Samsung establishes new ways of learning in its first ever Education Summit

Samsung Electronics Philippines Co. held its first Education Summit last April 27, at Crowne Plaza Manila, initiating the crucial conversation on digitization in the education industry. Representatives from Samsung Philippines and Samsung Global, and different educational institutions – both private and government – participated in the conversation by expressing their views on various issues on education in relation to the digital age, and vice-versa.

(From L-R): Samsung Regional Head of Education in SEA & Oceania, Gary Khoo, Samsung Presales and Solutions Leader, Bernie Serran, DepEd Executive Director, Aida Yuvienco, Philippine Catholic College Junior High School Principal, Jennifer Apolinario, Philippine Science High School Special Science Teacher IV Principal, Jayson Bingcang, and CHED Lead for Senior High School Support, Gerson Abesamis, participate in an engaging panel discussion, exploring various issues on digitization in terms of the Philippine education industry, during the first Samsung Education Summit held last April 27.

Education never stops evolving. Although the manifestations of such occurrence vary through time and place, indications of progress in the education industry are always present. Today, as the digital era is being ushered in, new ways of learning are beginning to emerge. For Samsung, one of these emerging trends is Smart Learning. Samsung Smart Learning promotes smarter education experience that is personalized, and that enables greater interaction, which are the needs of the students today.

Philippine Science High School Special Science Teacher IV, Jayson Bingcang, discusses thoroughly the advantages of implementing smart classrooms in educational institutions in the digital age. Being currently equipped with Samsung’s Smart Classroom, Philippine Science High School is able to provide good quality and smarter education that is needed in the new learning world. 

“Smart Learning is a movement that goes more than just simply readying the teachers and students for the complex and drastically-changing dynamics of our world today, it also aims to inspire them to become competent by equipping them with the necessary skills to adapt to changes, no matter how radical the changes are,” said Gary Khoo, Regional Head of Education in South East Asia & Oceania, Samsung.

Samsung offers a complete education solution that aims to promote Smart Learning, which advances collaboration and dynamic engagement between the teacher and the students. In photo – Smart Lobby, Smart Study Lounge, and Smart Classroom – are just some of Samsung’s digitally connected campus solutions.

Samsung’s initiative to advance smarter education experience is its response to the ever-growing demands of the new learning world. Since the new learning environment is heavily integrated with technology, Samsung aims to provide greater access to technology to more students and teachers to help them succeed in the new era.

Very recently, the K-12 program had begun to be implemented across all educational institutions in the Philippines, to aid students and teachers become more globally competent. Samsung sees this as the perfect opportunity to adapt to the new learning experience to further strengthen the students’ fundamentals and maximize their potential, thus inspiring achievement.

Alliance Leaders and Solutions Architect, Anton Andres, and Samsung Research and Development Engineer, Rogene Lacanienta, demonstrate how emerging technologies, such as Samsung’s Virtual Reality, enhance the skills of both teachers and students, which make them more globally competent in the digital age.

“Digitization in the education industry is a multi-faceted notion that begs to be discussed and even debated about. As digitization assumes not just huge changes, but revolutionary changes, resistance to it is expected. We, however, recognize the need to adapt to changes such as these by advocating to implement them. In terms of progress, the education industry in our country still has a long way to go, but we’re definitely moving forward,” said Ireen Catane, Director for Enterprise Business, Samsung Electronics Philippines Corp.

Committing itself to deliver success in education, Samsung innovated a complete education solution that’s specifically developed to enrich the teaching and learning experience. The entire education solution is integrated such that it works seamlessly to promote collaboration and dynamic engagement between the teacher and the students.

Samsung Regional Head of Education in SEA & Oceania, Gary Khoo, explains how Samsung Smart Education, drives new ways of learning, which are highly apt to the digital era we are currently experiencing.

Samsung has long started to drive new ways of learning by forging partnerships with various educational institutions to advance the use of technology in their classrooms. The Philippine Science High School is one of the schools Samsung has partnered with to drive the new way of learning along with Pasig Catholic College who has been implementing their Mobile Learning Devise Program for three years now, which requires the students to use Samsung tablets for educational purposes.

“Going beyond providing quality tablets for our teachers and students, it was Samsung’s guarantee to provide excellent post-purchase support that sealed the deal for us. With Samsung, we are able to promote improved educational approaches that empower our students and teachers with skills needed in the 21st century", said Virgilio Vivo, Director for Center for Institutional Information Technology, Pasig Catholic College.

Samsung is recognized as one of the world’s largest technology companies that deliver a vast set of innovative products and solutions. This year, Samsung reinforces that recognition even further by initiating a deeper discussion on technology in terms of the new learning era, through the first Education Summit. Other than developing advanced solutions for the education industry, it is through efforts like these that Samsung proves its passion for education.

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Home Credit Brings the Samsung Galaxy J Series Within Reach

The Samsung Galaxy J Series, the latest from Samsung’s highly popular Galaxy line, is now made even more affordable as Home Credit Philippines is offering units at 0% interest on installment from April 15 to May 29, 2016.

Home Credit is a global consumer financing company that offers affordable installment plans to Filipino consumers in an easy, simple and fast way. Customers only need to present two IDs and an initial cash payment. After which, Home Credit reviews the loan application in 15 minutes or less, and once approved, the customer can leave with their purchases in hand.

The Samsung Galaxy J series is one of Samsung’s most sought-after smartphones, and for all the right reasons. Incredible selfie functionality, enhanced viewing experience and longer battery life are all part of the deal with the Samsung Galaxy J5 and J7.

The Galaxy J series can produce the brightest and clearest photos with a 13 MP rear camera and f/1.9 aperture. With a built-in front camera flash, photos are also well-lit even in low light conditions. Photos and videos may also be viewed on a higher level as the Galaxy J5 and J7 boasts its Super Amoled Display showing true-to-life color reproduction and contrast ratio. With faster web browsing, gaming and HD video-viewing, its high-capacity battery delivers a lengthened powerful mobile experience.

Adam Bernasek, the Head of Sales of Home Credit Philippines, says the company is very excited to offer these powerful smartphones to their customers. “The Galaxy J series is truly among the top smartphones in the market today in terms of value for money and functionality, and we are very happy to have the opportunity to make these available through flexible payment options catered to each customer’s budget and lifestyle.”

Customers can avail of the Samsung Galaxy J series on a six-month installment term, with a monthly payment of as low as ₱999 for the Samsung Galaxy J5 and ₱1,199 for the Samsung Galaxy J7. This special offer is currently available in selected Home Credit-serviced areas, selected Samsung concept stores and partner retailers. The full list of the stores is available at Home Credit’s official website, www.homecredit.ph.

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House of Cards built on running LG Washing Machine breaks Guinness World Record

House of cards built on running LG washing machine breaks Guinness World Record. The LG Centum System which was the reason behind World Record feat, eliminates almost all vibration and noise

LG Centum washing machine

LG Electronics and professional card stacker Bryan Berg set a new world record for the tallest house of cards built in 12 hours. More incredible is that the record-breaking 3.3-meter tall structure was built atop an LG Centum washing machine while it was spinning at 1,000 RPM.  Bryan Berg, a Harvard-educated architect who began stacking cards at the age of eight, partnered with LG on his record-breaking attempt, a 48-story house constructed of only normal playing cards.

House of Cards built on running LG Washing Machine

“We are thrilled for Bryan, who achieved a special goal, while also helping to highlight the technological innovations that exist in some of today’s home appliances,” said Jo Seong-jin, CEO and president of the LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solutions Company. “Appliances should no longer be viewed as noisy, disruptive machines but a home companion that can coexist unobtrusively in any kitchen. This record-breaking event was a creative way to drive this point home.”

LG Centum Guinness World Record

LG’s unique Centum System™ utilizes a new damping system equipped with shock absorbers, similar to those found in automobiles. This fixed-tub system greatly reduces vibration and noise levels. By doing away with traditional springs to support the outer tub, the Centum System™ washing machine boasts one of the quietest spin cycles on the market, emitting only 67dB, the equivalent of a typical conversation. And with less moving parts, there’s less friction, the leading cause of wear and tear in machines. LG is so confident in the technology that the Inverter Direct Drive motors in Centum System washing machines are covered by a 20-year warranty, double the industry standard.

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A.Refinery officially launches first Concept Store Manila, Philippines

A. Refinery officially launched its first brand in Manila, last Saturday, Treats the crowd with what its about to offer.

Jamming session with Jensen and the Flips

 A. Refinery is a new concept store designed to give you the best music and listening experience. It is also a home for big audio brands as well lifestyle products and the newest technology.

During A. Refinery's first Concept Store launch, they brought home-grown talents, such as Jensen and the Flips and Mayonnaise to serenade us with great music. Its the first time we heard about Jensen and the Flips, but they sound is definitely "music to your ears" experience. Believe it or not, they already released an album which you can also stream in Spotify.

Mayonnaise was present during A Refinery, one of the attendees got the winning chance to take home a copy of Mayonnaise's album

Mayonnaise who climaxed the A.Refinery launch was a surreal experience. Even passerby mall-goers took notice and gate crashed the event and took their own video clips. It was all fun, bubbly and stressed-free experience watching these two groups perform.

Brands and Products available at A. Refinery:

• JBL
• AKG
• Denon
• Harman Kardon
• Beyerdynamic
• Chord Electronics Ltd.
• Q Acoustics

You can also find non-audio products but must-have for tech-savvy people such as Booq Cases, Lineaflux Hyperchargers and Home Automation by Control 4.

SEE. HEAR. EXPERIENCE. Test 'em before you buy 'em

This is the mission and promise of A. Refinery to bring SEE, HEAR, EXPERIENCE - environment every time you visit their concept store.

[Watch Video] Here's a glimpse of some of the great sounding products and lifestyle brands spotted at A. Refinery

Aside from the A. Refinery Concept Store in Manila, A. Refinery will open two additional store locations in the Philippines, sometime this year: A. Refinery Ayala Center Cebu and A. Refinery Abreeza Mall Davao.

Get updated with the latest products and offers at A. Refinery by liking their official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ARefineryPH

Photos and Videos taken using the OPPO F1 #Selfie Expert

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Logitech raises your gaming experience with the new G Series Gaming Peripherals

Logitech raised the level of gaming experience by introducing their new lines of G Series gaming gear at their booth on one of the biggest E-Sports Event in South East Asia, the ESL One 2016 held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena last April 23 2016.


With the tag line Game with Passion, Win with Science, 4 new gaming gears that were designed for gamers were introduced by none other than Logitech’s Country Manager Mr. KP Sim.

Though the G910 hasn't been locally introduced yet, its aesthetics is something that you cant resist

Here are the G Series Gaming Peripherals that you need to look out for:

Logitech G633 Artemis Spectrum Gaming Headset

This gaming headset enters the gaming arena with the patent pending Pro-G Audio driver that was designed by Logitech’s sound engineering team. Logitech G633 delivers an audiophile like performance thanks to its hybrid mesh materials built, Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound and DTS Headphone:X capabilities.

The G633 Artemis Spectrum Gaming Headset also offers customizable, featuring RGB lighting, swappable backlit speaker plates, Programmable G-Keys and an onboard software equalizer to allow you to customize your audio settings for superb gaming experience.

You can get the Logitech G633 Artemis Spectrum Gaming Headset for PHP 7,900 in any major IT and gaming Store.


Logitech G502 Proteus Spectrum Mouse

The G502 Proteus Spectrum Mouse introduces itself as a fully customizable, high performance mouse that has the most accurate and responsive optical sensor, surface tuning calibration, weight adjustment and on-the-fly DPI shifting.

Logitech G502

You can match your mood and style by adjusting the mouse’s lighting with up to 16.8 Million colors. Bring your mouse to life with the breathing light patterns or set the lighting to sleep when it’s Idle.

You can get this Logitech G502 Proteus Spectrum Mouse for PHP 3,990 in any major IT and gaming Store.


Logitech G610 Orion Brown Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

This Keyboard enters the gaming arena as a full size mechanical gaming keyboard that integrates industry-leading technology and quality of construction in a uniquely crafted design allowing it to deliver nothing but the pure gaming experience. G610 Orion Brown Mechanical Gaming Keyboard features a Cherry MX mechanical switches and a customizable bright white LED backlighting and a dedicated media control.

You can get the Logitech G610 Gaming Keyboard for PHP 7,399 in any major IT and gaming Store.


Logitech G810 Orion Spectrum RGB Mechanical Keyboard

Orion Spectrum RGB Keyboard is a full-sized RGB mechanical gaming keyboard that integrates industry-leading technology and quality of constructing unique crafted design to deliver peak performance.

This keyboard features Logitech’s exclusive Romer-G mechanical switches that offer 25% faster actuation than the standard mechanical keyboards. This keyboard also features a customizable RGB lighting and dedicated Media Controls.

You can get Logitech G810 Orion Spectrum RGB Mechanical Keyboard for PHP 9, 150 in any major IT and gaming Store.


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Safeguard your Investment with genuine Brother Consumables

With over 100 years in operation, Brother has continuously provided innovative, reliable and practical solutions for everyday life, now enjoyed by consumers all over the globe. The company is committed to providing quality global products in order to meet the needs of its customers, and through this mission, Brother ensures that quality and reliability are built into every machine and consumable it manufactures.

Brother genuine ink

Through extensive research and development, Brother has designed and manufactured an impressive roster of digital imaging solutions including inkjet and laser printers, Multi-Function Centers (MFCs) and fax machines. The company has also developed innovative ink, toner and paper technologies, which work perfectly with the entire Brother printing system and ensure optimum performance and component protection.

Cheap, off-brand supplies result in poor performance and quality

Finding cheaper options for everything has become a source of pride for many Pinoys, but this practice often yields “you get what you pay for” results. While ink and toner refilling services offer low prices, they produce unimpressive results over time and may even seriously damage the sensitive components of printer heads and gears.

Upfront costs for refills are appealing, but over time, expensive repairs, time-consuming maintenance and costly continuous replacement pile up, costing the consumer way more than the price of genuine Brother Consumables supplies.

Professional prints and peace of mind 

Genuine Brother Consumables ensure exceptional print quality, print longevity, richer color output, sharper images, high print yields and long-term savings.

Brother’s patented ink formula penetrates and dries on paper in optimal time, in order to prevent smearing during the printing process. What consumers get is clean, exceptional print-out quality every time. This ink formula also features the right viscosity, which delivers the perfect amount of ink on paper for vibrant colors and sharp details, without clogging the cartridge nozzles and corroding print heads.

On the other hand, genuine Brother toner cartridges contain polymerized toner particles that ensure smooth gear operations even after thousands of pages printed. Brother toners also allow for tiny differences in color and the finest details to shine through, and prevent toner leakage that can smudge and destroy printed images and information.

With genuine Brother Consumables, consumers can make the most out of their Brother machines and ensure excellent performance and print quality even after years of use. Moreover, to ensure customers purchased genuine supplies, Brother updated the security label on the ink and toner cartridge packaging for easy authentication. The new Security Label allows users to personally authenticate the product purchased by simply scanning the data matrix found on the sticker.

For more information on where to buy Brother inks and toners and how to spot genuine products, visit www.brother.com.ph.

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A Toast to Tambunting Pawnshop's 110 years in the Philippines

Tambunting Pawnshop marks 110th year in the PH, launches Tambunting Online, as Filipinos go digital for their financial needs

Need cash in a rush?  In a bid to widen Filipinos’ options for short-term financing, Tambunting Pawnshop launches Tambunting Online as a quick, convenient, and secure way to get much-needed funds.

Photographed toasting are the strategic partners for Tambunting Online (L-R) Joey Tambunting, Vice President, Tambunting Pawnshop, Ramon Tambunting, President, Tambunting Pawnshop, Mica F. Tan, President & CEO of MFT Group of Companies and Arlet Villanueva, Sales Manager, GrabExpress

Tambunting Online, the online division of Tambunting Pawnshop, is specifically designed to meet Filipinos’ evolving lifestyles and keep up with their changing needs. The online service aims to fulfill Filipinos’ short-term financial needs by getting cash without having to leave their desks, privately and safely.  A three-way partnership between Tambunting Pawnshop, MFT Group of Companies, and GrabExpress, Tambunting Online takes away the hassle as well as the privacy and security issues that traditionally accompany the practice of pawning one’s valuables.

Tambunting Online is extremely user-friendly. By logging on to www.tambunting.com.ph, users can provide information about themselves and the valuable items for evaluation, with help from a virtual assistant when necessary. There is no need to submit documents or answer lengthy forms. Tambunting Online’s team of experts then reviews the item and gives a guaranteed best offer, which is sent through email. All these are done in utmost privacy.

How Tambunting Online Works?

How Tambunting Online works

Here are the five (5) easy steps on how Tambunting Online works:

1. Visit the www.tambunting.com.ph and get financial assistance whenever you need it.
2. Click GET CASH page and simply upload a photo of your valuable item and easily fill-out                 information needed.
3. Wait for free pick-up of items.  After submitting your request, you will receive a link via email           regarding their GrabExpress bikers and track your valuable items in real time.
4. Item Appraisal.  Tambunting’s highly trained appraisers will evaluate the item you shipped to             confirm with you regarding their best final offer.
5. Receive cash within 24 hours. After finishing all the steps, you will receive your cash within 24           hours, either as a bank deposit or as a remittance via Palawan Express.

“Filipinos are increasingly turning online to do their financial transactions. We saw that gap existed in traditional financial products, and turned to Tambunting Pawnshop to propose the development of online services. They saw the opportunity to offer an innovative, value-added service that would meet the lifestyle of their market. We are happy to see how Tambunting Online has brought together traditional and fresh ideas that would benefit the customer,” said MFT Group of Companies President and CEO, Mica Tan.

“As Tambunting marks its 110th anniversary, we are pleased to offer something that we know our market wants and needs. Throughout the years, we have developed a good ear for what our market wants, and Tambunting Online answers the need for faster, more convenient, yet safe transactions. We are pleased to be working with like-minded partners who share our goals in making this groundbreaking service available to the Filipino public,” said Ramon Tambunting, President, Tambunting Pawnshop.

“We can assure Tambunting Online users that GrabExpress bikers have undergone a strict accreditation process prior to onboarding, which includes credit investigation and clearances. We are proud to be part of this project, which is a testament to our commitment to ensure the safe and secure handling of valuable items, and to help the Filipino public meet their ever-changing financial needs,” said Angeline Tham, Head of GrabExpress, Grab Philippines.

With Tambunting Online, getting cash in a rush has become safer, easier, and more convenient.

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Prepare a warm welcome for Faraday v1.0.19

Faraday v1.0.19 (Community, Pro & Corp) is ready! More documentation, a new interface and plugin fixes are some of the improvements included in this version.

Continuing with our efforts to make Faraday accessible to everyone we stopped the development and spent a few days improving our documentation, so feel free to take a look at it and let us know if you feel something is missing!

It shouldn't come as a surprise that our QT interface will be deprecated during 2016. As a first step towards its replacement we started building a brand new GTK3 interface! This new, modernized look for Faraday improves how you see and interact with the information. Also, it allows Mac users to finally use the desktop application smoothly and without complications.

At the moment, the GTK interface supports all of the most common operations in Faraday: you can create, change and delete workspaces, connect to CouchDB databases, view and change plugin settings. Of course you also have tabs and notifications, just as before (only better).

But the best part is that this new GUI uses your zsh shell, this means that you get to keep all your aliases, colors, zsh plugins and prompt. Working with Faraday GTK feels even more like working with your own terminal, plus all the added benefits you already use!

We are very excited to release this new interface, but we also know the importance of stability, that's why we decided to release it as experimental, while maintaining QT as our default interface. If you feel like trying the new GTK GUI, just install the dependencies and start up Faraday with the --gui=gtk flag, like this:

./faraday.py --gui=gtk

Pro & Corp changes:

• Changed the way in which Executive Reports are generated adding a DOCX template. Read more about it in Faraday's wiki

  

  Preview of the default template

Community, Pro & Corp changes:

• Added GTK3 interface prototype - a brand new interface for you to enjoy!
• Improved the documentation
• Added plugin detection through report name - if you wish to force Faraday to process your report using a specific plugin, just rename it adding _faraday_PLUGINNAME. For example, if you wish to use the Nmap plugin for the report some_report.xml, rename it to some_report_faraday_Nmap.xml. You can find a detailed list of all available plugins in our Github wiki.
• Added open services count to Hosts list in WEB UI - as some users suggested, when viewing the list of all Hosts in our WEB UI it was confusing not to know how many services each host had, so we added the amount of services to that list.
• Improved zsh integration - this means that all plugins are now compatible with our ZSH interface, including fplugin. Read more about Faraday plugins.

Community, Pro & Corp fixes:

• Fixed an error in wcscan script
• Fixed nikto plugin
• Fixed openvas plugin
 

We hope you enjoy it, and let us know if you have any questions or comments.

https://www.faradaysec.com/
https://github.com/infobyte/faraday
https://twitter.com/faradaysec

 

Viber Offers Users More Control Over Their Communications, Launching Full End-to-End Encryption and ‘Hidden Chats’

Viber adds more security and Hidden Chat option on the latest Viber update. Users can benefit from increased security and privacy offered by Viber App, whatever the device or platform they are using: Desktop, Android, iOS, etc.

Viber, one of the world’s leading messaging apps with more than 711 million unique users worldwide including over 23 million unique users in the Philippines, has recently announced complete end-to-end encryption across all devices including Android™ and iPhone®, iPad®, Android tablets, PC and Mac desktops. This feature will be available over the coming weeks to all users who have the latest version of Viber. It includes strengthened security in every voice or video call, message, video and photo, in both group messages and one-to-one communication. As part of this update, Viber also launches ‘Hidden Chats’ allowing users to hide specific chats from the main screen so no-one but the user knows they exist. These chats can only be accessed using a four digit PIN, providing an optional additional layer of privacy to users’ personal communications.    

“We take our users’ security and privacy very seriously, and it’s critical to us that they feel confident and protected when using Viber,” said Michael Shmilov, COO of Viber. “Because of this, we have spent a long time working on this latest update to ensure that our users have the most sophisticated security available and maximum control over their communications. We will continue to make this an ongoing priority as digital communication evolves.”   

Full End-to-end encryption

Rolling out globally over the coming weeks, users will automatically be protected by end-to-end encryption in all communications on their smartphone once they have upgraded to the latest version of Viber - v6.0 or higher. Users who are also using Viber on an iPad, Android tablet or desktop will be prompted to re-connect it to their phone using a QR code.

All communications can benefit from an additional layer of security through account verification. Users will see a color-coded lock on the right hand side of the screen indicating the level of security:

Grey Lock: During an end-to-end encrypted conversation and call users will see a grey padlock icon. Tapping on this icon will display a tooltip letting users know that messages sent by the participants are encrypted.

Green Lock: Users also have the option of manually authenticating their contacts by selecting that they are ‘trusted’. This means that the selected contact’s authentication key will be monitored for future changes so users can be certain that they’re talking to the right person at all times. Tapping on the green padlock will display a tooltip letting users know that messages sent by the participants are encrypted and your contact is verified.

Red Lock: If there is a problem with the authentication key of a previously trusted user, the padlock will turn red. The breach may simply mean that a user has changed their primary phone; however, it can also indicate a man-in-the-middle-attack. To solve a possible breach state, the participant needs to be re-trusted. Tapping on the red icon will display a tooltip noting that Viber cannot verify this number.

 

Hidden Chats

Users will now also be able to hide specific one-on-one or group conversations from the ‘chats’ screen so that no-one knows they exist and access them using a four digit PIN. Users can hide the conversation by tapping on the info screen for a particular chat. It will then ask for a four digit PIN or, for iOS users, provide an option for a fingerprint. Users will be notified of a message in a Hidden conversation without the text of the message, or who it is from, appearing on the screen.

This is not bi-directional, meaning if one user hides the conversation, nothing will be changed on the recipient’s side.

This latest update, along with the ‘Delete’ feature – which allows users to delete messages on the recipient’s phone even after they’ve sent them whether the person has seen it or not – demonstrates Viber’s increased focus on putting its users in control of their privacy and personal communications.

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TechAthletes: Triathletes get techie with training using Samsung Gear S2

A triathlete team called Tri Six Fiv, shares how the Samsung Gear S2 smartwatch helps them with their daily training. The Samsung smart device that sits on ones wrist enables these  triathletes complete their training program with ease while monitoring how they progress on each stage


MANILA, Philippines - Health and fitness bands have been a triathlete’s best friend from quite some time now. With these bands, triathletes can constantly monitor real-time health statistics as they go about their routine without the need to strap themselves onto some bulky equipment.

Tri Six Fiv team members show off their Gear S2 smartwatches

But these bands are made just for training. A smartwatch, a more sophisticated wearable that is the current craze, can do the fitness band’s job and more. Smartwatch technology  has proven to be truly liberating and empowering that triathletes, such as the members of Tri Six Fiv, never go out for a run without strapping on a smartwatch like the Samsung Gear S2.

Five triathletes—namely, Xander Angeles, Dwan Abanto, Arvin Alvin, Denise Hernandez, and Nico Valdez—say that smartwatch technology has become indispensable in their training. Huddling together over a healthy breakfast, the Tri Six Fiv members marveled at how their training programs have benefited all thanks to wearables technology.

Xander Angeles sets up his Gear S2 before a run.

Ace celebrity photographer and triathlete Xander Angeles relies heavily on his favorite app on the Samsung Gear S2—the heart rate monitor. “It’s very important to know the heart rate, since that dictates my pace. In the past, I had to stop what I was doing to check this, but now I know everything in real time—it’s truly liberating,” he says. 

Coach Dwan checks her Gear S2’s step counter.

Fitness guru Dwan Abanto uses the Gear S2 in training clients. She has downloaded an app called the Workout Trainer on the smartphone to check the intensity of a given activity. “It’s like having your own personal trainer,” she enthuses.  Among the pre-loaded apps, her favorites are the water and caffeine intake counter, which enable her to monitor her consumption which is very important to her health regimen. 

Veteran triathlete Arvin Alvina, who will compete in Iron Man Barcelona, relies heavily on his Gear S2 especially for training. “I need to monitor so many stats, and it is truly helpful in helping me attain fitness goals and monitoring my performance. I also like the way it’s constructed—it has a rotating bezel that makes it easy for me to go from one app to another, plus it’s really lightweight. It also has a long battery life, which is perfect for my needs.”

Like her fellow athletes, runner Denise Hernandez loves the Gear S2’s health monitoring functions, but her favorite feature is its ability to receiave messages even without holding onto the phone. ”I can never be disconnected even when I go out for runs, but it is downright inconvenient to carry a smartphone. With the Gear S2, I can keep in touch and be apprised of whatever is happening, allowing me peace of mind whenever I start training,” she says.

Another Tri Six Fiv member Nico Valdes shares that he enjoys the way the Gear S2 seamlessly connects with his Samsung smartphone. “Pairing it with the phone allows you to enjoy more functions, which makes it even more fun to use. The Gear S2 has phone-like features, and it can even load photos. It’s unbelievably user-friendly and easy to navigate, especially with the rotating bezel that lets me tap into a wide assortment of apps. Even when I’m not training, I can use the Gear S2 to check and reply to messages. I can even wear it for other activities as it goes very well with casual wear. I really can’t find anything more versatile and useful than the Gear S2. For a triathlete, it’s a necessity,” he says.

Engineered to suit the needs of active types, the Samsung Gear S2 smartwatch allows athletes and fitness enthusiasts to monitor important fitness and activity stats in real time even while off-training in a simple, convenient way. It has a powerful health tracker app, S Health, which monitors the most important stats such as heart rate and pulse rate as well as the user’s liquid intake, the number of calories burned, and the number of hours spent walking, running, sitting down, and curling up in bed. It even sends motivational messages to keep the user’s spirits up.

Leveraging on Samsung’s expertise in wearable technology, the Gear S2 showcases a circular interface and rotating bezel which make navigation of apps easier, with a clear and bright, 1.2 sAmoled screen. It also has a superior music player that allows for browsing of albums and playlists and can store up to 300 songs on the watch. Built with a battery that lasts for 2-3 days, it guarantees less downtimes, and more hours on the go. Even more, the Gear S2 can withstand water up to 30 minutes in 1.5 meters of water due to its IP68 certification. The Gear S2 comes in two models: classic and sports with personalized and interchangeable watch faces and wrist straps for utmost versatility.

With the Gear S2, triathletes have discovered an entirely new dimension in training, and it just gets better with every turn.

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Ms. Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach on her new PLDT HOME TVC: 'This is my story.'

Watch Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach latest TV commercial of PLDT HOME: 'This is my story.' A connection, where the mom is very supportive to her daughter's dreams. Just like Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach's life story.

Ms. Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach

Miss Universe 2015 and Filipino pride Pia Wurtzbach is being featured in the latest TV commercial of PLDT HOME, representing the digital services leader’s flagship DSL brand.

This is one relationship that Pia is quite proud of and excited to continue with. Pia has been an ambassador of PLDT HOME since she became a Bb. Pilipinas titleholder in 2015. She remembers how much fun she had, going around the country promoting PLDT HOME DSL even in the remote areas of Mindanao. She says of the brand new partnership, “I am really very happy that PLDT HOME decided to continue with our relationship. I believe in what they stand for,” she said.

In the recently released TVC featuring the Filipina stunner, Pia is seen backstage as pretty little girls, all aspiring beauty queens, go through the rigors of beauty pageants with their number one fan and supporter—their mothers. Pia was teary-eyed during the pre-production for this commercial revealing that the story “felt really close to home.” She said, “This is my story. I feel that this was specifically written for me. I should have brought my mom with me today. I left her in the hotel. I want her to see this, too,” she told those around her during that meeting.

According to PLDT VP and Home Marketing Director Gary Dujali, the heartwarming video is in honor of mothers and the beautiful connections they help create for their children. “The perfect combination of a mother’s unwavering support and the power of technology which allowed her to connect with the world, helped pave the way for Pia to achieve her goal,” he said. “With this new TVC, we hope to inspire and empower people in their own journeys towards their dreams. It is certainly an honor to have no less than the reigning Miss Universe help us spread the message that the strongest and most beautiful connections begin at home.”

Pia was endearing during the shoot. She made no effort to hide how she felt that the experience unraveling before her felt exactly the same as when she was still competing for the crown. “Her down-to-earth attitude makes her all the more loveable. She was genuinely enthralled by the little girls who acted with her in the commercial. She was playing with them and having fun until the end of the shoot. We didn’t even notice that she was already feeling under the weather. She even bought taho at one point! What a real trooper she truly is!” Gary pointed out.

The partnership between Pia and PLDT HOME DSL began when she was crowned Bb. Pilipinas-Universe in 2015. Since then, PLDT HOME has been a steadfast supporter of Pia’s Miss Universe journey. As PLDT HOME ambassador, she traveled around the country to help families create beautiful connections through the reliable family-sized connection of PLDT HOME DSL. Her powerful story also served as an inspiration to millions of Filipinos who were captivated by her journey and perseverance despite multiple setbacks.

As the country’s number one broadband, PLDT HOME DSL connects future Filipino achievers, like aspiring beauty queens who wish to follow in the footsteps of Pia Wurtzbach and newly crowned Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2016 Maxine Medina, to opportunities and resources online.

It also helps them stay connected to their families and loved ones wherever their journey leads them, especially now with PLDT HOME DSL’s CIO Asia Award-winning data sharing service through the Speedster Fam Plan 1299. This plan offers speeds of up to 10 Mbps and a monthly data allocation of 50 GB. Subscribers who upgrade their Speedster Plan with a Smart Mobile Plan 399 or Plan 600 can share 6 GB of the 50 GB monthly data allocation to their smart phones so they can always easily reach out to the people that matter most.

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[ROM] Cloudfone Excite Prime Stock Odex

Note:

• Backup first your DATA and System before flashing this rom
• I'm not responsible on your device if you did not follow the instructions below

Changelog:

• Remove additional apps
• Remove Kitkat app icons

Instructions:

For TWRP:

1. Download this Rom and put it on your SD Card
2. Go to TWRP recovery > Wipe > Factory Reset
3. Go back to recovery and Tap Install
4. Find the rom and install it
5. Wait until its finish
6. If it is finish then Tap Wipe Cache/Dalvik
7. Install the SuperSU-V2.70.zip below(Optional if you want to root it)
8. Reboot
9. Wait until it opens
10. Done

Screenshot tutorial in flashing rom via TWRP

For CWM and CTR:

1. Download the Rom and put it on your SD Card
2. Go to CWM/CTR recovery Wipe Data, Cache, and Dalvik Cache
3. Tap install update from sdcard
4. Find the rom and install it
5. Wait until its finish
6. Install the SuperSU-V2.70.zip below(Optional if you want to root it)
7. Reboot
8. Wait until it opens
9. Done

Links:

• Stock Rom Odex: Here(MEGA Link)
• SuperSU V2.70: Here
• Additional: Stock Rom MiniMod

Credits:

• Josiah Tingzon (For stock rom)
• Rotciv Yodnas (For boot.img)
• Eljay Dulin (For META-INF)
• Maximum Dev/Port Team
• CEP Tech Support Porting Team
• Cherry Mobile Amber 2 UNITED
• Cloudfone Excite Prime Tech-Support™ Group