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realme 10 Pro 5G Coca-Cola® Edition Now Available on realme TikTok Shop this July 7-8

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Following its successful launch and exclusive availability on the brand’s Shopee Flagship Store, realme Philippines has exciting news for fans. The realme 10 Pro 5G Coca-Cola® Edition, a collector’s item that captivated the Squad, will be made available exclusively on the realme TikTok Shop from July 7-8, 2023.

Originally priced at P18,999, the realme 10 Pro 5G Coca-Cola® Edition will receive a special discount offer during this exclusive TikTok Shop selling event. Now, members of the Squad can own their own realme 10 Pro 5G Coca-Cola® Edition for just P14,499, thanks to the exclusive discount.

“The overwhelming support and demand from the Squad for the realme 10 Pro 5G Coca-Cola® Edition inspired us to find a way to make this two-day exclusive selling possible. By bringing the limited-edition smartphone to the TikTok Shop, we aim to show our deep appreciation to the Squad and give back to them as much as we can,” shared Jane Yan, Vice President for Marketing at realme Philippines.

Don’t miss this opportunity to own the realme 10 Pro 5G Coca-Cola® Edition by visiting the official realme TikTok Shop.

Kobe Bryant is NBA 2K24 cover athlete for Special Editions

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NBA 2K24 has announced that the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant will be the cover athlete for its special editions. The news was revealed in a tweet by NBA 2K, generating excitement among fans worldwide.

Meanwhile, the Kobe Bryant Edition and Black Mamba Edition are set to be the premium versions of the game. These offer unique features and content that are yet to be disclosed.

Cover Star Tradition Continues

While the standard edition cover star has not been revealed yet, it has become a tradition for NBA 2K to feature a current NBA player on the cover. Fans can expect the announcement of the standard edition cover star in the coming weeks, adding to the anticipation for the game’s release.

Honoring a Basketball Icon

Kobe Bryant’s appearance on the cover of NBA 2K24 is a fitting tribute to his remarkable basketball career. Known for wearing the number 24 jersey with the Los Angeles Lakers, Bryant’s impact on the sport is also undeniable. The decision to feature Bryant on the cover follows a similar move made by NBA 2K last year when they showcased Michael Jordan on the cover of NBA 2K23, paying homage to his iconic number 23 jersey.

Preorders and Future Updates

Meanwhile, the tweet from NBA 2K also mentioned that preorders for the game will open tomorrow. This is expected to provide fans with more information about the different editions available, including the specific contents of the Kobe Bryant Edition and Black Mamba Edition. With the preorder phase beginning, fans can anticipate further updates and details about NBA 2K24 in the near future.

Source: NBA 2K

Zuckerberg: Threads to prioritize getting 1B users before monetization

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In the wake of Meta’s successful launch of Threads, Mark Zuckerberg, the founder and CEO of Meta, has clarified the company’s monetization strategy. Zuckerberg revealed that the focus will be on building a substantial user base, aiming for 1 billion users before contemplating revenue-generation approaches.

This approach highlights Meta’s commitment to prioritizing user experience and ensuring the platform’s widespread adoption before exploring monetization avenues.

Reaffirming the Priority of User Experience

Addressing the anticipation around potential monetization plans, one user posted, “Zuck is salivating as he waits to drop the ads on all his new Threads users.”

Mark Zuckerberg promptly responded, outlining his company’s approach to monetization. Zuckerberg responded to a user’s comment about ads by emphasizing Meta’s dedication to user satisfaction. He stated, “Our approach will be the same as all our other products: make the product work well first, then see if we can get it on a clear path to 1 billion people, and only then think about monetization at that point.”

A Patient Approach to Monetization

Zuckerberg’s statement reveals Meta’s strategic approach to Threads and its commitment to providing users with a seamless and enjoyable experience. By setting the ambitious goal of reaching 1 billion users, Meta aims to ensure a solid foundation and significant user engagement before exploring ways to generate revenue from the platform.

Since its launch, Threads has garnered remarkable traction, with an astounding 30 million sign-ups within just 24 hours. The platform’s minimalist design and absence of ads have resonated positively with users, further fueling its rapid growth. This early success positions Threads as a potential social media player.

Meanwhile, Threads is facing a legal threat against its rival, Twitter.

Elon Musk’s lawyer threatens legal action against Meta over social media app ‘Threads’

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Elon Musk’s personal lawyer, Alex Spiro, has sent a formal letter to Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, threatening legal action over the company’s new text-based social media app called Threads.

In the letter, Spiro raises concerns about the legality of Threads and accuses Meta of using Twitter’s trade secrets and other intellectual property to develop the app. The letter also alleges that Meta has hired former Twitter employees who may have improperly retained Twitter documents and electronic devices.

Trade Secrets and Intellectual Property Concerns

According to a letter confirmed by Insider, Elon Musk’s lawyer claims that Meta has utilized Twitter’s trade secrets and intellectual property to develop Threads. The letter further suggests that Meta has hired former Twitter employees who may have possessed and retained Twitter documents and electronic devices. The allegations center around the claim that Meta has obtained and used confidential information from Twitter to create their rival social media app.

In response to the accusations, a spokesperson for Meta referred to a post by Andy Stone, Head of Communications at Threads. Stone emphasized that none of the Threads engineering team members were former Twitter employees. Additionally, Stone pointed out that Threads is powered by Instagram, not Twitter, which contradicts the claim made in the letter. The response from Meta suggests that the allegations made by Elon Musk’s lawyer are unfounded.

Twitter’s Response and Musk’s Remarks

Twitter representatives have not yet provided a comment regarding the allegations made in the letter. Elon Musk, however, responded to a tweet about the letter by stating, “Competition is fine, cheating is not.” Musk’s response implies his stance on fair competition and his belief that Meta may have engaged in unfair practices in the development of Threads.

Although there has been some employee crossover between Meta and Twitter, sources familiar with both companies indicate that only a small number of former Twitter employees are currently working at Meta. They are also not involved in the development of Threads. Moreover, it is clarified that Musk has let go of thousands of Twitter engineers since taking over the platform, reducing the workforce significantly. Former Twitter employees have stated that devices were promptly locked by the company after layoffs or departures, despite delays in collecting the devices from former employees.

What can you say?

Are you team Musk or team Zuck? Let us know what you think in the comment section!

realme Narzo 60 series now official in India

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realme has officially announced the launch of its latest smartphones, the Narzo 60 series, in India. The series includes two models, the Narzo 60 and the Narzo 60 Pro, offering users a range of impressive features and specifications.

Image Source: GSMArena
Narzo 60 Pro

The Narzo 60 Pro features a curved 6.7-inch AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. This ensures a vibrant and immersive visual experience for users. Under the hood, the phone is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset, providing reliable performance for multitasking and gaming.

One notable feature of the Narzo 60 Pro is its impressive camera setup. It boasts a 100 MP main camera with an f/1.75 aperture, a 26mm lens, and optical image stabilization (OIS). The device also includes a 2MP macro camera for close-up shots. On the software front, both the Narzo 60 and Narzo 60 Pro run on Realme UI 4.0 based on Android 13, offering a user-friendly interface and a range of customization options.

Narzo 60

The Narzo 60, on the other hand, features a slightly smaller 6.43-inch AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. It is also equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 6020 chipset, providing smooth performance for everyday tasks.

In terms of camera capabilities, the Narzo 60 boasts a 64MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor for capturing stunning photos with depth and clarity. Both the Narzo 60 and Narzo 60 Pro are backed by a 5,000 mAh battery to ensure all-day usage. However, the Narzo 60 Pro supports faster charging speeds, with up to 67W charging compared to the Narzo 60’s 33W charging.

Image Source: GSMArena
Pricing and Availability

realme offers multiple storage and RAM configurations to cater to different user preferences. The Narzo 60 has options for 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. The Narzo 60 Pro, on the other hand, offers additional storage capacity. This includes a high-end variant with a massive 1TB of storage paired with 12GB of RAM.

In terms of pricing, the Narzo 60 starts at INR 17,999 for the base 8GB/128GB variant. Meanwhile the 8GB/256GB version is priced at INR 19,999. The Narzo 60 Pro starts at INR 23,999 for the 8GB/128GB variant. Meanwhile, for users seeking more storage capacity, there is a 12GB/256GB variant available for INR 26,999. The top-of-the-line model with 12GB of RAM and 1TB of storage is priced at INR 29,999.

Customers can pre-book the Narzo 60 series starting from July 6 at 1 PM through the Realme Online store and Amazon India. Meanwhile, the open sales for both models are scheduled to begin on July 15.

Source: GSMArena

Garmin outs fēnix 7 Pro and epix Pro Series in PH

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Garmin has officially launched the fēnix 7 Pro and epix Pro Series in the Philippines. The launch event, held at the Manila Padel Club on June 28, 2023, showcased the cutting-edge features of these premium multisport GPS smartwatches. Designed to enhance the performance of athletes and adventurers, the fēnix 7 Pro and epix Pro Series incorporate solar charging technology and offer a range of innovative functionalities.

fēnix 7 Pro Series: Pushing Limits with Solar Power

The fēnix 7 Pro Series is Garmin’s flagship multisport GPS smartwatch that empowers users to excel in their athletic pursuits. Powered by solar charging, these timepieces provide pro-grade performance insights, advanced mapping capabilities, and comprehensive health and wellness tracking. Also, its built-in LED flashlight and solar charging lens on every model ensure a remarkable battery life of up to 37 days in smartwatch mode and an impressive 139 days in expedition mode. Here are some key features of the fēnix 7 Pro Series:

  • Enhanced Visibility: All sizes of the fēnix 7 Pro Series are equipped with a built-in LED flashlight, offering variable intensities, a red safety light, and a strobe mode for improved visibility during nighttime training.
  • Next-Generation MIP Display: The redesigned pixels, backlight, and solar panel ensure exceptional indoor readability, brightness, power efficiency, and adaptability to different lighting conditions.
  • Advanced Heart Rate Sensor: Improved optical sensors and sport-specific algorithms deliver enhanced performance tracking across various activities, providing valuable insights into the body’s response to exercise.
  • Endurance Score and Hill Score: These features measure the ability to sustain prolonged efforts and gauge running strength on steep climbs, offering valuable assessments of fitness levels.
  • Up Ahead Checkpoints and Weather Map Overlays: Users can stay informed about upcoming running points of interest and effortlessly access and interpret weather conditions with intuitive map overlays.

epix Pro Series: Crystal-Clear Display and Exceptional Battery Life

Meanwhile, the epix Pro Series is Garmin’s next-generation high-performance GPS smartwatch collection, featuring a crystal-clear AMOLED display, rugged design, and remarkable battery life of up to 31 days. These smartwatches are also available in three sizes (42mm, 47mm, and 51mm) and offer comprehensive all-day health monitoring and fitness metrics. The built-in LED flashlight on each model enhances visibility in low-light conditions. Key features of the epix Pro Series include:

  • Perfect Fit: Users can choose from three different size options to ensure a comfortable and secure fit on any wrist size.
  • Red Shift Mode: The display colors shift to shades of red in darker conditions, reducing sleep cycle disturbance and optimizing the visual experience.
  • Expanded Activity Selection: Engage in various new preloaded activities, such as soccer, basketball, racquet sports, and horseback riding.
  • Advanced Training Metrics: Gain a better understanding of fitness levels with features like hill and endurance scores, providing insights into performance and progress.
All-Day Wearability and Connectivity

Both the fēnix 7 Pro Series and epix Pro Series also offer seamless all-day wear with exceptional battery life and solar charging capabilities. Users can enjoy continuous health and wellness insights, including features like Pulse Ox monitoring, Body Battery energy tracking, comprehensive sleep analysis, and more. In addition, these smartwatches provide various connectivity options, including notifications, Garmin Pay for contactless payments, music downloads (premium subscription required), and safety features like incident detection and LiveTrack.

Pricing and Availability

The fēnix 7 and 7s Pro Sapphire Solar are now available for purchase at Php56,500, while the fēnix 7x Pro Sapphire Solar is priced at Php62,780. On the other hand, the epix Pro Sapphire 42MM and 47MM models are priced at Php62,780, and the epix Pro Sapphire 51MM is available for purchase at Php69,050.

For more information on the fēnix 7 Pro and epix Pro Series, interested individuals can visit the Garmin Philippines website or check out their Facebook page.

Meta’s Threads is now LIVE!

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Finally, a decent and a worthy competitor to Twitter is now available to the public and it’s called Threads. It’s another app made by Meta, the creators of Facebook and Instagram and it aims to go head to head against Twitter which is now plagued with issues and controversies.

Threads app
Threads app

Threads is now available on iOS and on Android on different countries however, EU isn’t included as the region is reportedly concern about the data privacy regulations.

Users are now able to login to Threads using their Instagram app. It will also be using ActivityPub, the same social networking protocol used by Mastodon so you can take your audience to another server. Basically, decentralized.

For now, you can post photos, videos and text on the app however, there are still some missing features including the ability to Direct Message or to have a customized tab or feed for your followings.

If you’re worried about your following and followers, Threads has the ability to sync your following from Instagram so in case a friend or a page that you’re following registered to Threads, you’ll automatically follow them.

If you want to check out Threads, it’s now available on the Play Store and App Store

UnionDigital Bank secures Php900M capital approval from UnionBank

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UnionDigital Bank (UD), a subsidiary of UnionBank of the Philippines, has received regulatory approval for a capital infusion of up to Php900 million. This significant investment from its parent bank will serve as a catalyst for the digital bank’s expansion plans, with a particular focus on bolstering its digital loan offerings through the UD app.

Enhanced Digital Loan Experience

The capital infusion empowers UD to expand its digital loan portfolio by leveraging its app and application programming interfaces (APIs). By harnessing these digital channels, UD aims to provide customers with expedited access to credit and a streamlined loan application process.

Meanwhile, the capital infusion is pending regulatory approval from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), ensuring compliance with financial regulations.

Fueling Growth Trajectory

Henry Aguda, President and CEO of UnionDigital Bank, expressed enthusiasm about the approved funding and highlighted UnionBank’s confidence in UD’s strategic growth plan and financial performance. The capital infusion will also propel the bank’s growth trajectory and enable it to cater to the diverse financial needs of its customers. Aguda emphasized UD’s commitment to serving individuals at the base of the income pyramid, aiming to include them in the formal financial system.

Strong Financial Performance

UD’s ecosystem-led business model has yielded positive results, as reflected in its net profits during the first quarter of 2023. The digital bank’s focus on embedded finance has opened new avenues for customers to engage with banking services seamlessly. Recent partnerships with mWell and HUAWEI have allowed UD to tap into a substantial customer base and leverage a wide range of services, further strengthening its position in the market.

Expanding Digital Channels

Mike Singh, Chief Commercial and Revenue Officer of UnionDigital Bank, highlighted the bank’s commitment to diversifying its deposit base and loan book through strategic partnerships and scalable digital channels. Singh emphasized that the approved capital infusion not only bolsters UD’s financial strength but also unlocks numerous opportunities. The bank’s mission to improve credit accessibility for every Filipino, regardless of their location, will be accelerated through enhanced digital loan offerings, empowering individuals to achieve their financial aspirations.

UnionDigital Bank is dedicated to fostering financial inclusion and uplifting communities. The bank strives to eliminate barriers that impede individuals from accessing essential financial services, providing Filipinos across the nation with the means to build a secure future.

Xiaomi bags Institutional Investor’s Asia Executive Team Awards for 5 consecutive years

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Xiaomi has secured multiple accolades in the prestigious Institutional Investor Asia Pacific (Ex-Japan) Executive Team Awards for the fifth consecutive year.

The brand has emerged triumphant in the “2023 Asia Pacific (Ex-Japan) Executive Team” awards in the Technology Hardware sector, clinching the top position in several categories. The company’s outstanding performance has also earned it recognition for Best CEO, Best CFO, Best Investor Relations Professional, Best Investor Relations Program, Best ESG, and Best Board.

This remarkable achievement marks the second consecutive year that Xiaomi has attained All-Star status by securing the first-place ranking across all six categories.

Exceptional Leadership

Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Xiaomi, Mr. Lei Jun, has been honored as the Best CEO, demonstrating his exceptional leadership skills and strategic vision. Meanwhile, Mr. Alain Lam, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, has received the accolade for Best CFO, highlighting his financial expertise and contributions to the company’s success. Additionally, Anita Chen, Director of Investor Relations and Capital Markets, got the Best Investor Relations Professional award for her exceptional communication and engagement with investors.

Leading in Corporate Governance

Xiaomi has also excelled in corporate governance, earning top rankings in Best Investor Relations Program, Best Investor Relations Team, Best ESG, and Best Board categories. This recognition showcases the company’s commitment to transparency, effective communication with the capital markets, and sustainable business practices. Xiaomi’s consistent presence in the rankings since its stock market debut reflects the trust and confidence it has garnered from investors.

Commitment to Excellence

Mr. Alain Lam, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Xiaomi Corporation, expressed gratitude for the prestigious awards, emphasizing the company’s dedication to open and effective communication with the capital markets. He also highlighted Xiaomi’s commitment to adapt to the evolving business landscape while generating enhanced value for investors and partners across various sectors.

Rigorous Evaluation Process

Institutional Investor magazine’s All-Asia Executive Team survey is a highly respected benchmark for superior corporate governance standards. In addition, a rigorous evaluation process determined the rankings, with thousands of analysts, fund managers, and researchers participating in the voting. The 2023 survey considered the performance of companies from February 2022 to January 2023, ensuring the legitimacy and credibility of the awards.

Industry Recognition

With participation from a significant number of portfolio managers, buy-side analysts, and sell-side analysts, the 2023 Asia Pacific (Ex-Japan) Executive Team survey involved 1,608 nominated companies across 18 sectors.

Xiaomi’s success in the awards also reaffirms its position as an industry leader, respected for its financial disclosure, services, communication, and commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.

What can you say? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section!

Climate crisis drives parental decisions—HP study finds

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In a recent global study, HP has unveiled the significant impact of the climate crisis on parental decisions, ranging from everyday choices to long-term family planning. The research highlights how concerns about climate change have transformed parents’ lives and purchasing habits worldwide.

Climate Concerns Shaping Family Perspectives

According to the study, an overwhelming 91% of parents express concerns about the climate crisis, leading to tangible changes in their lifestyle choices. More than half of the respondents (53%) state that climate change has influenced their perspectives on family size, impacting their decisions to have more children.

Preference for Sustainable Companies

The research reveals that many parents favor companies that take action to address climate change, with 64% indicating a preference for sustainably sourced products. Furthermore, sustainable company practices play a significant role in the purchasing habits of 60% of parents, demonstrating their willingness to seek out environmentally friendly options.

Balancing Sustainability and Rising Costs

Despite acknowledging the rising cost of living (84%) and perceiving environmental practices as time-consuming (57%), parents remain committed to making sustainable choices. This commitment reflects a growing awareness of how decisions made within the home can impact communities and the environment.

Corporate Responsibility and Accountability

While parents take personal action, they also believe that companies have a substantial role to play in addressing climate change. Most respondents (51%) hold companies accountable for climate action, emphasizing their responsibility in driving sustainable practices.

HP’s Sustainable Impact

In alignment with its commitment to sustainability, HP has released its 22nd annual Sustainable Impact report, highlighting its progress in environmental and social goals. Notable achievements include an 18% reduction in absolute carbon footprint since 2019 and a 55% reduction in single-use plastic packaging compared to 2018. Additionally, HP has taken steps to counteract deforestation and accelerate digital equity, reaching over 21 million people with its initiatives.

Recognizing young learners’ challenges in accessing education, HP has collaborated with organizations such as Atayde Foundation and Teach for the Philippines (TFP) to bridge the digital divide. HP aims to empower students and foster digital equity through initiatives like providing learning kits in remote communities and supporting teacher development programs.

Meanwhile, with a vision to become the most sustainable and just technology company, HP has set ambitious Sustainable Impact goals in areas such as Climate Action, Human Rights, and Digital Equity. The company’s comprehensive approach includes initiatives to achieve a net-zero carbon value chain, promote a circular economy, and drive equality and empowerment globally.