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Amidst reports of missing funds, GCash claims no hacking occurred

Ciara Alarcon
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Amidst reports of missing funds, GCash claims no hacking occurred

GCash has issued a statement assuring users that their accounts and funds are secure following reports of missing funds on social media. The mobile wallet company explained that while some users experienced deductions from their GCash accounts, no hacking occurred during the incident.

gcash missing funds

In response to the situation, GCash extended its maintenance schedule to investigate the issue and confirmed that all affected users will have their deducted funds adjusted before 3:00 PM today.

The reports of missing funds caused a stir on social media, with users sharing their experiences and concerns.

However, GCash has since restored its services and encouraged users to restart their phones to access the app.

GCash confirms no hacking involved in the missing funds’ controversy

“We would like to inform you that we are back, and we have restored our services. We apologize for the temporary downtime. Rest assured that your funds are safe. We recommend restarting your phone to avoid any issues. Thank you for your patience and understanding,” GCash said in their official statement.

So, have you already checked your GCash account?

Share your experience with us!

Score discounts on select OPPO devices with the Big Summer Blowout Promo

Ciara Alarcon
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Score discounts on select OPPO devices with the Big Summer Blowout Promo

Summer is here, and it’s time to pack your bags and head out for some fun under the sun. But before you go on your much-awaited summer vacation, ensure you have the perfect gadget to capture all your memorable experiences. And what better way to do that than with OPPO’s Big Summer Blowout?

OPPO offers Big Summer blowout

OPPO offers huge discounts of up to Php1,000 off on their IoT devices when you avail of any of their smartphones like the Reno8 T, A77, Reno8 T 5G, and A17K, or when you get the OPPO Pad Air. That’s right; you can get a massive discount on your next OPPO IoT device purchase when you avail of any OPPO smartphone or OPPO Pad Air.

If you purchase an OPPO smartphone or OPPO Pad Air, you’ll be entitled to a Php500 discount on OPPO IoT devices below Php3,000. On the other hand, you can get a Php700 discount on your next IoT purchase that is above Php3,000. And if you’re looking for earbuds, you’re in luck because OPPO’s Enco Air Buds2 are now available with a massive discount of Php1,000 when you purchase any OPPO smartphone or OPPO Pad Air.

But that’s not all. OPPO is also dropping the price of their popular OPPO A16K until May 15. So if you’ve been eyeing this stylish smartphone, now is the best time to grab it at a lower price.

Whether you’re going on a beach or road trip, OPPO has something to offer!

So don’t miss out on this opportunity to get your hands on the latest gadgets from OPPO. The Big Summer Blowout runs until May 31 in all authorized OPPO offline stores in the Philippines.

TCL S643W Soundbar takes home the Red Dot Award

Ciara Alarcon
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TCL S643W Soundbar takes home the Red Dot Award

Are you looking for a top-notch soundbar for your home theatre system? Look no further than the TCL S643W. It is the latest addition to the TCL S6 Series Home Theatre range. It also recently won the prestigious 2023 Red Dot Award for its exceptional design and innovation.

The TCL S643W is a compact and powerful 3.1-inch soundbar. It packs a punch with its 70W bass subwoofer, providing an impressive depth of sound. The central speakers enhance dialogue listening. Two surround sound channels, and a 60W subwoofer delivers strong bass and superior sound quality, making it far better than other single soundbars without a subwoofer.

TCL Wins Red Dot Award for the TCL SW Soundbar

The TCL S6 Home Theatre series offers astonishing Max Audio output, with sound pressure and minimal distortion, resulting in a more powerful, richer, and immersive experience for the user. The S643W’s Max Audio Power is a staggering 240W, making it perfect for larger home spaces.

The TCL S643W is not just impressive in terms of its audio features, but also in terms of smart connectivity. Equipped with Dolby Audio, it offers crystal clear, multi-channel audio that brings your entertainment to life. The DTS Virtual:X feature provides a sense of multi-dimensional space. And with 3D sound effects that envelop you, it seems like the sound is coming around you.

TCL SW Soundbar will soon be launched in PH Market

For an even deeper and richer sound, the Bass Boost feature is just one click away. This feature enables the subwoofer to emit stronger bass sound instantly, reaching maximum output power for the ultimate dramatic effect. The TCL S643W also comes with six specialized sound modes, including standard, movie, music, sports, voice, and game mode, perfect for different viewing and listening scenarios.

Connecting your TCL S643W to your other devices is also easy and seamless. With TCL TV Ready, Bluetooth wireless music, Bluetooth 5.3 (the highest Bluetooth version on the market), and Voice Assistant, you can sync up and channel sound from any input source, giving you a hassle-free entertainment experience.

The TCL S643W soundbar is set to be available in the local market soon. So, check out the TCL authorized dealer stores for more information. And for more details about this award-winning soundbar, head over to the official TCL Philippines website or like the official TCL Philippines Facebook page.

LTO assures safety and security as it intros digital driver’s license

Ciara Alarcon
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LTO assures safety and security as it intros digital driver’s license

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) recently announced its plan to launch a digital driver’s license, replacing the interim system of printing the permit on the back of an Official Receipt. The digital driver’s license will be integrated into the LTO’s “SuperApp,” developed by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) for the agency.

But, is it safe?

According to LTO chief Jose Arturo Tugade, the digital driver’s license will be as secure as the physical version because it will have the same security features. Moreover, it can be presented to law enforcement officers during apprehension, making it equivalent to presenting the physical driver’s license.

One of the advantages of the digital license is that motorists can use it for various transactions with the LTO, including renewal of permits and registration and online payments. This means that drivers won’t have to worry about losing their physical driver’s licenses or waiting in long lines just to complete transactions with the LTO.

LTO to simplify and digitize its services with the digital driver’s license

The move to digitize the driver’s license is part of the LTO’s efforts to simplify and digitize its services. The agency’s partnership with the DICT aims to enhance the digitalization of systems and processes within the LTO.

Despite the digital driver’s license benefits, some motorists are still hesitant about the idea. They are concerned about the possibility of hacking, identity theft, and other security issues. To address these concerns, the LTO assures the public that it will have the same security features as the physical version. They will also integrate it into the SuperApp, which has additional security features.

The LTO recently resorted to printing the driver’s license on the back of an Official Receipt. This is due to a shortage of plastic cards caused by procurement issues. The digital driver’s license is a long-term solution to this problem and is expected to provide more convenience to motorists.

Its implementation is still in the works, and the LTO has not yet provided a timeline for its launch. However, the agency commits to digitalizing its services to make them more efficient and convenient for motorists.

What can you say about this move? Let us know what you think in the comment section!

Source: Inquirer.Net

EU warns Apple not to limit performance of uncertified USB-C cables

Ciara Alarcon
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0
EU warns Apple not to limit performance of uncertified USB-C cables

Apple is expected to switch from its proprietary Lightning port to a USB-C port on its upcoming iPhone 15 models. While the tech giant has until December 2024 to comply with the EU legislation that requires devices with wired charging to have a USB-C port, reports suggest that Apple will make the change sooner rather than later.

According to recent rumors, Apple will include an authentication chip in the USB-C port on the iPhone 15 models. This chip will confirm the authenticity of the USB-C cable connected. Then, those “Made for iPhone”/MFi-certified chargers will have optimized fast charging performance. This raised concerns among consumers and industry watchers.

eu warns against limiting uncertified usb c

EU to Apple: No, you can’t limit the performance of uncertified USB-C cables

The European Commission has warned Apple that such actions would not be permitted. Reports also said that would prevent iPhones from being sold in the EU when the law goes into effect. The EU aims to publish a guide to ensure a “uniform interpretation” of the legislation by Q3 2023. This came as no surprise as it seeks to ensure consumer choice in the third-party accessory market.

If Apple moves forward with the alleged plan to limit the functionality of uncertified USB-C cables, it could have significant implications for the third-party accessory market. Consumers may face limited options and higher prices. It could also create further barriers for small accessory makers entering the market.

The EU’s warning to Apple is a reminder that companies must adhere to legislation and regulations set forth by governing bodies. It also highlights the importance of promoting an open and competitive market for consumers, including allowing third-party accessories to function properly with devices.

In the past, Apple’s proprietary Lightning port has been a source of frustration for consumers and third-party accessory makers alike. The move to USB-C will bring greater standardization and compatibility across devices. However, we’re yet to discover how Apple will handle the transition and its impact on the third-party accessory market.

Nothing Phone (2) alleged specs surface online

Ciara Alarcon
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Nothing Phone (2) alleged specs surface online

Nothing has officially teased the Nothing Phone (2). Expected to be a flagship phone featuring the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, its alleged specs seem really interesting.

The highly anticipated Nothing Phone (2) is again making headlines, with rumors about its specs surfacing online. Although the official launch date has not yet been revealed, fans are already buzzing about what this new flagship phone from Nothing might bring.

According to reports, the Nothing Phone (2) will feature a 6.55-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This means that users can expect a smooth and seamless display experience. Hence, it makes the phone perfect for gaming, streaming, or browsing the web.

nothing phone leaked online

NOTHING PHONE (2) RUMORED SPECS

The phone is also expected to have a 50MP main camera, alongside two other camera sensors. This setup could provide users with stunning photos and videos.

One of the most exciting rumors surrounding the Nothing Phone (2) is its new Nothing OS 1.5. This custom OS is expected to offer a seamless user experience. It could also include a range of new features and functionalities unique to the phone.

In terms of storage and RAM, the configurations are said to come in either 8GB or 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of UFS 3.1. This means that users will have plenty of space to store all their favorite apps, photos, and videos.

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The phone is also expected to feature 5G connectivity, which means users can expect faster download and upload speeds, as well as improved streaming quality. And with a 5,000 mAh battery with fast and wireless charging, users can enjoy longer hours of usage without worrying about running out of battery.

Other rumored features of the Nothing Phone (2) include stereo speakers and NFC, allowing seamless wireless connections to other devices. There is also speculation that Nothing could implement satellite communication technology, similar to other flagship contenders. However, it remains to be seen whether this feature will be included or not, as it could potentially increase the phone’s price.

While these are just rumors and nothing has been confirmed yet, tech enthusiasts and Nothing fans alike are eagerly anticipating the release of the Nothing Phone (2).

With a rumored launch this June-September 2023, we’ll just have to wait and see what Nothing has in store.

So, are you excited? Let us know what you think in the comment section!

Source: @TechWallah

Get your Apple devices fixed at select Power Mac Center stores

Ciara Alarcon
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Get your Apple devices fixed at select Power Mac Center stores

When it comes to repairing your Apple devices, convenience is key. That’s why Power Mac Center (PMC) is now offering retail repair drop-off services at select PMC and The Loop stores across the Philippines.

With a minimal shipping fee, you can leave your precious Apple devices at Mobile Care Service Center, PMC’s Apple Authorized Service Provider, which guarantees premium repair or maintenance services with certified engineers and genuine parts.

Whether your device is in or out of warranty, PMC’s nationwide presence makes it easy to reach them when you need expert services. The Mobile Care Service Centers are equipped to accommodate personal and enterprise service requirements, so you can trust that your Apple devices are in good hands.

power mac center repair

HOW DOES IT WORK

The service is available for all Apple users in the Philippines who bought their devices from Power Mac Center and other stores. The list of devices they accept includes iPhone 7 series or later, MacBook Air early 2015 model or later, MacBook Pro 2017 model or later, and iMac 2017 model or later.

To avail of the service, customers must show proof of purchase for validation, back up or migrate their files beforehand, remove all accessories and personal information, disable all security passwords, deactivate FindMy, and provide their own packaging, preferably the original box. Once the service transaction is complete, the service provider will deliver the device directly to the customer’s preferred address.

retail repair drop off service

REPAIR DROP-OFF PARTICIPATING STORES

Power Mac Center drop-off locations include Luzon branches, namely Robinsons Ilocos Norte, SM City Tuguegarao, Robinsons Tuguegarao, Robinsons La Union, SM City Urdaneta Central, SM City Pampanga, Harbor Point, Vista Mall Bataan, SM City Fairview, SM City San Lazaro, SM City Sta. Rosa, SM City San Pablo, SM City Bacoor, SM City Dasmariñas, Fora Mall, SM City Batangas, SM City Lipa, SM City Lucena, SM City Daet, SM City Legazpi, SM City Sorsogon, and SM City Puerto Princesa; SM City Roxas in the Visayas; and Robinsons Iligan in Mindanao.

retail repair drop off stores

Meanwhile, The Loop drop-off locations are Xentro Mall Vigan, SM City Baguio, SM Center Dagupan, and SM City Calamba for Luzon branches; D’Mall Boracay in the Visayas; and SM City General Santos in Mindanao. PMC will also add new and upcoming stores to this list in the future.

For all service-related inquiries and other details, customers can contact PMC via landline at (02) 8725-4762. You can also email serviceupdate@powermaccenter.com, or reach out to them via Mobile Care Viber Community at https://bit.ly/PMCRepairRetailDropOff.

So next time your Apple device needs fixing, don’t stress. Leave it to Power Mac Center’s Mobile Care Service Center and enjoy the convenience of their retail drop-off service.

ECHO sweeps Blacklist International, wins MPL Philippines Season 11 Grand Finals

Ciara Alarcon
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ECHO sweeps Blacklist International, wins MPL Philippines Season 11 Grand Finals

In what was undoubtedly an intense and thrilling match, ECHO stunned the defending champions Blacklist International in a resounding 4-0 sweep during the MPL Philippines Season 11 Grand Finals.

ECHO secured their position as the new champs and grabbed the lion’s share of the $150,000 prize pool. Meanwhile, both teams earned a ticket to participate in the upcoming Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Southeast Asia Cup (MSC) 2023 in Phnom Penh between June 10-18, 2023.

echo wins mpl

ALL EYES ARE ON THE MATCHUP

The Grand Finals of MPL Philippines Season 11 drew a staggering crowd of over 5,000 offline spectators, with many more fans streaming the matches on LED screens outside the main hall. The season also broke records in terms of viewership, with a peak-concurrent viewership of over 900,000 fans, surpassing Season 10’s peak views of 800,000, according to analytics partner Esports Charts.

ECHO and Blacklist International will represent the Philippines in the MSC 2023, featuring teams from three new regions, including North America, Turkey, and MENA, for the first time.

A NIGHT OF RECOGNITION

Sanford “Sanford” Vinuya was awarded the Grand Finals’ most valuable player (MVP), impressing fans and commentators with his incredible gameplay.

The Grand Finals night also honored the game’s community favorites and most outstanding players. Edward “EDWARD” Dapadap, a true legend in the Mobile Legends community, was inducted into the prestigious Hall of Legends.

echo sweeps blacklist

Other awards were given to Rowgien “Owgwen” Unigo as the Regular Season MVP, Kenneth Carl “Yue” Tadeo as the Rookie of the Season, Renmar “Reptar” Sta. Cruz as the Best English Caster, and Caisam Yvez “Wolf” Nopueto as the Best Filipino Caster.

Meanwhile, the league also awarded the following based on fan votes:

  • Sportsmanship Award: Ben “Benthings” Maglaque
  • Freshest Face Award: Kristof Malcus “Hesu” Calderon
  • Most Fashionable Award: Jonmar “OhMyV33NUS” Villaluna
  • Best Content Creator Award: Danerie “Wise” Rosario
  • Most Improved Team Award: BREN Esports
  • Most Epic Game Play Awards (no particular order):
    – Red for Redemption by Blacklist International
    – Sanford’s Backdoor Play by ECHO
    – Tali ng Pagkakabigan by Blacklist International

Smart, the official tournament telco partner, proudly supports the MPL Philippines Season 11. Infinix also joined the pool of official sponsors. Meanwhile, MAYA and Secret Lab served as partners in esports.

Get your dream smartphone with Smart Signature

Ciara Alarcon
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Get your dream smartphone with Smart Signature

Smart Signature added a selection of new smartphones to its postpaid plans, allowing consumers to get their dream smartphones with the country’s fastest network.

smart signature plan new smartphones

Xiaomi 13 5G: For the Multimedia Content Creator

For tech-savvy multimedia content creators, the Xiaomi 13 5G is the perfect device to capture stunning photos and videos. With a 71.5mm ultra-slim body, a 6.36-inch Pro HDR display, and 1.61mm ultra-thin bezels, the device offers a boundless vision. Co-engineered with Leica, its professional camera system combines a 50MP main camera for superior light sensitivity and stabilization, a 10MP telephoto camera to capture distant portraits, and a 12MP ultra-wide camera. Users can also capture videos in Dolby Vision for vivid colors and realistic details, complemented by Dolby Atmos’ dual stereo speakers for full-range, immersive audio.

The Xiaomi 13 5G comes equipped with the leading Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor for boosted performance and reduced energy consumption. It also has 67W wired turbocharging, which can charge the device 100% in just 38 minutes. With its water and dust resistance, users can enjoy peace of mind when using their device in any condition. Additionally, the device comes with 24-month quality assurance, including free pickup and delivery for hassle-free repairs, along with a provision of a spare phone during the process.

OPPO Find N2 Flip 5G: For the Style Statement User

The OPPO Find N2 Flip 5G is the perfect choice for those who want to make a style statement. This tech-savvy flagship smartphone lets you see more in a snap with its large 3.26-inch cover screen that expands your view with innovative features. Its gorgeous foldable design lets you conveniently pop the handset into your pocket. With the cover screen and Flexion Hinge feature that allows you to unlock the FlexForm Mode, hold your phone in your chosen position like a built-in tripod leaving your hands free to watch movies, do video calls, and take photos.

The OPPO Find N2 Flip 5G also boasts a 50MP main camera, 112-degree ultra-wide camera, and 32MP front camera for beautiful photos. Users can power through their mobile tasks with its all-day 4,300mAh battery life and 44W SUPERVOOCTM flash charging, which charges the device to 50% in just 23 minutes. And for those who fancy pets, you can choose a digital pet from five cute animal options, which you can play, listen to music, or even take selfies with.

OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G: For the Productive Netizen

For productive netizens, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G is the perfect mid-range device. Its 6.59-inch 120Hz energy-efficient display, Qualcomm Snapdragon™ 695 chipset, and massive 5,000 mAh battery with 33W SUPERVOOC fast charging technology make it perfect for power users. The 64MP AI Triple Camera rivals the cameras of flagship smartphones, with a 2MP depth-assist camera for more realistic bokeh portrait shots with finer detail. It also comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack, up to 1TB of expandable storage, and three years of security updates.

Smart Signature subscribers can avail of these smartphones with any Smart Postpaid plan through Smart Stores nationwide, the Smart Online Store, or Smart Hotline.

Pricing and Availability

Customers can avail of the new Xiaomi 13 5G, OPPO Find N2 Flip 5G, and OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G with any Smart Postpaid plan through Smart Stores nationwide, the Smart Online Store, or Smart Hotline.

The Xiaomi 13 5G is available with Smart Signature Device Plan 1499 by adding Php700/month with an initial cash-out of Php9,900.00 and a monthly fee of Php2,199 for 24 months. Buyers can pre-order from March 24-28, 2023, before the official launch on March 29.

On the other hand, the OPPO Find N2 Flip 5G is available with Smart Signature Device Plan 1499 by adding just Php900/month with an initial cash-out of Php10,600. It also has a free OPPO Band 2 smartwatch and Enco Air3 wireless earbuds.

Lastly, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G can be availed with Smart Signature Device Plan 999 by adding Php200/month with an initial cash-out of Php2,300.

Smart is the fastest network in Q1 2023

Ciara Alarcon
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Smart is the fastest network in Q1 2023

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), the wireless unit of PLDT, has been awarded the title of “Fastest Mobile Network” for Q1 2023 by Ookla, the global leader in mobile and broadband network intelligence. The company previously won the Best Mobile Network Award for Q1-Q2 2022 and Q3-Q4 2022.

smart ookla v

Fastest Download Speeds in the Philippines

According to Ookla’s latest Speedtest Global Index for Q1 2023, Smart had the fastest median download speed in the Philippines, clocking in at 33.39 Mbps. In comparison, the closest competitor’s median download speed was 22.29 Mbps. Smart’s superior performance is thanks to its fastest speeds and the widest coverage, enabling customers to make the most of their online activities.

Award-winning Mobile Network

The Fastest Mobile Network citation from Ookla further strengthens Smart’s position as the Philippines’ Best Mobile Network, with Smart being the only operator to win both the Fastest Mobile Network and Best Mobile Coverage awards within the same reporting period of Ookla.

Smart’s speedy and reliable network allows customers to instantly share updates with their family and friends on social media, make crystal-clear video calls with their loved ones, upload and download files for work and school in seconds, seamlessly stream high-definition content, and play bandwidth-heavy games without any lag, among other things.

Smart Ookla

Leading the Speedtest Race Across the Country

Ookla’s latest country report reveals that Smart is the fastest mobile network in Metro Manila and other key cities and provinces, such as Cebu City and the Davao Region. The company’s impressive network speeds and coverage are present in Abra, Agusan del Norte, Aklan, Albay, Bataan, Batangas, Benguet, Biliran, Bohol, Bulacan, Bukidnon, Cagayan Valley, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Cavite, Davao del Sur, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Iloilo, Isabela, La Union, Laguna, Leyte, Marinduque, Mountain Province, Negros Occidental, Nueva Ecija, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Quezon, Rizal, Romblon, South Cotabato, Tarlac, Zambales, and Zamboanga del Sur.

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Smart’s continuous network improvement aligns with the PLDT Group’s initiatives to anchor efforts toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG No. 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

With 97% population coverage through its 3G, 4G/LTE, and 5G networks, Smart’s approximately 76,500 base stations, including over 7,200 5G base stations and close to 38,800 LTE base stations, provide the best mobile experience in the Philippines.

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