Gadgets Magazine | The Philippines' First Tech-Lifestyle Magazine

Fly Business Class in 2025 with Maya!

Money

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23 Jan 2025

Jet off to your dream destination in ultimate style: reclining in comfortable seats with spacious legroom, savoring full-course meals, and sipping champagne as you soar above the clouds. That’s the magic of Business Class, and Maya is here to make it happen as they team up with the country’s flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL).

This Happy YOU Year, you can turn 2025 into something extraordinary and reach sky-high rewards just by using Maya daily. Fly anywhere, all year, in PAL Business Class!

Here’s How You Can Make 2025 Simply Extra

Get a shot at luxe trips to your dream destinations by racking up raffle entries with every PHP500 transaction from any of the following:

Spend with Maya to Earn Extra Savings

New year, new money moves! With Maya, every swipe of your card, QR payment, or online purchase isn’t just about spending — it’s about growing. Earn up to 15% on your Maya Savings, and snag up to 5% cashback on Landers purchases, 2% on dining, and 1% everywhere else with your Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card. Because why shouldn’t spending feel this rewarding?

Save big for your 2025 Adventures

That bucket-list trip isn’t going to pay for itself. Build your travel fund with Maya’s Personal Goals where you can get an instant 6% p.a. interest until January 31, 2025 or stash your cash in Time Deposit Plus to earn up to 5.75%. Your dream adventures just got a lot closer.

Borrow Money Without the Drama

Forget the stress of borrowing money. Maya Easy Credit’s got your back, letting you access up to PHP30,000 for monthly needs or emergencies. Bigger plans? You can get up to PHP250,000 funds for your 2025 goals.

Maya Personal Loan

Just hassle-free funds right at your fingertips. Take note that Maya Easy Credit & Personal Loan is subject to credit evaluation. To access this feature, all you need to do is continue using Maya for your everyday transactions.

Send Money the Cool Way

QR codes and numbers are so last year. This 2025, switch it up with Maya’s @username feature. It’s faster, cooler, and so much easier to remember. Sending money to your bestie or your fam has never looked this good.

Do It All in One App

Why juggle apps when Maya does it all? Cash in, pay bills, buy loads, and more – right from your phone. Its convenience meets efficiency, making 2025 your smoothest year yet.

What’s Up for Grabs?

You wouldn’t want to miss the prizes this Happy YOU Year:

Grand Winner: Mabuhay Miles for 12 Business Class Flights (8 Domestic, 4 International)
2 Runners-Up: Mabuhay Miles for 12 Business Class Flights (10 Domestic, 2 International)
2 Consolation Prizes: Mabuhay Miles for 12 Economy Flights (Domestic)

Ready to make traveling to your dream destination extraordinary? That’s the life Maya and PAL want for you.

Get started in making those transactions with Maya and rack up your entries. Whether you’re paying bills, sending money, or growing your savings, every move brings you closer to the skies. Your most extra year yet is waiting to take off. Visit maya.ph/happyyouyear to know more.

Terms and conditions apply. The promo is valid until March 31, 2025.

DITO is now the fastest mobile network in PH

Telcos

Gadgets Magazine 17

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23 Jan 2025

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DITO is now the fastest mobile network in PH

DITO Telecommunity, the fastest-growing telco provider in the country, proved its speed superiority in 5G and overall experience as independent mobile analytics company Opensignal awarded DITO as the Fastest Mobile Network in the Philippines, outranking Smart in the speed race.

Based on Opensignal’s October 2024 Mobile Network Experience report, DITO dominated the awards and won in 14 categories, exemplifying the young telco as the country’s most awarded and fastest in 5G speeds and overall experience.

In terms of speed, DITO sweeps all four-speed awards across overall and 5G. DITO confirms its superiority in 5G download speed, boasting a speed of 287.2Mbps, nearly double Smart’s figure trailing with 147.5Mbps and easily surpassing Globe’s 95.2Mbps. Users also see the fastest overall download speeds on DITO’s network at 34.6Mbps with the two telco giants Smart and Globe behind at 28.6Mbps and 20.9Mbps, respectively.

“Our Filipino users enjoy the fastest speeds on DITO’s network,” said Pierce Snyder, senior market research analyst at Opensignal.

Moreover, DITO was hailed as the No. 1 mobile network for overall and 5G Video Experience, Games Experience, and Voice App Experience. These awards measure how subscribers enjoy seamless standard-definition video streaming, gaming, and quality over-the-top (OTT) voice services.

To cap it off, DITO received massive recognition for its availability, quality, and reliability- a validation of DITO’s promise to provide accessible, reliable, and inclusive high-speed connectivity. DITO was recognized as the Philippines’ Most Available Mobile Network, both overall and 5G, Most Consistent Network Quality, and Most Reliable Network.

“DITO accumulates the most awards in this report,” Snyder said. “Having launched commercial services in March 2021, DITO now dominates the mobile network experience landscape,” Snyder added.

According to Evelyn Jimenez, DITO chief revenue officer for consumer business, these accolades are undisputable proof that DITO is disrupting the market with its products and services, further elevating the overall digital experience of Filipinos. Furthermore, she stressed that these awards highlight DITO’s 5G superiority as the sole telco in the Philippines with 5G Standalone (SA) infrastructure.

“From being the #1 Rated Mobile Network in the country by Ookla to now the Fastest Mobile Network, we’re honored and humbled to receive these massive recognitions, especially the fastest mobile network award from Opensignal, which all attest to our relentless commitment to excellence and innovation at DITO. These awards also show that we are leading the way in delivering the TRUE 5G experience in the country, offering high-speed and reliable connectivity,” Jimenez said.

“At DITO, our vision is to create a future-ready Philippines through our next-generation technology. These accolades validate our efforts to make 5G more accessible and a testament that despite the challenges of being a young telco, we’re on our way towards achieving the vision we stand for,” Jimenez concluded.

These wins show how DITO, at its infancy, is now disrupting the competition by providing the best overall experience and TRUE 5G standard, making high-speed internet affordable, accessible, and reliable for more Filipinos to experience.

Experience the speed of the Fastest Mobile Network in the country with DITO Mobile Prepaid Data Sachet 30. For only PHP30, enjoy 3GB of all-access data valid for 3 days, perfect for streaming, gaming, and more!

For more information, check out @DITOphofficial at Facebook and Instagram or visit https://dito.ph/.

Asialink, IFC reinforce MSME financing in PH

Enterprise

Gadgets Magazine 17

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23 Jan 2025

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Asialink, IFC reinforce MSME financing in PH

Asialink Finance Corporation (AFC), one of the leading financing companies in the Philippines, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets and a member of the World Bank Group, have sealed a partnership involving a USD130 million investment, with Paulton & Company acting as Asialink’s financial advisor for this transaction.

This partnership will empower AFC, Global Dominion Financing Inc. (GDFI), and South Asialink Finance Corp. (SAFC) to expand their lending capacity for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), allocating at least 60% of the funds to support women-owned or women-led businesses. For 27 years, Asialink has been driving economic growth by supporting MSMEs as it recognizes its role in reducing poverty and creating more job opportunities for Filipinos.

“Our partnership with IFC marks a significant milestone in our mission to empower MSMEs and drive inclusive economic growth,” said Robert B. Jordan, Jr., founder and CEO of Asialink Finance Group of Companies. “This collaboration will not only expand our lending reach but also enable us to bring our financial solutions to more entrepreneurs and local businesses across the country. By addressing the financing gap, particularly for women-led MSMEs, we are confident that this partnership will create lasting economic impact, foster gender equity in entrepreneurship, and further contribute to the growth and resilience of the Philippine economy.”

According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), many Filipino female entrepreneurs and business owners face challenges in starting and growing businesses due to difficulties in securing capital. The MSME sector has been a crucial support system for these women, with a significant portion of enterprises being women-led, highlighting the sector’s resilience and contribution to the economy.

Asialink is set to expand nationwide, with plans to open more branches by 2025 across the Visayas and Mindanao regions. Building on its support for 20,214 MSMEs last year, with 12,048 specifically provided to women, its partnership with IFC will boost its growth and outreach.

For IFC, the partnership will support their goal to drive financial inclusion in the country. Furthermore, the company is hoping to inspire other companies and institutions to support the MSME sector.

“Over the years, Asialink has been a driving force in empowering businesses across the Philippines, fostering growth and resilience in the SME sector. However, we recognize that many small businesses, particularly in underserved regions, still face significant barriers in accessing reliable and quality financing,” said Jordan. “With IFC’s support, we are poised to break down these barriers and expand our reach, ensuring that more entrepreneurs across the country gain the financial tools they need to thrive and contribute to the nation’s economic progress.”

The success of this collaboration highlights the shared commitment of Asialink and IFC to stimulate economic growth and elevate the availability of funding for the MSME sector in the Philippines.

To know more about Asialink’s partnerships and milestones, visit https://www.asialinkfinance.com.ph or follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AsialinkPhilippines?mibextid=ZbWKwL.

NEPCON China 2025: New business, new opportunities

Enterprise

Gadgets Magazine 17

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23 Jan 2025

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NEPCON China 2025: New business, new opportunities

NEPCON China is the leading B2B event in the electronics assembly field. It brings together leading industry brands, innovating new areas of IC packaging, attracting emerging companies to join, and integrating new resources in key fields.

Its concurrent, highly interactive events include conferences, competitions, award programs, and business matchmaking, providing an incomparable business networking and learning platform for expanding new businesses in fast-growth industries and regions.

It helps you to explore future opportunities in new fields, such as AI, humanoid robotics, and the low-altitude economy by learning about industry trends and gaining insight via face-to-face exchange.

Coming this April 22-24, 2025, to the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, NEPCON China 2025 is expected to exceed 45,000sqm of show space, attracting more than 500 exhibiting enterprises and brands, while hosting more than 20 industry-relevant and engaging summits and activities. Exhibitor segments of NEPCON China 2025 will showcase SMT, test & measurement equipment, dispensing & spraying equipment, smart factory, semiconductor packaging and testing equipment, electronic components, and more. The show will additionally focus on technologies and solutions for 3C, automotive electronics, wireless communication devices and systems, new energy, and rail transit technology with leading exhibitors including ASMPT, HANWHA, YAMAHA, ASYS, BTU, ERSA, Omron, TRI, QUICK, and GKG.

Added show floor highlights include the Japan Electronics and Automation Zone, Electronic Materials Zone, and the Semiconductor Packaging and Testing Live DEMO, among other specialty zones.

NEPCON China 2025 will showcase the latest in innovative products and technologies.

NEPCON ∞ SPACE is set to unveil a dedicated smart car disassembly zone, strategically designed to engage buyers from the smart car manufacturing supply chain. The showcase will feature a comprehensive demonstration line for packaging and testing processes, including the aspects of integrated circuits, optical modules, and power modules. In addition, the event will host Country Days, factory tours, and exclusive matchmaking sessions for overseas buyers from Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and other specialty regions, ensuring an impressive and engaging experience for all attendees.

If you are interested in exhibiting at NEPCON China, please contact:

Ms. Julia Gu
Tel: +86 21-2231-7010
Email: [email protected]

If interested in visiting NEPCON China, please contact:

Mr. Walden Li
Email: [email protected] , [email protected]
Mobile/WhatsApp/WeChat: +86 136-5125-1335

For more information, please visit www.nepconchina.com.

Facebook: @NEPCONASIA
Twitter: @Nepcon_Official
LinkedIn: @NEPCON ASIA

UPLB Economics Society sparks up energy economics discussion with Econvergence 2025

Education

Gadgets Magazine 17

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23 Jan 2025

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UPLB Economics Society sparks up energy economics discussion with Econvergence 2025

Coming back to the forefront of economic conversations is Econvergence, the country’s premier annual inter-high school economics convention hosted by the UPLB Economics Society. With this year’s theme—“ENERGIZING TOMORROW: Unveiling the Energy Crisis and Its Implications for Philippine Economic Development,” the Econvergence 2025 is geared up to address issues that delve into the intricacies of the country’s energy sector and its challenges in efficiency and sustainability. It is set on January 25-26 at the University of the Philippines Los Baños.

Powered by the goal to provide a platform to attainable economics education, it highlights the participation of the youth in meaningful and critical discourse through a set of intellectual competitions. These hearken to the calls of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal No. 7, “Affordable and Clean Energy,” and dissect the nation’s crisis in energy accessibility, sustainability, and its impacts on the environment. Through this, the event aims to reach reliable and strategic solutions for economic progress.

Now hosting its 20th run, around 200 participants from 21 High Schools across the whole country will be competing in this year’s set of contests, including Philippine Science High School – Main Campus, which has been the overall winner for six years consecutively. The categories include: Ekonomika Quiz Contest, Economics Teachers Convention, Poster-Making, Impromptu Speaking, Intellectual Encounter Debate, Essay-Writing, Mini Documentary Presentation, and Photo Essay. Winners from sub-events will receive medals, while overall winners will be awarded trophies and cash prizes.

The success of the event is consistently sustained by experts, establishments, and national institutions since its commencement. For this year, Econvergence is powered by Aboitiz Power Corporation and is co-presented by Project Padayon. It is in partnership with various organizations and local establishments and is regularly endorsed by major economic institutions including Pthe hilippine Economic Society, Junior Philippine Economic Society, the National Economic and Development Authority, the Philippine Competition Commission, and the Philippine Energy Efficiency Alliance.

Interested in navigating a community with a brighter future? Head on to the event’s Facebook page at @uplb.econvergence and UPLB EconSoc’s page at @uplbeconsoc to know more about Econvergence 2025!

Established in 1987, the UPLB Economics Society is an academic organization for Economics students in the University of the Philippines Los Baños.

Google boosts businesses with AI integration in Google Workspace

Enterprise

Gadgets Magazine 17

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22 Jan 2025

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Google boosts businesses with AI integration in Google Workspace

To help boost workflows in businesses, Google announces the inclusion of the best of Google AI within Google Workspace Business and Enterprise plans, bringing the latest generative AI capabilities to businesses without the need for further add-ons.

This move empowers businesses of all sizes to unlock the transformative potential of AI, boosting employee productivity, creativity, and innovation.

Here’s what’s unlocked by the integration of Gen AI in Google Workspace:

AI-Powered Workflows: Experience AI assistance across Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Meet, Chat, Vids, and more. Gemini streamlines workflows by assisting with tasks like summarizing emails, drafting documents, and generating creative content.
Gemini Advanced: Access Google’s next-gen AI model, Gemini Advanced, through the Gemini app. Gemini Advanced is better-suited for complex projects such as coding, research, and data analysis.
NotebookLM Plus: Enhance research and learning with revolutionary AI research assistant NotebookLM. Analyze complex topics, generate insights, and share knowledge based on your data and information seamlessly within teams.
Simplified Pricing: The inclusion of AI capabilities within existing plans simplifies pricing, making AI-powered work solutions more accessible to businesses of all sizes.
Data Security and Privacy: Google prioritizes data security and privacy with robust controls to ensure customer data remains protected and compliant.

AI capabilities will start rolling out to Workspace Business customers and to Enterprise customers, with updated pricing effective January 16, 2025, for new customers. For existing customers, monthly subscription pricing will be updated starting March 17, 2025.

To learn more about Google Workspace plans, head to http://workspace.google.com.

Agoda expands Eco Deals program

Travel

Gadgets Magazine 17

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22 Jan 2025

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Digital travel platform Agoda announced the launch of its fourth Eco Deals program at the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in Malaysia, expanding its ongoing partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). In line with the forum’s theme, “Unity In Motion: Shaping ASEAN’s Tourism Tomorrow,” this initiative supports the protection of wildlife and the conservation of critical habitats in Asia.

Agoda has set a donation target of USD1.5-million, surpassing the previous year’s goal of USD1-million in 2024. This year, the program is being expanded to include Japan and Korea, covering 10 markets in total. Similar to previous editions, Agoda will donate USD1 towards WWF`s conservation efforts for every program booking made at a participating hotel.

The Eco Deals initiative will fund a wide array of conservation activities, including restoring wetlands in Japan, protecting spoonbills in Korea, and ongoing projects such as advancing tiger conservation in Malaysia, protecting whale sharks in the Philippines, conserving elephants in Thailand, safeguarding saolas in Viet Nam, restoring ecosystems in Indonesia, developing urban wetlands in Laos PDR, and supporting rangers in Cambodia. The Eco Deals program will be open to consumers for bookings from January 20, 2025, to December 19, 2025.

As part of the Eco Deals framework for 2025, Agoda is also introducing the Sustainable Tourism Impact Fund in collaboration with WWF-Singapore and UnTours Foundation. The fund provides affordable and flexible investment capital to support change-making businesses addressing sustainability challenges in the tourism sector. Agoda is designating USD100,000 to the fund, with the potential to increase to USD150,000 upon reaching the USD1.5-million donation target.

Damien Pfirsch, chief commercial officer at Agoda, said, “With Eco Deals 2025, we are committed to doing even more to support efforts to protect Asia’s remarkable destinations and wildlife. In partnership with WWF, our goal is to ensure that future generations can explore the world affordably while preserving its natural beauty. The Eco Deals Program has been an important initiative for our hotel partners since its inception in 2022, offering them an accessible way to support wildlife protection and habitat conservation projects. Building on past successes, we are scaling up this year. This expansion creates enhanced opportunities for hotels to participate in this meaningful effort. Additionally, the launch of the Sustainable Tourism Impact Fund will provide crucial support to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), empowering them to adopt sustainable practices and contribute meaningfully to the tourism industry’s future.”

Through the Eco Deals program, hotel partners can offer customers discounted rates of up to 15%. In exchange, these participating partners receive the Eco Deals badge and are featured prominently across various Agoda platforms, including social media, banner promotions, customer emails, and in-app notifications, enhancing their visibility. Additionally, customers can easily find Eco Deals through Agoda’s dedicated landing pages, designed for seamless browsing on desktop and mobile devices.

The Sustainable Tourism Impact Fund is designed to provide investment capital to MSMEs in the tourism sector across several Southeast Asian markets, fostering innovation and advancing conservation to help shape the future of travel in a more sustainable way.

Under the fund scheme, eligible MSMEs seeking funding to enhance their sustainability efforts in the travel sector can apply for low-interest loans ranging from USD10,000 to USD 5,000. The fund is managed by UnTours Foundation, ensuring effective application and screening processes, while Agoda contributes financing, investment decisions, and mentorship, with WWF-Singapore assisting in environmental guidance and due diligence. Interested businesses can submit their applications via the fund’s official webpage at https://untoursfoundation.org/sustainable-tourism-impact-fund.

With its global network encompassing diverse accommodations, and experiences, Agoda furthers its dedication to a more sustainable future for travel. Collaborations with organizations like WWF and UnTours Foundation bolster Agoda’s efforts, ensuring a positive ecological and socio-economic impact can be made through every journey.

GRC Conclave discusses AI, cybersecurity strategies

Cybersecurity

Gadgets Magazine 17

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22 Jan 2025

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GRC Conclave discusses AI, cybersecurity strategies

Delegates of various tech-adjacent industries gathered at the Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Conclave on January 17, 2025, to tackle the issue of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and strategies to combat AI-driven threats.

The event, first-ever held in the Philippines at the Dusit Thani Manila Hotel, brought together 150 organizations across Information Technology (IT), Banking, Finance Services and Insurance (BFSI), Business Processing Outsource (BPO), and E-commerce sectors.

Salil Sankaran, president of Ampcus Group addressed tech leaders and regulators in his opening remarks saying, “It is not only our responsibility to grow our magnitude, but we will make sure that we do it ethically, we do it with utmost integrity, and sustainability is the goal of it.”

Keynote speakers included Robert Sanchez Paguia of the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), who spoke on his division’s role in cybersecurity and shared practical tips on staying safe online.

As the main implementing agency in enforcing laws on cybercrimes, the CICC created the Inter-Agency Response Center to receive complaints from the public.

Paguia shared a few tips on being protected online: 1) keep software up-to-date, 2) use an antivirus, 3) use strong alphanumeric passwords, 4) avoid opening attachments, or 5) links in spam emails. 6) avoid giving out personal information unless secure, 7) contact companies directly about suspicious requests, 8) be mindful on the URLs that you visit, and 9) keep an eye on bank statements.

“Most companies that suffer from attacks or data breaches, most often than not, they cannot recover anymore, they go bankrupt,” Paguia warned.

Department of Information and Communications (DICT) Undersecretary of Infostructure management, cybersecurity and upskilling Jeffrey Ian Dy warned that, “the barrier of entry for cyber-attacks has decreased because of AI.” He mentioned that the agency monitors up to 1.7 to 2 million threats a month.

Fintech

Banking and Fintech leaders John Patrick Lita (ING), Carlos Tengkiat (RCBC), Lawrence Ferrer (CIS Bayad Center), Marlon Sorongon (Maybank Philippines) discussed concerns in the sector, particularly scams and phishing schemes prevalent in the Philippines.

Ferrer pointed out that malicious actors continue to innovate, citing scam links in SMS messages as an example. This, he said, was why companies must adhere to the GRC guidelines.

Meanwhile, Sorongon emphasized the need to “continuously tell, inform, advocate, and share” about these types of schemes, “not just for employees but also for clients.”

Carlos Tengkiat, expressed his thoughts on AI, saying that it may help in the detection of fraud and could help users in where to invest. Since adoption of AI is similarly on the rise, Tengkiat shared that “[companies] should temper AI with human knowledge.”

Banks are also looking into utilizing AI to facilitate repetitive tasks, John Patrick Lita of ING shared. “We need to identify the specific requirements…needed that can [be] solved by the AI, like repetitive work.” Lita said.

Women in Cybersecurity and AI

Col. Francel Margareth Padilla-Taborlupa, spokesperson for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, emphasized in her talk the role of women in cybersecurity in extending opportunities for people to contribute to national security.

“Walang mahirap o mayaman sa information domain,” Padilla-Taborlupa said, highlighting citizens’ role in securing the Philippines digital space and combating fake news. “Cybersecurity is a strategic concept of national security,” she added.

The event also featured a panel with women pioneers in the cybersecurity and AI space, Mel Migrino (President of WiSAP), Majorie Labindao (AltPaynet) and Arlene Romasanta (Department of Natural Resources). Migrino said that women’s role in the area of GRC will be significant, as AI systems have biases in gender that may be overlooked.

As for roles in the ICT field and cyberspace, Labindao emphasized the need to “keep yourself updated” regardless of gender as the technological space continues to evolve and businesses start to embrace AI’s role in their operation.

As AI technologies make their way to consumers and companies, it becomes necessary to be united against cyber-threats and attackers.

In an interview, Ampcus cyber chief officer Deep Chanda said, “Companies today cannot just sit in one closed room and talk about security… these events are the best place to get united to share our thoughts, to share our problems and how to look at the next-gen tools, next-gen software developments, next-gen automations.”

Underscoring the event was the theme of trust and compliance between companies, regulatory bodies, customers and clients to build a safer, more secure technological future in the Philippines.

Sportradar: The impact of data, technology, and partnerships on global sports and fan engagement

Innovation

Gadgets Magazine 17

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22 Jan 2025

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Sportradar: The impact of data, technology, and partnerships on global sports and fan engagement

Much like any other industry, sports are now being transformed by technology — from how it is consumed by fans to how games are played with athletes and teams harnessing the power of data and analytics to improve performance and gain competitive advantage.

One of the companies leading the charge is Sportradar, a global sports technology company and pioneer in using data and artificial intelligence (AI) to elevate fan engagement and redefine the sporting experience. Through its commitment to real-time data analytics, immersive technologies, and hyper-personalized content, Sportradar is building a sports ecosystem where fans are more connected to their favorite games than ever.

“Our mission at Sportradar is to transform sports into a more interactive and enriching experience for fans worldwide. No matter where you are, we strive to bring you closer to the action, offering deeper insights into every play and new ways to engage with your favorite teams and athletes,” Ben Turner, head of sports content and partnerships APAC & head of global basketball.

“With our innovative technologies, data-driven solutions, and strategic partnerships with leading sports leagues and federations, we are dedicated to closing the distance between fans and the game. Our mission is to craft unforgettable, immersive experiences that bring the excitement and energy of sports to everyone, everywhere—while simultaneously supporting the growth of the industry and advancing the development of its athletes.”

Innovating coaching and scouting with Synergy

One of Sportradar’s flagship solutions is Synergy, a platform that has transformed coaching, scouting, and performance analysis across basketball leagues worldwide. It hosts the world’s largest archive of basketball video and statistical data, enabling teams to analyze player movements, shot patterns, and overall team dynamics at a granular level. This data-driven approach empowers coaches, scouts, and analysts to make precise, evidence-based decisions that shape team strategy and drive player development.

Synergy, widely used by the NBA and national basketball teams, including the Philippine team, is trusted by over 40 leagues globally for advanced analytics in basketball. Now expanding its capabilities to baseball, Synergy is set to revolutionize player evaluation through a groundbreaking multiyear agreement with Major League Baseball (MLB). This partnership increases event coverage from 3,300 to over 20,000 games annually, including top amateur and high school events. Leveraging Sportradar’s AI-powered technology, Synergy transforms vast data from video into detailed metrics and insights, empowering both basketball and baseball organizations to streamline player evaluation, enhance decisions, and develop future stars with unmatched precision.

“With Synergy’s vast database of player statistics and video clips, teams can identify trends, assess opponents, and fine-tune their game plans with remarkable accuracy. By allowing teams to tailor training programs and refine tactics, Synergy is helping to elevate the competitive standard of basketball and baseball leagues worldwide,” Turner explained.

Reaching fans everywhere

Sportradar’s partnerships with major sports organizations, including NBA, MLB, and UEFA highlight its commitment to transforming fan experiences globally. As the NBA’s official data provider, Sportradar delivers accurate, real-time game statistics, fundamentally enhancing how fans engage with basketball. From preseason to playoffs, fans can access live updates on player metrics, team movements, and advanced analytics, creating a dynamic, data-driven viewing experience.

Sportradar’s latest NBA solutions further enhance this engagement with innovations like the Virtualised Live Match Tracker, which provides 3D, real-time visualizations from customizable angles; NBA Advanced Visualisations, offering in-depth player insights through heatmaps and metrics; and 4Sight Streaming, combining AI-enhanced broadcasts with real-time stats and predictive analytics to make fans active participants in the game viewing experience.

Empowering sports leagues is also a priority for Sportradar, as seen through our extensive basketball platform, which is a suite of solutions supporting leagues to collect and display data as well as delivering automated broadcasting platform-connected live games to fans worldwide, featuring graphic overlays, live commentary, and in-depth analysis without requiring on-site production. Used by leagues like the LNB France and NBL1 in Australia, it democratizes sports access, ensuring that fans everywhere can enjoy high-quality broadcasts, stats, and content regardless of location.

“By providing real-time data and advanced analytics, we empower fans to engage with their favorite games in a more meaningful way. Our solutions not only deliver real-time

insights but also allow fans to personalize their viewing experience. We believe that the future of sports lies in creating deeper connections between fans, teams, and the game itself. As we continue to expand our offerings, our commitment remains clear: to transform the way sports are experienced and celebrated around the globe,” Turner said.

As Sportradar continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in sports technology, the message is clear: we are entering an exciting era where data and innovation make sports more engaging and accessible than ever. With each game, fans become more than just spectators; they are immersed in a dynamic, data-driven world where they can interact, analyze, and celebrate every moment of play.

OPPO Reno13 Series 5G coming soon to PH

Smartphones & Tablets

Gadgets Magazine 17

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22 Jan 2025

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Leading global smart device brand OPPO is set to introduce the latest in its line of innovative and trendsetting smartphones built for discovery and exploration, the all-new OPPO Reno13 Series 5G.

Coming soon in the Philippines, this highly-anticipated AI Portrait Expert from the renowned OPPO Reno Series is yet another groundbreaking smartphone that will take creativity, performance, and exploration to another level.

Designed for those who seek out new pursuits and thrive on innovation, the OPPO Reno13 Series 5G combines cutting-edge AI technology and smartphone functionalities with a sleek, durable design, making it the ultimate companion for Filipinos.

#ClearUnderwater – Experience the ultimate underwater mobile photography: IP69 Waterproof Rating for Underwater Adventures

The OPPO Reno13 Series 5G is the first in its class with an IP69 waterproof rating, allowing you to dive into creativity like never before. Capture stunning underwater photos and videos at depths of up to 2 meters for 30 minutes in freshwater without a protective case.’

#ReliveTheVibe – A Phone for Every Creator and All Types of Content

The OPPO Reno13 Series isn’t just a smartphone; it’s a creative tool too. AI-powered features like AI Livephoto and AI Reimage let you add artistic flair to your photos and videos so if you’re documenting a stunning landscape at sunrise or sunset, capturing your travel experiences, or showing off your OOTDs, the OPPO Reno13 helps you tell your story in vivid detail.

#PerfectCoreMemories with AI-Powered Cameras

Equipped with a 50MP main camera and AI Portrait Mode, the OPPO Reno13 Series 5G transforms everyday moments into professional-quality photos. It comes equipped with astounding AI tools such as AI Clarity Enhancer and AI Reflection Remover which ensures your images are crisp, clear, and flawless. With its 50MP selfie camera, you’ll always look your best in social media-ready portraits.

Design That Inspires: Butterfly Shadow Effect

The OPPO Reno13 Series 5G features OPPO’s unique Butterfly Shadow Design, combining matte and glossy textures for a look inspired by nature’s elegance. The lightweight, ultra-thin build ensures both comfort and durability, making it perfect for adventurous travels or stylish evenings out. Every detail, from its aerospace-grade aluminum frame to its seamless glass back, reflects OPPO’s commitment to premium craftsmanship.

Get ready to discover and explore new horizons with the OPPO Reno13 Series 5G! The ultimate AI-powered phone is coming soon to the Philippines, ready to redefine how you capture, create, and connect. For more information on OPPO Reno13 Series 5G, visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com.ph/ or OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

PLDT Home offers up to 1Gbps speeds for an extra PHP500/month

Networks & Storage

Gadgets Magazine 17

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22 Jan 2025

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PLDT Home offers up to 1Gbps speeds for an extra PHP500/month

Upgrade your existing PLDT Home Fiber plan to speeds of up to 1Gbps for as low as PHP500 monthly until January 31, 2025.

This new year, elevate your digital experience at home and be among the first to experience gigabit internet with PLDT Home’s limited-time offering. As a special treat, PLDT Home is letting customers on Fiber Plans 1699 and higher enjoy speeds of up to 1Gbps until December 31, 2025.

Gigabit speeds deliver up to 10 times faster than the average 100Mbps connection for households so families get to enjoy high-speed connectivity for multiple users at home. Moreover, families can also ensure consistent and reliable connectivity across multiple and high-bandwidth smart home devices.

Back in 2013, PLDT Home was the first telco in the country to provide 1Gbps fiber-to-the-home broadband service. In early 2024, PLDT Home ushered the Philippines into a full-scale Gigabit era with Gigabit Fiber broadband plans that can deliver speeds of up to 10Gbps. Only a handful of developed countries, including South Korea, Japan, and the United States, are offering these speeds.

As the pioneer of next-generation fiber plans, PLDT Home continues to set the standard for telco innovations in the country as it further elevates its product portfolio and improves customer service and loyalty programs. With the nation-widest and most robust fiber infrastructure that spans over 1.1 million cable kilometers of international and domestic fiber, PLDT Home remains the most reliable broadband and digital services provider in the country.

Supercharge your home with speeds of up to 1Gbps with the PLDT Home Speed Add-On. Simply add P500 to your monthly bill to enjoy this upgrade.

To avail, text “PLDT BOOST” to 225687. You may also reach out to any PLDT Home sales channels online and in-store or visit pldthome.com/speedaddon to know more.

SPOTTED: Share this billboard and win a brand new HONOR X9c 5G

Smartphones & Tablets

Gadgets Magazine 17

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22 Jan 2025

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Leading smart devices provider HONOR Philippines took pride in its first-ever billboard. Staying to its innovative and out-of-the-box concepts, a mechanical billboard for the toughest phone can be seen along EDSA-Kamuning. Capture it, and you might just win your very own HONOR X9c 5G!

“We’re very proud of our growth. We started two years ago, and our progress has been unstoppable. Now, we’re launching our very first billboard and we’ve got something for our HONOR fans. Spot and share to win an HONOR X9c 5G,” said HONOR Philippines vice president Stephen Cheng.

Check out how the toughest phone performs in this GADGETSLAB review.

Spot and Win and HONOR X9c 5G Billboard Contest

From January 16 to 31, you can get a chance to WIN a brand-new HONOR X9c 5G in just three easy steps!

1. Like and Follow HONOR Philippines Social Media Pages (FB, IG, TikTok, X)

2. Take a video or photo of the HONOR X9c 5G billboard

3. Post and answer the question; “Why do you deserve to win an HONOR X9c 5G?” and tag three of your friends with the hashtags: #HONORX9c5G #TheToughestPhone #AllAngleTripleDefense #SpotTheToughestPhone

The winner will be announced on February 5, 2025, via HONOR PH’s Instagram Story.

A BRAND-NEW ROLEX DATEJUST Watch is still up for grabs when you pre-order HONOR X9c 5G until January 24 for only PHP16,999! Run to any HONOR Experience and Partner Store or online via Lazada (https://bit.ly/Laz_X9c_PR), Shopee (https://bit.ly/Shop_X9c_PR) and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/TikTok_X9c_PR).

For more affordable payment options, the HONOR X9c 5G is also available through installments via TikTok Paylater with the same freebies until January 24, 2025.

For more information and exciting announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

Congratulations to the winners of the ‘Merry vivo Christmas’ raffle

Smartphones & Tablets

Gadgets Magazine 17

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22 Jan 2025

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Congratulations to the winners of the ‘Merry vivo Christmas’ raffle

What a way to wrap up the holiday season! vivo capped off the festivities with the grand draw of the Merry vivo Christmas Raffle last Friday, January 17, 2025.

Four lucky winners were selected, each receiving fantastic prizes. One of them was drawn as the grand prize recipient, taking home the highly coveted NEW vivo X200 Pro, vivo’s latest flagship smartphone!

The winners were filled with excitement over their fantastic prizes, while the grand prize winner reveled in a moment of victory—perfectly ending a season filled with joy!

The luckiest of them all

Merry vivo Christmas grand prize winner, Mrs. Leslie Marchan from San Juan City, couldn’t believe her luck when she won the raffle for the vivo X200 Pro smartphone.

“I couldn’t believe it. In my mind ‘Legit kaya ito?’” Leslie laughed. “I feel excited to receive this news and I can’t believe I won the raffle,” she said with a wide smile.

A long-time vivo fan, Leslie had purchased numerous vivo smartphones for her colleagues in the past, impressed by the brand’s proven reliability and superior quality. “They also trust the brand because of its reliability and durability, which is widely known in the smartphone industry.”

Her husband was no exception. Leslie added, “My husband is also a vivo user, and I see that he is very happy with the brand’s quality and reliability for his daily use.”

Leslie expressed her enthusiasm for the new X200 Pro, especially looking forward to testing out its powerful 200MP ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera’s capabilities!

More smiles with Merry vivo Christmas prizes

A season-ender made even merrier as the winners are set to receive their much-anticipated prizes!

Christian Jay Antonio from Cebu will be turning up the volume this year with a brand-new Bluetooth speaker.
Lady Lee Barillos from Quezon City is the proud winner of a vivo Watch 3, bringing style and smart convenience to his everyday life.
Rey Salahit from Davao can now enjoy seamless music experiences with his new TWS 3e earbuds.

The winners of the Merry vivo Christmas promo have been notified through registered mail, email, and SMS, with their names proudly shared on vivo Philippines’ official social media pages.

Stay excited for a Merry Year!

vivo extends its thanks to everyone who joined in fun of #MerryvivoChristmas! It made this holiday season extra special for many Filipinos and vivo fans. Whether it’s unwrapping a new vivo device or sharing the joy with loved ones, vivo continues to deliver smiles and meaningful moments.

As 2025 unfolds, vivo fans can look forward to even more exciting promotions and events. Make sure to follow vivo Philippines on Facebook, Instagram , YouTube, X, and TikTok to stay updated!

Cisco AI Defense secures the AI transformation of enterprises

Cybersecurity

Gadgets Magazine 17

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21 Jan 2025

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Cisco AI Defense secures the AI transformation of enterprises

Cisco, the leader in security and networking, has announced Cisco AI Defense, a pioneering solution to enable and safeguard AI transformation within enterprises. As AI technology advances, new safety concerns and security threats are emerging at an unprecedented speed, which existing security solutions are unprepared to protect against. Cisco AI Defense is purpose-built for enterprises to develop, deploy, and secure AI applications with confidence.

“Business and technology leaders can’t afford to sacrifice safety for speed when embracing AI,” said Jeetu Patel, executive vice president and chief product officer, Cisco. “In a dynamic landscape where competition is fierce, speed decides the winners. Fused into the fabric of the network, Cisco AI Defense combines the unique ability to detect and protect against threats when developing and accessing AI applications without tradeoffs.”

The stakes of something going wrong with AI are incredibly high. According to Cisco’s 2024 AI Readiness Index, only 35% of those surveyed in the Philippines feel fully equipped to detect and prevent unauthorized tampering with AI. The security challenges are also new and complex, with AI applications being multi-model and multi-cloud. Vulnerabilities can occur at the model or app level, while responsibility lies with different owners, including developers, end users, and vendors. As enterprises move beyond public data and begin training models on proprietary data, the risks only grow.

To unlock AI innovation and adoption, enterprises need a common layer of safety and security that protects every user and every application. AI Defense enables enterprises’ AI transformations by addressing two urgent risks:

Developing and Deploying Secure AI Applications

As AI becomes ubiquitous, enterprises will use and develop hundreds if not thousands of AI applications. Developers need one set of AI security and safety guardrails that work for every application. AI Defense helps developers move fast and unlock greater value by protecting AI systems from attacks and safeguarding model behavior, across platforms. The capabilities of AI Defense include:

Discovering AI: Security teams need to understand who is building applications and the training sources they use. AI Defense detects shadow and sanctioned AI applications across public and private clouds.
Model Validation: Model tuning can lead to toxic and unexpected outcomes. Automated testing checks AI models for hundreds of potential safety and security issues. This AI-driven algorithmic red team identifies potential vulnerabilities and recommends guardrails in AI Defense for security teams to use.
Runtime Security: Continuous validation safeguards against potential safety and security threats such as prompt injection, denial of service and sensitive data leakage on an ongoing basis.

Securing Access to AI Applications

As end users rush to adopt AI applications like summarization tools to improve their productivity, security teams need to prevent data leakage and the poisoning of proprietary data. AI Defense enables security teams with:

Visibility: Provides a comprehensive view of shadow and sanctioned AI-enabled apps used by employees.
Access Control: Implements policies that restrict employee access to unsanctioned AI tools.
Data and Threat Protection: Continuously safeguards against threats and confidential data loss while ensuring compliance.

Unlike safety guardrails built into individual AI models, Cisco delivers consistent controls for a multi-model world. AI Defense is self-optimizing, leveraging Cisco’s proprietary machine learning models to detect ever-evolving AI safety and security concerns based on threat intelligence data from Cisco Talos. Splunk customers that are using AI Defense will receive enriched alerts with additional context from across the entire ecosystem. AI Defense integrates seamlessly with existing data flows for unparalleled visibility and control and is built into the Security Cloud, Cisco’s unified, AI-driven, cross-domain security platform. It leverages Cisco’s extensive mesh of enforcement points to perform AI security at the network level in a way only Cisco is optimized to deliver. Accuracy and trustworthiness are essential for protecting enterprise AI applications, and Cisco has been actively involved in developing AI security industry standards, including those from MITRE, OWASP, and NIST.

“The adoption of AI exposes companies to new risks that traditional cybersecurity solutions don’t address,” said Kent Noyes, global head of AI & cyber innovation at World Wide Technology. “Cisco AI Defense represents a significant leap forward in AI security, providing full visibility of an enterprise’s AI assets and protection against evolving threats.”

AI Defense is the latest in a series of AI-driven security innovations from Cisco, including Cisco Hypershield. Cisco AI Defense will be available in March for enterprises to safeguard their AI transformations. For more information, visit cisco.com/go/ai-defense.

G-SHOCK limited edition Ouroboros-inspired GST-B400CX-1A rings in the lunar new year

Wearables

Gadgets Magazine 17

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21 Jan 2025

0

G-SHOCK limited edition Ouroboros-inspired GST-B400CX-1A rings in the lunar new year

G-SHOCK, the iconic leader in innovative timekeeping, proudly unveils its latest limited-edition creation: the GST-B400CX-1A Ouroboros-Inspired Timepiece. Designed to honor the auspicious Chinese New Year and the Year of the Snake, this extraordinary watch embodies G-SHOCK’s signature blend of craftsmanship and cultural celebration.

Ouroboros-Inspired Design

From the G-STEEL series, fusing metal and resin in tribute to the Year of the Snake, the limited edition model, GST-B400CX captures the essence of ancient symbolism with a modern twist.

The timepiece is based on the slim profile of the GST-B400 and features an Ouroboros motif, an ancient snake symbol representing infinity and immortality, both considered to be auspicious symbols of good fortune. Adorned with a silver metal bezel, sleek black dial, and striking gold accents, the design offers a versatile aesthetic for both formal and casual occasions.

As a tribute to the Year of the Snake, the watch boasts intricate snake patterns on the side buttons and components at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions. The case back is engraved with a special illustration of the Ouroboros, symbolizing limitless potential.

High-Level Functionality

True to G-SHOCK’s commitment to innovation, the GST-B400CX-1ADR delivers high-level functionality with Bluetooth® and solar power technology, while significantly reducing power consumption by optimizing energy efficiency. Large stainless-steel buttons ensure user-friendliness, while the model’s resin band, silver case, and contrasting bezel finishes create a refined, textured look

The GST-B400CX-1ADR is more than a watch—it’s a timeless celebration of heritage, design, and technology, making it the perfect accessory for ushering in a prosperous Year of the Snake.

The GST-B400CX-1A is priced at PHP26,620 and available for purchase at G-SHOCK stores and online. Sign up for CASIO ID to purchase.

On top of that, from 20 January 2025, FUKUBUKURO Bags will be made available for purchase at PHP9,990 both online and in G-SHOCK stores. These FUKUBUKURO Bags are lucky bags filled with surprises. Stand a chance to draw special models including the special year of Snake Ouroboros model GST-B400CX or CASIO timepieces worth PHP16,000 to PHP26,000.

Unleash unlimited potential and ring in the new year with infinite possibilities, and auspicious fortune with the exclusive FUKUBUKURO bag. Available while stocks last. Terms and conditions apply.