2023v23n8-Specialty Phones

SMARTPHONE TRANSMOGRIFICATION

Words by Gabriel Pe

TRANSMOGRIFICATION

Smartphones have changed the world as we know it. In just a decade, the smartphone has completely changed how we connect and interact with one another. With 5G and the upcoming 6G, smartphones will drive even faster connectivity and communication. The phone has become increasingly essential to financial transactions with the increasing adoption of e-wallets and online banking. Throughout the course of the smartphone’s continuous evolution, nothing has been as constant as the gradual improvement of performance and camera output.

Photo by Mantas Hesthaven and Onur Binay on Unsplash

How the smartphone got eyes

If we want to know the origins of the modern camera phone, we must go back two decades to when the first camera phones were introduced.

Phone cameras didn’t start as lenses; it was a technology to display and transmit images from another source (like a computer) to your phone. The first instance of this technology was the “Intellect” phone, a prototype made by Daniel A. Henderson in 1993. It had a monochrome screen (the “black and white” screens) that could display image and video files wirelessly

transmitted from a computer. Most of the tech used in those prototype units is still the backbone of the tech used today. In 1995, Apple made its own prototype in the form of the Apple videophone that could still only receive images.

It wasn’t until 1997 that an actual camera phone was devised when Philippe Kahn jerry-rigged his phone, a digital camera, and a laptop. Kahn wanted to capture and quickly share a photo of his newborn daughter. The contraption was able to send the digital photo by using the

laptop to communicate between the phone and the camera.

Kahn’s invention would be the father of the modern camera phone as Japanese phone makers Kyocera and Sharp used a similar concept to create the first commercial camera phones in 1999 (Kyocera VP-210) and 2000 (Sharp J-SH04). Kyocera’s design featured a front-facing camera, while Sharp would have the now standard rear-facing camera.

Another pioneer in the camera phone space was South Korean

“Intellect” Phone

Kyocera VP-210

phone maker Samsung with the SCH-V200, also released in 2000. Their SCH-X590, released in 2003, was one of the first to support both front and rear-facing cameras, thanks to a rotating camera module.

The two phones would open the floodgates propelling the smartphone camera innovations of the 2000s. By 2003, camera phones outsold regular standalone cameras. Of the many camera phones, two brands stood out from the rest, Nokia and Sony Ericsson. By 2005, Nokia would be the world’s most-sold digital camera despite being a phone manufacturer. By 2006, more than

half of phones worldwide were camera phones.

From thereon, camera phones would only get better as innovations in sensors, lenses, and video technology gave rise to larger megapixel counts, sharper images, and more efficient storage options, all while decreasing the form factor. When Android, iOS, and Windows phones gained popularity, industry players experimented with more camera-centric phones. The perfect example would be Samsung’s Galaxy S4 Zoom which was, in every sense, a “camera” more than a phone. There were also the Nokia Lumia 1020 and Pureview 808, two phones that flexed their 41-megapixel sensors,

some of the biggest sensors even by today’s standards.

Smartphones eventually gave rise to a new important feature in mobile photography, computational photography. Computational photography allows the smartphone to merge multiple images of different exposures to produce what the phone’s AI and software believe is the best outcome. Computational photography is possible due to the mind-boggling speeds modern smartphone processors possess. No phone comes close to producing great images with computational photography than Google’s Pixel phones and the latest iPhones, which at the time of writing is the iPhone 14.

Why a phone with a camera

When we look at the development of the camera phone, its primary objective hasn’t changed since Kahn’s days. It’s to share a moment with loved ones with just a simple press of a button. But what good would it be if the images you shared were just a bunch of pixels or smudged colors?

The development of camera-centric phones allowed us to quickly share some of our best moments. Through popular demand, the technology evolved and overtook the stand-alone digital camera (point-and-shoot system) as the most portable option for photography. Why

carry loads of lenses when you can have a single all-around device in your pocket?

That said, a smartphone camera still lacks the versatility of a mirrorless or a DSLR. There are also drawbacks to camera-centric phones, such as battery life limitations and overheating during long video recordings. Flagship camera phones that can rival DSLRlevel photography are also often offered at price points similar to a mirrorless or DSLR. However, in the hands of a professional, even more affordable camera phones can produce images that challenge DSLR photo quality.

How gaming shaped a phone

Gaming-centric smartphones have their roots in a different portable gaming device, Nintendo’s Gameboy. One of the highest-selling gaming consoles of all time, everyone wanted a Gameboy in the 2000s. When Nintendo announced its more portable Gameboy Advance, a phone manufacturer took note.

In 2003, Nokia introduced a phone which doubled as a gaming console, the Nokia N-Gage. The N-Gage resembled the Gameboy Advance in overall shape, with a D-pad on the left and phone buttons on the right. It had its own game cartridges, MMC memory cards you placed behind the phone’s battery.

Samsung also tried its hand with a gaming phone, the SPH-B5200. It was presented in March 2006, but no official release was made.

Another notable gaming phone was the Sony Xperia Play. Developed by Sony, the Xperia Play was meant to be the PlayStation phone with its sliding body revealing a button layout similar to the PlayStation Portable. It was able to play PlayStation One

games via an online store. At the same time, it was a decent Android smartphone. Unfortunately, mobile gaming wasn’t the same as console gaming, with Android apps and games becoming more popular than retro console games. The Xperia Play was a one-time thing, and Sony never followed up with another model.

The current gaming smartphone iteration was unveiled in 2018 when ASUS announced the ROG Phone, an ultra-powerful phone dedicated to gaming. The ROG Phone had it all — a flagship processor, massive memory and storage, charge separation, physical shoulder buttons, software that controls the internal hardware similar to a computer, and RGB. This was the gaming phone concept that would stick, the ROG Phone is now on its seventh iteration with no signs of stopping.

Later, other brands would try their own hand at gaming phones like ZTE with the Nubia RedMagic line, and Xiaomi with their Black Shark line. PC manufacturer Lenovo has also come out with their own Legion gaming phones.

Other regular phones are also being positioned as gaming smartphones, featuring specifications that include a powerful processor, fast RAM and memory, and long battery life.

Why get a gaming smartphone

A gaming smartphone is not for everyone. Mobile gaming, unlike PC gaming, is optimized for a variety of devices. More often than not, mobile games will run on just about any device as long as you adjust its settings. However, for the serious gamer or power user, a gaming smartphone has some special features that you might need, such as a flagship-grade processor or ultra-fast refresh rates. Having the fastest processor and the latest memory and storage standards give power users more multitasking capabilities. Charge separation and ultrafast charging are also desirable for gamers who want to grind all day.

Like the camera phone, a gaming phone also its own quirks. Most gaming phones lack outstanding cameras. Often, they are bulkier than standard phones. And finally, their powerful processor is also the hottest (literally) out there.

At the end of the day, finding a smartphone is more than what’s being marketed. It’s also finding out what you need and what you want as, after all, it will be your most used companion.

As a millennial, I have been fortunate enough to witness how phones have evolved over time. From the bulky bricks before the turn of the millennium to the sleek and sophisticated pocket rockets of today, our mobile devices have mostly followed the same general pattern of being thinner, lighter, faster, and smarter. However, not all phones conformed to this norm. Instead, some manufacturers created ones that for better or for worse stood out from the rest with their quirky features and aesthetics. Here are some of these phones which chose to buck the trend.

WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?

SOME OF THE MOST UNIQUE PHONES CREATED

Words by Chris Noel Hidalgo

Nokia 7600

Most phones are rectangular. The Nokia 7600 is not like most phones. In fact, it’s not even a square. Released in 2003, the 7600 had a teardrop shape with a face occupied by a 2-inch color screen flanked by a verticular column of number/letter keys on either side. Because of the interface, it was very awkward to use with one hand. Typing with two hands also wasn’t the best experience.

Nokia 7280

Released in 2004, this phone could very well be lost in any makeup bag. Looking like a tube of lipstick, it still managed to squeeze in a minuscule screen that doubled as a mirror when not in use, a charging jack, and a 3.5mm headset jack. However, because of the sheer lack of space, the 7280 does not come with a keypad. Instead, users had to navigate through the interface and input their messages one character at a time using a spinning disk akin to the iPod’s Click Wheel. Novel? Yes. Easy to use? Not at all.

Nokia really liked pushing the boundary of design back in the day. Hence, the inclusion of many of their phones in this list. I could probably make a list filled with just Nokia phones, but this is the last one for now

The 2003 Nokia N-Gage was marketed as the gaming phone. It looked like a handheld console along the lines of the Game Boy Advance and the Playstation Portable, though it only had a 2.1-inch screen. Just like the aforementioned consoles, you had to buy game cartridges for the N-Gage. While gaming was a joy on this phone, taking calls was not as the speakers and microphones were along the top edge of the device. As such, you had to orient the phone awkwardly, holding it up to your ear like a taco, to be able to hear and speak.

Siemens Xelibri 6

Continuing on the theme of makeupitems-turned-phones, the 2003 Siemens Xelibri 6 was a phone that looked like a powder compact. It had two mirrors: a normal one and one that magnifies to give finer visual coverage for better grooming. Even with the truly unique design, however, the phone did not resonate well with consumers.

The Modu Phone was one of the first modular devices that made it off the concept stage to full-blown commercial launch. Released in 2008, the main component was a lightweight affair with just the processor, battery, communications array, a minuscule 1.2-inch screen, and a navigation pad. Should you want a number pad and a camera, you need to pair it with other modular components. Novel and promising, yes, but the idea never really caught on and the company closed in 2011. Google paid a handsome amount to buy the Modu Phone patents, eventually paving the way for Project Ara, which has likewise been abandoned.

Modu Phone

YotaPhone 2

YotaPhone 2 unique and better than its predecessors is that it sported both a gorgeous 5-inch 1080p AMOLED display and a 4.7-inch e-ink touch display commonly found in standalone e-book readers. Want to watch full HD videos? You got it. Want to read a book without the eye strain from typical digital displays? Sure, go ahead. Want to enjoy Android but in glorious e-ink greyscale? With the YotaPhone 2, you can, though at undesirable framerates. Given its price tag and limited use cases, it was not a device meant for everyone. Perhaps something bigger along the lines of a tablet would have been a better conduit for such a technology combo.

LG GD910

Possibly one of the earliest “smartwatches,” the 2009 LG GD910 was a standalone phone you could wear on your wrist. Navigation and inputs are primarily done through the 1.4-inch touchscreen face. As you can imagine, trying to type in messages on a 1.4-inch surface isn’t the fastest way of doing things but it did get the job done. It also had all the other things you’d need to not carry any other phone with you—a speaker, camera, microphone, and 3G connectivity, to name a few. It was ahead of its time, and it had a price tag to match.

AI IN SMARTPHONES

Unbeknownst to us, we are already using Artificial Intelligence (AI) on our smartphones. This cuttingcutting-edge technology helps with language translation, battery life, networking, photography, a natural user interface, and security. With the help of AI, we have access to functions that make our smartphones essential devices that ease our daily lives.

Words by Alyssa Silva

SMART PHOTOGRAPHY

One of the most-used smartphone features is the camera, and AI makes mobile photography even better, allowing everyone to capture aesthetically pleasing photos. AI enhances every shot, thus helping us get the picture we want without sacrificing picture quality. But how does AI work in cameras?

The latest smartphones have a neural processing unit (NPU), a processor that optimizes performance for faster and more efficient functions. When taking photos, it can aid the camera by supporting smart features such as altering the light, focusing on the subject, composition, the rule of thirds, etc. With the help of AI, your smartphone camera can quickly adjust camera settings — in the few milliseconds that it takes from the time you activate the camera, point the lens, and click the shutter — to give you the best possible photo quality depending on various conditions.

VOICE ASSISTANTS

From the Iron Man movie series, fiction has turned into reality in the form of an AI function: the voice assistant. Voice assistants became popular when Apple introduced “Siri” in 2011. Since then, other AI assistants have been introduced such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung Bixby, DataBot, Hound, Xiao Ai, and many more.

A voice assistant is a piece of software that allows you to issue commands through your phone’s speakers. This enables the AI on your phone to detect its owner and perform the requests that it receives, which is also its function. There are mobile applications that link to some digital smart speakers, wearables, security cameras, and other products, turning the smartphone into a universal remote. With AI, your smartphone can help with obtaining various types of information, playing music, controlling other digital devices (like switching on/off house lights, changing TV channels, controlling curtains, and so on), monitoring bank accounts, organizing schedules, and improving home security.

Recognition and detection involve scanning locations with a camera and viewing various digital characters or information on a mobile device. Recognition can easily detect persons, objects, scenes, and visual features, whereas detection can not only identify but also locate an object in an image. All of these can now be performed through your smartphone camera.

For example, when we “scan” an object with our camera phone, using Google Lens’ AI capabilities and quickly give us more information and point us to online resources about that object/image. In games like Pokemon Go, Jurassic World Run!, Ingress Prime, Pikmin Bloom, Randonautica, and many more, mobile apps employ AI so gamers can interact with their environment.

RECOGNITION AND DETECTION AI CHIPSETS

When it comes to AI on your smartphone, hardware is crucial. AI chips are at the heart of all the latest smartphones. The iPhone is powered by its ultrafast A-series Bionic chipsets; Huawei relies on its Kirin chipsets; and Google has its Tensor chip for its new Pixel phones.

Smartphones with the most recent AI chipsets are equipped with integrated graphics-GPUs connected with CPUs, capable of handling heavy-lifting visuals so the main processor can recharge or perform other tasks. If your smartphone has an advanced chipset, then it is likely compatible with playing heavy games such as Hoyoverse, Unity, Gravity Game Hub, and even virtual and augmented reality games that you can interact with.

Similarly, advanced chipsets also optimize your smartphone camera’s performance, producing great photos/videos in all sorts of scenarios and even in extreme low light conditions, or allowing for high-resolution telephoto shots, as well as outstanding video footages.

Asus ExpertBook B5 | B5 Flip

ASUS PHILIPPINES expands its ASUS ExpertBook Series with the all-new ExpertBook B5 (B5602C), and ExpertBook B5 Flip (B5602F) laptops.

With the growing demand for hybrid work setup and business laptops in the Philippines, these new ExpertBook B5 series features up to 12th Gen Intel Core processor, with up to Intel Arc A350M discrete graphics, dual-fan cooling, AI-powered conferencing technology, and dual-SSD RAID support to meet the needs of the growing modern workflow in the country.

Weighing only 1.4kg, The ExpertBook B5 and B5 Flip are crafted with magnesium-aluminum alloy and pure aluminum to create a classy, premium design. The 16-inch display and 16:10 aspect ratio are perfect for multitasking because they will provide users with a larger visual workspace as compared to the standard 16:9 screen in the market.

The new ExpertBook B5 and B5 Flip are designed to last a day with their all-day battery life to ensure an efficient and stressfree remote work experience. On-the-go Filipino professionals will no longer worry if there are no available charging stations because of the battery life of this device. The B5 Flip also supports fast-charge technology that will charge the laptop up to 50 percent in just less than an hour.

As an additional feature, the ASUS ExpertBook B5 Flip has a 360° flippable screen and a garaged stylus for easier and faster content sharing, perfect for users who need to present from time to time.

For users looking for a better display, these two new ExpertBook series laptops have an OLED option, ExpertBook B5 OLED (B5602C OLED) and B5 Flip OLED (B5602F OLED). ASUS OLED laptops let you enjoy an incredible viewing experience at home, work, or traveling. It is also less harmful to the eyes because it produces 70 percent less blue light

Laptop

For businesses dealing with data security, the ASUS ExpertBook B5 and B5 Flip have Intel vPro support, a built-in fingerprint sensor, and TPM 2.0 chip to protect the laptop’s data. It also includes a physical webcam shield for instant privacy and an integrated Kensington Nano lock slot to easily secure the data.

Lastly, to ensure no workflow hiccups, the ExpertBook B5 and B5 Flip are equipped with up to Intel Arc A350M discrete graphics that deliver a quiet, cool, and powerful performance that minimizes the noise of the laptop especially when running demanding tasks.

The Expertbook B5 and B5 Flip underwent a series of industry thresholds, including the ultra-demanding MIL-STD 810H US military standard. This ensures that both ExpertBook laptops

are built to survive extreme environments -- from freezing temperatures to the searing heat of desert storms and from high-speed shocks to everyday bumps. It also underwent rigorous in-house testing, including panel pressure, shock, and drop tests for an assurance of serious durability. Even the keyboard is engineered to resist everyday spills and splashes.

The all-new ExpertBook B5 series laptops are also taking professional conferencing to the next level with ASUS-exclusive AI-powered technologies. Both laptops have a two-way AI-powered noise-canceling technology and an AI-driven camera. The latest enhancement enables users to customize the microphone, allowing the ASUS ExpertBook B5 and B5 Flip to adapt however best suits the location. On-the-go professionals will no longer have to worry because joining a video conference in a crowded place will no longer be a nuisance.

Meanwhile, the AI-powered camera ensures excellent video quality for every virtual meeting. The motion-tracking technology automatically keeps the user’s face centered. It adjusts the focus to their eyes – eliminating the annoyance of adjusting the camera mid-chat. With its ability to automatically enhance image quality and brightness, the AI camera is perfect for working anywhere, anytime.

The ASUS ExpertBook B5 and ASUS ExpertBook B5 Flip are truly modern business marvels. With its improved and new features, the future of working remotely is promising to every Filipino professional.

Acer Swift X 16

THE NEW ACER SWIFT X 16 showcases a precise and well-crafted design with a long front recess for easy access, with its hinges and air vents neatly concealed under its aluminum surface. The newly designed thinand-light laptop weighs just 1.9kg in a sleek 17.9mm chassis to provide a more confident look and feel. Its smooth touchpad comes with 33% more scrolling space as compared to its previous model, flaunting the largest touchpad among Acer’s current laptop products.

Users will be left amazed by the sensational colors and visuals offered by the option for a 16-inch 3.2K OLED (3200 x 2000) panel which has VESA DisplayHDR TrueBlack 500 and TÜV Rheinland Eyesafe display certifications for comfortable viewing. Life-like images and color accuracy stand out with the OLED laptop’s 100% DCI-P3, brilliant 500 nits peak brightness, 120Hz refresh rate, and less than 0.2ms response time. These are further highlighted with thinner bezels and a larger 16:10 display compared to previous models for added screen real estate.

Designed to help designers and creators unleash their full potential, the Acer Swift X 16 is powered by up to the AMD Ryzen 9 7940H processor (up to 45W and 8 cores) and built-in AMD Radeon 780M graphics, combining high processor speeds and endurance to allow users to complete projects in record time. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 laptop GPUs highlight next-gen ray tracing, AI and AV1 video encoding hardware, with access to NVIDIA Studio Drivers and exclusive tools such as NVIDIA Omniverse, NVIDIA Broadcast, and NVIDIA Canvas, so users can elevate and fast-track their projects with support for some of the world’s most popular creative applications.

Assisting the powerful hardware, the creator laptop features redesigned interiors and thermal solutions for improved balance between thermal performance and battery life. Thanks to newly engineered thermal arrangements, the Swift X 16 comes with upgraded TwinAir cooling that boosts air intake by up to 36% from its larger fans and newly added turbo mode, and an air-inlet keyboard design

to help expel heat and maintain cool temperatures from within so users can get more out of their sessions when streaming, playing or creating.

The Acer Swift X 16 laptop is great for video conferencing, live streaming, and video blogging on its high-resolution 1080p FHD camera, which leverages Acer PurifiedView’s suite of AI features such as Background Blur, Automatic Framing, and Eye Contact technology. The added combination of Acer’s Temporal Noise Reduction (TNR) technology provides high-quality imagery even in lowlight conditions while Acer PurifiedVoice with AI noise reduction ensures voices are clearly heard when video calling or recording. It comes with up to 16GB of LPDDR5 memory, up to 2TB of PCIe Gen 4 SDD storage, and a MicroSD slot for added storage space when archiving creative designs. Users can also maximize two USB Type-C ports, HDMI 2.1 and Wi-Fi 6E for enhanced connectivity. The Windows 11 laptop supports Windows Hello via its fingerprint reader and Wake on Voice for more convenient and secure logins, while Cortana with Voice interactions functions as a personal productivity assistant for users.

Laptop

Acer Aspire Vero 15

THE NEW ACER SWIFT X 16 showcases a precise and well-crafted design with a long front recess for easy access, with its hinges and air vents neatly concealed under its aluminum surface. The newly designed thin-and-light laptop weighs just 1.9kg in a sleek 17.9mm chassis to provide a more confident look and feel. Its smooth touchpad comes with 33% more scrolling space as compared to its previous model, flaunting the largest touchpad among Acer’s current laptop products.

Users will be left amazed by the sensational colors and visuals offered by the option for a 16inch 3.2K OLED (3200 x 2000) panel

The Aspire Vero 15 (AV15-53P) combines an eco-conscious design and a range of performance features, catering to the needs of users who require a powerful and attractive-looking laptop. It sports a 15.6-inch Full HD Display, 16:9 aspect ratio, and 100% sRGB to fulfill users’ taskrelated and entertainment needs within a larger screen space. Powered by up to 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processors with Intel Iris X graphics, the Windows 11 laptop helps users maximize productivity whether they are working, creating, or playing and delivers on the requirements of an Intel Evo laptop to achieve key experience targets such as real-world, fast-charging battery life, responsiveness, instant wake, and intelligent collaboration.

The Aspire Vero 15 also comes with a 1440p QHD camera which includes Acer PurifiedView and PurifiedVoice with AI Noise Reduction technology for enhanced conference calls. For reliable and seamless connectivity, the laptop

comes with Wi-Fi 6E and presents a generous selection of ports including two Thunderbolt 4/USB Type-C, two USB3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports, HDMI 2.1, DC in, and an audio jack port keeping users connected and productive wherever they may be. It is also equipped with up to 16GB of on board LPDDR5 memory and two M.2 SSDs that support up to 1TB of storage.

In Acer’s quest to create a continuously positive impact on the environment, the Aspire Vero 15 was thoughtfully designed to incorporate more recycled materials and further minimize waste by increasing the device’s lifespan. Compared to the previous generation of eco-friendly laptops, the Aspire Vero 15 increased the percentage of PCR plastic used in the chassis from 30% to 40% and was successfully made with 30% fewer CO2 emissions in the production of the chassis material, while ensuring it could withstand everyday wear and tear. Its eye-catching chassis is paint-free and possesses less volatile organic compounds, while the keycaps and adapter casing use 50% PCR materials. Its smooth OceanGlass™ trackpad also incorporates recycled ocean-bound plastic.

With the intent to further extend the machine’s lifespan, the laptop uses standardized screws to simplify repairs and recycling at the product’s end-of-life. The laptop is shipped in multi-purpose recyclable packaging which is made from 100% recycled paper and up to 90% recycled cardboard, and can be reused as an ergonomic laptop stand. The integrated VeroSense™ management apps let users take control of the battery’s power consumption and lifespan with four performance modes to choose from.

Laptop

Acer Vero PL3510ATV

THE ACER VERO PL3510ATV projector combines advanced laser-light projection and high energy efficiency in a portable device. Equipped with Full HD resolution, a dynamic 4,800 ANSI lumens laser diode, and a contrast ratio of 50,000:1, it projects brilliant, crystal-clear images from long distances, even in bright indoor settings. Superior laser phosphor illumination technology allows it to present rich, accurate colors while providing eight times less lighting decay and consuming 48% less power as compared to traditional lamp-based projectors. The mercury-free projector also incorporates 50% PCR plastic in the chassis to reduce harm to the environment. Combined with a 30,000hour lifespan, these features help save on the total cost of ownership and reduce waste.

To maximize its versatility whether for work or home viewing, the Acer Vero PL3510ATV projector supports 2D keystone, and 4 corner correction technology which

automatically adjusts projection to any viewing surface to provide a distorted-free display, while its lens shift feature lets you navigate the lens without having to move the device at all. The Acer Vero PL3510ATV projector also supports 24/7 continuous projection, providing users with reliable and high-quality performance even for prolonged periods, and is IP5X rated to keep its components protected in any environment. The Acer Vero PL3510ATV not only features a 10W built-in speaker that delivers cinematic sounds and eliminates the need for external speakers, but it also supports an Audio Return function for enhanced audio quality. This allows users to link their favorite speakers to the projector, providing an immersive sound experience that complements the stunning visual display. Thanks to the included dongle that supports Android TV, the Acer Vero PL3510ATV boasts Chromecast compatibility for seamless video streaming and screen mirroring from compatible apps on the source.

Smart Projector

Acerpure Pro Vero

Air Purifier

THE ACERPURE PRO VERO air purifier is made with 100% recyclable materials and uses 35% PCR plastic in the chassis, which helps decrease 20% CO2 emissions during its production compared to using virgin plastic. It also uses water-based ink and recyclable packaging to further minimize its carbon footprint. Featuring a space-saving exterior, a clean, matte white finish, and an intuitive LED touch panel, the Acerpure Pro Vero’s simple yet modern design language makes it a standout within any home or office setup.

The newest air purifier is equipped with a PM2.5 air quality sensor to detect suspended particles indoors and is capable of automatically switching to the appropriate operating mode in real-time. The device also notifies users of the current air quality through three different light indicators (green/yellow/

red) and the “Green Mode” could efficiently self-adjust its purification power based on the surrounding conditions. Its DC motor allows for high performance with low energy consumption when in use and even on “Quiet Mode”, which operates with reduced noise and no lighting, allowing for improved sleeping conditions and air quality.

The Acerpure Pro Vero comes with an advanced 3-in-1 HEPA Filter, capable of isolating bacteria and 99.9% of suspended PM2.5 particles in the air. It also effectively filters out harmful gases and allergens through its 4-layer protection system. Tested by third-party laboratories, the activated carbon cotton-infused filter is further strengthened with an antiformaldehyde coating to remove 99% of formaldehyde and other harmful substances in the surrounding, keeping homes and indoor spaces always fresh and clean.

Epson SureColor SC-T3130X

EPSON, A WORLD LEADER in digital imaging and printing solutions, takes ideas to a bigger scale with its SureColor SC-T3130X printer, the first technical printer in the world with a CISS ink tank for continuous ink supply.

The PrecisionCore printhead technology enables remarkable print speeds that will print large-scale graphics in 34 seconds, without compromising on quality. The next generation of inkjet comes in the form of the PrecisionCore Micro TFP printhead, delivering Epson’s renowned, industry-leading output quality, reliability and accuracy. The Epson SureColor T-series produces extremely precise line detail, crisp text and true photographic-quality.

Powered by Epson’s Heat-Free Technology, the SC-T3130X consumes less power as it uses no heat in its ink ejection process. This energy-saving technology allows businesses and consumers make a difference by reducing their carbon footprint.

Despite its technical capabilities packing a punch, the SCT3130X also has one of the smallest footprints in its class. Sleek and minimally designed, but with a tested durable quality, the printer has a comfortable size that fits into tight

workspaces effortlessly—at just 970 x 245 x 577mm without the stand. The printer’s convenience is enhanced by the its ability to hold on to printouts until the user initiates cutting, preventing the printout from falling to the floor.

Connectivity is also a must, and Epson makes it easy and efficient. The SC-T3130X has a 4.3-inch touch panel for easier usability, as well as built-in connectivity features that support better workflow in today’s fast-paced environments. The printer is integrated with Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct, allowing users to print from smart devices anywhere in the office.

With a standard 2-year warranty of all its parts including its printhead, the SureColor SC-T3130X is engineered to bring a new level of convenience, connectivity, and cost-efficiency to printing.

Leveraging the Epson PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead for finer lines and exceptional details, the printer is targeted at professionals looking to increase their productivity and creativity. The SC-T3130X is ideal for architects, builders, design firms, educational institutions, and quick print shops (QPS) for CAD, 3D rendering, perspective drawings, technical, and poster printing requirements.

Large-format printer

Garmin Forerunner 965

THE FORERUNNER 965

titanium bezel, a 1.4-inch AMOLED display and an amazing battery life of up to 23 days on smartwatch mode. It currently holds the record for having the world’s longest battery life for a running watch with an AMOLED display.

Unique to the Forerunner 965, the watch comes equipped with the Stamina and Acute Chronic Workload Ration features to track and help users manage their physical exertion throughout a run, to prevent “bonking” by overexerting too early in a run and to determine overall training load metrics for proper training scheduling respectively.

This smartwatch is designed for marathon and triathlon enthusiasts who will benefit from features like Wrist-Based Running Dynamics, where users can access detailed metric through on-wrist running dynamics including stride length, vertical oscillation directly from the watch in real-time.

Synology BC500 | TC500

SYNOLOGY IS EXCITED to announce the release of the BC500 and TC500, versatile all-weather bullet and turret cameras for smart surveillance. The Synology BC500 and TC500 feature advanced AI capabilities, exceptional video quality, and seamless integration with the Surveillance Station video management system.

The BC500 and TC500 feature 5-megapixel sensors that record at 2880x1620 resolution at 30 frames per second (FPS) and have a 110° horizontal viewing angle, providing detailed, smooth video with wide area coverage. With an IP67 dust and water resistance rating, night vision range of up to 30 meters, and multi-exposure HDR capability,

both cameras are suitable for indoor and outdoor use alike. They allow users to monitor corridors and hallways, large open spaces like warehouses and parking lots, and diverse environments like museums at any time of the day.

The BC500 and TC500 are equipped with powerful oncamera AI capabilities that provide users with timely and accurate alerts, enabling faster incident response. Features including People and Vehicle Detection, Intrusion Detection, and Instant Search allow users to more reliably identify potential threats, quickly investigate areas of interest, and track down and retrieve relevant footage.

IP Camera

The BC500 and TC500 are designed to integrate seamlessly with Surveillance Station. All camera configuration and network settings can be managed directly within the Synology NAS-hosted environment. In addition, Synology cameras do not require purchase or activation of Surveillance Station device licenses, streamlining the setup process, enabling easy migration, and reducing deployment costs.

Synology’s new cameras boast failover edge storage, ensuring continuous recording in case of connectivity issues. Effortless firmware updates with configurable schedules help admins keep these cameras up-to-date with the latest security patches, while HTTPS and SRTP support ensure security and privacy through encryption of video and data streams.

The BC500 and TC500 are NDAA and TAA compliant, meaning that they meet the standards and security requirements for procurement by the US federal government and are a safe choice for surveillance installers and security systems integrators.

30m night vision

OnePlus 11 5G

Smartphone

PHP45,990

IN LINE WITH THIS growing demand for exceptional camera phones, OnePlus continues to revolutionize smartphone photography through its latest flagship phone, the OnePlus 11 5G, with its cutting-edge camera technology.

The OnePlus 11 5G boasts a Hasselblad system-based triple camera module, which includes a 50-megapixel IMX890 main camera, a 48-megapixel IMX581 ultra-wide camera, and a 32-megapixel IMX709 telephoto lens. With these advanced lenses, the OnePlus 11 5G can capture DSLRlevel quality photos and videos with exceptional clarity and detail, even in low-light conditions.

The Hasselblad camera system on the OnePlus 11 5G also includes Hasselblad’s Natural Color Calibration technology which ensures that the colors captured by the camera are accurate and true to life. Whether you’re taking photos of a beautiful sunset or recording a video of your child’s first steps, the OnePlus 11’s camera will deliver incredible results.

Aspiring photographers can also take advantage of the phone’s Portrait Mode, which helps users easily shoot images with almost DSLR-like depthtracking, natural bokeh, and light flare effects. Benchmarked against exacting Hasselblad optical standards to achieve portraits in perfection, the result simulates stunning professional

portraits captured by an actual Hasselblad camera fitted with XCD 30mm and 65mm lenses.

With its advanced camera features, large sensor and color accuracy, owning a OnePlus 11 5G will help you experience quality photography on your smartphone without the need to bring a digital camera.

IT comes in two colors, the calm Titan Black and the rousing Eternal Green.

– 8GB+128GB PHP49,990 – 16GB+256GB

Infinix Hot 30i

ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S hottest smartphone brands, Infinix recently launched its newest model, the Infinix HOT 30i. The budget-friendly phone has an elegant design with massive storage and other capabilities that make it a reliable phone for all your gaming, streaming, and browsing needs.

Whether you’re an avid mobile gamer or binge-watcher, the Infinix HOT 30i boasts up to 4GB RAM + 4 GB Memfusion (extended RAM) to ensure that you won’t experience any lags when opening apps. It’s also equipped with spacious 128GB ROM storage to save all your game files, photos, music, and more.

You’ll also need a big screen to get the most out of your games or social media feed. The Infinix HOT 30i has a 6.6” display that’s big enough to let you show off your gaming skills with the gang. Plus, the screen’s 90Hz refresh rate guarantees the smoothest-looking content.

A gaming and lifestyle phone needs serious power to stay on all day, and the Infinix HOT 30i has a 5000mAh battery with 18W Fast Charging. This ensures you have power all day, and you charge the phone faster wherever you go. Plus, even at a 5% battery level, the device can still stay on for two more hours by activating the Power Marathon feature.

These specs are ideal for gamers who often tune in to their favorite esports tournaments, like the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL), for hours on their phone. You’ll surely catch the big win without worrying about your battery draining out.

PHP4,299 Smartphone

Xiaomi 13 | 13 Pro

Smartphone

PHP44,999 – Xiaomi 13 (12GB+256GB)

PHP4,299

PHP4,299

PHP59,999 – Xiaoni 13 Pro (12GB+256GB)

POWERED WITH THe latest and most powerful combination on the Android platform (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 + LPDDR5X + UFS 4.0 and UFS 4.1), the Xiaomi 13 and 13 Pro smartphones deliver exceptional processing power and reliable performance that you can depend on.

The exceptional read and write speeds of UFS 4.0 storage on the Xiaomi 13 and UFS 4.1 storage on the 13 Pro, also give the ever-busy professional that cutting advantage. And with LPDDR5X RAM, one can easily switch between apps and work on multiple projects simultaneously without any lag time.

The latest MIUI 14 update on both devices also brings privacy controls, an upgraded AI assistant, and an array of other exciting features that make the smartphones faster, more productive, and enjoyable to use. With Floating Windows, for instance, users can multitask with ease, allowing for work to be done on multiple projects at the same time without missing a beat. New and cool visual treats, such as the Super Wallpaper, bring stunning

animated wallpapers to the phone’s screen, resulting in a refreshing user experience.

And if you are a professional who is always on the go, your phone running out of power is a real concern. The Xiaomi 13 boasts a battery capacity of 4,500mAh, while the Xiaomi 13 Pro takes it up a notch with a battery capacity of 4,820mAh. With the help of the Xiaomi Surge battery management system, the smartphone’s battery lasts longer while ensuring a faster and safer charging time.

The Google CarKey system is the Xiaomi 13 and 13 Pro’s ultimate lifestyle feature. Using Google CarKey, you can unlock your car’s doors and even start the engine using your smartphone. You can also share access to your car with friends and family members, using the system, to allow for more convenience.

Indeed, in today’s fast-paced world where speed and productivity are valued, the Xiaomi 13 and 13 Pro smartphones will keep you ahead of the game.

Philips Shaver Series 1000

The Philips Shaver Series 1000 features 27 self-sharpening blades that are precisionengineered for a consistently clean shave. For added convenience, three-directional floating heads adjust to the curves of your face – creating smooth contact with skin minus the pressure.

Philips Essential Straightener

Having smooth and shiny hair is easy with the Philips Essential Straightener. Ready to use in as little as 60 seconds, tourmaline ceramic plates effortlessly glide through hair, while the 100mm plate length allows for better contact with hair to achieve perfect straightening results in less time.

Philips Multigroom Series 3000

The Philips Multigroom Series 3000 is an all-in-one trimmer with eight tools that conveniently clip hair and style facial hair. Its self-sharpening steel blades are reinforced with iron and tempered for maximum strength. Capable of running up to 60 minutes from a single 16-hour charge, this handy solution also comes with a small storage pouch for easy organization and travel use.

Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean

4300

The Philips Sonicare line of electric toothbrushes help make teeth cleaner and whiter — leaving you with the feeling of having your teeth cleaned by a pro. The Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4300 features advanced sonic technology that pulses water between teeth. Brush strokes then break up and sweep away plaque for an exceptional daily clean. Beyond superior cleaning, microchip-enabled technology lets you know when you’re putting too much pressure, and when your brush heads need replacing.

Philips 3000 Series Hair Dryer

The Philips 3000 Series Hair Dryer comes packed with 1600W of drying power to create optimum levels of airflow for beautiful results every day. Among key features include the unique AirFlower ThermoProtect attachment that mixes warm and cool air, a slim nozzle for precision styling, and a foldable handle to allow for easy storage at home or even on the go.

TEST DRIVE:

NISSAN KICKS E-POWER

WORDS BY MARIBELLE ALBA

KICKS

The Nissan Kicks e-Power is billed as offering the best of both worlds, as it utilizes both gasoline and electricity to achieve excellent driving performance with outstanding fuel efficiency. An electric vehicle running on gasoline? How does it work?

DESIGN

A subcompact crossover SUV, the Nissan Kicks e-Power exudes a modern and sporty look with smooth lines flowing from the headlights to the taillights. From a frontal perspective, what stands out are the V-motion grille and boomerang-headlights. Its two-tone color scheme creates a floating roof illusion, for a distinctive silhouette. 5-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels complete the overall package. Except for the e-Power badge on the rear, it does not call attention to its ‘electric’ identity.

The interior trim level is not overly plush or luxurious. Materials and amenities were carefully balanced to offer comfort while keeping the vehicle affordable.

HARDWARE

At the heart of the Nissan Kicks is its e-Power unit which consists of the electric motor, an inverter, a lightweight battery, and a gas engine. The wheels are 100% electricity-driven. The gas engine is used to generate power and to charge the battery. The battery stores energy produced by the gas engine and from regenerative braking. The inverter converts DC power into AC power for the electric motor. As electric power is selfgenerated, there is no need to plug into an external power source.

The gasoline engine is a 1.2L 3-cylinder 12-valve DOHC engine that powers the electric drivetrain. Its electric motor pushes out 136ps of power and 280Nm of torque. A total of 96 lithium-ion batteries have a 213kWh capacity.

The transmission system is an automatic single-speed gear reduction, a concept that is novel to many Filipino motorists. Instead of the familiar gear ratios on manual/automatic transmissions, the

single-speed gear reduction consists of a set of rotating gears connected to a wheel work that lowers input speed to reduce output speed, all while maintaining output torque.

Except for the entry EL variant, the Kicks e-Power comes with Intelligent Mobility features such as an around view monitor with moving object detection (only on the

VL), forward collision warning, emergency braking, and driver attention alert.

On the VE and VL, the audio system is an 8-inch advanced touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity for calling and audiostreaming. It comes with the usual USB Type A port, a USB Type C port, an aux jack, plus a 12V power socket to charge devices.

USER EXPERIENCE

With regard to driving experience, the Kicks e-Power felt very much like the usual well-made Japanese vehicle that you would expect from Nissan. Starting up the car, you just need to activate the engine using the Push Start/Stop button. Getting the car into gear is different, as there is no gear shift. Instead, you will find in the center console an electronic gear selector that looks more like a remote control. At the top is the Park button and below are the Reverse, Neutral, and Drive modes (D for normal driving and B for brake mode when driving downhill). Once the car starts moving, you can forget about the drive modes unless you will be backing up.

As mentioned earlier, the Kicks e-Power’s transmission is an automatic single-speed gear reduction system. Translated into the driving experience, all it means is that the pressure on the accelerator pedal controls your speed. Speeding up and slowing down feels linear with no shifting sensation as the engine power feels constant.

Unless you monitor the instrument panel which displays the power source, you hardly notice whether the car is relying on the gas engine to generate power. Possibly the only time this becomes obvious is at a full stop and the aircon weakens.

Overall, the Kicks e-Power is fun to drive. It is nimble and responsive in all types of road conditions, and its intelligent mobility and safety features are confidence-inspiring. Plus, of course, there is the added halo effect of driving a more environmentfriendly vehicle.

VALUE

The Nissan Kicks is offered at three trim levels: the e-Power EL at PHP1,239,000; the e-Power VE at PHP1,339,000; and the top-tier e-Power VL at PHP1,539,000.

To protect the value of your investment, Nissan offers an extended warranty of 5 years or 150,000-kilometers, whichever comes first, on mechanical and electrical components including the e-Power unit (gas engine, lithium battery, electric motor,

inverter). A standard 3-year or 100,000km warranty covers body and paint, as well as accessories.

For those who would like to shift to electric vehicles but are still not quite sure about making the leap, the Nissan Kicks e-Power offers a safe transition that lets you benefit from driving an electric-powered vehicle but still with the assurance of a gas engine.

NEXT-GEN FORD TERRITORY

Ford Philippines is once again setting the benchmark for 5-seater SUVs in the Philippines with the official launch of the Next-Generation Ford Territory, a dynamically-designed and efficiently-engineered Ford SUV that follows the highest global quality standards.

Three years after the first-generation Ford Territory was introduced in the market in 2020 which sold more than 20,000 units, Ford Philippines brings in the latest generation of the highly-popular 5-seater SUV that boasts of a striking design, premium interiors, efficient performance, and smart technologies that are expected to resonate with Filipino customers — particularly first-time car buyers, young professionals, and small families.

Ford Philippines boosts its Territory portfolio with the addition of a premium variant – the Territory Titanium X. Both the Territory Titanium and Titanium X models come with a 5-year warranty or up to 150,000 km, whichever comes first.

Progressive Energy in Strength’ Design Philosophy

The Next-Gen Ford Territory was envisioned through Ford’s new ‘Progressive Energy in Strength’ design philosophy. It embodies three fundamental design principles: commanding, responsive, and smart.

One look at the Next-Gen Ford Territory’s exterior and the Ford DNA is immediately visible. The Territory’s front, comprised of an integrated honeycomb grille, signature daytime running lamps, and full LED headlights lowered towards the ground to expand lighting coverage, create a more powerful look.

From the front to the back, the Next-Gen Territory’s contemporary design language can be seen. The elements in the body and rear of the vehicle emphasize 3D floating graphics and represent a more youthful energy of the SUV.

The Next-Gen Territory also boasts 18-inch and 19-inch Alloy Wheels for Titanium and Titanium X, respectively. For an added premium feel, the Titanium X variant comes with a Panoramic Moonroof that bathes the cabin in natural light with just a press of a button.

Premium Craftsmanship Inside

The Next-Gen Ford Territory’s interior provides a convenient and sophisticated space that caters to a wide range of customer needs. The horizontal coastto-coast design evokes a connecting space in an embracing gesture, creating openness and spaciousness.

The cabin is designed with dynamic and well-matched color arrays that highlight the harmony of blue and wood dark tones. The combination of white and other color options also creates a unique aesthetic contrast within the interior design. Comfort and function are maximized through Perforated and Ventilated Leather seats for Titanium X, with a 10-Way Power Adjust for the driver’s seat and 4-Way Manual Adjust for the passenger seat for both variants.

Along with the air conditioning, both Titanium and Titanium X are equipped with Dual-Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control. The system will continuously check the air quality in the

vehicle and maintain it at a healthy level for passengers.

Designed to maximize its loading capacity, the Next-Gen Territory is also equipped with spacious storage compartments, and a big trunk that can hold up to 448 liters–which can be used to carry with ease two big-size luggage or a variety of sporting equipment.

Convenient and Connected

The Next-Gen Territory also offers convenience and comfort for customers with a wide range of smart features. A minimalist design in the center cabin with a large 12-inch central touch screen, spread to the sides, incorporating a 7-inch (Titanium) or 12-inch (Titanium X) digital instrument cluster that supports the driver with easier access to controls of all vehicle functions. A rotary e-Shifter helps change gears with ease while providing access to audio and other function controls in just a click. The hands-free liftgate is also available for the Titanium X variant.

Other premium tech features that come with the Next-Generation Ford Territory include Wireless Charging, USB Type C and Type A charging, and Wireless Apple Carplay® and Android Auto™ capability. Interior amenities also feature a center console with two cup holders, an adjustable tray, and windscreen-mounted USB port for the dashcam.

Capability with Each Drive

Powering the Next-Gen Ford Territory is an EcoBoost 1.5L engine across both variants which delivers up to 248 Nm of torque and impressive power of up to 160 PS. This is mated with a 7-speed automatic transmission with wet-type Dual-Clutch engagement system, tried and tested by Ford, and easily helps drivers with fast gear changes for better handling and improved fuel efficiency.

The Territory has a longer wheelbase at 2,726mm and a higher ground clearance at 190mm, giving the 5-seater SUV not just a tougher stance but good overall visibility and capability to take on a variety of road conditions.

Both variants are equipped with four selectable drive modes including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Mountain to provide drivers with confidence and enhance their driving experience across a variety of terrains.

Packed with Safety Technologies

The Next-Gen Territory is equipped with Advanced Driver-Assist Technologies that bring a suite of support function and offer maximum safety to enhance the driving experience. These include, but are not limited to:

Active Park Assist – A feature that helps drivers park in parallel and perpendicular situations with ease through a touch of a button. Drivers can easily take control when they want to stop by pressing the brake pedal.

360-Degree Camera – The Next-Gen Territory is equipped with cameras on the front, rear, and sides that provide a clear view of the environment around the vehicle including blind spots for a better view for the driver.

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert - This system is like having another set of eyes when performing a lane change or merging into a highway. If a fast-moving vehicle enters the Territory’s blind spot, BLIS will alert the driver via a small light in the side mirror.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go (for Titanium X) – This lets drivers set a cruising speed and then maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead and adjusts as needed.

Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection – With the help of cameras and sensors, the vehicle scans the road ahead to detect a potential collision with another vehicle, pedestrian, or cyclist directly in front of the vehicle. Once an imminent collision is detected, the system triggers an audible and visual warning. If the driver’s response is not sufficient, the Automatic Emergency

Braking (AEB) system will activate automatically.

The Next-Gen Territory Made For You

Iain Jones, product development director, Ford International Markets Group, adds: “The Next-Gen Ford Territory is a global product of Ford, and we utilized our expertise in developing SUVs to develop this model with the best combination of technology and comfort for confident driving.”

The Next-Generation Ford Territory comes in six colors which include Blue Metallic, Crystal Pearl White (exclusive to Titanium X), Lustrous Grey, Panther Black, Ruby Red (exclusive to Titanium), and Star White (exclusive to Titanium). The Next-Gen Territory Titanium is available at PHP1,335,000 while the Titanium X is available at PHP1,599,000.

To reserve, customers can visit the Ford online reservation portal via https:// ford.to/TerritoryReserveNow or their nearest Ford dealer.

GOGORO SMARTSCOOTERS AND BATTERYSWAPPING

Introducing a new era of sustainable transport in the Philippines

Globe Group’s 917Ventures, Ayala Corporation, and Gogoro Inc., made history as they launched Gogoro Smartscooters and battery-swapping in the Philippines. The companies are introducing a new era in sustainable transportation that brings together smart, convenient, and accessible electric two-wheelers to customers.

The announcement was made at a ceremony at the Globe headquarters in Bonifacio Global City last April 24, 2023. The three companies also announced the commercial public release of Gogoro Smartscooters® and battery-swapping stations in Metro Manila in Q4 2023.

“We in the Globe Group are very proud to bring Gogoro Smartscooters® and battery-swapping to the Philippines, a transport ecosystem that marries mobility innovation and sustainability. This year, Filipinos will have access to these electric two-wheelers and Gogoro’s convenient and cost-efficient battery-swapping technology, another first in the Philippines,” said Globe Group president and CEO Ernest Cu at the launch.

Gogoro’s launch is the Globe Group’s debut in the climate tech space as it continues to deliver innovations that address Filipinos’ daily pain points. As a better transportation alternative, Gogoro aims to address commuter woes on expensive gas prices while helping curb carbon emissions, in line with the partners’ shared commitment to sustainability and the Philippine

government’s sustainable development agenda.

It also marks the Philippine entry of Gogoro, a brand that has transformed two-wheel mobility in Taiwan and fostered a new smart mobility industry with a network of eco-friendly businesses and end-users. In addition to Taiwan and the Philippines, Gogoro

also operates in China, India, Japan, Indonesia, Korea, and Israel.

Horace Luke, founder and CEO of Gogoro, said the company is excited to bring the Gogoro ecosystem to the Philippines and is committed to replicating its success in Taiwan, where Gogoro has 540,000 riders and has deployed more than one million smart batteries at 12,000 battery-swapping stations. Gogoro riders have swapped over 450 million total swaps, 400,000 per day, and Gogoro has saved more

than 627,000 tons of CO2 since its launch.

“Our partnership with the Globe Group and Ayala Corporation in the Philippines is a major milestone in our mission to transform urban transportation and provide an accessible path for riders to adopt sustainable urban mobility and play a key role in battling climate change and making the world better for all. We look forward to working together to deliver a sustainable transport system that

will improve air quality, reduce carbon emissions, and provide a superior riding experience for consumers in the Philippines,” Luke said.

At the event, the partners unveiled the first Gogoro battery-swapping station at The Globe Tower – the start of a network of Gogoro battery-swapping stations planned to be established initially in Metro Manila and eventually across the country. They also announced the Gogoro pilot in Globe, where 70 employees will be the first to try out the

Gogoro Smartscooters® and batteryswapping. They will test the system for two months starting in May and share insights on their experience to ensure an even better customer experience once the e-bikes become available to the public later this year.

“The Gogoro ecosystem is very convenient as its swap-and-go technology allows riders to swap out depleted batteries for charged ones in just seconds and go on their way. With the current traffic situation in the metro, these Smartscooters® will serve as an ecofriendly alternative to ease congestion while at the same time reducing carbon emissions,” said Bernie Llamzon, Globe Capital Venture Holdings Inc. director.

917Ventures managing director Vince Yamat, meanwhile, thanked

the government’s support for the shift to EVs as he cited the importance of enabling policy for electric vehicles to succeed in the country. “The shift to EVs, particularly deploying Gogoro’s battery-swapping system, will go a long way with sustained government support that will allow private sector initiatives to prosper. Sustainable transportation projects are, after all, aligned with the government’s long-term agenda to promote environment-friendly transport options and foster digitalization as mobility needs of Filipino individuals and businesses rise,” Yamat said.

The Globe Group, 917Ventures, and Ayala Corporation consistently lead the way in utilizing technology to enhance the lives of Filipinos and safeguard the environment through their innovative change-making initiatives.

As a better transportation alternative, Gogoro aims to address commuter woes on expensive gas prices while helping curb carbon emissions, in line with the partners’ shared commitment to sustainability and the Philippine government’s sustainable development agenda.

(L-R) Bernie Llamzon, Director, Globe Capital Venture Holding Inc.; Jaime Augusto Zobel De Ayala, Chariman, Ayala Corporation; Horace Luke, CEO and Founder, Gogoro; Ernest Cu, President and CEO, Globe Group and Vince Yamat, Managing Director, 917Ventures.

YAMAHA EXCLUSIVELY PRESENTS YRIDE SEASON 4

Yamaha Motor Philippines continues to provide an avenue for original brand content to viewers with its digital program, YRIDE.

Now on its fourth season, YRide started in 2018 hosted by Zach Lucero. The program featured everything about the brand from its product launches, riding activities, international races, and indepth features about its motorcycles. In the first two seasons, the show was aired on Yamaha Facebook page and moved to YouTube on season three as it withstood the challenges of the pandemic.

This season, YRide emphasizes that it is beyond that of a motorcycle program. It is, for all intents and purposes, a lifestyle show. Driven by personal passions and complemented by product function. It is shifting to a younger audience and will feature personalities whose lifestyles are recognized by GEN Z.

The Mio Fazzio stands as YRide’s supporting piece. With the targeted audience currently engaged in their era of self-discovery, they are all about showing the world who they are. and we’ve positioned the Mio Fazzio as an icon of unique expression, embodying Yamaha’s desire to present the opportunity to ride in style and on trend.

YRide Season 4 features Janeena Chan, Agassi Ching, Sharlene San Pedro, Ranz and Niana, whose personalities are like this generation of stylistic, unabashed, and inclusive individuals.

YRide will be streamed live every Friday,6PM, on the Yamaha Philippines Youtube Channel.

Episode Schedule:

April 28 Episode 1 – Janeena Chan

May 12 Episode 2 – Agassi Ching

May 26 Episode 3 – Sharlene San Pedro

June 9 Episode 4 – Ranz Niana

Stay updated by following the Yamaha socials: Website: https://www.yamaha-motor.com.ph/index.html

FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/ph.yamaha

YT Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/yamahamotorphils

IG: https://www.instagram.com/yamahaphilippines/?hl=en

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yamahamotorph

Twitter: https://twitter.com/YamahaMotorPH

TURNING YOUR NEW HOUSE INTO A HOME

Photo by Ralph (Ravi) Kayden on Unsplash

Words by Chris Noel Hidalgo

Congratulations! After many years of renting a condo, apartment, room, or bedspace, you have finally acquired your own house. The monthly mortgage payments for a bank or lease payments for a landlord are now part of the past. Instead of your family home, you can now put your new house’s location as your “permanent address” when filling out forms. All is good, right?

While you’ve accomplished the major milestone of owning a house, you still have to put in the effort and money necessary to make it a home. After all, home is what you make it. If your bank account’s feeling a bit drained, a loan is a great way for you to gather the funds necessary for any renovations and furnishing you want to do. Besides paving the path towards your dream home’s bells and whistles, here are other reasons why getting a mortgage for your home ownership goals is more advantageous than you think.

You can customize your home to your liking

One of the perks of owning your own home is that you are free to

customize it how you want. When you lease a place, you are fairly limited in terms of what you can do to the property. You most likely cannot paint the walls a different color. You can’t install tiles or new flooring. You can’t change the layout of the space. You can’t drill or hammer nails into the walls. You can’t add rooms or floors. Some landlords even go as far as forbidding the use of adhesives on any surface. If you are able to do any of these and you decide to move out, you either have to restore the property to its condition when you moved in or forfeit the improvements in favor of the landlord. In both cases, it’s your hard-earned money down the drain.

When you own your home, you can do all the above and more to your heart’s content. Your only limit is your creativity and budget. For the former, you can take inspiration from Pinterest boards and social media videos. For the latter, a home renovation loan can expedite your dream home journey.

It helps make your home more valuable

Real estate generally does not depreciate. Property values tend to increase over time, meaning your home will be worth more in the future, even if you don’t do anything to it. Should you choose to conduct improvements on the property, then its value will further skyrocket. You

can then sell it for a substantial profit or use it as a collateral for newer and bigger loans you will be taking out.

Additionally, some money-savvy folks go the route of renting out their mortgaged place either in part or in full. Payments for the leased premises then go towards their monthly loan payments. Essentially, they are having someone else pay off their mortgage while earning a little extra on top. Smart, eh?

It

is

a great sign of financial stability and responsibility

While owning a house is one of the most important accomplishments and milestones of your life, being able to turn it into your dream home is the proverbial icing on the cake. It’s a sign that you have been financially stable and responsible enough to pool the immense resources needed and also have the discipline needed to settle your dues month in and month out. It means having been able to sacrifice short-term and depreciating wants in favor of long-term security and an appreciating asset. It shows to financial institutions that you are someone that can be trusted, which makes them more willing to do business with you.

Photo by Tierra Mallorca on Unsplash

Loans make home ownership achievable

Unless you were born into money, you likely won’t have the means to make your dream home a reality in one fell swoop. Most likely, you’ll need to defer to a lender.

If you’re looking for a financial institution for a loan, then M Lhuillier should be at the top of your list. With its over 3,000 branches across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao providing loan services, you can be sure you have the funds necessary to make your dream home come true.

Available for locally- and selfemployed individuals, OFWs, and pensioners, M Lhullier’s Home Loan service conveniently provides you the funds you need for home renovation or additional capital requirements. You can loan up to 50% of the appraised value for lots and 60% of the appraised value for house and lots, with the final amount made more substantial thanks to M Lhuillier’s industry-leading appraisal rates. Payable over the course of a

maximum of five years, you’ll be sure your monthly mortgage payments don’t end up being more than what you can actually afford. You can also avoid late payment penalties as you can conveniently process your payments using the ML Wallet app or over-the-counter at your nearest M Lhuillier branch

To make the whole process even easier, you only need a handful of documents to process your loan:

(1) Original Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) or (CCT) Condominium Certificate of Title (CCT); (2) Tax Declaration or Tax Clearance; (3)

Sketch Plan; and (4) appraisal fee of at least PHP 4,500. Submit these to your nearest M Lhuillier branch and wait for approval. It’s that easy.

Turning your house into a home is not easy. Good thing you can minimize your headaches by getting a trustworthy and reliable financing partner like M Lhuillier. M Lhuillier’s Home Loan Service is yet another offering which builds on its long track record of being a bridge for Filipinos to achieve their dreams.

Being a homeowner? Puwede with M Lhuillier!

While owning a house is one of the most important accomplishments and milestones of your life, being able to turn it into your dream home is the proverbial icing on the cake.

THE KNIGHTFALL PATCH IS HERE

THIS MAJOR PATCH BRINGS NEW FEATURES TO THE MISTS, CHANGES TO THE ROADS OF AVALON, AND MORE.

Knightfall is here! This major patch expands and improves on the features introduced with the Beyond the Veil update - and to mark the occasion, here’s the brand-new trailer.

The Mists: Opportunity and Mystery New Items, Traders, and Standing

Knightfall brings some major new features and improvements to the Mists, offering players of all types and levels a chance at big rewards. Coffers are treasures that only reveal their location to nearby players, and Caches offer individualized loot for clearing mob camps. Knightfall Abbey, a mysterious dungeon hidden within the Mists, is an atmospheric realm of crumbling stone and beautiful stained-glass windows. Seek out treasures and ancient shrines that offer powerful buffs, because you’ll need all the help you can get - not only against other adventurers, but against the dungeon’s former residents as well.

Knightfall also brings brand-new items and crafting components, plus a new face in Brecilien, Eralia Wayfarer, who will trade with adventurers with sufficient standing. New Avalonian and Brecilien Capes offer unique defensive capabilities, Mystic Owl mounts carry you swiftly through the world, and new currencies and items await your discovery. The Roads of Avalon have also been updated with new enemies, new paths, and greater mob density, with some mobs now dropping Avalonian Energy to further link the Roads to the new cape lines.

Major Quality-of-Life Improvements

• Extensive combat balance changes

• Optional WASD movement system

• Characters’ gender can be changed for Gold

• New “Travel Mode” offers transparent map overlay while traveling

• Items can now be repaired directly via the Marketplace UI

• New guild logos, Season Winner statues, and skill icons

• Major optimizations to mobile and controller gameplay

• …and much more

For the complete list of changes, see the official patchnotes here: https://albiononline.com/changelog/knightfall.

DEVELOPER PUBLISHER Dambuster Studios Deep Silver PLATFORM PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

Words by Jose Alvarez

Development hell is defined as a project, concept, or idea that remains in the early stages of development for a long time due to legal, technical, or artistic challenges. In the case of Dead Island 2, development hell lasted nine years—a short time relative to other forms of media. Duke Nukem Forever, the most prominent example in gaming, was stuck there for 14 years, while the movie adaptation of the Hedgehog spent 26 years in development hell. Sometimes it can be worth the wait as in the Sonic film, or a huge disappointment with the Duke Nukem Forever game. While the wait for Dead Island 2 was only 12 years, would it be any good after changing developers several times?

The game takes place in Los Angeles 10 years after the events of Dead Island with the ability to pick between one of six protagonists known as Slayers: Amy, Jacob, Dani, Ryan, Carla, or Bruno. Each has its specific perks. Amy has high agility but relatively low toughness and peak health, so if you’re into stealth, you might want to use her. Jacob is a critical hit machine, making him ideal for dealing high damage quickly, but is rather slow. Dani is the queen of damage and probably your best bet if you like to get up close and personal with enemies and like to take risks. Ryan isn’t fast, but he can take a beating if you decide to charge headfirst into your enemies. Carla is built like a tank which allows you to take on large groups of enemies with ease. Bruno is fast and can deal damage, which might make him ideal for speed runs of the game.

You can customize each Slayer to your liking— perhaps you want to boost Ryan’s speed or make Dani hit even harder than she already does, so their roles aren’t set in stone. There are a wide array of zombies and, of course, a wide array of weapons, both melee and ranged. Whether you’ve been killing zombies forever or if this is your first time slaying them, there’s no wrong or right way to hop in and start killing. You can also gain superhuman powers that are downright ridiculous, such as an Incredible Hulk-style ground pound or literally tearing apart enemies with your own two hands. While there is a crafting system, it is rather simplistic. However, the ways in which you can kill enemies are rather robust, whether you like taking a golf club to a zombie’s head, tossing explosives into a horde of zombies, or mowing them down with firearms (although the latter can get boring quickly).

The game is somewhat lighthearted and humorous compared to other horror survival games, which brings the fun factor up for me personally. Nothing is more satisfying to me than heading into a game that highlights an exaggeration of Los Angeles culture while killing off zombies, as many of the city’s residents seem unaware or even indifferent to the fact that there is a zombie outbreak going on. One of my favorite quests in the game was helping a social media influencer boost her clout by creatively killing zombies, which is also a parody of real-life social media challenges.

If you want to have even more fun in Dead Island 2, you can bring your friends in for some classic co-op zombie-killing sessions. One drawback to this is that your friends can’t join you unless they’re at the same part of the game you’re in or further along in the campaign, a huge letdown considering the story isn’t very deep to begin with. However, the game is rather hilarious, and if you intend on playing this game with your friends, you all might want to start at the beginning anyway.

While the game’s setting is an excellent parody of Los Angeles culture combined with killing zombies, it doesn’t really add anything new to the genre other than comedic value. If you like laughs, irreverence, and killing zombies, this is a solid game for people looking to take a load off and de-stress.

ChatGPT and Advances in AI What do they mean for brands?

Words by Cristina Constandache, Chief Revenue Officer at Rakuten Viber

ChatGPT has taken the world by storm, and it looks like we are just scratching the surface.

Let’s start with the fact that ChatGPT is a different AI technology and doesn’t have much in common with usual chatbots, except for the word “chat” in their names. It is not a chatbot in the traditional sense, and should not be confused with such.

ChatGPT is a large language model (GPT) trained to have a conversation that can generate human-like text. Simply put, it is AI that speaks human. It is about to open up a world of possibilities for brands, customer service, and conversational commerce. Since its launch at the end of 2022, ChatGPT is estimated to have reached over 100 million users, and its impact on various industries is in the very early stages and will continue to grow exponentially.

Once the technology gets greater adoption, the first change will be how people search and discover information. Instead of getting just a list of not-alwaysrelevant links, a person can get a response that he or she is actually looking for, specify further details through a conversation, and get a personalized experience.

Cristina Constandache, Chief Revenue Officer at Rakuten Viber

How? ChatGPT can understand natural language input from users and provide them with relevant answers, based on the context of the conversation. It can also generate human-like text responses, making conversations more engaging and intuitive. There are multiple features that make ChatGPT a revolutionary technology, but two stand out:

1. Advanced Natural Language Understanding: ChatGPT has a deep understanding of human language which enables it to process and analyze complex conversational inputs. It paves the way for more meaningful and contextually relevant interactions, bridging the gap between humans and AI.

2. Contextual Memory: Unlike traditional chatbots that often struggle with maintaining context throughout a conversation, ChatGPT has the ability to remember and refer back to previous conversations. This allows it to tailor its responses to the user’s needs and context, and also makes interactions feel more natural for the users.

What does it mean for brands and businesses – and for us all as consumers?

This will alter how people find, interact with, and buy from brands and accelerate a further, even greater shift toward conversational commerce. For businesses, this means easier discovery, greater engagement, and, ultimately, more sales. It also means a much faster shift towards a more personalized, real-time connection with the customer, at all stages of the customer journey because of increased accuracy and efficiency, delivering a more seamless customer experience.

At Viber, we have been aware of this trend for some time now, thanks to insights from our own numbers. In 2022, Viber’s transactional messages got a 73% spike as brands

prioritized essential notifications, conversational messages were up by 17% globally, and promotional grew by 11% across geographies. 12 billion messages were exchanged in chatbots last year as businesses embraced round-the-clock support.

External studies support what we are seeing: according to the Hootsuite report from 2023, Chat and Messaging apps are used by 94.8% of users aged 16–64 every day, becoming the number-one channel, above even Social Media, with 94.4%.

Putting it all together, these are the trends that are shaping the future of brand-customer interactions:

• Considering the popularity of chat apps among users, businesses will adapt and prioritize round-the-clock presence through messaging apps.

• ChatGPT and AI in general will accelerate the shift towards better-quality content and interactions.

• Conversational commerce and real-time connections with customers will improve and will turn into natural conversations, even if run by AI.

• Further advancement in AI will continue to shape the future of customer experience and engagement, and businesses that embrace this technology will be the ones leading the way.

• And most importantly – all of this will happen extremely fast.

With messaging apps being the number one channel for daily use, they are at the forefront of this shift. Through the integration of chatbots, rich messaging capabilities, comprehensive analytics tools, and AI in a variety of ways, chat apps can help businesses create better brand experiences, and drive engagement and conversion. After all, conversations are at the core of messaging apps, and if there’s one thing the popularity of ChatGPT proves — it’s that people prefer to get things done through conversations.

BEWARE OF JUICE JACK ATTACKS

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States recently warned consumers against using USB ports for charging in public spaces such as airports, malls, and hotels, as attackers can “juice jack” data or insert malware into one’s phone or device for theft.

While the public service announcement released on Twitter was meant for Americans, many other countries, like the Philippines, also have public establishments with free charging stations as emergency assistance

to consumers. The threat of a juice jack attack exists everywhere people plug their devices into untrusted ports, like in public charging stations.

Sean Duca, vice president and regional chief security officer for Asia Pacific & Japan at Palo Alto Network, shared, “We should always remember that nothing in the world is free. Trusting public charging kiosks with your smartphone carries a significant risk of personal information being retrieved or downloaded without your consent.”

THE RECIPE FOR A JUICE JACK ATTACK

A USB (universal serial bus) cable is the key ingredient in a juice jack attack. USB cables are designed with two wires for data transfer and power, respectively. Juice jacking happens when malicious actors embed malware into charging stations and activate data transfer through USB cables to infect connecting devices.

The malware, now on the connected device, can then use seemingly normal notifications to trick people into giving it access. Examples include an app asking permission to access files similar to what social media platforms do or operating systems requiring users to authorize a new update. If not given focus, users could simply allow these requests without considering the risks of such a stealthy threat.

Once access is granted, the situation resorts to the classic scenario of attackers being able to crawl into the victim’s files and applications to collect sensitive information, including bank account credentials or credit card details, to steal data or money.

RESISTING JUICE JACKING

What’s the juice to countering a juice jack attack? Duca points back to the power of controlling access within one’s device. “Malware requires a user’s permission, much like any other app on your phone, before it can actually infect a device. The users are the last gate to keeping malware away, so it’s really important for them to think before they click and challenge why an app would request access to your personal information.”

He elaborated further that many mobile apps request access to a user’s data on a device, claiming that doing so will allow users to enjoy the app to its fullest potential. With this being the norm today, users tend to grant permission without considering the risks.

“Public charging stations also carry the threat of malware infection and data theft, similar to the dangers of public Wi-Fi networks. As a mobile-savvy nation, Filipinos need to be prepared to handle this risk by questioning whether we can trust our data with another device and understanding how it can be misused from the get-go,” he concluded.

PASSWORD SECURITY

SECURITY

The invention of passwords in the 1960s changed the digital world as we know it. Passwords are now an unconscious standard practice in our lives; from your first pet to the street you grew up on, they are deeply ingrained in our minds. Passwords today are the primary guardians of our privacy, personal data, and finances.

Despite this knowledge, passwords are often viewed complacently, even though simple, easy-to-guess passwords are insecure. Your dog’s name, spouse’s name, birthdate, and other words and phrases related to your life that are easily discoverable on your social media profiles are easy for attackers to discover.

While the onus of ensuring security and protecting data does lie on the companies that collect and store this data, there is quite a bit consumers can do on their end to secure their credentials. There is a need to raise awareness about the importance of strong passwords and encourage individuals and organizations to take steps to improve their password security. With the increasing prevalence of cyberattacks and data breaches, it is more important than ever to use strong and unique passwords to protect our online accounts and personal information.

Based on research, 91% of people know that using the same password on multiple accounts is a security risk, yet 66% continue to use the same password anyway. Steven Scheurmann, regional vice president for ASEAN at Palo Alto Networks, provides simple but effective measures to make passwords the primary guardian of your personal and professional.

Set guidelines for passwords that prevent password spraying:

Ensure long passwords with a good mix of different character types—letters, numbers, and special characters. An 8-character password is easier to guess by a computer than a 16- or 24-character password.

Avoid vulnerable passwords that are easily guessed or already compromised.

If you go and Google ‘commonly used passwords,” you’ll see a list that any attacker uses when trying to guess passwords. If there is a default password on an internet-facing device or even internally. Change it ASAP!

Avoid reusing passwords:

Everyone hates remembering passwords; some great options are using the passphrase options. We can use it to create unique passwords that are easy to remember. Be wary of password managers; several have been hit recently, and some of them multiple times. But they can also be an option.

Require password updates at set frequencies:

This is a pain, but consider it the standard operating procedure for business risk reduction. It doesn’t take that long to do and helps secure the organization if a set of credentials is stolen or phished somehow.

Use multi-factor authentication methods:

If a password is stolen or guessed, no matter how hard you’ve tried to be unique, having other methods to confirm it is you trying to get to a resource or a web service you use is vital. Many different cloud, security, and operating system vendors have a multi-factor authentication app that you can install on your phone to link to almost every website that supports it.

By taking these steps, individuals and organizations can help improve their password security and protect their online accounts and personal information.

Are our children ready for a future that no one has mapped out yet? As technology and AI are changing our present lives so fast, many could get left behind and unknowingly let opportunities pass them by.

How can we better equip our children to be ready when they come out of school and into the real world? To understand how education can help children be better leaders tomorrow, Google for Education collaborated with Canvas8, a global behavioral insights consultancy, to conduct a study on the future of education.

The big question was: How will the role of education evolve to meet the needs of the future? Google and Canvas8’s research spanned 24 countries from around the world to gain insights from 94 education thought leaders, policy experts, academic researchers, principals and teachers, and edtech leaders.

The Google for Education report reveals global trends on the future of education relating to Self, School, and System. Under Self, there’s a rising demand for global problem solvers, a change in skillsets required for work, and a shift to a mindset of lifelong learning. Under School, there’s a need to make learning personal, and trends of reimagining learning design and elevating the teacher. Lastly, for System, the trends found were upgrading learning environments, empowering educators with data, and a need to reevaluate student progress.

Google Philippines Country Director Bernadette Nacario at EDUtech Philippines 2023, sharing the company’s advocacy for accessible and progressive education

Here are some trends and insights from the report:

Shifting to a lifelong learning mindset

Formal education typically ends at adulthood but learning takes place across different contexts or environments beyond one’s school years.

According to Martin Henry, research coordinator at Education International in Belgium, it’s becoming clearer that people need to be able to access education throughout their lives. There is a need to develop that interest in learning and that “learning to learn” ability in students too.

“Lifelong learning is not a new concept, but it does require a shift in the collective mindset,” said Bernadette Nacario, Google Philippines Country Director. “It requires to think of education not as a one-off period, but as an ongoing pursuit.

Lifelong learning as a concept is not limited to students. It applies to everyone. As lifelong learning is largely voluntary, a new learning culture must be cultivated, which instills ongoing motivation to learn.

It’s not just about providing students with targeted, in-the-moment support, but also about making educational content feel relevant to the individual learner.

Personalization aims to increase student engagement and performance by creating responsive learning experiences that take into account each individual learner’s needs and interests. Studies show that when students better relate to what is taught in schools, it can have a positive impact on student engagement, enjoyment and performance.

“When we talk about learning, it’s good to acknowledge that learners differ in so many ways,” said Nacario.

“Advances in AI now make it possible to move at a speed and scale we’ve only imagined. Today, AI is capable of giving students 1:1, in-the-moment feedback on their work. Virtual learning companions will become even more capable of delivering instruction and challenging students to think through problems. In the past, it was completely unimaginable,” she added.

Google is optimistic about the potential for AI and other advanced technologies to empower people, benefit current and future generations, and serve the common good.

Making learning personal

Re-evaluating student progress 3

While assessments play a pivotal role in the trajectory of a student’s life, “a lot of learners have capacities which are outside the things that we measure.”

“There’s frustration among parents because we are saying to a child, ‘you are lesser or better,’ but only judging upon a very, very, very small subset of things that are important in life,” said Claire Boonstra, founder of Operation Education in the Netherlands.

Nacario said, “At Google, we understand that assessments are a challenge. We want to give the teachers the need to effectively assess student progress.”

When teachers create assignments in Google Classroom, they have the ability to provide feedback by leaving comments on submitted assignments, or writing directly on student work. To help streamline the feedback process, Classroom automatically saves a teacher’s most-used feedback to a personalized and automated comment bank. In addition, teachers can draw or write on student work using the Classroom mobile app.

Google believes that lifelong learning should be both acceptable and accessible. Learning takes on many forms, whether a person is seeking answers to a question via Search or exploring learning content on YouTube, upskilling for a new role or pursuing a new field of work. In fact, according to the 2022 YouTube Impact Report, 93% of users report using YouTube to gather information and knowledge.

Education is now at our fingertips, technology allows us to follow our passion, explore new interests and gain new skill sets. Google hopes to cultivate a society where people have the tools, resources and support that they need to pursue their personal potential — wherever they are in their learning journey.

Learn more about the Future of Education here, and the latest about Google for Education on this site.

SOLAR INDUSTRY UPSKILLING

BayWa r.e. Solar Trade partners with New Energy Academy to accelerate the Philippine solar industry

Global renewable energy developer, service provider, and distributor BayWa r.e. Solar Trade recently partnered with New Energy Academy, to offer training modules for solar industry professionals in the Philippines. This partnership is the first of its kind between a globally renowned renewable energy company in the Philippines and an international educational institute.

New Energy Academy (NEA) is an educational platform offering training and qualification for solar professionals through technical and business training, hands-on practical experience, and access to solar design and sales software.

Commenting on the partnership, Junrhey Castro, BayWa r.e. Solar Trade managing director, said “The solar industry is wide, diverse and growing, and we want to be a part of the process in upskilling the technical know-how of installers. In driving the transition to renewable energy in the Philippines, we need to arm our professionals with adequate skills and knowledge such as keeping them up to date on the rapidly changing technology in the solar industry, while ensuring that they know the correct protocols for safe design and installation.”

The partnership will see NEA and BayWa r.e. leveraging combined skills and resources to develop and roll out certification programs for businesses and applied technologies in the renewable

energy sector. This will include the upskilling of rooftop solar installers and EPCs (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Companies) in the Philippines.

“With the solar industry growing, we noticed a need for the continual education and upskilling of solar professionals in our line of work, distributing and servicing inverters, solar modules, including the installation and commissioning of projects, large and small. As an industry, we need to make sure that there is the proper certification for installers, with the government ensuring there are certification procedures in the qualification of solar installations. We hope our partnership will pave the way for these procedures. This is the perfect opportunity to not only help our customers but also help accelerate the development of the solar industry in the Philippines,” Castro said.

As part of the program, BayWa r.e. Solar Trade and NEA will conduct online training modules over a duration of eight weeks. The partnership will also conduct workshops throughout the country to better enable solar professionals with the right skills needed for their business capabilities, while encouraging engineering students to learn about solar, get into the industry, and adopt the exciting new technologies on offer.

“BayWa r.e. Solar Trade is committed to the solar industry for the long-term.

We are confident that we will be able to bring out expertise to the table to uplift the solar industry and bring like-minded individuals to benefit the Philippines’ energy transition,” added Castro.

Brenda Valerio, NEA Philippines country manager, said, “We are excited to onboard BayWa r.e. Solar Trade on our journey to accelerate the growth of trained talent and professionals. This will contribute greatly to the rapid growth of the solar, storage, and other distributed energy solutions in the global highgrowth energy markets. This is part of our strategy to support a greater energy transition in these markets.”

“We are looking forward to what the future holds for the Philippines’ solar industry and are confident that it will continue to grow from here,” she added.

BayWa r.e. Solar Trade and New Energy Academy conducts workshop in Cebu

NEW

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) launched a totally new and future-ready mobile app with innovative features and services that go beyond convenient transactions and help more Filipinos work their way toward financial well-being. This reinforces the bank’s solid footing as a digital banking leader in the country.

APP

As part of BPI’s aggressive digital transformation journey, BPI president and CEO Jose Teodoro “TG” Limcaoco said, “We’re proud of the new BPI app, and we know there’s room to continue improving. While we look at the best technology and digital solutions to ensure that we deliver excellent service, we anchor the designed experiences to what our customers need.”

According to Maria Cristina “Ginbee” Go, BPI head of consumer banking, the new BPI app is key to the bank’s “phygital” approach to make the bank accessible to more Filipinos through physical branches, and digital channels and platforms. “Our customers have the option to bank with the app in tandem with BPI branches and ATMs—giving them a choice of their preferred channel with integrated services like online booking of branch visits or cashless withdrawal.

Getting into the core features of the new app, BPI consumer bank marketing, platforms, and digital activation head Mariana Zobel de Ayala emphasized that the new app goes beyond everyday transactions and helps build Filipinos’ financial independence.

“This boasts of a new design and experience, and we look forward to exciting new features that you won’t find in the older BPI Mobile app like mobile check deposit, AI-powered insights on your savings and spending, and more. These are core retail products designed not just to be convenient and sustainable but also customercentric even in the long-term,” Zobel de Ayala said.

Old to New

BPI consumer platforms head Fitzgerald Chee pointed out that BPI Mobile app users do not have to delete their old app yet. “You can continue to log in to the older BPI Mobile app with your current username and password. Users that want to start enjoying the new BPI app can find easy-to-follow guides on our Facebook and YouTube channels,” he said.

He also explained that QR codes generated on the older BPI Mobile app are still going to work on the new BPI app. “You can also view all your personalized settings, previous transactions, and statements right away on the new BPI app,” he noted, clarifying, “For your security, the Mobile Key works within the new BPI app or the older BPI Mobile app. Users can choose which app version to activate their Mobile Key.”

All these form part of the bank’s goal to further enable high-quality customer experiences in line with one of

The new BPI app highlights the following features:

Improved User Experience

Users can get things done in fewer taps, with top transactions that are easier to access upon login and faster to finish. Help links are now found within transaction processes for easier access to guides and FAQs.

Online Account Opening

New clients can open a BPI #SaveUp account on the app within five minutes with just one ID. They can instantly start banking via the app.

Personal Finance Management

(Coming in May)

BPI will be the first bank app to feature AIpowered tracking and insights. The app will offer financial advice, payment reminders, and actionable tips to help millions of Filipinos improve their financial wellness.

Other exciting features that are coming soon are mobile check deposit, real-time bill payment, cash withdrawal via QR, save favorite transactions, and more product applications.

its core values to be a customer-centric organization. “Customers are looking for banks that can serve them well. We assure our clients that BPI will continue to constantly change with the times to meet their evolving needs,” Limcaoco said.

The BPI App is now available for download on the App Store and on Google Play.

(From L-R): TG Limcaoco, BPI President and CEO; Mariana Zobel de Ayala, BPI Consumer Bank Marketing, Platforms, & Digital Activation Head; Ginbee Go, BPI Executive Vice President and Consumer Banking Head; and, Fitz Chee, BPI Platforms Business Head

SUSTAINABLE CARD PROGRAM

To eliminate first-use PVC plastics from payment cards by 2028

Mastercard is accelerating efforts to remove first–use, PVC plastics from payment cards on its network by 2028. This initiative further reinforces the company’s sustainability commitments and scales the accessibility of more sustainable card offerings for consumers seeking a way to reduce the environmental impact of their wallet.

In a first move for a payment network, from January 1, 2028, all newly–produced Mastercard plastic payment cards will be made from more sustainable materials — including recycled or bio-sourced plastics — and approved through a certification program. The company will support its global issuing partners through the transition away from virgin PVC.

“The world has a plastic problem. Solving it will be a whole-of-society task, yet efforts are often taken in isolation or without coordination,” said Sandeep Malhotra, executive vice president, products & innovation, Asia Pacific, Mastercard. With this sustainable cards effort, Mastercard is bringing its global network of banks, financial institutions, and consumers – who collectively hold more than 3 billion Mastercard cards – together to build a greener payments sector through collaboration and partnership.”

Mastercard launched its Sustainable Card Program in 2018. Since then, over 330 issuers across 80 countries have voluntarily signed up, including 90 issuers in 15 markets across the Asia Pacific region. Since then, Mastercard has been working in partnership with major card manufacturers to transition more than 168 million

cards across its network, including 31 million in the Asia Pacific region, to recycled and bio-based materials.

The rule change will also see all newly made cards certified by Mastercard to assess their composition and sustainability claims; this certification will then be validated by an independent third-party auditor. Once a card has been validated it can be imprinted with a Card Eco Certification mark.

“Here in the Asia Pacific region, Mastercard’s issuer partners have been very receptive to this initiative, with 90 customers already opting into the sustainable cards program across Japan, Australia, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and many other markets. This means their cardholders can proudly carry their card with the knowledge that it is made from sustainable forms of plastic. This holistic network connectivity is what makes this effort different and more effective,” added Malhotra.

In 2018, through Mastercard’s Digital Security Lab, the company launched the Greener Payments Partnership with card manufacturers Gemalto, Giesecke+Devrient and IDEMIA to reduce the use of first-use PVC plastic in card manufacturing. It launched the Mastercard Card Eco-Certification (“CEC”) scheme in 2021.

“Mastercard is committed to advancing climate action and reducing waste by driving our business toward net zero emissions and leveraging our network and scale to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon, regenerative economy,” said Ellen Jackowski, chief sustainability officer for Mastercard.

Driving a more sustainable future

Mastercard established its sustainability efforts more than a decade ago with a focus on financial inclusion, data responsibility, and the environment. Through its network, it collaborates with partners to bring new environmental innovations and initiatives like sustainable cards to market.

In addition, Mastercard’s Priceless Planet Coalition is working towards restoring 100 million trees globally by 2025. Here in the Asia Pacific region, more than 20 partners in Australia, Korea, the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong SAR, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Cambodia have joined the Coalition which is currently running 18 reforestation projects worldwide.

Mastercard also works with Swedish fintech Doconomy to develop the Mastercard Carbon Calculator. Available to all issuers globally for any Mastercard card, the easily integrated API helps consumers to understand the estimated carbon footprint of their purchases via their banking app. This pioneering ESG fintech solution was named the first-place winner of the Singapore Fintech

Festival Global FinTech Award 2022, presented by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) in November last year.

Taylan Turan, group head of retail banking and strategy, wealth and personal banking, HSBC, said: “This announcement from Mastercard is a huge step for financial services. New sustainable materials, such as rPVC, offer our sector a clear way to accelerate its efforts to build a more sustainable future.

As part of our net zero strategy at HSBC, we’ve already introduced recycled plastic payment cards across 28 of our global markets and embedded the requirement to use sustainable materials for all debit, credit and commercial cards in our product governance; removing 85 tonnes of plastic that would have ended up in landfill. This level of impact couldn’t be achieved without strong partnership; I am so proud for us to be a part of a movement which is gathering momentum across the world.”

MIMING & FRIENDS

Mondelez Philippines and Save Philippine Seas launch

Recycling is a word that Filipinos are familiar with. In keeping with local waste management needs, many recycling industries have been developing in the Philippines. In the new episode of the YouTube series Miming and Friends, the process of recycling is explored more. This aims to help kids understand how they can make an impact, and families to know how else their plastic waste can be recycled in their communities.

Miming and Friends, led by Cat-Fish Miming, flying lizard Buboy, and Unicorn Anacorn, is an animated YouTube channel. Their video topics include values, how to count and sing, and the importance of caring for each other and the environment — all from the multilingual and multicultural perspective of the Filipino experience. The channel is the creation of Miming and Fwends Animation Studios, formed by partners Ramon and Meryll del Prado from Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.

In 2022, Miming and Friends partnered with snacks company Mondelez Philippines to create content about waste management at home to serve as educational materials for children and their families. Mondelez Philippines is the maker of beloved snack products such as Tang, Eden Cheese, Cheez Whiz, Oreo, Cadbury Dairy Milk, Toblerone, and Chips Ahoy! to name a few. With a legacy of 60 years in the Philippines, the company’s purpose has been to empower people to snack right, with the right snack, for the right moment, and made the right way. Making snacks the right way means growing their business with a positive impact on people and the planet. The company’s focus areas include using less packaging for their products, utilizing better packaging, and helping improve systems for waste management and recycling.

RECYCLE PLASTIC

launch Episode 2 of Miming and Friends YouTube series

Information and education campaigns like the partnership with Miming and Friends are one of the ways Mondelez Philippines complies with the Extended Producer Responsibility on Plastic Packaging Waste Law or the EPR Law. This newly passed law establishes a national policy on adopting a systemic, comprehensive, and ecological solid waste management program. Among other provisions, identified companies such as Mondelez Philippines are required to retrieve and divert 20% of their total plastic output starting this year. “Beyond compliance, we have pledged to not only achieve what is required by law but as much as 100% of our plastic packaging output for the year 2023,” shares Caitlin Punzalan, CGA lead of Mondelez Philippines. “In addition, we employ information and education campaigns like our partnership with the Miming and Friends series, which is geared to inform our consumers of among others, responsible management of plastic waste.”

Continuing Partnership with Save Philippine Seas

Providing waste management knowledge for the Miming and Friends series is Save Philippine Seas (SPS), led by executive director and “chief mermaid” Anna Oposa. SPS is an organization that aims to empower citizens towards environmental consciousness, leading to collective action, and behavior change. “The first episode of our partnership launched last year was about waste segregation. Proper waste segregation increases the chances of materials finding their way to their own recycling streams. While there is much to be developed, we have a growing recycling industry here in the Philippines. This episode aims to encourage us all to find partners in our communities, from individual waste collectors to junk shops, and work with them to ensure our waste does not end up in oceans.”

Miming and Friends for the Extended Producer Responsibility Law

Creating Content on YouTube Shorts

Internet trends evolve and in the 2020s or in the era of staying at home, short-form video has become king. In 2021, YouTube announced its own take on the format in YouTube Shorts.

YouTube Shorts is an increasingly popular and exciting space that will bring lots of opportunities with audiences. Here are some helpful tips to create great YouTube Shorts content: FIND

From niche to mainstream content, there’s a wide range of topics you can choose from as a creator. Focus on the theme that you’re most passionate about, and build your audience and community.

OPEN STRONG.

Use the first few seconds of your Short to make your viewers stay. Hook them in with something intriguing or compelling. You may open with a question and make them stick for the answer, or promise them something they would definitely want to see.

GET TO THE POINT.

You can still ramble and lose your way even in a short video. Make sure you edit your script well and quickly get to what people want to hear or see with your content.

USE TRENDING MUSIC.

When you use a sound for your Short, your content gets categorized under it. Naturally, that means using trending audio will increase the chances of more people watching your Short.

PROMOTE YOUR SHORTS.

To bring your content to more viewers, promote it on YouTube and beyond. Collaborate with other creators or pitch your content to relevant outlets to drive earned media. You may also use pinned comments to direct viewers to additional content on your channel.

KEEP ON EXPERIMENTING AND UPLOADING CONTENT.

Like with long-form YouTube videos, if you stay consistent, keep creating, and keep improving your content game, it won’t be long before you thrive in this format. Be patient and remember that even on YouTube, success doesn’t happen overnight.

Check the Official YouTube Blog for more information and create your own YouTube Shorts content now!

NGA 911

Morong, Rizal is the first LGU to use Next-Generation 911 Emergency Communication System

Citizens of Morong, Rizal will now find it easy to call for help and expect an instant response from their local government during disasters and other types of emergencies.

Mayor Sidney B. Soriano, Vice Mayor Jose Fred Feliciano, Jr., and other key municipal officials signed an agreement on April 24, 2023, with Next Generation Advanced 911 (NGA 911) making Morong the first LGU to use advanced,

next-generation digital technology for emergency communication and public safety services.

The second-class municipality with over 70,000 residents has assigned NGA-Philippines, a local subsidiary of NGA, a multinational corporation headquartered in California USA, to provide Morong with complete solutions that will enable the LGU to respond to emergencies, save lives, and secure property in the fastest possible time.

NGA

911 Philippines country manager Robert Llaguno

Known globally as the innovator of emergency calling technology, NGA is the leader in Next Generation 911 emergency communications. NGA provides an advanced emergency communications system that can provide faster and more accurate emergency responses to people in need. This system is critical in times of crisis, where time is of the essence, and accurate information can mean the difference between life and death.

This technology is used in the United States and has proven to be a game-changer in emergency communications. The system uses internet protocol (IP) technology to transmit voice, text, and video messages between callers and emergency responders. It can also provide real-time data on the location and condition of callers to help first responders make more informed decisions in emergency situations. This is the only true cloudbased NG 9-1-1 solution operating on the Amazon Web Service (AWS) Cloud platform. It uses a robust and resilient Internet Protocol (IP) backbone that will replace the decades-old 911 infrastructure and turn emergency communication into Next Generation 911.

The digital-led system will enhance the LGU’s response capabilities with faster reaction time, accurate location tracking, consolidation of communication channels, call routing, collaboration, and mapping and thus help save Morong residents’ lives,” said NGA Philippines country manager Robert Andrew Llaguno.

“Its IoT (Internet of Things) capabilities allow interaction beyond regular devices like smartphones, desktops, and gadgets. It allows seamless integration with public safety technology and systems like CCTVs, two-way radio, and social media apps to provide front liners with valuable information, resulting in better situational awareness and quicker, more efficient response.”

Llaguno added that the system gathers information and stores everything in an unlimited fully-recorded environment complete with audit trail, dashboards, and logs. The data is secured by NGA 911’s international standards-compliant Next Generation and Cybersecurity capabilities and helps the LGU improve the speed and quality of its response.

Even the hearing-impaired can make efficient use of the system, Llaguno said. A Real Time Text (RTT) feature makes it easy for both callers and call receivers to report incidents, so those in danger need not do voice calls to report a crime, accident or emergency, making them feel safe and more secure in challenging situations.

While Morong, Rizal already has an Operations Center in place, the municipality’s current system will benefit from the advanced technology that will make coordination and response to emergencies at the soonest possible time.

“We are partnering with NGA 911 to equip our public safety officers with a system that will enable them to provide immediate emergency assistance and help us adapt to the ever-changing landscape of public safety. Quick response is valuable because the equivalent of every second can be life or death. Whether the emergency is

medical, fire, crime, or accident, we need to provide a fast and effective response. The NGA 911 Call Handling System will let us respond faster and more efficiently. Finally, our constituents are going to get the peace of mind they deserve,” noted Mayor Soriano.

Mayor Soriano enjoined other LGUs to prioritize public safety and follow suit. “We set an example here today for other municipalities and cities to follow. Let’s prioritize public safety and invest in the future of our communities.”

“The implementation of NG911 technology in the Philippines could significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency response systems in the country. We are using Next Generation 911 Technology currently being implemented across the United States. With Mr. Soriano’s leadership and support, we are confident that we can make this a reality and provide better emergency services to the Filipinos.” said Ishka Villacisneros, chief financial officer of NGA in the United States.

At the contract signing, Llaguno briefed guests on the features and interface of the groundbreaking technology and demonstrated how the system works and delivers on its promise.

(L-R) Morong Mayor Sidney Soriano and NGA 911 Chief Financial Officer Ishka Villacisneros

THE MOST AFFORDABLE TOURIST DESTINATIONS

Agoda crunched the numbers to reveal the cheapest tourist destinations for this season. In the Philippines, it’s Bacolod where travelers can enjoy the most competitive room rates this month.

Because of Agoda’s passion for getting travelers the best possible deals and most competitive prices, the digital travel platform analyzed the average room rates of tourist destinations in April. In the Philippines, Bacolod is the most

affordable tourist destination, with an average room rate of approximately PHP2,650.

Aptly tagged “The City of Smiles,” Bacolod City and its sweet and gentle locals know how to give their visitors a culinary experience to remember. Good food will fill your tummy and leave you grinning from ear to ear.

Seek solace in Sharyn’s Cansi House and help yourself to cansi, a traditional

comfort food in the Negros region (in which Bacolod is located). Cansi is a soup made from beef shank and bone marrow, usually topped off by locals’ go-to souring ingredient, the batuan fruit. Or have a hand in creating a local delicacy, piaya, from one of the workshops in Bong Bongs. The flat bread is filled with muscovado and local glucose syrup. The chicken inasal, served best in a cluster of eateries called Manukan Country, is an Ilonggo must-have with its distinct smoky taste. Complete your food trip and

Photo by Norbert Braun on Unsplash

indulge in the wide selection of desserts from Calea, which is famous for their chocolate mud pie.

Also in the Philippines’ top 5 with the lowest average room rates are Iloilo (PHP2,700), Dumaguete (PHP3,000), Davao City (PHP3,300), and Puerto Galera (PHP3,660).

The destinations with the cheapest average accommodation rates across the APAC region are Khon Kaen in Thailand, Sibu in Malaysia, Surakarta in Indonesia, Puri in India, Ninh Binh in Vietnam, Chiba in Japan, Gwangju in South Korea, Kinmen Islands in Taiwan, and Brisbane in Australia.

“With 2023 already well underway and public holidays coming up in numerous regions, many of us are looking for a well-deserved break” said Enric Casals, regional vice-president Southeast Asia and Oceania at Agoda. “But at the same time, with the cost of living in the daily news across the globe, we’re all trying to be smart about how to spend our hard-earned cash. I’m hopeful that these Agoda findings will help travelers discover some exciting destinations and save money along the way.”

Despite being the lowest priced tourist destinations, the researched locations have lots to offer to visitors and are nothing short of hidden gems. From bustling beaches and thrilling theme parks to spiritual sanctuaries and foodie Valhalla’s. Here are some of the highlights from some of cheapest destinations in the researched markets:

Khon Kaen, Thailand (Average room rate: USD30)

Khon Kaen might be Thailand’s Dinosaur city but it’s surprisingly modern! This university town is home to an abundance of trendy coffee shops, city lakes that seem to be hosting festivals year-round, the Ton Tann

Night Market with its many food stalls and live music, and much more. Khon Kaen is also an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding countryside, to dig for Jurassic treasures for example, or to make merit at the breathtakingly beautiful hilltop temple Wat Tham Saeng Tham.

Planning a visit this April? Be sure to bring water balloons and a super soaker, because from 13-15 April, Khon Kaen is home to one of Thailand’s biggest Songkran (Thai new year) parties. Visit the Kaen Nakhon Lake and prepare to get wet during one of Asia’s most spectacular water festivals.

Flights from Bangkok’s two airports to Khon Kaen operate daily and are usually low-cost, with one-way tickets available in April starting at less than 750 Thai Baht (22 USD) on Agoda.com/ flights

Chiba, Japan (Average room rate: USD69)

Japan’s Chiba Prefecture is just a short train ride from Tokyo and has a diverse range of tourism options. Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea are worldrenowned theme parks located in Chiba, and the Boso Peninsula offers rugged coastlines, pristine beaches, and lush forests for nature lovers. Chiba City is the prefecture’s capital and is a bustling hub of entertainment, with attractions

like the Makuhari Seaside Park and the nearby shopping center Aeon Mall Makuhari Shintoshin.

Transfers to and from Chiba, and other local activities, can be booked on Agoda’s Activities page: https://www.agoda.com/ activities

Gwangju, South Korea (Average room rate: USD91)

Well-known as the city of culture and art, Gwangju offers a variety of cultural and artistic scenes all year-round, including a street dedicated to art, museums such as the Asia Art Center and Gwangju Museum of Art, and many galleries and antique shops. This makes Gwangju one of the most attractive destinations for travelers who want to explore art, performance, and theatre.

This spring, art lovers have another reason to visit the city: The 14th Gwangju Biennale, Asia’s largest and oldest arts festival, will run throughout the city from April 7 to July 9 under the theme of “Soft and Weak Like Water.”

THREE REASONS WHY YOU NEED A LIFEVENTURE

In the age of quiet quitting, we all deserve a reboot to regain that zest for life.

After going through one of the world’s longest lockdowns, Filipinos are taking every opportunity to get out of the house and out of town, especially as the summer season looms. In fact, the top reason why we are itching to go on a trip so badly is that we want to seek and experience new adventures this year, according to travel website Agoda.com

However, for every revenge traveler raring to go is also someone experiencing a form of burnout and that is enough to put a stop to any of our plans. Working in less-than-ideal conditions throughout the pandemic has naturally caused a spike in employee disengagement, which in turn led many to quiet quit. According to the International HR Institute (IHRI), the term may be new but the phenomenon isn’t. Since late last year, “quiet quitting” or when a person gradually cuts back on work productivity and just slogs along to get by, has become a hot topic of conversation online and even over beers with friends.

To prevent any type of burnout from creeping in and affecting our psyche, a local movement has started that champions seeking new experiences in order to combat the monotony and turn life into a ‘Lifeventure’.

Defined as enriching activities that help give meaning, allow us to grow, and make a positive impact in the world, Lifeventures seek to break the routine of the daily grind and encourage all of us to try something different, look for periodic breaks, and allow ourselves to learn from the process. There are multiple benefits to having a Lifeventure, too. Here are three reasons why you should seek it out.

It keeps the mind sharp.

Nothing makes you feel robotic that doing the same thing every day. Taking the time to seek Lifeventures, whether it’s trying a new sport, visiting an unfamiliar place, or rekindling your passion for an outdoor hobby can do wonders for your mental game. A 2022 study published in the journal Psychology of Sport and Exercise found that participation in adventure activities has the potential to enhance our resilience and ability to maintain psychological well-being across a variety of stressful situations.

So how to take advantage of this natural booster? It all starts with planning your next Lifeventure.

You find new tribes.

While seeking new experiences can be daunting, it’s also an opportunity to meet new friends or rekindle old friendships. And when you’re around others doing the same fun activity, especially if they have a positive outlook, you tend to benefit from that, too. A study published in the Journal of Social Sciences related to group exercisers revealed that people tend to be influenced by the positive behaviors of people around them, especially during physical activities.

In seeking Lifeventures, you’re bound to meet others who can influence you to find that delicate balance between work and play through their experiences, too.

You learn more about yourself. Whether you’re conquering a new mountain as part of your weekend hike or signing up for a new sport, every Lifeventure teaches you something. When you find yourself in an unfamiliar situation, it will show you just how much you are willing to adapt to conquer it. You won’t get that from staying in familiar territory.

Unsure where to start? Then check out Lifeventure Philippines (www.lifeventureph. com), an online community created to celebrate and enable Filipinos to seek new and enriching experiences for themselves and for the people and communities around them. You’ll find that the community opens you up to a variety of positive and meaningful learnings that will equip you for any Lifeventure you wish to pursue. Be part of this movement and sign up today by visiting the website. Start your own Lifeventure now and meet like-minded individuals and learn new experiences and activities on the website.

NUTRITION ADVICE FROM AJINOMOTO

Teleconsultations became the norm during the onset of the pandemic, but their popularity has not waned because of the convenience it brings to people seeking expert medical advice. Inspired by this innovation, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC Group), in consultation with the Philippine Society of Nutritionists-Dietitians (PSND), developed and recently launched the Nutrition Advice web app so Filipinos can easily connect with nutrition experts wherever they are.

Nutrition Advice is a two-way digital communication tool where users can receive expert and personalized recommendations from licensed dietitians and lifestyle doctors. It is designed to provide nutritional advice related to weight management, diabetes, and hypertension.

“A lot of nutrition information is available online, but since health is a very personal matter that requires dedicated discussions, we at Ajinomoto developed Nutrition Advice to help Filipinos easily connect with experts that can guide them in achieving their wellness goals,” APC Group general manager for corporate planning and public relations Roann Co said.

The Nutrition Advice web app is part of Ajinomoto’s efforts to actively address food and health issues in the Philippines. Aside from the web app, Ajinomoto is actively promoting a balanced diet and sodium reduction through the BawAsin® campaign, an effort to encourage consumers to reduce their salt intake without sacrificing deliciousness. Its Mag-Pinggang Pinoy® Tayo! Project fosters the practice of Pinggang Pinoy®, an easyto-understand healthy food plate guide for Filipinos.

These initiatives are testament to APC Group’s commitment to its vision of leading in the co-creation of better wellness by resolving food and health issues with sustainable initiatives.

These efforts are attuned to the Ajinomoto Group, creating a shared value framework that directs the company to realize greater wellness for people worldwide through thoughtful business activities.

“We at Ajinomoto are doing our best to be a solution-providing company for food and health issues. By developing Nutrition Advice, we hope to help more Filipinos to eat well and live well,” Co said.

To access Nutrition Advice, visit https://nutritiondesk.cookmunitybyajinomoto.com/

IGLOO OFFERS DEVICE AND HEALTH PROTECTION FOR MOBILE GAMERS

The Philippines is home to the biggest eSports organization in Southeast Asia and to some of the most talented esports players in the world, ranking 8th in the world in terms of skills. As a rising gaming juggernaut, 95.8% of Filipino internet users play video games across different devices. In fact, 76% of Filipino gamers prefer to play on mobile phones due to its affordability and accessibility.

With the continued growth of the industry, it’s not surprising that many Filipinos are beginning to view becoming a professional gamer as a career option and are investing in good quality gear to upgrade their gaming experience and performance.

Improving one’s skill takes time and logging in hours upon hours of playtime can lead to the wear and tear and damage in gamers’ devices. Continuing to play on a damaged phone or one with a cracked screen not only presents challenges to gameplay performance, it can also cause injuries to the player.

Regional insurtech Igloo understands that fixing damaged parts or even

replacing the entire phone itself can be very expensive, which is why it introduced various insurance products to not only protect mobile devices from unwanted incidents such as cracked screens and water damage but also the health of mobile gamers.

With the Cracked Screen Protection and the 360-degree Phone Protection, mobile users are provided complete protection for their mobile devices for as low as PHP21 a month through the GCash GInsure Marketplace and Shopee.

The World Health Organization has also sounded the alarm over Video Game Addiction or Gaming Disorder as legitimate illnesses that plague gamers from all over the world. Understanding its role in providing protection to mobile gamers, Igloo, together with leading Indonesian e-wallet platform DANA, introduced Gamers’ Protection last year.

The award-winning product provides coverage for heart attacks and carpal tunnel syndrome, illnesses that can be

caused or exacerbated by frequent and long gaming sessions.

“While we share the world’s enthusiasm for mobile gaming, we understand that gaming for long periods of time can also pose health risks for gamers. Understanding our role as an insurtech company providing protection, has spurred us to create Gamers’ Protection,” said Igloo Philippines country manager Mario Berta. “Gaming is more than just having the best device or skills–it’s also about having protection for yourself and your devices to unleash your full gaming potential.”

Gamers’ Protection is currently available only in Indonesia, but Igloo is looking to bring the product across Southeast Asia in the near future.

“We’ve seen how this insurance product has benefited gamers from Indonesia and are currently seeking to introduce said product to other countries within the region in the near future as we believe Southeast Asian gamers will benefit from the protection this product provides,” Berta added.

INSTRUCTURE LAUNCHES CANVAS ADMIN ANALYTICS TO HELP ADMINISTRATORS DRIVE STUDENT SUCCESS

Instructure, the maker of Canvas, has announced the release of Canvas Admin Analytics, a powerful new set of features available to all Canvas LMS customers at no additional cost. Canvas Admin Analytics provides administrators with valuable selfservice analytics to understand Canvas adoption and usage, course activity and outcomes and student engagement. This new feature set makes Canvas usage data clear, enabling customers to make timely decisions about training, support and feature implementation. It will also help customers deliver a consistent learning experience, resulting in improved institutional efficacy and elevated student outcomes.

Canvas Admin Analytics saves time by surfacing data about Canvas adoption and how students interact with course content, enabling administrators to detect opportunities to drive improvement. Administrators now have easy access to data they need to:

• Strengthen Canvas adoption and feature usage to streamline the

student experience

• Make data-informed decisions about training needs to ensure best practices are used consistently across the institution or district

• Identify intervention opportunities for students who may be at risk

While some competitive LMS solutions offer dashboards, most charge a significant premium. Canvas Admin Analytics is now available to all Canvas users for no additional cost. Key features of the dashboards include:

• An institution-wide view with multiple filters to personalize data by subaccount, term, course, or instructor

• Over 20 charts and tables visualizing pivotal metrics such as enrollment and course activity trends, course averages and outcomes, interactions by feature, instructor feature adoption and activity and student activity and grade averages

• The ability to drill down into detailed views from any chart and the ability to go directly to a Canvas course from the dashboards

• The ability to export data in various formats

The Instructure product team designed and built Canvas Admin Analytics based on customer feedback, including beta testing by institutions around the globe. Early users celebrated the time saved, visibility into ROI and opportunities to reinforce student engagement and success.

Instructure is an education technology company dedicated to elevating student success, amplifying the power of teaching, and inspiring everyone to learn together. Today the Instructure Learning Platform supports tens of millions of educators and learners around the world.

In the Philippines, students and faculty members of top local universities, including the University of the Philippines (UP), Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), De La Salle University (DLSU), and Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU) are using Canva LMS to expand online learning and support its teaching and learning community engagement.

SHOPBACK SHARES 2023 PLANS

ShopBack, Southeast Asia’s leading online cashback platform, provided insight into what is in store following a successful 2022 fiscal year. During a recent media sit-down with ShopBack Philippines, the brand provided a glimpse of its planned projects to carry on the momentum and give users a better shopping experience.

Last year, ShopBack gained PHP1billion in gross merchandise value per month, and users across the platform withdrew PHP10-million monthly in cashback. The brand also partnered with over 600 merchants across the country to ensure that it is well-equipped to cater to 5.5 million ShopBack users in the Philippines. When asked how ShopBack hopes to improve its services to its wide range of consumers, the brand’s commercial director, Timothy Tuason, shed light on the situation.

“We look at the data and we also see what is the basket size per user. By observing this, we can then now retarget specific deals, and specific campaigns, because there are certain brands that may not relate the same things to a different type of basket size. So, we make sure we retarget specific campaigns to people we know that have this amount of spending power,” said Tuason.

“Understanding these types of behaviors and making sure we shoot out is what really matters to us. It’s all about providing the opportunity to the users to be able to make their shopping experience better,” he added.

ShopBack also announced its latest projects, including the launch of ShopBack Travel Club in May 2023. Other projects mentioned were the ShopBack Travel and Lifestyle

Fair and ShopBack’s 8th birthday celebration happening from June 2128, 2023.

The latest additions to the brand’s ever-expanding in-app features will cater to users looking for a smart and rewarding way to book getaways. According to Tuason, travel is one of the top categories that users look forward to in terms of getting the best deal. With the upcoming launch of its latest venture, ShopBack is confident that the company’s success will only continue to grow in the coming years.

ShopBack was founded in 2014 and today, ShopBackers across the

region continue to win over shoppers by constantly upping their game through rewards and meaningful experiences. The Group powers over USD3.7-billion in annual sales for over 15,000 online and in-store merchant partners. In 2022, ShopBack launched ShopBack Pay and PayLater, extending the platform’s offerings into financial services providing shoppers responsible and convenient payment options at checkout.

For more information and updates, visit the official ShopBack website at https://www.shopback.ph/ and the following social media pages: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

AISIN EXPANDS IN PH, OFFERS MORE AFFORDABLE AUTOMOTIVE PARTS

AISIN, a Japan-based Fortune Global 500 company with over 70 years of history in automotive-related technology, is expanding its foothold in the Philippines as it showcased its comprehensive list of automotive product line during its Annual Dealer’s Convention.

At the exhibition dubbed as “Drive to the New Horizon,” the leading global manufacturer of high-quality automotive parts celebrated its long history of pioneering innovation in automotive technology. The event featured AISIN’s most iconic products alongside current and future technologies, in partnership with its exclusive distributor in the Philippines, Riken Motor Sales, Inc.

AISIN remains the top global manufacturer of transmissions. Its impressive industry-leading record in top-of-the-line transmissions has been strengthened with the inclusion of its 1-motor hybrid transmission in multiple battery electric vehicles (BEV) and hybrid original equipment manufactured (OEM) models.

The company is a major supplier to many of the world’s leading automakers, including Toyota, Honda, and Volkswagen, among others.

Highlighted at the convention were drivetrain parts such as clutches, steering and suspension; brake parts including brake pads; as well as engine parts like water pump, ignition coil, fan motor, etc. AISIN also exhibited various automotive fluids such as engine oils, automatic transmission fluids, and Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC), as well as hydraulics for both clutches and brakes. The display included

a selection of miscellaneous parts, including a 4-variation wiper blade range and a filter range featuring oil, air, and cabin air filters.

AISIN’s Aftermarket components have unique strengths that were also showcased at the convention. ADVICS, one of the brands in AISIN group, produces complete braking systems—something that only few brake manufacturers have achieved. The recently launched fan motor outperformed many OEMs in cooling temperature tests, keeping engine radiator temperatures regulated with extreme efficiency. For water pumps, AISIN remains to be the leading supplier to Japanese car makers for many decades.

The convention also teased upcoming product introductions to the Philippines market, which may include automotive batteries, spark plugs,

ignition coils, shock absorbers, tires, starters and alternators.

AISIN Thailand Co. Ltd. senior general manager Keisuke Fukuda said that Filipinos can expect great additions in the future as AISIN transforms into “AISIN Affordable Auto Parts Mall”—becoming a one-stop-shop for all automotive needs. The company aims to be the go-to marketplace for all automotive retailers and workshops.

“We have always invested heavily in research and development to be able to provide a wide range of automotive components that are not only high-quality but also affordable and accessible to all. Ultimately, we aim to meet the growing demand for reliable and efficient auto parts, while also contributing to the development of the automotive industry in the Philippines,” AISIN ASIA managing director Yasuhiro Nakamura added.

MERALCO FUTUREPROOFS BUSINESS OPERATIONS WITH NEW DIGITAL TWIN LABORATORY

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has introduced its own digital twin laboratory that plays an important role in the distribution utility’s efforts to futureproof its business operations and contribute to the advancement of the country’s energy industry. The Powertech Innovation and eXperience Lab (PIXL) is Meralco’s own virtual world rendering studio and metaverse that uses real world data to create simulations for training and education.

Featuring 10 short-throw highdefinition projectors, a 360-degree projection wall, LED lights, and extended reality devices such as Microsoft HoloLens, and Oculus VR headset, PIXL is a state-of-the-art facility that aims to drive the use of new technologies for the energy industry to achieve the country’s smart grid vision. Smart grid is the integration of innovative systems to the power grid for improved generation and distribution of electricity.

“The most important digital strategy we have is the digitalization of the grid. Making the grid smarter entails a lot of new investments in technology. We are looking to smart substations, smart meters, advanced metering infrastructure and advanced network infrastructure, all of which taken together would make the grid much smarter and more digital,” Meralco president and chief executive officer Atty. Ray C. Espinosa said.

PIXL can help accelerate innovation and improve Meralco’s business operations as it can serve a variety of functions critical to the power distributor’s mandate to deliver reliable and stable electricity service

to its customers. These include technology scanning, proof of concept, prototype development, extended reality previews of different vital facilities such as substations and business centers, simulations of critical incident resolutions, distant learning, knowledge transfer, and remote support.

According to Rocky D. Bacani, Meralco’s first vice president for information, communication, technology and transformation (ICTT), PIXL is aligned with the power distributor’s digital transformation goals and forms part of its efforts to find new growth opportunities for customers, employees, and the future generation of engineers.

PIXL is also envisioned to serve as a venue for co-innovation initiatives with the academe, regulators, other electric cooperatives, and distribution utilities in the Philippines or even other countries.

“The way we want to use PIXL is like a studio where you can teleport to

any location you want and be able to experience that in a digital reality,” said Bacani, who is also Meralco’s chief information and technology officer.

Powered by a solid data-driven strategy and years of industry experience, Meralco has embraced digital transformation through its Customer Centricity Transformation Program and Digital Projects – a holistic and end-to-end approach that aims to improve customer touchpoints, and level up operational efficiencies and services to achieve better customer experience.

In 2021, Meralco started utilizing ICT Operations Platform and Telecommunications Integrated Command Center (OPTIC), a new command and control center which manages all information, communication, and technology systems of the distribution utility. The facility aims to reduce unplanned downtime of critical ICT systems, increase productivity of employees, and enhance service delivery to customers.

PUMA NAMES KAI SOTTO AS GLOBAL BRAND AMBASSADOR

Global sports brand PUMA marks its bold foray into the Philippine basketball market by naming Kai Sotto as its first Filipino baller to serve as the newest global brand ambassador. The German sports brand revealed its partnership with the Filipino hooper import during its recently concluded autumn/winter collection preview party last April 19.

One of the best homegrown players from the Philippines, Kai is considered as one of the top basketball prospects in Asia and has a significant following among Filipino basketball fans the world over. His partnership with PUMA is set to strengthen the brand’s presence in the basketball scene and appeal to young consumers who identify with his talent, personality, and style.

“His rising popularity and boundless potential in the local and international

basketball scene is a testament to his hard work to make a name for himself and raise the Philippine flag on the world stage. Kai’s basketball career mirrors the PUMA brand values of bravery, confidence, determination and joy, all of which advance our FOREVER FASTER mantra,” said PUMA Philippines country manager Paolo Misa.

The former UAAP juniors champion and MVP left the Philippines in 2019 to pursue his NBA dreams and has since made an impressive stint in the international basketball scene as a Filipino import for club teams in Australia and Japan. Kai signed with Adelaide 36ers of Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL) from 2021 to 2022. Today, the 7-foot-3 Pinoy import is playing with the Hiroshima Dragonflies of Japan B.League. The Filipino basketball community

hopes for his return to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas to help the country’s campaign at the FIBA World Cup this year.

“My style and story as an athlete has always been about getting faster and better in every game. I am proud to be part of a brand that represents both my story and the values that are inherent to Pinoys. I am excited and happy to be the new cat in the PUMA family,” said Kai.

PUMA’s partnership with Kai marks the start of the brand’s expansion plans in the market as a full subsidiary. As the first Filipino hooper to be part of the global PUMA family, Kai shares the excitement of his fans at home and looks forward to engaging with them and achieving even greater things with the fastest sports brand in the world.

When you think smartphones, the first names that come to mind include Apple and Samsung, two titans in the smartphone industry. From the mid-2000s to the present, smartphones have taken over, and very few people use flip phones or so-called “dumb phones” today. They can be as cheap as USD200 today, depending on factors such as features, battery life, and more. But smartphone technology is much older than you think, and my research led me to an unusual place: International Business Machines (IBM).

While IBM is known for catering to enterprise customers through PCs and laptops, once upon a time, they tried their hand at mobile phones. The IBM Simon Personal Communicator (IBM Simon for short) may have only sold 50,000 units in its brief lifespan, but it was a major step forward taking the phone outside of the home. Like all new technologies at the time, you had to have deep pockets if you wanted to test these new and innovative products. Simon sold for USD1,099 with no contract in August 1994 (USD2,238.31 in 2023).

IBM engineer Frank J. Canova is widely considered as the inventor of the smartphone, as he realized that computing devices were shrinking to the point where you could use them as handheld devices. IBM was also working on PCMCIA cards that expanded laptop memory, and Canova posited that they could also be used in handheld devices. By November 1992, IBM decided to debut the prototype device “Sweetspot” at the COMDEX technology trade show in Las Vegas. It was reported that Canova and his team were working 80-hour weeks to meet IBM’s deadline.

Sweetspot had the features of a personal digital assistant (PDA) and mobile phone. It could make and receive calls, faxes, emails, and pages, and even had a calendar, address book, and notepad. It also had digital services such as maps, stocks, and news, which are all common

Words by Jose Alvarez

features in today’s smartphones. Canova and the Sweetspot had made the front page of the Money section of USA Today, one of the largest newspapers in the United States, the day after Sweetspot made its debut.

After Sweetspot caught the attention of the technology world, IBM began work on the commercial product, code named “Angler.” Mitsubishi would take care of manufacturing the product, and even incorporated its own wireless PDA and cellular radio technologies while manufacturing the IBM Simon. IBM approached Motorola to manufacture it, but Motorola turned it down because they believed that IBM would become a rival mobile device manufacturer. Simon then debuted at the Wireless World Conference in November 1993, with BellSouth planning to sell the device by May 1994. This was later delayed to August 1994 due to software issues.

Simon was able to send and receive faxes, emails, and cellular pages. It also had the aforementioned address book, calendar, and even an appointment scheduler, world time clock, notepad, calculator, handwritten annotations, and standard and predictive predictive stylus input screen keyboards. It came with a liquid crystal display (LCD) and supported PC cards. Companies such as NEC, Hitachi, Sony, and Intel made other internal hardware for Simon. It came with a charging base station, nickel-cadmium battery, and a leather cover.

Some unique features that Simon had were an RS-232 adapter cable to access files from a PC, alongside an RJ11 adapter cable that allowed voice and data calls over landlines. Given the nature of cellular service in the mid-1990s, this also allowed users to save money by allowing Simon users to make calls where cellular coverage didn’t exist yet. In addition, one could insert a PCMCIA card to download applications to the phone’s internal memory. One application in particular, DispatchIt, was an early version of remote

desktop software that was available for Simon. The application cost USD2,999 (USD6,108 in 2023) for the host PC application and USD299 (USD608.97 in 2023) for each Simon client. Simon was discontinued in February 1995.

Why did Simon come and leave so quickly? It was a classic case of being too far ahead of its time—there were no web browsers, no fast networks, and no apps that Simon could use to become a groundbreaking and innovative product that everyone could use. It also didn’t help that IBM itself was in a tailspin during the development of the Simon either. The company had lost USD16 billion and 100,000 jobs between 1991-1993. From a business standpoint, Simon needed a combination of a rich technology ecosystem and excellent marketing to make it a success. A 2012 Bloomberg article revealed that the Simon was nowhere in IBM’s own archives, yet BellSouth executives found value in Simon. It even helped them attract partners as large as Microsoft.

Simon also found its way into pop culture, but even the biggest film and technology buffs might miss it since there was no branding on the phone in this particular movie. In the 1995 techno thriller The Net, which starred Sandra Bullock, the film’s villain (Jeremy Northam) uses Simon to make a phone call. The Net also warned us of a world where technology would be prevalent for all the wrong reasons,although Simon had been discontinued before the film’s release.

Canova is still very active in the technology world. He joined Palm in 1997 and was the head of engineering for the PalmPilot and its successors. His resume following Simon also includes engineering positions at Amazon Web Services and other technology companies. Before you check your notifications on your smartphone, make sure to remember Simon for blazing the trail for the many smartphones available on the market today.