Maribelle M. Alba
Managing Editor
#GIRLBOSS
Être fort pour être utile
@bellealba
@hisnameisren
PRESY ALBA
MIA CARISSE BARRIENTOS
EDITOR-AT-LARGE I don’t travel light, I lug too many gadgets, I can walk for miles exploring and I never say no to the local fare.
A bibliophile fascinated with tech. Also a walking fangirl dictionary.
@presy1121
@miaissocoollike
THERESA ELORIAGA
Jewel Sta. Ana
STAFF WRITER
Garmonbozia.
Nope, I don’t have a pawnshop
@theresaeloriaga
@monsterjewfloat
JAEL MENDOZA
She holds a sketchpad on one hand, and a music sheet on the other hand @jaellaura_m
ARNEL DORIA
Consultant, Mobility Section
Marketing guru. Automotive industry veteran. Road safety advocate.
JOSE ALVAREZ
RONEL BAUTISTA
CONTRIBUTOR
100% Pusong Malabonian
Jose loves football, video games, computers, and history, but not necessarily in any order.
GRAPHIC Artist
@sailorapollo11
@josealvarez
CONTRIBUTOR
Cineaste. Audiophile. Gadget addict.
Martin is a freelance writer, website developer, business developer, and an avid gaming and esports enthusiast.
@gerry.g626
President & CEO
Maribelle Alba
Sales AND ADVERTISING MANAGER Account executive
Marisa Consuelo
Accounting manager Accounting Staff
Maritess Pascua-Maulion Lorie Bernardo
Carol Agabin
HR & ADMIN MANAGER Administration Staff
Amy Christine Giray Ramil Almojano Clifford Dela Paz
PR & MARKETING STAFF DIGITAL CONTENT PRODUCER
Paula Candoy Jerico Lutrania
Legal Counsel
Alba Law Office
GADGETS Magazine is published monthly by Great Minds Media Inc. Address all correspondence to Unit 801-802, The One Executive Office Bldg., #5 West Ave., 1104 Quezon City. Our telephone number is: 288-8588 Our website is: www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph
All unsolicited manuscripts, illustrations and photos submitted must be accompanied by a stamped self-addressed envelope if they are to be returned. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Every care is taken to ensure that the content of Gadgets is fully accurate; however, the publisher and printer assume no responsibility for the effects arising therefrom. Gadgets Magazine is a registered trademark of Great Minds Media Inc.
MARTIN LUKE PATIÑO
GERRY GAVIOLA
CONTRIBUTOR
JUNE 2018
ASSOCIATE Editor
ART DIRECTOR
GRAPHIC Artist
2
Ren Alcantara
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
@midnyt17
www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph
CONTENTS
JUNE 2018 | Volume 18 No. 10
06
Parade
Set your sights on these cool gadgets!
25
GadgetsLab
Find your next entertainment device here.
30
Top 5 Underrated Movies
Get a pen and a notebook, you’re in for an treat!
38
Plunge into the Future of Entertainment
44
46
54
59
What’s App Can’t get enough of apps? You’re in the right place.
MiCab
No booking fee and surcharge, sign us up!
The Vivo X21 is a one-piece wonder.
50
Man for the Job Meet HMD Global Philippines country manager Shannon Mead.
www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph
Mobility: Make way, awesome steeds coming through!
Road Safety: Blind Spots
Find out how to eliminate the dreaded blind spots here.
JUNE 2018
3
66
Soothing the Savage Beast Get your headphones out!
74
Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime
70
Beat Saber What’s cooler than light sabers? This is.
76
Fate/Grand Order Play the game, save humanity.
72
Hogwarts Mystery You’re a muggle no more.
86
Fiery Style Fiery good food.
Play this game with your loved ones.
90
Bits and Bytes Stay in the tech loop.
4
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Enterprise Suit up and ready your firmest handshake.
www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph
PARADE
Sony Bravia A8F
OLED TV
The much-awaited 2018 Sony Bravia series has finally arrived in the country, and part of the lineup is the A8F. At the heart of the OLED TV is a 4K HDR X1 Extreme processor that produces stunningly vivid subjects, at the highest quality. Consisting of 8 million self-illuminating pixels, the A8F creates unprecedented contrast, giving its users a new viewing experience. It also showcases Sony’s Acoustic Surface technology, where sound comes right from the screen, and engages its audience more. This smart TV also gives you smart functions, allowing you access to various content and apps through advanced voice control.
www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph
JUNE 2018
5
Sony Xperia XA2 Ultra Smartphone
Engineered for amazing selfies, the Xperia XA2 Ultra features a dual front camera system that includes a 16 MP Exmor RS with Optical Image Stabilisation and an 8 MP Exmor R, 120-degree super wide-angle sensor. In tandem with its front flash, the XA2 Ultra produces clear shots regardless of lighting or environment, and its large sensor is capable of ISO 12800 sensitivity for better low-light photography. 4K movie recording and the 120 fps slow motion feature allow you to preserve memories and highlight moments in a snap. For reviewing recordings, photos, and consuming content, it has a 6-inch, Full HD, virtually borderless display with a wide and accurate colour gamut for a top-notch viewing experience. Security is handled by a one-touch rear fingerprint sensor. Meanwhile, its “loop surface” design is composed of anodized aluminium on the sides, with the same recognisable diamond-cut finish on the top and bottom from previous Xperia models. It is fitted with a 3,580 mAh battery which works with Sony’s smart charging technologies to regulate and analyze power consumption and charging cycles, making for a long-lasting battery life. On top of these, the lot is run by Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 SoC, ensuring seamless performance and easy multitasking.
PHP 22,990
6
JUNE 2018
www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph
Starmobile Uno F301 Feature phone
Starmobile’s Uno F301, is a fresh and modern take on the classic clamshell design that everyone loved during the early 2000’s. Showcasing a 1.8-inch colored screen, the Uno F301 comes with a built-in cover that protects the phone from scratches and accidental falls. It can fit right into your pocket, thanks to its compact size. The flip phone also has features such as an FM radio, VGA camera with flash, and AllConnect Quad Band GSM connectivity that gives you wider and better coverage anywhere you go. Oh, and it costs less than a thousand. What a steal!
PHP 899
Panasonic Lumix TS7 Digital Camera
If you’re looking for a rugged digital camera for your actionpacked adventures, then the Lumix TS7 is for you! Waterproof up to 102 meters, with drop and freeze protection up to 6.6 feet and 14 degrees fahrenheit, the TS7 raises the bar for adventure photography. The 20.4-megapixel MOS sensor captures smooth 4K video at 30 to 24 fps, and gives outstanding results even in low light. There’s also the built-in 28 mm wide-angle lens with 4.6x optical zoom that provides shooting versatility. It comes with a 3.2-inch rear LCD, with a 1040k-dot resolution screen, and a 0.2-inch electronic viewfinder for more serious action photographers. Lumix TS7 is also equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity for swiftly sharing your memories online, and in-camera USB battery charging. It’s tough, small, and shoots photos—everything you need for your next adventure.
www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph
JUNE 2018
7
MSI GS65 Stealth Thin Gaming Laptop
From one of the leading names in PC hardware comes a device that will surely capture every gamer’s attention. Living up to its name, the GS65 Stealth Thin features a 15.6-inch FHD IPS display with 4.9 mm thin bezels, achieving a stunning 82 percent screen-to-body ratio. It is equipped with an 8th generation Intel Core i7 processor, GeForce GTX 1070 graphics, and the MSI Cooler Boost Trinity design that offers uncompromising gaming performance. Aside from its elegant design with gold accents, the newest model of the Stealth series has 16 GB of RAM, with an additional 512 GB of SSD storage. The Stealth Thin also has long battery life that lasts more than eight hours, and a USB-C port for charging and fast data transfer.
PHP 134,995
HTC U12+ Smartphone
The Taiwan-based tech company has an up-and-coming flagship phone that you should look forward to. Sporting 6 GB of RAM and a massive 128 GB of internal storage, the HTC U12+ allows more space for apps, multimedia files, and demanding mobile games. Splitting from this year’s mobile trends, the HTC U12+ comes with a 6-inch WQHD+ Super LCD6 display instead of an OLED screen. Adventure seekers will love its IP68-rated water and dust resistance, as well as its Boomsound-powered speakers for superb sound quality, even outdoors. Its heart is a Snapdragon 845 chipset running Android Oreo, and it has a microSD slot for up to 2 TB additional storage space. It also adapts two dual-camera setups, with two front-facing 8-megapixel wide-angle lenses up front, and 12-megapixel wide-angle + 16-megapixel telephoto rear cameras. With support for quick charging, you can top off the HTC 12+’s 3500mAh battery in no time at all.
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Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Smartphone
Dubbed as the camera beast, the Redmi Note 5 flaunts a dual camera setup with 12-megapixel + 5-megapixel camera sensors and wider apertures, giving stunning photos even in low light. Users can also count on its powerful Snapdragon 636 chipset and a processor with a clock speed of 1.8 GHz, 4 GB RAM and 64 GB of internal memory, beefy 4000 mAh battery, and 5.99-inch FHD+ display that features an 18:9 screen ratio. With an attractive price point, this newest smartphone in the Redmi line definitely crushes other competitors in the market.
PHP 11,990
NVIDIA GTX 1050 3GB
Graphics Card
The American GPU designer and manufacturer unveils its newest model that will cater to the needs of gamers who are on a tight budget. With a faster base clock of 1392 MHz, the 3GB edition of GTX 1050 delivers similar gaming performance to higher-end GPUs. Although the latest addition to the GTX 10 series has a lower memory bandwidth of 84 GB per second, it still bears the same memory speed of its predecessors, and with 760 CUDA cores to its name. Specifically tailored for PC gaming, the affordable graphics card supports simultaneous multi-projection, NVIDIA’s Ansel, G-Sync, and GameStream. With a maximum resolution of 7680 x 4320 at 60 Hz RGB through dual DisplayPort connectors, getting an immersive gaming experience is now absolutely possible.
www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph
JUNE 2018
9
HP Elitebook x360 Laptop
HP has tweaked some of its premium business machines. Living up to its name, the latest version of the Elitebook x360 is flexible in terms of design and performance. Its body is now 10 percent smaller, and thinner compared to its predecessor, with a 13.3-inch UHD touchscreen display with Corning Gorilla Glass and thickness up to 14.95 mm. Created for long-term usage, the device is built to US Military standards which further ensures its durability. The high-end model offers a 7th gen Intel Core i7 processor, supports LTE, has fast-charging technology, responds to your calls and texts through a dedicated software, and has optional PCle Gen3 SSD storage. It weighs little, but it does a lot.
HP Envy Curved AiO All-In-One PC
This desktop is more than just a machine. As one of the first to feature Amazon’s Alexa, the updated Envy Curved AiO features an advanced soundbar with a neat-looking volume ring, co-developed with Bang and Olufsen, in a classy wood grain finish. Aside from its huge, and visually appealing 34-inch curved screen, this versatile computing machine has plenty of smart features, including support for voice-activated commands, a wireless charging pad with a Thunderbolt 3 connector, and a pop-up web camera. At the heart of the AI-powered PC is an 8th-generation Intel Core i7+ processor, accompanied with a GeForce GTX 1050 GPU. It’s also the first of its kind to use a pre-installed hybrid storage system with SSDs. As for the memory, the Envy Curved AiO boasts up to 16 GB of RAM.
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Spigen Classic C1 Smartphone Case
Travel back in time and reminisce the compact personal computers that Apple had once produced. Inspired from iMac’s G3, the C1 bears the iconic translucent bondi-blue color that made the mini-PC popular during the 2000’s. Revealing what appears to be the components of the iPhone X, this plastic case has an inner dual-layered rubber lining, giving your device protection from accidental falls and bumps. It’s also pocket-friendly too!
Spigen Classic One Smartphone Case
This limited-edition case especially tailored for iPhone X users lets you go back to basics. Say hello to the past, while getting your phone a new yet familiar look with the Classic One. Reliving the simplicity of the iPhone 2G, the plastic case is a beautiful throwback to the very first iPhone model. The classic look of silver and black is constructed with the Spigen’s signature dual-layer structure, which protects your precious phone from everyday scratches and bumps.
www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph
JUNE 2018
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Acer Switch 5 Laptop
Dubbed as the world’s lightest laptop, the latest model in the Swift series cuts down on bezels and upgrades its screen to a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS touch screen display. Acer’s trademark, Color Intelligence technology, also gives a livelier impact to your viewing experience. Shipping with 16 GB of RAM and configurable to a whopping 1TB of SSD storage, Swift 5 will also have 8th-generation Intel core processors which makes it a compact yet powerful machine. Users can also have plenty of connection options through the single USB-C gen 2, two USB-A 3.1, and HDMI ports. Also, it comes with an SD card reader. Weighing only less than 1 kg, the Swift 5 is ideal for people who are always on-the-go.
Acer Switch 7 (Black Edition) Convertible Laptop
Small but definitely incredible, the Acer Switch 7 offers its users flexibility and freedom. The CES 2018 Innovation Awards Honoree has a self-deploying kickstand, and a dual LiquidLoop fanless cooling system in its compact metal shell. As its name suggests, the device can be used as a standalone tablet for creative projects, or a full-blown notebook. Running an 8th Generation Intel Core i7 processor, the limited black edition offers smooth performance together with 512 GB of SSD storage topped with 16 GB RAM. It also comes with NVIDIA GeForce MX150 graphics, a 13.5-inch full HD+ screen, and Windows 10 Pro on deck, which gives you more than you’d expect from a convertible. You even get a fingerprint scanner right on the device’s lens for stellar security.
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Acer Predator X27 Gaming Monitor
Acer once again delivers a cutting-edge monitor in the Predator X27. This display is the first in the market to have a 4K HDR display with Nvidia’s G-Sync technology, for smooth, tear-free graphics. Its full 10-bit HDR support, epic 1,000 nits of brightness, 144 Hz refresh rate, and a whopping 3840 x 2160 resolution make it the best monitor in the Predator line. Thanks to the adaptation of an AU Optronics IPS panel and the Quantum Dot system, the 27-inch monitor can respond even to the most demanding RPG and FPS games.
www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph
JUNE 2018
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Razer Core X
External GPU Enclosure Transform your lightweight laptops into gaming powerhouses with this external GPU Enclosure from the gaming authority, Razer. Giving your devices a massive graphics boost with the ability to connect a desktop GPU, the latest addition to the company’s gaming portfolio provides wide compatibility, with support for Thunderbolt 3-enabled Windows and Apple laptops. It supports up to three PCIe desktop graphic cards, including NVIDIA GeForce, Quadro, and AMD Radeon series devices, so you can pick your own weapon of choice. Designed for optimized thermal performance, the Core X comes with a sturdy, vented aluminum case, and up to a 650W power supply to run the device and even charge your gaming rig.
Razer Blade 2018 Gaming Laptop
At just 0.66-thin, with a larger 15.6-inch edge-to-edge touch display and a 144 Hz refresh rate, the 2018 version of the Razer Blade might just be the world’s thinnest gaming laptop. Inside its unassuming aluminum unibody is an 8th generation Intel Core i7 hexa-core processor, and NVIDIA’s GTX 1060 or 1070 graphics card with Max-Q architecture, which makes it the sleekest VRready device you can get your hands on. Packed with power, the Razer Blade has fast and upgradeable 512 GB SSD storage and 16 GB dual-channel memory that can smoothly run the most demanding games in the market today. It also comes with a Razer Chroma-powered RGB keyboard, and three external display outputs through Thunderbolt 3, HDMI 2.0, and MiniDisplay ports. There are also three USB 3.1 Type-A ports for your gaming peripherals.
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Nokia 6
Smartphone Nokia phones just keep getting better and better, and the new Nokia 6 is no exception. Flaunting a sleek frame crafted from a single block of aluminum, this handset just begs to be looked at. Up front is a gorgeous 2.5D Corning Gorilla glass protecting its 5.5-inch fullHD IPS display panel. Performance-wise, the Nokia 6 impresses with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 SoC along with either 3 or 4 GB of RAM. You get to enjoy its speedy processing and vivid display thanks to a generous serving of either 32 GB or 64 GB of internal storage. Like Nokia devices of the past, photography remains a strong selling point, with a 16 MP sensor, Zeiss optics, and an 8 MP wide-angle front camera. The Nokia 6 also ships with the Bothie feature allowing you to take a single photo with the front and rear snappers, a USB-C port, 3000 mAh of power, and the always secure and up-to-date Android One OS.
PHP 10,990
www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph
JUNE 2018
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Fiio M7
Hi-Fi Music Player Chinese audio company Fiio has dropped its newest high-res audio player. The blocky yet stylish M7 comes with a 3.2-inch touchscreen display and physical buttons for easy music listening. Featuring Samsung’s Exynos 7270 SoC at its core, the music player is also powered by an ESS Sabre 9018 chip. It also supports high-fidelity wireless audio through the aptX-HD and LDAC audio codecs. The revolutionary USB-C port works for charging, syncing files, and music playback through USB-C headphones. Among its notable features are built-in FM radio, 2GB of internal storage, expandability via a microSD slot, and a play time of 20 hours.
RED Hydrogen One Smartphone
From the makers of one of the most technologically-advanced professional digital cinema cameras comes their first ever smartphone. Tagged as the world’s first holographic media machine in your pocket, the RED Hydrogen One is setting the bar for mobile augmented reality. Coming in with a 5.7-inch hydrogen display that creates and previews content in traditional 2D; advanced 3D for VR, AR and MR; as well as holographic 4V without the need for glasses, this incredibly industrial-looking phone is equipped with a Snapdragon 835 chipset, two synced 4K cameras, and has A3D sound technology that gives astounding audio. To complement its top-notch specs, the smartphone comes with either a solid aluminum or titanium body, and supports quickcharge through its USB Type-C port.
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One Plus 6 Smartphone
Promising stunning design and superb value, the One Plus 6 flaunts a 6.3-inch OLED display with a notch on its top, and a new glass body that replaces its previous aluminum shell. It’s also one of the first phones to support the latest Android P beta, even before the device itself was announced. To top it all off, it boasts 16-megapixel + 20-megapixel dual main cameras and a 16-megapixel front shooter, for more vibrant results. You can even experience seamless multitasking with a powerful Snapdragon 845 processor backed by an Adreno 630 graphic processor, giving you the speed you need. It will be available in two variants: 6 GB RAM + 64 GB of internal storage and 8 GB RAM + 256 GB of ROM. A new technology called Dash Charge, which supports fast battery charging up to 5 volts, is just one of its aces no one can beat.
PHP 30,990 (64GB) PHP 33,990 (128GB)
OnePlus Bullets Wireless Bluetooth In-Ear Headphones
OnePlus did not only add a new flagship phone, but also a pair of wireless earphones in its 2018 portfolio. Offering an exceptional audio experience, the Bluetooth-powered neckbuds support AptX codec that isolates and stabilizes sound, and gives users up to 5 hours of non-stop music in their ears. Designed for durability and comfort, the Bullets Wireless boasts a smart feature called magnetic control, which effortlessly pauses and resumes your playlist hands-free. The stretch-resistant cable connects the two aluminum alloy earbuds together, with the fast-charging battery that sits on the neckband. It’s weatherresistant, Google-Assistant integrated, and contains 9.2 mm drivers that gives richer bass. What’s not to love?
www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph
JUNE 2018
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Vivo X21
Smartphone Vivo has done it. Just months after first revealing the concept, Vivo has finally released something no other manufacturer has until this point. The X21 is the first commercially available smartphone with an under-screen fingerprint scanner. This allows the powerful mid-ranger a huge AMOLED screen, a generous aspect ratio, thin bezels, and no additional clutter, all in a phone that’s just a shred over 6 inches tall. Under the hood, it’s no slouch either. With a capable chipset and huge serving of RAM and ROM, this is a mid-tier device that has flagships in its sights, and we want it.
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Belkin 3.5 mm Audio Cable with Lightning Connector Audio to Lightning Cable
Belkin is back with a new innovative product that will make iPhone users rejoice. The first mFi-certified audio to lightning cable in the market, it is the newest addition to Belkin’s growing portfolio of lightning audio accessories. Users can now directly use their favorite headphones, or connect their iPhones to car stereos and home speaker systems with a single cable. Just like its predecessors, the cable converts digital to analog signals, giving consumers great audio quality. Available in both 3 ft and 6 ft lengths, the cable minimizes clutter in the front seat or on a desktop, and is ideal for hidden or harder-to-reach AUX ports.
Sennheiser CX 7.00BT Sports In-Ear Headphones
Yearning for music during your gym sessions and runs? Worry no more with these wireless earphones from German audio authority, Sennheiser. Featuring Qualcomm apt-X support, the CX 7.00BT wireless earphones provide the same legendary Sennheiser sound from any of your mobile devices. Powered by Bluetooth 4.1, with a sturdy rubber neckband, you can get up to 10 hours of audio playback. It also fits comfortably on your ears and can connect with up to two gadgets simultaneously. With intuitive controls placed on its neckband, you have the freedom to make and take hands-free calls, as well as play your music on the go.
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JUNE 2018
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Fujifilm XT-100 Mirrorless Camera
Blending Fujifilm’s signature aesthetic and excellent performance, the entry-level XT-100 is an ideal camera for beginners. Its 24.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor works in conjunction with an image processing engine to achieve the company’s renowned photo quality. Once it’s time to file your snaps away, the XT-100 supports the latest Bluetooth technology for quick and seamless image transfers. The retro and stylish mirrorless snapper has a newly developed algorithm, known as the Intelligent Hybrid AF system, which captures photos precisely and instantly. There’s also an SR+ Auto Mode that combines subject and scene recognition. It comes with a basic 14-45 mm f3.5-5.6 OIS Fujinon lens, three-way tilting LCD screen perfect for taking selfies and vlogging, a high-resolution electronic viewfinder, and a large battery that’s capable of snapping up to 430 frames before getting drained.
PHP 39,990
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Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6 Instant Camera
From leading photography brand Fujifilm comes their first ever square analog format Instax camera. Rendering photos on 2.4-inch by 2.4-inch film, the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6 is the perfect gift for memory hoarders. Featuring auto-exposure control for better contrast, the latest model from the Instax line comes with different shooting modes such as double exposure, macro, landscape, and selfie mode that let you better express your creativity. Taking group photos is also made even better with the camera’s built-in tensecond timer and tripod socket.
www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph
JUNE 2018
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LG G7 ThinQ Smartphone
The Korean smartphone brand updates its portfolio of premium phones with the announcement of the G7 ThinQ. Brimming with smart features, the latest addition to the G series runs a Snapdragon 845 SoC and has a huge 6.1-inch QHD+ display, with LG’s own Super Bright Display, delivering brightness levels up to 1,000 nits. The amazing display is kept safe by Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection on both the front and back, and the G7 ThinQ’s imaging has been given a bump up from its predecessor, with 16-megapixel main dual cameras, and 8-megapixel secondary cameras. On top of all that, you get 19 AI-assisted shooting modes, so you get the best shot, every time. It’s available in two variants, one with 4 GB RAM and 64 GB internal storage, and a 6 GB RAM version with 128 GB storage, both of which give you superb multitasking performance, and more storage than you’ll need for a while.
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LG Q7
Smartphone This Q7 boasts a 5.5-inch FHD+ full-screen display with an 18:9 aspect ratio, behind stylish 2.5D arc glass, and topped off with razorthin bezels. Inside its shell is a 1.5GHz octa-core processor, with 3 GB RAM and 32 GB of internal storage, expandable up to 2 TB via a microSD slot. The LG Q7 also makes improvements to their cameras with QLens, an AI camera feature that allows image recognition and search. Its front snapper has an 8-megapixel sensor, with a 100-degree Super Wide Angle Lens that lets you capture more. It even adds a pleasing bokeh effect and depth to your selfies in portrait mode. Meanwhile, its main 13-megapixel sensor incorporates Phase Detection Auto Focus that shoots beautiful photos with ease. Offering Hi-Fi audio quality through DTS:X 3D Surround Sound, it’s also a must-have device for audiophiles.
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JUNE 2018
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GADGETS LAB
Specifications: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 RAM: 4 GB Internal Storage: 64 GB, expandable via microSD slot Operating System: Android 8.0 Oreo Display: 6-inch, IPS full HD+ (2160 x 1080, 18:9) Cameras: main – 12 MP, f1.75, ZEISS with dual-tone flash + 13 MP, f2.6, ZEISS; front – 16MP, f2.0, ZEISS Battery: 3800 mAh, non-removable Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, BT 5.0, NFC, LTE, GPS, USB type-C, OTG, 3.5 mm AV jack What’s Hot: - Speedy processor - Capable main and front cameras - Beautiful copper accents What’s Not: - Lack of notification LED light - Battery life could be longer
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Specifications: Maximum spin speed: 1400 rpm Rated capacity: Washing – 8 kg; Drying – 5 kg Dimensions (H x W x D): 84 x 50 x 54 cm Weight: 70 kg Electrical input: 220-240 V / 50 Hz Total current: 10 A Total power: 2000 – 2350 W
What’s Hot: - It’s a stand-alone device - Simple, effective audio solution - Very intuitive
What’s Not: - Battery life may leave you wanting - Small app library at the moment
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Specifications: 25-megapixel front camera (powered by AI technology, with Sensor HDR) 16-megapixel rear camera 6.23-inch FHD+ display (with 1080 x 2280 resolution) Mediatek MT6771 Helio P60 octa-core processor GPU: Mali-G72 MP3 3400mAh battery Comes in 2 variants: 4GB RAM + 64 GB storage and 6 GB RAM + 128 GB storage Expandable up to 256 GB via dedicated microSD slot Available in: Moonlight Silver, Solar Red, and Diamond Black
What’s Hot: - Gives very detailed yet natural-looking selfies - Very responsive facial unlock and fingerprint scanner - Has an attractive rear design - Gives impressive gaming experience - Presence of dedicated microSD slot What’s Not: - No presence of LED notification - Did not have USB Type-C port - Absence of dual camera setup -No OIS and Video Stabilization
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Specifications: Native Resolution: 3840 x 2160 Standard Mode Brightness: 3000 lm Throw Ratio: 1.39 to 2.22 (1651 mm@2000 mm) Maximum Vertical Sync: 120 Hz Minimum Diagonal Image Size: 508 mm Maximum Diagonal Image Size: 7.62 m (300”) Minimum Projection Distance: 1 m Maximum Projection Distance: 9.30 m Lamp Type: Laser Normal Mode Lamp Life: 20000 Hour Economy Mode Lamp Life: 30000 Hour Interfaces/Ports: HDMI 2.0
What’s Hot: - 4k! - Small for its category What’s Not: - Price - Slight issues with color bleeding
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Specifications: Connection Type: USB USB Speed: Full-Speed DPI (Min/Max): Software adjustable; Hardware adjustable; Min: 200 / Max: 6,000 USB Report Rate: 1ms USB Data Format: 16 bits/axis Microprocessor: 32-bit ARM Sensor Type Optical; Visible light: No Scroll Wheel Left/Right tilt: No Onboard Memory: 1 hardware memory profile (maximum) Indicator Lights (LED): G-logo and light band: Selectable color (RGB) Number of Buttons: 6 Standard Buttons: Left & right click, Scroll wheel button, Forward,Back Special Buttons: DPI button Cable Length: 2.1 meters What’s Hot: - Great, tried-and-tested design - Top-of-the-line performance and quality - Packed with great features - Amazing value What’s Not: - No thumb buttons on right-hand side for left-handed users
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COVER STORY
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PHOTO FEATURE
The future of entertainment is in our pockets. With the smartphone getting smarter and the Internet getting faster, the way we consume content is now largely done through the tech we carry in our pockets. It is not surprising as bezels continue to shrink to give way to displays with higher image resolutions, audio is boosted with cinematic sound, and images captured through mobile cameras become more life-like. Moving forward, things are only going to get better. Vivo brings the newest innovations into the X21, a phone that sets the bar high for devices of the future. Vivo X21, the 2018 FIFA Worldcup™ official smartphone.
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• Mobile security at its finest. • Enhanced entertainment at your fingertips.
• Beautiful, streamlined body. • Wide viewing angles.
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Some people have their fates written in the stars. And some were just born with pure star quality. This was the case for celebrity duo Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla.
Having faces that draw attention, a career in the limelight was only natural for the two young artists. But of course, a gorgeous face isn’t going to get you that far in such a cutthroat industry. Kathryn and Daniel continued to hone their skills in acting and they emerged masters of the craft, picking up one project after the other and getting recognition for them as well. Along the way, the two have also picked up new skills, singing being one of them. Kathryn and Daniel, eventually came out with their own album with songs that worked their way up the charts. This innate star power has as well gained them millions of following, growing larger by the day. Amidst the overwhelming success, a closer look at the pairing reveals two young people just enjoying what they love to do. The road is ahead is still long, but there’s no doubting the strengths these two hold.
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EXECUTIVE
PROFILE
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MOBILITY
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MUSIC CORNER
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BITS & BYTES
Two-factor Authentication for Facebook is now Made Easier The social media networking site, Facebook, improves its own two-factor authentication that provides additional account security for its users. With a streamlined setup flow, Facebook has expanded the ways in which you can secure your account without registering a phone number. Previously, Facebook users are required to register their mobile number in order to help prevent account lock-outs. Now that the company redesigned the feature to make the process easier to use third-party authentication apps like Google Authenticator and Duo Security on both desktop and mobile, they are no longer making the phone number mandatory. This update comes a couple months after Facebook admitted a bug in its 2FA system caused non-security-related SMS notifications to be sent to users’ phones. Facebook uses the automated number 362-65 as its two-factor authentication number, and that same number end up sending people Facebook notifications via SMS without their consent. Replies to these texts wound up being posted to users’ Facebook profiles. To set up two-factor authentication on your Facebook profile, all you have to do is to click
Settings, and then proceed on “Security and Login.” Navigate to the section that says “Use two-factor authentication” and select whether
you’d like to use your phone number or an authentication app to add an extra layer of security.
Tiktok Introduces Gaga Dance Challenge With its increasing popularity, the video content creation app Tiktok, has added another feature that encourages its users to unleash their dancing skills. Popularly known as the “Gaga Dance Challenge,” the new function recognizes and detects the user’s movements through their smartphone cameras. With its arrival in the Philippines, the latest mode comes with the most popular songs in the country that can be danced and enjoyed with friends, even with family. Since its introduction in 2017, Tik Tok has become an instant phenomenon in several markets across Asia. This wave has led to the development of a young, fresh, and vibrant community of content-creators that spans across a number of genres through original performances. Tik Tok’s community has attracted a number of local and international celebrities, as well as influencers who to increase their respective fan-base. All powered by AI Technology, that brings videos to life through the use of body movementrecognition software, the video sharing app features an array of built-in special effects and
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stickers that account owners can add to their content.
The Tiktok app is available for download on Android and iOS devices.
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PLDT Home and Smart Launch the NBA League Pass PLDT Home and Smart are offering the NBA League Pass for as low as PHP 50 for a 24-hour period. A special digital subscription, the NBA League Pass brings the ultimate NBA action at your fingertips with unlimited access to NBA games, which you can watch live or on-demand. The NBA League Pass also lets you enjoy exclusive content and features on NBA teams and players, interviews, press conferences, and documentaries. The NBA League Pass can be conveniently purchased without the use of a credit card. PLDT Home will provide customers the option to add the selected NBA League Pass offering into their monthly broadband subscription, while Smart Prepaid and Postpaid customers can purchase the Day Pass charged to their prepaid load or monthly postpaid bill by simply texting NBA50 to 9999.
Fans can enjoy the NBA Daily Pass via the official NBA websites, and NBA App, downloadable on Google Play Store or App Store. Additionally, PLDT’s Home and Smart customers will have access to NBA highlights, game recaps, and daily top plays on the official websites of PLDT Home and Smart 360. NBA League Pass subscriptions offer fans, in more than 200 countries, access to a complete season of live NBA games. With it, subscribers can watch regular-season games, NBA All-Star, NBA Playoffs, The Finals, as well as select preseason and NBA
Summer League games live and in high-definition with live stats and multiple viewing options, including the NBA Mobile View, which delivers a closer shot of the action optimized for viewing on the smaller screens of tablets and phones.
Acer Philippines Partners with Samsonite for its Back-to-School Promo Acer Philippines has announced its partnership with American luggage and travel bag manufacturer, Samsonite, for its back-to-school promo. Targeted at millennials, Acer Philippines recognizes this generation’s constant thirst for adventure and new experiences as a way to reboot. Touted #CarryOn, the tech giant’s new promo encourages the youth to power through life’s hurdles in pursuit of their dreams and goals. “If there’s one thing we’ve learned about millennials, it’s that they are very passionate individuals who are unstoppable if they are truly motivated,” shares Sue Ong-Lim, Acer Philippines’ sales and marketing director. “Travel is, without a doubt, one of their strongest motivations. This is why we’ve partnered with Samsonite, a household name when it comes to travelling, to help us propel this cause forward. Hand in hand, we are hopeful that we will be able to not only motivate our millennials, but also reward them for their hard work by fueling their wanderlust.” Alongside the announcement of the promo, Acer also debuted the #CarryOn video which aptly summarizes the campaign. The short film directed by Irene Villamor (famous for Camp Sawi and Meet Me In St. Gallen) depicts how the youth of today turn to travelling to re-energize and break out of any slump. The full video may be seen on Acer Philippines’ Facebook Page. The Acer Philippines #CarryOn Back-to-School Promo will run until June 30, 2018, during which every purchase of qualified Acer and Predator laptops, Acer projectors, and Acer desktop will come with free Samsonite luggage. www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph
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Vivo Y85: Now Available Nationwide Global smartphone brand, Vivo, has released a new model of its Y series in the Philippines. Now available nationwide, the Vivo Y85 has a 6.22inch FullView Display and a 13-megapixel plus 2-megapixel dual rear camera. This smartphone also has AI and face access capabilities. The new Y series smartphone also sports an 8MP front camera with Face Beauty, HDR, and Portrait features. With a 4GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, this smartphone has an octa-core processor MTK 6762 with an Android 8.1-based Funtouch OS 4.0 operating system. The Vivo Y85 will be retailed at Php13,999, and has two variants: Ruby Red and Black.
Sharp Launches the Aquos 8K LED TV, Smart Appliances
In a move that’s guaranteed to throw A/V enthusiasts into a spiralling existential crisis, Sharp has just announced the impending availability of their latest 8K LED TV. With 16 times the resolution of 1080p Full HD displays, this TV promises uncompromising video quality for the home consumer.
which is currently distributed to Chine, Taiwan, and the European market. Today, I am excited to annouce the launch of Sharp’s Aquos 8K LED TV tuned for Asia in the end of year 2018 here in the Philippines,” said Toshio Kawata, deputy general manager, TV System Business unit of Sharp Corporation.
“As the first step, Sharp released the world’s first 8K display to the B2C market last October,
Along with entertainment purposes, 8K displays have additional uses such as industrial inspection,
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remote medical purposes, and security use, all of which can benefit from the increased resolution and image fidelity that 8K brings to the table. The move is in line with Sharp’s plan to hit the market hard with new, revolutionary technologies. It also represents their drive to offer locally made devices to the Filipino consumer, generate more local employment, and push the economy forward.
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UniPin Strengthens Presence in the Southeast Asia Gaming Market The Indonesia-based online gaming credit provider, UniPin, has widened its network in Southeast Asia by entering into the Philippine gaming scene. With the tremendous growth of eSports in the region, the company has started its expansion in the country to cater the growing needs of Filipino gamers. It also aims to promote a healthy eSports lifestyle among the young generation between Southeast Asian countries. Among UniPin’s initiative includes a collaboration between SM Cyberzone to organize nationwide gaming competitions next month, and partnership with cyber cafe franchise giant TNC Philippines Holdings Inc. to be one of the company’s official online game voucher distributor. With its debut in the Philippines, UniPin is set to offer game credits of international mobile and PC favorites like Mobile Legends Bang Bang, Player Unknown Battleground (PUBG), Death of the Ancients 2 (DOTA 2), League of Legends (LOL), Battlenet Club, and Nexon Karma Koin. “A big dream starts with a leap of faith and the courage to act, and we start this leap with the Philippines. We foresee that UniPin will merge and connect both the Philippines’ gamers’ experiences with the Indonesian’s gamers community and together bring forth the gamers’ community in both countries to a higher level. Currently UniPin partners with more than 300 game publishers worldwide and has a total of 10,000 game titles. This enables us to serve 30 million gaming communities which is in line with our slogan, said Ashadi Ang, CEO of UniPin.
Mr. Ashadi Ang, the CEO of UniPin and Eric Redulfin, CEO of TNC.
Furthermore, UniPin provides flexible payment options for Filipinos by cooperating with various payment channels such as 7-Eleven, Globe,
Smart, Dragon Pay, SM department stores and supermarkets, Bayad Center, Axiapedia, Globe G-Cash, and BPI Bank.
Starmobile Phones now Available in Over 900 Sari-Sari Stores Nationwide Select Starmobile devices are now available in over 900 sari-sari stores nationwide. This move is in line with the company’s strategy to increase visibility in local communities. “By making Starmobile phones available in sarisari stores all over the country, we are making it more convenient for Filipinos from all walks of life to avail of affordably-priced mobile devices,” said Ardie Balderrama, Starmobile sales and marketing head. “At the same time, it also allows us to work with and empower micro enterprises within communities.” Starmobile products are now available in Mr. D in Atimonan, Quezon, Double Barrel in Sta. Cruz ,Laguna, Abay Sari-Sari Store in Naga City, Bicol and in several other outlets in Quezon City such as Hi ACE Sari Sari Store San Bartolome, Novaliches and CJ Loading Station Pingkian Sauyo, Novaliches. www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph
Devices sold in these stores include the UNO feature phones and the entry-level PLAY and UP series Android smartphones. Starmobile provides in-depth training and assistance to these small business owners, with on-ground marketing activities such as setting up
store signages, storefront materials, and posters. The company has begun bolstering its presence in Smart and Sun Cellular Satellite Stores and Transport Groups nationwide. New marketing materials can also now be seen in areas in Davao City, Gen. Trias in Cavite, and Baua, and Batangas City.
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ENTERPRISE
Globe myBusiness Academy Goes Online
The micro, small, and medium enterprise arm of Globe Telecom, Globe myBusiness, launched its online learning site especially tailored for entrepreneurs. Known as Globe myBusiness Academy Online, the platform is created to connect with more SME owners nationwide. It provides daily business advice through articles, live-streamed, or prerecorded webisodes from various leaders in Food, Tourism, Education, Finance, Retail, and Manufacturing sectors. Newbies and veteran entrepreneurs may acquire an access to these materials by making an account to the website.
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Derrick Heng, senior advisor for Globe myBusiness, said: “Whatever industry you belong to, and whatever stage of your business journey you’re currently in, there’s a lot for you to learn and benefit from in Globe myBusiness Academy. Even if you’re not a business owner yet and are only considering starting a business, the Academy can also be a source of inspiration for business concepts and motivation to get you started.” Last year, 53 myBusiness Academy sessions were conducted in Metro Manila and other key cities in the country. It aims to educate and give advice from the experts in different industries for free. Through the website, existing and potential
business owners have now the power to access on the fundamental basics and advanced tips that will help in their business journey from Globe myBusiness partners and distinguished clients. The Globe myBusiness Academy Online is part of the team’s mission to inspire and empower MSMEs all over the Philippines. Apart from offering business solutions that ease the daily operations and enhance the overall strategy of entrepreneurs and executives, Globe myBusiness Academy is the go-to source of expertise and inspiration for startup owners as well as experienced business people.
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Availability of Social Commerce Improved Financial Conditions of Filipinos According to a research by PayPal, social media channels are no longer just networking platforms but have become digital marketplaces, where merchants and consumers buy and sell goods and services. Social commerce (s-commerce) is driving the adaptation of digital payments as users demand more seamless and efficient payment experiences. PayPal’s study “Beyond Networking: Social Commerce as a Driver of Digital Payments,” highlights the rapid growth of s-commerce in across seven markets in Asia, including the Philippines. It also showcases the positive impact s-commerce is having on merchants’ and consumers’ financial lives, and how digital payments plays an integral role by providing a secure way for sellers to sell products and services on social media platforms.
Businesses: S-commerce raises adaptation of digital payments to generate more income for sellers
With social media users in Asia expected to reach one billion in 2018, which is almost double the number of users in 2012, social media platforms have become an attractive marketplace for merchants. Low overheads, ease of setting up and a readily available consumer base of 67 million active users in the Philippines are adding to the lure of s-commerce. Seventy-five percent of those surveyed said that it is easier to set up their business on social media, while 55% liked the idea of leveraging their network of friends and relatives. According to the survey, 87% of Filipino merchants are currently selling on social media, with 74% of them accepting digital payments, of which e-Wallets/mobile wallets is the most popular. Within this segment, PayPal (87%) emerged as the most used payment platform in the region by merchants on social media, followed by GCash (54%) and PayMaya (39%). The proliferation of s-commerce is expected to continue, with 69% of merchant respondents who have yet to incorporate social media into their business model saying that they are likely to sell through social media or messenger platforms in the future. Social commerce has the potential to be a key enabler of economic empowerment and greater financial health, with 96% of merchants surveyed saying that social commerce has significantly improved their financial condition. “The role of social media has evolved tremendously since it was first introduced a decade and a half ago, and the platform is now being used as a channel for customers to discover and purchase products immediately. This could not have happened without innovation in payment technology,” said Rahul Shinghal, managing director for PayPal Southeast Asia and head of merchant support for PayPal Asia www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph
Pacific. “At PayPal, we see digital payments as an innovative tool that goes beyond being just a form of transaction. Digital payments is an enabler of economic empowerment and improved financial health through providing convenient and secure facilitation of cash flows.”
Consumers: Social commerce increasing economic opportunities for everyday people
In addition to established businesses, social commerce is opening up economic opportunities for individuals. According to PayPal’s study, people are turning to social media platforms to casually sell goods and services, dispose of unwanted goods and monetize their skills and hobbies. Amongst consumers surveyed, 32% of Filipino respondents with Internet access said they have already began transacting on social media. Of those already transacting on social media, 94% said that s-commerce has empowered them to become independent and 94% see it as a way to monetize their skills. Besides being able to earn additional income that improves their financial well-being, s-commerce has empowered individuals to become entrepreneurs, without the risks that are associated with traditional retail models. Eightyseven percent of consumer respondents noted that it has lowered the barriers of starting their own business.
Integrating digital payments with social media for a financially healthy community
Social-commerce, bolstered by digital payments, is creating new economic opportunities and
empowering merchants and individuals to improve their financial standing. The Philippines government have taken their part in encouraging Filipinos to use digital payments through the interconnected and interoperable National Retail Payment System (NRPS) that offers safe, efficient and reliable payments system. When the potential of digital payments in social media is fully realized, ripple effect of this on the overall economy–from boosting growth to creating jobs–is even more promising. “Merchants and consumers want convenient and smart payment solutions that can adapt to the alternative e-commerce platforms, like mobile commerce and s-commerce, that are emerging,” said Rahul. “PayPal.Me for Business, which is a personalised link that allows for swift and secure transactions compatible with social media platforms is an excellent example of PayPal’s customer-centric approach to innovation. By shortening the cycle between discovery and purchase, we offer consumers a convenient buying experience, helping reduce cart abandonment and generating even greater revenue businesses.” As Philippines takes the lead globally for longest time spent on social media, small-tomedium size businesses have more reasons to dial up their social media footprints and capitalize a user-based environment to grow their business. It is a worthwhile opportunity for vendors to better engage with buyers and create meaningful disruption in a space where the buyers are frequently present. For their customers, it will mean a more frictionless form of shopping or transacting at the moment of discovery. JUNE 2018
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Five Ways to Have Artificial Intelligent Tools Do the Heavy Lifting This Year
Words by Katrina Gosek, senior director, digital customer product strategy, Oracle Success in the next era of retail won’t come from adding the latest widget to your site, and it’s certainly not in low prices and free shipping. Success will come down to the ability to move and innovate faster. While moving to a fully SaaS-based commerce platform and ecosystem will guarantee greater agility, it may take a multi-year process for some retailers. So what can online retailers do to make a difference right now? It is time to let artificial intelligence (AI) tools do some heavy lifting this year. There are ton of options for when, where, and how to leverage AI. But for retailers looking for quick impact, here are five ways AI tools can help online retailers drive results across the shopping experience without the heavy lift: 1. Innovate with Voice Command and Visual Search: By 2021, Gartner predicts that early adopter brands that redesign their websites to support visual and voice search will increase digital commerce revenue by 30%. With mobile devices, short attention spans and endless online options, getting on-site search right is more critical than ever. The good news is that new AI technologies, such as Visual Search and Voice Command, make search more engaging and effective at converting sales.
Google. With advancements made in natural language processing (NLP), semantics and intent recognition, there’s a lot of exciting ways to experiment with voice-based assistance and order placement on retail mobile sites and apps. Start simple. Look at the most common shopper inquiries like order status, return policy, local store inventory, and the ability to re-order items and check out via voice. Graduate to deliver on more complex use cases like searching and comparing products, asking for personalized recommendations based on preferences and history, and placing products on hold at local stores. 2. Leverage Big Data: Retailers spend a lot of money to acquire customers via SEM, SEO, content marketing and social media with murky ROI results. AI tools that crunch customer data present new options though. Instead of waiting for shoppers to discover you, retail marketers can now discover consumers. Third-party data audiences leverage billions of global IDs, trillions of dollars in transactional data and tens of thousands of pre-built audiences that span demographic, online and offline behaviors. Insight from these mega data sets means you can reach exactly who you want to.
• Visual search is about to take off in a big way, thanks to strides in image recognition technologies and the growing number of mobile shoppers who prefer visuals. Retailers can essentially deliver faceted search results in a new, visual way by labeling product features, attributes, and names in images and videos. Pinterest now enables users to select an item in an image to surface similar items on Pinterest. Retailers Target and West Elm are experimenting here as well.
One business that is reaping the benefits of big data and AI is Carousell, one of the world’s largest mobile classifieds marketplaces. By integrating Oracle’s Responsys with its AI tools, Carousell was able to roll out dynamic landing pages with personalized content based on users’ past behavior or project behavior. Additionally, Carousell leveraged Responsys’ Link Tracking feature, which tracks where clicks on links come from, to achieve in-depth insights into the effectiveness of its social media marketing efforts. These valuable insights enable Carousell to create more relevant and personalized editorials for their users.
• Voice command has become ubiquitous at home and on the go with Siri, Alexa, and
3. Integrate AI in your mobile strategy: It’s getting harder than ever to engage with
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consumers, deliver on what they want in the moment and turn them into a loyalist. Context is critical and AI tools provide that in a way humans can’t. As 63% of smartphone owners used their mobile devices to make holiday decisions this past season, mobile shopping is becoming a way of life. Mobile is a goldmine of contextual user information and the perfect place for retailers to seize micro-moments along the shopper’s journey. Recent data from Oracle Responsys from this past holiday season showed the increase of mobile SMS traffic up to 70%. Mobile push rates also went up to 110% every year. Shoppers want to hear from retailers and brands if it’s relevant and provides value. In mobile communications, use AI for personalized recommendations on products, local store events, offers and order updates to scale a personal relationship with your most valuable customers. 4. Have chatbots initiate proactive chats: Chatbots are expected to be the top application of AI over the next five years, according to TechEmergence. AI-powered chatbots are not just a great way to scale service post-sale, but also during browsing and buying. Proactive service drives sales, and chatbots are a great technology to initiate proactive conversations with customers that can alleviate concerns and offer solutions to common queries. 5. Virtual Assistants can be your personal concierge: Leverage AI tools to make your most lucrative customer segments feel known and valued. Virtual Assistants (that use AI, speech recognition and loads of data) can serve as a personal concierge, helping loyal customers with purchase recommendations, education and customer service. Loyalty programs can also use AI to supercharge personalization. They can recommend products based on local weather conditions, hyper-personalized subscription services and tailored promotions based on what resonates with each customer specifically. www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph
e-Commerce Reimagined: PAYO Helps Merchants to Cater to More Shoppers Online
Google and Temasek, in its 2017 study, made a forecast that Filipino online shoppers are estimated to reach up to 42 million by 2025 and will spend about PHP 918 billion in purchases online. One of the main drivers of this is the country’s continuous development in the e-commerce market. With this development and the nature of online markets, local merchants are given more opportunities. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is pushing for more developments in the online retail scene through its Philippine E-Commerce Roadmap. By 2020, it aims to contribute at least 25 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Today, merchants reach out to customers not only from the country’s major e-tailers, like Lazada, Zalora, and Shopee, but also through social media sites, like Facebook and Instagram. According to Ofri Kadosh, CEO and founder of Payo, today’s Filipino consumers have the ability to shop anything at any given time. It has provided them the convenience of being able
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to browse through items while at the comfort of their own homes or even when traveling. However, despite the booming e-commerce industry, many merchants are still far from fully leveraging on the opportunities to meet the demands of the country’s online shoppers. Kadosh noted that “this is due to the low credit card penetration in the country, where only eight percent of Filipinos are credit card holders while 72 percent still do not have bank accounts—a challenge that merchants in the Philippines have to face.” In the Philippines, stories of online shopping scare like not receiving what they ordered or getting something that looks different from what they wanted veers potential customers away from using other payment methods besides COD. In fact, 93 percent of online shoppers in the country today still prefer paying in cash, says Kadosh. “Fifty percent of the world’s population is unbanked and merchants miss out on customers and billions of dollars, especially in developing markets such as the Philippines, where cash on delivery is still preferred,” said Kadosh, further
putting emphasis on the importance of a COD gateway system in opening the e-commerce market to the Filipinos even if they do not have bank accounts. “It is understandable why online shoppers are not willing to risk their money when shopping online. However, merchants also find it hard to integrate COD into their payment system due to high cancellation rates and unsuccessful deliveries,” added Kadosh. “This is exactly why we are also trying to build consumer trust by providing a COD gateway system that merchants can use in their respective e-commerce platforms. It is a win-win situation. The merchants get to earn more and consumers get to shop online without any worries.” With PAYO’s gateway system, merchants and their consumers experience better COD transactions. Once the consumers place their orders, a pool of data scientists will then process every sale, all the while recording and analyzing the client’s order history, to identify potentially problematic accounts to help minimize cancellation rates and increase revenues.
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