2021v21n11 - Mobility + Tech by Gadgets Magazine

Contents

PARADE 10 Tecno Spark 7 Pro 11 Tecno Camon 17 Pro Tecno Camon 17P 12 Logitech G335 13 Logitech K380 and M350 Bundle 14 Epson EcoTank L15160 15 Epson WorkForce ES-60W EpiqVision Mini EF-12v 16 Lenovo Legion Phone Duel 2 18 G.SKILL Z5i 19 Seagate Exos Corvault 20 JBL Reflect Mini NC TWS 21 JBL Endurance Peak II JBL Tune 225 TWS | Tune 115 TWS 22 UA True Wireless Streak JBL Live 460NC | Live 660 NC 23 JBL Tune 510BT | Tune 660NC JBL Live Pro+ TWS | Live Free NC+ TWS 24 Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite 25 LG PuriCare 360 26 Sharp 4T-C70CK3X

GADGETS LAB 28 32 36 40

MOBILITY

60 The Volkswagen Multivan Kombi 62 Aston Martin DBX 66 Towards Mobility For All With Toyota 70 BAJAJ: Ang Bagong Biyahe 72 Accelerating the Switch to Electro-Mobility in the Philippines 74 Petron Blaze Racing Team Wins 12-hour Endurance Cup 76 Mobility News

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JULY 2021

VOLUME XXI • Issue XI

Tecno Pova 2 Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Plus Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano ZTE nubia RedMagic 6R

HOBBIES

LOGISTICS Shopee Deliveries Rely On Isuzu Trucks

VOLUME XXI • Issue XI

COVERSTORY 44 48 54 56

JULY 2021

op 10 Lego Sets For T Motorsports Fans

Future Mobility Pump It Up Electric Motorcycles

The 8 Best Automotive Technologies of 2021

GAMING 86 Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2 88 Mobile Gaming Essentials 90 5 Easy Hacks To Speed Up Your Internet Connection For Online Gaming 94 Get Ready To Win!

APPS Android Earthquake Alerts System

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112

Contents

ACTIVE LIFESTYLE

100

Dyson Purifier Cool

The NutriAsia EcoStation

HOME

GREEN

The Best Of Nike Personalized For You

102

INNOVATION ROXO — the FedEx SameDay Bot

JULY 2021

VOLUME XXI • Issue XI

108

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104

GOVERNMENT

ENTERPRISE

108 DTI eCommerce Program

Locad Powers eCommerce Fulfillment

110 SSS Mobile App Redesigned

114

CYBER SECURITY 114 Dating Apps in 2021 116 #ReportItDontShareIt

For MSMES

118

NEWSBYTES The latest in the world of tech 8

125

RELIC Bullet Train

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Smartphone

PHP 6,990

Tecno Spark 7 Pro THE MULTITASKING SPARK 7 PRO is the perfect tool for making things happen. Great for online learning, as well as entertainment. It’s a multitasking smartphone capable of keeping up with their predominantly digital lifestyle. Tech-savvy members of Gen Z rely heavily on their gadgets for most of their productivity, entertainment, and even socialization needs. Spark 7 Pro is more than equipped to handle distance learning requirements, simultaneously running apps needed for online classes, school work, and research. The Tecno Spark 7 Pro has an Helio G80 octa-core processor that can effortlessly July 2021

run multiple apps simultaneously with 6GB of RAM and 64GB of expandable internal memory. It has a 6.6-inch HD+ Dot-in Screen display with a 720 x 1600 HD+ resolution and 90Hz refresh rate. Its slim body with fin-shaped design is ultrathin and offers a premium feel. The Tecno Spark 7 Pro has a 48MP AI Triple Rear Camera with Quad Flash. It’s composed of a 48MP Main Camera, a 2MP Bokeh Lens, and an AI Cam with Quad Rear Flash, plus an 8MP Front Camera with Dual Front Flash for the perfect selfie even in low light. The cameras offer professional shooting modes for capturing every dream

moment, including Super Night Shot, Timelapse, Video Bokeh, and 2K. Powered by HiOS 7.5 Operating System, based on Android 11, the Tecno Spark 7 Pro includes WiFi Share, Phone Cloner, Smart Scanner, and more. The phone’s 5000mAh battery is capable of a standby time of up to 14 days, up to 18 hours of voice calls, 16 hours of web browsing, 22 hours of music playback using earphones, 20 hours of video playback, or 16 hours of offline gaming. The Tecno Spark 7 Pro comes in three eye-catching colors: magnet black, alps blue, and spruce green. gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Tecno Camon 17P Smartphone

PHP 8,490

THE BUDGET-FRIENDLIER option, Camon 17P, has a 48MP AI Triple Camera, runs on an Helio G85 processor and also has a powerful 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging. Its high-resolution 6.8” FHD+ display provides a sharper and clearer display. The Camon 17P comes in three colors: magnet black, spruce green, and frost silver.

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Smartphone

Tecno Camon 17 Pro PHP 10,990 - 8GB + 256GB PHP 9,990 - 8GB+128GB

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THE TECNO Camon 17 Pro is equipped with a 48MP Clearest Selfie Camera in front and a 64MP UltraQuad camera at the rear. This smartphone is powered by an Helio G95 processor with a 90Hz screen refresh rate, plus a long-lasting 5000mAh battery which comes with a 33W fast charger. Camon 17 Pro is available in two colors: ice silver and stillwater blue.

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Logitech G335 Wireless Gaming Headset

THE LOGITECH G335 Wired Gaming Headset is one of the lightest gaming headsets available today, weighing only 240g, including the cable. Slim and sleek, it uses a suspension design with an adjustable elastic headband for a customized fit. This headset is also fitted with memory foam earpads and sports mesh material for long-lasting, all-day comfort.

Compatible with most PCs, laptops, gaming consoles, and selected mobile devices, this headset is truly a versatile gaming companion. The Logitech G335 wired headset is equipped with 40mm neodymium drivers, delivering crisp, clear sound that makes your game come alive and ensuring crystal-clear communication with amazing sound and voice clarity. It’s also Discord certified, so you can be sure your friends hear you crystal clear in every situation.

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Get started in an instant and quickly become immersed in your game with the G335’s easy plugand-play connection and built-in controls. This headset’s mic can be conveniently flipped upward to quickly mute and move it out of the way, and its volume roller is conveniently located directly under

the ear cup for easy access when you wish to turn up your game or music.

July 2021

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Logitech K380 and M350 Bundle Wireless Keyboard | Wireless Mouse PHP 2,499 - K380 and M350 lifestyle pack with felt carrying bag

THE LOGITECH K380 and M350 make working from home, even from anywhere much more fun and exciting. Both have a lot of great features that are bound to increase a user’s productivity. Make everywhere your workspace with the Logitech K380 and M350.

iPadOS), ChromeOS, and Android. The Logitech K380 can connect to up to three devices, and offers a laptoplike typing experience with near-silent typing sounds.

Producer Paolo Valenciano sporting the Logitech K380 Graphite edition with the included felt carrying case

It supports Windows, macOS and iPadOS, ChromeOS, Android, and even Linux. Logitech has also rated the M350’s battery life to last 18 months.

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The Logitech M350 can connect with up to two devices and features two different connectivity options — USB wireless and Bluetooth. The M350 has a highprecision optical tracking sensor with up to 1000dpi. Unlike other wireless portable mice, the M350 has three buttons: left, right, and a mechanical scroll wheel.

The Logitech K380 is an ultra-slim, portable, minimalize wireless keyboard. It’s just 16mm thick at its thickest point and has a width and height of 279mm and 124mm respectively. Weighing just 423 grams with the included 2x AAA batteries, the Logitech K380 is as portable as they can get. This wireless keyboard uses Bluetooth to connect, and supports Windows, the Apple ecosystem (iOS, macOS,

The Logitech M350 wireless mouse is likewise an ultra-portable mouse. It has a dimension of 107mm x 59mm x 26.5mm and weighs a mere 100grams with the included 1x AA battery. You can even put it in your pocket!

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Working in the new normal might be a challenge to many. But it doesn’t have to be with these new office partners from EPSON.

Epson EcoTank L15160 All-in-One Ink Tank Printer

THE EPSON EcoTank L15160 is ideal for business quality A3 printing with a fast print speed of 25ipm for both color and mono. This printer also uses the latest pigment ink, DURABrite ET INK that gives users sharp, crisp, and durable prints that are water-resistant. It is built to ensure lower costs for duplex printing and scanning as it is easy to maintain and uses high yield ink bottles that minimize the frequency of consumables replacement.

flexible shared computer and mobile printing. The added advantage of WiFi Direct allows users to connect up to 8 devices to the printer without a router. Users can print from their smart devices using the Epson iPrint app or print from

Connectivity-wise, the Epson EcoTank L15160 offers a world of wireless convenience with access to easy and July 2021

anywhere using the Epson Connect cloud solutions. The Epson EcoTank L15160 is compact and can easily fit into any office environment with its small footprint. Offering a sustainable printing solution for the modern workplace, the L15160 is equipped with Epson’s revolutionary Heat-Free Technology, which means that Epson’s business inkjet printers use less power and produce less CO₂ emissions, allowing businesses to save on electricity costs and reduce environmental impact as they print in the new business year. gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Epson WorkForce ES-60W Portable Document Scanner

PHP 7,095

FOR SOME BUSINESSES, this busy season entails digitizing most documents to ensure data is not lost in preparation for the coming work year. The recommended solution for on-thego scanning needs would be Epson’s WorkForce ES-60W, which is small, compact, and lightweight.

powered up with just a USB2.0 cable connected to a computer. With the built-in battery, the ES-60W even allows users to scan on the go without a power source. Users can recharge it with either an AC adapter or when connected to a computer’s USB port.

With an easy-to-use and intuitive scanning process, capturing and saving documents becomes stress-free. This portable A4 sheet-fed scanner can be

With WiFi access capability, users can even connect to ES-60W and perform scanning operations with their mobile devices.

Streamlining work processes through document management is vital for businesses nowadays. The ES-60W helps address this with its productivity and quick scanning speeds of up to four seconds, making it the smart choice for demanding business scanning needs.

YAMAHA, with the ability to operate as a stand-alone smart speaker. With its portability, quick setup, and easyto-use features, the EpiqVision Mini EF-12 becomes a perfect companion for both work and play, allowing you to showcase clear, large presentation content at work during the day and to immerse yourself with gaming or movies at night.

Epson’s EpiqVision Mini EF-12 laser projection TV offers a flexible projection solution that’s maintenance-free. The sleek, compact projector can also prove to be more economical in the long run since its laser light source has a longer life cycle of up to 20,000 hours compared to lamp projectors, resulting in greater cost savings while offering lasting brightness and improved color over lamp-based models.

An advantage is that if an employee is working from home and needs this, it would be easy to transport, set up, and use outside the office.

Laser Projection TV

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EpiqVision Mini EF-12v PHP 60,500

MOST BUSINESSES today need projector solutions that are portable, easy to install, and convenient to use. Epson’s EpiqVision EF-12 can be moved from room to room or any work setup without the need for a TV or screen while still offering that big-screen experience in a portable design.

The EpiqVision Mini EF-12 allows users for the first time in an Epson projector to experience sound by

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For professionals working from home, fuss-free video conferencing is made possible with Epson Online Meetings powered by Zoom. The EpiqVision Mini EF-12 Laser Projection TV is equipped to handle group calls, online meetings, and conferences without needing extra software.

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Lenovo Legion Phone Duel 2 Gaming Smartphone PHP 49,995 - 16GB/512GB

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PHP 39,995 - 12GB/256GB

THE LENOVO LEGION PHONE DUEL 2 raises the bar for immersive 5G gameplay and revved-up performance over the previous generation. Its unique landscape-mode design offers an incredible gaming-centric experience with even faster gaming controls, improved camera features, and powerful thermals to help mobile gamers handle all the action of the hottest games. Legion has partnered with the world’s fastest smartphone gaming processor, the Qualcomm SnapdragonTM 888 5G mobile platform, with a generous Up to

July 2021

18GB LPDDR5 and 512GB UFS3.1, plus the fastest 5G and WiFi 6 connectivity to create the ultimate mobile gaming platform. The phone’s exclusive ATA 2.0 (Advanced Technology Architecture) was designed to provide the ultimate cooling and sustained extreme performance for the best gaming experience by placing the powerful Qualcomm® SnapdragonTM 888 5G Mobile Platform in the center of the smartphone’s design. The 8 virtual keys greatly improve the in-game

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The 6.92” AMOLED gaming display with 144Hz refresh rate and 720Hz touch reaction speed gives users the fastest in-game action experience. Professional-grade Delta E 0.5 color accuracy and HDR10+ produce perfect in-game visuals. Choose dual front-facing speakers with Dolby Atmos premium sound, or opt for low-latency BLE audio to use with TWS headphones. A huge 5,500mAh of total power is split between dual batteries adding with 90W charging via USB Type-C port will quickly hit 100% charge in just 30 minutes. The Phalanx Battery Protection system provides optimal charging speeds, bypass mode, and overcharges prevention, ensuring longer life, lower temps, and safer fast charging. Legion internal testing has shown even after 1200 full charge cycles, the battery could still offer 85% of its max capacity.

Octa-Trigger gives a virtual key array (4X shoulder ultrasonic, 2X rear capacitance, and 2X display forcetouch) in a natural console controller-like grip, giving gamers the freedom to customize each key mapping with combinations that suit their play styles. This fast and easy control always keeps you a click ahead. The dual X-axis haptic vibration linear motors, Dual HaptiX, give incredibly precise and exquisite touch feedback for the most immersive in-game experience ever. Legion provides developers three easy methods to bring haptic feedback into their games (Legion SDK, TGPA, and RichTap). Dual HaptiX can sync with different gaming events, bringing that next layer of immersive feeling into your hands.

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The One Complete Thermal System is extremely effective at removing heat. It combines an integrated, active, twin turbo-fan cooling that forces the airflow through the copper wind tunnel. This tunnel is connected to the large vapor chamber via two copper pillars, increasing thermal transfer performance. With a 30% thermal efficiency improvement compared to the last generation, the difference between intake and exhaust air can be up to 22˚C.

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controllability to make sure gamers are always a click ahead of the competition.

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G.SKILL Z5i Mini-ITX Case

THE Z5I is a mini-ITX chassis with a minimalistic and compact PC case, constructed for high-performance, small-form-factor (SFF) builds.

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The Z5i features a sleek pentagonal prism case design with curved tempered glass side panels on both sides. It can support liquid cooler radiators of up to 280mm and high-end triple-slot graphics cards of up to 330mm in length for a small yet powerful PC build. The G.SKILL Z5i is a uniquely crafted mini-ITX case with curved 4mm tempered glass side panels that wrap around the precision-made single-piece aluminum exterior frame to form a

July 2021

5-sided case, showcasing the dualchamber design so internal hardware components can be viewed from both sides. To enable a cleaner workspace, the Z5i is created with a bottom-facing motherboard I/O panel so cables can be neatly and easily managed. Designed to accommodate high-end hardware components, the Z5i mini-ITX case supports large 3-slot graphics cards of up to 330mm in length and supports up to a 280mm AIO radiator or two 140mm case fans in the rear for cooling. Ample data storage is also essential in a high-performance system, so the Z5i is constructed to house up to three storage drives, including two 2.5” SSDs and a third convertible 2.5”/3.5” SSD/HDD drive space.

For easy access to external USB devices, the front panel on the Z5i is equipped with two USB 3.0 ports and one USB 3.1 Type-C port, providing convenient highspeed connections to modern portable storage devices or smartphones. The Z5i also integrates ARGB to provide ambient under glow case lighting via the standard 3-pin 5V RGB header on supported motherboards and controllable with motherboard lighting software for easy lighting customizability. Designed to support high-end components and integrating unique features into the compact mini-ITX form factor, the Z5i has received worldwide recognition for its product design as the recipient of the iF Design Award 2021 and Red Dot Design Award 2021.

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Seagate Exos Corvault Storage Sytem

The new Exos CORVAULT highdensity storage system offers SANlevel performance built on Seagate’s breakthrough storage architecture that combines the sixth generation VelosCT ASIC, ADAPT erasure code data protection, and Autonomous Drive Regeneration.

(ADAPT) distributes data across every drive offering advanced data protection and fast rebuilds without sacrificing performance. Autonomous Drive Regeneration (ADR) is a self-correcting system that renews a drive in-situ without the need for

a manual drive swap. Developed by Seagate, ADR can return most drives to dependable service by reconfiguring the drive to bypass errant components. The technology also helps reduce the environmental impact of computer e-waste as ADR drives are renewed instead of discarded.

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Designed on the Seagate Exos 4U106 12Gb/s platform, CORVAULT offers “five nines” availability (99.999%) helping to deliver consistently high reliability. The maximum-density 4U chassis accommodates 106 drives in only seven inches (18cm) of rack space. It is tuned to maximize drive performance by protecting against vibrational and acoustic interference, heat, and power irregularities.

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SEAGATE HAS LAUNCHED a uniquely intelligent category of masscapacity storage designed to streamline data management and reduce human intervention for macro edge and data center environments.

Seagate’s new VelosCT chip powers the system’s dual storage controllers, which optimizes all drive actuators in parallel, driving superior performance, while Seagate’s Advanced Distributed Autonomic Protection Technology

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Amplify moments with JBL’s newest line of sports and lifestyle headphones, which feature true wireless and active noise cancellation technology suited for fitness, professional, and everyday use.

JBL Reflect Mini NC TWS

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PHP 8,299

WHETHER YOU’RE into yoga, running, or barre, these in-ear sport headphones are the perfect all-around accessory for your athleisure lifestyle. With 21 hours of playtime, an IPX7 waterproof rating, and Active Noise Cancelling feature, you can focus on your fitness goal with zero distractions. For outdoor or group workouts, the Smart Ambient technology keeps you aware of your surroundings or lets you chat with a friend.

July 2021

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JBL Endurance Peak II PHP 6,299

SERIOUS WORKOUTS deserve serious gear. These true wireless headphones deliver JBL Pure Bass sound to fuel your highintensity routines while providing comfort and connectivity to keep you going strong. Get next-level motivation with 30 hours of combined battery life, starting from the moment you wear them, thanks to the Powerhook. Built with an ergonomic fit and sweatproof/waterproof design, it lets you exercise harder and longer.

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JBL Tune 225 TWS | Tune 115 TWS

Tune 225 TWS PHP 7,199

Tune 115 TWS PHP 4,699

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TRUE WIRELESS EARPHONES are convenient, compact, and ideal for everyday use. If you’re new to this kind of model, the JBL Tune 225 TWS earbuds and the JBL Tune 115 TWS in-ear headphones are the perfect introductory pieces to integrate with your daily routine. Both offer freedom from wires, therefore allowing you to move, dance, cook, clean, and do a lot of activities around your home without limitation. With up to 25 and 21 hours of battery life respectively, you can stream multiple tracks and enjoy fun conversations via calls.

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UA True Wireless Streak

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PHP 8,499

THIS LIGHTWEIGHT CHOICE is engineered to maximize performance while minimizing size and distractions. Designed with Sport Flex Fit ear tips, it provides comfort and secure fit tested by athletes. With 18 hours of total playtime, UA waterproof technology, TalkThru, and Ambient Aware Technology, you can power through workouts while enjoying superior bass, element-battling protection, and seamless interaction with your surroundings or workout partners.

JBL Live 460NC | Live 660 NC Live 460NC PHP 6,999 Live 660NC PHP 10,999

FOR CONTENT CREATORS and digital creatives, superior sound is essential. The JBL Live 460NC on-ear headphones and JBL Live 660NC over-ear headphones are equipped with massive 40mm drivers to deliver JBL Signature Sound, punctuated with enhanced bass so every track pops. Activate the Adaptive Noise Cancelling if focusing is what you need and Smart Ambient if you want to keep in touch with your environment. It also has voice assistant technology and a total of 50 hours battery life with ANC off. It also comes with a detachable audio cable to let you rock on and work hard even when the battery goes off. July 2021

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JBL Tune 510BT | Tune 660NC

Tune 510BT PHP 3,299

JBL Live Pro+ TWS | Live Free NC+ TWS MEETINGS, CLASSES, events, and a lot of social gatherings have already migrated to the virtual space. Whether you’re a corporate employee, teacher, or a host (or any similar profession for that matter), you can rely on the true wireless JBL Live Pro+ TWS earbuds and JBL Live Free NC+ TWS in-ear headphones. Both models deliver JBL Signature Sound with 28 and 21 hours of playtime respectively. Aiding users’ comfort and effortless movement, both designs feature intuitive touch and voice assistant control. For those on the go, the Live Free NC+ TWS is also sweatproof/waterproof so it won’t let you down no matter your activity or the weather.

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FOR STUDENTS AND HOBBYISTS, whether you’re studying or pursuing passion projects, you can rely on JBL Tune 510BT on-ear headphones and JBL Tune 660NC Noise Cancelling on-ear headphones for superior bass sound minus the fuss. With up to 40 hours of streaming pleasure with ANC on, as well as convenient pairing technology to connect to Siri or Google devices, you can easily get in the zone without having to worry about missing updates, notifications, and important calls. These foldable grab n’ go solutions come in different colors so you can choose a pair that best suits your personality.

Tune 660NC PHP 5,599

Live Pro+ TWS PHP 9,199

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Live Free NC+ TWS PHP 8,599

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Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite Tablet

PHP 9,490

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THE SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab A7 Lite offers a premium multimedia experience. With an 8.7” WXGA+ TFT display, it’s now more immersive to scroll through presentations, reports, and even attend online classes. The tablet sports powerful Dual Speakers with Dolby Atmos to deliver rich, studio-quality sound, so discussions are always crystal-clear.

Netflix at night. The best part is that it supports 15W adaptive fast charging so users can get back to learning, gaming, or streaming shows faster. With a massive 32GB internal storage that is expandable up to 1TB, students do not need to worry about storing huge online school files like modules, notes, educational videos, and even games during playtime.

Younger students can also explore Samsung Kids, a digital playground that offers access to dozens of age-appropriate and family-friendly games and content. It also has Parental Control which allows parents to monitor their kids’ screen time and activity.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite offers a handy and compact design, making it great for playing games and watching TV shows during downtime. With its slim bezels, the tablet is light enough to be held without the arms going numb. The tablet’s interface is also easy to use with one hand. A gesturebased menu can open the previous window, see recent apps, return to the Home screen, and more with just the swipe of a thumb. This feature makes it more convenient for students to juggle multiple modules where they have to switch between apps, access important files, and take down notes. Additionally, the tablet pairs seamlessly with other Galaxy devices – from smartphones to earbuds. It lets users make calls, send and receive messages, and easily copy and paste files from the tablet to another Galaxy smartphone smoothly, and vice versa. The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is powered by a long-lasting 5,100mAh battery, offering enough power to last students from the first class in the morning to the final episode of the latest TV series on

July 2021

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LG PuriCare 360 Air Purifier

LG ELECTRONICS is bringing nextlevel air purifying to more homes by launching the upgraded PuriCare 360° with Safe Plus Filter. Boasting a unique 360-degree air filtration system on top of not one but two cutting-edge filters, LG PuriCare 360° air purifier is now even better at providing fresh and clean air throughout the entire home.

The PuriCare device employs a Safe Plus Filter and Deodorization Filter

LG PuriCare 360° is fitted with an advanced Smart Sensor that detects fine particles smaller than one micrometer in diameter. The sensor also performs realtime status checks to ensure it is always operating in accordance with actual pollution levels. Meanwhile, the smart

LED Indicator uses four colored lights to let users check air quality at a glance. Here, air quality and odor measurements are clearly displayed for the easiest way to monitor indoor pollution levels and track purification progress. For added user convenience, LG ThinQ lets them control their PuriCare device from any location. Users can monitor their indoor air quality, change device settings or turn it off and on with just their smartphone, which is where they will receive handy status updates and alerts from the air purifier when one of its filters needs replacing. July 2021

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Known for its unmatched effectiveness and remarkable 360-degree design, LG PuriCare 360° refreshes and revitalizes the air around the whole room. The purifier’s distinctive cylindrical shape does more than turn heads, as it is a crucial part of its purifying performance and effectiveness. The solution sends filtered air as far as 7.5 meters using its Clean Booster feature, which rises from the top of the device and rotates left and right to eliminate all blind spots and achieve complete fresh air coverage.

to achieve its comprehensive multifiltration system that effortlessly eliminates bacteria, viruses, ultra-fine dust, allergens, and harmful gases. The newly added Safe Plus Filter is 99.9 percent anti-bacterial and anti-viral and removes 99.999 percent of ultrafine dust particles as small as 0.01 micrometers and allergens. This further adds to the impressive performance of its Deodorization Filter, which captures harmful gases lurking in the air such as odors, smog, and chemicals. The ionizer is another innovation to remove harmful airborne viruses and bacteria, surrounding the substances with Ion clusters to form a chemical reaction that produces water (H2O) and nothing else.

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Sharp 4T-C70CK3X 4K Smart Android TV

SHARP PH officially unveils a 70-inch 4K Smart Android TV with Google voice assistant and Google Duo for video calls.

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The Sharp 4K Smart Android TV 4T-C70CK3X boasts 70-inch screen goodness. It sports a minimalist design built with a super narrow bezel, making eyes focus more on the display. The most obvious benefit of TVs with 4K resolutions is that their pictures have more detail and sharpness. After all, their 3840 x 2160 pixel counts equate to four times the resolution of the full HD pictures most of us are used to. Every hair on people’s heads, every leaf on every tree, every blade of grass on a football pitch, every star in the sky. Coupled with Sharp’s AQUOS processor, viewing quality is enhanced to the

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optimal level. The manufacturer also emphasizes it can deliver outstanding picture quality because of X4 Master Engine Pro II. Basically, you’ve got an experience many describe as more like looking through a window than watching a TV. This 70-inch 4K Smart Android TV from Sharp is equipped with speakers with Dolby audio on both sides. As a result, you get crystal-clear sound effects with a surround-sound quality. The Sharp 4K Smart Android TV has a custom Android TV home screen. You can use the built-in Google PlayStore to download apps. In addition to this, you can conveniently use this Sharp TV for video conferencing with teammates, family, or friends due to the inclusion of Google Duo.

The Sharp 4K Smart Android TV also has Google Assistant on its remote. This feature is handy since you don’t need to look through all your streaming apps yourself. Moreover, you can easily get answers on screen if you’re performing a search on Google. You can also control other smart devices inside your home with this voice assistant.

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REVIEWED BY TRINITY SALVIO

TECNO POVA 2 GAMING SMARTPHONE

The Tecno Pova 2 is a proud powerhouse built to give the ultimate gaming experience. Great value, and an undeniably smooth design, will attract anyone looking for a good gaming mobile device. You can’t go wrong with its long-lasting battery life and flash charging feature for endless hours of smooth browsing and gameplay. By far, it is perfection personified with this modern smartphone. July 2021

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DESIGN The review unit we had came in polar silver with greyish blue undertones in a matte finish. At the back, a vertical strip divides the otherwise smooth look that appears symmetrical with the brand name printed beneath it. Personally, I think the strip marred the minimalist design but it helps differentiate the Pova 2 from other Tecno models. The plastic frame and build do not detract from its looks as its minimalist and modern design exudes elegance. The glass front boasts a 6.9” FHD+ Dot-in display with a 1080x2460p resolution. The 48MP quadruple camera is located at the upper back of the device. gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

The volume and power buttons are located on the right side. The power button doubles as a fingerprint sensor — a nice feature. Lastly, the speaker is located at the top center with the USB Type-C 2.0 charging port and 3.5mm headphone jack at the bottom right of the unit.

HARDWARE With a powerful MediaTek Helio G85 octa-core processor and a 7000mAh lithium-polymer battery, the Pova 2 consistently delivers efficient and lasting performance at a great value. The 18W Dual IC flash charger is able to fully charge the Pova 2 within 2-3 hours and in just 40 minutes if the battery is at half percent.

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Tecno Pova 2

USER EXPERIENCE The Tecno Mobile series continues to deliver top-quality products at affordable prices and the new Pova 2 is arguably the perfect phone for smooth gameplay, efficient online browsing, and even taking quality camera shots. After reading up on what’s in store for this unit, my high expectations were blown off the water as I spent my first few hours with it.

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As a mobile gamer, I set my sights on playing Genshin Impact and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang on the Pova 2 as soon as I got it. I was genuinely surprised and absolutely fell in love with the smooth performance even after spending more than 2 hours of heavy, fast-paced gaming. The 7000mAh battery provided almost endless playtime even though the device occasionally heated up after moving up the graphics settings. The conspicuous placement of the punch-hole selfie camera at the topcenter of the screen detracts from the immersive experience. The speakers themselves weren’t dazzling but they did the job of providing crisp audio. All in all, the Pova 2 lives up to its name as an affordable gaming phone. In terms of the operating system, the HiOS 7.6 is an interesting feature kit that provides a plethora of handy applications and widgets such as a freezer (to keep apps under ‘cooldown’), QR scanner, Hi Translate, Hi Theme, Carlcare (professional after-sales), and many more. These are standard features that almost any good smartphone have but I would’ve appreciated them more if some apps were removable since I wouldn’t be able to use all of them anyway. Moving on to the camera features, the added vibrancy and hue offers a bit of color inaccuracy that peeved me a bit even though the shots came out quite well. The 48MP quad-camera provides July 2021

crisp yet slightly grainy shots, a bit of a letdown. Doing photography with this unit will require a bit of tinkering to utilize the right settings to capture a variety of subjects.

downtime, I often read webcomics and do online social media browsing. The refresh rate is fast enough though not as responsive as some other smartphones I have reviewed.

As for videography, I was able to shoot from a 720p to 2k resolution at 30fps and the ultra-steady feature greatly helps in creating smooth videos.

I was able to read numerous stories without much interruption save for the occasional advertisements that the phone served up.

As someone with shaky hands, this is a huge plus for me and although this unit may not completely replace a DSLR, the features alone can carry out what is needed—no more, no less. During my

This became an increasingly troublesome issue whenever I played mobile games, popping up and spamming the home feed from time to time.

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SPECIFICATIONS

The most irksome thing is some of the bloatware on the device can’t be uninstalled such that storage space is taken up by applications that I won’t even use. In essence, I enjoyed using the device in spite of its shortcomings. The Tecno Pova 2 is a wonderful surprise that exceeds expectations for a budget gaming smartphone. It delivers on every aspect by providing the best and smoothest experience in playing mobiles games whilst incorporating a unique take in utilizing the hefty Helio G85 octa-core processor. As for everyday usage, the setup alone is easy enough to get around with.

WHAT'S HOT  Long-lasting battery life  Smooth gaming experience  Decent camera features

VALUE

WHAT'S NOT  Massive bloatware and advertisements  Loudspeaker lacks bass

BOTTOMLINE

With a selling price of PHP7,990, the Tecno Pova 2 is an affordable device that provides quality performance paired with efficient applications to give the ultimate smooth gameplay experience. It’s safe to say that I would love to have this unit as my go-to gaming phone for the year.

The elegant Techno Pova 2 takes pride in delivering top performance as a budget gaming smartphone. July 2021

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Network: GSM / HSPA / LTE OS: HiOS 7.6 based on Android 11 CPU: MediaTek Helio G85 Octa-Core Processor Memory and storage: 128GB ROM/64GB ROM | 6GB RAM/4GB RAM Display: 6.9” FHD+ Dot-in Display | 1080x2460px resolution (180 Hz sampling rate) | 20.5:9 aspect ratio and punch-hole selfie-camera Camera and flash: 8MP Front Camera with Dual Flash | 48M Clear Quad Rear Camera with Quad Flash Connectivity: GSM | GPRS | TDD LTE | WiFi 802.11 | Dual-band | Mobile hotspot Charging: 18W Dual IC Flash Charging Battery: Li-Po 7000mAh Battery (Non-removable) I/O: USB Type-C 2.0, USB On-TheGo | 3.5mm audio jack Dimensions (HxWxD): 173.32x78.78x9.6mm SIM slot: DUAL SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) Sensors: Fingerprint (side-mounted) | Accelerometer | Proximity | Electronic Compass Other: ET Game Engine | Gaming Space | WeZone (LAN game platform building) | Vault 2.0

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REVIEWED BY ALYSSA JOJI SILVA

MICROSOFT SURFACE PRO 7 PLUS 2-IN-1 BUSINESS LAPTOP

Better get ready as the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Plus brings out more surprises with new features that will surely upgrade your experience.

July 2021

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Microsoft introduced some changes in the Surface Pro 7 Plus. Under the kickstand, it now has a removable solid-state drive as well as an optional nano-sim card port for LTE connectivity when WiFi is inaccessible. The screen display is still 12.3-inch PixelSense with a 3:2 aspect ratio. The power and volume buttons are located at the top left side of the monitor. Also on the left is the earphone jack along with the kickstand marker. On the right are the USB-C and USB-A ports with the magnetic charging port below. Magnetic sensors surround the monitor, so a Surface Pen can be attached to the left side of the monitor. The kickstand of the monitor is located at the back and below the tablet is where you attach the keyboard. The full-size QWERTY keyboard has a full row of function keys, 4 directional keys, plus additional control keys, and has LED backlighting. This is perfectly complemented by a precision glass trackpad that supports multi-touch gesture.

There are several options offered for the removable solid-state drive: 128GB or 256GB (WiFi or LTE) and 512GB or 1TB (WiFi). The 50.4Wh lithium-ion battery is able to deliver 15-hours of regular use, more than enough for a whole working day plus a bit of overtime. The 60W power supply supports fast charging, up to 80% in just an hour.

HARDWARE With the latest Windows 10 Pro operating system, the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Plus is making its way to becoming faster with more memory and better performance for a smoother, multi-tasking experience. Powered by either a dual-core (Core i3) or quad-core (Core i5 to i7) 11th Gen Intel Core Processor, it is rated to be 2.1 times faster than the previous Surface Pro 7. It can handle heavy-weight applications such as the Adobe Creative Suite and

The Surface Pro 7 Plus comes with a 5MP front-facing HD camera and an 8MP rearfacing autofocus full HD video.

July 2021

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game apps such as Valorant and League of Legends. There’s also a lot of memory for documents and videos since the Surface Pro 7 Plus has options to choose the capacity of the storage.

DESIGN

Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Plus

USER EXPERIENCE

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Using the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Plus was new to me as I haven’t used any of their products except Windows 10 and, my goodness, this product took me by surprise. A 2-in-1 product, I can use this as a tablet or a laptop. Tablet mode was convenient for watching Netflix with my mom. I was also able to play around with Microsoft 3D Paint to create some digital art. This was also my first time using a stylus pen and found it surprisingly responsive to my strokes. The large-screen display and the kickstand were also very helpful for editing digital art, as I could position the tablet to be able to draw well without worrying about wrist pain. For laptop mode, the keyboard attaches to the tablet easily. I mainly used it for writing articles and reviews, including this one. Typing on the keyboard is effortless, the backlit keys are great for working at night. A downside is that since the keyboard is quite light and thin so I can’t use it on my lap but that’s what the tablet mode is good for. I downloaded some heavy games just to see how the Surface Pro 7 Plus would perform, and it was unexpectedly good. It was fast and responsive for both Valorant and League of Legends, delivering an enjoyable gaming experience. Optional LTE connectivity is an advantage for students and employees, especially when WiFi is not available, as they can continue working on their tasks and from anywhere, with the Surface 7 Pro Plus. To try out this feature, I inserted my nano sim card in the slot underneath the kickstand and turned LTE on, and gladly it worked! I was able to get a strong signal with speeds similar to WiFi. I attended seminars on the Surface 7 Pro Plus, and this was also my first experience with Microsoft Teams. I enjoyed the virtual classroom setting as well as the captions feature. The stereo speakers were also excellent, producing rich, clear sound. I also used the dual mics during work meetings and for video calls, and there were no complaints. My image on the front camera came across as very clear and July 2021

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SPECIFICATIONS

The battery was able to keep pace with my activities the entire day as I used the laptop for writing articles, streaming music, watching movies, and playing.

VALUE The starting price of Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Plus is PHP74,690, and the accessories such as the keyboard and the Surface Pen are sold separately. You also need to purchase Microsoft Suite to gain full access and fully enjoy all its features. It is very efficient for the Surface Pro 7 Plus to have a removable state drive and LTE Advanced. However, when it comes to convenience and practicality, the Surface Pro 7 Plus falls short other than the 2-in-1 laptops such as iPad Pro because in Surface Pro 7 Plus you still have to purchase their Microsoft Suite in order to gain its full access rather than having it built-in once you’ve purchased it.

WHAT'S HOT LTE nano-sim option Removable solid-state drive Faster processor

WHAT'S NOT Need to purchase Microsoft Suite to experience its full potential.

BOTTOMLINE The all-new Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Plus offers more space, resiliency, and versatility.

July 2021

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clean, automatically adjusting the lighting thanks to its ambient light sensor.

Operating System: Windows 10 Pro Software: Preloaded Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 Business Standard, Microsoft 365, Business Premium, or Microsoft 365 Apps 30Day trial Exterior: Signature unibody magnesium design with hidden perimeter venting Colors: Platinum and Matte Black Physical buttons: Volume and Power Button Dimensions: 292mmx201mmx8.5mm Weight: 771.1g Display: 12.3” PixelSenseTM Screen Display Resolution: 2736 x 1824 (267 PPI) Aspect ratio: 3:2 and 10-point multitouch CPU options: Dual-core 11th Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 Processor (WiFi) | Quad-core 11th Gen Intel CoreTM i5-1135G7 Processor (Wi-Fi or LTE) | Quad-core 11th Gen Intel CoreTM i7-1165G7 Processor (Wi-Fi) Graphics options: Intel UHD Graphics (i3) | Intel Iris Xe Graphics (i5, i7) Memory options: 8GB or 16GB LPDDR4x RAM (Wi-Fi or LTE) | 32GB LPDDR4x RAM (Wi-Fi) Storage: Removable solid-state drive (SSD) options: 128GB or 256GB (WiFi or LTE) | 512GB or 1TB (Wi-Fi) Security: TPM 2.0 chip for enterprise security and enterprise-grade protection with Windows Hello face sign-in

Wireless: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, LTE Advanced with removable SIM and eSIM support, Qualcomm SnapdragonTM X20 LTE Modem Battery: Up to 15 hours of typical device usage | LTE Advanced: Up to 13.5 hours of typical device usage Cameras: Windows Hello face authentication camera (front-facing), 5.0MP front-facing camera with 1080p full HD video, 8.0MP rearfacing autofocus camera with 1080p full HD video Audio: Dual far-field Studio Mics and 1.6W stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos Ports: 1 x USB-C, 1 x full-size USB-A, 3.5mm headphone jack, 1 x Surface Connect port, Surface Type Cover port, MicroSDXC card reader (Wi-Fi), 1 x nano SIM (LTE), Compatible with Surface Dial offscreen interaction Sensors: Ambient light sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer Power supply: 65W with USB Charging Port

REVIEWED BY GABRIEL PE

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Laptop

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano is the newest ThinkPad from Lenovo. What sets it apart from the rest of the ThinkPad series is its size, officially the lightest and thinnest of the series, coming in at under 1kg. But how does it stack with the rest of the ThinkPad line?

July 2021

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design The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano follows the same design choices found in all ThinkPads. It has a matte black finish along with some minor red accents. The major difference between the ThinkPad X1 Nano from the rest of the ThinkPad line is its small form factor. The device is just 907-grams, with a dimension of 13.87x292.8x207.7mm, small enough to be considered a 12-inch laptop.

hardware The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano is part of Intel’s Evo platform, the brand’s official certification for “ultrabooks”. Being part of the Evo platform, the Lenovo ThinkPad is powered by an 11th gen Intel Core i5 - 1130G7 processor with integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics. Our review unit has 8GB

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Once you open the laptop, you’ll be greeted with the 13-inch 2K display along with IR and Webcam with the privacy switch. Also on the cover are the four 360-degree microphones. The keyboard is back-lit with evenly spaced keys and, at the center, the iconic ThinkPoint nub. On top of the keyboard are two Dolby Atmos-supported speakers. Beneath the keyboard is the trackpad which has a glass-like feel. Beside it is the fingerprint reader. On the right side of the device is the power button, while on the left are the headphone jack, two USB Type-C Thunderbolt 4 ports with the top port also serving as the charging port.

of RAM with 500GB of SSD Memory. If you want more juice, Lenovo offers other configurations including the 11th Gen Core i7. Benchmarks place the ThinkPad X1 Nano at the upper echelon of recent ThinkPads. Geekbench 5 had it at 4697 for multi-core, PCMark 10 gave it a total of 4294 with well-balanced workability of essentials, productivity, and some digital creation. Lastly, Cinebench R23 pegs the Intel Core

i5 - 1130G7 at 3982 for multicore and 1194 for single-core. And in what is now a tradition of trying to game on different laptops not meant for gaming, I tried playing a round of Valorant on the ThinkPad X1 Nano. Honestly, I was surprised that it could even run the game (considering the graphics weren’t made for gaming), and minus the occasional frame drops and low graphics the game was actually playable on the Thinkpad X1 Nano. It’s not a great experience but, hey, not every ultrabook can game.

July 2021

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano

VALUE

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Coming in at PHP101,999 the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano is definitely on the expensive side. While the device has a lot to offer, I think it’s a bit too much for many. Pricing aside, if you need an ultra-portable and compact laptop, you should definitely check out the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano.

user experience I am truly amazed at how Lenovo made the ThinkPad X1 Nano. After unboxing the device I was immediately taken back to the early 2010s during the peak of the “netbooks.” The ThinkPad X1 Nano looks and feels like a netbook, but underneath its hood is a beast, thanks to the 11th Gen Intel Core i5 processor. It’s impressive how Lenovo managed to fit a 13-inch screen on a 12-inch chassis. What’s more impressive how they managed to still retain that great typing experience on this small form factor. Contrary to how the laptop looked, typing

July 2021

wasn’t cramped at all with the keys evenly spaced. The only problem was that the Ctrl and Fn were interchanged (again) but some tinkering in the Lenovo Vantage app once again did the trick. Another impressive feature of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano is its audio and display. With its small form factor, the X1 Nano became my personal favorite pre-bedtime Netflix/ Youtube buddy. Its display was amazing, and the audio from the Dolby Atmos system was fairly loud for its size without any noticeable distortions. Charging time is also fairly decent. From 14% it reached 54% in 30 minutes and

87% in one hour, confirming its 80% in an hour rating. When the device reached 90%, charging slowed down, needing about another hour to reach the 100% mark. The feature is probably intentional, intended to keep the battery healthy for much longer. If there’s one thing that disappointed me about the ThinkPad X1 Nano, it’s the lack of I/O ports. There are only two USB-C ports on the device and one of them is also the dedicated charging port. You’ll definitely need an external hub if you need to plug in some peripherals. The upside is both of the ports are Thunderbolt 4, so data speeds shouldn’t be a problem.

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what's hot  Portable  2K display  11th Gen Intel processor

what's Not  Lack of I/O ports  No touchscreen

BOTTOMLINE

Display: 13-inch 2K (2160 x 1350) display with 450 nits of brightness Processor: Intel Core i5 - 1130G7 (up to 11th Gen Core i7) Graphics: Intel Iris Xe graphics Storage: 500GB PCIe SSD Memory: 8GB of DDR4 RAM OS: Windows 10 Pro Ports: 2x USB Type-C port with Thunderbolt 4, 1x Audio input/output Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth Battery: 48Wh (with 65W fast-charger rated to charge up to 80% in one hour) Features: Lenovo ThinkShield security solutions, Human Presence detection on IR Webcam, Fingerprint reader (match-on-chip security), Webcam privacy cover, Backlit keyboard, spill-resistant keyboard, Dolby Atmos speaker system, 4x 360 audio microphone, TrackPoint Weight: 907g Dimensions: 13.87x292.x 207.7mm

July 2021

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The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano strikes hard for its size.

SPECIFICATIONS

REVIEWED BY GABRIEL PE

ZTE nubia Red Magic 6R GAMING PHONE

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As a tech writer, I often find myself scouring the internet for some pretty cool tech. While I do find some noteworthy pieces, one rarely piques my interest enough to make me want it. When I saw the ZTE nubia RedMagic 6R, I knew that this was one of the phones to look out for in 2021 and the perfect new daily driver. But did it perform?

design One of the most interesting things about the nubia RedMagic 6R that got my attention was its design choice. Gaming smartphones have notoriously been on the bulky side with very loud design aesthetics, and they’re usually attention-grabbing with their flashy RGBs and sci-fi design bodies. Not for the nubia RedMagic 6R. The device is very subtle in its gaming nature. The only gaming design element the phone has are the subtle cybernetic lines at the back. The unit I have comes in the cosmos black color, but there’s also a mercury silver for those who want something a bit whiter. The other thing you’ll notice is the phone’s lack of size; it’s a mere 7.8mm thin (thinner than some flagships) and weighs a mere 186 grams. At the front of the phone is a 6.67-inch AMOLED display that goes up to 770nits of brightness. The display also has a 144Hz

July 2021

refresh rate with a 360Hz touch sampling rate. There is also the 16-megapixel front camera, atop which is the earpiece. At the back is the quad-camera setup (more on this later). At the top is a single microphone hole, while the bottom has the single downward-firing speaker, the USB Type-C port, another microphone hole, and the sim card tray. There is nothing on the left side of the phone except some antenna bands. Lastly, on the right are the volume rockers, power button, and two shoulder triggers with a 400Hz touch sampling rate.

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The R in 6R stands for racing, but it isn’t a boosted RedMagic 6 or 6 Pro. It’s the opposite — a slight downgrade from the RedMagic 6-series — but don’t count this phone out just yet. What really drew me to the ZTE nubia RedMagic 6R is its processor. Like the other RedMagic 6 series devices, the 6R is powered by Qualcomm’s flagship

Snapdragon 888 processor. The unit I bought had 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage that’s unfortunately non-expandable. As part of its unique non-gaming aesthetic, the phone also does away with the internal cooling fan found in previous RedMagic devices. Connectivity-wise, the RedMagic 6R has a USB Type-C that has display output

capability, Bluetooth 5.2, 5G, NFC, and WiFi 6E. The 6R did borrow a camera trend from its siblings, now sporting a quad rearcamera setup with the same 64-megapixel main shooter. Part of the same package is the 8-megapixel ultrawide camera. The new shooters for the 6R are the 5-megapixel macro and 2-megapixel depth sensor. The front camera is also a larger 16-megapixel shooter.

July 2021

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hardware

RedMagic 6R

user experience

I had high hopes for the ZTE nubia Red Magic 6R as, on paper, it has some pretty hard-hitting specs that compare well with other flagships for double its price. Boy, did it deliver!

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Let’s start with the camera. Gaming phones aren’t known for their great camera quality, but the RedMagic 6R is no slouch either. Daylight images came out well but not quite at par with most flagship smartphones. The phone can also shoot in 8K 30fps and 4K in 60fps, with videos coming out pretty alright. Now for the fun part, gaming. I really don’t know what to say here except that I got what I was expecting. The RedMagic 6R can run any games in High or Ultra settings with max framerates. I was able to get Ultra in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Ultra in League of Legends Wild Rift, all high settings in Asphalt 9, and Ultra settings with high framerate in Call of Duty Mobile. All these without any noticeable frame drops. The added shoulder triggers also felt great during gameplay and can give players an advantage in some scenarios. As a gaming phone, it has RedMagic’s Gamespace, where you can further customize your phone settings such as CPU and GPU boost and access the shoulder triggers. Using the Super Boost (boosting both CPU and GPU), I was able to play Genshin Impact at the highest resolution and setting possible, and was able to push out around 44 to 60fps depending on the scenario. The downside was the phone getting pretty hot, so a back cooler might be required for playing long hours. Another downside of the phone is the placement of the single speaker. I found myself covering it when playing games and also during some Netflix sessions. Battery life is also not the greatest; with minimal use, it can last me a whole day, but with some heavy gaming sessions,

July 2021

I found myself needing an outlet in just 2 to 4 hours, depending on the game. Thankfully RedMagic added a charge

separation feature in Game space so I could still play without worrying about damaging the battery.

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SPECIFICATIONS

what's hot

VALUE If there’s one thing that got my attention to the RedMagic 6R in the first place was its price. For the USD 499, you get a flagship processor, gaming shoulder triggers, an AMOLED HDR10 rated display with a 144Hz refresh rate, and of course, 5G. It’s a “flagship killer” on its own but comes with RedMagic’s gaming touch. But like many flagship killers before it, you need to take good with the bad. Still, you’ll definitely get more than what you paid for.

what's Not  Single speaker  No audio dock  Battery life  RedMagic OS isn’t the greatest out there  Does get hot

 Snapdragon 888 processor  144Hz screen refresh rate  Shoulder triggers  Sleek design  Game mode

BOTTOMLINE The RedMagic 6R is a bang for the buck device for the mobile gamers out there.

July 2021

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Display: 6.67-inch FHD AMOLED display with up to 77nits of brightness, 144 Hz refresh rate, 360 Hz touch sampling rate Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (up to 2.84 GHz clockspeed) Graphics: Adreno 660 RAM: 8GB Internal Storage: 128GB UFS 3.1 storage Cameras: Rear: 64MP Sony IMX 682, 8MP ultra-wide angle, 5MP macro, 2MP depth sensor | Front: 16MP OS: RedMagic OS 4 (over Android 11) Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, GPS, USB Type-C (HDMI display supported), NFC Features: Underdisplay Optical Fingerprint scanner, Shoulder Triggers with 400Hz touch sampling, Battery: 4200mAh (typ) capable of up to 30W fast charging Dimensions: 163.04x75.34x7.8mm Weight: 186g

COVER STORY

Words by Gabriel Pe

hen we think about the future of mobility, we often think of flying cars, automated driving, and in some cases, high-speed tube travel. Science fiction imagery of future mobility modes has been unchanged since the early 1900s, and these futuristic ideas have yet to materialize.

July 2021

Well, that is until now. Recent development and technological breakthroughs are slowly turning yesterday’s future visions into reality. with prototypes of hyperloop and vacuum trains, flying cars, and the notorious driverless cars giving us a preview of an exciting future.

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LETTING GO OF CONTROL: AUTOMATED DRIVING

sensors note the surroundings like other cars, road hazards, and objects on the road while adjusting your speed to avoid a collision.

Automated driving is one of the ideas that are even now fast becoming a reality. In fact, American electric vehicle maker Tesla has started rolling out its autopilot software, although it still needs driver supervision. German autogiant Mercedes has also included a Driver Pilot program in its 2021 S-Class. Japanese giant Toyota’s e-Pallete is a driverless shuttle that was supposed to transport Olympic athletes to and from Tokyo for the Olympics. Self-driving cars utilize the different sensors and instruments found inside the car to map its surroundings. Usually, a specialized AI is included in the car to process all that complex data, so it can safely navigate on its own. Included in the myriad of sensors are LiDar sensors, radars, sonar, GPS, odometer (of course), and other similar inertial measuring sensors. On the road, the car utilizes the road lines to stay on course while the rest of the

Still, these sensors aren’t perfect. Just this year, Tesla found itself in hot water with reports of crashes involving their vehicles with their Autopilot software engaged. The company earlier noted that the software still needed driver supervision. In 2018, Uber faced legal scrutiny when their automated car trial killed a pedestrian. These accidents have delayed the self-driving car roll-out for a good reason. The delay means companies are continuing research in improving the safety of both passengers and passersby. The delay doesn’t mean we won’t have selfdriving cars soon. Most of the new special safety features found in brand new cars, such as adaptive cruise control, lane stay assist, and many more, are in themselves core features of self-driving cars. However, this doesn’t mean you can take your eye off the road; these aren’t foolproof, so it’s best to stay aware to be safe.

July 2021

Cover story

THE ROAD TO THE SKY: FLYING CARS

Still, there’s another concept for flying cars.

Man has long dreamt of flight, but he also desires speed. Naturally, these two would push forward one of man’s long-held dreams for the future, a flying car. Whenever we talk of the future of transport, flying cars have always stood atop the wishlist. It embodies the goal of personal flight. Despite what we might think, flying cars are now a possibility, just not in the shape and form we might have imagined. Just last June, a Slovakian company Klein Vision, successfully carried out a 35-minute airport to airport test flight of its AirCar, that included traveling on the highway to the airport. The AirCar had narrow wings which folded on the side when on-road mode but behind is the huge tail to stabilize it during flight. In terms of flight, the AirCar functions more like airplane, needing enough space to use as a runway to take off, thus not the most efficient way of achieving flight.

July 2021

In CES 2021, General Motors (GM) revealed their concept of a flying car, a drone-like vehicle that does not need a runway to take flight. This Vertical Take-off and Landing Vehicle (VTOL) is akin to a helicopter. Aside from GM, Uber is also looking to use eVTOLs as future flying taxis, able to land right on top of your condo. One of the downsides of this form of flight is the noise produced from the blades, so designs are looking at more “fans” to lessen the noise and lift produced from a single one. Among the three futuristic transport choices, flying cars are still the most marginal in terms of mass production. Aside from safety concerns, a lot is still needed to allow flying cars in our skies. There’s the matter of logistics concern and, of course, new infrastructure specifically designed for these vehicles. But with the recent successes of prototype testing and companies increasingly interested in pursuing flight, we may see the flying car of our dreams in our lifetime.

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THE FUTURE OF MASS TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS: THE HYPERLOOP If you’ve ever watched a period film set in Victorian or Edwardian England, you might have seen tubes running around buildings sending packages and telegrams. These tubes are called Pneumatic Transport Tubes, which used air pressure and vacuum to transport goods. These are the longstanding inspiration for vacuum trains which have captured the imagination for ultrafast travel. No, they’re not steampunk nor sci-fi, it’s real, and we may see them in action in some time soon. Vacuum trains (vactrain) aim to push past normal speed limits by using Magnetic Levitation (MagLev) and a vacuum tunnel to eliminate any air resistance. In theory, Vactrains will reach top speeds of more than 5000 mph or more than 8000 kph. Unfortunately, Vactrains are still a dream waiting to become

reality. With the complexity of creating a large enough vacuum tunnel, plus the the fact that its sheer speed isn’t survivable for humans, no prototype of a Vactrain has been tested. But researchers are confident that in the future, the Vactrain may be a technological possibility with human passengers. The word Hyperloop is attributed to tech pioneer Elon Musk when he used to describe what he envisions a fifth mode of transport, far faster than airplanes and maglev trains. But the concept of the Hyperloop does stem from the idea of a Vactrain. Unlike Vacuum Trains, Hyperloop technology doesn’t completely run on a vacuum; instead, it still has a thin layer of air inside the tunnel. The Hyperloop technology also relies on a low pressured tube and maglev. It uses the little air as part of its railing technology, using it to completely remove friction along with a maglev powered by a linear motor. It a bit complicated to explain, so

to visualize how it works, you only need to look at an air hockey game. In air hockey, the puck is not completely resting on the table; instead, tiny air holes are blowing beneath it to levitate it ever so slightly that there is no friction between the puck and the table. Unlike Vactrains, several companies are now working on Hyperloop prototypes, and some have already completed human testing. Musk’s SpaceX hyperloop has successfully transferred a car on a platform several kilometers in their California research facility as proof of concept. Richard Branson’s Virgin Hyperloop has completed a human trial of their own capsule and tube last November but not to the full 1223kph that it is rated to go. Still, hyperloops aren’t quite here yet, and we still need several more years of testing before we see the groundwork of the first commercial Hyperloop tunnel.

July 2021

Cover story

Words by Jewel Sta Ana

The future of mobility is brighter and greener than ever. We’ve witnessed the rise of hybrid and electric cars, as well as motorcycles, bikes, and even e-scooters with new and improved safety features. Going beyond aesthetics and technology, manufacturers have been producing these alternative transport to make the world a better place to live in. Although

ALTERNATIVES AND BIOFUELS There are three main categories of alternative fuels: gas fuels, alcohols, and biofuels. Gas fuels such as propane and natural gas are domestically abundant and readily available in the market. In the local setting, some public utility vehicles such as jeeps and taxis use auto-LPG as an alternative and cleaner source of fuels. Bioethanol, butanol, and methanol reduce air pollution by recycling the carbon dioxide that is released when it is combusted as fuel. This reduces petroleum use and greenhouse gas emission. Just like gas fuels, alcohol-based fuels can either be mixed with other fuels or used in a specialized engine. Last on the list are biofuels which are another type of renewable fuel sourced from vegetable and wastederived oils.

July 2021

these innovations are relatively new, people have become curious about the fuels and power sources for these rides. What makes the engines of these road companions roar? What does the future hold for these sustainable, renewable, and efficient alternatives? We learned in Science class that factories and traditional cars contribute to higher carbon

In the Philippines, coconut biodiesel mixed with fossil diesel is a great alternative to imported diesel. Although it costs more than other biofuels, those manufactured from coconuts deliver impressive engine performance, yielding more kilometers compared to other biofuels. Another example is sustainable aviation fuel commonly known as SAF. Compared to petroleum, it is derived from renewable sources with a great reduction in carbon emission. Since it is chemically identical to its petroleum counterparts, it minimizes compatibility issues and costs. With further research, sources for alternative fuels may be widely used mainly for public transport. Since the Philippines has a rich agricultural base, crop wastes and other natural resources such as minerals may be used for developing more alternative fuels.

emissions that produce the greenhouse effect. Greenhouse gases such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons can trap heat in the atmosphere, resulting in climate change. To prevent this from happening, countries around the globe have started to implement environmental policies and develop alternative fuel sources.

Some car owners may also opt to modify their existing engine and fueling system for compatibility.

RENEWABLE SOURCE OF ELECTRICITY The scarcity of alternative fuels sources is another growing concern in developing countries. According to the 2020 report of Climate Transparency, an organization that conducts climate assessments globally, the Philippines must rapidly develop energy-efficient transport and a flexible power grid for more variable renewable energy. The 2018 report of Enerdata, an independent research firm that conducts global energy market assessments, shows that 23 percent of the energy supply in the Philippines is from the following main renewable sources of energy: geothermal, biomass, solar power, and wind power. Geothermal energy harnesses

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the natural heat below the earth’s surface to generate electricity. Meanwhile, biomass is the main source of most alternative fuels which can also be converted to electricity by burning organic compounds. Solar power and wind power are the most commercially developed. Last on the list is hydropower for hydroelectricity production from conventional and run-of-the-river dams.

powering electric naval transport is plausible.

Tidal energy, another type of hydropower, converts tides to useful forms of power. A study from the University of the Philippines-Diliman shows that it has a high potential for powering a specific location since it is more stable than hydroelectric plants. The Department of Energy named eight tidal energy potential sites namely, Bohol Strait, Basiao Channel, Surigao Strait, Gaboc Channel, Hinatuan Passage, San Bernardino Strait, Basilan Strait, and San Juanico Strait. With tidal energy, we can also conclude that

DISCOVERIES, APPLICATIONS, AND CHALLENGES

Researchers and scientists from other countries are also looking at Thorium-based nuclear power, which seems to be a better generation of nuclear power. According to numerous projects, it has lower radioactive wastes and produces long-term energy. It’s also cleaner, safer, and selfsustaining.

The potential for these renewable sources of energy for public transport is endless. It can expand metro rail systems, deploy bus rapid transit systems, and even electric public road transport. Since most of our trains are powered by electric motors, these renewable sources of energy may decrease power supply shortages and the use of fossil fuels in energy

distribution grids. These can also increase rural and off-grid options for economical reasons. However, we are still in the early age of eco-mobility where the technology is available for those who can afford it. It can take us decades to develop hybrid and electric vehicles and engines for mass transport. Although initiatives for modern transportation in the country have started, these alternatives cost a bit higher than traditional vehicles. Facilities for renewable electricity are also one of the major factors to consider. For now, the government should prioritize first the needs of daily commuters. Alternative public transport options such as the establishment of interconnected and urban bicycle lanes, as well as pedestrian walk lanes, are needed to lessen the carbon footprint. Nevertheless, the future of mobility is going upwards and we’re still waiting to experience greener public transport.

July 2021

Cover story

Words by Ren Alcantara

h, electric bikes. They have a lot going for them: they are quiet, have ungodly amounts of torque, and have very little maintenance to worry about. What makes them great, and why aren’t we all buzzing around on them Tron-style yet?

You may be surprised to know that the electric motorcycle has been a thing for more than a century. A patent for an electric motorcycle was filed in the United States in 1895 by Ogden Bolten Jr., which kind of puts things in perspective when you realize that the patent for a “vehicle powered by a gas-powered engine” was filed by Carl Benz in 1886.

We’re not spoiling anything by saying that the Ogden electric bike didn’t really take off, and while it would take almost a century for it to start to gain traction, electric motorcycles show up now and again in history, with a British electric motorcycle that had a sidecar that housed the batteries, and some models that appeared on both sides during Second World War due to fuel rationing.

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If we’re talking about the mainstream adoption of the electric motorcycle, 1996 is a good place to start, when Peugeot (yes, that Peugeot) created the Scoot’Elec, which has the distinction of being the world’s first mass-produced electric motorcycle. It was essentially a Peugeot Zenith, which was a gas-powered scooter, powered by a 2.8 kW (that’s 3.8 HP) DC motor fed by an 18V, 100Ah Ni-Cad battery that had a range of 40 kilometers at 45 kilometers per hour, though eco mode could be switched on to sacrifice top speed for range.

These didn’t really take off either, and things got quiet in electric motorcycle development for another few decades until 1964, when Indians came up with the Papoose, a prototype electric motorcycle. As you may have noticed, all of these were small runs or one-offs done over a very limited period of time. This trend continued, and in 1974, a designer named Mark Corbin created Quick Silver, an electric motorcycle that set the speed record for the class at a blistering 266 KPH through the use of an electric starter motor off a fighter plane. This offered a glimpse at the terrifying potential electric two-wheelers, even though consumer-level bikes were yet a few decades off.

It admittedly wasn’t much, but it was a start.

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Cover story

Fast-forward to today, and we have brands like Energica, Zero, and even KTM, not to mention a whole slew of Chinese brands that have motorcycles in practically every flavor you might want whether you’re a street rider, prefer the dirt or want to take a spin on the track. So what’s so special about electric motorcycles? Quite a few things. First, it’s quiet. You don’t have explosions happening thousands of times a minute, so there’s no exhaust note. There’s also no clutch. With one exception we’re aware of, electric motorcycles don’t use gears, as there’s no RPM range they perform best at, because again, there’s no internal combustion engine that has a powerband you need to be in for maximum performance. This also means you don’t have to spool up to get to where your bike can deliver max torque. That property also gives it face-tearing acceleration. It’s “GO” as soon as you give it the beans. If you think a literbike can rip, you should see how electric bikes can jump off the line, though that will also depend on how the electronics are set up. There’s also very little maintenance. Chains, tires, brakes, and recharging are pretty much all you have to think about. There are no valves to shim, no injector to clean, no carbs to balance. It’s insane how simple they are to keep running. If they’re so great, why aren’t they more popular? It’s not because they lack tech--top-tier electric bikes offer the same tech as their dino juice-consuming counterparts: ABS, traction control, connectivity functions, rider modes. It’s mostly because of the limiting factors of the technology behind them. Buyer psychology aside, there are a few reasons.

July 2021

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July 2021

Cover story

Firstly, batteries. Gasoline is more energy-dense than batteries. This means that you have more power for a kilogram of gas than a kilogram of the best-performing battery we have available. This means you can get more power for less weight and with less space with gas, and since you don’t have a lot to spare for either on a bike, gas is still on top. There might be a day where this will change, but we’re not quite there yet. The other face of the energy density coin is range. Because you’re powering the bike with a less energy-dense source, you typically have less range on electric compared to gas. It just comes with the territory. If you wanted your electric bike to match the range of gas, you’d need a larger battery bank. The third factor here is recharge times. To top off a bike, you’d need maybe two minutes to fill your tank and pay, and something to which anyone with an empty mobile phone battery can attest, recharging an electric cell is painfully slow. Again there are changes on the horizon here, so this is bound to improve. We’ve pretty much reached the zenith of internal combustion engine performance. It’s been improved on so much that additional gains just aren’t as large, and diminishing returns have set in. On the other hand, there’s so much more room for electric motorcycles to grow. Yammienoob, a great motorcycle resource online, raised a good point when he brings up the fact that improvements in MotoGP year on year are left in the dust by improvements in MotoE. There’s no doubt in my mind that electric motorcycles are the future. Whether we’re there yet, though, is another matter altogether.

July 2021

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July 2021

Cover story

July 2021

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here was a time when one of the best automotive innovations was an RV generator. Whether you are just going to work or hitting the open road, there are more than a few innovations to automotive technology throughout the years.

There are always automotive industry trends that are relevant to that time. Here are those trends that you want to pay attention to. Which automotive industry trend is the best depends on your needs.

July 2021

Cover story Remote control ride on car Some cars are now capable of things such as smart parking. A remote control ride on car means that you can control things like remote control parking all through the convenience of a smartphone app. Remote engine start is another major benefit, allowing users to warm their car up or cool it down without having to go outside. The remote aspect is really one of the coolest out there.

Shared mobility Shared mobility has become a new trend as well, particularly for public transportation. Mobility solutions provide resolution for those who may not be able to afford their own vehicle, for instance. Through shared mobility and the transformation of public transit, people can get where they need to go with far greater convenience. That is huge in terms of helping those who are transcriptionally challenged get a job, for instance.

Data science vs data analytics Big data security is more important than ever. There are a ton of big data analytics tools out there, but what is the difference between big science vs data analytics? Knowing what that data is and how to best use it is of the utmost importance. By having better access to the information your car provides — performance, maintenance issues, etc. — you can better care for your vehicle. All of that equates to money saved and longer life out of your vehicles.

Human-machine interface Interacting with the machine is another important part of the process. If you can’t tell the machine what you want it to do, how is it supposed to meet those demands? The human-machine interface is how. Human-machine interface touch screen is becoming more commonplace for human-machine interface systems. Just a few taps can tell your machine what you want it to do, from performance to maintenance. The human-machine interface July 2021

programming of a vehicle can make it a clear favorite over another on the market.

Printing technology Printing technology is also becoming more impactful in the industry. Just check out the benefits of 3D printing (and the future of 3D printing while you’re at it). You will see that there is a design for additive manufacturing within the automotive industry. Whether it be a 3D printing business, 3D printing electronics, 3D printing miniatures, or just finding the right 3D printing material, there is a world of possibilities to be had, particularly within the automotive industry. And we are just now beginning to unlock those possibilities.

Autonomous AI Artificial intelligence technology solutions are also key in how we use our cars on a daily basis. Autonomous AI is making things like parallel parking easier than ever before. This also makes driving a safer endeavor, particularly when traveling long distances, than ever before. There are definitely artificial intelligence pros and cons depending on the application, but the pros are far outweighing the cons. That is why we are beginning to see such a move towards digital interface and AI applications when it comes to the cars that we drive on a daily basis.

Wireless technology Total wireless plans are becoming more common. Having access to wireless is starting to become a demand that is more common. The newest wireless technology is going into these vehicles, connecting that wireless bridge. Whereas before, you could not take your laptop with you on the road, wireless access is becoming easier. That is giving greater versatility, particularly to those who find themselves traveling a lot.

Most efficient electric motor We also want efficiency out of our cars. The most efficient electric motor is able to save thousands on gas each year. It also comes down to the type of electrical motor, like an electric outboard motor, for instance. Even a small electric motor is helping customers save thousands on gas over the life of the vehicle. Between that and the lessened environmental impact, it is clear where the benefit of this technology is. Making our cars efficient is great

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Conclusion

for lessening the dependence on oil, creating a more sustainable fuel source.

The capabilities of our vehicles are greater than ever before. The average car is becoming smarter and more efficient than its predecessors. That means a lot of really good things, including better gas efficiency and a higher level of safety.

Future of automotive technologies What is the future of automotive technology? What will the best automotive tech be in 5 years? What can we do to enable technologies, fund autonomous vehicles research, and drive the best auto technology?

At the end of the day, having an affordable, safe car is what most of us strive for. Not every car can deliver in both of those functions, so it is important to find one that can meet those needs.

Part of it starts with an automotive technology degree. More professionals in the field only means more possibilities for the innovations that we can create. All of that means a more efficient vehicle. It also means creating a safer vehicle that not only protects families in crashes but prevents them from happening at all.

Moreover, finding convenience in how we operate these vehicles, tracking the data involved, and even the environmental impact they have are all becoming more important—the newer the car, the more innovations that we are seeing in their day-to-day operations.

July 2021

MOBILITY

THE VOLKSWAGEN MULTIVAN KOMBI READY TO MOVE YOU TO YOUR NEXT SUCCESS STORIES

he iconic Volkswagen Multivan Kombi—which has long been a staple of fond motoring memories by our folks back in the day—makes a momentous comeback in the Philippines this July.

July 2021

Volkswagen Philippines is bringing in the exclusive top-of-the-line Multivan Kombi which is laden with modern features and automotive technologies that will further define the user’s motoring lifestyle, particularly those who are always on the go to attend important business meetings, both online and face-to-face. Powered by a 2.0-liter TDI diesel engine mated to a 7-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) with Tiptronic function and coasting feature, it boasts a maximum power generation of 150ps and top torque of 340Nm. This power and efficiency of the interplay between the engine and transmission ensure adequate power with minimum fuel consumption, even when the Multivan Kombi is loaded to capacity. The DSG and cruise control also assure less shift

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fatigue for drivers even during long road trips. The Multivan Kombi also has convenience and safety features that will be much appreciated by its owner. The Multivan Kombi offers dual power side doors for ease of entry and exit, while its power tailgate allows you to open and close the rear hatch doors conveniently, so you can do more important tasks at hand. Inside, the luxurious Nappa leather interior is complemented with ultracomfortable captain seats in the front and second row, the latter of which can swivel for that instant face-to-face meeting, while the 3rd row can still comfortably seat three people and allow their seats to recline and slide. Speaking of meetings on the go, a multifunction

folding table is available and can be positioned in between the second and third rows, so important group decisions are made even before arriving at the destination. The Multivan Kombi isn’t just a van. It has become a conveyance of success and prestige, enabling its owner to share his or her success with peers. The Multivan Kombi’s luxurious yet understated design perfectly reflects its owner’s status in life: Accomplished; at the peak of his or her career, but with loftier goals attained. With the Multivan Kombi, it’s never lonely at the top. And whether you find yourself in the comforts of the Multivan Kombi or in the company of friends and family at the end of the day—it’s still the company you keep that defines and determines your continuing success.

People are, after all, still what makes Volkswagen a Volkswagen. The Multivan Kombi will be available in three colors: reflex silver, black pearlescent, and the bi-color reflex silver/starlight blue for an indicative price range of PHP3,650,000. Other color variants of the Multivan Kombi will also be available by special order. For more details on this, contact Volkswagen BGC at (02) 8558-5888; Volkswagen Quezon Avenue at (02) 8558-5818; and Volkswagen Cebu at (032) 517-8226. Private viewing can also be arranged at Volkswagen BGC. Reserve your unit now by logging on to www.volkswagen.com.ph. Follow Volkswagen Philippines’ Facebook page and Instagram account at @ volkswagenph to know more.

July 2021

MOBILITY

ASTON MARTIN DBX AN SUV WITH THE SOUL OF A SPORTS CAR

July 2021

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bold new chapter and a landmark moment in Aston Martin’s illustrious 108-year history, Aston Martin has unveiled the DBX, its first SUV.

The culmination of an extensive development program stretching back to 2015, the DBX signals a new era in Aston Martin’s pursuit to deliver exceptional performance, style, and usability in a segment previously unexplored by the world-famous manufacturer. Bringing both the versatility and indulgence expected of a luxury SUV with sports car levels of dynamic performance, the DBX sets a bold new standard in this sector. Since its global release in 2019, the Philippines has been anticipating its arrival and DBPhils Motorsports, Inc., under the Tagle Group of Companies, is finally marking its territory with the local launch of this most-awaited luxury sports utility vehicle.

Marc Louie Y. Tagle, chairman and president of Aston Martin Manila, said “We are confident that this move of Aston Martin will be warmly embraced by the Filipino market. Admittedly, we are an SUV nation – we love to cruise with our adventurous spirit, and bring family, friends, and loved ones along for the ride. Aston Martin captures this passion and adds its trademark luxury and beauty for the ultimate driving experience.” The DBX drives like no other SUV, it drives like a sports car. Using bonded aluminum, its body structure is both very light and incredibly stiff, with an overall curb weight of 2,245kg. It was designed to allow maximum room in the cabin, putting a premium on refinement and class-leading spaciousness for both front and rear occupants. Meanwhile, the exceptional stiffness inherent in the design of the new platform has also enabled the DBX to achieve exceptional dynamics both on and off-road.

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MOBILITY

Adaptive triple volume air suspension has been combined with the latest 48v electric anti-roll control system (eARC) and electronic adaptive dampers to provide the new SUV with a huge breadth of ability. With its capacity to raise the ride height by 45mm or lower it by 50mm the air suspension gives any driver the confidence to tackle a wide range of terrain. On a practical level, the system can be further programmed to aid with ingress, egress, and loading requirements.

vocals either; the turbocharged V8 has cylinder deactivation to enhance fuel economy, yet it can also propel DBX from 0 to 62mph in 4.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 181mph. Transmitting this power and torque to the ground is a nine-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, allied to an all-wheel-drive system with active differentials featuring an active

central differential and an electronic rear limited-slip differential (eDiff). This allows the torque to be moved precisely both fore and aft in the vehicle and also across the rear axle. When combined with the bespoke steering system that has been tuned to deliver feel and sports car-like response, the DBX imbues the driver with an overriding sense of control, whatever the conditions.

The adaptive triple chamber air springs enable variable spring stiffness, giving both luxurious comfort and dynamic prowess. Extraordinarily the eARC — capable of 1,400Nm of anti-roll force per axle — can limit DBX’s body roll for handling that is much more akin to that of a sports car than an SUV. Powered by a new 4-liter, twinturbocharged V8 engine, the DBX features an impressive output of 550PS and 700Nm of torque. The active exhaust system ensures this is a luxury SUV that can sound refined one moment and exhilarating the next. The engine’s versatility isn’t restricted to its July 2021

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Aston Martin’s first-ever full-size 5-seat model is not only exceptionally versatile in terms of the terrain that it can tackle, it is also extremely adaptable to a wide variety of lifestyle needs and owners. With 632 liters of boot space and 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats, the DBX possesses all the flexible load capacity expected of an SUV with class-leading interior space. The luxuriously handcrafted interior has been designed to provide equal space and comfort whether sitting in the front or rear of the car. Class-leading headroom and legroom combine with a full-length glass panoramic roof and frameless door glass to offer a fantastically light and spacious cabin environment. The seats are trimmed in sumptuous, full-grain leather, sourced from longterm partner Bridge of Weir. An industry first, both the headlining and electric roof blinds are available in a luxurious Alcantara® finish, providing a harmonious design, light obscuration, and solar attenuation without compromising headroom. Another design highlight includes the elegantly crafted bridged center console allowing for both flexible storage below, and a beautiful, architectural centerpiece. A contemporary range of exquisite wood, composite, and metal veneers ensures that the cabin can be tailored to any taste. Framed by these materials is an abundance of technology. A 10.25” TFT screen sits elegantly flush in the center console, while a huge 12.3” TFT screen provides a wealth of information to the driver. Apple CarPlay comes as standard, as does a 360-degree camera system, and ambient lighting that offers 64 different colors in two zones. The DBX’s exterior brings the elegance of Aston Martin’s sports cars into the world of the SUV. From the signature ‘DB’ grille at the front, through the sculptured sides and design feature line, to the tailgate with a flip, this is an Aston Martin from first glance to detailed inspection.

Beautiful details like the hidden side glass seals on the frameless doors and glass B-pillar finishers add elegant sleekness and confidence to the stance. Cutaway sills also assist in narrowing the stepover required to enter the sumptuous cabin. Aerodynamics were an important consideration within the design process. At the car’s front, the daytime running lights (DRLs) have an integrated aerodynamic duct, which channels air through the front wheel arches and along the side, helping to reduce both drag and lift while also cooling the brakes. Air flows cleanly over the roof, through the rear wing, over the rear window, and onto the rear flip. This unique approach and design detail allows the rear screen to self-clear on the move. Aerodynamic

design has also played a key part in passenger comfort because as one of only a few companies using computational aeroacoustics technology, Aston Martin’s engineers have been able to keep cabin noise to a minimum at speed. The DBX is a car that will give many people their first experience of Aston Martin ownership. As such, it needed to be true to the core values established in the brand’s sports cars, while also providing the lifestyle versatility expected of a luxury SUV. To have produced such a beautiful, hand-built, yet technologically advanced car is a proud moment for Aston Martin. With its arrival in the Philippines, Aston Martin Manila poses the question, “Are you ready for the Aston Martin DBX?” July 2021

MOBILITY

TOWARDS MOBILITY FOR ALL WITH TOYOTA July 2021

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s the market continues to experience revolutionary changes brought about by the fast-paced technological landscape, Toyota Motor Philippines sustains its position in the automotive industry with the expansion of its products and services to provide mobility solutions to all segments of the market. Toyota’s efforts are already underway to help shape the future of mobility in the Philippines.

Taking care of the company’s most valuable assets truly makes for an optimum level of satisfaction and efficiency. This is exactly why Toyota launched their own fleet management solution earlier this year. Aiming to assist business owners and operators in managing vehicle assets and optimizing manpower productivity,

Toyota’s Fleet Connected Service is the first automotive GPS system designed specifically for Toyota vehicles.

companies are able to maximize efficiency and ultimately aid in improving business profitability.

With a connected device that tracks real-time data of fleet vehicles,

Here are some features of this new service from Toyota:

LOCATION TRACKING Monitor your trip and vehicle location and generate reports as the device transmits information to the G-Fleet system to efficiently manage your fleet operations. GEOFENCING Stay updated as the vehicle enters or exits a virtual boundry set up around a geographical location that you have set up in the G-Fleet system.

UNPLUG DETECTION Be informed when the device experiences unauthorized disconnection. VEHICLE MILEAGE Keep track of your vehicle’s mileage through our connected device. DRIVER BEHAVIOR ALERTS Monitor and get notified of your driver’s performance during trips.

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MOBILITY

Aside from these, the service also sends alerts for when the vehicle is exceeding the set speed limit, long drive notifications if the vehicle has been moving for more than 120 minutes, and battery update once it’s near draining. This offering is made compatible with Toyota’s best-selling fleet vehicles, such as the Vios, Innova, Hiace, Hilux, Fortuner, Avanza, Corolla Altis, Rush, and Wigo models 2016 to present. Toyota is currently developing the Connected Device to be available in all other models soon. In keeping with the Toyota Sure Advantage of Quality, Durability, and Reliability, the device is installed by authorized Toyota dealers for safety and assurance. More innovative mobility solutions, such as the On-Demand Shuttle (ODS) was already set in motion since 2020 when mobilizing people became a challenge as the pandemic ensued around the world. Screenshot of the SWATBiz app used for ODS

July 2021

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“Whether it’s taking care of your company’s intangible assets such as the employees or taking control of tangible assets such as your very own fleet, Toyota has it covered.”

To support the mobility needs of the medical front-liners of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), Toyota collaborated with SWAT Mobility to initially introduce the ODS system. The system aims to provide safe, comfortable and reliable shuttle services to companies for their employees’ daily commute to and from work. Through a mobile booking application called SWATBiz, the system automates route preparation. streamlines the employees’ seat booking process, and helps in monitoring the shuttle vehicles through its real-time tracking system.

Google Play Store, and Huawei App Gallery. The PGH use-case proved to be a success as the medical front-liners themselves expressed their satisfaction of the service by providing feedback through the app. This success paved the way for more clients to avail of the service from Toyota.

Whether it’s taking care of your company’s intangible assets such as the employees or taking control of tangible assets such as your very own fleet, Toyota has it covered. Experience the future of mobility with Toyota! Visit any dealership nearest you or connect with them through the Toyota Fleet Solutions page at https:// toyota.com.ph/fleet or send them an email at fleetsolutions@toyota.com.ph

Tailor fit to the operations and meet the specific needs of employees, the ODS system features 2 routing types: dynamic routing for constantly changing work schedules, and fixed routing for definite schedules. To cater to a wide range of users, the app is made available in the Apple App Store,

July 2021

MOBILITY

BAJAJ

Words by Arnel Doria

ANG BAGONG BIYAHE e have come a long way since the calesa — the first mass transportation introduced by the Spaniards. These were replaced after the Second World War with the ingenious jeepneys, upcycled from abandoned Willy’s military jeeps. There are still about 250,000 of them according to official registration data from the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

The arrival of mass-produced motorcycles from Japan in the late ‘50s July 2021

/ early ‘60s did not escape the ingenuity of the Filipinos. In no time, backyard fabrication of sidecars that were attached to the motorcycles started, and the era of tricycles begun. They came in designs that vary from province to province. Later, the motorela that looked like a tiny jeepney appeared in northern Mindanao. Nowadays, we see a different design of a three-wheeler, referred to as tuk-tuk, distinctly different from the tricycle. While the latter is built around a 2-wheeled motorcycle pulling a sidecar,

the tuk-tuks are built as three-wheelers from the start. Hence, tuk-tuks are more balanced and sturdier. Bajaj is currently the leading threewheeler brand, continually expanding its market base from the present 50,000 units concentrated in Tagaytay, Mati, and Siargao. Bajaj’s 3-wheeler models offer transport solutions for passengers and commercial goods. As such, they’re the most affordable vehicles for personal mobility and business transport, while also being safer. gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

During the last 16 months of the pandemic, more than one million local MSMEs faced the challenge of surviving amidst the strict health regulations. Most of them took advantage of online platforms, sans physical stores and displays, and resorted to delivering goods directly to customers’ locations. With the latest release of Bajaj threewheelers, many entrepreneurs started customizing them for their business needs, as did courier brands and online marketplaces, for their last-mile deliveries.

are designated by the local government units (LGUs) provided that they use the outermost lane of the road.

rear-driven with a 4-speed transmission and has a reverse gear. The hand brake comes in handy for inclined parking.

This is the rationale behind the Bagong Biyahe for every Filipino program.

The Bajaj Maxima Z and Bajaj Maxima Cargo are both powered by a more powerful 240cc FI gasoline engine for heavier loads. The Bajaj Maxima Z is multi-purpose to cater to both transportation and delivery needs. The Bajaj Maxima Cargo, on the other hand, provides optimum delivery capacity for more efficient business operations.

THE Bajaj RE is powered by a 200cc, fuel-injected (EFI) gasoline engine with more than enough muscle to climb inclines while carrying a full load. It is 66% more fuel-efficient than a typical tricycle. It features a reinforced chassis to carry a higher load capacity. It is

These three-wheelers, previously classified as Motorcycle-Tricycle or Non-Conventional Motorcycle by LTO, are now recognized as Three-wheeled Vehicle (L5) in the newest vehicle classification released by the agency in 2020. In addition, these vehicles may be allowed to pass through secondary national highways if no alternate routes

July 2021

MOBILITY

The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP), together with the Manila Electric Company (MERALCO), in partnership with the Philippine Department of Energy (DOE), is set to host the 9th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit (PEVS) on August 26-27, 2021 as a virtual conference.

PEVS marks its eleventh year as the biggest annual conference focusing on promoting electric vehicles in the country. EVAP continues to work closely with government and industry stakeholders to catalyze a behavioral change towards a more sustainable future, through the modernization and electrification of public and private transport. With the theme, Accelerating the Switch to Electro-Mobility in the Philippines, the two-day conference will serve as a unique and continuing platform

July 2021

for policy dialogue and exchange of knowledge, experiences, and best practices aimed at accelerating the adoption of electro-mobility in the local transport sector in support of the government’s drive towards a low carbon economy. “This year, we are convening key stakeholders from the public and private sectors as well as the civil society to discuss policy issues and solutions in accelerating the adoption of electromobility in the country,” said EVAP president Edmund Araga. Speeding up the switch “Accelerating the switch to electromobility can only take place with

synergies of the government providing the enabling policy environment and infrastructure combined with the eager participation from the private sector in innovating electric vehicle technology solutions, facilitating technology transfer, and offering financing options. For its part, the civil society can help educate consumers about the benefits of e-mobility,” Araga added. For EVAP, the transformation of the local transportation sector to electromobility is “very slow compared to our ASEAN neighbors like Thailand and Singapore.” Among the indications of this pace is the dismal modernization of public jeepneys into environmentally friendly vehicles. As of June 2020, the

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Department of Transportation reported that only 18,000 jeepneys across the country have been modernized — out of over 200,000 registered public jeepneys.

of 2020, more than 20 countries had announced bans on the sales of conventional cars or mandated all new sales to be ZEVs.

agencies, the academe, civil society, and EVAP reaffirming their commitment to accelerate the transition to sustainable transport.

Araga stated, “According to the latest Global EV Outlook of the International Energy Agency, there was a strong momentum in electric vehicle markets despite the pandemic. There were 10 million electric cars on the world’s roads at the end of 2020, following a decade of rapid growth. Electric car registrations increased by 41% in 2020, despite the pandemic-related worldwide downturn in car sales in which global car sales dropped 16%. Around 3 million electric cars were sold globally (a 4.6% sales share), and Europe overtook the People’s Republic of China as the world’s largest electric vehicle market for the first time.

Additional incentives to safeguard EV sales from the economic downturn: some European countries increased their purchase incentives and China delayed the phase-out of its subsidy scheme.

Day One of the summit will focus on policy dialogues about technologies and solutions while Day Two will tackle the state of industry and market development.

The resilience of EV sales in the face of the pandemic was due to the following: Supportive regulatory frameworks even before the pandemic many countries were strengthening key policies such as CO2 emissions standards and zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandates. By the end

The number of EV models expanded and battery cost continued to fall.” “We need to step up our efforts to achieve our goals for rapid EV deployment and to do this, government and private sector need to collectively reaffirm their commitment to do so,” Araga said. Highlights of the summit Thus, among the highlights of the 9th PEVS will be the symbolic signing of the stakeholder Memorandum of Understanding, to accelerate the switch to electro-mobility by 2025. This highly-anticipated activity will involve representatives from key government

This upcoming summit marks the second year PEVS will be staged through the Zoom platform after its successful initial online staging in the previous year. The first online edition of the summit had set a record for having the most number of government leaders participating in discussions about electrified mobility in the new normal. The 9th PEVS will be co-presented by Phillip Morris Philippines, Nissan Motors Philippines, and Mitsubishi Motors Philippines. The Department of Energy will also have a special participation in the conference. To register for the 9th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit, visit: www. evap.com.ph.

July 2021

MOBILITY

PETRON BLAZE RACING TEAM WINS 12-HOUR ENDURANCE CUP ATTESTS TO WINNING COMBINATION OF PETRON FUELS AND LUBRICANTS

he Petron Blaze Racing Team emerged as Class 2 champions in the recently concluded Petron Kalayaan Cup, a 12-hour endurance race held at the Clark International Speedway to celebrate Philippine Independence Day last June 12.

July 2021

Driving a vintage Honda Civic EK with a surplus engine, the Petron Blaze Racing Team — headed by pilot-businessmanrace car driver Mon Dimapilis, along with teammates Jevoy Moreno, Mikko Rayo, Moses Dumaguing, Powee Base, and Rod Chang — bested the other cars in its class by accomplishing 241 laps within the 12-hour period.

With Petron Blaze 100 as the official fuel for the endurance run, all competitors were able to benefit from the high-performance advantages offered by this 100-octane pure gasoline. What distinguished the Petron Blaze Racing Team was the added advantage of also using Petron Blaze Racing engine oil as gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

The Petron Blaze Racing Team on the podium (L-R): Powee Base, Jevoy Moreno, Mon Dimapilis, Moses Dumaguing, Mikko Rayo, and Rod Chang.

lubricant, creating the perfect winning combination. According to Dimapilis, they started using Petron Blaze Racing oil since their car preparation and shakedown in early 2021 to properly tune the engine and optimize its performance. During the race itself, the team was confident that the engine would be able to handle the extreme conditions of the 12-hour endurance run due to its outstanding properties in terms of thermal stability, viscosity, and overall engine protection. Dimapilis notes, “In the past, using other oil brands, we needed to top up around 3-liters within 12-hours. Using Petron Blaze Racing oil, we only needed to add 1-liter. For everyday use and in practical terms, this means that Petron Blaze Racing is also actually

more economical because it is more long-lasting while delivering superior performance. We did not experience any knocking, pinging, or detonation. The engine was able to endure the high rpms and track heat, while maintaining efficiency. More importantly, we were able to maximize the high-octane formulation of Petron Blaze 100 through consistent fuel burn.” He adds, “Considering that we were using an old surplus engine, we were still confident that with the protection of Petron Blaze Racing oil, our engine would not overheat and would continue to run smoothly. Matched with the high-performance Petron Blaze 100 gasoline, we could feel the instantaneous engine response, smooth acceleration, and greater power.”

engine with the same power output when dyno-tested before and after the punishing 12-hour endurance run. This means there was no degradation in engine performance. Plus, of course, using Petron radiator coolant, we also added an extra layer of protection to our cooling system.” Industry leader PETRON Corporation is recognized for introducing innovative products and services that are specially formulated for Philippine driving conditions.

Testifying to the perfect winning combination of Petron Blaze 100 gasoline and Petron Blaze Racing engine oils, the team was very pleased with their strong showing in the 12-hour Endurance Run and are optimistic that they will do well in their motorsport campaign this year. According to Dimapilis, “Using Petron Blaze Racing oil, we have a very healthy

July 2021

MOBNEWS

VOLVO PH EARNS SMART AND SAFER MOBILITY AWARD AT EUROPA AWARDS 2021 VOLVO PHILIPPINES clinched the Smart and Safer Mobility Award at the recently held Europa Awards 2021. This recognition is given to the company that has offered innovative and sustainable mobility solutions presented by current transportations system challenges. The award given to Volvo PH acknowledges the company’s efforts to address present concerns when it comes to accessibility, infrastructure availability, and environmental impact. The Europa Award also gives the nod to Volvo Ph’s customer-centric approach in delivering a cleaner, data-driven, and safer approach to redefining the urban mobility ecosystem. July 2021

Volvo Cars has a clear direction as they move forward. Along with world-renowned safety, sustainability is key in all their operations. By working towards climate-neutrality, embracing the circular economy, and conducting business operations responsibly, Volvo helps protect the planet and contribute to a fairer society.

Volvo PH is also the first premium car company in the country to develop an online customer service platform called Volvo Concierge when the coronavirus pandemic hit.

“Electrification is how Volvo sees the future when it comes to safer and sustainable mobility. Hence, in 2019, we are also the first luxury car company in the Philippines to introduce a range of Plug-In Hybrid vehicles,” states Volvo PH president and CEO, Atty. Alberto B. Arcilla.

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This enabled Volvo PH to readily and efficiently assist clients with their technical and service-related automotive needs. Aside from rethinking sustainability in their products and operations, Volvo Philippines has also spearheaded several programs that promote safer and smarter mobility. Just as Volvo Cars have unselfishly shared the lifesaving three-point safety belt with the world, Volvo PH also shares crucial safety and sustainability information not only with their customers but with everyone. Sustainability forums, road safety projects, child safety in cars, and other efforts to make mobility safer and smarter are some of the projects that the local Volvo dealer and distributor are passionate about.w

MERCEDES-BENZ VISMIN SERVICE CARAVAN

“Volvo Fika Talks, for example, is an ongoing series on sustainability where we engage with academic institutions and have open discussions with current industry practitioners to create an environment that highlights the benefits and impact of electrification and sustainable mobility,” shares Christopher L. Yu, marketing head for Volvo PH. He adds, “Safe Roads by Volvo is another local initiative. We collaborate with schools to raise awareness about road safety among students, school personnel, parents, guardians, and other road users. By putting up more visible road signages along school driveways and within school premises, we aim to create a safer and accidentfree community.” Organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), this is the first-ever Europa Awards that aims to give due recognition to top companies that excel in Circular Economy, Clean and Efficient Energy, Green and Inclusive Finance Solutions, Smart and Safer Mobility, Sustainable Food and Nutrition, and Water Resource Management.

Global Star Motors (GSM) Corporation, the official dealer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Cebu City, launched its biggest Service Caravan this year in select locations in Visayas and Mindanao. The Service Caravan is an exclusive opportunity for all Mercedes-Benz owners in Dumaguete, Bacolod, Iloilo, Bohol, Cagayan De Oro, Davao, General Santos, Dipolog, Zamboanga, Tacloban, and Ormoc cities to have their Mercedes cars examined by professionally-trained service advisors and technicians. Mercedes-Benz Cebu started its Sales and Service Caravan in Western Visayas last January 2021. Following the success of its first leg, the dealership traveled to Bohol and some cities of Mindanao last March and May, with succeeding legs scheduled for Dipolog and Zamboanga in June. The Sales and Service Caravan is set to run until November 2021. “We implemented this Sales and Service Caravan as our way to reach our clients in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. We want to come to you as we always aim to deliver the best or nothing and ensure that our clients continue to rely on us to maintain their Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the best condition” says general manager of Mercedes-Benz Cebu Kenneth Huan.

July 2021

MOBNEWS

RIDE ORANGE WITH KTM TEST RIDE PORTAL

Always true to its Ready To Race philosophy, it’s normal for KTM Philippines to try different formulas and seek new ways of reaching and engaging with their followers online.

available across all KTM Authorized Dealers. Just follow these steps and you’ll be on the road in no time: 1. Visit www.ktmphilippines.com and click Test Ride Portal

From the advent of the Thursday Bike Talk (TBT) show in June 2017 through the use of FB Live and subsequent releases of informational 3-minute videos, to being the first premium motorcycle brand in the eCommerce space through Lazada in October 2018, and to the re-invention of TBT to TBT Live! in April 2020 to be able to have a dynamic conversation with fans during the height of community quarantine restrictions.

2. Choose your Test Ride Unit among the ff. KTM models:  790 Adventure  790 Duke  390 Adventure  390 Duke  200 Duke 3. Click the orange button ‘YES, I’M READY’

Only a year later, the KTM Chatbot was also launched on KTM Philippines’ FaceBook Page. Aside from conveniently providing the pricelist, sample financing computation, and seamless connection to their favorite KTM Authorized Dealer’s FB Messenger, customers can also have fun and engage with the KTM Chatbot’s Motorcycle Quiz to determine the best KTM model for their riding style and personality.

4. Fill in your Contact Info Details and pick the KTM Authorized Dealer of your choice. 5. A Thank You Page will appear to confirm the successful submission of your booking request. 6. Within office hours, your chosen KTM Dealer will immediately reach you to finalize your test ride schedule together with the completion of pre-ride requirements.

Now, KTM Philippines is leading the race once again by making the test ride experience convenient, simpler, and safer through the touch of a finger.

Follow the link to KTM Philippines Test Ride Portal Link and experience test riding convenience at your fingertips.

Through the KTM Philippines’ Test Ride Portal, you can easily browse and book KTM’s most popular models

July 2021

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SUZUKI OPENS POCKET 3S SHOP IN BINANGONAN Suzuki has been opening new stores as part of its network expansion. Most recently, the motorcycle giant inaugurated its pocket 3S shop in Binangonan, Rizal, under one of its dealer partners Freiburg Auto Corporation. Suzuki and Freiburg’s partnership started in 2018 and just after 3 years, the two marked their first of several exclusive shops to open this year.

Part of Rizal province, Binangonan is considered the Cradle of Philippine Arts. While it is artistic, the town also has excellent commercial potential as it is one of the places motorcycle enthusiasts frequent. The SuzukiFreiburg 3S Shop Binangonan is located at 203 National Rd., Brgy. Tagpos, Binagonan Rizal.

There are two other Suzuki 3S Shops in Rizal, located in Taytay and Antipolo. As the area is primed for motorcycles the Binangonan outlet offers a third shop to serve Suzuki owners. All Suzuki 3S Shops strictly implement the minimum health safety protocols, assuring customers of a worry-free experience.

This pocket-type Suzuki 3S Shop sits on a 103sqm area that houses the brand’s most sought-after motorcycles including Underbones, Backbones, and Scooters. A Suzuki Genuine Parts and Fi Center with two service bays ensures that customers’ after-sales needs are attended to.

July 2021

Logistics

Shopee Deliveries Rely on Isuzu Trucks suzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) turned over NMR85H aluminum van trucks to SPX Philippines Inc. (Shopee Xpress) last July 5, 2021. These new fleet additions will bolster the integrated logistics service of Shopee, the country’s leading and most popular e-commerce platform.

“On behalf of Isuzu Philippines Corporation, thank you to Shopee Xpress Philippines for trusting us to become their new, responsible partner. With the NMR’s tried and tested DNA, we are confident that they will be able to achieve their goal of safe and seamless deliveries in the fastest time possible,” said IPC executive vice president Shojiro Sakoda.

Shopee Xpress serves as the standard delivery option for the online marketplace. It aims to efficiently ship items not just to ensure timely distribution but also faster payout to sellers. “From here on, Isuzu is looking forward to contributing to a more enjoyable e-commerce experience to Shopee

L-R (Front): Joseph Bautista, IPC Sales Division Head; Shojiro Sakoda; IPC Executive Vice President; Melvin Feraer, SPX Philippines Inc. Middle Mile Lead; and Maecie Oboza, SPX Philippines Inc. Middle Mile Lead. (Back): Mario Ojales, IPC DS-A Department Head; Angel Enrico Wambangco, Isuzu Pasig Branch Manager; Alejandro Paguio, IADI Chief Operating Officer; and Toshiki Oshige, IPC DS-B Section Head

July 2021

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sellers and customers through the NMR’s proven reliability and versatility on the road,” adds IPC sales division head Joseph Bautista. Also present at the official turnover ceremony was Alex Paguio, chief operating officer of Isuzu Automotive Dealership Inc.’s (IADI), who was chiefly responsible for sealing the partnership. The NMR85H is powered by a 4JJ1TCC Euro IV diesel engine having a maximum power of 124PS and torque of 354Nm. It has a 14-feet rear body. The engine and body configuration are suited to safely carry high volume cargoes, making it the ideal choice for Shopee Xpress which places importance in providing the utmost care in handling

packages, especially when transporting from one hub to the other. Additionally, Isuzu’s wide dealer network offers readily available parts as well as expert aftersales maintenance and care for end-to-end support, thus ensuring operational productivity. Martin Yu, director at Shopee Philippines, said, “Isuzu is firmly anchored on customer satisfaction, and that is something we value at Shopee. Shopee Xpress is proud to partner with Isuzu in ensuring the overall online shopping experience is reliable, exceptional, and satisfactory for all our stakeholders. With a brand-new middle mile fleet of durable and dependable NMR Trucks from Isuzu, we are able to

operate efficiently and effectively as we deliver goods from sellers to buyers.” To learn more about Isuzu’s range of trucks and how each can be tailored fit to meet business needs, visit your nearest Isuzu dealership or inquire at the official website.

“From here on, Isuzu is looking forward to contributing to a more enjoyable e-commerce experience to Shopee sellers and customers through the NMR’s proven reliability and versatility on the road.” 81

July 2021

Hobbies

TOP 10 LEGO SETS FOR MOTORSPORTS FANS ounded in Denmark in 1932, the name LEGO is derived from the two Danish words LEg GOdt, which mean Play Well. Its mission is to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow through the power of play. Using the LEGO system, children and fans can build and rebuild anything they can imagine.

that offer cool and challenging builds while getting to know more about the cars and the sport.

Can’t decide which one to get? A good tip for figuring out which building set would be suitable is whether you are doing this by yourself or if other family members would like a hand in finishing the LEGO masterpiece. The Speed Champions line offers more child-friendly creations that can introduce them to mechanics and the know-hows of cars, while the Technic line is geared more towards adults with more sophisticated designs.

For motorsport fans and newbies alike, and for kids and the kids at heart, here are the top 10 LEGO sets July 2021

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LEGO® Speed Champions Koenigsegg Jesko

Get your own personal mini replica of one of the world’s first 300mph mega cars. The authentic details will make you feel as if you were behind the wheel of a thrilling race yourself.

LEGO® Speed Champions McLaren Elva

The stunningly detailed set will give you bragging rights at owning one of the most exclusive and aerodynamic sports cars in the market. Delivering in both visual appeal and high performance, this mini replica packs all the features that McLaren Elva possesses.

LEGO® Speed Champions Toyota GR Supra

Fuel your need for speed with one of the greatest high-performance sports cars in the world. Perfect for both display and racing, this will inspire the speedster in you — and perhaps awaken the one in your kids.

July 2021

Hobbies

LEGO® Speed Champions Chevrolet Corvette C8.R Race Car and 1968 Chevrolet Corvette Build iconic race cars and gear up for a race with LEGO® Speed Champions Chevrolet Corvette C8.R Race Car and 1968 Chevrolet Corvette. Get double the speed with two Chevrolet race cars in one set and hit the tracks at full speed — just don’t get left in the dust.

LEGO® Speed Champions Mopar Dodge//SRT Top Fuel Dragster and 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A

Give yourself a headstart on your Dodge collection with LEGO® Speed Champions Mopar Dodge//SRT Top Fuel Dragster and 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A. These mini-figures of one of the world’s high-performance automobiles are guaranteed to deliver an action-packed race day after the building session.

LEGO® Technic™ Lamborghini Sián FKP 37

Get a prestigious Lamborghini in LEGO form. Complete with elaborate details mirroring the original, the LEGO® Technic™ Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 comes with a coffee table book that includes building instructions, images, and behind-the-scenes interviews.

LEGO® Speed Champions Ford GT Heritage Edition and Bronco R

Fearlessly veer off-road with LEGO® Speed Champions Ford GT Heritage Edition and Bronco R. Whether it’s on a racetrack or out on unpaved roads, the realistic features on this set are sure to take its builders on a speedy adventure.

July 2021

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LEGO® Technic™ Jeep® Wrangler

Gift yourself with an eye-catching yellow LEGO® Technic™ Jeep® Wrangler for more off-road adventures. Packed with mechanical features such as an axle-articulation suspension system and a button for front-steering operation, this set will provide a more realistic and technical build.

LEGO® Technic™ McLaren Senna GTR™

Loaded with lifelike features and beautiful design, the LEGO® Technic™ McLaren Senna GTR™ will undoubtedly make supercar fans geek out on intricate details such as the V8 engine with moving pistons and iconic dihedral doors.

LEGO® Technic™ Ferrari 488 GTE “AF Corse #51”

Who could forget the legendary LEGO® Technic™ Ferrari 488 GTE “AF Corse #51” launched at the start of the year? Don’t miss out on getting a feel of what it’s like in the elite world of endurance racing with your own Prancing Horse model.

Now that you’re all up to speed, don’t fall behind — get all these and more at the official LEGO website at www.bankeebricks.ph and at any LEGO Certified Store. 85

July 2021

Gaming Words by Jose Alvarez

Developer platform(S)

July 2021

PUBLISHER

CI Games

PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S

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hooters are a dime a dozen—which is both a good and a bad thing for the genre. There are many good shooters, but many terrible ones as well. But I’ll just mention the ones that really stand out for me. Those who have spent time in the arcades may be familiar with shooter games such as Time Crisis or Silent Scope, which were games I thoroughly enjoyed as a kid. In the 90s, the shooters of choice were Wolfenstein, Quake, and Doom. When I went to school in the Philippines 20 years ago, the PC shooter of choice was Counter-Strike. Fast forward and you’ve got Call of Duty, Battlefield, Left 4 Dead, Borderlands, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, Overwatch, Apex Legends, Rainbow Six, Halo, the list could go on forever. What do a lot of these games have in common? They’re all multiplayer, which means shooting it out with people from all around the world. This can bring hours and hours and hours of fun, excitement, and frustration.

With Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2, I decided to take a wholly different approach and play a single-player

shooter. The reason I flipped the script on this one is because I have played many shooters over the years and have always preferred multiplayer to singleplayer because I think the real fun in these games is testing yourself against the reactions and skills of human players rather than the AI, which is mostly predetermined and exploitable if you’re a seasoned veteran of shooter games. With games that focus on sniping, the challenge is spotting your enemy and hitting them before you’re noticed, and moving on to the next target quickly. In fact, my own gamer handle is taken from one of the most overpowered weapons in FPS history—the Arctic Warfare Police (AWP) sniper rifle from the CounterStrike series. I expected the game to be a healthy blend of Rainbow Six and Metal Gear Solid—an excellent team shooter and the game that defined the stealth genre. Instead, there was a bit of confusion on whether or not this is a game that actually requires you to snipe as you’re sent into underground complexes more often than you are perched at a location and trying to find your target. You play as Raven and are

thrust into what is essentially the crux of American foreign policy for the past 20 years—regime change in the (fictional) Middle East. CI Games brings the traditional skill trees to the shooter genre as well as a great selection of weapons, but this really doesn’t make a difference considering the intelligence of the enemies in this game. Adding a silencer to literally any weapon and having common sense makes the game a cakewalk. While there is some challenge in mission objectives, there is no fun in mowing down the enemies in this game. You can get rewards for not raising an alarm or killing enemies a certain way, but these points seem to be more for bragging rights than something that will actually help you beat the game. While the game is solid, it still lacks what I want in a shooter: something that challenges me to do better. It’s a good shooter if you don’t play the genre much, but seasoned FPS veterans may find themselves picking out all the flaws in the game rather than enjoying the game for what it is.

July 2021

Gaming

Words by Gabriel Pe

obile gaming has been on the rise lately. Gaming-centered smartphones have flooded the market, thanks to cheaper but more powerful mobile processors from Qualcomm and MediaTek.

Filipinos have also shifted from casual gaming to full-on hardcore mobile gaming, spending countless hours on titles such as Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Call of Duty Mobile. These games are optimized to run on most devices, whether on high or medium settings. But since Pinoys have taken a much more competitive approach to these games, their device expectations have also changed — paving the way for mobile gaming accessories.

The new devices generate more heat than their predecessors, due mainly to improved displays and more powerful processors. Many smartphone manufacturers have gone to great lengths to ensure that their phones are equipped with sufficient internal cooling, but these may not be enough for extended gameplay. If a phone gets way too hot, it’s programmed to turn the processing power down a bit in what’s known as thermal throttling.

Back Coolers

Enter dedicated back coolers. These cooling fans are specially made to add some needed cooling power to aid your phone’s performance and possibly avoid thermal throttling. realme Philippines recently sent over their first realme Back Cooler to try out how it works. The realme Back Cooler is one of the simpler back coolers in the market. It

July 2021

uses an external power source to power itself. It has a thermal pad that is directly connected to the heatsink, while a fan draws in cool air to cool the thermal pad. It works by clamping to your phone and directly cool the backplate with the thermal pad. The realme Back Cooler is relatively quiet, rated to produce a mere 25dB when turned on. But silence isn’t enough for some. While my phone didn’t lose performance during testing, I noticed no significant difference whether it was attached or not, turned on or turned off. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the cooler only runs at a single speed, and my device already had decent passive cooling.

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Along with the realme Back Cooler, we also had some time with the realme Finger Sleeves.

Finger Sleeves

Finger Sleeves are made for people who tend to have sweaty fingers during heavy gaming. There are many reasons people sweat when gaming, but the heat of your phone screen is a known factor that can be controlled. Finger Sleeves were made to absorb your sweat during long gaming hours and thus

If you’re a fan of mobile FPS, then chances are you might want to consider physical triggers that attach to your phone or a Bluetooth controller.

Physical Triggers/ Bluetooth Controllers

Physical triggers are attachable physical shoulder triggers (like those in console controllers) that “trigger” in-game shooting. They’re made for gamers who need the physical response of shooting not usually present in touchscreens. They work by using a spring that pushes down on a button attached to your screen to trigger the touch screen. You’ll need to map your game’s shooting button to where the button drops down to actually trigger it. Once upon a time, these things were all the rage on online

prevent any finger slipping or friction on the screen. The realme Finger Sleeves are made with superconducting Electric Silver Fibers, so they work while normal gloves won’t. The realme Finger Sleeves are adaptable to my fingers, able to cover my thumbs and pointers. One problem I noticed was that the realme logo on the sleeves was easily removed during my onoff-on-off usage with it.

platforms, with different brands to choose from. If you need the full physical console experience, you can get a Bluetooth controller. Unlike the physical trigger, you don’t need to custom map your buttons when using Bluetooth controllers. Instead, they either have a dedicated app you first need to open to map each game control or, in some cases, need the game to support them to work. Undeniably the biggest name in Bluetooth controllers for Android and iOS is Razer, with the Razer Kishi catching eyes at CES 2020. There are other brands that have slowly become fan favorites, including GamerSir with their X1 and X2, and locally ipega with their budget-friendly options.

July 2021

Gaming

5 Easy Hack Your Intern for Online G Words by Alisa Taylor

lmost any gamer is well-aware of the sheer frustration that accompanies a slow internet connection. While single games are not a problem, online gaming is a completely different story altogether. An entire gaming session is easily ruined due to a lack of adequate bandwidth.

Despite the widespread availability of high-speed internet connections, it’s still very possible to have a slow connection that brings gaming to a grinding halt. This leaves players bored and frustrated, and takes the fun out of gaming online. Fortunately, there are some tricks and tweaks gamers can implement to speed up their internet connection and enjoy online gaming at its optimum. Look at how you can speed up your connection to make the most of your online gaming time.

July 2021

Limit other connections

Most homes have a single router for all the devices within the household. Each one of these devices will need a certain amount of bandwidth to function properly. But it also means that these devices take away bandwidth from a gaming computer. For example, when a phone needs to run an update, it may use most of the available bandwidth, leaving very little for the other devices. This redirection of bandwidth slows down the connection needed for a gaming session. One way to get around this is by either limiting how many devices connect to the router at any given time, or by setting a specific amount of bandwidth per device. The settings on a router allow you to set limits, although not all routers have this functionality.

If other connections routinely interrupt your gaming sessions, it’s worth investing in a router that allows you to control bandwidth allocation.

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ks to Speed Up net Connection Gaming 2

Use the ethernet line

Wi-Fi is a truly remarkable invention, allowing us to tap into the power of the internet from any part of the house. The problem is that the radio waves that Wi-Fi technology uses get disrupted frequently, especially if the router is sitting near other electronics, such as a television. This disruption can diminish the overall quality of the connection and cause latency problems while gaming online.

An easy way around this is to use an Ethernet cable. This will eliminate any noise that may be present over the wireless connection, making for a cleaner, more stable experience. Many gamers take this idea one step further. They run the ethernet cable into the ceiling and down into the desired location to plug directly into their laptop or

computer. This provides a stable, fixed connection that reduces noise in the most efficient way possible.

Shut down background apps & programs

There are numerous applications and programs on our phones, laptops, and computers that are constantly connected to the internet, even when they’re not actively in use. These apps often use bandwidth without us even realizing it, especially if they update automatically.

Web browsers may consume a persistent amount of bandwidth, depending on the website. Leaving a browser tab open in the background might cause lag to occur when playing an online game. If an update auto-installs, the bandwidth use skyrockets without warning. It’s always best to close everything down in the background when gaming.

This ensures that the game has full access to all available bandwidth from start to finish. This disruption can diminish the overall quality of the connection and cause latency problems while gaming online.

July 2021

Router maintenance

Routers are highly complex devices that need ongoing maintenance to function at their optimum. Regular restarts are recommended, especially for a stable connection that doesn’t drop packets often. If the connection continues to be unstable, it might be worth diving into the settings and ensuring that the right DNS server is selected, as some might be slower than others. A good choice for a decent balance of speed and stability is Google’s

DNS server, which is set at 8.8.8.8. Modern routers will also need firmware updates every so often, just in case there’s a bug in the current firmware that might be causing issues. Routers from brands like Asus are usually extremely easy to update. They can even be set to update automatically in the background without intervention. But some brands might

require going on to the manufacturer’s website, downloading updates, and then installing them manually. Whichever option is required, keeping the router’s firmware current with the latest updates can make a major difference to overall performance.

Upgrading the line

Sometimes the only way to improve the speed and stability of a connection is by upgrading the line or switching to a different service provider. Internet Service Providers vary wildly in how they offer internet to customers. Even a small upgrade can make a significant and noticeable difference in your online gaming experience.

Many people might suggest switching to something like a 100Mbps line. But this is overkill for maintaining a stable connection for gaming. Plus, it can cost a fair amount more, depending on the packages available and the infrastructure in the area. Wireless internet tends to be the weakest for gaming. In contrast,

fiber is usually the best option as it offers the most stable and reliable connection overall. Most online games today should work well with a stable 20Mbps line, and any lag issues should not be much of a problem—provided that no other devices on the same network are using all the bandwidth.

Boosting your gaming connection rate is the time it takes for information on the internet to transfer from one place to another. It affects how quickly your responses register, along with other player responses, the stability of voice comms, and the overall gaming quality. Lag (also referred to as latency or ping rate) is consistently mentioned as the most common issue online gamers face. The ping

July 2021

It’s largely agreed that having a slow internet connection that causes major lag leads to a more frustrating experience than having no internet

connection at all. You can have the best gaming laptop or PC in the world, but if your internet connection is slow or unstable, it completely ruins the experience. It’s usually possible to free up bandwidth and achieve a more stable connection by ensuring that other devices are not doing updates or downloads, that the router works correctly, and that all apps running in the background are shut down. If all else fails, upgrading your line is the answer.

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Gaming

Get Ready to Win! P

erya Perya, the mobile games arcade platform of technology company Big Crunch Digital Pte. Limited launched Wil to Play, the first-ever game show for your phone.

to win exciting daily and grand raffle prizes as if they are part of a live studio audience,” Chua said. Wil to Play’s hyper-casual mobile game app for Android gives users a chance to bring home digital gadgets, food items, and more, anytime and anywhere. Wil to Play is the first fusion of TV game show and real-world rewarding mobile gaming experience.

Wil to Play is the Android mobile game endorsed by famous TV gameshow and celebrity Willie Revillame. While most TV game shows let the studio and TV show audience win, Wil to Play emulates the same experience of winning great prizes like in Willie Revillame’s game show, Wowowin, but on your mobile phone.

Users can earn tickets by playing five mini-games: Wow Girl, Pares Pares, Bawal Tumawid, Tumbang Premyo, or Slicen Naten. The more gamers play and score points, the more tickets they can earn. By paying a minimum of PHP20 (2 days of unlimited play), gamers can participate and redeem tickets they win during play. They can use these to join the raffles to win big prizes. Wil to Play is now available to download at the Google Play Store. Users can subscribe and pay for game packages via Google Pay, where they can link their mobile phone for load deduction, GCash, Paypal, or credit cards. Alternatively, users can also visit physical reseller partners of Big Crunch digital, such as pawnshops and sari-sari stores nationwide.

The game show host/celebrity is thrilled to be the first to bring this mobile app to his beloved Filipino fans. “Lahat ng ginagawa ko ang kapakanan ng fans ang lagi kong iniisip, kung paano ko sila mapapasaya at matutulungan lalo ngayong may pandemya. Dahil di pa tayo pwedeng magsama-sama dito sa studio, sa Wil To Play makakapaglaro at manalo ng mga premyo kahit saan man tayo. (In everything I do, I always think of how to bring joy to our Filipino audiences, especially during this pandemic. And because we cannot all be with us at the studio, with Wil to Play, you can play online and win prizes wherever you are),” says Revillame. Jackie Chua, Big Crunch Digital’s managing director, said that her team would ensure that Wil to Play and Perya Perya, its mobile gaming platform, will have a steady stream of enhancements and updates to provide a richer and rewarding gaming experience. “Together with Willie Revillame, our goal is to give Filipinos hope in these troubled times. Since we’re still in a pandemic where mass gatherings are disallowed, we would like to give the same opportunity to our users

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For more information on Wil to Play, please visit wiltoplay.com or wiltoplay.ph.

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Active Lifestyle

The Best of Nike Personalized for You

ike continues to accelerate its digital transformation in Southeast Asia and India (SEA&I) with the launch of the Nike App — the company’s fastest-growing platform — providing members with personalized access to the best of Nike. The free Nike App launches in Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, India, and Taiwan.

Nike is leading its growth strategy with the digital and direct businesses through new technologies, capabilities, and innovations. The Nike App connects Nike members to products, guidance, rewards, and experiences, all tailored to their individual preferences. A digital Nike hub in the palm of your hand, members receive product recommendations based on what they love, with fast and secure checkout. “The launch of the Nike App marks a critical expansion of Nike’s digital ecosystem in SEA&I,” says Sanjay Gangopadhyay, VP of Nike SEA&I. “Through this launch, we are creating meaningful relationships with our local members, and inspiring and equipping them to move.”

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Nike’s growing ecosystem in SEA&I allows consumers to shop on their terms — how, when, and where they want. Consumers can shop at Nike stores and Nike partner stores, as well as online through the Nike App, Nike.com, SNKRS Web, and the official Nike stores with digital partners, such as Lazada. Nike is also helping people make sport a daily habit through the Nike Run Club (NRC) and Nike Training Club (NTC) activity apps. There are a number of member benefits through the Nike App, inclusive of:

Exclusive Access Members will have a chance to get the latest product drops, early and exclusively within the App, including weekly drops every Friday with key styles such as Air Jordan 1, Air Force 1, and Air Max. To kick off the launch, members can get early access to Space Jam products, exclusively on the Nike App.

Member rewards Members will unlock exciting rewards through their personalized “Member Wallet” where they can find exclusive promotions, access to events, and more. Starting July 12, members can compete in weekly challenges on the NRC or NTC Apps to gain access to the Champions Locker on the Nike App — an exclusive unlock with members-only access to product and content within the App.

Inspirational content Members will have access to stories, guidance, and other inspirational content available only in the App. “A key focus with developing the Nike App for SEA&I was ensuring that the content, experiences, services, and product offers are customized based on what we know Nike members in SEA&I want most from us,” says Xia Ding, VP of APLA Nike Direct Digital Commerce. “Over time, this focus becomes even sharper as we learn from member behavior and engagement, so we are able to personalize the Nike App experience to an even greater extent.”

Download the Nike App now to unlock your member benefits.

July 2021

Home

Dyson Purifier Cool

New sensing technology destroys dangerous indoor pollutants

illions of people around the world are spending more time indoors. With all-new solid-state formaldehyde sensing, fully-sealed HEPA 13 standard filtration, and 20% quieter airflow projection, the new Dyson Purifier Cool Formaldehyde range ensures a cleaner home environment.

Dyson has unveiled its latest generation of purification machines with new solid-state formaldehyde sensing technology, designed to capture ultra-fine dust and allergens, even

destroying potentially dangerous VOCs including formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a colorless gas pollutant, released by furniture and wooden products containing formaldehyde-based resins like plywood and fibreboard, insulating materials, and do-it-yourself products such as paint, wallpapers, varnishes, and household cleaning products. Being 500 times smaller than particles the size of 0.1 microns, it is particularly difficult to capture and, if left undetected, can lead to prolonged exposure due to continuous release of airborne chemicals, known as off-gassing.

"The off-gassing tendency of lasting the lifetime of the machine. The "The off-gassing tendency of formaldehyde means that it can go undetected in a home formaldehyde means that it can go COVID-19 pandemic has raised global for years. Dyson has engineered a machine that provides accurate and successful undetected in a home for years. Dyson awareness about the air that we breathe sensing, capture, and destruction of the pollutant. Our solid-state sensor doesn't dry has engineered a machine that provides and Dyson's commitment to providing out over time, lasting the lifetime of the machine. The COVID-19 pandemic has raised accurate and successful sensing, capture, cleaner air through innovation and global awareness about the air that we breathe and Dyson's commitment to providing and destruction of the pollutant. Our solid- technology remains at the forefront of our cleaner air through innovation and technology remains at the forefront of our mission" state sensor doesn’t dry out over time, mission" — Alex Knox, Dyson vice-president of environmental care July 2021

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The indoor generation

Full-machine HEPA filtration

Every day, humans breathe up to 9,000 liters of air, and even before the COVID-19 pandemic spent as much as 90% of their time indoors. As our homes increasingly become spaces where we work and exercise as well as sleep and play, the quality of the air we breathe in all aspects of our routine is non-negotiable.

In Dyson’s new purifiers, it’s not just the filter that meets HEPA H13 standard, but the whole machine. It captures 99.95% of particles as small as 0.1 microns such as allergens, bacteria, H1N1 virus, pollen, and mold spores. Dyson engineers took a forensic approach to achieve a fully-sealed machine, creating high-pressure seals at an additional 24 critical points to prevent dirty air from bypassing the filters and carrying pollutants back into the room.

There are a number of indoor pollution sources, which release pollutants like PM10, PM2.5, VOCs, NO2, and formaldehyde into the air. Sources of pollution are present in all aspects of our daily lives, whether that be PM2.5 emitted when cooking, VOCs released from cleaning products, or the continuous off-gassing of formaldehyde from our living room furniture. Dyson’s new Purifier Cool Formaldehyde range reflects the latest technology in three core areas: sensing, filtration, and acoustics.

Acoustically engineered to be 20% quieter Dyson engineers increased efforts to further reduce the sound output of the Dyson Purifier Cool while maintaining purification performance. Through an iterative design, test, build process managed at the Dyson Malaysia Development Centre’s in-house acoustics chamber, the machine was re-engineered to be 20% quieter. To achieve this noise reduction, Dyson engineers refined the overall airflow path by widening the aperture (slot in which the air exits the machine) and its geometry was improved. This reduced the amount of friction between the air and the surface of the machine, resulting in less sound. Noise was reduced from 64 to 61 decibels at max fan speed.

Precise formaldehyde sensing and destruction In addition to the existing particle, NO2, VOCs, temperature, and humidity sensors, the integration of an intelligent formaldehyde sensor ensures precise sensing of the pollutant for the lifetime of the machine. Formaldehyde sensors can be gel-based and may deteriorate gradually as they dry out over time. Using an electrochemical cell, the Dyson formaldehyde sensor does not dry out and its unique intelligent algorithm cross-checks data every second, selectively sensing to avoid confusion with other VOCs.

ENGINEERED FOR REAL HOMES

Dyson’s Selective Catalytic Oxidization (SCO) filter continuously destroys formaldehyde at a molecular level. The catalytic filter has a unique coating, with the same structure as the Cryptomelane mineral. Its billions of atom-sized tunnels are the optimal size and shape to trap and destroy formaldehyde, breaking it down into tiny amounts of water and carbon dioxide. It then regenerates from oxygen in the air to keep destroying it continuously without ever requiring replacement.

Dyson Purifier machines are engineered for real spaces. The industry standard for testing air purifiers measures performance using a laboratory test conducted in a compact chamber 12sm in size, with a ceiling fan to circulate the air and one sensor inside the room measuring air quality. For more representative testing, Dyson’s POLAR test is based on a larger room size of 27sqm with no added fan and uses eight sensors in the corners of the room and one sensor in the center to collect air quality data.

Air Multiplier Technology

Pricing and availability

Using Dyson Air Multiplier technology, the machine can project purified air to every corner of the room. Auto mode enables the machine to maintain a preferred room temperate and air quality levels, while the machine can be entirely controlled by the Dyson Link App and activated by voice control.

The Dyson Purifier Cool TP07 comes in white and black colorways and is priced at PHP36,500. The Dyson Purifier Cool Formaldehyde TP09 comes in white/gold and carries a PHP 40,500 price tag. The machines are available at Dyson demo stores and at www.dyson.ph.

July 2021

Green

The NutriAsia EcoStation eet the newest eco-friendly spot in the Philippines! NutriAsia, the country’s leading producer of well-loved condiments and sauces, has launched a new kind of sustainability hub with multiple features that help Filipinos embrace a greener way of living. Strategically located at the bus stop along 30th street beside Track 30th in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), the NutriAsia EcoStation is a convenient neighborhood haven that people can enjoy.

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Nestled among the skyscrapers that dot the Bonifacio Global City landscape, the EcoStation houses NutriAsia’s latest green innovation, Select & Collect, a convenient and more sustainable way of shopping and restocking your wellloved NutriAsia kitchen staples. A simple online process through the website https://selectandcollect.ph/ allows customers to select and pay for their pantry favorites. Then, they can choose a preferred time to pick up their purchases at either the curbside of the JY Campos The NutriAsia

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EcoStation also features a dispenser that gives free water refills for those with their own bottles and containers. It is NutriAsia’s way of encouraging people to embrace a refilling mindset through reusing containers they already have. Perfect for BGC joggers to grab a refreshing water break along their route! To access it, people merely have to scan the QR Code in the NutriAsia EcoStation, which will bring them to the BYOB (Bring Your Own Bote) website. Here, they can generate a unique QR code that needs to be scanned using the dispenser’s camera to get their free water refills. The NutriAsia Ecostation harnesses solar energy to provide people convenient and accessible options for a more sustainable lifestyle and to power up an integrated watering system that irrigates the plants found in the EcoStation. “Through the NutriAsia Ecostation, we want to provide people more sustainable options that they can easily inject into their everyday routines. Giving people simple alternatives to reduce their impact on the environment helps push the sustainability conversation forward. We hope that our EcoStation is the first of many; we need to see more sustainable concepts in the future,” said James Lim, NutriAsia’s head of corporate marketing and communications. By making more sustainable choices in our lives, we are already doing our part to impact our world in a kinder way. Visit the NutriAsia EcoStation for easy ways to lead a more sustainable lifestyle.

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Innovation

ROXO

the FedEx SameDay Bot

F lik

edEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. and the world’s largest express transportation company, announced that Roxo, the FedEx SameDay Bot, is making its first appearance in Asia Pacific in Japan. With its positive regulatory framework, world-class infrastructure, and a fertile environment for the testing and adoption of robotics, Japan is an ideal market for FedEx to explore opportunities to test Roxo in the future.

Roxo is an autonomous specialty delivery device, designed to travel on sidewalks and along roadsides, safely delivering smaller shipments to customers’ homes and businesses. Its features include pedestrian-safe technology, multiple cameras, and LiDAR allowing the zero-emission, battery-powered bot to be aware of its surroundings. These features are coupled with machinelearning algorithms to detect and avoid obstacles, plot a safe path, and allow the bot to follow road and safety rules. Proprietary technology makes it highly capable, allowing it to navigate unpaved surfaces, curbs, and even climb deep flights of steps for an extraordinary door-todoor delivery experience. Roxo is currently undergoing testing in the U.S. to generate data to ‘train’ the self-driving software and validate safe performance, in compliance with all applicable safety regulations and guidelines. There is a significant opportunity in Japan to identify local, case-specific applications to make the best use of the technology to benefit FedEx customers.

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“We are thrilled to have Roxo in Japan, a country that is a global leader in robotics implementation. The FedEx SameDay Bot is truly an innovation opening new possibilities for on-demand, same day, hyperlocalized delivery,” said Kawal Preet, president of the Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa (AMEA) region at FedEx Express. “As we sit at the intersection of physical and digital networks, Roxo brings a glimpse of the future of logistics, where customers can enjoy sameday, contactless delivery services at their doorsteps. With businesses of all kinds embarking on digital transformation, we look forward to collaborating with future-ready companies to advance delivery services in Japan and elsewhere in Asia Pacific.” The bot is being developed in collaboration with DEKA Development & Research Corp., a prominent research and development company that also produced the Segway. The bot uses DEKA’s established iBOT electric wheelchair base, capable of negotiating rough terrain, traversing steps, and steep inclines. Its sensors maintain 360-degree awareness of its surroundings and use artificial intelligence, or AI, to choose the safest path or course of action. With a tall profile, it is easy for pedestrians and road users to see. It also uses signals, lights, and a signaling screen that clearly communicate its directional intent. Roxo was unveiled in February 2019 and has been undergoing tests with major retailers in U.S. cities including Memphis, Tennessee; Manchester, New Hampshire; and Plano and Frisco, Texas. It made its first international appearance in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, in November 2020 for an experimental project with local businesses including Dubai Airports. For more information on the FedEx SameDay Bot, please visit http://fedex.com/thefuture.

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Enterprise

July 2021

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Locad powers eCommerce Fulfillment Gets USD4.9M funding ogistics and supply chain management integrator Locad announced USD4.9million in funding, in a seed round led by Sequoia Capital India’s Surge with participation from Antler, Febe Ventures, Foxmont, Global Founders Capital, Gokongwei Family, and Hustle Fund. Locad offers eCommerce brands and retailers simple yet scalable end-to-end solutions, ranging from plugand-play eCommerce fulfillment to a distributed warehousing network in APAC for companies that are looking to scale their business internationally.

Powered by a fully digital and integrated platform with real-time visibility over order and inventory movements, Locad plugs an important gap in the current eCommerce state of play — the fragmented, complex, and slow supply chain ecosystem in Southeast Asia. Instead of powering growth, such gaps are creating barriers, rather than enabling companies who have the appetite and ambition to grow beyond borders.

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REDEFINING BETTER AND STRONGER ECOMMERCE FULFILLMENT Founded in Manila and Singapore in October 2020, Locad is fast making a name for itself in the logistics industry and now has offices in Australia, Hong Kong, India, the Philippines, and Singapore. While many companies address first mile and last mile problems in delivery, very few provide the fully integrated solution that Locad is pioneering. Business customers of Locad have the opportunity to integrate with eCommerce platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, Lazada, Shopee, and Zalora. Brands can manage all their orders and stock from a single virtual pool across multiple sales channels, with real-time visibility of sales, orders, inventory, and service levels. While Locad irons out the back-end operations of running a direct-to-consumer business, brands can then be left to focus on growing their business.

July 2021

Enterprise

“Since partnering with Locad, our business could focus less on the fulfillment process and more on other aspects like product and marketing. As a result, there is an increase in our sales and conversion rate right away,” said Janine Munez, director of IT operations at KJM Cosmetics. With the ability to fulfill orders faster and provide more affordable shipping rates to their customers, the Filipino-grown cosmetics brand based in Davao shared that their conversion rate nearly doubled for both their Shopee and Lazada stores after adding localized fulfillment in Metro Manila with Locad, thereby cutting delivery time and shipping fees for buyers. Locad CEO and co-founder Constantin Robertz shared, “eCommerce and ondemand delivery services are accelerating in the Philippines. Many vendors, producers, and sellers are migrating to digital channels but are still hampered with the logistics of bringing products

July 2021

to their customers. They also lack infrastructure, resources, and experience in managing both online services and their own supply chain.” With the exponential growth of eCommerce in Southeast Asia, Locad is empowering eCommerce brands that will play a pivotal role in driving the Philippines’ massive post-pandemic growth opportunity. For Locad’s founders, the core of their mission is to level the playing field in direct-to-consumer commerce by giving brands small and large access to an integrated, distributed, and flexible supply chain network that is simple yet scalable. In an industry where reliability and speed could make or break an eCommerce brand, its ability to provide a one-stop platform, from fulfillment capability to distributed warehousing, allows brands to meet the evolving needs of their customers with flexible, nimble, and pain-free logistics solutions.

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“We are now serving more than 30 brands in the Philippines, helping small businesses to some of the largest retailers deliver tens of thousands of items each month. We’re excited to be providing logistics infrastructures to eCommerce businesses of any size in these countries and we will continue to grow our presence across the region,” shared Jannis Dargel, COO and cofounder of Locad. THE PHILIPPINES’ FIRST SEQUOIA SURGE INVESTMENT Locad is the first Philippine Surge investment of Sequoia, one of the world’s leading venture capital firms that has funded legendary companies in the technology sector — including Airbnb, Zoom, Youtube, Tokopedia, and more — since 1972. This investment will further enhance and expand Locad’s platform and fulfillment network that enables its clients’ goals for eCommerce growth.

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With eCommerce showing 76% penetration in the Philippines in 2020, an increase in the usage and need for Locad’s comprehensive services is likely to occur as businesses strive to level up their fulfillment infrastructure. The additional funding will accelerate the development of Locad’s technology and will create better opportunities for businesses that select the logistics cloud as their platform of choice to grow their direct-to-consumer business in eCommerce and omnichannel retail, also ensuring continuity for years to come. By maximizing Locad as the primary platform in performing and organizing the logistics needs related to eCommerce, the integrated platform enables companies to run a more seamless fulfillment infrastructure at affordable costs. Locad’s shipping platform with a comprehensive range of integrated couriers enables brands to deliver

nationwide, and its fulfillment network with warehouses strategically located in Taguig, Paranaque, Laguna, Cebu, and Davao (opening soon), provides flexible fulfillment capacity and allows brands to reduce shipping time and costs by storing products closer to online shoppers. With its Seed funding of $4.9M, Locad will expand its cloud logistics platform to work with more Philippine businesses of all sizes. The company is also investing in broadening its regional footprint in Southeast Asia and Australia, providing Philippine businesses an accessible option to pursue regional expansion and make their products accessible to consumers across Asia-Pacific. Founders Constantin Robertz, Jannis Dargel, and Shrey Jain came together to start Locad after years in Southeast Asia’s eCommerce, transportation, and logistics ecosystem, previously working in leadership roles at Grab, Zalora, and Entrego.

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Led by Sequoia Capital India’s Surge, the seed investment round of Locad is joined by Antler, Febe Ventures, Foxmont, Global Founders Capital, the Gokongwei Family, Hustle Fund, and angel investors from the technology, eCommerce, and logistics ecosystem including Alessandro Duri (eCommerce, MEA); Paulo Campos (eCommerce, Zalora); Henry Ko and Huey Lin (logistics, Flexport); Thibaud Lecuyer (logistics, Loggi); Oliver Mickler and Tim Seithe (fintech, Tillhub); Christian Weiss and Tim Marbach (technology, Venture Capital). Locad is part of Surge’s fifth cohort of 23 companies that have developed new digital solutions to help companies and individuals work, live, and learn better in a rapidly evolving Southeast Asian landscape. Customers can reach out to use Locad’s services here (https://fulfillment.golocad. com/get-started).

July 2021

Government

DTI eCommerce Program for MSMEs P

LDT Enterprise and PayMaya are spearheading the support to help MSMEs with a series of weekly webinars under the e-Commerce programs of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Isang Linggong eCommerce Conducted in partnership with JCI Manila, the #UNBREAKABLETuesdays online learning sessions under the DTI’s Isang Linggong e-Commerce Program provide MSMEs with key insights straight from industry leaders. Topics cover insights on how technology can help grow their business and new business

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opportunities to help augment their revenues. Participants also get first-hand access to the latest digital solutions, payment technologies, and business-ina-box tools from PLDT Enterprise and PayMaya. “Even before the pandemic, DTI forged a partnership with PayMaya to promote digital payments through our

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Business Name Registration System. We are grateful that this partnership has expanded with the generous knowledge sharing by PLDT and PayMaya experts on how to go or grow the online businesses of our MSMEs,” said DTI Assistant Secretary Jean Pacheco.

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Ctrl + Biz Reboot NOW PLDT Enterprise and PayMaya are strong supporters of the DTI’s various programs. Aside from the #UNBREAKABLETuesdays webinar series, both companies have participated in the Ctrl + Biz Reboot NOW Program for MSMEs. Since May 2020, over 1,400 MSME owners nationwide have benefitted from these online learning sessions. “We at PLDT Enterprise are committed to helping MSMEs. Together with PayMaya and our partners at JCI, we aim to offer the best unbreakable insights on different business strategies and digital payment

solutions to help them bounce back and thrive in this New Normal,” said Chito Franco, VP and head of small and medium business of PLDT Enterprise and president and CEO of PLDT Clarktel. PLDT Enterprise has introduced innovative solutions bundles founded on connectivity solutions that feature the newest fiber broadband service BEYOND FIBER and wireless broadband Smart BizLTE. On top of PayMaya, the bundles provide MSMEs with an array of add-on solution options to choose from, ranging from software, hardware, and services.

Digital Payment Solutions PayMaya Director and head of enterprise growth Raymund Villanueva said: “MSMEs are the economy’s backbone. That’s why we continue to provide them with reliable, affordable, and innovative digital payment solutions that will help them serve more customers. We’re proud to support DTI’s vision of making e-Commerce easier for all.” PayMaya’s support of the DTI’s programs is part of its Sulong Negosyo campaign, which aims to help MSMEs jumpstart their recovery and growth through digital payments. As part of its roadshow, it has also supported various industry associations and organizations to provide free training sessions with industry experts to help business owners gain digital skills.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic last year, PayMaya introduced the PayMaya Negosyo app, allowing businesses to accept payments from anyone through PayMaya QR and bank or e-wallet transfers. Apart from enabling digital payment acceptance, the app also empowers MSMEs with extra kita or extra income by providing services like bills payment, remittances, and selling telco load to their customers. Other PayMaya solutions for MSMEs include digital QR code for scan-to-pay transactions, payment links via social media and messaging apps such as FB, IG, and Viber, PayMaya Checkout Plugins for online stores using Shopify, Magento, or WooCommerce, and PayMaya One Lite device for face-to-face card and QR payments.

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July 2021

Government

SSS Mobile App Redesigned T

he latest iteration of the SSS (Social Security System) Mobile app offers new design features that make its user interface easier to navigate for members and employers. SSS president and chief executive officer Aurora Ignacio said the redesigned SSS Mobile App features a new look and feel to make it more user-friendly and to provide a better user experience to members and employers. The SSS chief explained that the pension fund considered the user behavior and engagement with the mobile app in developing the SSS Mobile app version 4.0. “It magnifies our commitment to better serve mobile app users by continuously incorporating the latest in mobile technology,” she added. Among the new features in SSS Mobile 4.0 is the redesigned dashboard, which now features information on the enrolled disbursement account of the member and direct links to official SSS accounts on Facebook and YouTube. SSS also made improvements on the branch locator feature. With the innovative design, users can search for any SSS branch, and the mobile app will pin the exact location of the SSS branch using the Google Map for Android and Huawei Petal Maps for smartphone users. Thumbnails containing the address and contact details of the branches are also displayed on the locator map. The improved dashboard of the mobile app also enables users to access transactional information and features sliding ad links of SSS informational campaigns. Users can navigate through the mobile app even using just one hand. “Aside from the My.SSS web portal, SSS Mobile app is our top online facility that caters to millions of transactions from members and employers. We

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recognize that mobile technology is continuously improving, and that is why we keep our mobile app abreast with the latest development to serve our users better,” Ignacio added. Ignacio pointed out that digital technology is the new norm to provide easier and safer access to services and transactions, especially during this pandemic. “That is why SSS embraces the latest technological developments to make its programs and services available to members, pensioners, and other stakeholders 24/7,” she added. “Our members and employers can use the SSS Mobile app for many SSS transactions. For instance, members can use the mobile app to update contact information details such as their mailing address, email address, and mobile number or view the status of contributions, loans, and benefit claims. They can also use it to file their salary loan application, generate the Payment Reference Number for contribution payment, pay their monthly contributions, submit their maternity notification, among others,” Ignacio explained. Ignacio added that even employers can now use the SSS Mobile app for their SSS transactions. For example, employers can update their contact information (R8), such as email addresses and contact numbers. They can also view the enrolled bank information and the status of the contribution and loan payments. Employers can use the mobile app to generate the PRN for contribution payments and check the SSS and contributions to the Employees’ Compensation (EC) program. The mobile app also allows employers to file their sickness and maternity reimbursement claims.

Members and employers with existing SSS Mobile app on their devices can go to the app store and click the update button. Look for Version 4.0.0 in the Google Play store and Version 4.0.1 in Huawei AppGallery. If the update button is not available, app users need to uninstall the previous version and install the latest one. The new SSS Mobile app is not yet available on the iOS App Store. As of April 2021, the SSS Mobile app has 8,194,799 downloads on Google Play Store and 5,325,143 on Huawei AppGallery. Downloads on the iOS App Store reached 1,052,214. It is the second most downloaded free app in the productivity category on Google Play Store. At the same time, it ranks fourth in the finance category on the Huawei AppGallery, and the utilities category on iOS App Store. Launched in 2018, the SSS Mobile app is designed to provide a more convenient way for members to transact with the state pension fund without the hassle of queuing in the branches. It was initially developed for members and was expanded for the use of memberemployers in December 2020. Since its launch, the SSS Mobile App has facilitated an average of 85,000 transactions daily.

For more information, follow the official SSS social media accounts on Facebook and YouTube at “Philippine Social Security System,” Instagram at “mysssph,” Twitter at “PHLSSS,” or join the Viber Community at “MYSSSPH Updates.”

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July 2021

Apps

ANDROID EARTHQUAKE ALERTS SYSTEM oogle launched the Android Earthquake Alerts System in the Philippines. It is a free, helpful Android feature that detects earthquakes around the world and alerts people.

On the other hand, the Android device notification provides an early warning alert when accelerometers detect an earthquake in an area. It sends a signal to Google’s earthquake detection server, along with a coarse location of where the shaking

occurred. The server then takes this information from many phones to analyze if an earthquake is happening, where it is, and its corresponding magnitude. People who do not wish to receive these alerts can turn it off in device settings.

The system uses accelerometers in active Android smartphones to detect seismic activities. It alerts people in two ways — via Search and directly on the Android mobile device itself. The system provides near-instant information to Google Search. When people look up “earthquake” or “earthquake near me,” they will find relevant results, along with helpful resources on what to do after an earthquake.

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On mobile devices, the Android Earthquake Alerts System displays two types of alerts, depending on the magnitude and intensity of the earthquake. Be Aware alerts people when earthquakes with a magnitude of 4.5 occur, or an intensity level of 3 or 4 on the MMI scale. The notification is sent along with the distance of the earthquake’s epicenter. The alert uses the phone’s current volume, vibration, and Do Not Disturb settings. Take Action is a full-screen alert for earthquakes with a magnitude higher than 4.5, or an intensity level of 5 and above on the MMI scale. To help people prepare for potential heavy shaking, full-screen instructions are shown and the phone plays a loud sound.

“Launching the Android Earthquake Alerts System in the Philippines is part of our mission to bring helpful products and services to Filipinos. Our country, being located in the pacific ring of fire, is prone to natural calamities and this update will play an important role in disaster preparedness and risk reduction,” said Bernadette Nacario, Google Philippines country director. “Our smartphones are indispensable in moments of crisis. We believe Android devices can help people be prepared and stay connected in times of need. We will continue to partner with the

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government, public safety officials, and leading crisis response experts to better surface relevant information in times of adversities,” Nacario added. The Android Earthquake Alerts System was first introduced in New Zealand and Greece. It is available now in more countries including Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Philippines, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. To check on your Android device if the alerts are on, simply go to Settings > Location > Advanced > Earthquake Alerts.

July 2021

Cybersecurity

Dating Ap

Safer, but beware of

rom robot companions to AI choosing the perfect partner, technology has become permanently entwined with dating and finding love, especially after a year and a half of lockdown that made digital connections the only type possible. To understand the security implications of this trend, Kaspersky researchers conducted an in-depth study of nine popular dating apps to assess how safe they were.

What they found was that, when compared to their previous research in 2017, dating apps have become safer from a technical standpoint, particularly when it comes to the transfer of data. However, these apps still pose a significant risk when it comes to exposing too much personal information about users—leaving the former vulnerable to threats like cyberstalking and doxing. Meeting the love of your life at a party seems like a thing of the past with online dating experiencing a major boom— not in the least thanks to the pandemic. Tinder reached a record 3 billion swipes in a single day in March 2020, while OkCupid experienced a massive 700% increase in dates from March to May that same year. Amidst this growing popularity, Kaspersky decided to replicate its research from 2017 into the dating app landscape to see what’s improved and what hasn’t in terms of their security. For their research, Kaspersky analyzed nine popular and highly rated dating apps with global user bases: Tinder, Bumble, OkCupid, Mamba, Pure, Feeld, Her, Happn, and Badoo. What they found was that, when compared to 2017, while dating apps have become safer from a technical standpoint, major privacy risks remain. In 2017, four of the apps studied made it possible to intercept data sent from the app, and many used the July 2021

unencrypted HTTP protocol. However, in 2021, the situation has significantly improved. None of the apps studied use HTTP, and no data is sent if the protocol is not secure. That said, significant privacy concerns remain with dating apps. Most dating apps allow users to register their account with one of their social networking sites (Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, etc.). If the user chooses to do this, then their profile is automatically populated with information from that social networking site, such as photos and profile information. Users are also invited to share information such as their place of work or university. All of the aforementioned data makes it easy to find dating app users’ social media accounts and depending on their privacy settings on those accounts, a host of other personal information. In addition, apps like Happn, Her, Bumble, and Tinder make it obligatory for users to share their location. Some apps, like Mamba, share the distance of users to the nearest meter. Happn has additional functionality that lets users see how many times and in what locations their matches have crossed paths with them. Access to data such as users’ location, place of work, name, contact information, etc., leaves them vulnerable to cyberstalking or even physical stalking, as well as doxing (whereby previously private information is made public in order to shame or harm the victim). What’s more, Mamba is the only application that lets users blur their photos for free, and Pure is the only one that prohibits users from taking screenshots of chats. This makes it possible for users to have their chats and photos shared without their permission, potentially for blackmail purposes or doxing. However, many apps have been adding paid versions, and these include additional choices — often choices that can enhance

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pps in 2021

f stalking and doxing

users’ security. For example, in the paid versions of Tinder and Bumble, you can manually choose your location for a specific region. Since only a region is available rather than a specific distance, it’s much harder to determine a user’s exact location. And some paid versions of apps, like Happn, offer users an “incognito mode”, whereby users can hide their profile from those they haven’t swiped right on and strangers. “It’s always challenging to find a balance between building a digital presence and maintaining your privacy online, and the shift to online dating creates yet another area where users have to determine the best way for them to forge connections while protecting their security. Thankfully, what we’ve seen over the past few years is that dating apps are moving in the right direction, letting users connect more safely. They’re working to keep the data secure, and, in the paid versions of many of the apps, users can do things like manually specify

their location or blur their photos. Hopefully, in the future, these options will be available in all apps for free. The best thing users can do to stay safe is to be careful about the data they’re sharing about themselves, both on their dating profiles and in conversations,” comments Tatyana Shishkova, security expert at Kaspersky. When it comes to the future of dating apps, Kaspersky has several predictions—and hopes—particularly when it comes to their security, such as the use of AI to protect users from fraud and the creation of verified accounts. You can discover these and more predictions about the future of dating and love, as well as submit your own through the Earth 2050 project. You can also learn more about the security of dating apps on Securelist.

To say safe when using dating apps, Kaspersky experts recommend the following:

• Do not share too much personal information (last name, employer, photos with friends, political views, etc.) in your profile • Do not tie other social media accounts to your profile • Select your location manually, if possible • Use two-factor authentication, if possible • Delete or hide your profile if you are no longer using the app

• Use the built-in messenger in dating apps. It's better to move to other messengers only if you trust your match. If you finally decide to do so, set up the chat in a way that keeps your private info secured. • Use a trusted security solution on your devices, such as Kaspersky Security Cloud. It will help you detect any malicious or suspicious activity across your gadgets, as well as check the security of the URL that you’re visiting.

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July 2021

Cyber Security

s part of its ongoing efforts to prevent and eradicate sexual exploitation and abuse of children online, Facebook, together with its partners across the Asia-Pacific, launched its public safety campaign against Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) in 10 countries including the Philippines. The campaign aims to raise awareness on how the public can help prevent the revictimization of affected children by reporting CSAM content to Facebook and law enforcement and avoid sharing these malicious content.

Over the past year, Facebook consulted the worldleading experts in child exploitation, including the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and Professor Ethel Quayle, a worldleading clinical psychologist who specializes in sex offenders, to improve the company’s understanding of why people share child exploitation content. The campaign was launched in light of the recent findings from research conducted by Facebook on its CyberTips with the US-based National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). This was done to better understand why people may share CSAM on Facebook and its family of apps. The study evaluated 150 accounts that were reported to NCMEC for uploading CSAM in July and August of 2020 and January 2021.

As part of the campaign, Facebook released a public service announcement video that stresses the impact of CSAM on the victimized children, especially when these are re-shared online. Instead, the public is encouraged to report CSAM content to Facebook, through the in-app reporting channels, and the authorities to better help and protect the young victims.

Results have shown that more than 75% of these materials did not exhibit malicious intent to harm a child, but appeared to be shared for other reasons, such as outrage or poor humor. Data also showed that more than 90% of CSAM were reshares of previously reported content. While this data indicates that the number of pieces of content does not equal the number of victims, the same content, potentially slightly altered, is being shared repeatedly.

July 2021

In the Philippines, Facebook has partnered with the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), the Inter-Agency Council Against Child Pornography (IACACP), Stairway Foundation, and Child Rights Network in rolling out the campaign locally.

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“While this data indicates that the number of pieces of content does not equal the number of victims, one victim is one too many. Preventing and eradicating online child sexual exploitation and abuse requires a cross-industry approach, and Facebook is committed to doing its part to protect children on and off our apps. We are taking a research-informed approach to develop effective solutions that disrupt the sharing of child exploitation material,” - said Malina Enlund, Facebook Safety Policy Manager, APAC. For Assistant Secretary Glenda Relova of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and IACACP, “We will work hand-in-hand with Facebook and its other safety partners to reduce the sharing of CSAM online and help bring to justice those who are responsible. We will keep a vigilant eye to ensure that children are given proper protection from sexual exploitation and abuse–be it online or offline.” Aside from government stakeholders, nongovernment organization partners also call for the public’s help to take part in the fight against sharing of CSAM.

“It is crucial that we make everyone understand that we should not re-share CSAM content even if it is to express anger or condemnation as it only causes more harm than help to the victimized children. Many people might do this out of concern, but there is a more appropriate way to help. At Stairway Foundation, we will always advocate and help create a safe environment for children, wherein their rights are equally respected and protected. Together with Facebook, we seek to strengthen this commitment more than ever through this campaign,” added Ace Diloy, senior advocacy officer at Stairway Foundation. For Rom Dongeto, executive director of Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD), the current convenor of the Child Rights Network, “A child should have special protection and opportunities given by the law that safeguards their human rights. The Child Rights Network will critically monitor the implementation of these protective laws and policies for children–and together with Facebook, we will implement programs and launch appropriate action to end child abuse and enable children to grow in a safer community.” Apart from this campaign, Facebook continues to work on other initiatives against child exploitation online–from educating users through product and other public safety campaigns, to working with different partners and law enforcement agencies to raise awareness on reporting mechanisms both on and off its platform.

Report It. Don’t Share It. You can help a child by reporting child exploitation content. If a child is at risk, call and report it to 1343 or #163. If you see images on Facebook of a child being abused, report the photo or video to Facebook and law enforcement. Do not share, download, or comment on the content. There can be criminal penalties to share, or send messages with, photos and videos of children being sexually abused and exploited. You won’t be asked to provide a copy of the content in any report you submit to Facebook. To report CSAM content on Facebook and its family of apps, visit fb.me/onlinechildprotection. Meanwhile, if you suspect a child or adolescent is at risk, call or report to 1343 or #163.

Newsbytes

EPSON PRODUCTS RECOGNIZED IN IF DESIGN AWARD 2021 Epson printers and projectors have been named iF Design Award 2021 winners by Hanover-based iF International Forum Design GmbH. Created in 1953, the iF Design Award is recognized around the world as one of the most prestigious awards for innovative industrial product design excellence. Products are evaluated based on a wide range of criteria— including practicability, workmanship, consideration of environmental standards, degree of elaboration and innovation, functionality, usability, safety, aesthetics, and universal design. This year’s winners were selected from 10,000 entries from 52 countries and regions by a 98-member jury composed of experts from around the world. July 2021

PROFESSIONAL PHOTO PRINTERS • SC-P900/SC-P906/SC-P700/SC-P706 • Equivalent models available in SE Asia are SC-P703 and SC-P903 These photographic high-quality inkjet printers supporting the A2 extra and A3 extra sizes achieve an outstanding compact size with exceptional expressive power for professional photographers and photo enthusiasts. After ten years, we reviewed the image quality, unit size, exterior design, and usability from scratch to create flagship models fit to lead a new era of photograph production. LARGE FORMAT PRINTERS • R5000/R5000L, SCR5070/SCR5070L • Equivalent models available in SE Asia are SC-R5030 and SC-R5030L

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These are Epson’s first resin-ink printers for large-sign vendors. Equipped with precision media handling developed for earlier models and technology for exceptional print quality, they provide improved environmental performance and productivity. For outstanding environmental performance, Epson used aqueous resin ink containing a low volatile organic compound (VOC) and reduced waste by about 80% by using high-capacity ink packs instead of ink cartridges. For higher productivity, resin ink not only enables excellent print quality with a wide color gamut but dries quickly, to deliver output in a short time. This ink also boasts excellent media compatibility and supports a wide range of media other than PVC. gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

The use of two sets of high-capacity ink packs enables hot swaps and continuous operation. A wide transparent window and LED lighting allow users to quickly check prints. A resin exterior is used for the safe operation of the parts operated manually, and a front full-open cover is used for ease of maintenance. By reducing the replacement frequency and using two sets of high-capacity ink packs, Epson allows ink to be hot-swapped, thereby avoiding interruptions to operations and reducing operators’ workloads. MINI LASER SMART PROJECTOR • EF-12 Millennials and those in Generation Z are particularly apt to watch movies and videos online, and the EF-12 was designed with them in mind. It’s equipped with Android TV, so users can easily watch videos as long as there is Wi-Fi, just as they can with a smartphone. With many people

favoring minimalism by keeping their homes simple and uncluttered, this projector’s clean and simple styling makes it a fit for any décor even when not in use. And when it is in use, it delivers a powerful video experience that belies its small size and lightweight, with a picture up to 150 inches and a 2.0-channel speaker. SMART LASER PROJECTION TV (EH-LS300B/EH-LS300W) (Model available in SE Asia is EHLS300B) The EH-LS300 is a home projector equipped with an ultra-short-throw lens. You can easily create a home theater with a screen of up to 120 inches simply by placing the projector in front of a wall. The laser light source produces 3,600 lumens so you can enjoy vivid images even in a bright living room. The 2.1-channel speaker system provides excellent sound quality and a realistic 3D surround experience, so there is no need to purchase a soundbar. The projector is intended for

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use in the living room but is portable and can be carried to a bedroom or set up outdoors for projection on an exterior wall. The bottom is rounded to make it easy to carry. DIGITAL SIGNAGE PROJECTORS • EB-L255F/EB-L250F/EB-L200W • Model available in SE Asia is EBL200W These projectors can project sharp, vivid images in well-lit environments, such as meeting rooms and in-store displays. Whereas earlier models used a lamp light source that limits projection angles, this projector uses a laser light source, which sweeps away these limitations and allows it to be used even for things such as spatial staging and signage. The projector delivers up to 4,500 lumens of brightness yet is extremely compact, so it will be an unobtrusive presence within a store. The laser light source has a long service life, so it can be used safely even in applications where it is on for long periods of time. July 2021

Newsbytes

TECNO APPOINTS RENOWNED ACTOR CHRIS EVANS AS GLOBAL BRAND AMBASSADOR

TECNO, the global premium smartphone brand, announced its partnership with internationally renowned actor Chris Evans as its brand ambassador. Best known for his role as Captain America in the Marvel Universe series of films, the charismatic Chris Evans embodies many of the qualities that have been synonymous with TECNO, especially the Stop at Nothing brand philosophy which aims to inspire people to always stay young at heart and never stop pursuing excellence. Talking about the partnership with TECNO, Chris Evans said, “I am happy to partner with Tecno, an innovative smartphone brand which provides consumers in emerging markets with the newest smartphone technology. Whether it’s a phone call with someone you love or an image you capture to keep as a meaningful July 2021

memory, smartphone technology is at the center of it all. It is really inspiring to work with such a great brand that stops at nothing to encourage people in those markets to explore more possibilities.” Stephen Ha, general manager of TECNO Mobile, said, “TECNO is committed to giving the masses access to the latest technology, allowing the consumers to reach beyond their current limitations and uncover a world of possibilities. Chris Evans embodies TECNO’s ‘young at heart’ brand motto and its pursuit of excellence. This partnership enhances TECNO’s continuous global footprint and helps to highlight the brand’s upgraded product design, which is increasingly fashionable, energetic, and constantly pioneering. I firmly believe the association will bring 120

us an opportunity to grow within our existing customer base and enable us to go further on brand globalization.” The partnership with Chris Evans is another milestone for TECNO after its association with Manchester City Football Club and is part of TECNO global brand upgrading strategy, which aims to unlock the best of contemporary technologies in artistic designs, showcasing its mastery of serving the youthgeneration consumers through the innovation, technological and artistic progression in the emerging markets worldwide. Chris Evans led the launch of TECNO CAMON 17 on May 4, 2021, and will be featured in TECNO’s brand campaigns in emerging markets. gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

AST SPACEMOBILE ANNOUNCES COLLABORATION WITH SMART COMMUNICATIONS AST SpaceMobile, Inc., the company building the first and only spacebased cellular broadband network accessible directly by standard mobile phones, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate with Smart Communications, a leading mobile services provider in the Philippines. The combined effort would explore opportunities to extend SpaceMobile cellular broadband connectivity to the Philippines mainland, islands, and surrounding waters after the service is launched. “Our collaboration with Smart to look into opportunities to offer

the SpaceMobile service to their customers in rural communities would allow the company to offer affordable broadband cellular access to the unconnected for the first time ever,” said Abel Avellan, chairman and CEO of AST SpaceMobile. “With this MoU, we have entered into agreements and understandings with mobile network operators which collectively cover approximately 1.4 billion mobile subscribers.” Under the MoU, AST SpaceMobile will seek to offer cellular broadband network coverage to approximately 70 million Smart subscribers following the execution of definitive agreements

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and the successful launch of the SpaceMobile service. “This collaboration between Smart and AST SpaceMobile strongly supports this vision, as we continue to invest in our networks and explore the most relevant innovations that will enable us to continue expanding the reach of our services alongside delivering exceptional customer experience across the Philippines’ more than 7,000 islands,” said Alfredo S. Panlilio, Smart Communications president and CEO. “This new satellite communications technology aims to help us accomplish our mission of connecting the entire nation, where nobody gets left behind.”

July 2021

Newsbytes

AIR21 STRENGTHENS TEAM BY TRANSFORMING INTO MINI-BUSINESS UNITS AIR21, the country’s reliable total logistics solutions provider, has constantly upgraded its teams to become more efficient, organized, and responsive to the needs of its clients. With its 42nd anniversary theme of Kasama Mo sa Bawat Hamon ng Panahon, AIR21 is proud to introduce its MiniBusiness Unit (MBU) teams — the teams dedicated to providing you with better logistics services. This system groups AIR21’s larger operations teams into smaller, more focused units that promote leadership routines, concentrated engagement, and fundamental problem solving for their specific tasks. Every MBU team consists of a coach, a team leader, and its

July 2021

members. Coaches ensure that the MBU’s principles and goals are communicated properly. The team leader makes sure that the team’s members achieve these. Regular Multi-Level Meetings with the leadership team help keep the MBU’s goals aligned and always focused on improvement. The five MBU teams are named SMART, SPEED, and STEEL for AIR21’s NCR and greater Luzon operations, and SORT and DEO (Data Entry Operators) for AIR21’s cargo sorting, consolidation, and data encoding. An additional three teams were also established last year — team Savior, in charge of pharmaceutical delivery operations; team FMG, in charge of truck maintenance and acquisition; and

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team STAR, in charge of warehouse operations. Through this simple yet efficient system, AIR21 can better its services and remain the best logistics solutions provider in the Philippines. It has only been a few years, but the MBU teams have already shown an increase in improving their work to benefit AIR21 and its customers. “As we celebrate our 42nd year in the industry, creating the mini-business unit transformation program is a testament to our commitment to investing in our people. Together with improved processes and innovation, we are always up to the challenge of what our environment brings,” says AIR21 founding chairman Alberto D. Lina.

gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

YOUTUBE SHORTS NOW AVAILABLE IN THE PHILIPPINES Starting July 13, YouTube fans in the Philippines will be able to enjoy YouTube’s new short-form video experience to create short, catchy videos using nothing but their mobile phones. Shorts is the platform’s new shortform video experience to create short, catchy videos from mobile phones. First announced in September 2020, YouTube has since expanded the feature to 26 countries including the Philippines, making it available across more than 100 countries where YouTube is available. While short-form videos were already viewable on the platform, users will now be able to access Shorts’ creation tools which include a multi-segment camera to string multiple video clips together, the ability to record with music, control speed settings, and more. YouTube will also be bringing new features such as: • Adding text to specific points in videos • Automatically adding captions to Shorts • Recording up to 60 seconds with the Shorts camera • Adding clips from a phone’s gallery to add to recordings made with the Shorts camera • Adding basic filters to color correct Shorts, with more effects to come in the future The new features also include the ability to sample audio not only from other Shorts but also from the billions of videos available on YouTube, unlocking a new playground of creativity like never before. This means that users can give their own creative spin on the content they love to watch and help find a new audience. From reacting to favorite jokes, trying a hand at a creator’s latest recipe, or re-enacting comedic skits, creators will be in control and will be able to opt-out if they don’t want their long-form video remixed. “We want to make it easy and fun to create Shorts,” said Todd Sherman, Global Product Manager for YouTube

Shorts. “As we continue to build Shorts alongside our creators and artists, we’ll be adding more features for people to try,” he added. Delivering a seamless viewing experience across YouTube Helping people find Shorts to enjoy and creators get discovered is also a key component of the product experience. That is why even before announcing the creation tools, YouTube introduced a row on the YouTube homepage especially for Shorts, launched a new watch experience that lets viewers easily swipe vertically from one video to the next, and will soon add a Shorts tab on mobile that makes it easier for people to watch Shorts with a single tap. As of July 2021, the YouTube Shorts player has surpassed 6.5 billion daily views globally. Shorts will be integrated into the YouTube experience people already know and love: if they hear a snippet of a song on Shorts, they can easily find the full song, watch the music video, or learn more about the artist.

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Supporting mobile creators YouTube has helped an entire generation of creators turn their creativity into businesses and become the next generation media companies. Over the last three years, the company has paid more than USD30-billion to creators, artists, and media companies. With Shorts being a new way to watch and create on YouTube, the company has been looking at various ways to monetize Shorts and reward creators for their content, including the recently announced YouTube Shorts Fund, amounting to USD100-million distributed over the course of 20212022. “We know that it will take us time to get this right, and we’re just getting started. We can’t wait for you to try Shorts and help us build a first-class, short-form video experience right on YouTube,” Sherman said. The Shorts beta is rolling out in more countries and will be available to everybody soon. July 2021

Newsbytes

GLOBE EXPANDS 5G ROAMING COVERAGE Globe continues to ramp up its roster of 5G-ready partner companies ahead of the travel industry’s gradual recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The telco sealed deals with the largest telco operators in the following locations to give customers traveling in these countries access to 5G roaming services: Vivacom in Bulgaria, Viettel of Vietnam, and China Mobile of China. By August, it will also partner with Tele2 of Sweden and Vivo of Brazil. The announcement of these new locations and partnerships confirms Globe’s 5G outbound roaming availability in the following locations globally: ASIA • Singapore through Singtel • Thailand through AIS Thailand • Vietnam through Viettel • China through China Mobile and China Unicom • Hong Kong through CSL • Taiwan through Taiwan Mobile July 2021

• South Korea through KT Corp and SK Telecom MIDDLE EAST • Kuwait through STC and Ooredoo • Oman through Omantel • Qatar through Ooredoo • Saudi Arabia through Mobily • Turkey through Turkcell • United Arab Emirates through du and Etisalat EUROPE • Bulgaria through Vivacom • Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Norway, and Sweden through Telia Company • Italy through Telecom Italia NORTH AMERICA • Canada through Telus • United States of America through AT&T “We continuously build partnerships with telcos from all over the world so we can provide our customers with better data roaming experience at affordable costs, wherever they may be,” said Coco Domingo, Globe vice president for Postpaid and International. 124

To experience 5G roaming, Globe postpaid subscribers only have to turn on mobile data and data roaming on their device settings. There is no need to register. Prepaid users may enjoy various roaming promos by registering via the GlobeOne or GCash apps or dialing *143#. 5G can be experienced through affordable Globe roaming promos such as Roam Surf 399 for Postpaid and Prepaid subscribers and its new call and text add-on Roam Surf Plus. Roamers only need to ensure that they are within Globe’s 5G partner locations and are using 5G-enabled mobile devices or handsets. Meanwhile, Globe’s partnerships with select globally renowned telco operators will allow their subscribers who visit the Philippines to enjoy 5G roaming as long as they are using 5G-enabled phones in 5G locations. To know more about our 5G-ready telco partners, visit glbe. co/5GRoaming. gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Relic

Words by Jose Alvarez

hen the Shinkansen (new main line), or bullet train, came onto the scene in 1964, it was considered a quantum leap in transportation. While electrified trains were around since 1837 (with the first electric train line opening in Germany in 1881), Japan sought to create fast and efficient transportation throughout the islands. Only a couple of decades removed from World War II, was it possible for Japan to actually create the bullet train given the circumstances?

The idea for the bullet train came about during the 1930s when the project was known as dangan ressha (bullet train). This was during the time when Japan was undergoing military expansion in East Asia, entering into conflicts in China and Korea. They had envisioned train speeds of up to 200kph (120mph) between the cities of Tokyo and Shimonoseki, located at the southern tip of Honshu island in 1940. This was when the term Shinkansen was used. The Ministry of Railways had also drawn up more ambitious (if not impossible) plans by extending the railways all the way to China and even as far as Singapore, but these plans were abandoned by 1943.

rail line. Fifty years later, in 2014, the train still averaged around 22,000 passengers per hour. The bullet train became so popular and gained support from the Japanese government that many new lines were proposed, revolutionizing mass transit in Japan itself. Several new bullet train lines opened in 1975, 1982, 1997, 2004, and 2016, connecting many parts of Honshu, including connecting Honshu with the southern island of Kyushu, and the northern island of Hokkaido. The next phases of the bullet train will open in 2022, with one more phase expected to open in 2030 and one more phase estimated to start construction in 2030 to open in 2045. Despite earthquakes and typhoons happening in Japan on an annual basis, no deaths from derailments or collisions have happened, making the bullet train one of the safest forms of mass transit in the world.

Following World War II and well into the 1950s, conventional transport continued to flourish in Japan. The Ministry of Railways revisited the project in 1957 as Japan’s railway system reached its capacity. Shinji Sogo, the president of Japanese National Railways (JNR), had started to push for high-speed rail, and got approval at the end of 1958, with construction starting between Tokyo and Osaka in 1959. Sogo resigned as JNR president for keeping the cost figures deliberately low to gain approval from the Japanese government and the World Bank. In the Japanese tradition of resigning to take responsibility for failures or scandals, chief engineer Hideo Shima also resigned, although both men are credited for the development of the bullet train as it opened just in time for the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo. The line was called the Tokaido Shinkansen (East Sea Route New Main Line), which is the Tokyo-Osaka route.

Economically, the high cost of the bullet train forced JNR to privatize and split off into several regions by 1987. These companies, which are part of the Japan Railways Group, are composed of six different passenger rail companies, one freight company, one research organization, and one IT company. Environmentally, it is estimated that traveling the route from Tokyo to Osaka only produces about 16% of the carbon dioxide of the equivalent journey by car, which saves 15,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year, making the bullet train also a breakthrough when it comes to environmentally friendly transportation. Other countries have also adopted high-speed rail in East Asia, namely China, South Korea, and Taiwan. The first high-speed rail in Southeast Asia in Indonesia from Jakarta to Bandung is expected to open by the end of 2022. Even countries such as Uzbekistan have a high-speed rail line. Japan and China have been the two driving forces in bringing high-speed rail to the rest of the world. If you’re ever on high-speed rail, the bullet train is considered the first step in making ground transportation faster, better, and safer.

The Tokyo-Osaka route was cut from six hours and 40 minutes to only 4 hours. The line used a 1,435mm standard gauge rail. This allowed people to take fast trips between the two main cities in Japan — Tokyo and Osaka — which ultimately led to runaway economic success. By 1967, 100-million passengers had taken the route. It only took until 1976 for the line to reach one billion passengers and, by 1992, the railway averaged 23,000 passengers per hour and became the world’s busiest high-speed July 2021

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July 2021

Volume XXI Issue XI

July 2021

MEET THE TEAM EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief MARIBELLE ALBA Editors-at-Large PRESY ALBA REN ALCANTARA Mobility Consultant ARNEL DORIA Junior Editor GABRIEL PE Writers JOSE ALVAREZ JEWEL STA. ANA ALISA TAYLOR LIAM MILLS Interns TRINITY ANNE SALVIO ALYSSA JOJI SILVA

You want more? We recommend you check out our other issues

CREATIVES Creative Consultant RAYMUND RAVANERA Creative Lead JERICO LUTRANIA Creative Staff CHINI YU SORIANO CARMELA BIRAO ADVERTISING Sales and Advertising Manager MARISA CONSUELO Account Executive CAROL AGABIN ADMINSTRATION President & CEO MARIBELLE ALBA Accounting Manager MARITESS MAULION HR & Administration Manager AMY CHRISTINE GIRAY Circulation Officer LORIE BERNARDO Administration Staff RAMIL ALMOJANO Legal Counsel ALBA LAW OFFICE

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