvel merchandise is the Garmin Legacy Heroes smartwatch. It features faces from two iconic heroes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Captain America and Captain Marvel, as well as the brand’s wellness features. These include 24/7 health monitoring of vital signs and oxygen levels in the body, on-screen workout programs, smart notifications for messages, calls, and social media updates; GPS tracking, and music playback from third-party apps. Both smartwatches have leather bands, stainless steel bezels, and engraved notable taglines at the back. Through the Garmin Connect, users may customize the look and choose the watch faces of their smartwatches.

For the music junkie For the busy bees Just this September, Apple recently dropped the newest generation of iPads featuring a 10.2-inch retina display. It is now powered by iPadOS instead of the usual iOS for powerful multitasking and boasts support to Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard perfect for digital visual artists and writers. Hoping to replace netbooks, the seventh-generation iPad is equipped with an A10 Fusion chipset that performs two times faster than the top-selling Windows PC. It retains the signature aesthetics of Apple with its materials made from 100 percent recycled aluminum, supports Gigabit-class LTE connectivity, and retains Touch ID for security.

For those who prefer a portable laptop, there’s the Lenovo ThinkBook 13S that works and thinks smart. It comes with an all-aluminum chassis to match its sleek, premium look and is pre-loaded of useful apps such as Lenovo Vantage and Lenovo Migration for system management. For faster bootup and log-in, it has a fingerprint scanner, voice recognition through Cortana, and a solid-state drive. The ThinkBook 13S also has a 13.3-inch FHD display with narrow bezels and Dolby Vision to deliver immersive media experience. A device fitted for work and play, it features Harman speakers powered by Dolby Audio, up to 11 hours of battery life, and military-grade protection.

It might sound cliché, but its true nonetheless: music soothes one’s soul. Free yourself from the tyranny of cables and enjoy the perks of hi-fi audio with Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless Earphones. Compatible with both iOS and Android devices, this pair of earbuds has a lot of special features to offer. It has two-mic beam technology which improves audio on phone calls even in the noisiest environments, noise-isolation for uncompromising and lag-free music streaming, Transparent Hearing to keep you aware of your surroundings without removing the earbuds, intuitive touch operation and voice recognition for smarter controls, and hassle-free Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. To top it off, it is made from durable and splash-resistant materials and long battery life that can last up to 8 hours. You’ll never miss a beat with these earbuds.

Christmas is just around the corner and everyone’s excited to get their respective North Pole packages under the tree. I may be an adult, but I never outgrow some childhood fantasies.

There can never be too many gadgets for a tech junkie like me. Don’t you all agree?

For the memory hoarder When novelty and photography collide, you get a hybrid camera that has both the capabilities of a smartphone photo printer and a digital camera. Such is Fujifilm mini instax LiPlay. The latest addition to Fujifilm’s instant cameras enables voice-recording and embeds the audio file into a QR code on the printed photo, making it a must-have for memory hoarders. It also allows printing of photos taken from your smartphone via instax LiPlay mobile app.

As a frequent traveler, owning a good mirrorless camera is a good investment. The Canon EOS

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M200 is a stylish camera loaded with a 24.1-MP APS-C CMOS sensor and a powerful DIGIC 6 image processor that can capture more detailed landscapes and portraits. Achieving brilliance in every snap even is now possible, thanks to its expandable ISO that can max out to 25600.

There’s also a built-in Smooth Skin filter on the camera that makes the subject’s skin fair and flawless, Self Portrait mode for fuss-free selfies and groupies in just one touch, Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology for capturing photos with absolute precision, and Creative Assist that helps users to unleash their creativity.

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The Gaming Wishlist Words by Gabriel Pe

Living the gamer life is difficult. Getting the latest hardware on top of the latest games requires a lot of money, which of course requires a lot of saving. The holidays area boon to the gamer, as the spirit of giving abounds. That being said, here are items off my personal gaming wishlist.

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Asus ROG Phone II I had one of biggest opportunities of the year when I got to review the Asus ROG Phone II last month. Spec-wise this phone has it all: a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+, Adreno 640 GPU, 12 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of internal storage.

This phone was definitely built with gaming in mind. More than just that though, it’s also a device that’s perfectly capable of multitasking.

The camera, while not the best one I’d seen, was also perfectly acceptable.

With big names in PC gaming building mobile ports of their games, a dedicated gaming phone is something you’ll definitely want for the holidays.

Lenovo Legion H300/ H500 Pro 7.1 When Lenovo lent us some of their gaming gears to review it was love at first beat. The H300 is the perfect budget gaming headset with stereo drivers and comfortable ear pads.

The H500 Pro 7.1, on the other hand, was a great gaming partner with its 7.1 surround drivers and different audio profiles. It also had leather earpad so it feels premium. I’ve tried out both headset while playing CS:GO and Rainbow Six Siege and the directional sounds were accurate to the point of knowing were the enemy will come out next.

Logitech G29 / G920 Steering wheel and Pedal As both a tech geek and petrol head, I’ve always yearned for a dedicated steering wheel controller for my racing games. You can buy just the combo of steering wheel and pedals or buy the set with the dedicated driving seat. When Logitech invited us to the launch of their first G store, I had the chance to try this bad boy in the flesh, and all I can say is, this is the answer to my driving wants.

Asus ROG Strix GL12 I still don’t have a desktop computer at home, which is why a desktop computer has made its way to my wishlist. The new ROG Strix GL12 is one of the best desktop PC options for anybody.

It has a variety of configurations with the spec running on an Intel Core i9-9900K and an NVIDIA RTX 2080 Ti. It also has 32 GB of RAM and a 1TB HDD with 512 GB PCIe NVMe SSD. What’s great about the GL12 is its expandability and future-proofing. The ninth gen Core i9 and RTX 2080 Ti will be enough for most triple-A titles for a long time. There are two DIMM slots for RAM, two PCIe slots with one occupied by the discrete GPU, and three M.2 slots: one for the Wi-Fi card and two for storage.

Acer Predator Thronos The king of ultimate gaming and comfort, the Acer Predator Thronos is every gamer’s dream rig. The Predator Thronos is an all-in-one gaming chair, at once a gaming chair and rig.

It has a triple screen to completely immerse players in whatever game they’re playing. The screen and chair adjustment are also motorized, making it feel like you’re in a sci-fi movie. What really makes this rig so enticing are its specs.

Acer has fit the rig with their Predator Orions and the latest NVIDIA graphics, plus an 8th generation Intel processor. Once you sit in this behemoth, you’ll never want to leave.

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Steelseries Rival 600 and QcK Prism Dota 2 Edition Everyone knows that I am a hardcore DoTA fan.

Ever since the DoTA All-Stars mod in World of Warcraft 3, I was already playing the game, and Dota 2 has only made me love the game more.

This limited edition gaming mouse and mouse pad were launched just before The International 2019 and features Filipino artist Ced Alcalde’s cute DoTA 2 art. Apart from the DoTA 2 art, the mouse is still a beast for gaming with its TrueMove3 + sensor with lift detection for that delicious, quick map scanning action. The Rival 600 also has split trigger mechanical switches rated for up to 60 million clicks. Both the Rival 600 and QcK Prism have RGB lighting so you’ll be able to enjoy see and brag about the design of your mouse.

I know that I could never afford most of my wishlist that is why I’m appealing to my kind-hearted ninongs and ninangs. I’m just kidding! Still, it doesn’t hurt for a person to dream right?

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The end of the year is once again upon us, and if you’re the kind who doesn’t want to rely on the kindness of St. Nick to get a great present, we’ve put together a small list of presents you might want to consider giving yourself at the end of this long, trying year. Take a look at the latest from some of our favorite manufacturers, because nobody deserves a treat more than you.

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Skydrive Sport Matte Series • • • • • • •

4-stroke, SOHC, 2-valve engine 113 cc CVT 6.7 kW @ 8000 RPM Disc/Drum brakes Euro 3 compliant Electric and kick start

PHP 67,900

(matte blue, matte black)

Raider R150 Fi Matte Series • • • • • • •

4-stroke, Liquid cooled, DOHC (twincam), 4-valve engine 147.3 cc 6-speed manual, constant mesh transmission 13.6 kW @ 10,000 RPM Disc (wavy)/ Disc (wavy) brakes Euro 3 compliant Electric and kick start

PHP 109,900

(Matte Blue, matte red)

Smash Stylish Colors • • • • • • •

4-stroke, Air cooled, SOHC, 2-Valve engine 112.8 cc 4-speed automatic clutch transmission 6.4 kW @ 8000 RPM Drum/Drum brakes Euro 3 compliant Electric and kick start

PHP 58,400

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(candy jackal green)

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Pioneer HDJ-X5BT Wireless over-ear DJ headphones

• Closed, dynamic headphones • 40 mm dome-type drivers • 5 - 30,000 Hz frequency range • Bluetooth Specification Class 2, Bluetooth 4.2 • Military-grade drop protection and nano-coating • Also available in red and black

PHP 7,490

Pioneer DDJ-200 Smart DJ controller

• Lightweight and compact • Supports WeDJ, djay, edjing Mix, and rekordbox dj • Switches songs and matches phrases smoothly with Transition FX

PHP 8,990

Pioneer HDJ-X10

Flagship professional over-ear DJ headphones

• Closed, dynamic headphones • 50 mm dome-type drivers • 5- 40,000 Hz frequency range • Military-grade drop protection and nano-coating • Solid and refined design • Also available in black

PHP 19,990

Pioneer DDJ-400

Portable 2-channel controller for rekordbox DJ

• Unlocks rekordbox DJ software • Equipped with a club-style controller layout • Has rekordbox DJ’s tutorial feature for mastering professional DJ techniques • Plug and play

PHP 19,990

Pioneer DDJ-1000

Professional 4-channel controller for rekordbox DJ

• • • •

With customizable LCD jog display Equipped with a club-style controller layout Has improved magvel fader With 16 back-lit performance pads

PHP 66,990

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Mio Aerox S • • • • • • • • •

4-stroke, Liquid cooled, SOHC, 4-valve engine 155cc Blue Core engine 11.0 kW @ 8000 RPM 13.8 N-m @ 6250 RPM Smart Key system Digital Meter Panel Anti-lock Brake System Variable Valve Actuation Electrical sockets

PHP 122,900

(Matte Blue, White)

Mio i 125S • • • • • • • •

4-stroke, Air cooled, SOHC, 2-valve engine 125cc Blue Core engine 7.0 kW @ 8000 RPM 9.6 N-m @ 5500 RPM Intergrated key shutter & answer back system Stop & Start system Reflectorized graphics 3D emblem

PHP 75,900

(Matte Black, White)

Mio Soul i 125S • • • • • • •

4-stroke, Air cooled, SOHC, 2-valve engine 125cc Blue Core engine 7.0 kW @ 8000 RPM 9.6 N-m @ 5500 RPM Stop & Start system Answer back key 3D emblem

PHP 83,900

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(Matte Gray, Matte Green, new Burgundy)

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Vivo V17 Pro Smartphone

• • • • • •

Qualcomm Snapdragon 675 AIE processor 8 GB RAM 128 GB internal storage Funtouch OS 9 (based on Android 9.0 ) 6.44-inch Ultra FullView display 48 MP main + 8 MP wide-angle + 2 MP macro + 2 MP bokeh rear quad cameras, 32 MP + 8 MP dual front cameras • 4100 mAh battery

Vivo S1 Smartphone

• • • • • •

Mediatek MT6768 processor 6 GB RAM 128 GB internal storage Funtouch OS 9 (based on Android 9.0) 6.38-inch Halo FullView display 16 MP + 8 MP + 2 MP triple rear cameras, 32 MP front camera • 4500 mAh battery

PHP 21,999

PHP 14,999

Vivo V15

Vivo Y11

Smartphone

• • • • • •

Mediatek Helio P70 processor 6 GB RAM 128 GB internal storage Funtouch OS 9 (based on Android 9.0) 6.53-inch Ultra FullView display 12 MP + 8 MP + 5 MP triple rear cameras, 32 MP front camera • 3700 mAh battery

PHP 12,999

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Smartphone

• • • • • • •

Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 processor 3 GB RAM 32 GB internal storage Funtouch OS 9 (based on Android 9.0) 6.35-inch Halo FullView display 13 MP + 2 MP rear dual cameras, 8 MP front camera 5000 mAh battery

PHP 5,999

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Lenovo Yoga S740 Premium Ultrabook

• • • • • • • • • • •

15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) VESA400 HDR IPS, 500 nits 14-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS display, 400 nits Up to Intel Core i9-9980H processor Intel HD 620 graphics NVIDIA GeForce MX250/ GTX1650 GPU Runs on Windows 10 Home 16 GB LPDDR4X RAM 512 GB/1TB PCIe SSD storage Dolby Atmos speaker system with Smart AMP IR Camera login with webcam privacy cover

Starts at PHP 74, 995

Lenovo Yoga C940 Premium Convertible Laptop

• • • • • • • • • • •

14-inch UHD (3840 x 2160) VESA DisplayHDR 400, 500 nits Intel Core i7-1065G7 processor Intel Iris Plus G7 Graphics Runs on Windows 10 Home 16 GB DDR4 RAM 512 GB PCIe SSD storage Dolby Atmos speaker system with webcam privacy cover Pen with charging With Student 2019 perpetual license worth PHP 6,995 With 2 years Onsite Warranty and 2 years Premium Care

PHP 99, 995

Lenovo ThinkBook 13S Ultrabook for the modern workforce

• 13.3-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS display with antiglare and Dolby Vision HDR, 300 nits • AMD Radeon 540X/Intel UHD 620 on UMA Graphics • 8th generation Intel Core i5 processor • 8 GB RAM • 512 GB M.2 PCle SSD storage • Runs on Windows 10 Pro • Up to 11 hours of battery life • Fingerprint scanner • with ThinkShutter webcam privacy cover

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PHP 54, 990

(AMD Radeon 540x variant)

PHP 58, 990

(intel vhd 620 variant)

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Lenovo S540

Slim Laptop • • • • • • • •

Up to 14-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) display, 300 nits Up to 10th generation Intel Core i7 Runs on Windows 10 Home NVIDIA MX250 or GeForce GTX 1650 GPU Up to 512 GB PCle SSD storage Up to 12 GB DDR4 RAM 12-hour battery (with Rapid Charge technology) Dolby Audio sound system

Starts at PHP 49,995

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Sharp Air Purifier (FP-J60E-W) Air Purifier

• • • • • • • • •

Sharp Aquos 4K TV (4T-C50AL1X) Smart TV

• • • • •

50-inch Android TV (with 4K resolution) Ultra high definition AQUOS X4 Master Engine Pro Netflix Real Colour

Plasmacluster Ion Technology High density ions With anti-dust mode Coanda Airflow Plasmacluster Spot Mode 3-steps filtration New pre-filter Deodorizing filter Electrostatic HEPA filter

PHP 20,998

PHP 32,998

Sharp Sound Partner (AN-SS1) Bluetooth Speaker

• • • • • • •

Sharp Healsio Hotcook (KN-H24FA) Electric Cooker

Bluetooth Sound Vibration Speaker (SVS) Small and lightweight 14 hours of playback time Compatible with wide variety of devices Ear free and hands free Also available in black and white

• • • • •

Healthy cooking Automatic waterless cooking Automatic temperature One touch reheat 2.4-liter capacity

PHP 27,998

PHP 6,598

Sharp Ractive Air (EC-A1RAS-P) Cordless Vacuum cleaner • 1.5 kg ultra light weight • Large capacity turbo motor • Cyclone technology

• Fast charging: 80 mins • Washable dust cup/ filter

PHP 19,998

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Asus Zenbook Pro Duo

HP Neverstop Laser 1200W

Dual Screen Laptop

• • • • • •

Refillable Laser Printer

9th generation Intel Core processor NVIDIA RTX 2060 GPU 14-inch 4K OLED touchscreen display With ScreenPad Plus Up to 32 GB PCIe DDR4 RAM Up to 1 TB internal storage

• • • • • •

PHP 199, 995

LCD control panel High volume printing up to 5000 pages Up to 21 pages per minute With self-reload toner Works with HP Smart App Remote scanning and copying

PHP 15, 290

Asus ROG Phone 2

HP Smart Tank 615 AiO

Gaming Phone

Wireless All-in-One Printer

• • • • • • •

• • • • • •

Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ processor Adreno 640 GPU 6.59-inch AMOLED display 12 GB RAM and 512 internal storage Gamecool II cooling 6000 mAh Battery In-display fingerprint scanner

PHP 49, 995

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Touchscreen LCD panel Up to 1000 pages 11 pages per minute (black), 5 pages per minute (color) Built-in, dual band Wi-Fi Bluetooth connectivity Works with HP Smart App

PHP 11, 990

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Oppo Reno2 Epson EcoTank L3110 All-in-One Printer

• • • •

Compact, integrated tank design High yield ink bottles Spill-free, error-free refilling Borderless printing up to 4R

PHP 7,595

Smartphone

• 6.5-inch AMOLED display (2400 x 1080 resolution, with Corning Gorilla 6 protection) • Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G processor • 8 GB RAM • 256 GB of internal storage • 48 MP main + 13 MP telephoto + 8 MP wide-angle + 2 MP mono quad cameras (with up to 20x digital zoom) • 16 MP pop-up camera • ColorOS 6.1 (based on Android 9.0) • 4000 mAh battery (supports VOOC Flash Charge 3.0 technology)

PHP 28,990

Epson L5190 Wireless All-in-One Printer

• • • • • •

Compact, integrated tank design High yield ink bottles Spill-free, error-free refilling Print, scan, copy, fax with ADF With Wii-Fi connectivity Allows mobile printing and scanning with Epson Connect • Borderless printing up to 4R

PHP 14,695

Oppo A9 2020

Smartphone • • • • •

6.5-inch waterdrop sunlight display (1600 x 720 resolution) Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 processor 8 GB RAM 128 GB of internal storage 48 MP rear quad cameras with Ultra Night Mode 2.0, 16 MP front camera • ColorOS 6.1 (based on Android 9.0) • 5000 mAh battery

PHP 15,990 www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

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PHOTO FEATURE

The holiday season is upon us. Jose Mari Chan and Mariah Carey once again fill the speakers of malls with cheerful sales lady and security guards clad in colorful Christmas costumes. It’s that time of the year where everyone searches for a perfect gift to give to their loved ones. Combining premium design and high-caliber specifications, the Vivo V17 Pro is an all-around smartphone that you can rely on gaming, multi-tasking, and even in mobile photography.

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Immersive entertainment at your fingertips Binge-watch all your favorite movies and TV series with its 6.44-inch Super AMOLED Ultra FullView Display.

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capture every version of you Thanks to its pop-up dual 32 MP + 8 MP super-wide-angle cameras, the Vivo V17 Pro can capture flawless selfies to fun group shots.

Own the night Its 48 MP quad-camera is equipped with Pose Master and Super Night Mode for stunning and brighter photos even at night.

the smarter, the better Its in-display fingerprint scanner ensures secure and easy access to the smartphone.

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Dominate the game Experience smooth, seamless mobile gaming with Game Mode and Multi-Turbo technology.

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Words by Gabriel Pe

Maine Mendoza is one of television’s most recognized faces, but before her big break as Yaya Dub from Eat Bulaga, Maine was a social media superstar due to popular lip-syncing app Dubsmash.

Mendoza uploaded videos of her lip-syncing to some of television and cinema’s most iconic moments.

Shooting videos on her phone, then uploading them to social media racked Maine millions of views letting earn her the title of “Queen of Dubsmash” in the Philippines.

Maine caught the attention of Eat Bulaga producers who would cast her to the now iconic Yaya Dub, and the rest from there is history.

Starting her fame with social media, Mendoza knows the importance of having a great phone in your pocket.

In fact, she values the phone’s camera as one of its most important features.

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“A smartphone needs to have a good camera that can capture great and high-definition photos and videos! As we are not just simply documenting something, we aim to capture every bit of the moment – may it be special or trivial,” shared Mendoza.

With the Vivo V17 Pro, Maine can now shoot and do more thanks to its six cameras and various special features.

“That’s why I love how my Vivo V17 Pro effortlessly captures special moments through its amazing camera features,” she said.

“Imagine having a phone with 4 cameras on the back and 2 in front, all with different features! My favorite is the super wide-angle lens! Perfect for taking group photos and capturing expansive landscapes! Nakakaexcite lalo mag travel when you have a good camera with you, ‘di ba?”

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MOBILITY

Honda PCX 150 Reviewed and photos by Ren Alcantara

There’s nothing quite like the experience of riding a large, four-cylinder bike down a stretch of twisty mountain road. Take that experience back down to the city though, and you’re likely in for a world of hurt. Here, in the belly of the city, the twist-and-go convenience of the scooter has no equal. Honda lent us the PCX 150 for a few weeks to try out and let you know if this is the city-scooter for you.

DESIGN The PCS 150 is a scooter that has a significant amount of meat on its frame. At 30 inches wide, it’s chunkier than a lot of the scooters and underbones you’ll encounter on the road. This wider stance gives it a fair bit of presence on the road, making it look a bit more imposing, or at least as imposing as a scooter can get. The face of the PCX is tall and wide, with large lights and quite a tall windscreen. This all gives it a

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rather front-heavy appearance that polarized people I spoke with. I happen to be on the camp that likes the look, particularly in silver.

The scooter has a split step board that’s interrupted in the middle by the body of the bike, keeping your feet apart while riding, and contributing to that wider feel. The lines of the PCX sweep gently up from the bottom of the scooter all the way up the seat, to the grab bar at the tail. This bike has a very curvy, organic

look to it—there’s not a sharp angle to be found anywhere. It’s a nice departure from all the points and angles we see on scooters now, and something that I’ve come to appreciate.

HARDWARE The powerplant is a single-cylinder, four-stroke 150 cc engine. This is mated to an automatic transmission for twist-and-go convenience. The engine produces 10.8 kW of power and 13,6 Nm

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of torque at 8500 rpm, which is plenty to move the scooter’s 131 kg curb weight. Braking is handled by a single front disk brake with ABS, and a rear drum brake.

There are quite a number of creature comforts with the PCX, not the least of which is a keyless starter. You simply need to keep the fob on your person, turn the switch, and hit the ignition.

No more fumbling with keys in the dark, with gloved hands.

There’s also plenty of under-seat space--enough in fact to store my whole helmet, gloves, and raincoat, so I can go places and not have to worry about lugging my lid around. There’s also a small compartment with a standard automotive 12 V lighter socket to keep your small items safe while you’re on the road.

USER EXPERIENCE With my usual bike in the shop, I welcomed the opportunity to use the PCX for a week. From the moment I first straddled the scooter, I felt that it was something special. The extremely wide, stepped seat gave me a great seating position, it was low enough to be able to tiptoe, and despite its size, more than easy enough to walk into place. It’s a very approachable bike that is much easier to handle than its size might lead you to think.

Getting on the road, you can really feel the pull of the 150 cc engine. There’s little delay between the twist of the wrist and putting copious amounts of asphalt behind you. That being said, the throttle is on the sensitive side, so newer riders will want to take a little care

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feeding that power to the wheels. There was also quite a bit of slop in the throttle, with no way to take up the slack.

Brakes on the bike are totally solid. There’s a lot of power available to the rider, and there’s a bit of weight to the scooter, but thankfully, the brakes are up to snuff. They bite rather quickly, and don’t have racebike feedback, but they’re plenty adequate for driving around the city. The inclusion of ABS also adds a significant measure of safety in critical braking situations. In a nutshell, they’re brakes you won’t feel iffy about relying on.

Night-time riding is made a little safer, thanks to LED headlights that cut through the darkness extremely well with their cool, white beam. The throw is just right, allowing you to see far enough ahead, without sacrificing close-in light to identify and avoid smaller obstacles.

According to the well-illuminated, easy-to-read all-digital dash, fuel economy on the PCX was somewhere around 43 km/l that wasn’t at all bad considering the kind of riding I was doing on the thing, and the size of the engine moving me along. Fuel injection is definitely a factor in the bike being able to deliver great fuel economy.

VALUE The sticker price on the PCX 150 is PHP 133,900 according to the Honda Philippines website. For all the features, massive boot space, and that smooth, powerful 150 cc engine, it’s well worth the price of admission. It’s a lot of fun, practical, and has great fuel economy, which is really all you want from a commuter.

What’s Hot: - Great engine - Super comfortable - Lots of extra features What’s Not: - Slack in some of the components - No brake hold

Bottomline: This is honestly the most fun scooter I have tried in a long time.

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T

op-selling models of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) and Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) were proclaimed as the “2019-2020 Auto Focus Automobile of the Year” (AOY) in their respective Standard and Premium/Luxury categories at the Awards Night of the 2019-2020 Auto Focus People’s Choice Awards (AFPCA) held last October 16, 2019 at the Palms Country Club in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

2019-2020 Auto Focus People’s Choice Awards Mitsubishi Xpander, Toyota Alphard are top winners

The Mitsubishi Xpander, currently the hottest-selling MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) in the market, took the 2019 AOTY– Standard category crown via a consolidated score of 3,368.8 that marked a narrow win over the 3,203.2 points of the Toyota Hilux pickup. The Xpander also landed the “Model of the Year” in the MPV/Van classification for the first time.

In the Premium/Luxury category, the top AOTY award went to the Toyota Alphard van, which also came away as this year’s “MPV/Van of the Year,” following a previous streak of four consecutive model of the year wins from 2012-2015. With this 5th annual award, Toyota’s top-selling premium/ luxury model will enter the elite circle of the Auto Focus Model of the Year Hall of Fame.

The AFPCA, organized by Sunshine Television (STV) and now on its 15th edition, is an annual public poll that aims to determine the country’s most popular automobile brands and models. It features a unique scoring system that attributes 80 percent value to public votes from the July 1 to September 30 online poll and 20 percent to unit sales. Official sales volume data for the AFPCA is furnished by Stradcom Corporation with the official sanction of the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

The data covered only “completely built” and “new imported” units that were put in for new registration with the LTO from January-September 2019. So-called grey market and used vehicles were excluded. The AFPCA scoring methodology yields Model of the Year awardees in five Standard and four Premium/Luxury classifications and the Automobile of the Year in separate Standard and Premium/Luxury categories from over 180 models in the 2019 AFPCA Official Entry List.

In the race for the other four Standard Model of the Year awards, the Toyota Wigo went back-to-back as “2019 Sedan of the Year.” Maiden victories were scored by the Nissan GT-R as “Sports Car of the Year,” and the Toyota Rush as “SUV/Crossover of the Year.” Of note is the “Pickup of the Year” award of the Nissan Navara, it’s 5th after prior model of the year titles in 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2018. The Navara will now also gain inclusion into the Auto Focus Model of the Year Hall of Fame.

The Premium/Luxury Model of the Year classifications marked three first-time awardees.

The Mercedes Benz E-Class debuted as “2019 Premium/Luxury Sedan of the Year.” The Dodge Challenger SRT was honored as “Premium/Luxury Sports Car of the Year,” while the “Premium/Luxury SUV/Crossover of the Year” plum was cornered by the Mercedes Benz G/GLA Class.

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During the same evening, recognition was also conferred on winners of the “2019-2020 Auto Focus Media’s Choice Awards” (AFMCA), an equally important component of STV’s Automobile Industry Merit Program. The AFMCA aims to further recognize the automobile industry’s continuing efforts to provide car owners and motorists with the best on-board features, styling, performance and overall value. A select group of recognized motoring media professionals and

practitioners comprised the AFMCA Voters’ Panel.

Prompted by a record-high number of entries and the evident level of parity in many model categories, the Awards Committee maintained last year’s rationalized majority rule that set a one-thrid or 33.3 percent vote tally requirement for media awardees. The previous 12 Standard and 10 Premium/Luxury model classes were retained. Based on this, 56 winners emerged from the 88 award categories.

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These were: Best Design – Standard: 6 Awards Honda Brio (Mini Sedan); Mazda 6 (Mid-size Sedan); Ford Ranger Raptor (Pickup); Mitsubishi XPander (MPV); Toyota HiAce (Van); Suzuki Jimny (Subcompact Crossover) Best Design – Premium/Luxury: 5 Winners Mercedes Benz A-Class (Subcompact Sedan); BMW 5 Series (Mid-size Sedan); Lamborghini Urus (Large SUV); Peugeot Traveller (MPV); Toyota Alphard (Van) Best Engine Performance – Standard: 7 Awards Honda Brio (Mini Sedan); Subaru Levorg (Compact Sedan); Mazda 6 (Mid-size Sedan); Nissan GT-R (Sports Car); Toyota Land Cruiser 200 (Large SUV); Ford Ranger Raptor (Pickup); Toyota HiAce (Van)

(Outermost) Ray Louis Gamboa, online operations manager for STV and Gerry Aquino, Awards Committee chairman handed the 2019 Standard Automobile of the Year award for the Mitsubishi Xpander to the executives of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines (middle, L-R) Mark Parulan, senior manager, marketing communications; Yu Kusahara, senioresxpert, sales and marketing division; CJ Yucoco, PR, marketing communications; and Alvin Dalida, first vice president, marketing division.

Best Engine Performance –Premium/Luxury: 9 Awards Mini 3-door & 5-door (Subcompact Sedan); Lexus GSF (Mid-size Sedan); Porsche Panamera (Large Sedan); Lamborghini Huracan (Sports Car); Porsche Macan (Compact SUV); Porsche Cayenne (Mid-size SUV); Lamborghini Urus (Large SUV); Peugeot Traveller (MPV); Toyota Alphard (Van) Best Safety Features – Standard: 5 Awards Honda CRV (Compact SUV); Nissan Terra (Mid-size SUV); Ford Ranger Raptor (Pickup); Kia Grand Carnival (MPV); Subaru XV (Subcompact SUV) Best Safety Features – Premium/Luxury: 8 Awards Mercedes Benz A-Class (Subcompact Sedan); Mercedes Benz C-Class (Compact Sedan); BMW 5 Series (Mid-size Sedan); Volvo S90 (Large Sedan); Volvo XC60 (Mid-size SUV); Volvo XC90 (Large SUV); BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer (MPV); Honda Odyssey (Van)

(Outermost) Ray Louis Gamboa and Gerry Aquino handed the 2019 Premium/Luxury Automobile of the Year award for the Toyota Alphard to (middle, L-R) Toyota Motor Philippines’ Jose Maria Atienza, senior vice president for marketing; and Nadinne Capistrano, public relations & communications officer.

Best Value-for-Money – Standard: 9 Awards Honda Brio (Mini Sedan); Suzuki Ciaz (Subcompact Sedan); MG 6 (Compact Sedan); Volkswagen Lamando (Mid-size Sedan); Suzuki Vitara (Compact SUV); Isuzu MU-X (Mid-size SUV); Isuzu D-Max (Pickup); Suzuki Ertiga (MPV); Toyota HiAce (Van) Best Value-for-Money – Premium/Luxury: 7 Awards Mercedes Benz A-Class (Subcompact Sedan); Lexus IS350 (Compact Sedan); Lexus ES350 (Mid-size Sedan); Lexus NX300 (Compact SUV); Lexus RX350 (Mid-size SUV); Peugeot Traveller (MPV); Toyota Alphard (Van) The awards night was graced by top officials of the country’s car manufacturers and distributors, the auto industry’s two lead organizations, the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and the Association of Vehicle Importers & Distributors (AVID), as well motoring media professionals.

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(Leftmost) Ron de los Reyes of Auto Review handed the trophies to the winners of the AFMCA Best Design (Standard) category.

(Outermost) Robby Consunji of Top Gear Philippines and Eggay Quesada of Autocar Philippines with the winners of the AFMCA Best Engine Performance (Standard) category.

(Outermost) Anjo Perez of Wheels PH and Vernon Sarne of VISOR with the winners of the AFMCA Best Safety Features (Standard) category.

(Outermost) Belle Alba of Gadgets Magazine and Arnel Doria of DZRJ handed the trophies to the winners of the AFMCA Best Value-for-Money (Standard) category.

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Mitsubishi unveils 2020 Montero Sport Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation unveiled the new Montero Sport last October 4 at Okada Manila.

The new Montero Sport now has a bolder and tougher look, thanks to the new front design. Mitsubishi has brought the Dynamic Shield Front design from the Expander and adapted it to the beefier Montero Sport. Aside from the front, Mitsubishi has slightly changed the rear with new bumpers and shortened rear tail lights. Mitsubishi has also equipped it with a new power tailgate with hands-free functionality, thanks to the sensor underneath the bumper.

Under the hood, the 2020 model of the Montero Sport is equipped with a 2.4-liter turbo diesel engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. It’s capable of about 179 hp and 430 Nm of torque.

The interior is where Mitsubishi really changed the Montero Sport. The Japanese manufacturer has fitted the new Montero Sport with a new floor and an AC outlet in the second row. It is also equipped with a new 8-inch infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto support, and has a new 8-inch LCD display on the driver’s console.

For safety, the new Montero Sport has new features such as Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert which alerts the driver of incoming vehicles from their blind side. It also has hill-start assist and hill-descent control, a multi-view camera system, and airbags.

The 4WD variant of the Montero Sport supports a special smartphone app that could control the car via Bluetooth.

The new Montero comes in four variants with the GT 2WD and GLS 2WD initially available. The two other models will come at a later date. It is offered in seven color options including white diamond, sterling silver metallic, titanium gray, medium red, and jet black.

Pricing for the new Montero Sport are as follows: Montero Sport GT 2WD – PHP 1,998,000 Montero Sport GLS 2WD – PHP 1,769,000

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Volvo launches ambitious climate plan to radically reduce carbon emissions Volvo Cars recently launched one of the most ambitious plans in the automotive industry, aiming to reduce its lifecycle carbon footprint per car by 40 percent between 2018 and 2025. This is the first tangible step towards Volvo Cars’ ambition of becoming a climate-neutral company by 2040.

This announcement further supports the ideals of the recently conducted The Future of Electric Forum organized

by Volvo Philippines. The local event served as a platform for sustainable mobility discussions. At the same time, the Philippine arm of the Swedish automotive marque Volvo is the first luxury car company in the country to bring in a fleet of T8 Twin Engine Plug-in Hybrids as an actual solution to the current climate crisis. The stately Volvo S90 sedan, the dynamic Volvo XC60 SUV, and its larger sibling, the Volvo XC90 SUV are now available in the Philippines with plug-in hybrid variants.

Organized in cooperation with Partnership for Clean Air, a multi-sector network that promotes air quality management, this forum has provided a venue for key environmental personalities in the country to train the spotlight on climate issues and cars.

Volvo T8 Plug-in Hybrid Forum

Atty. Alberto B. Arcilla, Volvo Philippines, President & CEO

Volvo Cars’ climate plan represents concrete actions in line with the global Paris climate agreement of 2015, which seeks to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Volvo T8 Plug-in Hybrid - Drive Modes

As a near term step towards its 2040 ambition, Volvo Cars is implementing a set of ambitious, immediate measures in its efforts to reduce the company’s lifecycle carbon dioxide footprint per car by 40 percent between 2018 and 2025. At that point in time, the company also aims for its global manufacturing network to be fully climate neutral.

“We are transforming our company through concrete actions, not symbolic pledges,” said Håkan Samuelsson, chief executive. “So at Volvo Cars, we will address what we control, which is both our operations and the tailpipe emissions of our cars. And we will address what we can influence, by calling on our suppliers and the energy sector to join us in aiming for a climate-neutral future.”

To realize the significant 40 percent reduction of its CO2 footprint per car by 2025, the company has devised a number of ambitions for different parts of its operations. The previously www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

communicated goal of generating 50 percent of global sales from fully electric cars by 2025 would result in a 50 percent reduction in tailpipe carbon emissions per car between 2018 and 2025.

Other short-term ambitions include a 25 percent reduction of carbon dioxide emissions related to its global supply chain by 2025, a 25 percent share of recycled plastics in new Volvo cars by 2025 and a 25 percent reduction of carbon emissions generated by the company’s overall operations, including manufacturing and logistics.

Volvo Cars was the first conventional car maker to commit to all-out electrification and phasing out cars powered only by an internal combustion engine. As of this year, every new Volvo launched will be electrified starting with its first fully electric car, the XC40 Recharge.

Volvo XC90 T8 Plug-in Hybrid

Volvo T8 Twin Engine Plug-in Hybrids: The Future is Here With the Volvo T8 Twin Engine Plug-in Hybrids, people can already enjoy a safe and comfortable drive. Owning a Volvo Plug-in Hybrid affords people to make the most of their time while stuck in traffic as these models offer a silent ride inside a cabin that speaks luxurious comfort, on-the-go connectivity, and exceptional road performance.

Aside from having cleaner air inside a Volvo cabin, emissions are also effectively cut down to as low as zero especially when opting to drive in pure electric mode. This is not only good for the environment, but it also saves on fuel costs and multiple trips to the gas station. A Volvo universal charger automatically comes with the vehicle, making it convenient to recharge the car’s battery. People will enjoy a charge and drive lifestyle with a Volvo plug-in hybrid.

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Nissan Go Anywhere Siquijor: A letter to the car that started it all Words and Photos by Gabriel Pe

B

ack when I was barely one year old, my family bought a Nissan Pathfinder to use for our printing business. It was a reliable car, doing almost everything we’ve asked to do. One of my fondest memories with that car was the ride to Pililia, Rizal, every Saturday with my grandfather to visit our family’s farm there.

The Pathfinder was one of the most important cars for me growing up. When I was two, my uncle used to sit me on his lap as I pretended to drive the car. 14 years later, the same vehicle was my tool for learning how to drive a manual transmission. A couple of years later, I drove the same vehicle for running errands at home. Needless to say, the Nissan Pathfinder had been part of most of my life.

When Nissan was kind enough to invite us to test out their LCV lineup on the island of Siquijor, it was the opportunity of a lifetime. It has been a while now since the Pathfinder was removed from Nissan’s portfolio for the country, and its successor LCVs were the perfect opportunity for me to revisit the brand’s offering.

Getting to Siquijor is an experience by itself. The third-smallest province of the country had no airport, and getting to and from the island was about an

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hour of boat ride from Dumaguete. It was my first media drive event, and my first time going to the island; I didn’t know what to expect and what to see.

For a while, the scenery was just the blue vast ocean with the shadow of the island looming in the distance. As the greenery of the island came into view, we were also greeted by the fleet of cars we were gonna take. All six vehicles roaring and ready to conquer the island province.

Upon arriving, I found myself riding backseat in the Terra as we made our way the resort where we’ll be staying. The Terra was one of my personal highly anticipated cars of 2018. It was the brand’s entry to the mid-size SUV segment and my personal choice as the soul-successor to the Pathfinder.

As a mid-size SUV, the Terra was built to carry people around. It was a comfortable ride at the back, the

air conditioners were cold which was great since we were slightly broiling on the boat.

Upon arriving at our resort, we had lunch then was briefed about Nissan’s new infotainment system that were installed in the Terra and Navarra. The lunch break also gave us a chance to admire the fleet we would be using.

We were using a gold VL 4x4 variant of the Terra, which one of the best-looking color for a car. As we settled in for the drive, I took the opportunity to be comfortable as the rear passenger. The Terra was really built to be family car for long rides since it was one of the most comfortable rides I’ve ever had on a mid-size SUV. Driving the Terra is also an experience. It had a distinct handling experience which I really liked. It felt like I was driving a smaller and lighter car but

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with ump of a van. The 2.5-liter diesel engine is capable of 187 hp and 450 Nm of torque. I’m used to driving smaller cross-over type cars, so I was definitely surprised that there no major height adjustment when took the reins.

When we arrived at our first destination, we knew we were gonna be in for a treat. It’s not every day you simply stroll into a limestone quarry, let alone march into one with a convoy of cars. Usually, cars will have a difficult time traversing dirt and pebbled road. They are slippery and those without specific off-roading tires will bound to struggle with grip. Being on a quarried road is a mixture of dirt pebbles and stone rolled into one, but despite this, all three cars went through it with like it was nothing, and that’s without off-road tires!

After a quick photo session with the cars, we started the journey back home. After a day that started at 3 in the morning, we were exhausted.

Thankfully, the Terra with it’s great suspension allowed for a smooth ride back to the hotel, even though we took some extra dirt road action on the way back.

Starting the second day of the trip, we found ourselves enjoying the ride of the Patrol. Being built for executives and other high profile passengers, the ride of the Patrol was fit for a king. Even as we pass through some dirt roads the ride was still smooth, it was as if you were on a newly asphalted road. The ride was so good that most media men, I included, did not want to part ways with the car.

Driving the Patrol was a different story. As a passenger, the premium SUV is docile and laid back but once you take control of its reins, the Patrol shows what it could really do. Underneath the hood, it packs a 5.6-liter V8 engine that’s capable of 400 hp and 560 Nm of torque. Needless to say, it does not lack power in overtaking tricycles and motorcycles on the province’s highway.

Even though it is marketed as an executive’s car, the Nissan Patrol is an SUV through and through. It has 4WD and tons of off-roading driver assists tools in its pocket. It can climb and descend quarries, stop and start on hills with ease, and most importantly zoom through Siquijors road like it was NLEX-with the discretion of course.

Before lunch, it was time to change cars once again. This time we got accustomed with Nissan’s ever-reliable workhorse, the Navarra. Being in

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the pick-up was like being back in our Pathfinder.

Coming in from the Patrol, the Navarra was a bit cramp, yet somehow not uncomfortable.

Our ride was the top of the line VL 4x4 variant which has everything you’ll ever need. The Navarra shares the same 2.5-liter diesel engine of the Terra minus the distinct handling. Like the Terra, it was not the heavy and huge vehicle I expected it to be. With the same engine as the Terra, it was more than enough for the sleepy roads of Siquijor.

After a full tour of the island, we headed back to the resort. As we prepared for dinner, my mind couldn’t help but compare all three cars back to our Pathfinder. As much as the Pathfinder started my

love for cars, so to will these new generation LCVs to the next generations.

The third day was fairly relaxed, we had breakfast before preparing to check out of the resort. Taking us back to the port was our day one car, the Terra. As when boarding the ferry back to Dumaguete, the cars that took us around Siquijor turned back and started their journey back to Manila, truly living up to Nissan’s tagline “Go Anywhere”.

And as poetic as it sounds, the same car that started everything for me welcomed me home. Waiting at NAIA Terminal 3 was the Pathfinder roaring and ready to go just like its younger siblings. Just like that, everything came full-circle for me and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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Suzuki Philippines Inc. opens first 3S shop in Tarlac fashion scooters Skydrive Sport, Skydrive Fi, and the global Suzuki scooter, revolutionary backbones GSX-R150, GSX-S150 and Gixxer Fi and business model GD110 to the well-loved underbones Raider R150 Fi and Carburetor, Shooter 115 Fi, and the Smash Stylish Colors.

Tarlaqueños were in for a treat as Guanzon and Suzuki give exclusive deals and freebies to their first customers by offering downpayment options and a free grocery package for customers who purchased selected Suzuki motorcycles. They enjoyed exciting activities such as fun games, stunt show, and motorcade parade which was participated by various Suzuki riders from Smash Riders Club, Raider R150 Reborn PH Tarlac Chapter, and Skydrive Nation Tarlac Chapter.

Suzuki Philippines Inc., in partnership with Guanzon Group of Companies, recently opened its first 3S shop in the province of Tarlac.

To match with other 3S shops in the country, the 278 sqm facility has a spacious display area with new modules to accommodate the bigger selection of Suzuki rides and a service shop

with 2 service bays located at the ground floor.

Customers may view their motorcycles while being attended by professional and skilled mechanics through a glass partition. On the second floor lies the cozy information lounge as well as the spare parts and apparel corner.

The shop houses the latest lineup of Suzuki’s fashionable and stylish motorcycles from the

Guanzon Group of Companies president Guanson Lo along with general manager Arnold Guillen, After Sales head Jojo Jose, Marketing and Promotion supervisor Marc Jason Ong, and area manager Ferdinand Guillen were present at the opening ceremony.

Spearheading the Suzuki Philippines, Inc.were president Akira Utsumi. He was joined with general manager for Motorcycle Sales and Marketing Jun Bulot, national sales manager Mitsunori Shiraishi, and regional sales manager for North Luzon Erick Fernandez.

Suzuki releases the new Katana The unveiling of the bike was attended by Suzuki Philippines’ national sales manager Mitsunori Shiraishi, Big Bikes marketing supervisor Mary Ann Garcia, Big Bikes sales supervisor Allan Panlibuton as well as Wheeltek Motor Sales Corporation’s general manager for Big Bikes Bobby Orbe and Suzuki Big Bikes Center Makati branch manager Mhae Javier. Ride PH’s host and the man behind the Philippine Moto Heritage Weekend Jay Taruc also joined the launch. Special guest to the occasion was Dr. Ricardo Quintos, owner of a 1992 Katana. He shared his experiences and love for the bike, dubbing it as one of the first street sport bike in the country given its design and power. He is also one of the first buyers of the 2020 Katana which was unveiled the same day to the delight of the spectators.

Suzuki has given new life to a classic in the 2020 Katana. The iconic bike, which made waves when it was first released in 1981, has been reborn with modern technology, but carries with it the same passion that Suzuki has for the model all those decades ago. A beautiful combination of sharp styling and throwback design, this modern Katana is the perfect combination of futuristic and retro.

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Each of the styling features and performance components that distinguish the Katana underwent many iterations to achieve the desired level of refinement and functional beauty. Overall, the development process came to closely resemble the arduous process of creating the Japanese sword that gave this bike its name.

The heart engine of the Katana is a 999cc, liquid-cooled inline-four taken from the GSX-R1000, and tuned for the street. It is a total update over the previous generations, offering fuel injection, advanced engine control management, traction control, ABS, and low RPM assist. This makes it the the perfect street machine without compromising the thrill of riding a powerful machine.

The 2020 Suzuki Katana retails for PHP 817,000.

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UP students win Toyota Young Marketeers Challenge

College of Business Administration students from the University of the Philippines in Diliman bagged the grand prize at the inaugural Toyota Young Marketeers Challenge (TYMC).

University of the Philippines Diliman students William Alonzo, Samantha Ching, Hanna Laurel and Nathan Oranga are not new to joining marketing competitions for students. So when Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) announced that it is opening its inaugural Toyota Young Marketeers Challenge (TYMC), the quartet from the state university’s College of Business Administration gave it a shot—even though automotive is not their forte.

we arrived at a campaign that we were proud to show Toyota!”

For the competition, they were given the challenge of coming up with an integrated marketing campaign for TMP’s locally assembled model, the Toyota Vios. After weeks of developing the campaign and a whole day of pitching ideas on how to better market the Vios that’s already the Philippines’ best-selling vehicle, team UP Diliman was declared the grand champion, besting nine other colleges and universities that entered the finals round.

The result was a highly charged battle of the most creative ideas from UP Diliman, second placer De La Salle University Manila, third placer De La Salle College of St. Benilde Antipolo and finalists (in alphabetical order) Centro Escolar University, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, De La Salle College of St. Benilde Manila, Far Eastern University, Miriam College, University of Makati, and University of Santo Tomas.

For a team that admits to be a newbie when it comes to automotive marketing and promotions, how did the group end up delivering the best Toyota Vios campaign that impressed a panel of judges composed of marketing industry veterans from various fields?

“We prepared for TYMC by doing a lot of research on the current automobile landscape and even holding Focus Group Discussions on perceptions of different cars,” said team member Samantha Ching. “We focused on following the consumer journey and drilling down a unique insight.

Additionally, we scrapped a lot of our ideas when we‘d feel that we were only settling. Eventually, www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Aside from the judges, top Toyota executives including TMP president Satoru Suzuki were present during the grand pitch day held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. Through the TYMC, TMP aimed to give the students a real-world marketing career experience by allowing the students to go through each process.

According to team member Hanna Laurel, their constant willingness to learn was a huge factor. “Amidst the marketing lessons we had in class and the exposure we get from other case competitions we join, we still treat each and every opportunity as a new learning experience,” said Laurel. “Entering the competition, we were humble enough that the automotive industry is not our forte, moreso, relatively new to us. Given this, we really spent 4/5 the time given just to talk to people, and look for research and data that are relevant; and I think this intensive study helped us crack our strategy, all the way down to our executions and conclusion,” she added.

Nathan Oranga meanwhile believes that the

team’s biggest learning from TYMC is that in marketing, the consumer’s insight is always the key. “If the consumer insight is not crafted well, then all of these would not turn out to be as effective as intended. A brand may produce the grandest events, or the most eye-catching advertisements, but if the message does not resonate with the consumer, then it would never lead to an action,” said Oranga.

But in the end, the product plays a big role in the success of any marketing campaign. In the case of the TYMC finalists, it helped that they were exposed to the car that is one of, if not the most ubiquitous vehicle in the Philippines.

“The Vios is a tried and tested reliable car that can match anyone’s drive. As the number one selling car in the country, it naturally just markets and sells itself. One can never go wrong with a Vios as it is a smart, practical, and exciting purchase. For millennials who want to make smart decisions, the Vios is a no-brainer,” said William Alonzo.

With the success of the first TYMC, college students can expect a follow-up youth program from TMP in the coming years. “We are honored to bring you a program such as the Toyota Young Marketeers Challenge,” said TMP president Suzuki. “More than a competition, this is a platform for us to share with young people, the experience and learnings beyond the classroom.

We believe in learning by doing – so I hope that by participating in this challenge, the students have acquired some insights that will help them become ready for the career track they would like to pursue.”

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Petron Car Care Center now in more locations • Petron CCC Calasiao in Nalsian, Calasiao Pangasinan (mobile 933 8292073).

The new additions bring the total PETRON CCC to 39 outlets nationwide, with 26 in Luzon, 4 in the Visayas, and 9 in Mindanao.

Industry leader Petron Corporation has been providing Filipino motorists not just world-class products through its line-up of fuels and lubricants, but also ‘casa-like’ automotive services through its Petron Car Care Center (CCC).

Offering affordable packages for a complete line of professional maintenance and repair services, Petron CCC outlets have well-trained technicians who use state-of-the-art tools and equipment to keep your car in tip-top condition.

Six new Petron CCCs opened this year to bring quality car care services to more locations nationwide. These include: • Petron CCC Express Molino, located at Molino Blvd., Bacoor, Cavite (mobile 927-2854922)

• Petron CCC Pagadian at F.S. Pajares Ave., San Jose, Pagadian City (mobile 932-8875007) • Petron CCC Express SM Center-Pasig at Frontera Verde, along C5, Pasig City, is the first in-mall car care center • (mobile 917-5309791) • Petron CCC Express Rodriguez is a new in-station car care center located Mabini St., Burgos, Rodriguez, Rizal (mobile 9567087838) • Petron CCC Xavierville is the third CCC in Quezon City. It is located along Xavierville Avenue (mobile 945-9949861/landline 7719-7670)

Every PETRON CCC carries the full range of technologically-advanced Petron lubricants and specialty products such as the Petron Blaze Racing with Thermal Stress Stabilizing System (TS3) line for gasoline engines, the Petron Rev-X with Dynamic Cleaning Technology (DCT) for diesel engines, as well as the High Temperature Protection (HTP) line of automatic transmission fluid, brake fluid, gear oil, and grease, among others.

Petron CCC offers different Change Oil Value Packages (COVP) for the oil change requirements of budget-conscious motorists. In addition, car owners can avail of various car repair and maintenance services such as engine works and chassis repair. Certain Petron CCCs also offer tire services, washing and undercoating, radiator repair and replacement, aircon repair and maintenance, etc. The Petron CCC Express, a scaled down 2-bay shop, meanwhile offers busy motorists quick services especially for their change-oil requirements.

Those interested to become a Petron Car Care Center business partner may email pcic@petron. com or carcarecenter@petron.com.

Volkswagen opens first Mindanao dealership in Cagayan region,”said Volkswagen Philippines president, Filipe Estrella.

The new Volkswagen Cagayan de Oro dealership along pueblo business park at the corner of Mastersons Avenue and Paseo de Oro in Upper Carmen.

Ceremonial ribbon cutting with guest of honor, City Mayor of Cagayan de Oro Oscar Moreno (2nd from left). Also in photo are: from left, Greencars Mindanao Corporation chairman of the board Antonio Dela Fuente, Volkswagen PH president Felipe Estrella, and GMC president Felix Pungtod.

Volkswagen Philippines, in partnership with Greencars Mindanao Corporation, has inaugurated the brand’s first dealership in Cagayan De Oro City in Misamis Oriental.

The dealership is located along Pueblo Business Park at the corner of Matersons Avenue, and Paseo de Oro in Upper Carmen. The dealership is also 60

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“The residents and enterprises of northern Mindanao will now have more access to the German technology, build quality, and driving experience of Volkswagen automobiles and the accompanying Volkswagen aftersales services and support,” he added.

Meanwhile, Greencars Mindanao Corporation chairman of the board Antonio De La Fuente marked the occasion as the re-introduction of the European brand to the city after a 40 year hiatus.

The men and women of Volkswagen CDO.

the ninth in the country since the brand started operation in 2013.

“Establishing our 9th Volkswagen dealer in the country, at the center of the logistics and business hub of northern Mindanao, was a very easy decision to make. In collaboration with GMC, we are now exactly where we want to be in the

“It is with pride that we reintroduce Volkswagen to the community. We are happily re-opening the first Volkswagen dealership in Mindanao. Thank you Volkswagen Philippines for your support in making this wonderful comeback happen,” De La Fuente said.

With the Cagayan De Oro dealership now open, Volkswagen now has a nationwide network of dealership and service centers that will cater to ever, customers’ needs. www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Toyota Manila Bay chooses Petron as new fuel partner Additional bonus points await customers through the Frequent Visit promo, offering additional points on every 3rd visit to a Petron station, and the Birthday Promo that awards bonus points when gassing up within five days of his birthday.

As Petron takes care of its loyal customers, PVC holders can enjoy the following benefits (subject to terms and conditions): free 24/7 towing and roadside assistance, free personal accident insurance coverage of PHP 10,000 for accidental death and PHP 1,000 medical reimbursement, and show card privileges at partner establishments for instant discounts.

The signing of the memorandum agreement between Petron and Toyota Manila Bay Corporation (TMBC) was held on September 20, 2019 at the Toyota Manila Bay Dealership in Pasay City. Present were Petron Marketing Division head Lionel Perkin Chai; Petron VP for Retail Sales Archie Gupalor; TMBC first vice president Ko Nakayama; and TMBC VP for Controllership Manny Dela Cruz.

Industry leader Petron Corporation recently partnered with Toyota Manila Bay Corporation (TMBC), one of the leading Toyota dealerships in the country, to offer exclusive discounts and privileges to TMBC customers through the co-branded TMBC-Petron Value Card (PVC).

This special PVC, which will be given to all new TMBC clients, entitles card holders to a special

discount for every liter of Petron Blaze 100, XCS, Xtra Advance, Turbo Diesel, and Diesel Max. Peso points earned on the co-branded TMBC-Petron Value Card can be redeemed for Petron products at over 2,400 Petron stations nationwide. These can also be converted to cellphone load, air miles, groceries, movies, and other exciting options.

Beyond the perks and privileges, new Toyota car owners are assured that all Petron fuels are of world-class quality, formulated with TriAction Advantage to deliver better engine protection for longer engine life, better mileage for longer drives, and better power.

“We are grateful to TMBC for recognizing our commitment to service excellence and consumer safety—values that we both share. With our top-notch fuels, Toyota car owners can be assured that they are being ‘Fuel Wise’ with Petron,” Petron vice president for Retail Sales Archie B. Gupalor said.

Currently, there are 5 million Petron Value Card holders in the country, with 1.5 million active users.

Honda ranks first in J.D. Power’s 2019 Sales Satisfaction Index Study Honda Cars Philippines Inc., (HCPI) Honda’s automobile business unit in the country, was recognized as number one in the J.D. Power 2019 Sales Satisfaction Index Study. The award is the third for the brand, previously earning it in the 2012 and 2017 surveys.

“We are truly honored to receive this award as the No. 1 in Sales Satisfaction. As always, Honda remains true to its promise of delivering products of the highest quality and providing the best customer satisfaction.” said Atty. Louie Soriano, general manager of sales division and spokesperson of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. J.D. Power handed the award in a ceremony that took place in HCPI’s plant and head office in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

(From L-R) From Honda Cars Philippines, Inc.: assistant vice president, Mr. Koki Hattori; general manager of sales division and spokesperson, Atty. Louie Soriano; General manager of dealer business division, Mr. Noel Barachina. From J.D. Power: Regional director of automotive practice, Mr. Shantanu Na di Majumdar; and country manager for Philippines, Mr. Sigfred Doloroso.

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J.D. Power ranked eight automotive brands for their 2019 Sales Satisfaction Index Study.

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APPS

Words by Jewel Sta. Ana

s a veteran commuter, I have tried practically every form of public transportation A available in the metro. From the LRT and MRT, traditional and hybrid jeepneys, the UV Express, tricycles, and pedicabs, to private cars from ride-hailing apps. The best option to beat the paralyzing city traffic is, however, a motorcycle. Due to its small profile, it can take passengers from point A to point B faster than any other vehicle on the road.

BOOK NOW

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Promo

Voters to biker

The switch to motorcycle taxis Initially launched two years ago, Angkas is a motorcycle-hailing platform that offers safe, convenient and affordable motorbike transport.

It is finally back online after a year-long hiatus bargaining with government regulators. Just like other existing transport network vehicle services, it allows commuters to book, communicate with, and track the rider’s location through the app. Instead of an air-conditioned SUV or sedan, however, you get a motorcycle and a friendly rider that does the piloting while you hitch a ride on the back seat.

All Angkas bikers go through a series of background checks, skill assessments, and rigorous safety training before getting deployed to pick up fares. Angkas management also formulated a set of rules for passengers to comply with the DOTR and LTFRB’s requirements. They require all passengers to wear high-quality reflective helmets distributed to their riders, as well as face masks, and hair caps for hygienic purposes. There’s also prescribed riding attire for passengers, which encourages them to wear t-shirts or long sleeves, pants, and closed shoes.

Should the weather turn, there passengers are provided raincoats to keep the worst of the weather at bay. Known for its strong online presence, Angkas also uses its social media platforms to interact with and educate its passengers.

With the inefficiency of public transportation in our cities, the growth of motorcycle sales continues to increase, leading many motorists to own two-wheelers. Based on the figures from the Land Transportation Office (LTO), it has recorded a total of 1,216,735 newly registered motorcycles and tricycles from January to June 2019. This represents a total increase of 10.51 percent from last year. And with the arrival of Angkas in the local public transportation scene, the numbers are expected to increase further.

With over 27,000 riders on board, the company has provided a stable livelihood for all sorts of partner drivers. These include former OFWs, taxi drivers, and retired professionals like former members of the army and police. The majority of the bikers run full-time while others see it as their secondary source of income.

From a commuter’s perspective I was one of the first passengers of Angkas back in 2017 and since then, they have applied a number of upgrades to improve their service. Following the stringent government-mandated safety measures after the approval of its operations, Angkas CEO Angeline Tham and her team required new and current Angkas partners to don the motorcycle taxi’s official uniform: a blue and silver reflective vest with an embroidered ID number on its back and a body strap on the side where passengers can grab onto while on their way. To complete the look, it is paired with the now-

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iconic Angkas helmet and ID card. Riders can also only go a maximum of 60 kph so you shouldn’t worry about getting into accidents. Angkas also expanded its operations outside Manila with its launch in Cebu. Their safety record has been encouraging, with more people downloading the app and trying the service for themselves. Who knows, it may reach other municipalities and provinces in the future.

succeeding kilometers go from PHP 10 to PHP 15 pesos for Metro Manila. Fees are also directly paid to the riders. Unlike other ride-hailing apps, Angkas only accepts cash payments.

For someone who’s always out and about, Angkas is a good alternative to take you to your destination. It offers cheaper fares with a flag-down rate of PHP 50. The standard rate for

With the convenience it brings, these blue and black riders truly save the day.

So if you’re a student who’s running late for an exam, or part of the working class who needs to make it to an early-morning meeting, adding Angkas on your smartphone’s app list is a must.

Angkas is available in the App Store and Google Play.

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EVERYTHING APPLE

An Apple Buying Guide: Buy Now, or Wait for Later?

Words by Gerry Gaviola

Picking Apples can be tricky. So hold on to your baskets as we take a look on when to pick them, and when to wait.

Just because it’s new, doesn’t mean you need to upgrade immediately.

There are some years where there is so little to impress. “S years,” as they say, exist to merely fill in the gap until a major breakthrough in technology happens.

The prices on Apple’s products are no joke. Some may call them overpriced, but really, unmatched research and longevity do come at a cost. Apple charges premium, and many take a bite, albeit haphazardly.

Supply chain and tech analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo have a knack for predicting when the next major upgrades are bound to happen. Here, we take a look on when to buy, and when you should wait for next year’s iOS, iPadOS, and WatchOS devices.

iPhones There are two kinds of iPhone users: those that want the base model just for the sake of being in Apple’s oh so convenient ecosystem, and those who simply want or need the latest and greatest. The answer is simple.

If you’d want to try out an Apple branded phone, or have owned one of its lower tier offerings and wish to upgrade your already dying device, then getting the iPhone 11 at this time will most likely be worth it.

The iPhone 11 sports dual cameras, great battery life, and a decent enough LCD screen. It shares the same A13 Bionic processor as its more advanced brothers, the 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max, so speed and power isn’t an issue. Benchmarks have shown that even last year’s iPhone XS beats the current Android flagships.

Investing in something that is way ahead of the game is a wise choice.

Now if you’re a user who wants the latest and greatest then you better put some consideration and actual thought on why you’d actually want the latest this year. Yes, the iPhone triple lens setup is tempting, but only that and its new screen technology are what fundamentally define the “Pro” in this year’s models.

Tech analysts here and there have mentioned that the 2020 iPhones are the ones to buy. USB-C, micro LED, a promotion display, and a major redesign are just some of the rumored specifications for next year’s iPhones.

If you can wait, then by all means, please do.

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iPad At the time of this writing, Apple has already released a budget tier iPad in its September 2019 event. The budget iPad now looks and functions like Apple’s previous iterations of the iPad Pro line up. The screen is now bigger from the usual 9.7-inch to the now 10.2 inch. The bezels have been shrunken up; Apple Pencil 1st generation support has been preserved; and now, for the very first time, it has support for Apple’s Smart Keyboard. Even though its fitted with a dated A10 chipset, it’s got more than enough power to get work done. Do not wait later, buy it now!

Now for the iPad Pro. Deals here and there are popping up for the iPad Pro 2018 model, the model that featured a major all-screen redesign coupled with unmatched power. Geekbench scores reveal that its CPU is even faster than last year’s Macbook Pro models all thanks to Apple’s custom silicone. So no need to wait for the 2019 Pro model, this model will last you for years to come and it’s far from slowing down. Buy the 2018 iPad Pro now while the prices are at an all-time low.

Apple Watch The question here is how much you value battery life. Apple advertises that the Series 5 features the same all day 18-hour battery life as its previous predecessor, the Series 4.

It’s true. People are getting just about the advertised value except that now, the Series 4’s battery life beats it. The Series 4, absent of the always on display, was advertised with the same value although Apple last year undersold and over delivered. I, as well as a bunch of other users can gladly get more than 2 days out of their Series 4. On the other hand, Series 5 users just can’t get that kind

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of battery life unless they turn the always on display off. Well if it’s turned off, it’ll just be like owning the Series 4.

The Series 5 features the same body as the Series 4. It now has a compass, an always on display, and it comes in new Titanium and Ceramic finishes. If battery life is not a priority to you, then now is the time to buy. With the always on display, Apple has closed the missing link and it now actually feels and looks like an actual watch. If you’re a new Apple Watch buyer, or already own the Series 0,1,2, or 3, then it might be a worthwhile upgrade.

If battery life is a priority to you, and you already own the Series 4, know that a lot has remained

unchanged and that the newer version actually introduces some compromises.

The Series 4 and 5 differ in their System on Chip (SoC) since the latter now features a new display controller as well as a built in compass. However, the same CPU/processor is used in both of the models, so no groundbreaking speed improvements here.

Again, if you own the Series 4, I would highly suggest waiting a year or two until major speed improvements are made, or until Apple once again over delivers with their promised battery life.

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GAMING

Developers: Tencent games, Timi Studios Publisher: Activision (Global), Garena (SEA only) Platform: Android, iOS

Words by Gabriel Pe

When Call of Duty Mobile was announced earlier this year, there were mixed reactions among the franchise faithful. Some were excited, while others were skeptical about how the game would turn out.

Call of Duty (CoD) is a franchise built on two key aspects: multiplayer, and of course the story of the campaign mode. In Call of Duty Mobile (CoD:Mobile), Tencent and Timi Studios have perfectly captured the multiplayer aspects of the franchise, however you won’t be finding Captain Price, or General Shepherd anytime soon, since the game does not have a campaign mode.

As the developer of PUBG Mobile, Tencent and Timi Studios have tailored controls of CoD: Mobile the same way. However, unlike the darker and grittier battle royale title, CoD:Mobile is a much smoother experience mainly due to satisfying shooting mechanics and a more colorful environment.

Fans of the Classic CoD would also find it enjoyable thanks to the multitude of multiplayer modes including:Team Deathmatch, Frontline, the same as team deathmatch but you spawn at your base, Domination (capture the points), and Search and Destroy (a round based objective game). The game also has CoD: Black Ops 4’s battle royale mode, Blackout, albeit on a smaller and different map.

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The game is free to play but it does offer microtransactions, throught these microtransactions don’t break the game since they are mostly cosmetic. The game’s leveling system also unlocks new weapons and upgrades which makes grinding much more rewarding.

For someone who wants a challenge when playing, the game also has a ranking system.

The system is different for both multiplayer and battle royale so players need not worry when playing the different modes since you’ll be grouped with people with the same rank.

Ranking up is also a major reason why the game is so addictive; early ranks such as newbie levels are easier to plow through, while starting at the veteran level you’ll have to grind a bit, which makes seeing the rank change much more satisfying.

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The major downside of the ranking and leveling system is the discrepancy. You’ll be playing against a level 50 player who’s unlocked most of his weapons and upgrades, while you’re paired with level 20 teammates who are still getting used to the game and controls. Currently the only solution is to hope and pray that you’ll also have higher level teammates to have at least a playing chance.

I found myself enjoying the battle royale mode the most because of the class system which lets you choose characters with different abilities prior to the start of the game. I found myself playing the Ninja class the most, due to its enhanced mobility. Its active ability the grappling hook also adds flare to its playstyle since it helps players reposition themselves. Another great character to try is the Scout whose ability locates enemies

nearby making for some fun ambush action, or a chance to run away.

I found solo play in CoD battle royale to be quicker than PUBG mobile. What makes the battle royale experience different to that of PUBG is the added layer of classes in the squad mode. Squad composition had a deeper layer and needs to be thought out well. Additionally each member now has a chance to know what their exact role is in the team. With titles such as PUBG mobile being big in the SEA region, I can see CoD:Mobile following its console and PC brothers’ footsteps as the next big esports title.

Overall, with the games’ fun shooting mechanics and great visuals, CoD: Mobile is definitely one of the most addictive games of the year.

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Developer: Game Freak | Publisher: Game Freak Platform: Nintendo Switch Words by: Jose Alvarez

What happens when the mainstream (Game Freak) and indie collide?

The Nintendo Switch has become an increasingly popular platform for indie developers. Little Town Hero is from the minds that created Pokemon and popular indie game Undertale, and it is also the first brand-new RPG from Game Freak in 20 years not named Pokemon.

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The plot of Little Town Hero is similar to that of old-school JRPGs: you have to save your town from invading monsters. Axe, the protagonist, is left to fight these monsters off. While each JRPG has a unique battle system (and some too complicated for even one article to describe), Little Town Hero uses the power of ideas, or izzits, that also function like cards in card-battle games. You can have five izzits at a time and others in reserve to summon to the front of your mind. You then are given a limited amount of Power to turn izzits into Dazzits, or usable moves. Blue Dazzits can be used immediately on yourself, your opponent, or both, while Yellow Dazzits are reusable over and over until they break. Red Dazzits can be used once a turn or until they break and can be used to damage enemies directly.

You and the enemy have health represented as hearts similar to the original Legend of Zelda, as well as Guts, a sort of shield-type mechanic that must be broken through before dealing direct damage. However, some enemies do have powered-up states when Guts reach zero. Guts are restored after you deal direct heart damage.

The game brings a balance: taking direct damage restores your used-up ideas, while to win, you have to destroy your opponent’s dazzits to directly damage them. As you move around the map, you can meet other townsfolk that will give you bonuses or assist you in battle. In addition, you will encounter gimicks, which are environmental effects you can use if you have the proper dazzits.

One particular dazzit is the Barrel, which allows you to deal direct damage to yourself and the opponent, allowing you to sacrifice your own guts and deal heart damage to your enemy.

What is so great about this game? While it looks simple and child-like on the surface, the customization of izzits and dazzits will keep you experimenting with new strategies. If you like math, you will probably like this game, as there are a lot of min-maxing strategies you can use to win battles aggressively or conservatively. You can take on sidequests that grant you Eureka Points, which you can then use to upgrade dazzits or increase your Guts. In addition, you can also see your opponent’s dazzits and which ones they will use, allowing you to formulate a strategy to counter their move.

The plot also injects healthy amounts of comedy and charm. Toby Fox, who helped develop Undertale, creates the soundtrack, which helps keep you engaged with the game even when you’re fighting a war of attrition with an opponent. While Little Town Hero is a cutesy game riddled with mathematical complexity, it’s fun if you’re a fan of turn-based strategy, card games, math, and JRPGs in general. You’ll probably be sinking hours into it as you try to find more and more creative ways to beat your enemies.

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FEATURE

V

ST-ECS Phils. Inc. recently gathered top key leaders and senior officers in the IT industry to help various organizations maximize modern technologies through sharing industry trends, insights, and best existing practices in their respective fields. With this year’s theme “The Data-Driven Enterprise: Harnessing The Power of Data”, the event discussed transformative technologies and how data-driven enterprises operate and use the collected data. Here are the major takeaways that enterprises should adopt while going digital.

2019 CXO Innovation Summit The Latest Trends in Digital Transformation of Enterprises Words by Jewel Sta. Ana

The power of the Hybrid Cloud Since the discovery of cloud computing, most local businesses are starting to invest in its power. For people not directly associated with information technology, the buzzword phrase allows access and management of digitally stored data in one huge place which is the cloud. This enables employees to work remotely as long as they have stable connectivity. There are three main categories for the cloud: hybrid, native public, and SaaS (software as a service). Hybrid cloud is a combination of public and private cloud which allows sharing of data and applications between them. This preserves the privacy of confidential data from third-party data centers through a company firewall while utilizing the advantages of the public cloud for basic and non-sensitive computing tasks. According to a report presented

by Dell Technologies chief technology officer presales APJ Lee Siong Fey, enterprises that use multi-cloud solutions deploy 46 times more frequently and recover 96 times faster and have lower failure rates compared to those which use the public and SaaS cloud platforms. It shows that the hybrid cloud is more agile and flexible, decreasing downtime and system maintenance up to 50 percent.

Attendees of the second CXO innovation summit

Advanced mobile and computing devices for enterprise To keep up with the changing times, different organizations are continuously in search of efficient workhorses that would increase the productivity of their employees. But these devices should be compatible with the current technologies, running advanced software that works with AI, AR, and machine learning. Samsung and Lenovo have been venturing into B2B solutions and have developed a specialized product lineup for business. Samsung mentioned in the summit that it plans to bring in its military-grade tablet equipped with innovative features and impeccable security. Ideal for logistics, the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active Pro and is an AR-ready, rugged tablet with biometric facial authentication and LTE connectivity. It is designed to work under extreme weather conditions, has expandable storage up to 512 GB, boasts a massive 76000 mAh battery, and has an S Pen and DeX mode for extended display. As for Lenovo, it has been manufacturing mobile workstations with

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high-caliber hardware in the form of its ThinkPad laptops. Just recently, it introduced the latest addition to its portfolio with the convertible laptop for professionals ThinkPad X1 Yoga and durable ThinkPad X1 Carbon, premium ultrabooks ThinBook series, 4K curved monitor ThinkVision P44w, and the highly secured ThinkCentreTIO 27 office desktop.

Continuous development of B2B-oriented softwares The advent of machine learning and AI gives endless possibilities in the future of digital transformation. However, innovation always comes with malicious threats. This pushed tech giants to develop B2B softwares that proactively protect organizations against data breaching and ransomware. Samsung has been protecting its consumers through a built-in mobile platform.

Commonly known as Samsung Knox, the platform consists of overlapping defense and security mechanisms that protect against intrusion, malware, and more malicious threats. Knox solutions for enterprise offers regulation of data usage, whitelisting of apps and websites, and monitoring the location of employees. Devices secured by Knox include the latest flagship and mid-range smartphones which are the models that most organizations give to their employees as company phones.

To maximize the use of smartphones, there’s also the Samsung DeX which extends its display to another device and switches to a laptop experience. This integrates in-vehicle computing for first responders and eliminates the need for additional equipment. Corporate VP and chief revenue officer of Samsung Mobile B2B Asia, David Kim, also expressed that their team is now working with public safety technologies and plans to bring in-vehicle computing in the Philippines.

Make a roadmap towards digital journey

Oracle group vice president and chief architect for cloud platform in Asia Pacific Christopher Chelliah

The plenary speakers for this year’s CXO innovation summit

VST-ECS president and CEO Jimmy Go welcomes the plenary speakers and guests

Navigating on a very unfamiliar place is easier when you use a virtual map. The same goes for organizations that want to thrive more as they go digital. IBM Systems Group power systems offering leader of ASEAN Michael Viray stressed the importance of a data science team that mainly interprets and analyzes insights gained from software that the companies are currently using. He said that organizations should make a roadmap to unlock the full potential of AI and other technologies in the local business landscape.

They should know the source of value, unlock data and break down silos, build an open and collaborative data science team, acquire tools to apply techniques, and integrate these techniques into the business workflow. AI augments business processes. The key areas where AI flourish more is at customer experience, risk and fraud detection, and operation optimization.

Brands present in the three-day summit held at Shangri-La Boracay are Cisco, Dell Technologies, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Huawei, IBM, Samsung, Schneider Electric, Juniper Networks, Trend Micro, Fortinet, Lenovo Data Center Group, Oracle, Aruba, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Hitachi, Avaya, Rubrik, VMWare, Microsoft, Riverbed, and Pivotal.

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EXECUTIVE PROFILE

PK

Umashankar Managing Director, Ford Philippines Interviewed by Belle Alba Photos by Jerico Lutrania and Jezeil Romero Ford Motor Company appointed PK Umashankar (‘Uma’) to head its Philippine operations last July. It has been a whirlwind of activities for him these past few months, and we were lucky to have been given the opportunity to chat with him about his vision for Ford Philippines.

Here are excerpts from that interview.

FORD CAREER PRIOR TO THE PHILIPPINES This is my 23rd year in Ford, and it can be divided into three parts. About half of my career was in the customer service space, and the other half would be divided equally in vehicle sales and product strategy.

My previous role before I got here was heading ASEAN operations for customer service. Before that, I was in China leading small car brands, and Ecosport was one of my products that was launched into this market.

I’d been working in the Philippine market over the past two years in my previous job, and in the last six months, I was frequently in Manila working with dealers, especially in improving the fundamentals of customer satisfaction. So, when I took over this assignment as the lead person for managing Philippine operations, it was easier for me because I understand what are the key problems in this marketplace.

PERSONAL GOALS Customer experience, Ford brand, dealer viability—those are my three primary goals for this market.

When the assignment was proposed to me, what came to me very clearly is that customer experience is the most important goal for me to achieve, so Ford becomes a brand of choice eventually in this marketplace.

Along with customer experience is to elevate the Ford brand. Ford is a strong brand in this market naturally because of its roots, but we can take it even higher—that’s my aim.

And to deliver all that, I need a very strong dealer body, so dealer business viability is another core area that I am interested in.

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES: PRODUCTS As an example, let me start with Raptor as a successful product for us, as the lifestyle vehicle in that category.

But we have in our portfolio is the Ranger XLT, which

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actually sits nicely at a lower price band at less than 1.3-million Pesos. The challenge for us is how to take another well-executed Ranger product and fit into the respective expectations in that customer space, especially in the provincial geographies.

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES: SOCIAL MEDIA

The increase of social media awareness among consumers is a very welcome thing for any industry.

It’s an opportunity as well as a challenge because consumers have the ability to access services on social media in everything else—banking, finance, and other places. For auto, it’s imperative for us to get ourselves better positioned to respond to that expectation. We have plans to do something called social media search and rescue, where we deploy social media conversation managers who will engage real time with customers that are posting queries asking: Where can I test drive a Raptor?

What is the power performance of a Ranger?

From a technology viewpoint, we have invested in social media listening platforms that allow us to access any commentary on Ford, and to use AI so we can respond quickly to the customer. This has already been launched in Thailand, and the Philippines is the second market where it will soon be launched. This is a new space for us, and we are investing to be very close to the customer and to respond quickly in the channels that they prefer.

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES: PARTS AVAILABILITY

I have taken parts availability as a challenge that I will lead myself, and we are doing several things in support of that. If there is a customer request for a part, we have deployed a robotic automation process or a bot that hunts across the region. If it is not available in the Philippines, that bot is empowered to automatically order the part and get the part to the customer at the fastest moment.

It’s a technology solution that’s in play already.

Challenges and Opportunities: Customer Care

I sit in a meeting everyday where we review all the issues that come into our contact center. I review them personally so that any issues that are aging beyond a threshold comes to that forum and I help the team address them in a manner that is befitting to take care of the customer. We also learn from the process so that we correct situations that led to that place initially, so we don’t have to come back to that place again. This makes sure that my whole organization is tuned towards the customer first mindset. My involvement is not to micromanage the team but to teach them how to deal with the situation and to learn from that to fix the process, so the issue won’t be repeated in the future.

able to travel through difficult road conditions. so it’s natural for customers to shift to that body style, and we’re seeing that happen.

Ford’s heritage works very well with Filipino customers. The amount of patronage for the brand is among the best in the region. That said, just being a strong American brand is not going to help us. We need to bring in the right products at the right time.

In recent months, we’ve launched the new Everest, and it is redefining the level of content in that segment. To name a few, we have the handsfree lift, that is a very practical and pragmatic feature that customers appreciate.

finds a connection with customers a lot more when we bring in the right content.

With respect to the ease of business, I would say that the Philippines is one of the easier markets in the region because much of our products are left-hand drive. The regulations are friendly, and the homologation process is easier for us relative to other markets.

The Philippines is a great market for us to work with — strong brand patronage, easier standards to implement, and very compatible because it is left-hand drive.

Message to Ford Customers

Some aspects of autonomous engineering are beginning to trickle in as well, like autonomous emergency braking where the system takes control over braking when there is an obstruction coming up in which a normal human response is not fast enough. Parallel park assist where it is able to park on its own, not challenging the driver’s skills but as an added aid to make sure customers are able to park conveniently.

I must thank Ford customers for their overwhelming support to the Ranger brand, especially Raptor.

We will continue to make sure that the product is a shining beacon in the pickup category moving forward, and we will be investing in the product to make sure it is relevant to the needs of the customers.

Ushering in the technologies that are available in other mature market products is a great opportunity for us in the PH. From that standpoint Filipino customers have been patronizing Ford products pretty strongly. We find that our brand

If you do what is right for the customers, I will stand behind you always. It is not difficult. Just put yourself in their shoes, and it is easy to imagine what the customer is going through. Will you do that to your own family? That’s how you need to approach it.

Message to Ford dealers

“Do what is right for the customers.”

Philippine Auto Industry and Ford Prospects

What’s seen in the international scene is also kind of replicated in the segments that are shaping. The pickup industry is going up, probably because of the excise tax becoming friendly in that space, as well as becoming more practical vehicle for the consumers.

We are also seeing the utility space becoming more relevant. Utilities tend to address the pragmatic needs of the customer: high ground clearance, www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

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TRAVEL

W

hen I told my family that I was going to Siquijor for a media drive, they were excited for me at first but when it dawned on them where I was going they were quick with all of the reminders: don’t do this, always say this, and so on and so forth. If I had been going to a different location they might have eased up on the unnecessary reminders and nagging, but their initial concern may be because of the reputation Siquijor has in the minds of most Filipinos.

Mystical

Siquijor Words and Photos by John Gabriel Pe

Most elderly Filipinos believe that the island is home to manananggals and mangkukulams. The island had a reputation for being mysterious, elders warned that those who go to the island never came back. As soon as I saw the island, I knew that they were right. Once you experience the island paradise you’ll never want to leave.

Salagdoong Beach Since Siquijor is one of the smallest inhabited islands in the country, most of its tourist spots are the pristine beaches.

One of the most well known is Salagdoong Beach with its turquoise waters and white sand.

You’ll want to visit this beach in the afternoon during high tide to experience diving in its waters.

Getting to Siquijor is a bit of a challenge since it’s only accessible by sea. From Manila, we boarded a plane to Dumaguete before boarding a ferry to the island. A word of caution though: you’ll want to consider motion sickness medicine prior to boarding the ferry since the whole journey lasts about an hour.

Since we were part of the Nissan media drive, everything had already been taken care of.

However, if you’re planning a visit to the island, it has a variety of resorts fit for different kinds of tourists. We stayed at the Coco Grove resort which is one of the biggest on the island. It may be a bit pricey compared to other smaller resorts, and farther from all the tourist spots but its gorgeous beachfront makes it worth the trouble. The staff were also extremely friendly.

As the third smallest province in the country, you could very well visit a majority of the island’s tourist spots in a single day. However, we highly discourage that since you’ll definitely need quite a while to fully enjoy the sights. We recommend taking at least three days to enjoy the island.

As part of a media drive we went around the island in cars, but for regular tourists, there are tricycles for hire and scooters for rent around the island. If you’re in a big group we suggest booking a tour package with your resort.

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Centuries-old Balete Tree Nothing is more mystical and supernatural in Filipino mythology than the Balete tree. Widely believed to house spirits, it’s no wonder that the tree is often revered and respected especially in the provinces. Siquijor’s centuries-old Balete Tree is no exception. When visiting the tree make sure to wear slippers or easy to remove footwear to experience the fish spa underneath its shade. Afterwards, you can buy souvenirs at the shops beside it, or enjoy a snack at the nearby restaurant.

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Cambugahay Falls Apart from the gorgeous beaches all around the island, the mostly untouched forests also house some of the island’s greatest secrets. Among these is Cambugahay Falls, small waterfalls whose clean and clear waters are perfect for a swim. If you’re adventurous, be sure to try the Tarzan swings.

Otherwise, just stay for a nice refreshing dip in the water.

San Isidro Labrador Parish (Lazi Church) The San Isidro Labrador Parish, or most commonly known as the Lazi Church is a sight to behold.

The church was first built in 1857, but the current structure is from 1882 and was constructed with a mixture of sea stones and wood. The church is among the few remaining grand Spanish churches in the Philippines and has been called one of the best in the country. The church was also declared a national cultural treasure by the National Museum in 2001. Stop by to take in the architecture and maybe say a little prayer while you’re at it.

Lazi Convent Siquijor is not all about nature. The island is also home to some of the oldest churches in the country. Some of these churches retain their Spanish elements and are still being used up to this day. One of the largest and oldest in the is the Lazi Convent and Church. The Lazi Convent used to house the Augustinian Recollects and was one of the largest in Asia during its heyday. Now the structure houses the Siquijor Heritage Museum which features old religious artifacts.

Hapitanan cafe If you’re going to Siquijor, don’t forget to embrace its spiritual vibes. If you want a tourist experience of the mystical side, be sure to drop by Hapitanan cafe and take a picture with their flying broomstick.

After posing for the picture you can have some light snacks by the cafe or buy your souvenirs from them.

You can even buy some potions from them, though be careful what you wish for.

Siquijor is definitely one of the most gorgeous islands that I have ever visited. If I’m ever given a chance to go back, maybe, just maybe I’ll stay there for good.

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FEATURE

Words by Ren Alcantara

As a prelude to the launch of the Reno2, Oppo took members of the press on an adventure with the phone to be able to put it through its paces and have a good idea how it performed prior to our actual reviews. We were told it would be sweaty, dirty, and a lot of fun, aside from getting to play around with the new phone, so I agreed without hesitation.

The Oppo Reno2 is the brand’s latest smartphone offering and improves on the features that made the original Reno. A great camera with four sensors, that interesting pop-up selfie cam, and superb

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styling are just the beginning, and through a whole adventurefilled day, we got to try each of the features out ourselves.

The event began with a trip out of the city for lunch and a quick overview of the Reno2’s capabilities at Burrow cafe.

There, each participant was lent a phone to get started. We were then given a crash course on the phone’s features that allow anyone to be a storyteller.

Whether it’s a vlog, a quick live update, or a full-on video with greater production value, the Reno2 has all the tools necessary for content creators to reach their viewers. From Wide-angle cameras, effective telephoto, and OIS, it’s a dream for anyone who shoots photos or video.

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After the quick briefing, we all had a hearty lunch to prepare for the rest of the day’s activities. From The Burrow, it was a quick bus ride to the nearby ATV grounds where we would get to try out what we learned, as well as the features of the phones we were lent.

At the ATV grounds, Oppo made sure there were plenty of activities to share stories of.

While the members of the press awaited their turn to tackle the ATV course, other activities awaited. There was an archery range, paintball, and for those who had more of a relaxed outing in mind, there were snacks and fresh coconuts to enjoy.

Our group was slated to go first, so while everyone was either unleashing their inner Robin Hood, letting out some aggression with a few well-placed paintballs, or just enjoying the food, we geared up and got a quick briefing on ATV operation.

Once everyone was confident, we headed up to our rides. The Oppo team was kind enough to outfit each of the ATVs with two mobile phone mounts—one for the Reno2, and another for our personal devices. Aside from being able to take different camera angles, we could also see how the phone fared against a more familiar device.

Geared up, with our phones secured, the lead ATV was off, the rest of the party in tow. Since not everyone had tried this kind of activity before, the chosen trail was reasonably simple, with no more than a few ruts to avoid. This didn’t mean it was a smooth ride—there were still no paved roads once the trail started.

The combination of tough roads and the rumbling ATV engine made for challenging photos and videos. Apart from the rough terrain, there was also a quick challenge that required the use of the Reno’s impressive Zoom function. By this point in the day, we were all still running on the same charge the phones carried when they were handed to us that morning, despite the videos, photos, and uploading we all had been doing.

After the day’s activities, we were taken to Pinto Art Museum for a quick dinner, and more nighttime photography.There was no shortage of stories and storytellers during that adventure, and the Reno did in fact prove to be the perfect companion.

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From the dusty, muddy trail, to a hunt for clues in the forest, the Reno2 held up to the demands of the event.

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VISUAL SPACE

Words by Daniel Ringon | Art by Chini Soriano

It’s official: The Christmas season is here. Speakers are blaring Jose Mari Chan classics, houses are lit by parols, and the smell of puto bumbong and bibingka is starting to fill the air. But Christmas is more than those things. The holidays are first and foremost, about the birth of Jesus. It is also the time to be with family and friends, catching up, expressing love for one another, and drinking too much Coke, if the ads are to be believed. Speaking of being with family, a good old-fashioned movie marathon is a great bonding activity to undertake along with Noche Buena preparations. Christmas movies have a way of being repetitive and formulaic. Since the creation of colored film, storytelling has also evolved thanks to creating new and combining old ones, making for fleshed-out stories and great cinema. We’re giving you a head start on your holiday playlist with six movies that will hopefully make the Christmas countdown a little more memorable.

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Director: Michael Dougherty Starring: Emjay Anthony, Adam Scott, Toni Collette

Director: Henry Sellick Starring: Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’Hara, Ken Page

Writer-Director Michael Dougherty (Trick ‘r Treat, Godzilla: King of the Monsters) brings another holiday-themed horror movie, this time straight from European folklore. The film centers on the Engels, a pressure-cooker of a family waiting to implode, seemingly ignoring the essence of the holiday. Because of their apathy towards the holiday, they start to get terrorized by an ancient demon-like creature called the Krampus. With gingerbread hooks and killer toys, the dark comedy-horror film sticks true to the holiday, as the Krampus picks the family off one by one, leaving you with a stern warning to keep your Christmas spirits high.

The fan-favorite musical film mixes Burton’s signature gothic aesthetic with stop-motion animation, and has since gained a massive cult following. Another Christmas-horror entry, the film features the leader of Halloween Town, Jack Skellington, as he grows weary of the routine of Halloween. One day he discovers Christmas, but is unable to relate to it, except for one thing: a red lobster-like king called Sandy Claws. He and the citizens of Halloween Town then decide to take over Christmas that year which of course, brings disaster to the holiday. Starring the voices of several Tim Burton collaborators, it features famous film composer Danny Elfman as Jack Skellington’s singing voice.

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Director: Richard Curtis Starring: Hugh Grant, Bill Nighy, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman

Director: Jon Favreau Starring: Will Ferrell, James Caan, Zooey Deschanel

Featuring a powerful ensemble, the film tells ten stories of various relationships centered around Londoners at Christmastime. From Daniel (Liam Neeson) helping his stepson Sam (Thomas Sangster) catch the eye of his American classmate Joanna, to Mark (Andrew Lincoln) professing his love to Juliet (Kiera Knightley), his best friend’s wife, it’s an all-around cheese-fest. Love Actually explores touching stories of loss, love, friendship, and self-actualization with Briticisms sprinkled on top. The film has gone on to become a Christmas staple as it speaks about the spirit of love during the holidays.

One Christmas, a human baby crawls into Santa’s sack and is accidentally brought to the North Pole. The baby, named Buddy by the elves who found him, he grows up believing himself an unusually tall elf. After finding out the truth, finds out that his father is on Santa’s naughty list, and makes his way to New York. Once there, he finds himself in a world full of cynics, gets a crush, and tries to connect with his human family, all leading up to an epic Christmas.

Will Ferrell in one of his most wholesome roles, as an elf no less, is a sight to behold, perfectly blending humor and heart.

Director: Nancy Meyers Starring: Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Kate Winslet, Jack Black

Director: Christian Carion Starring: Benno Furmann, Guillaume Canet, Daniel Bruhl, Diane Kruger

Brooklyn Nine-Nine fans may recall Rosa Diaz citing this particular Nancy Meyers film in conversations. The Holiday is solid classic from the director, featuring strong women driven narratives. It tells the story of movie trailer producer Amanda (Cameron Diaz) as she arranges a house-swap with Iris (Kate Winslet) as a means for both to escape heartbreak. With subplots around Amanda warming up to Graham’s (Jude Law) daughters and Iris and Miles’ (Jack Black) friendship with veteran Hollywood screenwriter Arthur (Eli Wallach), they both find more than the solitude they were looking for, during the most wonderful time of the year.

Based on an actual historical event during World War I, you might be asking yourself why you would watch a war film during the holidays. The answer is simple: it is based on the Christmas Truce of 1914. An unofficial ceasefire, it saw French, German, and British soldiers halt hostilities to exchange well-wishes and gifts during the holiday. The film may have shown a slightly fictional account of this historic event, but it nevertheless showcases the brotherhood of man in a way no Hallmark Christmas greeting card could.

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ENTERPRISE

Epson introduces industrial robots at Manufacturing Technology World Manila 2019

The Epson team from Singapore presented the robots at the Manufacturing Technology World Manila 2019.

Epson debuted the N2, T-series, and LS3 industrial robots in the country at the Manufacturing Technology World Manila 2019.

Featuring patented compact folding arm technology, the N2 robots are 6-axis robots that adopt the movement of human arm from shoulder to fingers. This brings more motion for accomplishing complex and high-precision tasks.

Designed for confined workspaces and smaller payloads, it reduces the number of intermediate points and shortens cycle times.

The N2 series of robots comes with Epson’s Residual Vibration Technology, a motion control feedback system that reduces vibration, enabling high performance for outstanding speed, precision, acceleration, and deceleration rates. The industrial robots are also equipped with Epson Vision Guide software, an advanced machine vision and image processing system that provides an interface for developing robot vision

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Melissa Soong of Epson Singapore PTE LTD discuss how their robots sort electronic parts.

applications. These robots has a maximum reach of 450 mm with a 2.5 kg payload and can be used across the manufacturing industry including precise assembly of electronic components in consumer and medical products.

Manufacturers have been reluctant to automate material handling tasks that add little value because of the expense and trouble involved in building production lines. To address these concerns and bring down this barrier, Epson launched the affordable and easy to install T-series robots. Perfect for automating simple tasks, these robots let users save space and offer less maintenance work which minimizes downtime. It comes with a built-in controller and battery-less motors which makes it environmental-friendly.

The T-series of robots can be used for automation of loading and unloading test machines and other simple processes that relied on people.

Lastly, the LS3 robots provide high performance at an affordable cost. Engineered for maximum usability and a low total cost of ownership (TCO), the entry-level 6-axis LS3 robots can handle a maximum payload of 3 kg with an arm length of 400 mm.

Among the many possible uses for this robot include mechanical or electrical assembly, pick and place, kitting and dispensing, among others. “Many manufacturers including SMEs are reluctant to embark on the automation journey as they are concerned on the effort and investment required to build production lines. Our precision robots bring fast and easy integration to factories and small plants with minimal design change to the current line layout, while dramatically enhancing productivity.

The T-series are easy to install and affordable for businesses,� said Ng Ngee Khiang, regional director for Visual Products & a Robotics Solutions, Epson Singapore.

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Pru Life UK advocates mobile tech to revolutionize health sector

Pru Life UK looks into using mobile technology such as artificial intelligence-powered applications in easing access to health services.(L-R): Pru Life UK senior vice president and chief customer marketing officer Allan Tumbaga, Pru Life UK senior vice president and chief legal officer Atty. Emeren Vallente, Pru Life UK executive vice president and chief financial officer Francis Ortega, Prudential Corporation Asia chief health officer Andrew Wong, Pru Life UK president and chief executive officer Antonio “Jumbing” De Rosas, Quisumbing Torres partner Atty. Charles Veloso, and event host and health enthusiast Gretchen Ho.

A new independent study conducted by a top Philippine law firm commissioned by British life insurer Pru Life UK calls for government agencies to consider regulatory changes in the health sector to encourage broader use of mobile health technologies in the Philippines. The commissioned study is part of Pru Life UK’s commitment in promoting health and wellness among Filipinos through innovations.

Authored by advisory firm Quisumbing Torres, the pioneering white paper titled Mobile Digital Health in the Philippines examines the readiness of the country’s regulatory framework to support mHealth, and proposes solutions on how to integrate mHealth as part of the current reforms in healthcare in the Philippines.

“With unequal access and high cost of health care, high out-of-pocket spending, and prevalence of chronic conditions, we see that health care is a significant concern in the Philippines. We, however, see an opportunity for the country to leverage mHealth technologies to make health accessible and affordable to all,” says Prudential Corporation Asia chief health officer Andrew Wong.

Today, mHealth applications are adopted by 83 percent of physicians in the United States and have begun to revolutionize the health practice in Southeast Asia. Offering accessible health care through mobile devices, patients seeking medical assistance can access services such as booking

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online consultations with professionals, receiving electronic prescriptions and more. This innovative, artificial intelligence-powered solution empowers people with a preventive health management approach.

However, mHealth still faces barriers to entry in the country. The whitepaper identifies these challenges as the lack of clarity on the categorization of certain aspects of mHealth that may be subject to nationality restrictions; regulations on the practice of profession, valueadded services, medical devices, and online sale of medicines; consumer protection, intellectual property; and data privacy issues. Conversely, the recommendations listed in the whitepaper are summarized below: • Formulate rules and regulations that will set concrete and practical tests to determine whether the operator or provider of mHealth platforms or applications is doing business in the Philippines • Clarify foreign equity restrictions to ensure that mHealth operators would not be deemed as engaging in mass media, advertising, or providing value-added services • Introduce clear guidelines that will allow mobile consultation with medical professionals and online dispensing and selling of medicines • Issue a unified and harmonized set of regulations providing for the guidelines for digital health in general and mHealth platforms

and applications in particular • Issue specific privacy guidelines covering the organizational, physical, system, and technical aspects of mHealth applications to reduce their risk of unauthorized use, processing, or access of personal data; • Offer tax and other incentives for mHealth operators to introduce the innovation in the Philippines; and • Integrate the data gathered and processed by mHealth applications into the health information system mandated under the Universal Health Care Act. As a company that actively promotes health and wellness, Pru Life UK sees mHealth playing an integral role in the development of the country’s healthcare system. The launch of this whitepaper also considers the timing of the ongoing legislative work on proposed eHealth measures. The health committee at the House of Representatives recently formed a technical working group tasked to consolidate several initiatives filed to develop the country’s electronic system and services.

“We at Pru Life UK are eager to take proactive steps to work with the public and private sectors to see this through. We realize and embrace the role we can play in helping the government achieve its health goals and in implementing the Universal Health Care Law. It also aligns with our We DO Health commitment,” says Pru Life UK president and CEO Antonio “Jumbing” de Rosas.

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Smart announces search for best student-developed data analytics innovation In line with its initiative to lead the Philippines’ digital transformation into a smart nation through the development of innovative applications, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is once again inviting students from tertiary schools nationwide to join the Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program (SWEEP) Innovation and Excellence Awards.

Now on its 16th run, this year’s competition carries the theme #DrivenByData: Data Analytics In Action.

Smart is looking for innovative solutions where data analytics is applied to help address real-life problems.

Considered as the “modern oil” of different industries, data analytics involves the collection and processing of data to aid decision-makers in creating businesses, minimizing costs, improving service and productivity, and boosting revenues.

SWEEP 16 is open to students who are currently enrolled in Information Technology, Electronics and Communications Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, and other related courses. With a maximum of five members, team composition is highly suggested to represent various disciplines of Engineering, IT, Business, and Marketing, as the entry should have a supporting business plan.

The winning team of the 16th SWEEP Awards will get PHP 300,000. The second and third placers will receive PHP 200,000 and PHP 100,000, respectively.

Smart will provide merit awards for all finalists who enter the Top 10.

To join, teams need to prepare a video pitch and upload it at www.smartsweep.ph. The full mechanics can also be found on this site, which will accept video submissions until January 10, 2020 only.

The top 20 shortlisted teams will be gathered for a 2-day boot camp with mentors and subject matter experts on March 2020. From this shortlist, 10 of the best data analytics innovations will be part of the final judging and awarding on May 2020.

The SWEEP Awards was launched in 2004 to provide college students with the platform to develop innovative applications that solve consumer pain points. The annual event is a component of SWEEP, an internationallyrecognized program under which Smart partners with the academe to raise the standards of engineering and IT education in the country.

For more information on SWEEP, please visit https://www.facebook.com/sweepschools or send an email to LearnSmart@smart.com.ph.

Lalamove partners with Gawad Kalinga to fight malnutrition in the Philippines Providing a sustainable solution towards solving malnutrition in the Philippines, Lalamove partners with Gawad Kalinga in launching Hatid Kusina, Hatid Kalinga.

It has always been Lalamove’s pursuit to help communities through delivery. Now as Lalamove celebrates its 3rd anniversary, they hope to create more impact through this project that will provide a community kitchen for the kids of Talipapa, Quezon City. Hatid Kusina, Hatid Kalinga provides daily nutritious lunch meals to children from public schools, streets, and conflict areas in addition to their 12 existing Kusinas ng Kalinga all over the country.

By frequently using Lalamove’s services, customers can take part in the construction and development of the new Kusina ng Kalinga.

To know more about the project, visit lalamove. com/hatidkusinahatidkalinga.

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Gawad Kalinga executive director Luis Oquineña, and Lalamove Philippines managing director Dannah Majarocon partners up to build a Kusina ng Kalinga in Quezon City with the help of Globe’s Channel Strategy–Business Development team

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Sophos launches Managed Threat Response Service

The global leader in network and endpoint security, Sophos, recently released a fully managed threat hunting, detection and response service. The re-sellable service provides organizations with a dedicated 24/7 security team to neutralize the most sophisticated and complex threats.

Built on Intercept X Advanced with endpoint detection and response (EDR), the Sophos Managed Threat Response Service (MTR) combines machine learning with expert analysis for improved threat hunting and detection, deeper investigation of alerts, and targeted actions to eliminate threats. These innovative features are based on Sophos’ acquisitions of Rook Security and DarkBytes technology. These include: •

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Expert-led threat hunting: The Sophos MTR anticipates the attacker’s behavior.

It proactively hunts for and validate potential threats and incidents, as well as investigate adjacent events to discover new threats that previously couldn’t be detected.

Advanced adversarial detection: It uses proven investigation techniques to differentiate legitimate behavior from the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by attackers. Coupled with enhanced telemetry from Sophos Central,

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which provides a detailed, full picture of adversary activities, the scope, and severity of threats can be determined for rapid response.

assets, vulnerabilities for better-informed impact assessments, and threat hunts.

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Machine-accelerated human response: A highly trained team of world-class experts confirm threats and takes action to remotely disrupt, contain, and neutralize threats with accuracy.

Customizable with different service tiers and response modes, the Sophos MTR meet the unique and evolving needs of organizations of all sizes and maturity levels. It rapidly escalates and takes action against threats based on an organization’s preferences.

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Asset discovery and prescriptive security health guidance: The software valuable insights into managed and unmanaged

The Sophos MTR is now available from registered Sophos partners worldwide. For more information, visit https://sophos.com.

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Cisco KONEKTADO innovates local disaster approach

Government units are perpetually in a race against time to collaborate and keep their constituents safe, prevent loss of life, and lessen economic casualties amid increasing vulnerabilities like earthquakes, typhoons, flooding, water scarcity, and extreme heat.

While communication technology has long innovated the country’s current plan for response during disasters, digitization possesses greater potential to play a bigger role in supporting the country’s local disaster approach as a whole, according to Cisco Philippines.

“The way we address emergencies has benefitted from technology’s development to help save lives when disaster strikes, like we’ve seen in the use of social media to help disseminate critical information during calamities,” said Karrie Ilagan, Cisco Philippines managing director. “But technology’s potential can now be further harnessed to help shift reactive disaster response to one anchored on prevention through the creation of a more robust disaster plan before it’s too late.”

In 2013, Cisco deployed its disaster response team, TacOps, to respond to the aftermath of super typhoon Yolanda.

Having experienced critical challenges on coordination, communication, and collaboration, the IT giant developed the Rapid Response Kit (RRK), a portable and easy-to-use network and device designed to be the first line of communication for first responders. The RRK’s first deployment was in 2014 and has since been used in many disaster and crisis situations all over the world.

Years later and with disaster mitigation still high on the agenda, Cisco has put together

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a new solution that can aid all four stages of the country’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation (DRRM) plan.

quickens strategic planning sessions by improving information sharing between parties for intelgathering and up-to-the-minute updates.

“In 2013 and the years that followed, we focused on communication technology that could help expedite response to and recovery from disasters. While these are important stages on disaster management, Cisco is shifting its focus to developing a solution that will help Local Government Units (LGUs) be more proactive, addressing challenges before disaster strikes, saving more lives and preserving the economy through Prevention and Mitigation as well as Preparedness,” said Ilagan.

Another important component of Cisco KONEKTADO is its capability to establish networks when infrastructure is down—a vital necessity during calamities in disaster-stricken municipalities.

Cisco KONEKTADO provides a resilient, lightweight “network in a box” that can facilitate better coordination for search, rescue, and retrieval capacities to areas with no cellular signal or internet. “

Technology as a lifeline Cisco’s local office developed its Cisco KONEKTADO solution specifically for disaster-prone LGUs chronically exposed to risks due to natural calamities.

Cisco KONEKTADO has several disaster-resilient components that allows faster communication and collaboration between LGUs. The all-in-one connectivity, communications, and collaboration solution can be used to establish or strengthen connections between these high-risk LGUs and their respective municipalities, as well as with national government bodies that oversee disaster preparation and response like the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation Council.

The solution allows stakeholders all over the country to communicate via video even in areas where communication infrastructure may be lacking or has yet to be developed. This feature can strengthen the first half of DRRM—Prevention and Mitigation, and Preparedness. Through its “video in a box” functionalities, risk-prone LGUs can facilitate trainings and shorten critical meetings with their stakeholders by video conferencing. This also

The solution was built with components that are easy to scale as Cisco’s experience during Yolanda underlined mobility was key when it came to disaster response,” said Ilagan. “Cisco KONEKTADO is capable of establishing a reliable network that can aid tactical deployments for immediate disaster response with little to no downtime.”

Further, the all-Cisco hardware and software suite was also built to be interoperable with legacy solutions each LGU might already have in place, reducing the need to overhaul well-functioning systems while innovating their local processes.

“Each high-functioning component of the solution is made to be easily installed, programmed, and used by non-technical people, eliminating the need for dedicated specialists and cutting down time for staging and deployment when action is crucial,” added Ilagan. “And outside of disaster response, the suite can help increase productivity in any municipality’s day to day business as well.”

With the development of Cisco KONEKTADO, the IT and networking leader hopes to enrich the country’s disaster response by also planning to reach out to LGUs all over the country through roadshows set to help deepen their education as well as training on DRRM throughout the year.

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BITS & BYTES

Realme 5 and Realme 5 Pro now available in the Philippines

From left to right: realme Philippines Marketing lead Eason de Guzman, realme Philippines marketing director Austine Huang, Moonton e-Sports manager JingJie Lin, Home Credit chief IT and operations officer Petr Brunclik, realme Philippines CEO Neil Zou, Qualcomm Philippines country manager Go Thih Liang, realme Philippines COO Jacky Chen and realme Philippines community manager Anthony So during the launch of the realme 5 series

The newest smartphone brand in the local market, realme, recently shared that it will bring the much-awaited realme 5 and realme 5 Pro to the Philippines.

The realme 5 devices are the first smartphones from the brand to have a quad camera setup which are composed of an ultra-wide-angle lens, main camera, portrait lens, and ultra-macro lens to elevate mobile photography experience.

Coming in with features and specs unparalleled in its price segment, the Realme 5 Pro is equipped with a Snapdragon 712 AIE processor which improves gaming, camera, and battery performance. Like most flagship phones, it adopts a 48 MP Sony IMX586 as its main camera sensor, along with an 8 MP 119-degree ultra-wide-angle lens, a 2 MP portrait lens, and a 2 MP ultra-macro lens. To provide a more immersive, wider, and clearer display, the realme 5 Pro features a 6.3-inch FHD+ screen with a dewdrop design. It also has a 16 MP front camera and supports fast charging through 20W VOOC 3.0 Technology. It comes in two variants: 4 GB RAM+128 GB storage and 8

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GB RAM+128 GB storage, and is available in crystal green and sparkling blue colors.

RAM + 64 GB internal memory, and 6 GB RAM + 128 GB internal memory.

Its sibling, the realme 5, is powered with the Snapdragon 665 processor that provides highly intelligent smartphone performance for mobile gaming, camera, and security. It comes with a bigger 6.5-inch HD+ mini-drop full-screen display that allows users to enjoy an immersive smartphone experience for gaming and video streaming.

Upgrading mobile photography in the mid-range segment, the phone features a 12 MP quad-camera setup for clearer and brighter pictures. Alongside the main sensor are the 8 MP 119-degree ultrawide-angle lens for landscapes and other distant scenes, an ultra-macro lens for capturing subjects in closer distances, and a portrait lens. It has a 13 MP AI-enabled front camera packed with beauty algorithms to optimize selfies. The realme 5 can also record slow-motion videos in 240fps and 720p.

When it comes to battery life, the realme 5 has a massive 5,000 mAh battery that can last even with extended hours of usage. Available in crystal blue and crystal purple, the realme 5 comes in three variants: a 3 GB RAM+ 32 GB internal memory, 4 GB

Both phones feature Nightscape mode and Chroma Boost that shoots more detailed and vibrant images even in extremely low-lit scenarios.

Set to disrupt the sub-P15k price segment, the two variants of the realme 5 Pro are priced at PHP 11,990 and PHP 13,990.

The three variants of the realme 5 meanwhile, retail for PHP 6,990, PHP 7,990, and PHP 9,900, respectively. It is now available on all realme kiosks nationwide. However, the 3 GB RAM + 32GB internal memory variant of the realme 5 will be exclusively available on Lazada.

Both devices may also be availed through a Home Credit plan. The 8 GB RAM and 128GB storage variant of the realme 5 Pro can be purchased through a 6- or 9-month, 0 percent interest plan while the other storage variants of the realme 5 Pro and realme 5 may also be availed through a 6-month plan at 0 percent interest.

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Sharp Philippines marks its 9 millionth washing machine production Sharp Philippines Corporation (SPC), one of the global leaders in home appliances, recently celebrated another milestone. The brand recently marked its 9 millionth washing machine since it first started manufacturing in 1987.

Its portfolio stretches from twin-tub to fullyautomated washers and dryers, all of which are powered by Japan Technology, to make every consumer’s life more convenient and comfortable.

To mark the occassion, Sharp donated washing machine units to nine orphanages and evacuation centers in nine barangays in Muntinlupa. Present at the ceremony is Sharp Philippines Corporation president and general manager Mr. Kazuo Kito and executive vice president of Sales Mr. Emmanuel Valencia, as well as local officials of Muntinlupa headed by Vice Mayor Artemio Simundac.

Sharp continues to provide quality home electronics products to Filipinos. Reader’s Digest Asia’s Trusted Brand 2019 Awards recently recognized Sharp with the Ultimate Seal of Consumer Approval as one of the Most Trusted Brands for Household Products for the washing machine category.

Revolutionary products Sharp has constantly evolved amidst the ever-changing demands and unpredictable market competition. With continuous efforts, the brand develops products that perfectly suits both the needs and wants of consumers.

Sharp as Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand

The Reader’s Digest Asia Trusted Brands has established a solid reputation as the premier consumer-based survey in Asia, providing a credible and reliable reference for consumers throughout the region. With that said, Sharp Philippines is truly honored to receive this recognition and remains genuinely thankful to everyone who trusted their brand and voted in this category.

Future Plans Sharp stays at the top washing machine brand by expanding its local product line. Before the year ends, the company is set to release six new models of local, fully-automated washing machines under the Ultrawash series. Consumers should expect a number of promotions and giveaways for the remaining months of the year.

The Honor 9X is coming to the Philippines

Honor Mobile has announced the arrival of Honor 9X in the local market.

triple rear cameras paired with a 16 MP pop-up front shooter.

The 2019 iteration of the brand’s mid-ranger is set to deliver an all-around, extraordinary user experience. It showcases flagship-like features in photography, thanks to its 48 MP ultra-wide

The brand also confirms that the Honor 9X is equipped with GPU Turbo 3.0 technology to optimize gaming performance and graphics without affecting the phone’s battery consumption.

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Details for pre-order of the Honor 9X are yet to be announced but customers may get their first dibs on the smartphone at Honor concept stores and kiosks nationwide starting November 30, 2019.

For more updates about Honor, stay tuned to its official website, Facebook, and Instagram pages. www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

UPMG holds 4th Print Media Congress

UMPG names the Top 5 Media Agencies for 2019. They were New Directions, OMD Philippines, PHD Media Network, Starcom, and The Huddle Room. Among the Top 5 advertisers were Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation, Nissan Philippines Inc., Toyota Motor Phils. Corp, SM Prime Holding Inc., and SM Supermarket.

UPMG board of directors and officers with Hon. Mayor Isko Moreno of Manila City.

The United Print Media Group (UPMG), recently held the fourth Print Media Congress (PrintCon2019). This year’s theme is “Printegrity” which highlighted the importance of integrity, credibility, and reliability of print media.

Spearheading this year’s lineup of speakers was former Bangkok Post editor-in-chief and Asia Pacific Committee of the World Association of Newspapers chairman Picha Cheunsuksawadi who discussed “Innovation in News Media: Transformation and new Business Models.” It was followed by a panel discussion on “Reimagining the Business News” moderated by Roby Alampay, the editor-in-chief of Businessworld. The panel included Philippine Daily Inquirer CEO Alexandria Prieto Romualdez, Congressman Martin

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Romualdez, and Adobo Magazine president and editor-in-chief Angel Guerrero.

In the afternoon, managing director of Kantar Media Phils. Jay Bautista presented the latest study commissioned by UPMG on news consumer behavior followed by another panel discussion moderated by Malaya Business Insight business editor James Calapati. Sales & Marketing executives Lucien Dy Tioco of the Philippine Star, Richard Alarcon of Manila Bulletin, and Joyce Panares of Manila Standard joined the discussion as well.

The last session featured various heads of advertising industry associations that talked about “Building Collaborations and Partnerships for a Sustainable Future for Print”. It featured president of Philippine Association of National Advertisers Chito Maniago, Internet & Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines’ Dennis Perez, Advertising Standards Council’s Alex Syfu, Media Suppliers Association of the Philippines’s Donald Lim, and Association of Accredited Advertising Association of the Philippines’ Teeny Gonzales.

Also present at the conference is Hon. Mayor Isko Moreno who spoke on “Leadership through Transparency and Integrity.”

The conference also recognized agencies and advertisers which express strong support to the print media industry will be presented.

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Canon Philippines holds Photomarathon 2019 Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc. recently held its annual Canon Photomarathon at the Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay.

With the theme Sipat Pilipinas, this year’s Photomarathon aimed to inspire and encourage contestants to look and see beyond the ordinary; and enable them to capture visuals from their own unique perspective.

“Year on year, we notice how the interest in photography is increasing, thus the call for us to create more avenues wherein people of all ages can explore their passion in photography.

This year’s theme is all about looking beyond the ordinary, which we believe would be a creative way to challenge our participants, put them to the test, to produce the best photographs they didn’t know they could achieve,” said Kazuhiro Ozawa, President and CEO, Canon Marketing (Philippines) Inc. For this year, Canon has also brought back a special category for students, to further immerse the younger generations in photography

and hone their skills. Once again, Canon welcomed photography students, amateurs, and professionals alike who took part in challenges that test both creativity and endurance in producing masterful photos. Contestants needed to explore beyond their box with the on-the-spot theme announcements and the pressure of a time limit.

Apart from the actual photography contest, Canon also conducted workshops simultaneously to further hone the skills of those present. These workshops included Vlogging 101 and Self-branding and Standing Out. Canon also conducted workshops and a mini version of the Photomarathon for families and kids to further the culture of photography in the country.

The Photomarathon Grandwinner will represent the country in the Canon Photomarathon Grand Championship in 2020 while runner-ups got to take home canon gears.

Started in 2003 in Singapore, the Canon Photomarathon quickly spread across Asia. Winners from each country will compete in the annual Canon Photomarathon Grand Championships.

Bren Esports opens new HQ in Makati One of the largest esports organization in the country, Bren Esports, just opened their new headquarters in Makati.

The gaming facility is house at the Nexus Center along Millennium Avenue in Makati, and according to Bren Esports is currently the largest esports facility in the country.

The facility has everything an esports player needs such as training rooms, lodging, a theater/ entertainment room, and even a gym.

“First of all, everything that you see here is a collective effort of all our content creators, of all our players, of all our athletes,” said Jab Escutin, COO, Bren Esports.

The facility was made in partnership with Asus ROG, NOW corporation, PopTV, and XSplit. As part of the partnership, all of the computers and gaming gear were provided by Asus ROG, while the two-floor facility is running on NOW corporation’s Fiber Air. “So we our very blessed to the very first esports facility in the Philippines. Our vision right now is to professionalized our industry that lacks recognition. I mean we are getting a lot of traction right now, but I feel we can take it a step further. So with the help of our facility, we could help players that could not feel that this industry

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Bren Esports’ COO Jam Escudin during the launch of the organization’s new HQ

is a career for them feel that we can help them do that. So with all our players we will give them a platform to make them be the professionals they deserve to be,” Escutin said.

Located on the sixth and seventh floor of the Nexus Center, the facility has everything you want as an esports athlete.

On the first floor of the facility is the main reception area, the pantry, the dorm rooms, showers, and the theater/ entertainment room.

On the second floor are the training rooms, mini-studio, content creators’ rooms, the admin office, and the classroom/ seminar rooms.

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Bren Esports and CX Blanc win big at 2019 Taiwan Excellence eSports Cup

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The 2019 Taiwan Excellence eSports Cup kicked off on a high note on October 4, Friday, at the SM City North EDSA The Block Atrium in Quezon City. The three-day event, which highlighted top gaming products from Taiwan PC brands, Counter Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and League of Legends (LoL) tournaments, and a cosplay competition drew crowds of eSports fans, gaming enthusiasts as well as media guests and VIPs. Hosted by athlete, TV personality, and avid gamer Eric “Eruption” Tai, the thrilling event opened its first day with an energetic dance number from Upeepz Dance Crew followed by opening remarks from Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) Director Mr. Wen Chun-Chang and Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) Director Mr. Clement Chen, who both emphasized the importance of the Taiwan ICT industry’s support for the local eSports community. As the Philippines continues to grow into a viable gaming and eSports market, the introduction of the most advanced technologies and powerful gaming devices from Taiwan can help boost the gameplay of aspiring Filipino eSports athletes.

Also gracing the grand opening ceremony is actress and celebrity cosplayer Myrtle Sarrosa, who got first dibs in experiencing the products on display at the free-for-all brand booths. Among the devices she got to try were Asus Republic of Gamers’ ROG Zephyrus S (the world’s lightest and thinnest gaming laptop), the Gigabyte Z390 Aorus

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WaterForce Xtreme motherboard, Aorus memory cards and video cards, AVerMedia’s plug-and-play AM310 USB microphone and Live Streamer Cam 313, InWin’s WINBOT Limited Edition Transparent Spherical case, Kingmax Semiconductor, memory cards and external portable SSDs from Transcend and T Force, Zyxel’s tri-band Wi-Fi system, and peripherals from XPG, Zadak, and G.Skill.

The product experience zone also included ten units of gaming desktops that were made available for guests to use in playing games such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and League of Legends. Fans also had the chance to take photos with cosplayers dressed as their favorite game characters and jammed with pop rock band GraceNote, which added excitement to the three-day festivities.

The intense CS:GO battle on October 4 and the LoL games on October 5 were also witnessed by eSports fanatics all over the world via live streaming on the Taiwan Excellence Facebook page. Day 1 was hosted by shoutcasters Nomadph and Ilustrado, and Day 2 by G10 and Een Mercado. Celebrity cosplayer and gamer Ashley Gosiengfiao also made an appearance on October 5 to meet with her fans.

Bren Esports dominated the CS:GO tournament and won the grand prize of P56,000 in cash.

Each team member also took home an Asus ROG Delta Headset, ROG Collection Shirt, ROG Armor

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Suite Backpack, and P2,000 worth of Sodexo Gift Certificates. In a short speech, the captain of Bren Esports expressed the team’s collective sentiment about their victory, “We’re very happy about winning. I think we deserve this because we worked hard for this.”

Aside from these prizes, Bren Esports also has the honor of representing the country in an upcoming CS:GO friendly match against Taiwan Excellence eSports Cup winners from Malaysia, Thailand, India, and Taiwan. “We’re going to practice more in preparation for our upcoming matches abroad,” promises Bren Esports.

Meanwhile, CX Blanc took home the grand prize of P56,000 for the LoL tournament. Each team member also received an Asus ROG Delta Headset, ROG Collection Shirt, ROG Armor Suite Backpack, and P2,000 worth for Sodexo Gift Certificates from Taiwan Excellence.

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RELIC

Words by Jose Alvarez

Go underneath the hood of your computer (or any laptop or smartphone) and you’ll encounter a programming language.

Some of these programming languages include C++ (the most widely recognized programming language), JavaScript, HTML, Python, Ruby/Ruby on Rails, and more. Where did all programming languages begin? The answer is the Beginner’s All-Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code, better known as BASIC. BASIC is the brainchild of John G. Kemeny and Thomas E. Kurtz, two mathematicians who tried to simplify the use of the computer. Kemeny said, “Our vision was that every student on campus should have access to a computer, and any faculty member should be able to use a computer in the classroom whenever appropriate. It was as simple as that.”

They had developed previous programming languages without much success. The technology was also uncooperative: batch processing took too long. They also codeveloped the Dartmouth Time Sharing System

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(DTSS) which allowed multiple users to edit and run programs in BASIC. DTSS also had a single machine divide up its processing time among many users, which led to interest in developing a system that used DTSS and a new language for people outside of science and technology fields.

During BASIC’s invention in 1964, computers were only able to be used by scientists and other people who were trained in using technology.

Hewlett-Packard developed a series of computers for BASIC and DTSS from the 1960s to the 1980s.

Early computer games were programmed in BASIC as well. One of the graduate students that was on the BASIC implementation team was Mary Kenneth Keller, who was the first woman to earn a Ph.D. in computer science. Another interesting concept was making the compiler of BASIC free of charge, which made it open-source in nature, like today’s Linux operating system.

In the 1970s, many variants of BASIC came through, leading Kemeny and Kurtz’s version to be called Dartmouth BASIC. One of the most famous was Dennis Allison’s Tiny BASIC, which was a version of BASIC created for microcomputers.

Altair BASIC was developed by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in the same year, forming Microsoft. The first version of Altair BASIC was written by Gates and Allen themselves along with programmer Monte Davidoff, who was also a dorm mate of

Gates. The Apple II, which came out in 1977, used BASIC, as well as Commodore and the Atari 8-bit computers. The IBM PC and MS-DOS all utilized BASIC as well. However, by the late 1980s, users were already using pre-made applications that were made by other people, and the C language had replaced BASIC for app development.

Microsoft came out with Visual Basic in 1991, which was object-oriented and generally used for the macro language for Microsoft Excel.

It later found use for other custom business applications. Those who knew Visual Basic in the 1990s were considered skilled job seekers; Microsoft also created VBScript in 1996 and Visual Basic .NET in 2001, which retained syntax that reflected BASIC but had the same power as C# and Java. Kemeny and Kurtz created True BASIC in 1983, the direct successor to Dartmouth BASIC which they created almost 20 years earlier.

While we can talk about any invention that jump-started the digital age such as the integrated circuit or home computers such as the Apple II or Commodore 64, we have to remember what is under the hood of these basic computers. After all, beauty is said to be on the inside, and BASIC was the father of all programming languages we know today.

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