Maribelle M. Alba
Ren Alcantara
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
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.
If you ask me a Kpop-related question, I’ll respond with an essay
@presy1121
@miaissocoollike
THERESA ELORIAGA
ASSOCIATE Editor
Jewel Sta. Ana
ART DIRECTOR
STAFF WRITER
Garmonbozia.
Nope, I don’t have a pawnshop
@theresaeloriaga
@monsterjewfloat
JAEL MENDOZA
ARNEL DORIA
GRAPHIC Artist
She holds a sketchpad on one hand, and a music sheet on the other hand @jaellaura_m
Consultant, Mobility Section
Marketing guru. Automotive industry veteran. Road safety advocate.
JOSE ALVAREZ
RONEL BAUTISTA
CONTRIBUTOR
Blessed be the froot
Jose loves football, video games, computers, and history, but not necessarily in any order.
GRAPHIC Artist
@sailorapollo11
@josealvarez
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
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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.
GERRY GAVIOLA
CONTRIBUTOR
Cineaste. Audiophile. Gadget addict. @gerry.g626
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CONTENTS
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UPLIFT YOUR business PROFITABILITY Print business documents for only 10 centavos per page
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PARADE
Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite Smartphone The Mi A2 Lite is Xiaomi’s first Android One model to feature a 19:9 screen ratio with a 5.84-inch FHD+ display. With a relatively compact body, the phone can be held conveniently in just one hand. Sporting a rear camera configuration of 12-megapixel + 5-megapixel, the primary lens features a large f/1.75 aperture, resulting in clearer and brighter photos. Coupled with the Snapdragon 625 platform, the Mi A2 can powerfully take on demanding 3D games without draining the device easily, thanks to its 4000 mAh battery.
Php 11,990 (4 GB RAM + 64 GB storage) PHP 9,990 (3 GB RAM + 32 GB storage)
Xiaomi Mi A2 Smartphone
The next generation of Android One phones from the Shenzhen-based tech company is now official! It flaunts a stunning 18:9, 5.9-inch FHD+ display housed in a beautiful aluminum unibody with a curved back, tapered towards the sides. A dream come true and a perfect deal for shutterbugs, the Mi A2 has a 20-megapixel Sony IMX376 secondary and dual 12-megapixel + 20-megapixel main cameras. Coupled with Super Pixel technology, the front camera gives bright and clear images even in low-light conditions. Powered by a mid-level Snapdragon 660 processor, the smartphone offers buttery-smooth performance with an ample amount of power. Available in two configurations, this intelligent model from Xiaomi comes with vanilla Android right out of the box.
PHP 14,990 (4 GB RAM + 64 GB memory) PHP 17,490 (6 GB RAM + 128 GB memory)
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Seagate BarraCuda Solid-State Drive
Seagate is now venturing out from enterprise storage solutions to consumer-grade hardware with its newly launched SSD. Specifically crafted for mainstream usage, the basic SATA III drive comes with capacities from 250 GB to 2 TB that offer faster boot times for your laptops and PCs. Backed by a 5-year warranty, this affordable SSD boasts sequential read and write speeds from 520 MB/s to 540 MB/s. Sleek and lightweight, the Seagate BarraCuda has a very compact size of just 2.5 inches. Give your devices an instant boost and increased storage capacity at just a fraction of the price.
EasyTV Super Digibox Digitial TV Box Everything is switching from analog to digital, including television signals. If you’re fed up with long-term contracts for cable television subscriptions, and bored of the usual free TV, then this digital box from Solar Entertainment is worth a look. Practical and affordable, the EasyTV offers free local channels with 15 premium ones ranging from general entertainment to sports, music, history, and lifestyle. Basketball fans have access to exclusive content through NBA Premium TV and BTV, as well as to the latest updates in sports via Solar Sports. It also comes with a free one year subscription upon purchase of the kit. You can even install it in your car. How cool is that?
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Nikon Coolpix P1000 Point-and-Shoot Camera
The Coolpix line welcomes another member to its growing family. Groundbreaking with its 125 times optical zoom Nikkor ED glass lens, the P1000 can capture distant scenes and astronomical events. Designed with a 16-megapixel low-light CMOS sensor, the camera has a 3.2-inch vari-angle LCD display for viewing photos and video recordings. A marvel of optical ingenuity, it puts the power of a massive professional super telephoto lens into a compact shell, along with convenient controls like the smooth focus ring, snapback subject acquisition checking, and auto to manual mode button. The incredible and intuitive sensor can record 4K Ultra HD video at 30 fps and has an aperture up to f/8, giving limitless possibilities for its users.
Microsoft Surface Go Hybrid Tablet After months of waiting, the most anticipated device from Microsoft is now official. Designed to be smaller than its predecessor, the 10-inch magnesium alloy tablet ships with 4 GB RAM and 64 GB eMMC storage. If you want to go extra, there’s the high-end version with 6 GB RAM and 128 GB internal memory on board. Powered by an Intel Pentium Gold Processor, the convertible laptop runs on Windows 10, and has an integrated kickstand for landscape mode. Its signature keyboard cover adds class as well as its Surface Pen and ambidextrous Bluetooth mouse that come in stylish colors. Its touchscreen display promotes productivity, with an impressive 1800 x 1200 pixel resolution for a compact hybrid device. There’s also a dedicated Surface connector slot, and a USB-C 3.1 port for faster transmission of files and swift charging of devices.
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Shinola Detroit Wireless Speakers Reimagine the sound of your home. Designed with a modern aesthetic, these Bluetooth speakers are a product of the collaboration with American manufacturer of professional studio monitors and speakers, Barefoot Sound. Improvements like the 6.5-inch woofer, integration of NFC, increase in power output to 100 watts, and added USB-C, RCA, S/PDIF and 3.5 mm options are just some of the things that you should be excited for with this stylish device. Delivering high-fidelity audio online or offline, the second generation of Shinola Detroit gives impressive streaming quality of 24 bit/96 KhZ. It’s a good pick for audiophiles and film lovers alike.
Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank Power Bank Good news for iPhone and iPad users! Belkin has launched its first-ever Applecertified power bank. Innovative and convenient, the BoostCharge can be recharged through the same lightning cable and power docks used with iOS devices, giving you a one-cable solution. The portable charger delivers 10,000 mAh of spare power, and has 2 fast-charging USB-A ports to keep your devices going whenever and wherever. It’s sleek, compact, and lightweight—a perfect match for travellers.
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Dell G3 Laptop The G3 comes in at 15 inches and is packed with a powerful NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 GPU for smooth graphics for current-gen titles, and either an 8th Gen Intel Core i5 or Intel Core i7 CPUs for undeniably good gameplay. It has dual fans for uninterrupted gaming sessions, as well as up to two hard drives for storing data and keeping processes fast. The G3 also comes with a 2x2 Wi-Fi antenna, SmartByte software, MaxxAudio Pro speakers, full HD anti-glare IPS panel, and more. All these features are housed in a sleek 22.7 mm frame and design that looks good from any angle. It’ll be available in black, recon blue, and alpine white.
Starts at PHP 49,990
Dell G7 Laptop
For gamers keen on honing their skills with better gear, and have the budget for it, the 15-inch G7 is Dell’s best bet. Promising immersive gameplay, the G7 has either an 8th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processor paired with up to two hard drives for running operations without a hitch. These cutting-edge CPUs work with up to NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 GPUs boosted by Max-Q design technology for accurate and detailed graphics. Fighting for bandwidth against other devices connected on your network or operations running in the background slowing down your device will no longer be an issue with its Killer 1x1 networking optimization or SmartByte software that prioritizes your gaming activity for smooth gameplay. It also comes with dual fans that push heat and noise away from the user for comfortable, long gameplays.
Starts at PHP 58,990
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Honor 7A
Smartphone The 7A has a flagship-level 13-megapixel primary camera paired with an 8-megapixel selfie camera, making it a device perfect for capturing life’s happiest moments. Showcasing a 5.7-inch full view display with an 18:9 screen ratio, this phone lets you see and do more. Audiophiles can now rejoice with its party mode, connecting up to nine phones via Wi-Fi to play the same music simultaneously. The 7A’s next-gen high-volume technology uses a smart amplifier chip and high-sensitivity speaker components to raise the volume to as high as 88 dB. It also features real-time headset monitoring that delivers impeccable audio.
PHP 6,990 (exclusively available at Shopee)
Honor 7S Smartphone Capturing the eyes of youngsters, this stylish entry-level phone from Honor offers a more vibrant screen and louder speakers. With a 5.45-inch, 18:9 widescreen display, the Honor 7S gives you a great viewing experience. You can now hear calls better via the Loud Voice Call function, and music even when outdoors thanks to a greater receiver volume. Equipped with a fast focusing 13-megapixel highdefinition camera, capturing sharp and crisp photos is now possible. With a bigger battery of 3020 mAh, dual SIM card slots, and a dedicated microSD slot for data storage up to 256 GB, this latest unit from the Honor series is a mighty good deal.
PHP 5,490 (exclusively available at Shopee and Lazada)
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Sony Type-C 2-in-1 Cable Laptop Universal Adapter
Sony has just released a dongle that can solve your audio woes. This splitter acts as an adapter for 3.5 mm audio headphones and a charging cable at the same time. Ergonomically designed, the multi-purpose cable is compact and simple just how you want it to be. Handy and flexible, the adapter is exclusive for Xperia devices only.
Sony XA2 Plus Smartphone Sony has designed a smartphone for consumers who want to focus on entertainment. Bigger and better, the XA2 Plus sports a large 6-inch Full HD+ extended display, a metallic aluminum body with diamond cut edges, and is protected with Corning Gorilla Glass 5. It also has ultra thin side bezels, letting you see more of what you love. Every scene is captured clearly through its 23-megapixel Exmor RS camera sensor, even in low-light conditions. You can even fit more people in the shot through its 120-degrees, 8-megapixel super wide-angle front snapper. Get a studio-like experience as you stream your favorite content with high-resolution audio, even when played through wireless speakers. With Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 630 under its hood, partnered with either 3 GB RAM and 32 GB storage or 6 GB RAM and 64 GB ROM, this newest mid-ranger is definitely built to last.
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Sony RX100 VI
Point-and-Shoot Camera The already critically acclaimed RX100 camera series of Sony recently received an unexpected upgrade: a really long zoom lens. With up to 200 mm of zooming power, the sixth generation model features TouchFocus technology that sets focus intuitively. You can also capture moments by just tapping its screen, which is a handy alternative to the shutter button. It has the world’s first 1.0-type stacked CMOS RS image sensor with a DRAM chip that allows the camera to shoot in super slow motion: up to 40 times slower than real time and with shutter speeds of up to 1/32,000. The sensor is also coupled with a ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T lens that offers a maximum brightness up to f/4.5, reducing blur for moving subjects.
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Lenovo Legion Y730 Gaming Laptop The higher-end model of the newest Legion series combines power and portability. Housed in a thin and light aluminum chassis, the Legion Y730 is a gaming masterpiece. Sporting a clean and no-nonsense look, its 17-inch FHD display gives a bigger and better visual experience with its almost-bezel less design. Just like its mid-tier version, the Y730 has an 8th generation Intel Core processor, and NVIDIA’s GeForce 1050Ti that enhances graphic performance. It also has a full-throttle power under its hood with 16 GB of overclocked memory, and dual drive storage up to 512 GB PCle NVMe SSD plus 2 TB HDD. This gaming laptop comes with a Corsair iCUE RGB backlit keyboard that you can customize according to your preference. It’s stylish outside and a savage inside.
Lenovo Legion Y530 Gaming Laptop
Balancing price and performance, the refreshed Legion lineup is distinctively bolder and more mature. Breathtakingly sleek with razor-slim bezels, the 15.6-inch Legion Y530 has an FHD display that supports a speedy refresh rate of 144 Hz and up to 300 nits of brightness. Powered by an 8th generation Intel i7 processor, the Y530 comes loaded with NVIDIA’s GTX 1050 Ti, granting smooth and power-efficient gameplay. It also boasts dual-chamber cooling, minimalist white back-lit keyboard, Kensington lock, DDR4 memory, SSD plus HDD storage configuration, and immersive Harman speakers with Dolby Audio.
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OPPO O-Free
Wireless Earbuds OPPO continues to amaze with their very first truly wireless earphones designed to pair nicely with the recently launched Find X. Built with Qualcomm’s QCC3026 chipset, the earphones feature TrueWireless Stereo technology that delivers better power management and connectivity. Offering high-res audio quality whenever and wherever, the O-Free has a painless pairing system for any device, and has a playback time of up to 4 hours on a single charge. With its handy charger-slash-case, the lozenge-shaped earbuds can be charged thrice before needing a top-up.
OPPO A3S Smartphone
Outstanding in its class, the A3S is the first entry-level phone of OPPO to feature a trendy top notch. This means a larger screen size, with a 6.2-inch IPS HD+ display at 1080 x 2280 pixels. Inside its lightweight shell is a 1.8 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 450 chipset, paired with 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal memory. Adopting the famous dual camera setup from their flagship, its 13-megapixel + 2-megapixel rear cameras deliver decent photos, even in low light. Meanwhile, the 8-megapixel front snapper captures natural-looking selfies, and you can never go wrong with its big 4230 mAh battery.
PHP 6,990
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Audio Technica R70X Over-Ear Headphones
The first open-back headphones from the Japanese audio authority recreates the music in your ears exactly as it was recorded. Giving more detailed audio for serious studio work and amateur listeners, this flagship headphones flaunt a lightweight yet solid construction. With large 45 mm drivers, the R70X reduces distortion and ensures accurate, extended high-frequency response up to 40,000 Hz. Its built-in aluminum honeycomb mesh housings enable the users to hear their environment clearly, and an impedance of 470 ohms delivers exemplary sound quality. There’s also the iconic and stylish wing pad that provides additional comfort when in use.
Toshiba Portégé Z30-E Laptop
Engineered with plenty of power under the hood and reliability at its core, this ultra-light laptop offers premium performance in any setting. Weighing in at just 1.2 kg, with a highly robust magnesium chassis, the Portégé Z30-E provides convenient portability, and up to 18 hours of battery life. Its 13.3-inch non-reflective HD or Full HD screen with LED backlighting reduces glare, even in direct sunlight, enabling users to work confidently whatever time of the day. It utilizes the latest Intel Core processor–with DDR4 RAM (2400MHz) for the 8th generation Intel Core processor configuration—giving the laptop all the power needed to multitask. It can also handle business applications without compromise, and with a high-performance SSD inside, users can expect blazing fast speeds and fast system response all day. Offering a range of convenient full-size ports, the Portégé Z30-E ships with three USB 3.0 ports and an HDMI port. Gigabit LAN also allows fast access to local networks.
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Kasa Cam Outdoor Smart Security Camera Specifically designed to watch over outside areas, the Kasa Cam detects both motion and audio. Recording and streaming high-definition 1080p videos at 30 fps, the intelligent home device will never miss a thing. It also comes with free two-day cloud storage to store and stream up to 1080p footages. Users can even watch their home anywhere they go in real-time with its dedicated app. Beautifully designed, this camera serves as a digital watchdog rain or shine.
Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Smart Plug
Another addition to the Kasa family is this minimalist energy plug from TP-Link. Extending and improving its performance, the sleek Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug is an ideal addition for a smarter home. The dual outlet plug lets you save electricity by powering and scheduling appliances with just one tap through the Kasa Smart app. It also supports voice commands when paired with Amazon Alexa, Microsoft Cortana, and Google Assistant devices. It even connects automatically to your home’s Wi-Fi router, so you won’t need any extra hubs. This translates to lower costs, efficient use of power, and a safer home.
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Mophie Powerstation Power Bank The basic, compact, and aluminum Powerstation contains an ample amount of power, 6000 mAh to be exact. It lets you do more, enabling you to charge multiple devices simultaneously through its two USB ports. There’s also an efficient LED indicator that informs you of its current capacity. Thanks to its smart adaptive charging feature, it delivers the fastest charging speed of 2.1 A.
Mophie Powerstation Plus Power Bank
Offering premium design and convenience in one, the Powerstation Plus is another product that iOS users should look forward to. Flaunting a switch-tip lightning and micro-USB cable, the 6,000 mAh battery pack offers more with an extra port and high output charging. Its built-in smart charging circuitry provides just the right amount of power for your devices. It also informs you of the current battery life and charging status of your powerstation through its power indicator. More lightweight than its brothers in the series, the Powerstation Plus is truly a must for digital travellers.
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Mophie Powerstation Plus XL Power Bank
The most versatile battery pack from Mophie is here! Taking design cues from the of Powerstation Plus and doubling its charging capacity, this product is truly “extra large.” With a whopping 12000 mAh packed in its sleek aluminum body, this power pack can be charged through a lightning cable. It still bears the same hide-away switch-tip cable, 2.1A quick-charging speed, and Digital Power Management to provide the right amount of power to your smartphones and tablets. There’s also an extra USB port, so you can top up two devices at once.
Mophie Powerstation XXL Power Bank Keep your devices ready to go and fully powered with the toughest battery pack from Mophie. Mightier than their previous offerings, its 20,000 mAh battery can deliver up to 100 hours of extra juice. Extend your charging capacity through its 3 USB charging ports that are specifically designed for heavy-duty users. With smart adaptive charging technology, the aluminum power bank has a unique Priority+ charging feature that enables users to charge their devices first, even when the sophisticated Powerstation XXL is connected to a power source. It’s a fusion of style and efficiency, what’s not to love?
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Vivo Nex
Smartphone Possessing a bezel-less full screen display, the most anticipated smartphone from Vivo is now a reality. Flaunting a 6.59inch Super AMOLED display, this smartphone defines the next generation of technology. At its core is a Snapdragon 845 processor with AI capabilities. Thanks to 8 GB RAM, the phone offers buttery smooth frame rates for the most demanding mobile games in the market. It’s also partnered with a whopping internal storage of either 128 GB or 256 GB. What makes it uniquely awesome, is its 8-megapixel front-facing camera, which hides and pops up at will, on the top edge of the phone. The primary dual cameras in 12-megapixel and 5-megapixel deliver clear and detailed photos too. It’s the future of smartphones.
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Asus VivoBook S15 Laptop
The most youthful laptop from Asus is finally here. Adding a dash of personality to your mobile lifestyle, the colorful VivoBook boasts the innovative three-sided NanoEdge display that gives a bigger 15.6-inch Full-HD screen, allowing superb wide viewing angles up to 178 degrees. Powered by the latest Intel Core 8th generation processors, with NVIDIA’s MX150 GPU under its sleek and aluminum unibody, you can use it for multimedia editing and casual gaming. The Ergolift technology, on the other hand, improves typing position by slightly tilting the keyboard as well as optimizes its cooling system. Giving you the best of both worlds, this VivoBook can accomodate up to 2 TB of HDD plus 512 GB SSD worth of storage. Also, there’s a fingerprint scanner on its touchpad, as well as backlit keyboard, and USB-port C for speedy data transfers and charging. It’s fast, reliable, and secure; what’s not to love?
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HP EliteDesk 800 Workstation Edition Desktop CPU Architects and product designers can now make their visions a reality with this tough, professional desktop. Hailed as one of the most affordable commercial desktops, this SolidWorks and AutoCAD-approved desktop allows users seamless and reliable performance. Integrated with ISV certified applications, the desktop is also optimized for VR engines allowing developers to bring their content to life with the mighty NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080. It’s ideal for those who want to switch from business to workstation-class PC.
HP Z2 Tower G4 Desktop CPU
Carefully manufactured for complex operations and professional use, this entry-level workstation from HP features Intel Core and Xeon processors that are meant to handle even the most demanding 3D projects and heaviest workloads. Users can benefit from its full, unthrottled performance, thanks to its processors, clocked at high speeds of 3.7 GHz. The new design features front and rear ledges, and smaller compared to its previous versions. To boost reliability, the HP Z2 Tower and the SFF offer HP’s innovative optional dust filter to keep the system clean. It has also two dedicated dual M.2 storage slots for pro-grade memory and optional self-encryption drives.
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HP Z2 Mini G4 Desktop CPU
Dubbed as the quietest workstation, the fourth generation Z2 Mini delivers next-level performance. Encased in a space-saving body is an industry-leading NVIDIA Quadro P620, P1000, or AMD Radeon Pro WX4150 for double the graphics power of its predecessor. Stunning and versatile, it can be placed under the desk and is travel friendly. Its flexible I/O provides connectivity of serial ports, as well as support for up to six displays for peripheral and display connectivity needs. It is also the world’s only mini workstation with a six core Intel Xeon processor, making it the most powerful in its range. Great things do come in small packages.
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LG Signature W8 OLED Smart TV
LG’s “wallpaper TV,” the Signature W8 OLED boasts immensely slim dimensions as well as superb picture quality worthy of the brand’s most premium OLED TVs.The display measures just 0.23 inches thick, with its internal components fitted into an external sound bar. Its Dolby Atmos sound bar also boasts 4.2-channel sound at 60 watts and is home to four HDMI ports, two USB ports, and connectors for composite video, RF antenna and Ethernet. Complementing its good looks is a powerful a9 Intelligent Processor inside, which allows the TV to render incredibly rich colors and sharpness. This technology is tied to LG’s AI ThinQ which further makes the LG W8’s picture quality outstanding.
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GADGETS LAB
Specifications: Dimensions: 291 mm x 104 mm x 105 mm Sound Drivers: Two 58mm Weight: 1500 g Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.2, with maximum connection range of 98.3 ft. Frequency range: Up to 2.4 GHz band Supports: SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs Design: IP67-certified Battery: Up to 24 hrs Ports: USB, audio jack
What’s Hot: - Solid build quality - Plenty of bass - NFC-enabled
What’s Not: - Live mode needs improvement
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Specifications: Dimensions: Unfolded: 108 (L) x 43 (W) x 114cm (H)/ Folded: 108 (L) x 43 (W) x 49cm (H) Wheels: 8.5-inch pneumatic Weight: 12.5 Kg Max User Weight: 100 kg Range Max: 30 Km Battery : 280 Wh Features: Cruise Control Max Speed : 25 KPH Material: Aluminum Alloy
What’s Hot: - Great value - Easy to use - Plenty of fun What’s Not: - Rain is an issue - A little tweaking is needed to make it shine
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Specifications: Wireless Connectivity: AC1200 2x2 Wave 2 Wifi/ Expandable mesh Wifi/Simultaneous dual-band Wifi (2.4GHz / 5GHz) supporting IEEE/802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ TX Beamforming/Bluetooth® Smart Ready Ports: 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports per Wifi point/WAN and LAN on primary Wifi point; both act as LAN ports on additional Wifi points Color and Material: White, lightweight, durable plastic Security: WPA2-PSK/Automatic security updates/ Infineon SLB 9615 trusted platform module Memory: 512MB RAM/4GB eMMC flash Processor: Quad-core ARM CPU, each core up to 710 MHz Power: 15W power adapter/~9W consumed What’s Hot: - Easy set-up - Intuitive application What’s Not: - Limited availability
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Specifications: Dimensions: 3.8 x 1.65 inches Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.1/ Wi-Fi b/g/n/ac Microphones: Far-field Speaker driver: 40 mm
What’s Hot: - Lots of useful functions - Compact - Affordable What’s Not: - Spotty voice recognition - Spotty Bluetooth connection
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COVER STORY
Words by Gadgets Team Art by Theresa Eloriaga
Here at Gadgets, we know our readers aren’t going to be amused just because a piece of technology is popular or new. We know we have a much more discerning audience than that. And to celebrate the 18th year of our existence as the first tech lifestyle magazine in the country, we want to give you only the best. For our anniversary CoverStory, we give you the best of the best. Regardless of your particular interests, hobbies, or fascination with the tech world, we’ve got something for you. 18 years of innovation has brought you the best, and you deserve nothing less.
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Words by Ren Alcantara
Recently, I have rediscovered my gaming roots. Things have changed a bit since I was last pulling all-nighters and getting by with two hours of sleep. This month, we’re going to take a quick look at some of the best gaming hardware right now, so you can take a quick escape from the terrors of this world.
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Portable gaming: Nintendo Switch Nintendo has done it again. It was quite a drop from the Wii to the lukewarm reception of the Wii U, but the Japanese company has gotten back on the horse with the Switch. Portable gaming with the ability to painlessly move to a larger screen and pick up the same title, the same way, just with better graphics has been something of a holy grail for anyone who has had to bring a TV and gaming console on an extended vacation. Big titles are finally starting to fill shelves up, with a whole world of indie games on top of those to fill the gaps. If you’re into gaming that’s a little more serious than phone games, the Switch might just be the perfect handheld to get the job done. VR gaming: Oculus Go VR is the next frontier for gaming. While a powerful VR gaming rig for the PC will cost you a little more than two arms, a leg, and half a liver, there’s a far more affordable way to get a great VR experience without selling on the black market. The Oculus Go is a USD 199 (about PHP 10,000) solution that gives some impressive results. Despite the budget price tag, you get reasonably good graphics, a simple and effective wire-free audio solution, and about two hours of gaming at a time. There are a lot of games available, from little indie titles to larger multiplayer ones, and a lot of extra apps and content aside. It’s a great way to try VR gaming without going whole hog, and plenty of fun to boot. Gaming mouse: Logitech G900 Chaos Spectrum There’s no getting around wires. It’s hard to beat the reliability and worry-free use without concern about your battery dying mid-skirmish. Sometimes though, they can get tangled up, keeping your crosshairs from moving that crucial half millimeter you needed to put that Mercy away for good. You could get one each to suit your moods, but that would be a little much. To solve that problem, we’ve got the G900 Chaos Spectrum from Logitech. Aside from having the
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option to go either wired or wireless, you get rock-solid reliability, and legendary Logitech build quality that will last you years. On top of that, it’s nice and light, so you can keep playing for hours without too much effort. Logitech also offers some great software for configuring your mouse exactly the way you want it. The downside is a steep price tag. That’s worth it though, considering all the in-game enemies you can dispatch. Gaming keyboard: Razer Orbweaver This is a strange choice, being that it’s quite dated. Bear with us. “But,” you might say, “why get half a keyboard for the price of a whole one?” Well, I found myself asking that question when I first saw controllers of this type in the past. I scoffed at them, called them ridiculous, and a waste of money. Then I developed a pain in my left wrist from playing too much on my own mechanical tenkeyless. The ergonomics just aren’t too great for many hours of extended play. The Orbweaver has a contoured palm rest so you won’t be unconsciously squeezing your palm shut. This lessens fatigue, and keeps your gaming sessions comfortable. Since switching first to the Tartarus, and then to the Orbweaver, all my wrist pain has gone away completely. On top of the comfort, you get some adjustability, mechanical keys, and programmable macros, plus the freedom to assign whatever key you want to whichever button on the controller. Sure, it’s another piece of hardware, but it’s an awesome piece of additional hardware. And it’s actually useful
you to react accordingly. Of the ones available now, one of the best gaming headsets you can get is the Turtle Beach Stealth 700. First off, it’s wireless. With Bluetooth connectivity, you can get all the audio, with none of the wires. Second, a boom mic makes extra sure all your comms go through loud and clear, so your team knows what’s up, and your foes know not to mess with you next time. The icing on the cake is active noise cancellation, making sure every bit of the real world is put in its place, while you get your game on. It’s also comfortable, with soft faux leather cups that cushion your ears gently, even with glasses on. That’s a quick rundown of some of the hardware you’ll want to have to get your gaming on. There’s nothing quite like getting a good game or two in during your down time, and having the right hardware makes that experience all the more enjoyable. Prepare your wallet, head to your favorite retailer, and get buying!
Gaming Headphones: Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gaming headsets are important, yet often underrated. A good headset not only adds to your immersion, it gives you an edge, particularly in shooters, as you can more easily tell which direction attacks and foes come from, allowing
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Words by Mia Carisse Barrientos
2018 might be the year of infinity displays, but the fact that this year has seen some of the most amazing camera technologies built into smartphones cannot be dismissed. Sharing the spotlight with bezel-less screens and the notorious display notch are triple rear cameras, intelligent image processing, optical zoom, and massive camera sensors. These components elevate smartphone photography beyond what we thought was impossible just two generations ago. With all the amazing smartphones that have been put out this year alone, choosing based solely on specs can prove tricky. We take a look at some of the best smartphone snappers we’ve had the pleasure of handling and putting through their photography paces, from budget offerings to flagships.
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Entry-Level If we’re going to put it bluntly, low-cost smartphones usually get the short end of the stick feature-wise. Many times, the first thing to go to keep prices down is the image quality of their cameras. At present though, tempting propositions come in the form of entry-level smartphones’ fantastic snappers. Xiaomi is a brand that champions value for money, and this is reinforced by the launch of the Redmi 6. This smartphone which identifies as entry-level, sells for a little over PHP 7,000 yet is packed to the brim with features that make mid-rangers nervous. With a dual rear-camera setup, 12 MP + 5 MP, and MediaTek Helio P22 SoC AI optimization, the Redmi 6 is able to deliver quality bokeh effects and impressive low-light performance minus premium costs. Oppo keeps it fresh with the 2018 version of the A71. Moving away from nearly borderless displays, the A71 keeps the classic Oppo look. Equipped with a Qualcomm SD 450 chipset with an octa-core processor, the A71 is a competitive entry level phone. The Chinese smartphone giant clearly didn’t skimp on the A71 with its 13 MP rear camera which can be utilized to take time-lapse, panorama, and even ultra-HD 42 MP photos. Sony’s Xperia L2 also makes use of a 13 MP shooter with an f/2.0 aperture. And thanks to a Mediatek MT6737T chipset, video quality is at 1080p at 30 fps. The Xperia brand is often associated with the word premium, and the Xperia L2 feels like a premium smartphone without the wallet-draining price tag. Mid-Range We’ve come to a point where mid-range phones are no longer just an option for the unsure. It’s a thriving market with handsets that dare to change the game. These offerings provide excellent performance and come with the promise of great photos, without being out of reach for the average consumer. Chinese smartphone makers dominate the mid-range category, with Oppo and Vivo going head-to-head at the front lines. In this war though it’s the consumers who win. Phones such as the Oppo F7 and Vivo V9 present great value, with fullview displays, capable chipsets, and competitive pricing, but it’s their cameras that command attention. On the Oppo F7 is a 16 MP rear camera that creates crisp images in a snap thanks to a Helio P60 chipset and phase detection autofocus. Scenes are captured the way they should be with AI Scene Recognition, and with an ample aperture, shooting at night is made more pleasant. The V9, on the other hand, is fitted with the Snapdragon 626 that enables its rear main 16 MP shooter and 5 MP sensor to capture depth-of-field, rich detail,
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and bright images. It also makes use of an artificial intelligence algorithm and machine learning to produce great photos. Vivo takes it a notch higher with the X21. This smartphone is powered by an SD 660 chipset, giving it solid mid-range performance. Apart from gorgeous looks and an amazing underdisplay fingerprint scanner, the X21 comes with an AI-boosted 12 MP camera with PDAF plus a 5 MP secondary rear camera for solid image quality even in situations without much light. It does come with a heftier price tag than the V9, approximately PHP 10,000 more. The ZenFone brand has established itself as a smartphone line with capable snappers. Asus pushes the boundaries of smartphone photography with the Asus ZenFone 5. Powered by the Snapdragon 636, the ZenFone 5 utilizes AI extensively to enhance its photo-taking abilities. It has a Sony IMX363 sensor with 1.4 µm pixels and a secondary 120-degree wide-angle camera. Extra features that allow it to deliver superior images quality include OIS, scene detection, as well as AI Photo Learning. Nokia, with the 7 Plus, is a tough contender. This gorgeous handset is equipped with ZEISSboosted rear cameras that render images with superb colors in conditions with ample lighting. The 6-inch 7 Plus has a 12 MP snapper with a wide aperture and large pixel size, and a 13 MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom. It runs on the Snapdragon 660 mobile platform to produce images with fine details and processes them fast. Flagship Though our list suggests you could already do with either an entry-level or mid-range smartphone, it’s no secret that smartphone manufacturers go allout with their flagship offerings. This gives us built-in cameras worth ditching a pointand-shoot for. In these high-end smartphones, AI integration is still a common denominator, with dual-cameras everywhere we look.
fast image processing. It comes with the same AI-boosted dual-camera system as the ZenFone 5 but with more muscle under the hood for increased performance. LG has been on the down low as of late, but the Korean giant aims to create buzz with the G7 ThinQ. Like the rest of the smartphones here, the G7 ThinQ packs two snappers. Its dual 16 MP rear sensors work with an AI-enabled camera software to intelligently and intuitively give you the best possible camera output without the user putting in any work beyond pointing and shooting. Oppo has discovered a way to give consumers more screen without compromising its cameras. The Find X flaunts 3D-enabled and AI-assisted cameras that pop up with an easy slide. It has a dual rear camera system with OIS that create stunning images with vibrant color thanks to a Snapdragon 845 mobile platform, AI Scene Recognition, and depth of field capabilities. The Xperia XZ2 is for content creators who want to stand out. Fitted with a 19 MP Sony IMX400 with f/2.0 aperture, predictive hybrid/phase detection, and the BIONZ for mobile imageprocessing engine, the XZ2 identifies as a 3D and AR content powerhouse and aims its sights at serious smartphone photographers. Its camera software has a Predictive Capture feature which delivers optimal shots whatever the shooting conditions. The Honor 10 may not be as mainstream as the rest of the smartphones here, but it comes with a camera system worthy of recognition--an impressive 24 MP plus 16 MP AI camera combination to be exact. It is capable of recognizing scenes in real time for favorable image output with an AI algorithm made more efficient by an inbuilt NPU.
The Asus ZenFone 5Z is a step up from the ZenFone 5 in that it is powered by the SD 845 and employs an AI platform that includes a beastly Hexagon 685 DSP for machine learning, Adreno 630 Graphics, and Kryo 385 CPU for
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Words by Jewel Sta. Ana
From commuting to work, to burning calories, music is always ready to keep us entertained. Scientifically, it boosts our mood and actually does have a positive effect on performance. With the prevalence of personal music players and streaming services, we literally have access to millions of tracks anywhere we go. The year has given us some of the coolest audio devices, with the promise of more to come. We take a look at some of the most interesting ones for the casual listener.
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High-end performance Sennheiser’s expertise is unquestionable, particularly if you know that they are one of the leading suppliers of studio hardware globally. At CES this year, Sennheiser dropped its follow-up to their professional headphones series, the HD 820. A closed-back version of HD 800, the newer model provides great noise cancellation, and high-resolution audio quality across lows, mids, and highs. With superb sound quality and gorgeous minimalist design, these headphones are simply amazing.
pro-grade headphones that were critically acclaimed by experts worldwide. To celebrate the Japanese audio tech company’s 50th anniversary, they offered a limited edition ATH M50X BB in a classy black and electric blue shell. It retains the large 45 mm drivers that give deep and accurate bass, noise isolation, and exceptional sound clarity. Crafted for hours of use, its collapsible design and well-padded headband and ear pads provide superb comfort and even comes with three different audio cables for professional use, and casual listening.
The music lover’s companion If there’s one app on my phone I cannot live without, it would probably be Spotify. To fully utilize its potential, you will need a good headset. The Sony MDR-1AM2 is just the thing to get you to audio nirvana. Focusing on crystal clear Hi-Fi audio, these over-ear headphones sport 40 mm dynamic drivers with liquid crystal polymer diaphragms. Aside from being compatible with the LDAC codec, it has a classy design that doesn’t make you feel like an audio dork, and balanced cables. To be honest, it’s quite amusing for a wired headphones to be portable, without compromising its bass quality.
Classy and inexpensive If you want something affordable and very light in your bag, then you should take a look at the OnePlus Bullets V2. they’ve been on sale for a couple of months already, but this pair from the Chinese smartphone brand checks the boxes for both form and function. Giving you massive value for money, the second generation Bullets look and feel premium in every way from its brushed metal finish to the flat, tangle-free cable. Delivering a wide soundstage through its 9 mm dynamic driver, its performance is really mind-blowing. The restrained bass allows the mids and highs to shine through, so you get the entire track just as the artist intended.
Stylish and wireless Bang and Olufsen has always made stunningly beautiful devices. So when the bright and actually quite cute B&O H4 was released, consumers were rightfully excited. Being from B&O it was definitely more than its aesthetic. Despite being the brand’s cheapest Bluetooth 4.2-enabled headphones, it didn’t compromise on quality. It even offers a 1.2 m audio cable for audiophiles who prefer a wired connection, and a dedicated mobile app for customizing and choosing preset sound profiles. Preferred by most travellers, the H4 has generous battery life that lasts up to 19 hours.
IEMs for the masses Small but definitely incredible, who would have thought that this pair has the power of an in-ear monitor? Knowledge Zenith is a Chinese brand that’s known for their top-notch, budget earphones. Sporting a penta-driver hybrid configuration on each earbud, the KZ ZS10 offers tri-frequency separation, letting you experience music to its fullest. Coming with a silver or golden-plated braided cable, and a large, transparent housing, the brand has raised the bar of affordable consumer earbuds in a way no other brand has.
The cult’s favorite Audio Technica has always been a strong contender in the field of personal audio, but everything changed when they dropped the closed-back ATH M50X. The brand became a household name instantly, thanks to the superb
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Words by Gerry Gaviola
Considering all the film gear that’s been recently released, 2018 seems like a good year to invest in filmmaking, especially for those who are looking to do so without breaking the bank. The further away we drift from analog, the cheaper things get, and the more dynamic things can be for creators. Looking back, we’ve come a long way—from enormous and barely mobile and pricey film cameras; to slightly portable camcorders that shot in VHS and Betamax formats; to digital video cameras that now shoot up to 8K, the future for quality film gear is only bound to get even better. There’s a plethora of gear out there, and you need not break the bank to be a good filmmaker. And if you’re looking to invest in low or average priced 2018 film quality then look no further. Here are some neat film gear released this year.
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The game changer: the Sony a7III Since its announcement and subsequent release in February 2018, the a7III has been selling like hotcakes with many calling it the best big boy camera you can get for just under USD 2000. Canon and Sony have always been the main go-to DSLR or mirrorless camera brands for budget film productions for a reason. They’re cheap, portable, and can shoot in 4K. Numerous commercials and music videos have been shot with Canon 6Ds or Sony a7SIIs. And the new kid on the block, the a7III changes everything. If you’re a relatively new filmmaker and are looking to invest in your first “professional camera,” then a7III is the camera to get. What Sony calls its “basic camera” is not so basic at all. For its price and capability, it goes beyond expectations. There’s plenty to love about the A7III, here are some of them: Battery: Even though Sony’s been among the top-selling brands, some have complained about the camera brand’s battery capacity and overheating issues. Those issues are resolved with the new Z batteries Sony released alongside the a7III. Sony’s new Z battery for the a7III packs about twice the power of its previous battery offering which means that, at the time of writing, it now has the longest rated battery life of any mirrorless camera. USB-C: The a7III embraces the future with its support for the oh-so versatile USB-C. With its support comes faster transfer speeds and quick charging times. Improved AF system: Every moment is fleeting, and if you blink, or if you’re camera’s technology can’t catch up, you miss capturing a beautiful moment. The AF system of the a7III incorporates a ton of autofocus points, 693 focal-plane phase-detection AF points, to be exact. Merging contrast and phase detection AF points births a hybrid autofocus system that’s quick yet reliable. For vloggers, this would mean no blur when switching from focusing inanimate objects, to their faces. And for videographers, crisp and focused subjects, every time.
you may opt to choose to write in both cards, just in case. The camera is capable of writing on both cards simultaneously, and you can even arrange a setting where JPEG images are saved to one card and RAW to the other.
those perfect establishing shots of the scenery. The Mavic Air is DJI’s most portable drone that sports a 3-axis mechanical gimbal backed up by gimbal dampeners and reduced angular vibrations for smoother shots.
DJI Ronin-S: the best gimbal in the market There’s just something about buttery smooth film footage that makes visuals look ever-so cinematic and professional. Back in the day, I remember investing in a mini glidecam. It was heavy, was balanced by several metal plates, and was a chore to set up. Back then, the bigger the camera to be used, the bigger and heavier your glidecam will need to be to support the payload. Then came gimbals, a.k.a, the easiest and most hassle-free devices that help you get smooth footage without it being such a chore. There are plenty in the market, but DJI’s 2018 Ronin-S, like the a7III, also sits as a game changer. Here is what to love about it:
The cherry on top: Yes, the DJI is small, light, and portable, but it’s anything but subtle. It shoots 4K at 100 Mbps, shoots 120 fps slow motion at 1080p, and takes beautiful HDR photos. Added to this is its beautiful and well-engineered aesthetic that prioritizes aerodynamic performance, efficient cooling, and gimbal protection, for optimal performance.
Compact, yet powerful Don’t let its size fool you. Despite it being a miniature size of the Ronin gimbal stabilizers, the Ronin-S packs a lot of power. DJI’s patented SmoothTrack technology allows filmmakers to adjust the gimbal based on their shooting style. With the flick of a switch, the Ronin-S can be adjusted to smoothly track movement or to quickly respond in situations with rapid movement. With a click, up to two response types can be also be recalled. Multiple accessories may be mounted with the Ronin-S as well. From LED lights to microphones, to transmitters, the stabilizer will adjust without any hassle. And in the case that there would be a complex shot, the technology allows remote operators to control the gimbal with ease using external wheels.
Improved slow motion capability: When shooting with the a7SII at 120 fps, the camera automatically utilizes a 2.2x crop mode. The a7III, finally, doesn’t crop-in when shooting in slow-motion! This means better and butterysmooth wide shots which are a necessity in achieving that cinematic look.
Intelligent design: The brain of the Ronin-S is its advanced 32-bit ARM processor which takes care of the computing for the motor and stabilization. Sporting an offset roll motor, the Ronin-S mounts the camera above the roll axis, which is also a game-changing feature. There are several gimbals out there, but plenty leave the LCD blocked, the Ronin-S isn’t one of them. A good view of the LCD translates to a better-composed shot. Additionally, the overall design minimizes camera shake, especially when switching from high to low shots.
Dual card slots: For weddings and event videographers, keeping a backup is key. You’ll never know when your SD card will fail on you. With the a7III’s dual card slots,
DJI Mavic Air: the tiny beast When you’re shooting travel videos, having a drone is almost a must. Your gear will seem incomplete not unless you have a drone to take
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PHOTO FEATURE
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Gown by Leo Almodal
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Gown by Banggo Niu
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Sony XA2 Plus
Pocketable entertainment powerhouse
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Gown by Leo Almodal
Lenovo Legion Y730
A new era of mobile gaming is upon us
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Interviewed by Mia Carisse Barrientos Michele Gumabao commands attention as soon as she walks into a room. A towering 5’10, the newly-crowned Bb. PilipinasGlobe found fame as a member of the women’s volleyball team of the De La Salle University, leading the team to victory three years in a row. Exhibiting power and grace on the court, Michele’s athleticism shone through the Bb. Pilipinas runway, walking with power and confidence that’s awe-inspiring. “I want to exude power. I want to influence and inspire power among women. It’s not just about a woman’s curves and gracefulness, nowadays, it’s more of a woman’s ability to be powerful, to be influential. I want to inspire people, and hopefully it comes through in my walk.” Michele beamed. Michele had no problems posing in front of the camera. She flirted with the lens like it was the most natural thing, and with boldness, would constantly ask the team for feedback as well as make suggestions. Witnessing this mastery, you never would have guessed that she tensed up and broke out in cold sweat at the press presentation of Binibining Pilipinas. A pageant first-timer, Michele was pressed for time to learn the ways of a beauty queen. What she had, however, was unmatched discipline. A trait that took years of hard work and training in the court to form. Michele made a transformation that has inspired many to follow, and that’s what the 25-year-old joined the competition for. “I’ve always been sports–inclined and I felt that there was something lacking in my life: the ability to be able to help others reach their dreams and just really do something bigger than just being in sports, being in showbiz, being in the entertainment industry. Bb. Pilipinas gave me a bigger platform to share what sports can do for our country. I want to influence this country through sports. And I know I have the power to do that. It’s a good enough legacy for me and I’d be happy enough to have had paved the way for athletes who also want to make this transition.” At the coronation night, Michele was composed and strutted down the pasarela with grace. “I was relaxed and really having fun,” she shared. Showcasing elegance, beauty, and wit, Michele secured the title Bb. Pilipinas-Globe and is extremely proud of this achievement. “If I can bring that recognition to the crown, to Miss Globe, then I think that’s already a good start for anybody who will succeed this crown for me. And if I can bring appreciation and recognition to it, then I think it’s already a good legacy.” the beauty queen expressed. Michele intends on maximizing her year as Bb. PilipinasGlobe, and has her eyes on the Miss Globe crown—where we know she’ll do great.
Michele Gumabao would like to thank the following: Fitness: Grindhouse Manila Skincare: Regenestem Manila Dental: GAOC Health and Wellness : Raya Wellness
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MOBILITY
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2018 Isuzu D-Max Ride-and-Drive to La Union
Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) and members of the motoring media drove to surfing capital of the north, La Union, to experience the power and remarkable fuel-efficiency of the RZ4E engine and get familiar with the refined amenities of the 2018 Isuzu D-Max and Isuzu mu-X. The event "Isuzu Driveway Getaway 2018” had members of the media take on the challenge of consuming the least amount of fuel for a 112-km economy run—starting from the initial fuel-up at Petron Marilao to Petron Tarlac. "The astounding fuel mileages that all of you got from this economy run, most especially of those who won the challenge, only proves that with the right combination of good driving habits and the efficiency of the RZ4E engine, the 2018 Isuzu D-Max can be the answer to the worrisome increases in the pump prices of fuel. Today's activity shows that we can still have the pleasures of long road trips without having to get anxious over our fuel consumption," IPC president Hajime Koso lauded the economy run participants. Koso added, "The RZ4E is a new-generation diesel engine which has been the result of Isuzu's over 4 years of extensive research in BluePower diesel engine technology, and represents our first foray into the lower displacement but higher output engine technology that has become the trend in Europe and in Asia. Even while generating maximum 150 PS of power and 350 Nm of torque, the 2018 52
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Isuzu D-Max powered by the RZ4E engine—with its over 200 new components—was still able to get a fuel mileage of 22.59 km per liter from the winning media team." The media ride-and-drive was the perfect avenue for the 2018 Isuzu D-Max to shine. This pickup presents a solid package with various features and head-turning design. The motoring media also benefited from: • The D-Max is the only pickup in the market designed for its purpose, with the strength and function of a truck (with its rigid chassis, high-tensile steel cabin, and steel timing chain), yet with nearly the same comfort of a passenger car and equipped with the latest technologies in safety and convenience; • It is now powered by durable, reliable, and fuel-efficient engines--the RZ4E and the 3.0-liter diesel engines; • Its passenger car-like interior features an 8-inch touchscreen audio/video entertainment system, leather seats and well-positioned soft pads (for the 3.0-liter variants) or vibrantly accented fabric seats (for the RZ4E variants), as well as multiple storage compartments and cupholders; • An aggressive fascia equipped with premium features such as the Bi-LED headlamps with manual leveling controls providing more brightness but less power consumption and
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longer LED daytime running lamps (DRL) for added safety; The touchscreen (8-inch for the 3.0-liter variants, 7-inch for the RZ4E) serves as the focal point for the 2018 Isuzu D-Max infotainment system, complete with Navi system (3.0L variant only), Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, and multiple usb ports; It is built with safety features, such as dual SRS airbags, anti-lock brake system (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), brake assist (BA), and Brake Override System (BOS). Meanwhile the 3.0L variants gets additional electronic stability control (ESC), traction control system (TCS), hillstart assist (HSA), and hill descent control (HDC). 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift mode or the manual transmission equipped with the Gear Shift Indicator (GSI).
The 2018 Isuzu D-Max is available in three, and two new, body colors sapphire blue and galena gray. Prices of this pickup are as follows: • • • • •
4x2 LS - PHP 1,290,000 (MT, 3.0 L engine) 4x2 LS - PHP 1,249,000 (AT, RZ4E engine) 4x2 LS - PHP 1,179,000 (MT, RZ4E engine) 4x4 LS - PHP 1,670,000 (AT, 3.0 L engine) 4x4 LS - PHP 1,600,000 (MT, 3.0 L engine) www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph
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APPS
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GAMING
Developer: Square Enix Montreal | Publisher: Square Enix Ltd. | Platform: Android and iOS Words by Jewel Sta. Ana
Apart from toy conventions and nationwide mall sales, I frequently look forward to discounts in app marketplaces. There might be thousands of mobile games in the platform that we can play for free, but most of the great ones don’t come cheap. Gamers know that you need to shell out some cash in exchange for realistic graphics and gameplay offered in consoles. So when Hitman Sniper went free in the Play Store for a limited time, I did not hesitate and installed it without second thought.
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All you need to know
If the title rings a bell, it’s probably because you’ve heard of its movie adaptation, or played the PC cult classic. Hitman was initially a series of video games especially made for consoles and PCs published by Eidos and Square Enix Ltd., and now IO Interactive. With its increasing popularity, the game franchise has produced a total of 9 titles to this date, with another one slated for November this year. Originally, Hitman Sniper was launched as an extension to the minigame of 2012’s Hitman: Absolution but after its long soft launch in Canada, and praise from game critics, the studio decided to release it officially in the app markets. Installing the game on your mobile device won’t be much of a problem, thanks to a reasonably small download size of 538 MB. Currently, it’s a certified Editor’s Choice app in Play Store—a good indicator of the quality of the title.
One shot, one kill
You step into the shoes of Agent 47, the silent assassin and star of the previous Hitman titles. Unlike in the PC versions however, Hitman Sniper is a more straightforward shooting gallery-type game. The game starts with the player being tasked to eliminate high profile targets at a house party and complete secondary objectives successfully as briefed by your agency handler, Diana Burnwood. Played from 47’s view behind the reticle of a magnified rifle optic, you can control your aim by moving the on-screen joystick, much like many of the mobile phone shooters available today. The soundtrack and music of the game both deserve praise as well, so for a truly immersive gaming experience, we highly recommend you to wear earphones. Accuracy alone won’t be enough to ace each mission; you’ll need rigorous planning to boot. It combines elements of both action and strategy, you need to observe movement patterns and timings before you can take a clean shot. The player is also put under time pressure for each mission, so you’ll have to act and think fast to make the kill. There’s also a dedicated “target” section in the home screen that shows photos and gives a brief backgrounder on each contract. Taking down other important targets and performing linked kills gain you more points and bonuses, giving your account enough money to upgrade weapons. Speaking of guns, there are about 16 unique rifles that you can unlock as you progress through the game. Once you purchase all the parts for a particular weapon, it automatically appears in your armory. Abilities also vary with according to the rifle you choose to shoot. These special abilities are a necessity if you want to complete all of your objectives, as some are quite challenging.
Bonus features
For those who just want to practice honing their shooting skills while gaining some in-game currency, there’s the zombie-infested Death Valley mission. You go from a hired gunslinger to a hero
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by protecting Ben, a middle-aged man who gets stranded in the area, as he rushes to repair his truck. Should you find this mode too hard or too easy, the game offers three difficulty settings, keeping the challenge at an appropriate level.
With over 10 million downloads, and being hailed as one of the top paid mobile games in the action category, Hitman Sniper hits the mark. So if you haven’t played it yet, it’s high time you gave it a download.
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Developer: Vicarious Visions | Publisher: Activision | Platform: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PC Words by Jose Alvarez
The dawn of the PlayStation in late 1994 ushered in the 32-bit era, when games started coming out on CDs and cartridges were on their way out. When it made its way to the rest of the world the following year, fans wanted to try and play all the titles on the latest console. As far as I can remember, it was the console I grew up with, and Crash Bandicoot was one of the biggest games to be ever released for the said console.
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Naughty Dog developed three Crash Bandicoot games from 1996 to 1999. These three games, Crash Bandicoot, Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back, and Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped were the three games published by the company before they shifted their attention to the Jak and Daxter series as well as the Uncharted series that kept the development studio going into the new millennium. After the developers shelved the game, several other Crash Bandicoot games were made by various developers, such as The Wrath of Cortex in 2001, Twinsanity in 2004, Crash of the Titans in 2007, and Crash: Mind over Mutant in 2008. Various developers such as Traveller’s Tales and Radical Entertainment were responsible for these games, but Crash lost his iconic look, and the games were not as popular as the original trilogy. However, due to popular demand from fans and the wave of 90s nostalgia, Vicarious Visions took over to remaster the original trilogy. Initially, it was made for PlayStation 4 players in 2017, but expanded to the Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch in June 2018.
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Just like in its earlier forms, the previous Crash Bandicoot games, it aims to thwart Dr. Neo Cortex’s intentions of world domination. As in the original games, the players collect Wumpa fruits (100 gives you an extra life), Aku Aku masks, which allow you to take a hit from an enemy without dying (gaining three temporary invincibility), and extra lives. However, in the latest version, they added additional modes such as unified checkpoints, pause menus, save systems, time trials across all levels of the trilogy, and the ability to play as Crash’s sister, Coco. While the graphics are much better than before, the gameplay is largely the same. Unfortunately, some of the original flaws remained in the remastered edition. It was plagued with a lack of depth perception to begin with. The distances between platforms were largely unclear and I ended up wasting a lot of lives from simply jumping to my death, something any veteran platform gamer would not be caught dead doing. The issue was fixed in the next two rounds, making them a lot easier than the original. In addition, there are two new levels in the remastered edition. Stormy Ascent was the downloadable content (DLC) for the first game, while the remastered version for other gaming consoles excluding the Playstation 4, received a new level called Future Tense, giving old-timers a new challenge. There are very few games that can withstand the test of time. Today’s gaming market is very volatile because of the unpredictable number of people patronizing these kind of games today, and the presence of online streaming can bring old titles back to life and boost the presence of new ones as well. With more than 20 years of the franchise in the industry, the Crash Bandicoot trilogy will always have a place in my heart. It’s one of the first 3D platform games on the PlayStation that everyone used to play as a child, giving a breath of nostalgia in an ever-changing game market.
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BULLET POINTS
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MUSIC CORNER
It being the anniversary issue, we thought we would go big. Apart from taking a look at the best devices available in the market today, we asked the rest of the Gadgets crew to chip in and talk about some of the best musical tracks they have on their playlists. The result is a wonderful look at a broad spread of music across different genres. If you’re looking to find a nice track or two, or maybe rediscover some old classics, strap in, because we’ve got just the thing.
UNRIVALED BEATS
Hallelujah
2016 Owning up your mistakes and learning from them is one of the keys to maturity, and this is what this song is all about. The power-pop single from the fifth studio album of the musical ensemble reflects this reality of life. Hiding inside a catchy melody, the track is pretty melancholic, which makes it more beautiful.
This Is Gospel
Words by Jewel Sta. Ana Whenever our team needs a little boost of adrenaline and brain power, expect to see everyone wearing their earphones while doing their tasks. We may have different tastes in music, but we share something in common: everyone has their favorite songs. It’s our way of beating a stuck mind, and keeping ourselves up whenever work makes us a little drowsy. I’m neither a songbird nor a talented musician, but I’d like to think I know good music when I hear it. So now, with their much-awaited concert 2 months away, I’m sharing you the greatest hits from Brendon Urie and his squad that you might want to listen in case you found yourself stuck in traffic.
I Write Sins Not Tragedies
2006 Launched as the second single from their debut studio album A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out, this classic baroque pop track is a classic from Panic! At The Disco. Aside from showcasing the band’s emo style and noticing the odd addition of accordion in the background, this song talks about marital infidelity. Go ahead and try to search its full lyrics to see for yourself. Just a fun fact: its title is a direct reference to Tyler Johnson of Shampoo Planet. 70
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2013 Fast forward seven years, and the band has jumped in a whole new genre: alternative indie. This track, according to the band’s energetic frontman Brendon Urie, is a dedication to his childhood friend and former bandmate Spencer Smith who was suffering from drug and alcohol addiction at that time. Composed with a lively, bassy melody, this anthem is for those who are “assembling philosophies from pieces of broken memories.” A personal favorite, I also suggest you to look for its ballad version that brings a whole new set of emotions to the performance.
Death of A Bachelor
2016 Giving a nod to Frank Sinatra, the group produced a synth-pop and swing single from their fifth studio album. You will surely be smitten with Brendon’s suave vocals, accompanied by a mix of jazz band brass and synthesizers. It also marked the end of a bittersweet era of singlehood as he finally tied the knot with his now better-half, Sarah Orzechowski.
Victorious
2016 Panic! At The Disco has been breaking down the walls of mainstream music through some of its more peculiar tunes, such as Victorious. Upbeat and pop-sounding, it is all about Urie’s lack of athleticism and his determination to be the greatest. Injecting alliterations, this feel-good track is a real mood-booster.
Bohemian Rhapsody
2016 Urie and the gang always surprise concert-goers with their own rendition of the classic rock tune from Queen, so when the bunch was called to perform it for the superhero film Suicide Squad, their fans went wild. Nothing beats the original, and we know it, but Brendon Urie totally slayed it with his vocal prowess.
Dying in LA
2018 Every face along the boulevard is a dreamer just like you You looked at death in a tarot card and you saw what you had to do For some who couldn’t make their star shine, Los Angeles is nothing but a city of broken dreams. Somber and metaphorical, the track’s instrumentation is hauntingly orchestral, highlighting piano and some strings. In terms of lyrics and melody, it’s an honorable mention from their latest album Pray for the Wicked. www.gadgetsmagazine.com.ph
HEART AND SOUL Words by Jael Mendoza Music is also one of the means of spreading the Good News to the audience, it’s like preaching the message to your listeners with melody and harmony. More than just pleasing to the ear, what defines beautiful music is when it connects to the depths of your being. It could be based on stories of love, struggles, or even faith. It shapes and influences our lives as well, depends on what we’re listening to. When all things work together, music could be the light in the darkness or the calm in the storm.
The Wilds I Am With You
2012 In the lyrics, God is the narrator. It gives promises and words of comfort just like a father wiping away the tears of his weeping child: I am with you, says the Savior, even to the age’s end. There are times that we do not understand why we are experiencing such adversities, but the song serves as a reminder that we should trust the Sovereign One even when life hurts.
Snarky Puppy feat. Shayna Steele Gone Under
Here’s my top list of heart-touching and spiritlifting tracks dealing on things that matter the most.
Keith & Kristyn Getty By Faith
Family Dinner Volume One (2013) The grammy-awardee and fusion-influenced jam band has done it with Shayna Steele. This lively rendition of her track has always been my favorite. Gone Under was performed during the Snarky Puppy’s session of Family Dinner Vol. 1 along with different artists. Steel’s soulful and jazzy performance will definitely make you stand on your feet and sing I need you Lord along with her, drowning your sorrows and burden in the water.
Awaken the Dawn (2009) This was the first Getty song I listened to, and it paved the way for me to forward for more of their music. By Faith is a contemporary hymn that encouraged me to stand and to be more faithful. And even though we are living in modern times, we should always be reminded on how God has worked in past generations. We are also travelling the same road of faith walked by our forefathers.
For King and Country The Proof of Your Love-The Monologue Mix
(2012) The titular mix, sung by the Australian duo and brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone, was based on chapter 13, verses 1-3 of First Corinthians. Joel wrote the song to be at once encouragement and challenge. The how You live/how You die/ love is sacrifice part shows that the perfect model for how to love is Christ. The last line of the monologue is also the last line of verse three, and captures the message clearly: No matter what I say/no matter what I do/I’m bankrupt without love.
Mandisa What Scars Are For
The Oh Hellos Like The Dawn
Through the Deep, Dark Valley (2012) This neo-folk hit from sibling Tyler and Maggie is not just an ordinary love song. Sung by Maggie, the lyrics has Adam as the narrator, during the creation of Eve and the Fall. The words of the song demonstrate subtle yet deep, spiritual, and pure love Adam felt when he saw the first woman for the first time—bones of my bones and flesh of my flesh, at last.
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Overcomer (2013) There might be a space in the back of our minds wherein we think that we may be beyond repair because of our growing pains and mistakes. However, the former American Idol contestant Mandisa tells us through this song that we are stronger because of our scars. These same scars also serve as a reminder that we are recipients of our Helper’s grace. The song also tells me that it is almost impossible to overcome my past with my own abilities, but through my Savior, victory is guaranteed. Honorable mentions are Audrey Assad’s Drawn To You and I Shall Not Want, the grooving Bulletproof by Citizen Way, the testimonial God Of Every Story by Laura Story, Whom Shall I Fear by Chris Tomlin and The Look by Sovereign Grace Music. Along with the highlights, these hymns are also worth the listen for your daily life contemplation.
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KPOP GIRLS Words by Mia Carisse Barrientos There are songs guaranteed to instantly put you in a good mood; mine has always been Korean pop. Electric, powerful, and colorful, these words perfectly describe the genre, and the world just can’t get enough. K-Pop is a total entertainment experience—it combines various music styles, performed by appealing pop idols and coordinated outfits and choreography. Its huge following is no surprise. Globally, it is the boy groups at the fore. But the girls aren’t just sitting on their coattails, and they’re a force to be reckoned with. 2018 has been, so far, a good year for girl group enthusiasts with a string of strong releases keeping them busy. Here are some girl group songs that would make you want to bop your head within the first bar—all handpicked by Gadgets Magazine’s resident K-Pop expert, i.e. me.
“Maybe She Snapped” top picks:
quickly rose to the top of the charts, but the other songs weren’t going to be upstaged. One I had on repeat was See U Later. This track takes elements of various genres and crams them into one song, and the result will make you break out into dance. Rap and hip hop are heavily used in this track which smoothly melds with BlackPink’s very pop vocals and catchy lyrics. The line see u later boy will also resonate with strong, independent women.
makes you happy overall. It’s no surprise that it dominated Korean music charts despite tough competition.
Honorable mentions go to Bad Boy by Red Velvet and I’m So Sick of APink, both of which are anthems that celebrate women and are accompanied by girl-crush-themed music videos.
“Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!” top picks:
Twice Dance The Night Away
Summer Nights (2018) Dance The Night Away is a fun song that’s uniquely Twice, but is altogether unlike Twice. Diverging from its usual cutesy sound, Dance The Night Away is a summer track with heavy EDM beats. It’s a great song to listen to by the beach, chilling and finding constellations in the night sky. The song dropped with an extra adorable music video that sees the 9-member group as castaways. The unease of being trapped on an island was washed away as they danced the night away.
Pristin V Get It
Like a V (2018) Pristin V is a sub-unit of girl group Pristin. The V in the name is a two-way representation of the group. The first being the roman numeral for 5, as in five members, and second for ‘villain’ which sees them the complete opposite of their mother group that works with perky and youthful concepts. Get It, the title track of their first album Like a V, shows this concept off perfectly. The song, lyrically, has nuances of megalomania, of girls wanting power and getting it. It’s an edgy song that would worm its way to your ears.
BlackPink See U Later
Square Up (2018) B-side tracks a lot of times don’t get much attention as most people would just stick to listening the catchier title tracks, but not for BlackPink. The 4-member girl group recently rolled out their debut EP, and fans the world over were nothing but thrilled. Title track Ddu-Du Ddu-du
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Bol4 Travel
Honorable mentions are Forever Young by BlackPink and Latata by rookie group (G)I-DLE. These two songs offer refreshing tunes perfect for combatting the vexing heat.
Red Diary Page 2 (2018) Bolbbagan4, BOL4, or Blushing Youth, whichever you want to call them, is an indie female duo that has been taking South Korea by storm. Vocalist Ahn Jiyoung’s vocals are charming, sweet, and very distinct, while Woo Jiyoon is just as charming with her rap, vocal support, and bass riffs. Listening to one of the title tracks Travel is like going on a trip to a far away place, reconnecting with nature and making fun memories. It has a playful and jaunty melody that relaxes and
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off the artist’s impressive vocal talent. Don’t be alarmed if it leaves you feeling confused—it might actually mean to do that. Just go with it.
TRACKS YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO RIGHT NOW
Kygo and Maty Noyes Stay (live version)
Words by Ren Alcantara In line with the nostalgia of our 18th anniversary, here are a few tracks that you may have heard, loved, and forgotten. If you haven’t had the pleasure of listening to them before, congratulations! You’re in for a treat!
Chet Faker Gold
There’s something about Chet Faker’s lazy-sounding vocals, the dirty-sounding synth, and catchy beat that just makes this song work. We guarantee you’ll be tapping your feet, snapping your fingers, and maybe even singing along after a few rounds of listening. And as a bonus, it has a really awesome, sexy (but not dirty) music video.
Betty Who I Love You Always Forever
A cover of an already catchy Donna Lewis track from the late 90s, Betty Who takes the already catchy anthem and updates it for the new millennium. The upbeat track gets a whole new lease on life, and her cool, smooth vocals do a lot to make this bouncy piece a great, singable hit.
Lykke Li Little Bit
Playful, charming, and innocent, this happy little song from Lykke Li is perfect for a drive with a summer fling, or even a roll in the hay. Something of an earworm, it’ll be on repeat in your head, long after the track finishes playing on your phone.
John Mayer In Your Atmosphere, Live At Nokia Theater
John Mayer can write some heavy stuff, as testified by this song. It delivers a solid punch to the gut, with a message of how life will just never be the same after love ends. This particular version might take you to some really sad places, so be prepared. We all need to let it out every so often.
The Bird and the Bee I Can’t Go For That
Another track brought back from the dead, this Hall & Oates classic got a fresh coat of paint applied by The Bird and the Bee. Like a quaint little house that has had a refresh thanks to its quirky new occupants, it’s at once a fun ride back to the past, and an interesting song to put on repeat. Think about it as bringing the 80s back, but without the baggy suits, spray-net, and big hair.
Chvrches Warning Call
The only track here that’s part of a videogame (I think), Warning Call is exactly what music might sounds light in a dystopian future. It’s electronica with a good measure of that reverberant, dreamlike quality that gives it immense replay value. Perfect as something in the background, or as part of a listening main course, it’s a beautiful piece of music that deserves a spot on your playlist.
Paired with what might be the most adorable music video in the history of music videos, this is a simple little song that is carried primarily by Lisa Hannigan’s pitch-perfect vocal performance. Playfully cute, it’s like a little love song, but only tangentially. Bonus points for you if you learn to play it yourself, and get to sing it to someone you love.
Hiatus Kaiyote Nakamarra
Where do I even start? The vocals of this song are amazing. They dance and shift, evading any attempt you might make to pin them down. The keyboard work is just as elusive, dancing and dodging with the melody. It strikes a balance between intensity and relaxation that is hard to find elsewhere, and it’s a great song to listen, though it demands your full attention.
Justin Hurwitz Epilogue (La La Land)
An emotional rollercoaster of a track, it summarizes the entire plot of La La Land in a single instrumental hymn. I listen to this, and each time I am amazed at the spectrum of emotions it puts me through. Hope, elation, love, despair--they’re all there, crammed into a single 7:38 minute song, without any lyrics. It’s amazing.
It’s a short track, but beautiful for being so. Mostly about chance and the direction it takes us, it’s one that will make you go back to reflect on the biggest “what if” moments of your life. The fact that it’s a duet drives that point home even better. Yes, life is really just about dice rolls, and that’s fine. This makes you feel a little bit more ok with that.
This hip-hop-slash-electronica track from 1996, when everyone was experimenting with digital music-making, is a quiet masterclass in the subject. Dreamy vocals, a long instrumental you can zone out to, and a catchy beat that has just the right amount of head-bopping value make it a must-play for anyone.
Damien Rice The Blower’s Daughter
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Lisa Hannigan What’ll I Do
Thomas Dybdahl Dice
Lamb Gorecki
This song, performed with Lisa Hannigan, came into the world’s consciousness thanks to the movie Closer, and it’s just as messed up. Like life, which is just never easy, this pleading doozy of a hit feels like it’s talking about dying love—and it might be—which certainly makes it sad enough. We’ve all been there, and we can all relate. Don’t listen to it if you’re sad, but if you do, turn the volume up just at the very end for a quiet little middle finger of a hidden message.
Ok, I admit it—I have a soft spot for female vocalists. This downtempo hit takes on another flavor altogether in its live version. The piano in particular takes the happy edge off, and while it still has quite a beat to it, it’s also undeniably tragic. Even Maty Noyes’ vocal performance can’t hide the fact that it’s actually a heartbeaker track.
Betty Who California Rain
Fiona Apple Never is a Promise
Overflowing with emotion, this might be one of Fiona Apple’s greatest tracks. Despondent, angry, and somehow quietly pleading; it not only delivers a powerful message, but also shows
I know, it’s the second Betty Who song on the list, but this one is special mostly because it hurts. Sung by someone’s other woman, it’s profoundly sad in that she knows the love is real, but she also knows that it’s not going to last, as she just isn’t the one. Just as painful for anyone who has experienced unrequited love (ie, all of humanity), it’s something you should listen to if you just need a good cry.
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WHITE PALACE
SPA
WELLNESS
Amidst the bustling airports, extremely noisy runways, and busy roads of Manila is solace for the weary. White Palace Spa offers a completely relaxing spa experience for anyone seeking rest in this hectic city. Established in 2012, White Palace Spa is a brand under the SV Wellness and Services Corporation. It currently has 10 branches in operation with spaces that range from 100- to 400 sq.m. The establishment was founded by partners JC Valdepenas and Danny Santiago’s through their fondness for relaxing activities, such as getting massages and pampering sessions. In its early years, the founders shared that profit made would be set aside to expand the business, which is exactly what happened. The name White Palace aptly embodies what the spa offers. The interiors are heavily influenced by Greco-Roman styles and is pristine with plenty of whites. The founders also underscored that they want to associate the term white with the level of proficiency of their therapists, taking pride in the consistent quality service offered across branches. White Palace Spa equips their employees with
know-how through extensive trainings and certification programs that span as long as two weeks. White Palace Spa offers massage therapies such as Swedish, Shiatsu, Lomi Lomi, Thai, heat therapy, reflexology to cosmetic services including body scrubs, manicures, and pedicures. Their speciality, a fusion of various massage styles, is a frequented service and which White Palace Spa claims to have pioneered. The MIA branch also has sauna and steam rooms to provide a well-rounded spa experience. For groups and customers with kids, the company has facilities for spa parties, as well as massages for kids. White Palace Spa also incentivizes customers through a loyalty program in which they get points for availing a service. Accumulated points can be used to redeem spa services. The company has its sights on opening a branch in the Quezon City area within the year and will soon be open for franchising.
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VISUAL SPACE
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ARTIST CORNER
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FEATURE
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Accenture Intelligent Operations Trailer Demystifying AI and Robotics Words by Mia Carisse Barrientos
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the new buzz-phrase in the consumer market, what with its widespread integration in smartphone cameras of today. It is still, however, an alien concept to a lot of people and even alarming for some. Accenture intends to remove the stigma associated with AI and robotics, and make people aware of its many advantages instead. The leading global professional services company has, in recent years, taken a fundamental shift; heavily investing in the automation of its operations by employing AI and robotics to do menial, repetitive, predictable, transactional (MRPT) jobs. This might mean the end for human workers, but the company has also poured resources into upskilling their employees, giving them higher-value jobs and creating better job opportunities. “Intelligent Operations” as Accenture puts it, is the combination of applied intelligence, analytics, AI, and automation to drive business outcomes, processed by their systems, and managed by people. In this process, AI and robots are assigned MRPT jobs which these technologies are capable of doing 24/7 without errors, while humans supervise and take on intellectually stimulating projects, increasing efficiency and allowing human ingenuity to thrive. Accenture wants the public in on this revolution as well. The company has launched its Intelligent Operations Trailer which will go around Metro Manila’s major business districts. What’s inside the trailer is a peek at Accenture’s Intelligent Operations. Installed in the interiors are displays with intelligent software programs created by Accenture employees, all of which the visiting public are free to interact with. The first is a robotic process automation that visitors can challenge. It is capable of interfacing with systems, multitasking, running round the clock, and processing of up to four invoices in 60 seconds. Also showcased in the trailer is the AI-boosted program, Chat Chameleon. This tech support program currently can translate 40 languages in real time. This, in use, centralizes support, and through machine learning, provides more accurate translations over time. The Mood Meter, meanwhile, is an application that can be used in intelligent marketing. Its built-in sentiments analyzer can tell if statements pooled from social media platforms are positive, negative or neutral. Accenture shares that this algorithm was tested using 1.6 million, genuine online feedback, which when utilized, can help brands easily determine what campaigns, products, techniques, etc. best works for them. Accenture underlines that though technological advancements are extensively employed in its operations, it’s still the talented, skilled, and intelligent people at its core responsible in the realization of these aspirations.
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BITS & BYTES
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ENTERPRISE
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RELIC at the time), developed methods for magnetic recording and recognition of speech patterns and electromechanical switching systems. He made a tape-based answering machine in 1934. However, AT&T suppressed his project because they feared his system would lead to fewer phone calls.
Words by Jose Alvarez
Today, if you miss a call on your phone, it goes straight to voicemail and you can hear it later. Between the invention of the phone and answering machine, however, you had to keep calling until you got someone on the line. How did the answering machine come to be, and why is it a staple of our phones today? Danish engineer Valdemar Poulsen can be seen as the indirect inventor of the answering machine. While many people may not know who he is, he had a very key role in inventing the answering machine. He was the man behind the telegraphone, which was a magnetic machine used to record speech on steel wire. Poulsen demonstrated his invention at the 1900 World’s Fair, where he recorded the voice of Austrian Emperor Franz Josef. This is believed to be the oldest surviving magnetic audio recording to this day. The inventor of the first automatic answering device for telephones is still unclear. Several men can stake claim to the invention of the answering machine. Ludwig Blattner, a German who invented the Blattnerphone as a system of recording and playback for early movies, had promoted the idea of the telephone answering machine in 1929 based on his invention’s concept. In 1930, American physicist Clarence Hickman, who worked for Bell Laboratories (a subsidiary of AT&T
In 1931, William Schergens had a device with phonographic cylinders that could be used as an answering machine, meanwhile William Muller in 1935 had a device that could be considered an answering machine. However, Benjamin Thornton produced a machine to record voice messages from a caller, and filed a patent as early as 1930 (Number 1831331) which utilized a phonographic record for the recording medium. The first commercial answering machine was the Tel-Magnet, which debuted in the United States in 1949. It played outgoing messages and recorded incoming messages on a magnetic wire, and cost USD 200 (USD 2,117 in today’s money). This was a steep sum for its time, and it was not commercially successful. In the same year, the Electronic Secretary, an invention of Joseph Zimmerman and George Danner, utilized a 45 rpm record player for announcements and a wire recorder for message capture and playback. The Ansafone, a device invented by Japanese inventor Dr. Kazuo Hashimoto, who also held patents for Caller ID, came out in Japan during 1954 and reached the United States by 1960. PhoneMate also released a commercially viable answering machine in 1971 called the Model 400, which used a reel-to-reel tape that could hold up to 20 messages. Gordon Matthews manufactured the first commercial voicemail system in 1979, selling it to 3M later on. By 1984, answering machines became more widely recognized in the United States. This was partially due to the breakup of AT&T on January 1, 1984, and partially due to the drastic reduction in price so that anyone with a phone could afford it. Dr. Hashimoto had also patented a digital answering machine in 1983 (US Patent 4,616,110), and AT&T also had the AT&T 1337. Dr. Hashimoto sued AT&T, but dropped the case as the AT&T answering machine was very different from his patent. By 1991, the digital answering machine became widely available, allowing people to drop tapes entirely and use solid-state hardware. Today, the answering machine is just another element of a smartphone, but it was interesting to see the development of such a machine stretch back over 120 years. The answering machine effectively eliminated the idea of a missed call —although today, missed calls are still a reality despite the convenience of having an answering machine we can fit in our pockets.
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