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Samsung to ditch plastic for sustainable materials

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. announced that the company will start taking steps this year to replace plastic packaging materials with paper and other environmentally sustainable elements. From the first half of 2019, the packaging used currently for Samsung’s products and accessories – ranging from mobile phones and tablets to home appliances – will be substituted with environmentally sustainable materials like recycled/bio-based plastics and paper. To revamp product packaging, Samsung Electronics has formed a task force involving design and development, purchasing, marketing, and quality control for innovative packaging ideas. For mobile phone, tablet, and wearable products, Samsung will replace the plastic used for holder trays with pulp molds, and bags wrapping accessories with eco-friendly materials. Samsung will also alter the phone charger design, swapping the glossy exterior with a matte finish, and eliminating plastic protection films, reducing the use of plastics. The pla

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How phones can make or break a relationship

"Why weren't you answering your phone?!" This is probably one of those lines that we fear the most coming from our significant other. What's another one, you ask? Try replacing 'answering your phone' with 'replying to my messages' and you get the picture. While this might be a simple scenario, this is also one example of how miscommunication (or no communication) can ruin or nurture a relationship. And one of the solutions to this problem might just already be in your pocket. See, the mobile phone has come a long way from being just a calling and texting device. It is a full-fledged communication powerhouse that has become an extension of ourselves. A few decades ago, not being able to answer your phone meant probably not hearing it ring or having low battery. Nowadays, not getting back to someone means you probably ignored that person on purpose. B.S. (Before Smartphones) But it wasn't always like this. Two decades ago, back in the ancient times that is 1999, mobile phones were re

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CIMB eyes to become 1st all-digital, mobile-first bank in PH

CIMB recently announced the formal launch of its banking presence in the Philippines. Its flagship presence, CIMB Bank Philippines Inc. (“CIMB Philippines” or “the Bank”) aspires to be the nation’s first all-digital and mobile-first bank, promising to make banking simpler, more convenient, and truly hassle-free. The launch was held at the Manila House Private Members Club in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, and it was graced by BSP Deputy Governor, Chuchi G. Fonacier, and CIMB Group Chairman, Datuk Mohd Nasir Ahmad. “We are extremely pleased to begin serving customers in the Philippines," said Effendy Shahul Hamid, CEO of Group Ventures and Partnerships, CIMB Group. "This completes CIMB’s operating footprint in ASEAN and we look forward to bringing a truly differentiated and digital proposition to the market. Internet and mobile penetration in the Philippines remains one of the highest in the world, a clear sign of the progressive and modern society we hope to serve.” Sharing details

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Will cybercriminals hog the limelight in Year of the Pig?

With the new year (yes, we're talking about the Chinese New Year) just around the corner, Palo Alto Networks has revealed its cybersecurity forecast. What's in store for us in the Year of the Pig? Let us find out. Nasty business emails It has been evident that businesses are one of the top favorite targets by cybercriminals. Theft of login details has been the most common cases, and as time progresses, attackers have grown more confident and motivated in attacking both small and large organizations by posing as partners or internal stakeholders, resulting in a massive stolen amount of USD 12 billion worldwide. Most of that due to a nasty attachment in business emails made by the hackers who seem to have found crafty ways to bypass internal checks. That being said, it is best for businesses to assess their internal flow of information by means of implementing more comprehensive checks and approval processes, especially regarding resources. This year, measures such as two-factor or mu

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What's in store for phones this 2019? Argomall answers

There is nothing inconsequential that is happening in the tech scene, and it’s safe to say that the previous year is a solid testament to that. The year 2018 brought us new innovations that we didn’t think were possible years ago. While we’re grateful for all the tech boost that the last year brought, 2019 has even more exciting tech news and updates that await every smartphone enthusiast. Filipino online retailer, Argomall.com shares some of their predictions: Farewell, bezels! If you’re familiar with the tech-paranoia anthology Black Mirror, chances are you’ve already seen their smartphones which flaunt literally an all-screen display. 2019 might see the same display setup, since the tech scene has seen enough of different types of notches last year. This year, we’re seeing more smartphone brands following what Chinese smartphone manufacturers OPPO and Vivo did -- smartphones with simple, bezel-less, and a real all-screen display. Eye catchers Apart from being excited about smar

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Epson kicks off 1st EcoVision Short Film Competition

Epson, in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) and GREENducation Philippines, recently announced the launch of its 1st EcoVision Short Film Competition for students. The inter-school video-making contest aims to tap the artistry and creativity of Filipino students in raising public understanding of the environment and its conservation through the power of Public Service Announcement (PSA) videos. The competition aims to strengthen Epson’s commitment to the environment, as manifested not just through the innovation of reliable, recyclable, and energy-efficient products but also, its active participation in helping to inspire people to become more aware of pressing ecological issues. “As a tech company, Epson believes that the youth, as the future leaders of society, has the power to influence others in advocating for the conservation of the environment,” said Donna Ferro, brand and communications head of Eps

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Smart-backed apps aim to keep local cultures alive

As part of its advocacy of harnessing technology for education, PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications (Smart) officially launched its pool of mobile applications that promote literacy in the mother tongue. Dubbed as Digital Education For All: No Learner Left Behind, the event showcased five literacy apps developed by Smart in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), local stakeholders, colleges, and universities. These are the Bahay Kubo Tagalog app, Kaalam Cebuano app, Taallam and Tahderiyyah Arabic apps, and Matigsalug app for the Matigsalug tribe of Davao and Bukidnon. “Smart believes mobile technology is uniquely positioned to help facilitate learning opportunities, which is why we have tailored initiatives to help address the needs of our partner learning communities,” said Ramon R. Isberto, PLDT-Smart Public Affairs Group Head. Alphabet and number games, folk stories The Kaalam (Cebuano term for ‘knowledge’) app features folklore stories such as Ang Diwata sa K

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Print from mobile devices with HP ePrint and Smart app

Through ever-evolving digital technology and the Internet, people are discovering faster and more convenient ways of connecting with their loved ones from anywhere and sharing their adventures and experiences to millions of people around the world. This same boundless technology is what enables HP users to harness the capability of HP printers and put its power in the palm of their hands, wherever they may be. With the HP ePrint app and HP Smart app installed in their mobile devices, users can print almost anything, from anywhere, at any time, using their HP Photosmart network-capable printers with integrated wireless or Ethernet and selected HP Officejet printers. HP ePrint With the HP ePrint solution, users can easily print documents, presentations, and photos by attaching .doc, .txt or PDF files, PowerPoint files, or JPEG, TIFF, BMP, PNG, and GIF image files to an email message and sending this to the printer’s email address. The simple process does not require any printing sof

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Microsoft teams up with The Incubator at AIM

Grounded on its advocacy of helping develop startups worldwide, Microsoft Philippines announced its partnership with the Asian Institute of Management - Dado Banatao Incubator (AIM-DBI/The Incubator), which aims to strengthen The Incubator’s program by equipping Philippine startups with innovative solutions mainly powered by Microsoft’s cloud-based technology, Azure, through rhipe Philippines, Inc., its cloud indirect provider. The AIM-DBI is the Philippines’s first incubator housed in a business school that is also backed by the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIERRD). A physical space where startups create their technologies and run their businesses, it provides needs-responsive and progressive programs that are geared towards startups with science, technology or engineering backgrounds that introduce new alternative solutions to existing and emerging problems. With a thriving loc

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GOW bridges traditional banking and digital currency

GOW, a digital currency service provider licensed by the BSP under its subsidiary ETranss, is launching in Manila, Philippines this Q4 2018. Licensed to provide exchange services between legal fiat and digital currencies, GOW will be offering a variety of products and services that are set to be announced later this year, giving customers greater variety and real-world application. GOW differs from existing service providers as it aims to be the first major bridge between traditional banking and digital currency industries. It will service both retail and institutional clients, bringing new liquidity to the digital economy. As a provider of feedback on the SEC’s draft ICO policy and respondent to the draft in August, GOW plays a key role in spearheading best practices and standards for STO (Security Token Offerings) usage, especially in its capacity as a BSP Licensed VCE. Speaking of these developments, GOW Co-Founder and CEO, Tim Ying, said: "We began this journey with a simple goa

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