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    New NBCUniversal shows and exclusive content on iflix

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    After entering a multi-year content licensing deal with NBCUniversal International Distribution, iflix subscribers now have access to hundreds of hours of television programming from NBCUniversal’s (NBCU) portfolio, including over 20 first-run TV shows and popular catalogue titles.

    iflix now has exclusive premiere rights in the region to top NBCU TV series including the critically acclaimed Mr. Robot, fan favourites Difficult People and Hunters, and the highly anticipated fantasy series, The Magicians. Based on Lev Grossman’s best-selling novels, the new series will come to iflix in June. Each show will be available for the first time in the Philippines only on iflix.
    Also available on iflix are current hit programs including Downton Abbey, Grimm, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Bates Motel, 12 Monkeys, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, The Millionaire Matchmaker, and many more.

    iflix subscribers will also be able to binge on a huge selection of NBCU’s most popular catalogue shows, including every episode of the Emmy award-winning drama series House as well as Emmy winning and nominated comedy series such as 30 Rock, The Office and Parks and Recreation.

    Now available in Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines, iflix will continue to roll out its world-class service to key additional Southeast Asian markets in the coming months. Offering consumers thousands of first-run exclusives, award-winning TV shows, blockbuster movies, popular Asian content, kids programs and more, each subscription provides users unlimited access to the service on up to five devices, including phones, laptops, tablets, and television sets, for viewing wherever, whenever. iflix subscribers can also download TV shows and movies from iflix’s extensive library for offline viewing. The service is priced at only PHP 129 per month in the Philippines for unlimited access with no ads!

    For new subscribers, iflix offers a complimentary 30-day trial with full access to its world-class service, features and content, with no credit card or payment details required. Go to www.iflix.com to register.

    ROG Unleashed: Win an Asus Cerberus headset and mouse!

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    Missing out on all the Manila Major fun? Watch this year’s premier DOTA 2 tourney and get a chance to win an Asus Cerberus headset and mouse. Here’s how:

    “This will be our three-star mission that will be carried out by you. The Republic sees the potential in you so better make this count. Here are your objectives.”

    Day 3: Mission Briefing

    Mechanics:

    1. Like Asus Republic of Gamers Philippines FB Page.
    2. Watch our livestream here -> manilamajor-rog.com/vods
    3. Guess the newest ROG Laptop and Desktop featured in the ROG Booth
    4. Tell at least 2 main features for both the Laptop and Desktop
    5. Participants must share this post and use the answers as caption using hashtags ‪#‎JoinTheRepublic ‪#‎ManilaMajor ‪#‎MMRROGDay3
    6. The sole winner will be announced on June 28, 2016
    7. Winner will get a Cerberus Headset and mouse.

    For participants outside the Philippines, ROG Forum Registration is required. Register here at bit.ly/ROGPHForum.

    Quick Look: AOC I2781FH Monitor

    The AOC I2781FH is a gorgeous monitor that will look good in any professional’s desk. Like most products from the AOC line, the I2781FH features an IPS panel for 178-degree wide viewing angles with no color drops; Flicker-free backlight technology to lessen eye strain and discomfort; Dynamic Contrast Ratio of 50,000,000:1; and Clear Vision upscaling technology to turn standard definition content into high definition goodies. All these in a 9.9 mm thin form factor that’s premium built all throughout.

    Quick Specs:

    • Display: 27 inch Full HD IPS display with 16:9 aspect ratio
    • Technologies: Flicker-free, Clear Vision, Dynamic Contrast Ratio, Screen+ software
    • Response time: 5 ms
    • Brightness: 250 cd/m2
    • Contrast Ratio: 1000:1; 50,000,000:1 (DCR)
    • Viewing Angle: 178 degrees
    • Ports: Analog and HDMI
    • Power Consumption: 31 W (in use) and 0.5 W (standby)

    WSI Brings HP’s PageWide XL Printers in PH

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    Wordtext System Inc. (WSI) recently brought in HP’s PageWide XL Printers to our shores with the aim of providing businesses a reliable partner in boosting their productivity and competitiveness in the cutthroat industry.

    This large format printer series from HP combines the functions of two printers in one capable device, cost-efficient device. It is capable of producing monochrome and color prints at a breakthrough speed 60-percent faster than printers in its class, making it one of the fastest large format monochrome and color printers in the market today. With such printing speeds, it can significantly reduce job preparation and finishing costs up to 50-percent. It also uses pigmentation technology for its prints, making printed output smudge-resistant in the event it gets spilled on.

    HP’s PageWide XL Printer series models:

    • HP PageWide XL 8000 Printer – ideal for high-end production printing at speeds of up to 30 D/A1-size prints per minute as well as two 775 millilitre ink cartridges per color. It is capable of automatic switching of up to six rolls of media providing the user more than 3,900 feet (1,200 meters) of media for sustained productivity.
    • HP PageWide XL 5000 MFP – provides small to medium-sized repographic houses and enterprise CRDs mid-volume technical document production at up to 14 D/A1-size prints per minute as well as two 400 millilitre ink cartridges per color. Automatic switching of up to four rolls of media to streamline work.
    • HP PageWide XL 4500 MFP – enables cost and security conscious technical work teams, including architects and engineers, to securely print up to 12 D/A1-size prints per minute. Ideal for in-house print corners.
    • HP PageWide XL 4000 MFP – allows technical work teams and copy shops to produce 8 D/A1-size prints per minute, helping teams increase productivity.

    For more information about HP’s PageWide XL printers and their availability, log on to wordtext.com.ph or like follow WSI on Facebook at facebook.com/WordtextSystemsInc.

     

    Michelin boosts Porsche dream SUV drive event with Fill Up With Air safety campaign

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    Michelin boosted the Porsche Dream SUV Drive event last April 24, 2016 with its trademark road safety initiative called the Fill Up With Air campaign (FUWA).

    The Porsche Dream SUV Drive, a motoring event for Porsche Cayenne and Macan owners, was a point to point drive from Petron Dasmarinas Village, Makati City to Balay Dako Restaurant in Tagaytay City. Michelin, a long-time global partner of Porsche, provided free tire safety check-up for all participating SUVs before the take-off, paying close attention to the recommended tire pressures for each unit as a safety measure. Michelin shared more tire safety tips with car owners in Tagaytay City.

    Michelin Philippines team was led by Michelin Marketing and Communications Manager Caroline del Rosario and Intelligence/Pricing Manager Erlaine Castellano, together with Jimmy Gimeno from En-tire Car Care Center, distributor of MICHELIN tires.

    Fill Up with Air (FUWA) is a Michelin global initiative to increase public consciousness for road and public safety. Michelin and Porsche have a long-standing partnership globally and locally and have embarked on many joint initiatives together.

    Asus unveils ROG Strix GL502

    If the Asus Republic of Gamers GT51 tower is too big and bulky for you (as it was to us when we first saw it) then the ROG Strix GL502 notebook may be more your cup of tea.

    Asus ROG Strix GL502

    Coming in at a svelte 23.5 mm thin and 2.2 kg heft, the Strix GL502 is a definite lightweight with a heavyweight punch. It sports ROG’s signature fierce look on the outside, with the clamshell opening up to reveal a 15.6 inch IPS 4K or Full HD Nvidia G-Sync display and the illuminated chiclet keyboard with 1.6 mm travel distance and with highlighted WASD keys.

    Underneath the hood is up to an Intel Core i7-6700HQ processor clocked at 2.6 GHz paired with up to 32 GB of 2133 MHz DDR4 RAM; up to 2 TB hard disk or up to 512 GB solid state drives; and up to an Nvidia GeForce GTX 980M 8 GB graphics card.

    For the ins and outs, it has a combo audio jack, microphone in/headphone out jack, three USB 3.0 hubs, a USB-C port, an RJ45 LAN jack, an HDMI and mini Display port outputs, and an SD card reader. It also sports an HD webcam, Wi-Fi in either 802.11 b/g/n or ac interfaces, and Bluetooth 4.0. Audio is handled by Asus’ own SonicMaster technology.

    This portable gaming machine can be yours starting at a price of PHP 99,995.

    Quick Specs:

    • Processor: Intel Core i7-6700HQ or i5-6300HQ
    • Motherboard: With Intel H170 chipset
    • Graphics: up to Nvidia GeForce GTX 980M 8 GB
    • Memory: up to 32 GB DDR4 at 2133 MHz
    • Storage: up to 2 TB HDD or up to 512 GB SSD
    • Networking: 802.11 b/g/n or ac, Bluetooth 4.0
    • Audio: Asus SonicMaster Technology
    • Battery: 4-cell
    • Dimensions: 390 x 266 x 23.5 mm; 2.2 kg with battery
    • Price: Starts at PHP 99,995

    Samsung establishes new ways of learning in its first ever education summit

    Samsung Education Summit_1 (1)

    Samsung Electronics Philippines Co. held its first Education Summit last April 27, at Crowne Plaza Manila, initiating the crucial conversation on digitization in the education industry. Representatives from Samsung Philippines and Samsung Global, and different educational institutions – both private and government – participated in the conversation by expressing their views on various issues on education in relation to the digital age, and vice-versa.

    Education never stops evolving. Although the manifestations of such occurrence vary through time and place, indications of progress in the education industry are always present. Today, as the digital era is being ushered in, new ways of learning are beginning to emerge. For Samsung, one of these emerging trends is Smart Learning. Samsung Smart Learning promotes smarter education experience that is personalized, and that enables greater interaction, which are the needs of the students today.

    “Smart Learning is a movement that goes more than just simply readying the teachers and students for the complex and drastically-changing dynamics of our world today, it also aims to inspire them to become competent by equipping them with the necessary skills to adapt to changes, no matter how radical the changes are,” said Gary Khoo, Regional Head of Education in South East Asia & Oceania, Samsung.

    Samsung’s initiative to advance smarter education experience is its response to the ever-growing demands of the new learning world. Since the new learning environment is heavily integrated with technology, Samsung aims to provide greater access to technology to more students and teachers to help them succeed in the new era.

    Very recently, the K-12 program had begun to be implemented across all educational institutions in the Philippines, to aid students and teachers become more globally competent. Samsung sees this as the perfect opportunity to adapt to the new learning experience to further strengthen the students’ fundamentals and maximize their potential, thus inspiring achievement.

    “Digitization in the education industry is a multi-faceted notion that begs to be discussed and even debated about. As digitization assumes not just huge changes, but revolutionary changes, resistance to it is expected. We, however, recognize the need to adapt to changes such as these by advocating to implement them. In terms of progress, the education industry in our country still has a long way to go, but we’re definitely moving forward,” said Ireen Catane, Director for Enterprise Business, Samsung Electronics Philippines Corp.

    Committing itself to deliver success in education, Samsung innovated a complete education solution that’s specifically developed to enrich the teaching and learning experience. The entire education solution is integrated such that it works seamlessly to promote collaboration and dynamic engagement between the teacher and the students.

    Samsung has long started to drive new ways of learning by forging partnerships with various educational institutions to advance the use of technology in their classrooms. The Philippine Science High School is one of the schools Samsung has partnered with to drive the new way of learning along with Pasig Catholic College who has been implementing their Mobile Leaning Devise Program for three years now, which requires the students to use Samsung tablets for educational purposes.

    “Going beyond providing quality tablets for our teachers and students, it was Samsung’s guarantee to provide excellent post-purchase support that sealed the deal for us. With Samsung, we are able to promote improved educational approaches that empower our students and teachers with skills needed in the 21st century, said Virgilio Vivo, Director for Center for Institutional Information Technology, Pasig Catholic College.

    Samsung is recognized as one of the world’s largest technology companies that deliver a vast set of innovative products and solutions. This year, Samsung reinforces that recognition even further by initiating a deeper discussion on technology in terms of the new learning era, through the first Education Summit. Other than developing advanced solutions for the education industry, it is through efforts like these that Samsung proves its passion for education.

    SAP SE Launches SAP S/4HANA Service Packages

    SAP SE has made available the new SAP S/4HANA service packages to enable customers to easily deploy the different implementations of SAP Business Suite 4 SAP HANA and to also provide a platform for the adoption of future innovations.

    The service packages cover all project phases and scenarios of SAP S/4HANA, including system conversion, landscape transformation, and new implementations, as well as all deployment options of SAP S/4HANA, including on-premise, cloud, and hybrid..

    “It is not a secret that in today’s world, success depends entirely on how companies can transform themselves digitally to harvest the opportunities of this data-driven, hyper-connected environment. These offerings that are announced by SAP Digital Business Services will enable our customers to realize their digital transformation journey and are packaged to support our customers and SAP partners. This collaborative approach instils confidence in our customers as they move to the cloud, and establish SAP S/4HANA as their digital core,” said Chris Cheng, head of services of SAP Southeast Asia.

    The service packages combine diverse services and embedded support in four distinct offerings, each with an increasing level of engagement. It comprises SAP Active Embedded for planning and safeguarding of SAP S/4HANA; SAP Active Embedded for technical implementation of SAP S/4HANA; SAP Active Embedded for functional implementation of SAP S/4HANA; and SAP Max Attention for innovation with SAP S/4HANA.

    “With this latest announcement, SAP continues the successful evolution of its services and support offerings to more closely match customers’ wants and needs as they move to achieve the full benefits of implementing SAP S/4HANA,” said John Madden, IT services practice leader at Ovum. “Digital transformation is top-of-mind among SAP customers, and they need consolidated, packaged services and support, delivered reliably and quickly, to accelerate their digital projects.”

    Merlin Entertainments adopts SimpliVity’s Hyperconverged solutions

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    One of Europe’s largest entertainment companies, Merlin Entertainment recently upgraded its data center with Simplivity Hyperconverged infrastructures and has gained significant efficiency right after.

    After this revolutionary jump to Simplivity, the company has since dramatically reduced its capital and operational expenses (CAPEX and OPEX), while still reaping the benefits of high performance and availability for its business-critical applications. Merlin projects a three-year total cost of ownership (TCO) saving for its new theme parks and attractions, compared to alternative solutions, of 25-percent.

    The GPB 1.2 billion-worth organization is the largest European-based entertainment company. Globally, Merlin operates 110 attractions in 23 countries. Some of the most renowned and famous resort theme parks and midway attractions in the world are operated by Merlin, including Legoland resorts, Madame Tussauds, and Sea Life aquariums, among others.

    Merlin Entertainment enlisted Simplivity to streamline operations, simplify management, and free up its IT team to work on more innovative and business-progressing initiatives. It supports its revenue-critical retail systems, ticketing and admission systems, hotel management systems, and core IT services.

    SimpliVity is a hyperconverged infrastructure provider to combine all the functionality of an entire data center stack below the hypervisor—including compute, storage, network switching, replication, backup, and more—onto industry-standard x86 hardware. The company was founded on the belief that modern data centers need to be greatly simplified in order to function at the highest level of performance and efficiency, and deliver the greatest economical value to businesses.

    SimpliVity Hyperconvergence is available in the Philippines through its partner distributor, MSI-ECS. To learn more about it and how it can help your business, contact MSI-ECS at (02) 688-3509 / (02) 688-3501 or email them at [email protected]. Visit http://www.msi-ecs.com.ph or follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

     

    Suzuki Philippines partners with TOTAL to give away 3 Suzuki Ciaz units

    Suzuki Philippines partners with TOTAL to give away 3 Suzuki Ciaz units (1) (1)

    Suzuki Philippines and TOTAL Philippines are poised to make this summer unforgettable for their customers with a raffle promo that will give away 3 units of the all-new Suzuki Ciaz.

    Recently launched in the Philippines, Suzuki Ciaz is the biggest sub-compact sedan in its category and is packed with best-in-class fuel efficiency and other advanced features coupled with a sporty, elegant exterior design and redefined interiors. Whether a family man, an adventurous person, a young professional or a person with an active lifestyle, everyone will find the Ciaz perfect for his or her needs.

    The partnership between Suzuki, which is a leading manufacturer of compact vehicles and TOTAL, one of the largest integrated oil and gas companies in the world, gives loyal customers a chance to drive their dream car. Every P500 worth of fuel purchase at participating TOTAL gas stations from April 15 to July 15, 2016 entitles the customer to get one (1) raffle coupon. During the raffle draw, three lucky customers will be chosen to each bring home a Suzuki Ciaz GLX A/T car.

    “Suzuki has established its reputation for quality, versatility and innovation and has created a heritage of trust and reliability. Partnering with TOTAL will help us bring the brand closer to its customers and to let those customers experience one of our best-in class vehicles, the all-new Ciaz. This collaboration with TOTAL Philippines affirms our commitment to share the Suzuki Way of Life to a larger market. With this, we would like to encourage everyone to go to the nearest TOTAL gas station to get a chance to win an all-new Ciaz.” said Shuzo Hoshikura, General Manager of Suzuki Philippines for Automobile.

    PLDT, Smart to roll out LTE on 700 MHz frequency

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    Wireless services leader Smart Communications will start using this year the 700 MHz frequency as part of the accelerated deployment of its LTE (Long-Term Evolution) service, in order to more quickly deliver faster, more reliable and affordable Internet services throughout the country.

    “Our strategy has two legs.  First is the network.  Deploying LTE on 700 MHz combines a powerful frequency with the most advanced mobile phone technology,” said Joachim Horn, PLDT and Smart chief technology and information advisor. “Combined with other frequency bands, LTE on 700 MHz will help expand the coverage and enhance the capacity of our data network at a faster pace.”

    “Second are the devices.  We have been holding discussions with device manufacturers so that more affordable LTE smartphones and tablets using 700 MHz will soon be available in the country.  This combination of advanced network and devices will enable allow us to provide the best digital experience to our customers across the country,” he said.

    The low-band 700 MHz has a longer range and provides better indoor coverage than high band frequencies.  Smart gained access to this and other additional frequencies when Smart’s parent company PLDT recently acquired 50% of the telecoms business of San Miguel Corporation.

    LTE is the fourth-generation (4G) mobile phone technology that currently provides the fastest wireless data service commercially available.

     About 45%, of the subscribers of PLDT’s wireless brands Smart and Sun are now using smartphones, up from only 30% last year.  The majority of these are 3G/HSPA handsets, but the number of LTE handsets is rising fast as the range of available models increases and the handset prices decline.

    Globally, according to UK-based global analyst company CCS Insight, LTE devices shipped rose from 443 million in 2014 to 900 million in 2015. This year, LTE-capable devices are expected to account for half of all smartphone shipments worldwide, further rising up to about three quarters of the global market by 2020.

    “As LTE devices become more affordable and accessible, we are at the same time stepping up our efforts to deploy our LTE service using the most efficient set of frequencies,” Horn added.

    Smart is currently in the middle of a three-year network improvement program that includes a number of simultaneous initiatives.  One activity aims to synergize the mobile phone networks of Smart and Sun in order to improve the coverage and service quality for subscribers of both brands.  Another initiative is expand the roll out of Smart’s 3G and 4G services.

    In yet another activity, Smart has introduced to the country the next stage of development of LTE called LTE-Advanced (LTE-A),  also referred to as 4.5G.  Last April, Smart fired up the country’s first 4.5G service in the resort island of Boracay, using a feature of LTE-A called carrier aggregation.

    Through carrier aggregation, LTE-A combines two or more frequency bands to deliver bigger bandwidth to mobile phone users. This is like putting together several lanes of a highway so that vehicular traffic can flow more freely and at a faster rate. Using Samsung handsets capable of carrier aggregation, Smart posted data speeds of up to 250 Mbps in Boracay.

    “This technology will help address the increasing demand for LTE and high-speed mobile data,” Horn said.

    Smart’s drive to boost data coverage and capacity across the country forms a major part of the PLDT Group’s capital expenditure program. PLDT has set aside about P43 billion in total capex for 2016.  It has allocated an additional US$100 million for to utilize the additional frequencies now available to Smart as a result of the recent acquisition of San Miguel telecoms business.

    Asus Republic of Gamers launches monster GT51 desktop

    If you’ve always wanted a gaming desktop but lack the time or interest in building one yourself, then take a look at the Asus ROG GT51. This monster tower made an appearance at the recent 2016 Computex in Taiwan, receiving the Best Choice Award in Gaming for its eye-catching design, intuitive features, and frame-crushing innards.

    Asus ROG GT51

    Let’s talk about the specs first. It boasts an Intel Core i7-6700k processor overclocked out of the box to 4.2 GHz, up to two NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080s in SLI, up to 64 GB of DDR4 memory at 2800 MHz, up to 3 TB of platter and up to 512 GB of RAID 0 solid state storage, and up to a 700 W PSU rated 80+. All these are connected to a Z170 ROG Aura motherboard with six SATA 6 Gb/s ports; three PCIe x1 slots; three PCIe x16 slots; four DDR4 DIMM slots; high definition 7.1 channel audio; 802.11 ac2, Bluetooth 4.1, and NFC modules, and up to 1000 Gigabits LAN.

    For the Back I/O, you have an RJ45 LAN, PS/2, S/PDIF Out, six USB 3.0, two USB 2.0, and a combo audio jack. In the front, you have a headphone, microphone, USB 3.1 Type C, USB 3.1 Type A, and two USB 3.0 ports.

    Beyond what’s written on paper, what makes the ROG GT51 special are its battalion of gaming-centric features. First and foremost is its dynamic four-zone LED lighting which can be found at the front—the Asus ROG logo, the two strips at either flank, and the front air intake. The motherboard itself as well as the CPU cooling block also boast their own light show which can be seen through the windowed side panel.

    Asus ROG GT51 2

    To further help performance, the ROG GT51 features a liquid-cooler enabling it to remain cool even with the CPU boosted to 4.6 GHz. The graphics card(s) also get ample amounts of airflow through the turbine-inspired air intake at the front. Lastly, the front audio jack features an ESS Sabre headphone DAC and amp for the best possible audio experience.

    Finally, the ROG GT51 is ROG Band compatible, allowing users to enable rebootless overclocking and Shadow Drive hidden partition access all by tapping the Band at the Asus ROG logo.

    All these could be yours for a measly sum of PHP 229,995. Expensive? That’s just the price for the base model.

    Quick Specs:

    • Processor: Intel Core i7-6700K at 4.2 GHz; overclock up to 4.6 GHz
    • Motherboard: Z170 ROG Aura
    • Graphics: up two GTX 1080s in SLI
    • Memory: up to 64 GB DDR4 at 2800 MHz
    • Storage: up to 3 TB HDD and up to 512 GB SSD
    • Expansion Ports: six SATA 6 Gb/s ports; three PCIe x1 slots; three PCIe x16 slots; four DDR4 DIMM slots
    • Networking: 802.11 ac2, Bluetooth 4.1, NFC, 1000 Gigabits LAN
    • Audio: High definition 7.1 channel audio; ESS Sabre headphone DAC and amp
    • Optical Drive: Up to Blu-ray combo drive
    • Dimensions: 26.2 x 58.4 x 58.7 cm; 27 kg
    • Price: Starts at PHP 229,995

    You can check out its gaming notebook sibling, the ROG Strix GL502, here.

    Parade: Gamdias Eros Elite

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    Comfort is essential to an unprecedented gaming experience. With the featherweight Gamdias Eros Elite stereo gaming headset over your ears, you are set for some serious character ass-kicking.

    Its outstanding audio quality is thanks to a 50mm professional gaming-level NdFeB magnet driver units that provide vivid treble, clear and smooth alto, deep rich bass, and surround sound for more immersive gameplays. For no-sweat sessions, this audio gear comes built with Gamdias’ cooling structure that gives ultimate ear comfort for extended hours of play no matter the weather. Additionally, gamers will take joy in this headsets’ flexible unidirectional microphone, in-line controller, gold-plated 3.5mm connectors, and PS4 and Windows 10 compatibility.

    PHP 3,290

     

    Philippines hosts 7th Asia IoT Business Platform

    Key policy makers, government officials, telecommunication operators, solution providers, and local enterprises gathered at the Manila Marriott Hotel last May 23 and 24 as the Asia Internet of Things (IoT) Business Platform embarked on its seventh year. Through the conference, movers and shakers were able to discuss how the IoT phenomenon can be used to improve business insights and processes in the manufacturing, transport, logistics, city planning, healthcare, banking, and finance industries.

    JD Montelibano, the head of business applications from the IT-enabled services group of Globe Telecom, explained, “IoT has huge opportunities and unlimited use case that are relevant to the Philippine market. What solution providers must do is to understand pain points and problems in a local micro level. They also need to have platforms that are inter-operable with other systems to drive seamless integration through readily available APIs.”

    “More and more, we’re seeing IoT become part of the fabric of business, helping converge an organization’s assets, data, and processes with people and business systems. Today, this intersection is allowing enterprises to uncover new opportunities, create new business models and transform their operations—to become truly digital businesses,” added Herns Hermida, cloud and enterprise business group lead of Microsoft.

    According to Frost and Sullivan, the Philippines spending in IoT is forecasted to grow from USD 55.1 million in 2014 to USD 766.8 million in 2020. To educate end users on IoT adoption, Asia IoT Business Platform brought local and international vertical case studies from the likes of Yokohama City, DHL, Honda Motors, Nestlé, Telenor Connexion, and M-PESA.

    Additionally, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, and partners from ICTO-DOST, Globe Telecom, Maynilad Water Services, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Microsoft, Smart Communications, Inc., Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board, Bases Conversion and Development Authority, Manila Electric Company, Nosairis, Qlue, Dell, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Intel, ADLINK, Blue Wireless, Third Pillar, Eastern Telecommunications, Truphone, Stash, U.S. Department of Commerce, InfoComm Technology Association of the Philippines, Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Storage Networking Industry Association, American Chamber of Commerce, Open Connectivity Foundation, German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Spanish Chamber of Commerce were also present to explore IoT opportunities and challenges.

    Hottest digital lifestyle essentials from Power Mac Center fresh off the 20th Philippine Fashion Week

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    Coco Chanel once said that fashion is not something that exists in dresses alone. The sky, the streets, ideas and ways of life−even events−all constitute fashion. If that were to be believed in this age of wearable technology, then even the choice of gadgets and its accessories constitute fashion.

    Gadgets are extensions of their owners. It is not unusual, then, to express one’s personality by dressing them up as well. For inspiration, look no further than Power Mac Center’s stint at the recently concluded 20th Philippine Fashion Week (PhFW).

    The premium Apple partner unveiled on the runway its new collection of digital lifestyle staples like iPhone cases, bags, and Apple Watch bands. Power Mac Center, the Official Technology Partner of the Philippine Fashion Week, once again collaborated with some of the country’s renowned fashion designers to showcase the inevitable union of fashion and technology in the digital age.

    “It is an honor for Power Mac Center to be invited a second time to the country’s most anticipated fashion event. The visual feast it provides is the perfect backdrop for us to introduce our own ‘collection.’ This year, we made sure to carefully select functional pieces that complement the contemporary urban lifestyle,” said Joey Alvarez, Marketing Director of Power Mac Center.

    Wearables and mobile accessories take center stage

    Melchor Guinto X Misfit

    A series of shows within two days highlighted each of the featured brands and their partner designers’ collection. On Day 1, Misfit debuted at the Philippine Fashion Week stage with sleek, wireless personal activity trackers that can record even cycling and swimming progress. The all-metal accessories are tiny enough to wear anywhere and look elegant in Melchor Guinto’s “Enigma” collection. His sporty and elegantly edgy designs complement Misfit’s vibe, catering specifically to the young, active, and tech-savvy consumers.

    Randall Solomon X beyerdynamic

    Music enthusiasts looking for new audio products that match with everyday style must hear out beyerdynamic’s promise of an excellent sound experience. Its earphones and headphones, carefully finished by hand, embody the German brand’s passion for excellence and workmanship. On the runway, beyerdynamic was accompanied by Randall Solomon’s “Midnight Rose” collection, aptly representing the balance between love and mystery.

    Another newcomer at Philippine Fashion Week is Sonix, a global brand specializing in fashion accessories for style conscious girls. Sonix cases go beyond functionality into being statement pieces in themselves, much like Jerome Salaya Ang’s creations “Into The Unknown.” The play on textures and colors, coupled with unique decorations here and there, give out a whimsical feel that’s both modern and refreshingly youthful at the same time.

    Taking the spotlight on Day 2 was thecoopidea, a Hong Kong-based brand of laptop bags with designs that bridge the gap between functionality and style. The stylish bags offer shock protection for laptops, ideal for active types who still like to keep a modest look. This brand essence was effortlessly captured by Jeffrey Rogador’s “Prints and Patterns” with urban wear that evokes vibrance and youthfulness.

    Staging a comeback in the fashion special were Moshi and Case-Mate. Moshi featured its wide array of carryalls and gadget carrying cases, paired seamlessly with Sidney Perez Sio’s ensemble of his signature athleisure pieces. Moshi bags and cases were made from innovative materials like premium water-resistant fabric and vegan leather. The bags have cushioned compartments to protect laptops and plenty of pockets for chargers, cables, and other necessities − ideal for daily use or occasional business trips overseas.

    Completing Power Mac Center’s Philippine Fashion Week lineup was Case-Mate’s exclusive collection of beautifully crafted bands for Apple Watch. The collection incorporates handcrafted leathers and decorative crystals into the smartwatch mix, truly embodying the fashion-meets-tech concept. Each piece exudes Case-Mate’s signature style and sophistication, much like the clean and flowing lines of the dresses in Cherry Samuya Veric’s “Viva!” collection.

    The 20th Philippine Fashion Week was held on May 28-29 at the Discovery Primea in Makati City. Also gracing the event were Power Mac Center’s brand ambassadors Diego Loyzaga (Misfit), Jess Connelly (beyerdynamic), Sofia Andres (Sonix), Alex Diaz (thecoopidea), Robi Domingo (Moshi), and Chienna Filomeno (Case-Mate).

    Power Mac Center is celebrating its 22nd anniversary through a series of lifestyle events anchored on the arts, music, and fashion. More information about products and services may be obtained from the website www.powermaccenter.com or in their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube accounts.