2022v22n5-Earn From Home by Gadgets Magazine

I I I I

TECno

CAMON 18!

Ultra Clear and Steady Camera Shake It and Love It

CAMO

181

Stabilized Gimbal Camera I 60X Hyper Zoom

[- - 815,990 ] GB 56GB-CAMO

Li8MP Clear & Steady Video Camera I 50mm Pro Portrait

CAMO

Li8MP Al Ultra Triple Camera I 6.8', 90Hz FHD+ Display

Camon 18 I Camon 18P I Camon 18 Premier

Contents

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FEBRUARY 2022

VOLUME XXII • Issue V

COVERSTORY 38 The New Normal of Work 42 5 Proven Ways to Make Money Online from Home 46 The New Stars of Online Cash 50 Post To Earn

PARADE 08 Lenovo Yoga 9i 10 Legion 5i/5 Pro 12 HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless 13 Samsung S21 FE 5G 14 EROC M1 Air Fryer 15 ACER Nitro 5 16 OPPO Air Glass 17 LG S95QR 18 Predator Triton 500 SE 20 realme GT2 Series 21 Seiko Prospex Collection 22 Synology FlashStation FS2500 23 Garmin Venu 2 Plus 24 Roidmi Cordless Vacuum Cleaners

GADGETS LAB 26 HP Pavilion Aero 13 & AMD Ryzen 5600U 30 Lenovo Legion 5i 34 Xiaomi Pad 5

FEATURE 54 CES 2022 Highlights 80 Why Your Next Gaming Rig is a Laptop

GAMING

VISUAL SPACE

FEBRUARY 2022

Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker

86 Boracay: Beyond The White Beach 89 The Brave Bubwit

Aqua Smartguard

MOBILITY

A Space of BTS

Live Anywhere with Airbnb

SHOPPING

2022 Mazda CX-9 Mercedes-AMG A 35 Care on Wheels Kia Corporate Care Blue Switch Initiative Improving Road Safety with Honda SENSING 78 Honda CRF250RX

TRAVEL

INNOVATION Alibaba Forecasts Leading Tech Trends

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58 62 66 70 74 76

VOLUME XXII • Issue V

HOME

Contents

102

104

Viber: 2022 & Beyond

BPro: A New Way to Maximize Bitcoin

FEBRUARY 2022

VOLUME XXII • Issue V

APPS

FINTECH

106

108

Online-to-Offline Retail Tech

A Commitment to Accessible Education

ENTERPRISE

EDUCATION

110

CYBER SECURITY

112

FINTECH Embracing Hybrid Work

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2022 Cyberthreat Landscape

116

120

The latest in the world of tech

Radio Shack

RELIC

NEWSBYTES

HUAWEI MateBook 14s 2021 2.SK HUAWEI FullView Display

I90Hz Refresh

Rate

I H-Series High

Performance Processor

H U A W E I MateBook 14s 2021

P89,999

P68,999

Intel® Evo ™ platform powered by Intel® Core'" i7 processor

11 th Gen Intel® Core ™ iS Processor

PARADE gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Laptop

LENOVO YOGA 9i EACH YEAR, LENOVO rolls out a new class of Yoga 2-in-1s with smarter technology built-in to deliver the immersive experiences people need to improve their workday and free time, and this year’s no exception. The new Yoga 9i convertible with Windows 11 and the optimized responsiveness of up to 12th Gen Intel Core i7-1260P processor combines with Intel Iris X graphics to deliver superior performance where you need it most. From streaming to browsing to photo and video editing and more, experience the real-world performance you need for your most significant breakthroughs on one of Lenovo’s thin, light, and fast convertible laptops. Co-engineered with Intel, the Yoga 9i design will meet the requirements of an Intel Evo laptop through Intel’s hardware specifications and key experience targets for responsiveness, instant wake, battery life, fast charge, and intelligent collaboration to deliver a super-fast boot up from virtually anywhere you use your laptop. More than just a multi-mode laptop that flips to tablet mode and back, the premium Yoga 9i delivers an enhanced audio experience with new speakers that are even louder than the previous generation. Watch movies and listen to music with the authentic audio the artist intended with an improved Rotating Sound Bar with quad Bowers & Wilkins® speakers, consisting of two February 2022

woofers and two tweeters on the top and sides for an improved range of frequency response increasing the depth, clarity, and warmth of bass effects. Enjoy the dazzle of an up to 4K OLED IPS touchscreen with slim bezels and a VESA DisplayHDR 500 True Black certified for 100 percent DCI-P3 color accuracy. It also supports Dolby Vision HDR, which delivers incredible ultra-vivid picture quality along with the immersive sound of Dolby Atmos. It comes in 16:10 format for less scrolling and a 60Hz refresh rate for everyday computing. The TÜV Low Blue Light certification means it’s specially calibrated to help reduce eye strain. The Yoga 9i has a 45 percent larger touchpad for increased finger space, click performance, and accuracy, plus more ports, including two Intel Thunderbolt 4 ports and expanded Wi-Fi 6E for fast dedicated connectivity. This portable powerhouse is available in inviting neutrals like storm grey and warm oatmeal hue, reflective high-gloss sidewalls add a hint of bling to this flagship 2-and-1 laptop. For extra durability, its precise unibody is made from high-grade aluminum and comes with a new Comfort Edge design to make carrying your laptop from place to place just that little bit easier. You’ll also find a Precision Pen 2 with tilt detection or an e-color pen inside the box for all those scribblers and notetakers out there who prefer the feel of an actual pen in their hand for a more natural and intuitive drawing experience.

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PARADE

February 2022

PARADE

LEGION 5i / 5 PRO gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Laptop

ENGINEERED TO HANDLE fullpowered graphics and third-party tested for max performance, the esportscentric Lenovo Legion 5i/5 Pro is the world’s first 16-inch laptop series with a WQHD+ up to 240Hz adaptive refresh rate gaming display to help you rise in the ranks. Certified as Gold Label for its TÜV Rheinland High Gaming Performance, this laptop helps reduce the adverse effects of blue light from increased screen time. The smarter design of this fully stacked powerhouse offers a variety of ports and slots and supports a superb up to 240Hz refresh rate. Soon, gamers will be able to dynamically switch variable refresh rates adapting to up to 240Hz refresh rate in the next wave of delivered Lenovo Legion 5i/5 Pro laptops. Immersive experiences start on a 16-inch WQHD+ (2960 x 1600) IPS display in 16:10 format with 100 percent sRGB color gamut and up to 3ms response time. Get up to VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification and up to 500nits of brightness for an incredible viewing experience. It supports Dolby Vision, bringing your favorite entertainment and games to life with spectacular picture quality and buttery smooth gaming via NVIDIA G-SYNC with less screen tearing.

capacity and Super Rapid Charge deliver up to 80 percent battery life in 30 minutes. For seamless gameplay and productivity on the go, these machines support up to 135W USB Type-C charging for added mobility, with a slimmer adapter delivering dedicated power between 230W up to 300W. Machine learning lends a hand through Lenovo Legion’s artificial intelligence (AI) driven battery optimization for improved battery longevity and thermal performance – just press Fn+Q keys to shift into Intelligent Mode.

Expanded bandwidth from 4800Mhz DDR5 memory and up to 1TB PCle SSD of storage supported, allow consumers to experience less lag. An 80Whr battery February 2022

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February 2022

PARADE

The Lenovo Legion 5i/5 Pro is turbopowered with a choice of the latest up to 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700H processor or next-gen AMD Ryzen processors. Get robust graphics performance from a selection of several optimized configurations, including up to the latest GeForce RTX 30 Series Laptop GPU to pack a punch in AAA games. This gaming laptop enjoys raw performance and reaches a maximum total graphics power of 165W (TGP). What’s more, gamers can squeeze up to 15W more graphical power for better in-game frame rates.

Smarter noise-canceling appears to be a shared obsession with Nahimic Audio by SteelSeries. Designed for hardcore gamers, Nahimic Audio on Lenovo Legion laptops delivers professional-level sound tuning and audio effects via a precise 10-band equalizer that lets gamers personalize their game’s sound frequencies. Adjusting each band helps the user highlight the most essential sounds and their gameplay – like hearing in-game enemy footsteps clearly while minimizing distractions. With its 2 x 2W stereo speaker system, PC gamers can also optimize audio settings for an immersive experience with Nahimic’s ‘easy surround’ feature designed to incorporate any Bluetooth speaker to improve a player’s spatial awareness through sound.

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Tuned for esports, the device’s cooling system includes an updated fan system, a larger exhaust area, and an improved penta heat pipe layout that efficiently ushers air to lower skin temperatures. A copper block sits under the CPU as a heat sink to help dissipate heat created in hardcore battle sessions. The fan blades on the Lenovo Legion laptops unveiled today are slimmer by up to 40 percent from the previous generation to help keep the system quieter. Legion Coldfront 4.0 offers noise suppression as one of its new attributes, thanks to a noise-insulated chassis.

PARADE

HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless Gaming Headset

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AT THE RECENT CES 2022, HyperX, the gaming peripherals team at HP Inc. and brand leader in gaming and esports, announced the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless among the new additions to its award-winning gaming accessories lineup. Cloud Alpha Wireless offers the longest-lasting battery in a wireless gaming headset with up to 300 hours of battery life on a single charge. The headset provides an immersive audio experience with DTS Headphone:X. It utilizes new-andimproved, custom-designed dual chamber technology and HyperX 50mm drivers that feature a slimmer, lighter design while maintaining the sound and performance of the original wired version. Cloud Alpha Wireless provides signature HyperX comfort with soft, pliable leatherette, custom plush memory foam, and a durable aluminum frame for long-lasting durability and stability. The headset features a detachable noise-canceling mic with an LED status indicator and onboard audio controls on the ear cup.

February 2022

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Smartphone

PHP38,990 - 128GB

PHP41,990 - 256GB

Long-lasting batteries are also a top priority for busy, on-the-go Galaxy users, so the Galaxy S21 FE 5G is outfitted with an allday battery built to last from work to home and everywhere in between. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G’s powerful battery is reinforced with 25W SuperFast charging capabilities that can charge your battery by more than just 50% in just 30 minutes.

The Galaxy S21 FE 5G continues the Galaxy S21 legacy with a premium, signature design. It all starts with the contour-cut frame that seamlessly integrates with the camera housing for a stylish, unified look. Samsung is giving consumers even more ways to express themselves with four new color options — olive, lavender, white, and graphite — all of which include a stylish haze finish. It features a sleek and slim 7.99mm-thick body, so it can easily slip into a pocket to keep up with any on-the-go lifestyle.

The Galaxy S21 5G Series is renowned for its industry-leading camera, and the Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with the same pro-grade setup used to capture the most vivid photos. Photography amateurs and pros alike can effortlessly edit, post, and share scroll-stopping content. It also includes an improved Night Mode setting compared to Galaxy S20 FE. Users can now enhance low-light shots at night and capture super-clear photos in the darkest conditions. And to get the best group photo, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G provides the best selfie experience with their advanced 32MP front camera with enhanced AI Face Restoration to capture high-quality selfies. Plus, with Dual Recording, you can capture views from both lenses simultaneously.

The Galaxy S21 FE 5G comes equipped with Galaxy’s latest, super-fast application processor — the same powerful processor used in Galaxy S21 5G Series. Dedicated gamers and streamers will be wowed by the Galaxy S21 FE 5G’s ultra-crisp, highquality graphics and picture quality, and its touch response rate takes all their favorite games to new heights with lightning-fast reaction capabilities. Those games will look incredibly smooth, thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate, which provides the highest resolution on a Dynamic AMOLED 2x display.

With Samsung’s intuitive One UI 4, you can design your ideal mobile experience that’s uniquely suited to your needs, and it is packed with deeper customization options and more robust privacy controls.

February 2022

PARADE

THE GALAXY S21 FE 5G delivers select fan-favorite Galaxy S21 premium features in a well-rounded package to empower people to explore and express themselves. It is equipped with some of the most-loved aspects of the Galaxy S21 – eye-catching design, powerful performance, pro-grade camera, and seamless ecosystem connectivity.

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SAMSUNG S21 FE 5G

PARADE

Air Fryer

PHP3,999

EROC M1 Air Fryer

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EROC PHILIPPINES, an e-commerce smart home appliance brand, brings a new and affordable must-have kitchen commodity to the local market – the EROC M1 Air Fryer. This new air fryer features One Spin, Smart Temperature Control, and a pressurized cooking environment that makes cooking easier and more efficient. Fast-paced millennials establishing independent lives in the metro need kitchenware that can ease them into their new homes. This entails the need for smarter appliances that don’t come with hefty instruction manuals that are difficult to digest. The EROC M1 Air Fryer has an ergonomic design that makes control and navigation quick to understand. It has a singular central knob used to manage the M1’s smart temperature control. After one spin, users can leave the air fryer and work on other items on their checklist.

February 2022

Users of the EROC M1 Air Fryer need not worry about over or undercooking. This innovative kitchenware comes with a nifty function called smart temperature control that monitors temperature in real-time. Multiple temperature sensors are placed strategically inside of the air fryer cavity so it can heat up faster with small temperature increments, thus cooking the food evenly at a quicker pace. Its well-sealed cavity allows it to simulate a pressurized cooking environment. Once the frying basket is pushed in to close the air fryer, its 1400W high heating power is optimized to concentrate on the food being cooked, frying it to perfection. The EROC M1 Air Fryer has been designed meticulously to stand the test of time. It has a matte-finish exterior molded from premium plastic and its power cord is thicker and longer than that of competitors’. Its frying basket is made of heavy-duty steel.

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ACER Nitro 5

The Acer Nitro 5 can also be equipped with an AMD Ryzen 6000 Series processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti Laptop GPU, plus up to 32GB of the latest-generation DDR5 4800MHz

RAM. This generation of the Nitro 5 comes with two options — an FHD 144Hz panel or a 165Hz QHD Panel — both taking advantage of AMD FreeSync technology to offer smooth gameplay without screen tearing. Storage-wise, the AMD processor-powered Nitro 5 features two M.2 PCIe Gen 4 SSD slots (PCIe Gen4 x1, PCIe Gen3 x1). It also comes with Windows 11 and a redesigned chassis that features dual-fan cooling, an intake on both the chassis’ top and bottom, and four exhaust ports. Users can control fan speeds with the NitroSense utility app, a built-in software solution that also enables users to overclock their CPU/GPU and customize the 4-zone RGB keyboard’s lighting. Completing the gameplay experience, DTS:X Ultra audio deepens their immersion by delivering clear sounds in a 3D spatial soundscape. This technology

also translates into a competitive edge, enabling players to hear exactly where an opponent is coming from. Users wanting to play with headphones and other peripherals will enjoy the Nitro 5’s full range of ports, including HDMI 2.1 and support for both USB 3.2 Gen 1 and Gen 2. The Intel-powered model also includes a Thunderbolt 4 Type-C port. The AMDpowered model includes USB 4. A pair of 17.3-inch models with an IPS panel (QHD/FHD 165Hz, FHD 144Hz) are also available. February 2022

PARADE

THE ACER NITRO 5 is a gaming laptop that gives players everything they need to explore and enjoy the latest titles, featuring up to a 12th Gen Intel Core i7 and up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti GPU. A pair of M.2 SSD slots offer massive storage, while up to 32GB of DDR4 3200 RAM gives players plenty of breathing room to handle multiple applications simultaneously. Combined with a QHD 165Hz panel with a 3ms response time, the Nitro 5 delivers pleasantly fluid gameplay. For further control, Killer Ethernet E2600 and Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650i lets players make their network prioritize game traffic for even faster connectivity when every second counts.

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Laptop

PARADE AR Device

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OPPO Air Glass OPPO AIR GLASS, a groundbreaking AR device, is equipped with OPPO’s self-developed Spark Micro Projector, cutting-edge micro-LED, and a bespoke diffraction optical waveguide display. It supports four different user interactions through touch, voice, head movement, and hand motion, allowing users to have faster and easier access to the information they need. The OPPO Air Glass is built around a groundbreaking monocle waveguide design. Based on OPPO’s distinctive design philosophy, Air Glass features freeflowing curves, resulting in a lightweight and minimalist appearance. Weighing approximately 30g, it is one of the lightest monocle waveguide devices in the industry. The frame of OPPO Air Glass is manufactured with CNC technique, imparting the design with a touch of exquisiteness and precision.

and stability. The projector is powered by a cutting-edge Micro LED, which has a brightness of up to 3-million nits.

accommodate users requiring corrective eyewear. Both colors are available in two sizes.

The OPPO Air Glass adopts a bespoke optical diffraction waveguide, supporting two display modes — 16-level grayscale and 256-level grayscale — and can deliver up to 1400nits in average brightness, ensuring a vivid and sharp visual display in different lighting conditions. Additionally, two layers of sapphire glass are used to encase the waveguide on both sides, providing protection with improved transparency.

It can be operated using the Smart Glass App on OPPO Watch 2 and any OPPO smartphone installed with ColorOS 11 or above versions. It also supports four intuitive methods of interaction — touch, voice, hand motions, and head movements.

It is designed to be as accessible to as many people as possible, including users with refractive errors such as myopia and hypermetropia. The glasses are available in two frames — a silver half-frame and a black full-frame that can better

At the heart of its display system is OPPO’s self-developed Spark Micro Projector, one of the most compact projection systems. It is merely 0.5cc or roughly the size of a coffee bean. The projector features a CNC metal enclosure with a glass lens module to provide better heat dissipation February 2022

The OPPO Air Glass is installed with a variety of applications, including those developed by OPPO. These include Weather, Calendar, Health, Teleprompter, Translation, and Navigation. The translation function is a great help for cross-cultural communication. Once paired, voice input from one user will be automatically translated into target language texts and then immediately displayed on the other user’s Air Glass. Air Glass now supports Mandarin ChineseEnglish two-way translation, and Mandarin Chinese-Japanese and Mandarin ChineseKorean will be offered in future. Another innovative application of Air Glass is the Teleprompter, which allows an adaptive text display to make your presentation at work or in public a breeze. gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

LG S95QR

The LG S95QR features several key enhancements, most notably a boost in performance of the new speaker drivers, speaker chambers, and subwoofer. The

larger woofers deliver a more premium audio quality with deep, resonant bass emulating the immersive sound system of a cinema. LG upgraded the wireless rear speakers of its premium soundbar setup from four channels to six, with four front/side drivers to accompany the two up-firing drivers. An improvement over other speakers in this space, the rear speakers are designed to distribute sound evenly across a wide 135-degree space, giving customers more speaker placement and angle flexibility, especially beneficial for smaller rooms. It features variable refresh rate (VRR) and auto low latency mode (ALLM), making this product a must-have for console gamers who demand that the onscreen action and the audio be in perfect sync. The LG S95QR offers an intuitive user experience when working with Google

Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and other AI assistants. Via smart devices, owners can effortlessly control streaming music, adjust volume, and change sound modes, using only their voice. And now with the LG WOWCAST Wi-Fi audio dongle, listeners can enjoy lossless multi-channel audio without the hassle of running an unsightly cable to the TV. When connected to a compatible LG TV, the soundbar takes advantage of the TV’s advanced AI Sound Pro feature to make all content sound clearer and more lifelike. Cross-compatibility allows LG TV owners to use one remote to control both the TV and the soundbar. And with enhanced AI Room Calibration, the S95QR can tailor its sound output to any given space, analyzing the room’s dimensions to deliver more accurate low-frequency audio that is calibrated for maximum accuracy. February 2022

PARADE

THE PREMIUM LG S95QR Soundbar boasts an output of 810W and 9.1.5 channels of pure surround sound immersion as a holistic high-end audio solution. It has five up-firing channels, including the world’s first center upfiring speaker – three on the soundbar and two in the separate rear speakers – to improve clarity and enlarge the soundstage for the ultimate in realism. It is the perfect choice for movie lovers looking to elevate their home cinema experience, as the center up-firing speaker delivers clearer dialogue and makes Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content even more immersive. And with IMAX Enhanced, users can enjoy stunning three-dimensional audio when watching compatible content.

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Soundbar

PARADE

PREDATOR TRITON 500 SE

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Laptop

February 2022

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THE PREDATOR TRITON 500 SE is a “special edition” laptop for gaming and work. On the inside, up to a 12th Gen Intel Core i9 processor, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti Laptop GPU, and 32GB of 5200MHz LPDDR5 memory dish out the extreme performance necessary for the latest games. On the outside, its

all-metal spartan-styled aesthetics let it blend perfectly into the workplace or lecture hall. Just 19.9mm at its thinnest point, the laptop can go wherever users do, while up to 2TB of high-speed PCIe Gen4 storage offers plenty of space for games and files. Backing up this powerful hardware is state-of-the-art cooling technology. The laptop utilizes a triple-fan system,

including two 5th Gen AeroBlade 3D fans with 89 metal blades each. Acer’s Vortex Flow technology redirects the airflow those fans generate to critical components, while strategicallyplaced thermal foam, liquid-metal thermal grease on the CPU, and four heat pipes further improve cooling. Performance boost aside, this means that users won’t be feeling the heat while making the most of the long battery life granted by the laptop’s large 99.98Wh battery.

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Content looks great on the Triton 500 SE’s 16-inch display. Gamers will appreciate the industry-leading WQXGA (2560x1600) panel’s 240Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time, topped off with support from the framesyncing power of NVIDIA G-SYNC technology. Content creators will appreciate 500nits of brightness, 100 percent coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut, and a productivity-boosting 16:10 aspect ratio — plus an SD 7.0 card reader for offloading content. The laptop runs Windows 11 out of the box and also features a full range of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 Type-C ports with support for DisplayPort and power delivery, while an HDMI 2.1 port makes 4K@120Hz possible by allowing users to plug into an external display. Topping everything off, an Intel Killer E3100G 2.5G Ethernet Controller, Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6E 1675, and Control Center 2.0 empower users with blazing-fast connectivity.

PARADE

February 2022

PARADE

realme GT2 Series gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Smartphone

BEYOND JUST SCALING up specifications and services, realme designed the GT 2 Series to be a companion for everyone’s modern tech needs. Co-designed by award-winning designer and former MUJI collaborator Naoto Fukasawa, the GT 2 Series features the world’s first bio-based eco-friendly polymer smartphone design. The Paper Tech Master Design offers customers a more sustainable alternative while not compromising overall aesthetic and durability. With the realme GT 2 Series, users can enjoy a top-tier and exclusive experience with several leading technologies. The 2K Super Reality Display screen offers more realistic perceptions and adaptive interactions while the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset supports breakthrough experiences across 5G, gaming, camera, and AI. It also features the world’s only 150-degree camera lens for unique fish-eye photography, as well as an interesting 360-degree Near Field Communication (NFC) to make the likes of contactless payment and Bluetooth pairing easier.

February 2022

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Seiko Prospex Collection Diver’s Watch

SEIKO LAUNCHED its “Seize the Sunrise” campaign with Reef Check Philippines, featuring the 2nd Philippine Limited Edition Seiko Prospex watch and four additional new releases in the collection. The 2nd Philippine limited edition Seiko Prospex SRPH38K1 is inspired by the Philippines’ majestic and breathtaking sunrise. Its bright yellow dial is finished with a gold bezel protected by an elegant sapphire with an anti-reflective coating.

The subtle gradation of the blue from light to dark dial mirrors the imagery of polar ice. At the same time, the fabric strap exquisitely incorporates the strength and resistance that comes with the traditional Japanese braiding technique called Seichu to meet the standards of every Seiko Prospex diver. These timepieces, along with the SRPH38K1, are all limited edition watches.

The Prospex SLA055 and SLA057, a pair of watches made to reflect its heritage, are made with Seiko’s ever-brilliant highgrade steel and Zaratsu finish to give a refined, stylish look while protecting against common external factors such as corrosion.

The SPB237J1 and SPB239J1 were also showcased for its maximum reliability even in the harshest conditions, these watches are the perfect choice for thrill-seekers gearing up for their next adventures in the new year.

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In line with Seiko’s partnership with Reef Check Philippines to help preserve the country’s marine wildlife and habitat, a portion of the sales from the Prospex Save the Ocean series will go into marine conservation efforts as a part of the brand’s initiative to support this cause as well as its climate change advocacy.

PARADE

February 2022

PARADE gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

SYNOLOGY FLASHSTATION FS2500 Network Storage

THE SYNOLOGY FLASHSTATION FS2500 is the newest addition to the company’s lineup of all-flash servers, an all-around storage platform for SMBs.

February 2022

The FS2500 is designed to tackle business IT applications requiring fast and low-latency storage, including virtual machines and post-production work. The compact, 1U chassis fits 12 2.5” SATA bays, providing ample capacity and simple installation. The unit delivers over 170,000/82,000 4K random read/write performance and features dual 10GbE ports with room for 10/25GbE expansion. Powered by the DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system, the FS2500 is engineered for reliability and easy maintenance. Smart storage features such as automatic drive repair, storage deduplication, and snapshots, coupled with remote backup capabilities, ensure data and service availability.

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GARMIN VENU 2 PLUS Smartwatch

PHP25,695

The Venu 2 Plus dials into wellbeing with the broadest range of 24/7 health monitoring features, including: heart rate (with user-configurable alerts for high or low readings), advanced sleep with sleep score and insights by Firstbeat Analytics, breathwork activities, fitness age, respiration, Pulse Ox, all-day stress, hydration, and women’s health (menstrual cycle tracking and pregnancy tracking). Body Battery energy monitoring shows users how “charged” their body is, as well as the draining effects of stress and exercise. Health Snapshot logs a twominute window of key health stats and generates a report users can share with a health care provider; a great tool for capturing physiological data anytime you’re feeling off your baseline.

Preloaded workouts can also be found on the watch and preset workouts are

available for download from Garmin Connect app on the user’s smartphone. Customizable workouts may be created by choosing from over 1,400 exercises. The Venu 2 Plus has more than 75 preset animated workouts that demonstrate proper form and technique in Garmin Connect and on the wrist. Whether training for a 5K or longer, the device is compatible with Garmin Coach free adaptive training plans. It also includes Garmin’s safety and tracking features such as automatic incident detection during outdoor walks, runs, or rides, and manually triggered assistance alerts, both of which send a message with the user’s location

to their emergency contacts. LiveTrack lets friends and family track the user’s outdoor activity. Users can also assign a designated emergency contact that the Venu 2 Plus can call, such as local emergency services. It keeps the essentials on the wrist with built-in music, and smart notifications for calls, texts, calendar reminders, social media updates, breaking news stories, and more. Users may personalize the Venu 2 Plus with apps, watch faces, and more available to download from the Connect IQ store. The Venu 2 Plus can be used with either Android or Apple smartphones, and is offered in black, ivory, and powder gray. February 2022

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The Venu 2 Plus pulls in all of the latest fitness features including over 25 builtin indoor and GPS sports apps with favorites that include walking, running, HIIT, cycling, pool swimming, Pilates, yoga, indoor climbing, hiking, advanced strength training with muscle map DC

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GARMIN’S LATEST Venu 2 Plus GPS smartwatch lets users take calls, access their compatible smartphone’s voice assistant to send texts, control compatible smart home devices, and more. These voice-controlled functionalities join a robust suite of health, wellness, and fitness features. With a bright AMOLED display and battery life of up to nine days, the Venu 2 Plus is a direct line to wellbeing for active Filipinos.

PARADE

ROIDMI CORDLESS VACUUM CLEANERS

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Vacuum Cleaner

THE LEADING CORDLESS vacuum cleaner brand in China is now in the Philippines, with the introduction of several models in the ROIDMI flagship store on Shopee and Lazada. The cordless vacuum cleaners have a multi-layer air filtration system that traps the previously vacuumed dust and prevents it from being released back into the air. It also comes with a wall-mount dock which can be used for charging and storage purposes.

Depending on the particular product, supporting accessories such as the crevice tool, wide nozzle, extension hose, mattress brush, and other tools to meet most home cleaning needs are part of the package. The ROIDMI X30 VX, X30 Pro, X20, and S2 cordless vacuum cleaners have LED display screens and all support the ROIDMI smart app connection to the mobile phone via Bluetooth. The app connection enables you to check the main unit power, cleaning time, dust full and filter replacement reminders through the app to achieve the best cleaning experience.

ROIDMI X30 VX Self-cleaning Cordless Vacuum and Wipe Cleaner The ROIDMI X30 VX has a 2-in-1 vacuum and wipes cleaning function. The wipe function serves two purposes—dry mopping and wet wiping of floors. It has a 120,000rpm digital brushless motor with a suction power of 150W while the mops rotate at 200 rpm with a wiping speed of 10sqm/min. It is powered by highcapacity power lithium batteries and it can run for 80 minutes on eco mode, 35 minutes on standard mode, and 10 minutes on boost mode. It also comes with a one-button press self-cleaning station for a hands-free mop cleaning and drying experience.

February 2022

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ROIDMI S2 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner The ROIDMI S2 is a lightweight model with the main unit weighing only 1.5kg with a 270-degree handle design for easier and comfortable use. The S2 incorporates a 110,000rpm digital brushless motor and a 130W strong suction power. It has a soft roller brush suitable for vacuuming floors and carpets. It has a magnetic water tank module that can be attached when mopping. It has a runtime of 60 minutes on eco mode, 40 minutes on standard mode and, 10 minutes on boost mode.

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ROIDMI X30 Pro Cordless Vacuum Cleaner The ROIDMI X30 Pro synchronizes vacuuming, mopping, and sterilizing, because of the ZiWei Sterilization System. It has a NEX-V roller brush perfect for vacuuming floors and carpets and a magnetic water tank module that can be attached when mopping. The ZiWei Sterilization System sterilizes the floor so your home stays clean and free from viruses. It has a runtime of 70 minutes and also has a LED light that illuminates when you’re cleaning dark areas and corners for full visibility. ROIDMI X20 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner The ROIDMI X20 is an aesthetically-pleasing 2-in-1 function vacuum cleaner that can simultaneously vacuum and mop. It has a 120,000rpm digital brushless motor and a runtime of 65 minutes. It comes with a NEX-V roller brush suitable for vacuuming floors and carpets. It also has a magnetic water tank module that can be attached when mopping. It also has an LED light that illuminates when cleaning dark areas and corners for full visibility.

PARADE

February 2022

REVIEWED BY gabriel pe

HP Pavilion Aero 13 and AMD Ryzen 5600U gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

LAPTOP

As a massive tech geek, I follow the latest tech news and trends. Last year, one of the most exciting tech launches was AMD’s new mobile processors. AMD’s Ryzen 5000-series mobile has been touted as the Intel killer but does it really stock up? What better way to check it out than with a gorgeous laptop, the HP Pavilion Aero 13?

February 2022

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design First, let’s take a look at the HP laptop. The Pavilion Aero 13 is a thin and light laptop running on the latest (as of writing) AMD Ryzen 5600U processor. It has a 13.3-inch FHD display with a unique 16:10 aspect ratio compared to the normal 16:9.

The downside is the lack of I/O ports. It has a single USB Type-C port, two USB

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The highlight of the Aero 13 is its sub-1kg weight and 16.9mm thin body. Yet despite its petite frame, HP has managed to put a great keyboard with enough keyspaces and a satisfying mechanicallike finish. I have been enjoying working on this laptop for the last month mainly because of its keyboard.

Type-A ports, its proprietary charging port, 3.5mm audio port, and an HDMI port.

hardware Now for the juiciest part, the hardware. Powering our Aero 13 is the latest Ryzen 5 5600U processor. Part of the processor is AMD’s Radeon graphics. In total, the Ryzen 5 5600U has six cores and 12 threads with a base clock speed of 2.3GHz but can boost up to 4.2GHz. Our test unit was also fitted with 16GB of DDR4 RAM and 500GB of SSD storage. I think it’s also worth noting that, at the time of the review, AMD had already announced its next generation of Ryzen mobile processors, the Ryzen 6000-series that comes with their RDNA2 graphics architecture, promising to double the current Radeon’s performance.

February 2022

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HP Pavilion Aero 13 and AMD Ryzen 5600U

user experience As you’ve noticed, AMD hasn’t been on the laptop radar much in the last couple of years. But ever since Ryzen arrived in laptops, the chipmaker has slowly clawed their way back to the laptop spotlight. Playing with the Aero 13 has shown me that the Ryzen mobile processor has finally evened the playing field in the laptop scene. The Ryzen 5 5600U’s performance is surprising. Benchmarks have placed it nearer to the 11th Gen Intel Core i7 mobile processors, a tier higher than its supposed rival, the 11th Gen Intel Core i5. Cinebench R23 has it at 1346pts in single-core performance and 6571pts in multi-core. The Intel Core i7-1165G7’s highest was at 1532pts in single-core and 4904pts in multi-core. For Geekbench 5, it scored 1350 for single-core and 5092 for multi-core. While PCMark10 has it at 5427pts with 9643pts for Essential and 8824 for productivity. The two extra cores make a difference compared to its Intel counterpart. February 2022

Numbers-wise, the Ryzen 5600U is pretty impressive, punching way above its class, at least against the competition. Of course, numbers don’t matter for a student who wants to game. And yes, it can. For lighter games like Valorant, it easily manages 60fps in high settings while Dota 2 maxes out around 45 to 51fps in max settings. As for AAA games, the lack of better graphics prevents any playable games. Trying out Shadow of the Tomb Raider maxes out at 24fps, and that’s on the lowest setting. Now for the laptop itself. The HP Pavilion Aero 13 is remarkably thin and light. It’s

convenient to carry around everywhere, and the use of a 16:10 aspect ratio makes it feel and look bigger than a 13-inch laptop. Battery life is pretty good as well; I manage to pull around five hours of continuous use on a single charge. Thermals are pretty great, too, with the laptop not heating up even on long gaming and working usage. But there is one bane to this otherwise great device, the speakers. When I first used it, I thought maybe I had the volume setting mixed up, but I was shocked that even when all of the mixers are maxed out, the laptop still can’t turn the volume up. gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

VALUE The HP Pavilion Aero 13 doesn’t have a Philippine retail price just yet, but its US price is listed at USD 789 dollars or around PHP41,000. For that price, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a device this powerful but portable at the same time. Definitely check out the HP Pavilion Aero 13 when it becomes available.

SPECIFICATIONS

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Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5600U Display: 13.3-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) IPS Display Graphics: AMD Radeon OS: Windows 10, upgradable to Windows 11 RAM: 16 GB DDR4-3200 Storage: 512 GB PCIe NVMe SSD Connectivity: Wifi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 Battery: 43Wh with 65W power adapter Weight: < 1kg Dimension: 297 x 209 x 169mm

what's hot  Ryzen 5000-series processor  Thin and light  Great battery life

what's Not  Speakers are too soft

BOTTOMLINE The Ryzen 5000-series marks AMD’s return to the laptop major leagues.

February 2022

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February 2022

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REVIEWED BY REN ALCANTARA

LENOVO LEGION 5i GAMING LAPTOP

DESIGN The design of the current Legion laptops can be somewhat polarizing, we admit, but the no-nonsense lines, simple black shell, and no-frills branding work in its favor. It’s not a gaming laptop that is keen to show off its gaming pedigree but instead keeps it low-key. A simple matte black on the shell with subtle Legion branding off to one side keeps things understated and classy. This appeals strongly to my own aesthetic, being an older gamer. If, like myself, you want the power of a gaming laptop without the stigma of carrying a device that looks a little too young for your age, then the Legion 5i knocks it right out of the park. It looks dignified but packs a punch where it counts: under the hood.

HARDWARE Here’s where things get interesting. Once you take a peek at the specs, any illusion of it being a boring business laptop dissolves into high-FPS, smooth refresh rate goodness. The ticking heart of this model is the 11th generation Intel Core™ i5-11400H

processor humming away at a steady 2.7GHz unboosted. Play and stream the latest AAA titles at peak performance on the Legion 5i with up to 5.1GHz clock speeds, 8 cores, 16 MB of Intel® Smart Cache, Intel® Thermal Velocity Boost, Intel® Dynamic Tuning, and Intel® Wi-Fi 6. The 11th Gen Intel Core processor is paired with a very healthy 16GB serving of RAM, and 512 GB of Gen 4 SSD storage. What really makes it a gaming laptop though, is the inclusion of discrete graphics, in this case, a GeForce RTX 3060m with 6GB of GDDR6 VRAM for that ray– tracing goodness you want. The 15.6-inch screen also boasts a 1080p panel and 165Hz refresh rate for butterysmooth gameplay. It’s plenty bright, so it’s not likely you’re going to have to max out the brightness in normal use. The keyboard is evenly RGB backlit for convenience and gaming chops. Ports are plentiful. You have a USB port on the right edge for easy access, the left edge is home to a USB-C port and the 3.5mm jack, and the rest of the ports are neatly arranged on the back “chin” of the laptop, February 2022

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If there’s anything that hasn’t suffered over the course of the pandemic, it’s gaming. People, stuck at home, with nothing but work and Netflix for company always have the ever-reliable virtual world to fall back on when the shows have been watched, and the snacks have been eaten. Legion, the gaming sub-brand of Lenovo, knows this, and is more than willing to oblige, with the Intel-powered Legion 5i. Is this another winning device or should you pass this model up? Read on and find out.

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Lenovo Legion 5i

USER EXPERIENCE Just as the stylish, understated externals belie the savage hardware it carries, we’ll look at the Legion 5i in a Jekyll and Hyde fashion. A good laptop, gaming or otherwise, needs a good keyboard, and the TrueStrike keyboard on the Legion 5i is excellent. Along with the even RGB backlighting, the feel is positive, and the keys sink pleasantly into the chassis with each press. The keyboard’s soft-landing switches give it great tactile response for typing long work emails, filling out spreadsheets, and quick WASD inputs, and even some furious BM over text chat.

gaming session gets hectic, you won’t miss any of the action. Even with bright, fastpaced titles like Overwatch or Valorant, nothing gets lost in a blur of colors and jagged frames. The RTX 3060 can really do the business and doesn’t struggle even on demanding titles such as Resident Evil Village, or with lots of particles and effects such as in WWZ. For online meetings, the Legion 5i does have a webcam (with a physical switch, for privacy), and while it’s more than adequate for an online class or office brainstorming session, streaming your gaming session

might be a little too much for the little built-in unit, even with better lighting. The speakers will likewise serve you well enough for a quick chat with colleagues or get you through an online class, but then the business casual attire comes off, and the RGB switches on, you’re going to want to switch to headphones, as the built-in, bottom-firing speakers lack the clarity and volume you’re going to want to have when gaming. The fan does tend to get loud when thermals spike, which won’t really happen that often in a cold room, but in an un-airconditioned location, you’ll

The screen is wide, bright, and crisp. Editing long paragraphs of text, searching websites for references in side-by-side windows, and long workdays are pleasant as there’s no perceptible flicker, lowering eye strain. It also has a high 165Hz refresh rate, so when bullets are flying and your February 2022

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SPECIFICATIONS

WHAT'S HOT have to put up with significant fan noise. It’s not the worst offender by far, but you’ll definitely know it’s running. A massive bonus that bears mentioning is Legion Ultimate Support (LUS). Basically, this device is the first in the country that will offer the LUS warranty that gives users access to the same Premium Care warranty coverage including local onsite repair, international carry-in warranty with more on top. The technicians are themselves gamers, so they know the common problems and gripes gamers have, they’re equipped to ask application-specific questions AND can answer questions related to in-game settings and gamerelated concerns. Think of it as specialist gamer support for three years. That’s excellent service right there. Battery life is great for working. You can squeeze out a day’s worth of power out of it with no real problem, using the right settings. This means you can conceivably leave the power brick at home, and just pop the laptop in your work bag without having

 Great build  Intel + Nvidia is a solid combination Great mid-tier performance  AMAZING 3-Year Legion Ultimate Support warranty outlet anxiety. For gaming though, you’re really going to want the power brick with you, as on full tilt, you’re going to struggle to get more than an hour of gaming out of the battery. The 230 or 300-Watt brick does have a bit of heft to it, so if you plan to do some traveling with this device, leave a little extra room in your bag.

VALUE

WHAT'S NOT  Speakers aren’t the clearest or loudest  Fan noise is noticeable when it really starts going

BOTTOMLINE

The overall package is a compelling one. This mid-range Legion 5i delivers the goods: great looks, solid performance for both work and gaming, and legendary Lenovo reliability to boot. For a gaming laptop with a price starting PHP79,995, you’re going to be hard-pressed to find reasonable competition.

Those in the market for a really solid gaming laptop that won’t break the bank need not look any further than this fine example from Lenovo. February 2022

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• 15.6-inch FHD IPS, 300 nits Anti-glare, 165 Hz Refresh Rate, 100% sRGB, Dolby Vision, G-Sync • Intel Core i5-11400H • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti • Windows 11 Home • 16 GB DDR4-3200 (up to 32 GB) • 512 GB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe • 2W, Nahimic Audio • Webcam: 720p • Wi-Fi 6 (11ax), Bluetooth 5.1 • 3x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1x Power Connector, 1x RJ-45, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On), 1x 3.5mm Headphone Microphone combo Jack, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x Thunderbolt 4 (Data transfer, Displayport 1.4), 1x Thunderbolt 4 (Data Transfer, Power Delivery, Displayport 1.4) • Other Features: Firmware 2.0 TPM, E-camera Shutter, 3Y Legion Ultimate Support, • 80 Wh, with 230W charger • 362.56 x 260.61 x 25.75mm • 2.4kg

REVIEWED BY gabriel pe

Xiaomi Pad 5

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TABLET

Over the past year, tablets have once again gained traction as a standalone productivity tool rather than just a complementary device to a computer or a laptop. Tablets have become more powerful, more versatile, and surprisingly, more affordable. Among these new powerful yet affordable tablets is the Xiaomi Pad 5.

February 2022

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design The Xiaomi Pad 5 has a premium feel to it. I can tell that Xiaomi has definitely studied the design changes of its potential rivals in the tablet space. I got the classic Cosmic Gray (grey) color which looks classy. There’s also a Pearl White if you’re looking for a different look. The Xiaomi Pad 5 has an 11-inch IPS display with HDR10 and Dolby Vision support. When held in portrait mode, on the left is the pogo connectors for the keyboard, on the right, are the volume keys, two mic holes, and the magnetic stylus placement. On top is the power button, a mic hole, and two speakers, and beneath is the USB Type-C port, another mic hole, and the two other speakers.

hardware The Xiaomi Pad 5 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 processor paired with an Adreno 640 GPU. Performance is equivalent to the Snapdragon 855+, the flagship processor in 2019. My unit has 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. In terms of power, the Xiaomi Pad 5 cannot be faulted in this department. Despite the age of the processor, the Snapdragon 860 is still heads and shoulders above some of the current

mid-range processors. You can run games such as Genshin Impact on High settings while esports titles such as PUBG Mobile and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang are a piece of cake. As for multi-tasking, well, I can say that the Xiaomi Pad 5 can be sufficient for your daily tasks. You can open two apps at the same time with the Split Screen and sometimes even a third with the limited floating windows. However, there is a “Desktop Mode” where all opened apps can be floating windows. But it is still unofficially released so install it at your own risk. February 2022

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Xiaomi Pad 5

user experience I need to disclose that I personally bought this tablet, and its accessories separately. I need to say this because I feel the tablet only achieves its full productivity potential with the two accessories, the Xiaomi Smart Pen and the Xiaomi Pad 5 Keyboard Case. Only the Xiaomi Smart Pen has been released globally, which sucks because the keyboard case is a musthave for this device. Getting the keyboard case changes the Xiaomi Pad 5 from a media powerhouse

to a productivity horse. The keyboard by itself felt great, typing was smooth, and the connection was instantaneous and painless, thanks to the pogo pins on the tablet. This whole review was written on the Pad 5 and its keyboard case. Another great thing about the Pad 5 is the out-ofthe-box mouse support with MIUI 12.5. I could honestly recommend this as an online schooling device. The Xiaomi Smart Pen is also great. The palm rejection is great, and the 4096 pressure sensitivity point is satisfactory. While I can’t draw great art, I was able to draw some doodles effortlessly on

the Xiaomi Pad 5. I used the Smart Pen mainly for taking down handwritten notes on the tablet, which is both environmentally better than wasting paper and much more efficient as I can easily go back to them when reviewing. As a working Law Student, I find the Xiaomi Pad 5 to be a great learning companion. In fact, I have shifted almost all of my studying essentials to the Xiaomi Pad 5, from digital reviewers to digital note-taking. Other notable features of the tablet are the quad-speakers with Dolby Atmos support. The HDR10 and Dolby Vision support are great for Netflix, and the battery life is fairly decent, lasting me two days of moderate use. Since I mainly use the device for work and school, gaming (for once) has been put in the backseat. But it does and can game. You’ll be able to run Genshin Impact on the device at the highest setting, but for a great experience, I recommend lowering your settings to medium or low to avoid heating concerns.

February 2022

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VALUE

what's hot  Powerful flagship processor  HDR10  Quad speakers

The Xiaomi Pad 5 starts at PHP17,990 for the 6GB+128GB variant, and PHP19,990 for the 6GB + 256GB variant. Additionally, the Smart Pen is available for PHP3,790. By itself, the tablet is worth the price as you’d be hard-pressed to find another tablet that has the same power and versatility for the same amount. As for the accessories, you can definitely do a lot with the Smart Pen. You can substitute any old Bluetooth keyboard for the original Xiaomi Pad 5 Keyboard Case, although that will compromise an otherwise compact system.

what's Not  No fingerprint unlock

Display: 11-inch IPS LCD (1600 x 2560) with 120 Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, HDR10 Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 OS: MIUI 12.5 (over Android 11) Memory: 6GB Storage: 128GB or 256GB Camera: Rear, 13-megapixel; Front, 8-megapixel Audio: Quad-speakers with Dolby Atmos support Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, WiFi, USB Type-C Dimensions: 254.7 x 166.3 x 6.9mm Weight: 511g Battery: 8720mAh Li-Po battery with 33W fast charging

BOTTOMLINE The Xiaomi Pad 5 is a great midrange tablet for anyone

February 2022

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SPECIFICATIONS

Feature

Words by Gabriel Pe

It’s that time of year again when tech giants present their newest and grandest concepts, preview prototypes, and launch new products. This year’s CES was one for the books with loads of new concepts and prototypes. Here’s a brief overview of some of CES’s biggest hits.

February 2022

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AMD’s new processors

AMD has once again used CES to announce their upcoming products, announcing two key processors coming to the market in 2022. The first is their Ryzen 6000-series, a laptop-exclusive processor lineup carrying the brand’s Zen 3+ architecture and their RDNA2 graphics. If you didn’t know, AMD’s RDNA2 graphics are the same graphics used for the current generation of gaming consoles (PS5 and Xbox Series). AMD also noted that the Ryzen 6000 series offers 2x graphics performance compared to their current Ryzen 5000 mobile processors, an exciting massive leap. Also announced was the Ryzen 7000 series, AMD’s upcoming desktop processor. Not much was revealed about the 7000-series, except that it’ll use TSMC’s new 5nm process, builds on the new Zen 4 architecture, and will have PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 RAM support. As for speed and power, based on the teaser, it can easily run AAA games with all cores running on 5.0GHz clock speeds.

Razer with stunning prototypes

you heard that right, a chair that’s going to vibrate every time you shoot, score, or kill in-game. It also has ARGB on the headrest, which can be customized to your mood when you game. Another Razer stunner for CES 2022 is Project Sophia, a modular gaming desk. Gamers can mix and match different modules to fit their needs, such as a builtin tablet or the monitor size, for a unique perspective to the future of gaming and productivity. And for the RGB lovers out there, Razer is integrating Chroma RGB software with your own smart devices in the upcoming Razer Home App. Razer Chroma compatible lights will be easier to sync and customize with your PC, letting you have more personalization and immersion.

Razer has always brought their A-game to CES. Last year saw them bring out their Project Hazel (which became the Razer Zephyr), an RGB face-mask with voice enhancer, and Project Brooklyn, an all-in-one gaming chair with a rollable screen. While Project Brooklyn didn’t get the green light, Razer is back

with all-new gaming goodies for CES 2022. First up is Razer Enki Pro Hypersense, an upgraded version of their popular Enki gaming chair. The Enki Pro Hypersense is supposed to boost a gamer’s immersion with its built-in haptic feedback. Yup,

February 2022

Feature

Samsung’s massive 55-inch monitor and multi-purpose projector

Aside from their OLED TVs, Samsung launched some unique stuff for CES. The first is their adorable multi-purpose projector called the Samsung Freestyle. Another is their massive 55-inch curved gaming monitor called the Samsung Odyssey Ark. According to Samsung, the Freestyle is a portable projector, smart speaker, and ambient lighting all-in-one device. What’s unique about the Freestyle, apart from its portability, is its design. It is a cylindrical object with a cradle, and that’s for a reason. The cradle allows it to rotate up to

180-degrees while the cylindrical shape allows for a 360-degree audio output from the speaker. You can even mount it vertically on a light fixture to have straight-down projection which is pretty awesome and handy. The Odyssey Ark, meanwhile, is Samsung’s newest addition to their line of gaming monitors. Aside from its 55-inch massive display, the Ark also has 4K resolution, is made from Quantum Mini-LEDs, and has a 165Hz refresh rate. But what makes it special is that its mount allows it to rotate vertically, giving gamers a screen that supposedly allows for more multitasking options. It can function as though you have more than one monitor mounted on top of another.

Asus and Lenovo’s “unique” laptops CES is also the time of year when laptop manufacturers showcase new unique concepts for mobile computing.

Asus unveiled the Zenbook 17 Fold, their version of a foldable laptop. The Zenbook 17 Fold features a 17.3-inch 2.5K foldable OLED display and a detachable Bluetooth keyboard and touchpad. The laptop becomes a tablet when unfolded, a pretty big one. But when you fold it, it turns into two 12.5-inch FHD displays which can be used as a laptop when you attach the keyboard and touchpad. Lenovo, on the other hand, unveiled the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 3, a laptop that not only has a 17.3-inch main display but another 8-inch touchscreen beside the keyboard. The 8-inch secondary display is big enough to function as a tablet, albeit attached to the ThinkBook. If you’ve been following the tech industry, you’ll recognize that the two concepts have been done before, precisely by these two companies. Asus’ Zenbook Duo has a secondary screen (though along the top of the keyboard), while the Lenovo ThinkPad Fold X1 was the first foldable aptop in the market. February 2022

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BMW’s e-ink car, Sony’s official entry to the car industry Of course, CES is not just for consumer tech products. A number of car manufacturers also take part to showcase their newest mobility technologies. Hands down one of the most unique concepts this year comes from BMW, with a car that changes color. There’s also a twist in that Sony, a name not known in the car sphere, has announced their latest concept SUV and a possible entry to car manufacturing. BMW is known for its gorgeous fast cars, but they pushed it up a notch for CES 2022 by launching a prototype car that changes colors. The BMW iX Flow is an SUV that changes colors from black to white and white to black, all at the push of a button. The iX Flow uses e-ink (the same thing used on Kindles and oldschool readers) to change its color from white to black. As for the why, well, it’s so the car can adapt to the weather. White reflects sunlight and heat better than

black — perfect during summer months, whereas black is excellent at absorbing heat, especially useful for countries with snow. According to BMW, just don’t expect a 2022 release for the model, as the iX Flow is still an “advance research and design project” as per The Verge. Last but not least, Sony has unveiled its newest VISION-S concept car two years after its first. The VISION-S SUV-type prototype is the SUV version of their original VISION-S concept car from CES

2020. The idea remains the same, Sony technology in a car. But the twist for this year’s concept is the announcement that came after. Sony has announced that they’ll be establishing “Sony Mobility Inc. this coming spring, a new company that intends to explore the company’s official entry to the EV market. This comes as a surprise, as Sony was initially hesitant to enter the car market. Maybe the positive feedback from their first VISION-S car was enough for the company to finally take Sony tech on the road.

February 2022

MOBILITY

2022 MAZDA CX-9 ENHANCED FLAGSHIP FEATURES CELEBRATE LUXURY AND STYLE

February 2022

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azda Philippines once again raises the standard of class, comfort, and elegance as it introduces a bolder, safer, and more premium selection for its flagship seven-seater crossover, the 2022 Mazda CX-9. “The Mazda CX-9 has always been at the helm of Mazda’s ongoing journey to premium,” shares Steven Tan, president and CEO of Mazda Philippines. “As our premier SUV offering, it continues to champion a superior level of quality, richness, and performance that makes it stand out with prestige. We are confident that our discerning clientele will again be enamored by the new CX9’s presence and the premium stature it affords them.” New premium features across the 2022 CX-9 Range These new features enhance convenience, driving enjoyment, and comfort across the entire 2022 Mazda CX-9 range: • Standard 9.2” New Infotainment Display with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto • Standard Wireless Charger pad for your mobile phone’s battery • Auto Hold function to complement the • Electronic Parking Brake • G-Vectoring Plus • Paddle Shifters

2022 CX-9 AWD EXCLUSIVE: radiating supreme confidence At the top of the 2022 CX-9 range sits the new CX-9 AWD EXCLUSIVE, which exudes a whole new level of exquisiteness and refinement. Equipped with the confidence-inspiring Mazda i-Activ All-Wheel Drive system and now further enhanced by offroad traction assist, the CX-9 AWD EXCLUSIVE reaches new heights of on and off-road road safety with its superior handling and traction. Donning 20-inch bright silver alloy wheels and featuring a new gray metallic front grille design and larger tailpipe finishers, the CX-9 AWD Exclusive arrives with calm and collected elegance in any setting. The 2022 CX-9 AWD EXCLUSIVE interior appointment includes three rows of elegant and supple oriental brown Nappa leather-lined seats for 7 adult passengers. Driver and front passenger seats are ventilated for improved comfort. To further elevate the sense of luxury, the seat surfaces are diamond pattern stitched, creating a cozier quilted living space for all passengers. An electric sunroof is standard on the CX-9 AWD EXCLUSIVE. Both exclusive features come together to create an even airier cabin space for its high-end clientele.

February 2022

MOBILITY

A rich audio experience comes with the excellent 12-speaker BOSE Premium Sound System, which is faithfully mated to the 9-inch Mazda Connect infotainment controls. Finally, a higher level of driver and passenger safety in the CX-9 AWD EXCLUSIVE is realized with the introduction of the complete set of i-Activsense Safety Technologies. The AWD EXCLUSIVE is enhanced by Radar Cruise Control,which automatically maintains the vehicle’s distance to the car it is following when activated. It also comes with Smart City Brake Support for the front and rear to reduce the probability of collision with oncoming vehicles while maneuvering in and out of parking spaces. 2022 CX-9 BLACK EDITION: sporty and bold An enticing new addition to Mazda’s flagship SUV lineup for 2022 is the CX-9 February 2022

Black Edition. Designed to emanate a stylish and distinct presence with every drive, it brandishes a new intricate front grille design. Finished in lustrous piano black, the detailed new grille brings about heightened sophistication to the three-row full-size crossover. Fitted with 20-inch Black Alloy Wheels, the 2022 CX-9 BLACK EDITION exudes youthful sportiness and refined elegance in every angle. Complemented by gloss black side mirrors to reflect the owner’s individualism, the 2022 CX-9 BLACK EDITION creates an imposing presence on any road.

passenger power front seat control equipped seats. Passengers will likewise appreciate the two USB ports embedded in the center armrest of the second-row seats, as they will the 12-speaker BOSE Premium Sound System that creates an astonishing aural experience for all three rows. The 9.2-inch Mazda Connect LCD screen also displays the 360-degree camera view to assist drivers during parking maneuvers. And for added safety, the CX-9 BLACK EDITION is

The CX-9 BLACK EDITION interiors make a bold statement with its Burgundy Leather Seats and red stitching on the leather steering wheel. Both complement the elegant and classy dark finish and trim inside the cabin. Seat ventilation comes standard with the 8-way driver and 6-way

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also equipped with i-Activsense Safety Technologies such as Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist and Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear CrossTraffic Alert. 2022 CX-9 TOURING: a luxurious entry to style The 2022 Mazda CX-9 TOURING maintains its premium presence as the introduction variant to the range. Its clean, minimalist exterior aesthetic is designed for busy executive urban mobility. With its 18-inch gray metallic alloy wheels and front-wheel-drive configuration, it prioritizes riding comfort without sacrificing the commanding form the CX-9 is known for. Inside, black leather seats in all three rows continue to adorn the plush interiors of the CX-9 TOURING. Featuring 6-way driver and 4-way passenger power adjustment front seats,

the CX-9 TOURING creates precise seating positions for the occupants of the front row. The CX-9 TOURING is proof that luxury and style can be accessible. All variants of the 2022 Mazda CX-9 lineup benefit from the responsive performance of the Skyactiv-G 2.5L Dynamic Turbo engine. Its 231PS and 420Nm of torque running on regular unleaded 93 RON gasoline are more than ample to deliver spritely performance uncommon in most large SUVs. The turbocharged engine is mated to a quick-shifting, six-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission to maximize performance and fuel efficiency. Along with G-Vectoring Control Plus, the Mazda CX-9 achieves the same exhilarating driving attributes one would expect from a Mazda. As with every available Mazda, all

variants of the 2022 Mazda CX-9 enjoy the premium ownership experience afforded by a 5-Year Free Service Plan. It covers the expenses of periodic maintenance at either 6-month or 10,000-kilometer intervals, for up to 5 years or 100,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. This allows Mazda customers to savor the peace of mind of not having to worry about PMS budgeting and cost inflation concerns during the course of their ownership experience. And with its 3-Year Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty, the 2022 Mazda CX-9 will continue to provide an enriching and fulfilling ownership experience that is unique to Mazda. The 2022 Mazda CX-9 lineup is priced as follows: • CX-9 AWD EXCLUSIVE at PHP2,990,000 • CX-9 BLACK EDITION at PHP2,790,000 • CX-9 TOURING at PHP2,490,000 February 2022

MOBILITY

MERCEDESTHE STARTING LINE

he Mercedes-AMG A-Class models represent an ideal point of entry to the world of Mercedes-AMG as well as absolute peak performance. Starting with the Mercedes AMG A 35, this sporty little hatch is an attractive and affordable model worthy of the AMG badge.

February 2022

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-AMG A 35 FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE

February 2022

MOBILITY Engine The Mercedes-AMG A 35 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 306-horsepower and 400nm of torque managed by an AMG suspension and AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-Speed transmission allowing for optimal driving dynamics. With this combination, the A 35 promises to deliver a sporty and exciting drive.

Exterior A more aggressive AMG aerodynamics package is available for the A 35, making it look sportier and more exciting. This package has been developed in the wind tunnel to improve handling at high speeds and provides the basis for even greater driving enjoyment. The detachable body parts increase negative lift force. The fixed AMG rear aerofoil

demonstrates a clear commitment to uncompromising performance. On the road, this little hatch is easily recognizable at first sight. It boasts the AMG body styling with signature AMG radiator grille, front apron with larger front splitter, 19-inch AMG 5-twinspoke light-alloy wheels, and AMG rear wing that completes the AMG’s sporty look. Interior The A 35 is as sporty on the inside as it is on the outside. The dashboard’s unique and innovative design gives the vehicle a sporty and luxurious feel. Adding to the command center for driving dynamics, the AMG performance steering wheel in Nappa leather and AMG steering wheel buttons continue to provide the perfect link for the driver and the vehicle.

February 2022

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Behind the AMG wheel, steering comes with dual 10.25-inch displays on the dashboard with an MBUX system that provides the latest innovation from Mercedes-Benz. Its trailblazing voice control system lets you communicate with your vehicle just by saying, “Hey Mercedes.” With the AMG Supersport, you get an upshift indicator. Rev-matching is a lot easier when you can refer to the indicator. Available displays include ones to warm up the car ahead of the track, set up the car for track driving, and display things like G-meter and engine data. Safety Another feature of the Mercedes-AMG A 35 is the AMG high-performance brake system with silver calipers and black AMG lettering at the front that enables more breaking power from the vehicle. It is also equipped with Blind Spot Assist which uses sensors to detect when a car or bicycle is in your blind spot while driving. A red

triangle indicator will light up on the corresponding side mirror, while you have the Active Lane Keeping Assist that can warn and guide you to return the vehicle to the correct lane.

If you are looking for a starting line of AMG, then the Mercedes-AMG A 35 is a great choice. You may also visit www. mercedes-benz.ph/amg-a35 for more details.

“On the road, this little hatch is easily recognizable at first sight. It boasts the AMG body styling with signature AMG radiator grille, front apron with larger front splitter, 19-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke lightalloy wheels, and AMG rear wing that completes the AMG’s sporty look.”

February 2022

MOBILITY

CARE ON WHEELS THE GRAND STAREX CARGO AMBULANCE

A recent World Bank (WB) study urges more investment in healthcare systems for “long COVID” as a less costly alternative to lockdowns. Given the experience of the past two years, it pays to have your local community prepared for a health emergency. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there should be at least one ambulance serving every 100,000 patients. Having an EMS on hand is no

February 2022

longer a luxury, but a practical response to providing the public quick, efficient, timely, and perhaps more affordable life-saving services. Did you know that it takes exactly nine minutes to save a person who suffered a stroke or a massive cardiac arrest? It, therefore, pays to have at least the basic ambulance to serve your local community, school, company, or neighborhood association.

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February 2022

MOBILITY

This calls for out-of-the-box thinking. It goes without saying that the ambulance should be managed by a well-trained medical team and a certified ambulance driver. Then, let the HYUNDAI GRAND STAREX CARGO’S key features work for you. It has the potential of meeting Department of Health (DOH) standards for a Type 1 ambulance on account of its famously spacious interiors, sleek but tough body, drive power, and smooth handling. Twin-swing rear doors and the signature dual sliding doors make for quick and convenient boarding, loading, and unloading.

The front-mounted engine design cuts down on noise, vibration, harshness, and heat, and absorbs the impact in the event of a frontal collision, protecting the driver and front passengers. Safety features, like

the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) available in select variants, allow for better drive control, which makes for a smooth, comfortable, and safe ride for your precious passengers and equipment.

Hyundai’s 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty assures peace of mind in the first five years of ownership and operation, backed by Hyundai’s signature technology and quality engineering poured into manufacturing every unit. February 2022

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Must-have Equipment for a Type 1 DOH-accredited Ambulance

Similarly, Dual Front Airbags at the steering wheel and dashboard (available on certain variants) provide added protection to the driver and front passenger. Finally, all three variants of the HYUNDAI GRAND STAREX CARGO are powered by a 2.5 CRDi (Euro 4) engine mated with 6-speed manual transmission to provide the power to get you through mounting traffic and the fuel efficiency to help you save on operational costs. With efficient management and administration, every HYUNDAI GRAND STAREX CARGO AMBULANCE put at the service of the community can give the much-needed boost to the local healthcare system, post-COVID. You can also consider doing your own EMS startup and join the growing community of entrepreneurs who have happily discovered its endless possibilities for driving business in the New Normal.

EMERGENCY LIGHTS AND SIREN SEATS AND COMPARTMENTS • 3-seat bench with 2-pint seatbelts and underneath cabinet • Aluminum grab rail on top of patient stretcher • Built-in cabinet with sliding acrylic glass door and at least 3 shelves MEDICAL EQUIPMENT • Wheel type stretcher with straps • Folding stretcher • Orthopedic stretcher • Spine board with straps • Immobilization devices • Automatic external defibrillator (AED) with portable ECG • Nebulizer • Portable Suction Machine • Examining light • Aneroid Sphygmomanometer • Heavy-duty stethoscopes (1 pediatric, 1 adult) • Non-contact thermometer • Blood-Glucose meter with strips • Manual resuscitators for adult, pediatric, and infant • Oxygen cylinder with oxygen therapy set • Laryngoscope set • Endotracheal tubes for adult and pedia • Delivery set OTHER SUPPLIES • Fire extinguisher (2A10BC rating), mounted • Heavy-duty LED flashlight at least 1000 lumens • Extra batteries • IV holder • Air purifier with multi-stage air filters • Garbage container at least 3-liter capacity • Sharps container with sliding lid with a capacity of at least 1liter • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

February 2022

MOBILITY

KIA CORPORATE CARE READY TO INSPIRE COMPANIES AND BUSINESSES

February 2022

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The South Korean car brand continues to make waves in the country, and it’s showing no signs of planning to stop anytime soon. After inspiring individuals with the successful launch of the Stonic, the revamp of the Kia brand, and the launch of the all-new Sorento, Kia now gears to create more movement that inspires in the business and corporate world.

February 2022

MOBILITY

Kia Philippines presents Kia Corporate Care — now ready to serve and drive businesses to new heights through tailor-fit transportation solutions. For companies planning to build a fleet or offer car plans to their valued personnel, Kia Corporate Care is here to provide award-winning vehicles paired with exceptional services. Vehicles with globally-recognized quality, performance, and style With Kia Corporate Care, companies can rest assured that they’re getting topnotch vehicles that have been recognized by prestigious award-giving bodies all over the world: J.D. Power and World Car Awards, which assesses quality and performance; Euro NCAP, which evaluates vehicle safety; and Red Dot Award and iF Design Award, which rate style and design; and more! The world-class Kia models primarily being offered as fleet vehicles are: Kia Soluto. The ideal everyday workhorse. Designed and engineered to be the dependable fleet vehicle for companies in industries such as February 2022

engineering, pharmaceuticals, insurance, etc. Cruising in and out of the daily grind in this stylish sedan will surely inspire the employees of these companies: engineers, sales agents, medical representatives, and more. Boost their morale and performance with Kia Soluto. Kia Stonic. Ideal for companies in media, entertainment, marketing, public relations, and other similar industries. Perfect for personnel in positions that require extra flair: PR officers, brand managers, supervisors, etc. With the award-winning Stonic as their daily companion, they’ll be able to represent the businesses and companies they work for even better! Kia K2500. The certified commercial vehicle of the South Korean car brand. Built to haul people, products, supplies, and other goods essential to businesses. Dependability, durability, and customizability are just some of its many strengths. It comes in different variants with different functions to effectively and efficiently serve the heavy transportation needs of companies in industries such as construction, farming, FMCG, public transportation, delivery services, and more.

All other Kia models are also available to serve as company vehicles. There are compact crossovers such as the Seltos, high-performance sedans such as the Forte, and premium SUVs such as the all-new Sorento, ideal for C-level executives and other valued members deserving a reward. Companies can enjoy all these vehicles through Kia Corporate Care. After-sales services that offer peace of mind Kia Corporate Care aims to build a solid reputation as one of the top transportation-solutions providers in the country. That’s why its stylish and dependable fleet offerings are packaged

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with premium after-sales support. Their goal is to keep businesses worry-free, so they can focus on moving and inspiring customers, partners, and other people. Here are the after-sales perks that companies can enjoy by choosing Kia Corporate Care: 5-Year or 160,000km Warranty. This generous warranty period is longer than what’s being offered by most car brands. And a longer coverage means longer peace of mind. 24/7 Roadside Assistance. During unforeseen events on the road, companies and employees can stay calm with services such as emergency towing, minor onsite repair, and more. 24/7 Roadside Assistance is also free for 5 years. The only exception is the K2500, which comes with a 3-year warranty and 3 years free 24/7 Roadside Assistance. Nationwide Network of Service Centers Kia has service centers all over the country, always ready to serve. Companies and their personnel can

easily reach Kia for all those maintenance needs. Readily Available Spare Parts. A sizeable inventory of maintenance, mechanical, and collision parts allows for reduced downtime. And should there be other parts that need to be shipped from abroad, a reliable shipping partner will deliver them within 7 days. Customized Packages Tailored According to Business Needs. Perhaps the most compelling reason for businesses to partner up with Kia Corporate Care is the brand’s willingness to adjust to the specific needs of companies and corporate groups. Kia Corporate Care develops fleet packages that will match the exact transportation requirements of different companies. What they need is what they get, nothing more and nothing less. Flexible financing options are also made available. Kia Corporate Care promises to provide all these in the most timesaving way, with all the details taken care of to keep the process smooth and efficient.

Backed By a Distributor Companies Can Trust Kia is distributed by AC Motors, Ayala Corporation’s automobile business company and one of the largest multibrand vehicle distribution groups in the Philippines. It partnered with the South Korean car brand back in 2019 to give Filipinos better automotive products. Now, these two global brands are coming together to drive businesses to greater distances with Kia Corporate Care. Ayala Corporation holds all the brands it handles to the highest standards. Businesses can rest assured that a partnership with Kia Corporate Care ensures the quality of service in all aspects. By the looks of it, Kia Philippines is poised to make big waves in the commercial realm this 2022. Feeling inspired to let Kia Corporate Care take care of your business? Learn more or reach out through this link: https:// www.kia.com/ph/corporate-care/about. html February 2022

MOBILITY

BLUE SWITCH INITIATIVE NISSAN LOOKS FORWARD TO A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

he Japanese automaker recently celebrated its milestones in 2021 and announced its plans for sustainability. “The year 2021 was a tough time for the entire industry, but despite the challenges we faced, we’re grateful that Filipinos continue to trust Nissan with their mobility needs. This has inspired us to continue our mission of enriching the lives of people with our innovative vehicles and top-notch customer service,” says Atsushi Najima, Nissan Philippines’ president and managing director. A Transformative 2021 Nissan powered through a challenging 2021 and dared to do what others don’t while fueled by endurance and resilience. Leading Nissan’s banner year February 2022

were the launches of the Navara, LEAF, Terra, Almera, and Patrol. Its reinforced core lineup headlined the automaker’s innovations, led by Nissan Intelligent Mobility. This suite of advanced safety features is designed to provide convenience and protection for both drivers and passengers on the road. The arrival of the Nissan LEAF, the world’s first mass-market electric vehicle (EV), also propelled safer, smarter, and more sustainable driving in the Philippines. With its refreshed model lineup, Nissan has pushed through many challenges and regained its #3 market share ranking towards the second half of 2021. Nissan also renewed its Safe Trips campaign with the Department of Tourism (DOT). This initiative advocates

for safe and responsible travel in the new normal through driving and also promotes local businesses which have also been affected by the pandemic. Together with the DOT, various stakeholders, and select journalists, Nissan arranged media drives to Ilocos and Boracay to promote an alternative way of reaching popular travel destinations. The drive highlighted how Nissan vehicles are ideal road trip partners to rediscover the beauty of the Philippines and also to discover hidden gems around the country. Lastly, Nissan made a meaningful mark through its outreach programs. Over the course of the pandemic, the automaker supported medical frontliners by providing thousands of meal packs and personal protective equipment. gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

Driving towards a sustainable future After that milestone year, Nissan is powering up for another year of innovation, starting with a declaration of its Blue Switch initiative in the Philippines. Blue Switch is the next phase of its electrification plans built on Nissan Ambition 2030, its long-term vision for empowering mobility by strengthening its aim of becoming a sustainable company that drives towards a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive world.

Blue Switch is focused on building key partnerships that address social concerns using electric vehicle technologies. Started in 2018 in Japan, the initiative focused on partnering with government and private stakeholders to promote and encourage the use of electric vehicles to address social concerns like energy management, ecotourism, and disaster response. During the event, Nissan invited the honorable Senator Sherwin Gatchalian

to deliver a keynote address on sustainability and the future of EVs in the country. This was followed by a panel discussion from esteemed guests to show their support for the initiative. These include Nestor Archival, Cebu City councilor and sustainability advocate; Edmund Araga, president of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines; Ferdi Raquelsantos, president of the Electric Vehicle Owners Society; and Michel Goho from the Gateway dealer group, the exclusive Nissan LEAF distributor in the country. Together, they discussed the potential benefits of electrified mobility and how it can be successfully integrated into society while addressing social concerns in tourism, the environment, and emergency response. The latter was recently demonstrated during Typhoon Odette when Nissan and Councilor Archival used the Nissan LEAF and Power Mover units to help affected communities in Cebu. A similar effort was also done in Tacloban in partnership with the local Nissan dealership in the province. The EV’s vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology provided electricity from its battery, allowing residents to charge their mobile devices and contact loved ones. Nissan Philippines also brought the Nissan LEAF in Boracay as part of its Safe Trips campaign, which has evolved to also advocate for ecotourism and to encourage sustainability through adapting more eco-friendly options such as using electric vehicles as a mode of transportation. In addition to continuous knowledge building and sharing in the market about EVs and its technology, Nissan also aims to raise awareness on its other practical benefits and uses. “When we integrate EV technology into society, we can unify people, systems, and our goals as a nation. EVs can boost tourism, protect the environment, help us respond to emergencies faster, and help enrich the lives of many people. We are looking to turn this dream into reality this 2022 and we can do this by working together,” ends Najima.

Atsushi Najima, Nissan PH president and managing director

February 2022

MOBILITY

IMPROVING ROAD SAFETY WITH HONDA SENSING MAXIMUM ADRENALINE RUSH AND FREEDOM

oad safety has long been a global and national priority. Data released by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2018 estimate that 1.35-million lives are lost due to road accidents each year. In the Philippines, the Metro Manila Accident

February 2022

Reporting and Analysis System recorded 65,032 accidents with 337 deaths in 2020 in Metro Manila. Though the lockdowns have significantly reduced the accidents, we dream of much safer roads in our version of the new normal. This is central to

Honda’s vision of Safety for Everyone, which seeks to protect not only drivers or riders but all vehicle occupants, pedestrians, and other road users. This is why Honda’s approach to safety is both from product and educational perspectives.

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Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow (LSF)

Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) was one of the first car brands in the country to offer the suite of driver-assist safety features now known as Honda SENSING. Starting with the Honda Legend in 2015, followed by the Honda Pilot in 2016, HCPI is equipping more Philippine market models with these advanced safety features.

• Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) – The system now recognizes pedestrians during day and night, bicycles, left / right turn across path, and preceding motorcycles. • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow (LSF) • Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) • Road Departure Mitigation System with Lane Departure Warning (RDM with LDW) • Auto High-Beam (AHB) • Lead Car Departure Notification System (LCDN) – New

The recently-launched 11th generation All-New Civic highlights the latest version of Honda SENSING, featuring a monocular camera while eliminating the radar. This new camera setup has better recognition and can now measure the distance target of the vehicle or obstacle ahead. This gives the compact sedan access to the following high-tech safety features:

Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS)

a more comprehensive range of options in choosing the perfect Honda vehicle that’ll safely get them through unexpected obstacles on the road.

Other Honda models, such as the CRV, Accord, and the new Civic Type R, are similarly equipped with Honda SENSING, giving customers

On top of vehicle technologies, Honda also engages different stakeholders in Safety Education programs, such as the Teen Smart Driving and Safety Seminar. Inspired by Safety for Everyone, the program aims to strengthen the youth’s consciousness and appreciation for road safety, and deepen their sense of responsibility om how they can help reduce road accidents and fatalities, practical things they can do, especially as they near the licensing age, or even as pedestrians and passengers.

Auto High Beam (AHB)

Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN)

February 2022

MOBILITY

HONDA CRF250RX MAXIMUM ADRENALINE RUSH AND FREEDOM

uilt for off-road adventure, Honda’s newest addition to its roster of high-performance rough terrain bikes is the perfect trail and Enduro companion. Whether you’re in for an adventure or looking at elevating you’re riding game, an offroad motorcycle with a light, two-wheel machine with a more agile footprint will give you a taste of thrill! Based on a compact and responsive 249cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, singlecylinder, DOHC engine, the All-New CRF250RX has slim bodywork and lightweight chassis that allows superior handling. It is equipped with a 49mm Up Side-Down front Fork (Showa Brand), 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel (DID Rim brand), HRC Launch Control, and Engine Mode Select Button. It is incredibly lighter, stronger, and ready to challenge every road situation. Investing in a non-street HondaCRF250RX will take you to a different kind of adrenaline rush, as it will surely give you the joy of riding motocross tracks, ATV parks, and scenic spots around the country. Here’s a closer look at its advanced features: The Engine Mode Select Button (EMSB) responds to changes in engine character to suit different trail situations, aiding a rider’s ability to adapt to a wide range of riding February 2022

conditions and scenarios. The HRC Launch Control directs acceleration smoothly and as fast as possible, avoids spinning of the drive wheels, and steers clear of engine failure due to over-revving and clutch and gearbox problems. If you’re looking for powerful

performance and reliable features that increase riding confidence, this one is for you. Let the adrenaline rush. The All-New CRF250RX is effortless yet powerful. Key enhancements include 49mm Up Side Down Front Fork that Showa calibrated for tough terrain, adding riding comfort gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

with its adjustable steel spring preload and rebound damping suspension. Its superb Pro-Link Rear Suspension has a faster response and bumps absorption. Tapered aluminum twin-spar frame Lightweight Chassis features narrower main tubes to elevate cornering performance no matter where you’re riding. DID Rim crafted 21-inch front & 18-inch rear wheels make navigating tough terrain super easy, and you can enjoy uninterrupted fun because this big bike’s 8-liter Fuel Tank is absolutely ready for long-distance trail rides. Other features include Knuckle Guards to protect hands from hitting branches during trail rides, Side Stand that you can tuck away properly and neatly for trail riding convenience, and an Engine Guard to protect the engine for any damages that may be acquired during trail rides. The All-New CRF250RX is a sure head-turner not only because of its engine power. It also looks super grand and hot in its only color variant Extreme Red. Enjoy an intense adrenaline rush, conquer difficult off-trail roads, take off, jump, and drop-in muddy, rocky trails. Lightweight, advanced suspension technology, and excellent engine power — experience all these with your next favorite off-road bike. Ride in full throttle and enjoy Honda-engineered All-New CRF250RX, available at all Honda Dealerships Nationwide on 14 January 2022 with a suggested retail price of PHP469,000.

February 2022

Feature

Why your next gaming rig is a laptop Words by Gabriel Pe

February 2022

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very gamer dreams of building himself a powerful gaming rig capable of handling any game thrown at it. But recently, it has become harder and harder to build a practical yet still powerful gaming rig. Global chip shortages have pushed PC components prices to rise higher than the moon! But what if there’s another way you can experience high resolution, high frame rates, triple-A gaming, all without breaking the bank? There is, and it is a laptop. Now, before you raise your pitchfork, just read on because gaming laptops aren’t what they used to be.

February 2022

Feature

Blurring the line of performance and mobility

Any gaming enthusiast will tell you that laptop gaming isn’t going to cut it. ‘They’re weaker, and most mobile processors have less performance than their desktop counterparts.’ But hold on a minute! New tech has started blurring the lines of what mobile performance is all about. PC components are seen as having a bit of edge over their laptop counterparts, but the newest releases, such as Intel’s 12th Generation Core laptop processors, are so good that they are beating the flagship desktop processors of just two years ago. It isn’t just the CPUs that have had massive upgrades in the past years. Even mobile GPUs got better, and their performance is comparable to the flagships of the previous generation of desktop GPU. Take NVIDIA’s newest RTX 3000-series mobile processor — its benchmarks compare it and sometimes place it ahead of their RTX 2000-series desktop processors. Lastly, before we forget, newer gaming laptops are also among the first to use the newest DDR5 RAMs. These RAMs have double the speed compared to current generation DDR4 RAMs.

Meet the MSI Raider GE76, your next gaming rig

Now, if you’re convinced that a laptop can be your next gaming rig, you might ask: “Which laptop should I get?” We’ve got you covered; meet the MSI Raider GE76. The MSI Raider GE76 has everything a gamer might need or want. It has the latest Intel 12th Gen mobile core processor, going up to a 12th Gen Core i9 processor. The 12th Gen Intel Core series mobile processors have up to 14 cores and offer 20% better performance than previous-gen Core processors.

February 2022

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For graphics, the MSI Raider GE76 is one of the first laptops to carry the newest NVIDIA RTX 3080 Ti mobile GPU. The RTX 3080 Ti is 15% faster than the current RTX 3080 mobile GPU; add to that the Overclocking (OC) setting if you want to give your laptop a quick boost. Besides that, MSI notes that their Raider GE76 will have a TGP of 210W, powering both GPU and CPU to their full potential. The Raider GE76 will also have the latest DDR5-4800 RAM — up to 64GB. It will also have up to 2TB of PCIe Gen. 4 SSD. Other specs of the MSI Raider GE76 include up to a 4K display and up to a 360Hz refresh rate. It has Intel’s newest Killer Wi-Fi 6E enabling Wi-Fi 6E and up to 6.0GHz of connection speed. Lastly, it has a 99.9WHr battery capacity. If you’re looking for your next gaming companion, look no further than the MSI Raider GE76. It has the latest and most powerful processor and graphics card in the market and the fastest memory and storage currently available for laptops! Get up to PHP8,500 worth of MSI goodies and USD50 Steam code when you buy the MSI Raider GE76 during MSI’s Enter the Metaverse giveaway, happening from January 24 to March 31, 2022.

February 2022

Gaming

DEVELOPER

PUBLISHER

Square Enix Creative Business Unit III PLATFORM

Square Enix

PC, macOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 Words by Jose Alvarez

n a time of upheaval in the MMORPG community, it has become apparent that Final Fantasy XIV

so popular in the latter half of 2021 because their main competitor was undergoing allegations of sexual harassment and fostering an unsafe workplace culture, which caused many to migrate from to Final Fantasy XIV have been better for Square Enix. With an upcoming expansion on the way, it was seen as a changing of the guard. But does the new expansion really stack up? Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker was faced with massive migration from other MMORPGs (notably World ), resulting in long queue times to log in, server closures from creating new characters, and even forced the company to suspend the purchase of the game temporarily. Naoki “Yoshi-P” Yoshida, the game’s director, became visible to not only Final Fantasy XIV fans but to fans of other MMORPGs (and gaming in general) who sought an MMORPG where players would feel valued and welcomed. In fact, one of the logos in Endwalker (the Sage class) was changed to accommodate players with trypophobia, or the fear of clusters of small holes, bumps, or patterns.

February 2022

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Endwalker takes Shadowbringers, in which a mysterious to the Garlean Empire (the series’ main antagonist), wanting to trigger the Final Days. Various towers called the Telophoroi (Endbringers) start to appear around the world, along with the appearance of a doomsday cult. game, just with new content and a stat squish as enemy health pools grew large Two new classes were introduced: the aforementioned Sage class, which is a healer that uses magical objects known as Houliths to direct aetheric energy to create barriers and amplify the are numerous references to previous Final Fantasy games in Endwalker, this could be likened to the Synergist class in Final Fantasy XIII class, the Reaper, is a scythe-wielding melee DPS class that relies on the void to the Final Fantasy job system. You can master all the classes on one character, which essentially turns you into a Swiss army knife, provided you have the gear for each class. PvP is also being revamped in Endwalker, which will come out in a later update to include small-scale PvP without the role restrictions in regular PvP. While my experiences with PvP in Endwalker were not very good, I have In addition, Endwalker also introduces Island Sanctuary for those who do not wish to compete in high-end raiding and duties, where your minions can roam free. While all MMORPGs change quickly due to player feedback, especially in Endwalker, there may be more features added to the game.

February 2022

Visual Space

Boracay: Beyond The White Beach A short film by TECNO Movie Masters grand winner Jo Serrano

udding Filipino filmmaker, Jo Serrano, has just released her first short film, Boracay: Beyond The White Beach. The documentary-style film was produced in collaboration with top local director Paul Soriano and his team at TEN17P. Serrano was named the Grand Winner of the TECNO Mobile Movie Masters Program, winning a PHP300,000 grant and the opportunity to work on this movie with the boutique film company.

February 2022

The Movie Masters Program was launched by TECNO Mobile in 2021, with a short film competition that was open to amateur Filipino filmmakers. Finalists were tasked to create original videos using the CAMON 18 Premier smartphone, highlighting moving moments from everyday life. In her winning Movie Masters entry, Bukidnon An EcoAdventure, Jo showcased raw and authentic moments that she experienced on a trip to the beautiful province of Bukidnon.

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Making Boracay: Beyond The White Beach According to Serrano, Boracay: Beyond The White Beach was inspired by the struggles she faced during the pandemic. The documentary-style film begins with the protagonist heading to the island of Boracay to escape. While there, she encounters locals who open up to her about their struggles and how they cope with the pandemic. “I came to a point in my life where my stress, anxiety, and depression caused me to nearly quit being a creator because the travel industry has been severely affected by the pandemic,” she shares. “It’s a struggle that most of us can relate to, how the pandemic has affected us.” With this as her film’s theme, Serrano aimed to show viewers that there is always hope. “I want my viewers to see that regardless of the struggles that we face during the pandemic, there is always a silver lining, and we all have to be steady in the face of challenges,” she says.

Shooting with the Movie Master CAMON Like her entry to the Movie Masters Program, Serrano filmed most of the scenes in Boracay using a CAMON 18 Premier smartphone, which she considers a good starting camera for anyone interested in filmmaking but cannot afford expensive gear. She says, “Its in-body gimbal feature is a big help when you are always on the go. As a traveler, you need to carry light gear with you.” Direk Paul Soriano agrees that the CAMON 18 Premier is great for budding filmmakers, calling it the perfect tool for capturing moments and telling stories. In a recent Instagram video, he shared that his favorite CAMON 18 Premier feature is the Stabilized Gimbal Camera, which allows people to capture handheld shots that look nice, crisp, and stable. He also said that this smartphone is something he wishes he had when he was starting out years ago making home videos, short films, and music videos.

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Visual Space Food

TECNO Mobile supports Filipino filmmakers TECNO Mobile’s Movie Masters Program marked the beginning of the premium smartphone brand’s commitment to supporting the local filmmaking scene in the Philippines. Jo Serrano’s experience is a testament to this, and she believes that the program has made a huge impact on her as an aspiring filmmaker. “Working with a team is very different from working alone,” she says. “I learned new things working on this film. The process of shooting a film is way different from how I make vlogs. It made me a better storyteller.” “This is my first legit short film with a team and I would like to personally thank TEN17P for helping me and assisting me throughout the making of this film,” she adds. “Coming from a vlogging background and transitioning to the world of film has been a challenge for me, but they guided me to come up with something meaningful and inspiring for viewers to watch. I hope you will enjoy watching and listening to the stories I’ve encountered during my Boracay trip.”

TECNO Mobile’s CAMON 18 Series pushes the boundaries of what it means to be a professional camera smartphone, delivering unbelievably clear images and videos with its advanced anti-shaking capabilities.

Through the Movie Masters Program, aspiring filmmakers were given a venue to tell their stories. In his message during the awarding ceremony, Direk Paul invited more filmmakers and creators to take advantage of opportunities like this. He said, “We have the freedom that we all want when we tell our stories. The creative freedom. It’s really just you, and the CAMON 18 Premier, and your stories. What else do you need?”

The CAMON 18P model also caters to video enthusiasts, with its 48MP clear and steady video camera, and 13MP 50mm pro portrait camera.

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Experience #SuperSteadyShot with the Movie Master CAMON 18

The CAMON 18 Premier, dubbed the Movie Master, brings together the best of the CAMON series, with features like TAIVOS, Super Night Mode, and Selfie Mode, combined with a new Ultra-steady Gimbal Camera, 60X Hybrid Zoom, and even more enhanced AI features for achieving a #SuperSteadyShot.

Completing the series is the CAMON 18, equipped with a 48MP multi-function triple camera. It comes in a beautiful iris purple colorway that is perfect for women, plus a uniquely-designed Ceramic edition.

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THE BRAVE BUBWIT FEU celebrates the works of alumnus and cartoonist Nonoy Marcelo

ar Eastern University (FEU) hosts The Brave Bubwit: Nonoy Marcelo’s irreverent art that attacked and endeared, an online exhibit featuring the works of the celebrated cartoonist and alumnus of the university’s Institute of Arts and Sciences. Brave Bubwit features 230 of Marcelo’s published works, which have been curated from The Advocate, the university’s official student publication, and the private collection of historian Atty. Saul Hofileña.

The exhibit is divided into six segments, each covering Marcelo’s major career milestones. These include his time as a student in the university, his years at the Daily Mirror, the Manila Chronicle, and the Manila Times, his brief stint in New York City, and his commentary during the pre- and post-EDSA years. In the exhibit, guests can see Marcelo’s growth as a cartoonist. It was at FEU that he developed his skill for social satire

through weekly editorial cartoons and comic strips for the student publication. Brave Bubwit also spotlights some of Marcelo’s famous characters, like PTYK, an intellectual beatnik at FEU; Tisoy, who lampooned colonial mentality; and Ikabod Bubwit, a rodent who lived in Dagalandia, which represented the Philippines.

Marcelo’s works also leaped off the page, with Tisoy being remade into a TV series directed by Nick Lizaso and a film helmed by the National Artist Ishmael Bernal. The cartoonist also produced the Philippines’ first full-length animated feature in 1878, entitled Tadhana. In 2019, the Philippine Postal Corporation paid tribute to Ikabod by including the rodent in a postage stamp.

Sharing insights on Filipino culture through cartoons

In 1985, Marcelo was given the Catholic Mass Media Award for print journalism, an honor usually reserved for reporters and columnists. He was also the only cartoonist recognized as one of the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Centennial Artist awardees in 1998. Just this year, Marcelo was nominated for the Order of the National Artist in the Visual Arts category.

It was through these cartoons and characters that Marcelo bared the country’s most important issues. His cartoons were irreverent, critical, and contained commentary on the ills of the nation while garnering laughs from his readers. Some of the darkest events in Philippine history that he covered through his cartoons were Martial Law, episodes of terrorism, the maritime tragedy of the MV Doña Paz, and the Ozone Disco fire.

The Brave Bubwit: Nonoy Marcelo’s irreverent art that attacked and endeared can be viewed HERE. February 2022

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AQUA SMARTGUARD COVID-19-SAFE WATER PURIFIER

aterlogic, a global leader in home and workplace hydration solutions, is looking to transform drinking water in the Philippines with the world’s very first COVID-19-safe water purifier, the Aqua SmartGuard. “Every day we find new and better ways to protect ourselves and our families from the COVID-19 virus. Bringing Aqua SmartGuard purifiers to the Philippines is our way of encouraging Filipinos to leave no stone unturned when it comes to their families’ health and safety,” said Windy Goffe-Gomez, Aqua SmartGuard Philippines chief operating officer. Providing trusted and reliable water service to over 50 million households and offices in more than 70 countries, Waterlogic’s latest innovation, the Aqua SmartGuard uses smart technology to ensure cleaner and safer drinking water compared to traditional water coolers. This innovative range of “cube” purification units features Firewall UVC Technology and BioCote Antimicrobial Surface Protection to keep the water from having bacteria and viruses, contaminants, and unpleasant tastes and odors. More importantly, these state-of-the-art technologies work together to prevent the COVID-19 virus from contaminating the water.

Windy Goffe-Gomez, Aqua Smartguard PH CEO

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February 2022

Home

PATENTED PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY The Aqua SmartGuard water purifiers adopt a patented and most-advanced Firewall UVC technology to guarantee up to 99.99 percent protection against bacteria, viruses, and cysts such as salmonella, E.coli, and the COVID-19 virus. The water purifier features a unique quartz double helix that ensures targeted light waves reach each drop of water at the dispensing point for utmost purification. The patented UVC Firewall acts as a barrier to prevent pathogens from infecting the water. Water flows up and down through the Firewall, exposing it to the UVC light and freeing it from harmful bacteria as soon as it leaves the nozzle. Besides alcohol and disinfectants, more Filipinos have turned to ultraviolet (UV) solutions to make sure their homes and the things they use are safe from COVID-19. Studies have shown that UV light, specifically UVC or the third type of UV ray in the ultraviolet spectrum, effectively reduces pathogenic and nonpathogenic organisms such as bacteria and viruses, including the virus that causes COVID-19. UVC works by altering the structure and molecular bonds of microbes’ DNA, preventing them from moving or multiplying. Among the three types of UV rays, UVC radiation requires the shortest amount of time — only a few seconds — to kill bacteria and viruses. When it comes to purifying water, UVC works best with mechanical filtration systems to make sure that the purification process will yield safe and healthy drinking water. This is where the Firewall systems come in. A team of microbiologists from the University of Arizona led by Dr. Charles P Gerba recently put the

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Firewall to the test against COVID-19. Results of the rigorous tests reveal the Firewall inactivates the COVID-19 virus by 99.9999 percent. BIOCOTE: ADDITIONAL PROTECTION FROM THE OUTSIDE In homes and offices, utilizing traditional dispensers is a point transfer for viruses and bacteria by the mere touch of the machine’s body and buttons. For further protection, Aqua SmartGuard features an antimicrobial defense, the BioCote, on its surfaces, including the purification unit’s outer shell, dispensing buttons, nozzles, and tray.

UNRIVALED WATER PURITY AND SECURITY In addition to its Firewall UVC and BioCote technologies, the Aqua SmartGuard purification unit features a carbon filter that removes particles that give the water a bad taste and odor while leaving the necessary and healthy minerals. It can capture particles 1-micron in size and can substantially reduce chlorine and other contaminants in the water. This high-performance carbon filter is made from sustainably sourced coconut shell, making the product eco-friendly. Besides its innovative technologies and features, the Aqua SmartGuard by Waterlogic has been recognized and certified by international health organizations such as the Water Quality Association (WQA) and the Water Regulatory Advisory Scheme (WRAS). It also meets ISO 9001 and Energy Star standards.

Exclusive to Aqua SmartGuard units, BioCote uses silver ion technology that keeps microbial cells from growing on the cube’s external surfaces. It significantly decreases the presence of microbes on the machine in just 15 minutes and reduces up to 99.5 percent of bacteria within just 2 hours. Unlike other antimicrobial additives, the active agent in BioCote cannot be washed or rubbed off as it is infused during the manufacturing process and is therefore chemically bonded to the material. BioCote is able to provide continuous and long-lasting protection throughout the product’s life span.

“First in the Philippines and in Asia, Aqua SmartGuard’s COVID-19-safe water purification units make a good addition to the Filipino household or even the workplace, protecting families and employees and championing health and hygiene at home or at work,” said GoffeGomez. Aqua SmartGuard by Waterlogic opened its first stores at Trinoma, Greenbelt 1, and SM Megamall last December 2021. Aqua SmartGuard’s countertop unit is now available in metallic silver, and its freestanding version will also launch this year. Experience full insurance, maintenance, replacements, and exceptional customer service for only PHP1,490 a month. Visit smartguard. ph for more information.

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“Providing trusted and reliable water service to over 50 million households and offices in more than 70 countries, Waterlogic’s latest innovation, the Aqua SmartGuard uses smart technology to ensure cleaner and safer drinking water compared to traditional water coolers.”

February 2022

Shopping

With the dynamite success of the BTS pop-up store last year, SM Megamall will again thrill army members with BTS Pop-up: Space of BTS in Metro Manila at the Upper Ground Floor of SM Megamall Building B.

In light of the COVID-19 situation, advance registration is required through the online booking platform Morningkall to limit the number of people inside the store to ensure proper physical distancing between guests and staff. Slot bookings can be made through https://2022btspopupasia.morningkall.com every Wednesday at 1:00PM. One slot is good for 2 persons, including the one making the reservation. Only one booking can be made per account per day.

The BTS Pop-up: Space of BTS, which will run until March 31, 2022, showcases new official BTS merchandise ranging from apparel, stationery, and household items. It highlights exclusive items inspired by some of BTS’s greatest hits, such as Mic Drop, Boy with Luv, Idol, DNA, and Dynamite. Clothes and accessories with the BTS name and logo design are also available. In between shopping, fans can also take the opportunity to have a complete BTS Pop-up: Space of BTS experience with a photo opportunity in front of the purple backdrop with the signature “I Purple You” neon signage. February 2022

To further ensure the safety of its patrons, wearing of face mask is mandatory at all times. Also, guests with a temperature of 37.5 and higher will be denied entry. 94

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Travel

Remote and hybrid work have untethered many people f rom the need to be in an off ice every day, driving the biggest change to travel since the advent of commercial flying. For the f irst time, millions of people can now live anywhere. On Airbnb’s platform, we have seen: ■ One out of every f ive gross nights booked in Q3 were for stays of 28 days or longer. ■ Nearly half of nights booked in Q3 were for stays of at least seven days, up f rom 44 percent in 2019. ■ In the 12 months through September, more than 100,000 guests booked stays of 90 days or longer. ■ More than 300,000 people applied for 12 openings to live anywhere on Airbnb for a year and are providing insights to help inform our product development and upgrades.

Airbnb CEO and co-founder Brian Chesky has announced that he too will live on Airbnb. Starting in Atlanta, Chesky will stay in people’s homes in new towns or cities every few weeks, and return to San Francisco in the same way that many remote workers are returning regularly to the cities February 2022

where they work in order to collaborate with colleagues. Chesky living on Airbnb will help to improve the design of the experience for people who can now live anywhere. This Live Anywhere trend is like a decentralization of living, and it’s changing the identity of travel. Among the trends Airbnb expects to see are: This Live Anywhere trend is like a decentralization of living, and it’s changing the identity of travel. Among the trends Airbnb expects to see are:

People will continue to spread out to thousands of towns and cities, and they will stay for weeks, months, or even longer. ■ 100,000 towns and cities around the world have had an Airbnb booking during the pandemic. ■ 6,000 places had their first-ever Airbnb booking.

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■ On New Year’s Eve, nearly 5 million guests stayed on Airbnb in more than 53,000 places around the world. Over 40 percent of nights booked were more than 1,000 miles away from guests’ origins. ■ In Q3 2021, over 85 percent of long-term stay nights booked in the Philippines were for stays in urban destinations. Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Baguio emerged as the most searched destinations for long-term stays.

Cities and countries will compete to attract these remote workers, and it will lead to a redistribution of where people travel and live.

■ More countries are changing their visa and tax rules, and More people will start living more than three dozen abroad, others will travel countries currently offer some for the entire summer, and sort of digital nomad visa some will even give up scheme. their leases and become digital nomads. ■ Airbnb is already helping a range of urban and rural ■ People want to explore new destinations in the United countries: Before the pandemic, States let remote workers try international arrivals exploded living there, from Chicago to from 25 million in 1950 to more West Virginia and Northern than 1.4 billion in 2019, according to UNWTO. Maine. ■ On Airbnb, family long-term stay nights grew 75% from summer 2019 to summer 2021. ■ The share of Airbnb long-term stay bookers who used their stays to lead a nomadic lifestyle grew from 2020 to 2021—from 9% to 12%. ■ In the Philippines, 45% of Filipinos polled want to rent out their homes and travel. 97

February 2022

Innovation

Alibaba Forecasts Leading Tech Trends libaba DAMO Academy (“DAMO”), the global research initiative by Alibaba Group, provides its forecast of the leading trends that would shape the tech industry in the year ahead.

boundary of technologies is extended from the physical world to mixed reality, while more and more cutting-edge technologies find their way to industrial applications,” said Jeff Zhang, head of Alibaba DAMO Academy.

By analyzing millions of public papers and patent filings over the past three years and conducting interviews with nearly 100 scientists, DAMO identifies the top 10 technology trends for the next two to five years, where accelerated breakthroughs are expected to make impact across economic sectors and the society at large.

“Digital technology plays an important role in powering a green and sustainable future, whether it is applied in industries such as green data centers and energy-efficient manufacturing, or in day-to-day activities like paperless offices. With technology, we will create a better future.”

“Over the past century, the evolution of digital technologies has accelerated technological progress and industrial development. The

In the next two years, we expect to see a surge of applications running on top of the new computing system:

#1 CLOUD-NETWORK-DEVICE CONVERGENCE

The rapid development of new network technologies will fuel the evolution of cloud computing towards a new computing system: cloud-network-device convergence. In this new system, clouds, networks, and devices have a more clearly defined division of labor. Cloud-network-device convergence is the catalyst that will drive the emergence of new applications to fulfill more demanding tasks, such as high-precision industrial simulation, real-time industrial quality inspection, and mixed reality. In the next 2 years, we expect to see a surge of applications running on top of the new computing system. In the next three years, we expect to see AI broadly applied in the research process of applied science, the widespread use of silicon photonic chips in large-scale data centers, AI paving the way for the integration of renewable energy sources into the power grid, people-centric precision medicine becoming a major trend, groundbreaking improvements in the performance and interpretability of privacypreserving computation, as well as a new generation of XR glasses:

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#2 AI FOR SCIENCE

In the past hundreds of years, the scientific community had two basic paradigms: experimental science and theoretical science. Today, the advancement of AI is making new scientific paradigms possible. Machine learning can process massive amounts of multidimensional and multimodal data and solve complex scientific problems, allowing scientific exploration to flourish in areas previously thought impossible. AI will accelerate the speed of scientific research and help discover new scientific laws. In the next 3 years, we expect that AI will be broadly applied in the research process of applied science and be used as a production tool in some basic sciences.

#3 SILICON PHOTONIC CHIPS

As the size of transistors approaches physical limits, the speed of electronic chip development can no longer meet the increasing data throughput demand brought by the rise of high-performance computing. Unlike electronic chips, silicon photonic chips use photons instead of electrons to transmit data. Photons do not directly interact with each other and can travel longer distances, and therefore silicon photonic chips can provide higher computing density and energy efficiency. The rise of cloud computing and AI drives the rapid development of silicon photonics technology. In the next 3 years, we can expect to see the widespread use of silicon photonic chips in high-speed data transmission in largescale data centers.

#4 AI FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY

In recent years, the rapid development of technology in renewable energy such as wind and solar power has made renewables a tempting energy source to add to the power grid. However, issues such as difficulty in grid integration, low energy utilization rate, and storage of excess energy are major roadblocks along the way. Due to the unpredictable nature of renewable energy power generation, integrating renewable energy sources into the power grid presents challenges that affect the safety and reliability of the grid. The application of AI in the industry is pivotal in improving the efficiency and automation of electric power systems, maximizing resource usage and stability. This will be conducive to achieving carbon neutrality. In the next 3 years, AI is expected to pave the way for the integration of renewable energy sources into the power grid and contribute to the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the power grid.

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Innovation

#5 HIGH-PRECISION MEDICINE

Medicine is a field that is highly dependent on individual expertise, often involves a lot of trial and error, and may ultimately have varying efficacies from patient to patient. The convergence of AI and precision medicine is expected to boost the integration of expertise and new auxiliary diagnostic technologies and serve as a high-precision compass for clinical medicine. With this compass, doctors can diagnose diseases and make medical decisions as quickly and accurately as possible. These advances will allow us to quantify, compute, predict, and prevent severe diseases. In the next 3 years, we expect to see people-centric precision medicine become a major trend that will span multiple fields of healthcare, including disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. AI will become synonymous with a highly precise compass that allows us to pinpoint diseases and their treatments.

#6 PRIVACY-PRESERVING COMPUTATION

For a long time, the application of privacy-preserving computation has been limited to a narrow scope of small-scale computation due to performance bottlenecks, lack of confidence in the technology, and standardization issues. However, as more and more integrated technologies, such as dedicated chips, cryptographic algorithms, whitebox implementation, and data trusts, are emerging, privacy-preserving computation will be adopted in scenarios such as processing massive amounts of data and integrating data from all domains, which is the headway made from processing small amounts of data and data from private domains. The adoption will boost new productivity that is powered by data from all domains. In the next 3 years, we will witness groundbreaking improvements in the performance and interpretability of privacy-preserving computation, and witness the emergence of data trust entities that provide data sharing services based on the technology.

#7 EXTENDED REALITY (XR)

The development of technologies such as cloud-edge computing, network communications, and digital twins brings XR into full bloom. XR glasses promise to make immersive mixed reality Internet a reality. This technology plants the seed that will sprout into a new industrial ecosystem that encompasses electronic components, devices, operating systems, and applications. XR will reshape digital applications and revolutionize the way people interact with technology in scenarios such as entertainment, social networking, office, shopping, education, and healthcare. In the next 3 years, we expect to see a new generation of XR glasses that have an indistinguishable look and feel from ordinary glasses entering the market and serving as a key entry point to the next generation of Internet. In the next five years, we expect to see perceptive soft robotics replacing conventional robots in the manufacturing industry, and satellites and terrestrial systems working as computing nodes providing ubiquitous connectivity:

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#8 PERCEPTIVE SOFT ROBOTICS:

Unlike conventional robots, perceptive soft robots are robots with physically flexible bodies and enhanced perceptibility towards pressure, vision, and sound. These robots take advantage of state-of-the-art technologies such as flexible electronics, pressure adaptive materials, and AI, which allow them to perform highly specialized and complex tasks and deform to adapt to different physical environments. The emergence of perceptive soft robotics will change the course of the manufacturing industry, from the mass-production of standardized products towards specialized, small-batch products. In the next 5 years, perceptive soft robotics will replace conventional robots in the manufacturing industry and pave the way for wider adoption of service robots in our daily life.

#9 SATELLITE-TERRESTRIAL INTEGRATED COMPUTING

Terrestrial networks and computing systems provide digital services for densely populated areas, while no service is available in sparsely inhabited areas such as deserts, seas, and space. STC connects high-Earth orbit (HEO) and low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites and terrestrial mobile communications networks, achieving seamless and multidimensional coverage. STC also creates a computing system that integrates satellites, satellite networks, terrestrial communications systems, and cloud computing technologies. This way, digital services can be more accessible and inclusive across the globe. In the next 5 years, satellites and terrestrial systems will work as computing nodes to constitute an integrated network system providing ubiquitous connectivity. And beyond, we expect to see the future AI is shifting to the co-evolution of large- and small-scale models via clouds, edges, and devices:

#10 CO-EVOLUTION OF LARGE- AND SMALL-SCALE AI MODELS

The large-scale pre-training models, also known as the foundation models, are the grounding breakthrough technique from weak AI to general AI, which relatively boosts the performance of various applications using conventional deep learning. However, the merit in the higher performance and the drawback in the power consumption are not well balanced, limiting the exploration of largescale models. The future AI is shifting from the race on the scalability of foundation models to the co-evolution of large- and small-scale models via clouds, edges, and devices, which is more useful in practice.

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Apps

Viber, one of the world’s leading apps for f ree and easy communication, expanded its growth in the Philippines in 2021 through strategic and effective local partnerships that respond to the shifting needs of the users and allow them to explore how the app can be an integral part of their day-to-day life beyond calls and messages.

allowing users to make their chats more fun and creative with virtual masks and f ilters. In half a year alone, the app has recorded more than 7.3 million users adding Lenses to their photos, videos, or GIFs—and 56% of them are women. The 30-40 age group formed the largest segment of Lens users at 23%, followed closely by users in the 40-60 age group at 18%. Users under 17-years-old represented 13% of Lens users.

These partnerships have been Viber’s key driver for success, as the messaging app has recorded 57.37% growth in calls in 2021, with a 31% increase in the use of messages. Group chats grew 17%, while group chat messages saw a growth of 19%. What’s more interesting is that Viber has noted that over half of its users in the Philippines are part of the younger demographic, with 40% belonging to the 25-34 age group, followed by the 35-50 at 30%. Filipinos below 24-years-old have also started using the app more, making up 17% of its users, while the remaining 13% are 52-years-old and up.

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VIBER LENS Besides partnering with local brands and organizations, Viber has also introduced a new feature in June 2021 that’s poised to become a new favorite feature among users. Viber Lens adds the magic of augmented reality AR to the in-app camera, 102

“Viber is truly becoming an all-in-one app. It is not only a platform for users to express themselves, but it has also enabled them to transact and be entertained at the same time,” Tse shared. “What matters to us most is the user journey and how relevant we are to their daily lives. Our users remain and will always be at the foref ront of our developments.”

NO TO FAKE NEWS Given Viber’s performance in 2021, Tse is optimistic that Viber will move into 2022 in a position of strength. It will also continue to better understand and engage Filipino users with features, local partnerships, and content that resonate with them most. gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

For instance, the Philippines will choose its next leaders in the 2022 National Elections. At this crucial time, Viber is supporting the Filipinos’ right to vo te by partnering with legitimate sources of information to help combat misinformation. “The team is working hard to make sure that Viber doesn’t become a platform where fake news or misleading information is possible,” Tse said. “In terms of public content which you often see in our Communities, we are starting to increase moderation and resources in the country to ensure that we pick up information that is inappropriate and remove these in a timely manner.”

He explained that the pandemic has shown people how messaging apps like Viber makes things more eff icient— like how it cuts business travel costs now that anyone can reach out to their colleagues in a few clicks and how educators can maximize online chats to improve relationships with their students and the parents.

“As we continue to deal with our current reality, online communication will continue to strive, become more eff icient, and change how people communicate,” Tse said. “And these new realizations and habits will def initely influence our plans and impact our performance in 2022.”

2022 and beyond As more Filipinos are also looking forward to a better year in 2022, Tse also pointed out that the app will remain an integral part of the users’ lives in 2022, even when restrictions are lifted, and things are back to normal.

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FinTech

A new way to maximize bitcoin B

Pro, a brand new cryptocurrency token, is now ready to give Filipinos a new way to make money off their bitcoin. All over the world, cryptocurrency has exploded in popularity in recent years, and the Philippines has proved no exception to this phenomenon. It’s estimated that roughly a third of Filipinos own crypto assets, while about 53% of the population say they intend on investing in cryptocurrencies at some point. A big part of why Filipinos are attracted to cryptocurrency is that many see it as an additional way to earn money.

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Yet even top cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, have remained incredibly volatile. Although the cryptocurrency doubled in value from the beginning to the end of 2021 (from 1 bitcoin equaling roughly USD 20,000 to roughly USD 40,000), the cryptocurrency also reached highs as much as USD 69,000 and as low as USD 30,000. Bitcoin’s volatility is why new tokens such as BPro emerged as one of the most advanced tokens that bitcoin holders can handle in the cryptocurrency market. BPro has even historically outperformed Bitcoin by nearly 30%, thereby offering holders of the currency an extra avenue for income.

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pays 0.25% of its value on an annual basis back to the MoC protocol.

How BPro earns for its holders

BPro holders can even join the MoC Liquidity Mining program, where mining tokens are given out automatically to anyone holding BPro. This way, holders are involved in MoC’s governance process, and MoC tokens can be staked to earn even more.

BPro is enabled by the Money on Chain (MoC) protocol built by numerous bitcoin holders. The explicit purpose of BPro is to improve the performance of any bitcoin held while still giving holders complete control over their private keys. Software company IOV Labs maintains the RSK network that houses all the collateral/smart contracts that allow BPro to run.

Why BPro is a great option for Filipinos

Because the MoC protocol is collateralized by bitcoin, BPro is able to offer holders free leverage. Thus, if the price of one bitcoin goes up, the price of BPro is expected to increase a bit more. This lets users make larger profits if the market continues to move upwards (such as a bull run).

With many Filipinos looking to earn off of cryptocurrencies (especially as the pandemic prolongs), BPro is a great way for Filipinos to dip their toes into Bitcoin and maximize its earning potential.

BPro also allows holders to earn passive income through rBTC, the rewards token paid by traders doing BTC leveraged operations. rBTC is a cryptocurrency created by smart secure network RSK, usually generated through mining.

It’s worth noting that users can also hold the keys to their BPro in their own hardware wallets, meaning their funds are given the maximum protection against attackers or hackers (who usually opt to target centralized platforms).

Users also earn part of the MOC protocol fees. For example, every time a token like BPro is redeemed, 20% of the fees paid by every transaction go directly back to BPro, creating more value over time. Additionally, BPro

With BPro, Filipinos now have a safer and more costefficient way to begin their journey into bitcoin.

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Enterprise

Online-to-Offline Retail Tech A

imazing, the preferred retail data platform for mall management, has announced a strategic partnership with the Philippines’ leading IT consulting and O2O marketing company, M2Cash, enabling malls and retailers to digitalize their shopper campaigns and create seamless engaging shopping experiences in physical retail stores.

The partnership gives malls and large retail chains in the Philippines the ability to provide a better user experience for consumer campaigns, streamline their back-end operations and provide clear visibility of campaign performance and ROI. Retailers are looking for ways to future-proof their systems with the rapidly changing retail landscape as they used to face fragmented POS and manual systems for vouchers, draws and validation combined with high vulnerability to human error and fraud. The joint partnership enables large Philippines malls to leverage automation technologies and run a multitude of promotional campaigns February 2022

concurrently, delivering a new user experience while significantly lowering costs and raising efficiency.

successful shopping campaigns which are all as a result of a true omnichannel experience.”

“As the retail experience continues to evolve, automation at scale has been proven in powering sales with a high gross merchandise value and bringing about proven cost savings,” said Jun Ting, CEO of Aimazing. “Our partnership with M2Cash marks another major milestone for Aimazing as we continue to push the arc in providing solutions for retailers, brands, and shoppers through a highly personalized shopping experience in the Philippines. We have already seen clear visibility of real-time sales data and campaign results of the most

Carrying out shopping campaigns such as the 11.11 shopping experience in a live, physical mall setting has proven to be difficult in the past due to lack of data, and expensive and time-consuming integration. Retail automation simplifies the manual processes and allows physical retail to operate with real-time intelligence, and run campaigns such as live shopping events. It also creates seamless customer experiences, such as instant earn-and-burn for mall loyalty points and instant carpark redemption. With Aimazing, the simple plug-and-play

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Year as we gear up to drive footfall back into physical stores here in the Philippines,” said Chris Fong, CEO of M2Cash.

solution allows Philippines malls and retailers to easily track their offline transaction data and run their own promotional campaigns. “We want to offer a compelling omnichannel experience — this joint

partnership with Aimazing will take shopper engagement to the next level and build a strong digital ecosystem where both retailers and consumers can maximize their engagement. It is a win-win partnership for all parties involved just in time for the New

Digital trends in retail spurred by the pandemic have changed customers’ expectations of the experience. Aimazing had opened the door to more opportunities in the Philippines with a recent digital raffle and rewards program at Rockwell’s Power Plant Mall. The recent campaign saw sales at malls back to pre-pandemic levels, further creating an increase in active loyalty app users while significantly reducing customer service queues. In an ongoing campaign since August 2021, Aimazing will continue its partnership with the Philippines’ largest pharmaceutical brand, digitalizing its promotional campaigns and automating its offerings.

“Our partnership with M2Cash marks another major milestone for Aimazing as we continue to push the arc in providing solutions for retailers, brands, and shoppers through a highly personalized shopping experience in the Philippines.

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February 2022

Education

A Commitment to Accessible Education

HINMA Education, a fastgrowing network of schools in Southeast Asia, believes that access to quality education can make lives better for millions of underserved youth. Witnessing that many students are unable to complete their college degrees, the institution aims to make education accessible, particularly in some key growth areas across the Philippines. However, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, their unbreakable commitment to delivering quality education towards gainful employment for their students and graduates was severely challenged. “It was a very disruptive year for the educational sector. The pandemic made it very difficult for all types of schools, whether public or private, to fulfill their mission of educating their students,” said Christopher A. Tan, chief operating officer of PHINMA Education. February 2022

The institution, which operates nine tertiary schools in the country, recognized that flexible learning would be the way forward for students and teachers. While online education became standard for most educational institutions in the country, PHINMA Education’s unique market needed a different solution.

“We serve students from lower-income households, and many of them are not prepared well in their grade school and

Christopher Tan, Chief Operations Officer of PHINMA Education

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high school for college. They are more likely to drop out even under normal circumstances, and the big problem with distance learning is not so much the quality of education, but it’s the ability to complete the program,” explained Tan. The challenge for the institution is to generate creative and innovative approaches to manage these problems differently. They also need to make sure that the distance learning setup would be suited even for students from lowincome families. Thus, they launched Flex and RaDLearning, which rely on printed courseware, strong teacher support, and constant interaction with peers. This made the infrastructure that would enable them to connect with their students and faculty the utmost importance. They partnered with PLDT Enterprise and Smart for connectivity solutions that effectively support the digital learning gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

needs of their students and faculty members. Smart provided tailor-made Giga Study plans that further boost PHINMA Education’s pledge to ease the learning experience of students in the new normal. “Combining printed modules with remote coaching and the data plan from Smart helped us come up with an almost robust workable solution we can develop for these challenging times. We appreciate PLDT Enterprise for understanding the underlying principles that we cared about and for coming up with a very flexible plan that gave access to our key programs,” said Tan.

commitment despite these most difficult times,” said Jojo Gendrano, FVP and head for PLDT and Smart Enterprise. PLDT Enterprise recently introduced its Unbreakable Commitment campaign to highlight its partnerships with various organizations in the country to demonstrate how fostering partnerships could help companies thrive despite the obstacles they face and, in turn, contribute to the lives of Filipinos. The campaign also reinforces PLDT Enterprise’s unbreakable commitment to empowering organizations through the power of technology.

“Giga Study Plan has the key features of stability, scalability, and costeffectiveness. PLDT Enterprise was very generous in developing a program that gave enough bandwidth and access to our students, at the same time, really kept the costs low,” he added.

“Smart Giga Study Plans helped us promise our students that for this year, they do not have to worry about connecting to their teachers and classmates. That’s a very important message, especially in times of uncertainty and suffering. We promised our students that they are not going to be alone in going through their classes this year, and PLDT Enterprise helped fulfill that promise,” Tan furthered. “But one of the important values we see in this partnership is not just the technology but the strategic thinking that we can do together to solve complex social problems.” Through fostering partnerships that would help them navigate uncertainties, PHINMA Education Network was able to stay true to its unbreakable commitment to providing access to education to students despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“PLDT Enterprise heeds the call of the education sector for solutions that will enable students and educators to easily steer distance learning. We are committed to supporting the needs of our partners, such as the PHINMA Education, to empower them in maintaining their unbreakable

With the help of the right partner who successfully attends to the needs of its stakeholders, the institution can carry on its mission to educate and guide its learners no matter how unique and tough the journey will be ahead of the next normal.

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February 2022

Cyber Security

2022 Cyberthre Two years into the pandemic, Southeast Asia (SEA), like the rest of the world, is gearing up for a year of recovery in 2022. Companies and individuals of all ages are ready to revert back to a sense of normalcy, with backto-office, back-to-school, and back-to-travel policies currently being anticipated. But as witnessed this year, cybercriminals can target a variety of industries, from airlines, hospitals, government websites, banks, telecom companies, universities, e-commerce, and even social media giants through different sophisticated means. To give organizations and individuals a compass to help navigate the shifting cyberthreat landscape and secure the recovery phase of countries in the region, experts from Kaspersky’s Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT) reveal the top trends to look out for this year.

Decrease of Targeted Ransomware Attacks The times of pandemic coincided with the rise of targeted ransomware attacks worldwide focusing on the most valuable targets as well as interruption-sensitive businesses. February 2022

Some companies from SEA were among the victims of such attacks. However, with strong internationalcooperation and multiple task forces to trace ransomware gangs, Kaspersky experts believe that the number of such attacks will decrease during 2022. “The initial call was made by the US government, involving the FBI, and even offensive capabilities of the US Cyber Command. We anticipate that the attacks may resurface later, focusing on hitting developing countries with poor cyberinvestigative capabilities or countries that are not allies of the US,” says Vitaly Kamluk, director of Global Research & Analysis Team (GReAT) for Asia Pacific at Kaspersky. Given the geopolitical stance of some countries in Southeast Asia, it’s likely that there will be fewer or even no such attacks in certain countries from the region in 2022. Yet, broadly available hosting services offered by countries like Singapore and Malaysia, data center services, and infrastructure can still be abused by the targeted ransomware gangs. 110

Advanced Scam and Social Engineering One of the distinctive features of citizens of developed countries is an elevated feeling of safety. Higher expenditure on technology, including cybersecurity, generates a longterm feeling of safety online as well. As a result, the general population is less exposed to traditional cyberthreats — it’s just harder to find unprotected infrastructure or infect users. This is why the attackers focus on non-technology-focused attacks, exploiting human vulnerabilities, involving all sorts of scams via SMS, automated phone calls, popular messengers, social networks, etc. In Thailand, nearly 40,000 people were scammed with their bank accounts and credit cards showing inexplicable transactions. Scammers also used fake bank websites to steal the banking details of Malaysians last year. Impersonations against top e-commerce platforms in Vietnam were also used to trick users to send money. “This trend is fueled by automation of some services, such as automatic dialing and gadgetsmagazine.com.ph

eat Landscape automatic initial message delivery with expected followup action that triggers manual human-driven scam operation. We believe this trend will develop further in the future, including the production of victim-tailored documents, images, deep fake videos, voice synthesis. It’s possible that there will be a shift back from computer-assisted crime schemes (scams) to pure cybercrime based on a complete compromise of digital assets (user accounts, smartphones, personal computers). It is likely we will see the first attempts of such technically-advanced scams in 2022,” Kamluk adds.

and the source of the breach, the percentage of such cases has increased significantly in the past 2 years reaching over 75% according to our research,” Kamluk explains.

More Data Breaches by Unidentified Attackers

Cryptocurrency and NFT Industry Attacks

With the decrease of targeted ransomware attacks openly exposing stolen data and taking the responsibility for a breach, we will see the rise of stolen data being offered on the black markets.

By observing cutting-edge attackers with large human resources such as the Lazarus group and its subgroup BlueNoroff, Kaspersky researchers concluded that we can expect an even more significant wave of attacks on cryptocurrency businesses.

“In recent years, we observed that in many cases of data breaches the victims were neither able to identify the attackers, nor find out how they got compromised. Although there has always been a challenge to identify the attacker

Experts from Kaspersky believe it is not only a symptom of serious challenges that cyber defenders face but also a motivational factor and a signal for other passive cybercriminals to rush into the field of data theft and illegal trading. As a result, we shall observe more stolen databases, internal communications, and personal details stolen from various companies and traded on the black market.

Even the growing industry of NFT (non-fungible token) will be targeted by cybercriminals. This is due to the fact that countries in SEA are leading in terms of NFT ownership, with 111

the Philippines topping the list at 32% saying they own such digital assets. Among the 20 countries surveyed, Thailand (26.2%) ranked second followed closely by Malaysia (23.9%). Vietnam landed on the 5th spot (17.4%) and Singapore was 14th (6.8%). “From direct attacks on employees of cryptocurrency startups and exchanges through sophisticated social engineering, software exploits, and even fake suppliers to mass attacks via supply-chain software or its components (i.e., third-party code libraries) — we will see an increase of such cases. Additionally, we should see more incidents of NFT property theft in the coming years. Being a totally new area, this will cause a deficit in skilled police investigators that will result in an initial surge of such attacks,” he adds. In addition, experts from the global cybersecurity company expect that these attacks will not only have an effect on the global cryptocurrency markets but also the share price of individual companies, which will also be monetized by the attackers via stock market illegal insights trading. February 2022

Employment

Embracing Hybrid Work

he global shift to remote work due to the pandemic has completely transformed the way we work. As businesses navigate what the future of work means, it is clear that hybrid work is here to stay. This includes the Information Technology-Business Process Management (IT-BPM) industry, an essential sector to the Philippine economy. Cisco is committed to helping companies in the IT-BPM sector achieve their long-term hybrid work strategy securely and address key challenges in the transformation. The Philippines is considered a global leader in the IT-BPM Industry. Last year, IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) data showed that the sector contributed USD26.7 billion in revenue. In its commitment to empowering an inclusive digital future for all, Cisco, through its country digital acceleration program – UGNAYAN2030 – is working closely

February 2022

with industry leaders, the government, and the academe to achieve a shared goal in elevating the state of the IT-BPM industry. UGNAYAN2030 is looking to explore technological opportunities to increase Filipinos’ digital literacy, accelerate enterprise recovery, and strengthen local capacities for innovation. The IT-BPM industry is essential to the Philippine economy. It provides direct and indirect jobs for at least 5 million Filipinos and is expected to generate more openings by the end of 2022, IBPAP data reveals. However, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the shift to a work from home (WFH) set-up have highlighted some challenges that hamper the future of hybrid working. According to Llamas, concerns include the deployment of PCs to call center agents, talent generation, wellness and productivity, unequipped agencies, latency, and the lack of stable internet and technological resources. Through UGNAYAN2030, Cisco is currently advocating for long-term hybrid offshoring, grounded on the following pillars: connectivity, collaboration,

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and cybersecurity. This is achieved through a seamless technology experience that adopts (1) agile infrastructure for mobility and secure set-up for remote work, (2) safe space assurance to prevent the spread of COVID-19 through technology like facial recognition, contact tracing, low- to no-touch devices, voice commands, social distancing alerts and notifications, and (3) security and remote features to connect and protect users and devices whether they are working at home or in the office. Cisco aims to support the industry through technology that will help companies in the IT-BPM industry enhance security systems while championing performance and employee productivity at a minimal cost. “Ample technology infrastructure support, talent and culture development, as well as networking and partnership opportunities are crucial components to a successful hybrid work strategy to power an inclusive future in the IT-BPM industry,” Cisco says.

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Newsbytes

HP EASY INK NOW AVAILABLE IN PH HP is making technology more accessible with the launch of the first ink enrollment program in the country. Through Easy Ink, customers can now order HP cartridges online and have them delivered so they can continue enjoying high-quality printing. “HP understands that its customers have ever-changing needs in the new normal. Easy Ink brings convenience, speed, and accessibility so they can seamlessly continue printing without having to leave the home,” says Christian Reyes, Philippines managing director of HP Inc. The program enrollment is free and open to residents of the Philippines. Eligible printers should be newly purchased at Easy Ink partner websites such as Abenson and Electroworld and must have access to Wi-Fi for ink and toner monitoring. After purchase, customers simply need to click the Easy Ink enrollment box found at the respective online pages of

February 2022

Abenson and Electroworld. Once setup is completed, including making sure the printer’s Web Services are enabled, customers will enjoy the following benefits:

Doorstep delivery – Supplies can be delivered to customers’ doorsteps, saving time by negating the need to travel to a shop to make an ink or toner supplies purchase

Never run out of ink –HP’s Wi-Fienabled printers will automatically detect when printers are low on ink and send alerts so customers can purchase the required cartridges easily

“Easy Ink saves time, money, and is good for the environment. Customers can order their supplies any time and receive their cartridges via door-todoor delivery without added cost. Most importantly, they only get genuine HP cartridges that promise outstanding print quality,” said Reyes.

Cost savings – Customers will be able to better manage their purchases and enjoy discounts on inks and toners at any time with free delivery Genuine HP cartridges – With original ink and toner supplies, HP ensures outstanding and sustainable print quality, avoiding any downtime brought by printing errors or poor quality prints No commitment – No requirement for upfront payments or commitment to annual charges

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HP’s line-up of innovative Easy Ink Printers that are best for learning or working from home include: HP DeskJet 4175 HP DeskJet Ink Advantage 3776 HP DeskJet Ink Advantage 3777 HP DeskJet Plus Ink Advantage 6475 HP DeskJet Ink Advantage 2777 For more information about HP, visit HP.com.

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PETRON FUELS RECOVERY IN ODETTE-AFFECTED AREAS THROUGH ROBUST SUPPLY CHAIN

From its terminals down to its stations, Petron Corporation has demonstrated the strength and resilience of its operations amid challenges posed by typhoon Odette.

for fuel, especially from government agencies crucial in recovery and clearing efforts, as well as hospitals, power plants, airports, water facilities, among others.

In the typhoon’s immediate aftermath, all Petron import facilities and terminals were back online, continuously and safely working to serve the needs of the locals.

The company announced that nearly all its stations that sustained damages in Visayas and Mindanao have been fully restored and operational less than a month since the onslaught of typhoon Odette.

Petron’s terminals worked round the clock to meet the growth in demand, soaring by almost 200% in some affected areas.

Through its local teams, dealers, and the LGUs, Petron was able to identify the urgent concerns of vulnerable communities in typhoon-battered areas. The company, through its Petron Foundation and terminals, had already distributed canned goods in Mandaue and Mactan to about 3,700 families.

Petron’s on-ground teams worked double-time to fast-track the restoration and re-opening of stations that had to close down to undergo damage assessment and repair.

The oil firm also deployed additional tank trucks to accelerate the delivery process and reach more customers. It also made other adjustments like securing alternative source plants to ensure continuous and uninterrupted product replenishment.

Petron also remained in close coordination with its dealers to ensure order and compliance in its stations.

Repair works are still ongoing in a few more stations in Bohol, Cebu, and Siargao — among the hardest-hit areas by the typhoon. Despite the power outages, most Petron stations were still able to operate using generator sets. Petron had earlier assured the public of building up its product inventory to accommodate the high demand

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Newsbytes

TESDA ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF 2021 PHILIPPINE NATIONAL SKILLS COMPETITION HOSTED BY MITSUBISHI MOTORS Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) hosted the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s (TESDA) 2021 Philippine National Skills Competition (PNSC). The annual nationwide activity is designed not just to acknowledge individual technical excellence but also to cultivate transformative learning and international exposure among the youth and skilled professionals. From December 13 to 16, 2021, the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Training Center, inside MMPC’s Main Office and Plant in Laguna, served as the venue for the in-person event. The Japanese automotive brand also provided some

February 2022

mechanical tools and 10 test units including Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV). This was one of three competition formats employed by TESDA in response to the ongoing pandemic. After being postponed in the last 2 years, technical vocational trainees who emerged victorious in their respective regional legs finally got the chance to showcase their talents and grit. TESDA’s panel of experts and I.T. coordinators prepared a “Test Project” wherein they will be judged in various skills areas. “MMPC is honored to be a part of the 2021 PNSC. We are glad that we were

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able to share our world-class facility and equipment to further hone and put in display incredible, young talent. This is actually not the first time we have worked jointly with TESDA, in fact, a lot of our line workers are graduates of an Apprentice Program that we have established with them which dates back to 2013. So we are looking forward to even more partnership breakthroughs geared towards the betterment of the lives of Filipinos,” said Takeshi Hara, CEO and president of MMPC. “To all the participants, on behalf of MMPC, congratulations for making it through! And to the top performers, know that we will be in support as you go on to compete internationally.”

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The 4-day challenge concluded with a simple ceremony which was graced by TESDA’s National Skills Competition manager Exuperio “Perry” Jacinto as well as Laguna provincial director Czarina Dacuma, and MMPC vice president for human resources Marcelo Cenir. Assessments were tallied against predetermined industry benchmarks on a scale of zero (0) to three (3). The following were declared as the winners of the Automobile Technologies Transportation and Logistics leg: Gold - Region 2. ALDRIN V ULEP (Coach: Joel Dominador Canapi)

you took the courage to participate and demonstrate your unique skills. And more importantly, because you are here today to show your desire to get some experience when it comes to automobiles and aspirations to eventually work for this industry,” said Director Dacuma as she addressed the audience during her closing remarks. “I hope you were also able to develop camaraderie among one another. In the spirit of newfound friendships, my wish is for you to share with others all the new learnings you have gained from the latest technologies provided to you

by Mitsubishi in the past days. Because it is through that can we help our country grow and progress in the right direction.” The official awarding took place at the TESDA Complex in Taguig City on December 17, 2021. The champion, Aldrin Ulep, will undergo further training in preparation for the 46th World Skills Competition in Shanghai, China, scheduled for October 12 to 17, 2022. Over 60 member countries with their official representatives shall vie for the prestigious international recognition.

Silver - Region 1. MARK LUIS C. ANGEL (Coach: Jayvie Madayag) Bronze - Region 8. WARREN JAMES OLITA (Coach: Joever Amaro) “To all coaches, experts, and competitors, congratulations to all of you! Especially to our competitors, I would like to extend my gratitude that

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February 2022

Relic

RADIOSHACK Words by Jose Alvarez

ne of the most interesting places to go when I was a kid was RadioShack. a retailer that offered a varied lineup of products ranging from its original offerings, such as radio equipment for amateur/ ham radio, to calculators, eight-track tape decks, satellite dishes, speakers, TVs, and mobile phones accompanied by subscriptions to various providers.

This was all done in a rather small store size that averaged only 2,400 ft² (around 223 m²), but the advantage of this small store size is that you could place RadioShack practically anywhere you wanted it to be — you could squeeze them into malls and shopping centers without breaking the bank. Although there were no locations in the Philippines itself, there were RadioShack stores in Asia and every

February 2022

continent, but was most popular in North America and Latin America. RadioShack was a tale of yet another retailer that lost out to the popularity of e-commerce. But what did RadioShack actually do? Why was it so popular? In the 1920s, the radio was the preferred form of media, and almost every home had one. But RadioShack started out as a leather shoe parts supply store founded by brothers Theodore and Milton Deutschmann. The brothers then pivoted to radio by opening “Radio Shack” in Boston, Massachusetts. This was also the term for a small wooden structure that housed a ship’s radio equipment. started selling its own branded products by the 1950s. However, during the postWorld War II years, they were derisively referred to as “Nagasaki Hardware” as

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much of their merchandise came from Japan, then seen as a source of lowquality and inexpensive parts. By 1962, Radio Shack was bought by the Tandy Corporation for USD300,000 (around USD2.77 million today). Coincidentally, the Tandy Corporation was another leather goods company that then became an electronics retailer due to its purchase of RadioShack. Charles D. Tandy, the CEO of the Tandy Corporation, said, “We’re not looking for the guy who wants to spend his entire paycheck on a sound system... seeking customers looking to save money by buying cheaper goods and improving them through be argued that RadioShack was one of modify their electronic devices, much like we build gaming PCs today.

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The next big break for RadioShack came in 1982 when the Bell System was broken up into multiple companies as it was found to violate antitrust laws in United States v. AT&T. The breakup of 1, 1984. RadioShack capitalized on this by encouraging customers to own their landline phones instead of renting them from the local phone company. RadioShack offered over 20 models of home phones. By the end of the decade, the Tandy Corporation was also the largest manufacturer of PCs, and RadioShack was the world’s largest electronics chain. By 1991, the Tandy Corporation decided to shift away from what made RadioShack unique, although this was before the peak of the retailer itself. A number of business decisions, such as shifting its focus to consumer electronics, reduced already sold these products. By 1996, the commercial Internet was already available in homes, and many industrial parts suppliers sold their products online. It would take another decade for RadioShack to even start selling products from their website. In 1999, RadioShack

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was at its peak, operating mostly in North America, Europe, and Australia. By 2000, RadioShack had dropped the Tandy name and became RadioShack Corporation. The printed catalogs were discontinued in 2003. Some of the reasons why Radio Shack declined were the aforementioned slow adaptation of e-commerce, the growth of online retailers such as Amazon, and the increased pressure to step up sales. RadioShack had multiple changes in leadership after 1999 and mounting losses that forced it to continue to rely on mobile phone and mobile phone subscription sales. One notable point in the decline of RadioShack was their purchase of an ad in Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014. These 30-second ad spots sold for an average of USD4-million at the time. This was a last-ditch attempt for the retailer to become relevant again. Later that year, for bankruptcy; it was estimated that the retailer was losing as much as USD1.1 Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2015 and again stores than before.

February 2022

Volume XXII Issue V

February 2022

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/Contributors JOSE ALVAREZ CHRIS NOEL HIDALGO FRANCESKA AGUILA CHRISTINE SHEPARD

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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