December 19, 2025 Japanese engineers create an AI-assisted ‘human washing machine’ of the future Japanese engineers have created the “Mirai Ningen Sentakuki” or “human washing machine of the future.” This invention was unveiled at the Osaka-Kansai technology exposition in 2024. This futuristic device uses AI to analyze your body before blasting you with a customized “wash-and-dry” process. Science Co., the Osaka-based showerhead company behind the bizarre contraption, says that the washing machine takes just 15 minutes to run a complete human rinse cycle. The pod measures 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) long by one meter (3.28 feet) wide, allowing most people to lie down comfortably inside. Once the hatch has been sealed, the pod fills halfway up with water, leaving the bather partially submerged. They are then blasted by high-speed water jets containing extremely small air bubbles less than three micrometers in diameter. This jet-fighter cockpit-shaped pod uses powerful jets of bubbles to clean the skin of dirt and grime. The brand’s ‘Holidays are Coming‘ ad has been a staple on screens since it was first released in 1995, but last year’s update caused uproar with viewers and critics. Despite a massive amount of outrage when they released their AI Christmas ad last year, Coca-Cola has decided to do it again for 2025. Hollywood writer Alex Hirsch even went as far as to condemn the advert by saying: ‘Coca-Cola is red because it’s made from the blood of out-of-work artists,’ but whether or not it was because people liked the ad or were just curious about it, the ad was seen as a commercial success. With that in mind, the company decided to do it again for their 2025 campaign, highlighting how far AI has come in the past year. Speaking on the new ad, Global VP and Head of Generative AI at Coca-Cola, Pratik Thakar, told The Hollywood Reporter: “Last year we decided to go all in, and it worked out well for us, consumer engagement was very high. However, rather than just scrubbing the skin, Science Co. says that the human washing machine offers an experience capable of ‘washing the soul’. The pod monitors the bather’s vital signs, such as their heartbeat, to ensure they are safe and comfortable. At the same time, an AI interprets this information to work out if they are calm or excited and projects a specifically selected video onto the inside of the plastic pod to soothe their nerves. This device might seem like something from the future, but the design is actually based on a 50-year-old concept. At the 1970 Japan World Exposition, Sanyo Electric Co., now Panasonic Holdings Corp., showcased the very first human washing machine. The big difference was that this 1970s version also included dozens of plastic ‘massage balls’ which pelted the user to aid in relaxation and promote circulation. Now, Science Co. has manufactured an updated version that has gone on sale in Japan. But it doesn’t come cheap, with a pod costing £290,000 (60 million Japanese yen). The company says that it will make a limited run of 40 to 50 human washing machines at first. Thanks to the enormous price tag, most of these will likely end up in high-end spas and hotels in Japan. However, even if you might not be able to install one in your bathroom right away, there is still hope for the future. A Science Co. spokesperson said in a statement: “In the future, if the technology evolves further and mass production systems are established, there is a possibility that a more affordable home-use model may emerge.” Dell Care Premium — Enjoy 24/7 expert support for hardware and software issues, onsite repair often within 1-2 business days after remote diagnosis, and repairs for accidents like drops and spills, all with no hidden fees. Reference: Dell 14 Inch Premium Laptop | Dell Philippines Reference: Human washing machine that can clean head to toe goes on sale for £290,000 – would you give it a go?

December 15, 2025 Chatbots in Germany told to pay for the use of copyrighted song lyrics In August 2025, the European Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) came into force. However, groups representing artists say there are still many loopholes that need to be fixed for them to thrive in a creative world increasingly dominated by AI. The AI Act, celebrated for being the first comprehensive legislation to regulate AI globally, is riddled with problems, these organizations say.  Groups like the European Composer and Songwriter Alliance (ECSA) and the European Grouping of Societies of Authors and Composers (GESAC) argue that it fails to protect creators whose works are used to train generative AI models. Without a clear way to opt out or get paid when tech companies use their music, books, movies, and other art to train their AI models, experts say that their work is continually at risk. On Nov 11, a German court ruled in a landmark case that OpenAI must pay a licensing fee to use copyrighted song lyrics in its artificial intelligence (AI) models, including ChatGPT. Presiding judge Elke Schwager ruled in favor of the Society for musical performing and mechanical reproduction rights (GEMA), Germany’s largest music rights collecting organization, which lodged a complaint last year against the US-based OpenAI over its use of copyrighted lyrics. The judge ordered OpenAI to compensate GEMA for all damages, including unpaid royalties and legal fees, plus interest. OpenAI could be forced to pay the group hundreds of thousands of euros if the ruling holds. An OpenAI spokesperson told Euronews Next in an email that the company disagreed with the ruling and is considering its next steps. “The decision is for a limited set of lyrics and does not impact the millions of people, businesses, and developers in Germany that use our technology every day,” the spokesperson said. “We respect the rights of creators and content owners and are having productive conversations with many organizations around the world, so that they can also benefit from the opportunities of this technology,” the spokesperson added. OpenAI can still appeal the decision. The case concerns the lyrics of nine well-known German songwriters represented by GEMA, including Kristina Bach and Rolf Zuckowski. GEMA alleges that OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbot memorized these lyrics in its datasets and reproduced “large parts” of these songs “verbatim” when prompted. OpenAI argued that its language models do not store or copy specific training data, but rather learn patterns and generate new outputs based on those patterns. Reference: OpenAI chatbots cannot use song lyrics without paying, German court rules in landmark trial The brand’s ‘Holidays are Coming‘ ad has been a staple on screens since it was first released in 1995, but last year’s update caused uproar with viewers and critics. Despite a massive amount of outrage when they released their AI Christmas ad last year, Coca-Cola has decided to do it again for 2025. Hollywood writer Alex Hirsch even went as far as to condemn the advert by saying: ‘Coca-Cola is red because it’s made from the blood of out-of-work artists,’ but whether or not it was because people liked the ad or were just curious about it, the ad was seen as a commercial success. With that in mind, the company decided to do it again for their 2025 campaign, highlighting how far AI has come in the past year. Speaking on the new ad, Global VP and Head of Generative AI at Coca-Cola, Pratik Thakar, told The Hollywood Reporter: “Last year we decided to go all in, and it worked out well for us, consumer engagement was very high. The Dell 14 Premium redefines what it means to create on the go, delivering long battery life and an exceptional blend of power, precision and portability in an iconic design. Powered by AI-enabled Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors (Series 2), it has the speed to tackle complex workflows seamlessly and dedicated graphics options for demanding creative tasks like video editing and 3D modeling. Take mobile performance, graphics and AI-powered experiences to all-new levels. Intel® Core™ Ultra processors (Series 2) with built-in Intel® Arc™ graphics set a new standard for creativity, productivity and gaming on the go with the ultimate balance of performance, battery life and security. Swiftly edit, export videos and power AI-enabled creative apps for 3D, video or graphic design with NVIDIA® 40-series graphics up to GeForce RTX™ 4050 Laptop GPU. Upgrade to advanced AI with NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ GPUs and accelerate your gaming, creating, productivity and development. Multi-task with less lag with faster LPDDR5x memory, 4.8x faster throughput with WiFi 7 so you can upload your files faster, and a 3x faster microSD reader. Innovative thermal design enables powerful performance while keeping your system cool and quiet. Its fans redefine cooling performance with Liquid Crystal Polymer blades, and a unique housing shape boosts airflow and cooling efficiency.   Dell Care Premium — Enjoy 24/7 expert support for hardware and software issues, onsite repair often within 1-2 business days after remote diagnosis, and repairs for accidents like drops and spills, all with no hidden fees. Reference: Dell 14 Inch Premium Laptop | Dell Philippines “Yes, some parts of the industry were not pleased we were using a 100% Generative AI film, but that’s part and parcel of doing something pioneering. We understand that concern. But we need to keep moving forward and pushing the envelope,” Thakar added. This year’s ad sees the famous Coca-Cola truck driving through different towns and locations as a number of animals from seals to pandas look on. Another wrote: “[To the] 2025 AI slop cheap Coca-Cola commercial: You will *never* be 1990’s festively warm and comforting Coca-Cola Christmas commercial.” A third said: “It looks good, but [not gonna lie], the way it feels is so different. I feel like the essence of Christmas is not there.” Reference: Coca-Cola AI-Generated Christmas Ad Controversy

December 12, 2025 GenAI propels Coca-Cola Christmas ad, but critics aren’t pleased at all Many artists believe that the art world is currently witnessing the decline of artistry due to the rise of AI art. While some argue that AI can be beneficial, they contend that generating art through AI does not qualify as true artistry. In fact, AI art is “oddly inhuman” according to novelist Stephen Marche. Coca-Cola has been a catalyst for social interaction and inspired innovation since its birth at a soda fountain in downtown Atlanta in 1886. The company has aimed to craft the brands and choice of drinks that people love, to refresh them in body and spirit. And done in ways that create a more sustainable business for people’s lives, communities and our planet. The brand’s ‘Holidays are Coming‘ ad has been a staple on screens since it was first released in 1995, but last year’s update caused uproar with viewers and critics. Despite a massive amount of outrage when they released their AI Christmas ad last year, Coca-Cola has decided to do it again for 2025. Hollywood writer Alex Hirsch even went as far as to condemn the advert by saying: ‘Coca-Cola is red because it’s made from the blood of out-of-work artists,’ but whether or not it was because people liked the ad or were just curious about it, the ad was seen as a commercial success. With that in mind, the company decided to do it again for their 2025 campaign, highlighting how far AI has come in the past year. Speaking on the new ad, Global VP and Head of Generative AI at Coca-Cola, Pratik Thakar, told The Hollywood Reporter: “Last year we decided to go all in, and it worked out well for us, consumer engagement was very high. The Dell 14 Premium redefines what it means to create on the go, delivering long battery life and an exceptional blend of power, precision and portability in an iconic design. Powered by AI-enabled Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors (Series 2), it has the speed to tackle complex workflows seamlessly and dedicated graphics options for demanding creative tasks like video editing and 3D modeling. Take mobile performance, graphics and AI-powered experiences to all-new levels. Intel® Core™ Ultra processors (Series 2) with built-in Intel® Arc™ graphics set a new standard for creativity, productivity and gaming on the go with the ultimate balance of performance, battery life and security. Swiftly edit, export videos and power AI-enabled creative apps for 3D, video or graphic design with NVIDIA® 40-series graphics up to GeForce RTX™ 4050 Laptop GPU. Upgrade to advanced AI with NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ GPUs and accelerate your gaming, creating, productivity and development. Multi-task with less lag with faster LPDDR5x memory, 4.8x faster throughput with WiFi 7 so you can upload your files faster, and a 3x faster microSD reader. Innovative thermal design enables powerful performance while keeping your system cool and quiet. Its fans redefine cooling performance with Liquid Crystal Polymer blades, and a unique housing shape boosts airflow and cooling efficiency.   Dell Care Premium — Enjoy 24/7 expert support for hardware and software issues, onsite repair often within 1-2 business days after remote diagnosis, and repairs for accidents like drops and spills, all with no hidden fees. Reference: Dell 14 Inch Premium Laptop | Dell Philippines “Yes, some parts of the industry were not pleased we were using a 100% Generative AI film, but that’s part and parcel of doing something pioneering. We understand that concern. But we need to keep moving forward and pushing the envelope,” Thakar added. This year’s ad sees the famous Coca-Cola truck driving through different towns and locations as a number of animals from seals to pandas look on. Another wrote: “[To the] 2025 AI slop cheap Coca-Cola commercial: You will *never* be 1990’s festively warm and comforting Coca-Cola Christmas commercial.” A third said: “It looks good, but [not gonna lie], the way it feels is so different. I feel like the essence of Christmas is not there.” Reference: Coca-Cola AI-Generated Christmas Ad Controversy

December 11, 2025 Micron exits memory market; move is seen untimely with ongoing shortage US-based memory supplier Micron has announced its exit from the consumer market. Consequently, Micron will retire memory products sold under the Crucial brand, which includes NVMe SSDs and external storage, as well as DDR4 and DDR5 RAM. The move comes as a shocker as it is poised to worsen the ongoing memory shortage in the market. EVP Sumit Sadana said: “Micron has made the difficult decision to exit the Crucial consumer business in order to improve supply and support for our larger, strategic customers in faster-growing segments.”   With the decision, Micron will focus on supplying memory for AI data centers, a more lucrative business that has been hogging memory supply at the expense of consumer products. Despite the exit, consumer shipments will continue until February 2026. Micron’s exit will leave a gaping hole in the consumer memory market, depriving PC builders of the trusted Crucial brand. It also remains unclear if any company can fill the gap when analysts are warning that the memory shortage could last for years. Samsung and SK Hynix are also reportedly prioritizing profitability over risky expansions. Further, the news might not bode well for PC graphics cards since Micron supplied GDDR7 video memory to Nvidia’s RTX 5000 series, in addition to Samsung and SK Hynix. Research firm TrendForce reports that Micron was the third largest supplier of DRAM behind Samsung and SK Hynix. The three companies also dominated the DRAM market with a 92% market share.   Micron is a world leader in innovative memory solutions that transform how the world uses information to enrich life for all. For over 45 years, the company has been instrumental to the world’s most significant technology advancements, delivering optimal memory and storage systems for a broad range of applications. Micron’s technology and expertise are central to maximizing value from cutting-edge computing applications and new business models which disrupt and advance the industry. By providing foundational capability for innovations like AI and 5G across data center, the intelligent edge, and consumer devices, Micron unlocks innovation across industries including healthcare, automotive and communications. As the world moves to a new economic model, data is driving value creation in ways we had not imagined just a few years ago. Data is today’s new business currency, and memory and storage are strategic differentiators which will redefine how we extract value from data to expand the global economy and transform our society. Reference: RIP Crucial: Memory Supplier Micron Exits Consumer Market to Chase AI The Dell 14 Premium redefines what it means to create on the go, delivering long battery life and an exceptional blend of power, precision and portability in an iconic design. Powered by AI-enabled Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors (Series 2), it has the speed to tackle complex workflows seamlessly and dedicated graphics options for demanding creative tasks like video editing and 3D modeling. Take mobile performance, graphics and AI-powered experiences to all-new levels. Intel® Core™ Ultra processors (Series 2) with built-in Intel® Arc™ graphics set a new standard for creativity, productivity and gaming on the go with the ultimate balance of performance, battery life and security. Swiftly edit, export videos and power AI-enabled creative apps for 3D, video or graphic design with NVIDIA® 40-series graphics up to GeForce RTX™ 4050 Laptop GPU. Upgrade to advanced AI with NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ GPUs and accelerate your gaming, creating, productivity and development. Multi-task with less lag with faster LPDDR5x memory, 4.8x faster throughput with WiFi 7 so you can upload your files faster, and a 3x faster microSD reader. Innovative thermal design enables powerful performance while keeping your system cool and quiet. Its fans redefine cooling performance with Liquid Crystal Polymer blades, and a unique housing shape boosts airflow and cooling efficiency.   Dell Care Premium — Enjoy 24/7 expert support for hardware and software issues, onsite repair often within 1-2 business days after remote diagnosis, and repairs for accidents like drops and spills, all with no hidden fees. Reference: Dell 14 Inch Premium Laptop | Dell Philippines Wendy mentioned Intel’s tech updates for 2025 such as Intel Core Ultra (Lunar Lake for laptop and Arrow Lake for desktop) processors comprising Intel’s AI PC portfolio for 2025; Intel vPro as the no-compromise solution for business. She said that Intel delivers what modern businesses need: performance; manageability; connectivity; AI; stability; security. There is also the new Intel Xeon 6 which is the latest processor for servers bringing AI everywhere; for evolving data centers; and ecosystem ready. Xeon is the most deployed host CPU for AI accelerated systems. Dynamic presentations and conversations capped this occasion plus some fun during the raffle draws with guests winning various prizes. But the best part was the priceless trove of knowledge imparted to valued clients for the benefit of their respective organizations.

December 5, 2025 Filipino shoppers growing scared of AI-driven fraud this holiday season It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and for holiday-loving Pinoys, it’s shopping season once more for the most wonderful time of the year. Now, shopping has even become more convenient as one can do it online. Thanks to online platforms which provide the hassle-free way to buy all sorts of stuff for every eager consumer. However, nearly three in four Filipinos also said they choose to abandon online shopping as soon as they fall victim to a scam. Further, at least one in three knows of someone that has become the target of social engineering schemes. In a survey released by cybersecurity provider Appdome, Filipinos were found holding back on their usual shopping sprees this year on caution that they might fall into a scam. At least two in five Filipinos said they fear becoming victims of identity theft when shopping on their phone, especially as they have to log sensitive data such as bank details. Appdome CEO and co-creator Tom Tovar said AI is driving the new wave of digital fraud. As it stands, AI is used for deepfake payments, vishing attacks and bot takeovers of personal accounts. Since AI can emulate human activities almost to a tee, fraudsters are exploiting the technology to circumvent security walls put in place by companies to protect their database and customers. An overwhelming eight in 10 Filipinos believe that apps have to be equipped with blockers that would fend off AI-powered threats like bots, deepfakes, impersonation and takeovers. They said they would rather be protected from risks than compensated when victimized. Tovar said this is putting pressure on banking, finance, retail and delivery platforms to come up with tighter controls to prevent fraudsters from attacking consumers. “Consumers want proof that their apps can stop fraud before a holiday purchase is made, and not after the damage is done,” he added. Currently, more than two-thirds of Filipinos see AI as an opportunity to simplify what used to be redundant tasks. Still, nearly a third of respondents said using AI without regulation poses safety threats to consumers. Tovar has advised business owners to prepare for a surge in fraud attempts until Dec. 31, as fraudsters will randomly infiltrate shopping platforms. The Appdome co-creator reminded them it is important to protect consumers, noting that one crisis could result in a breakdown of trust and loss of clientele. After all, it isn’t good if Christmas shopping won’t be fun like it used to be because shoppers are too worried, they might get cheated online. Reference: AI fraud spooks Pinoys’ holiday shopping spree The new facility was initially expected to be launched in October, but the date was postponed due to PEZA’s investment mission to South Korea. The AI Tech Academy is also an initiative being undertaken with the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines. “Using the AI training framework, I think it’s a pioneering initiative by the Philippine government, by the Philippines in Southeast Asia,” Panga said. PEZA is also working with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to provide grants to workers that will undergo the AI training. Panga said Cebu was chosen as the location for the first AI Tech Academy given the available space there. Since AI is a new technology, he said the training must be conducted in person.   Through the facility, the aim is to train IT workers, high-school and college students and job seekers on various AI tools and solutions to prepare the Filipino workforce for new technologies and advanced manufacturing. StackTrek specializes in AI and programming, offering a unique combination of advanced technology integration and talent development for modern businesses. They provide scalable training programs to cultivate a skilled AI workforce, along with consultation and implementation services to reengineer business operations. PEZA plays a crucial role in the economic development of the Philippines by managing and promoting ecozones, industrial estates, export processing zones, and free trade zones across the country. Established under the provisions of its enabling act, PEZA is tasked with creating an environment conducive to business by providing essential infrastructure and services, facilitating investments, and fostering sustainable growth. Reference: PEZA to unveil AI Tech Academy Wendy mentioned Intel’s tech updates for 2025 such as Intel Core Ultra (Lunar Lake for laptop and Arrow Lake for desktop) processors comprising Intel’s AI PC portfolio for 2025; Intel vPro as the no-compromise solution for business. She said that Intel delivers what modern businesses need: performance; manageability; connectivity; AI; stability; security. There is also the new Intel Xeon 6 which is the latest processor for servers bringing AI everywhere; for evolving data centers; and ecosystem ready. Xeon is the most deployed host CPU for AI accelerated systems. Dynamic presentations and conversations capped this occasion plus some fun during the raffle draws with guests winning various prizes. But the best part was the priceless trove of knowledge imparted to valued clients for the benefit of their respective organizations.

December 3, 2025 Technology has reshaped the way we learn; AI tools now dominate, Part 2 The pandemic has made us navigate our way like it was wading through the unknown. It forced us to adapt to our ever-changing world in ways we didn’t immediately realize were possible. But since ancient times, technology has become a constant companion of humans from the moment they learned how to use tools in order to survive. Learning has dramatically evolved since then, but our educational experience will only continue to shift and change in the coming years. Here’s Part 2 of how exactly has technology reshaped the way we learn: Digital Note-Taking. If you’ve switched from paper and pencil to taking notes digitally, apps like Notability and GoodNotes help you better organize your subjects and lessons, and keep everything saved in one place. Additionally, apps like Notion, OneNote, EverNote, and even Google Docs allow seamless collaboration between teams—perfect for classmates who want to take notes together. Podcast Learning. If you regularly listen to podcasts in the morning, whether for meditation or to resume and dive deeper into a subject you’re interested in, this is another way technology has made it more convenient to learn something new at the tap of a button. You can pause and start back up whenever you’re ready, and you can also do other activities while listening, such as jogging, cooking, or cleaning. Cloud Storage & File Sharing. Advancements in technology have also made saving our work more convenient and intuitive. Gone are the days where you might lose an entire document by forgetting to hit the save button. Now, with tools like Google Docs, your files are automatically kept safe and up to date to the cloud (i.e. on remote servers) every time you make an edit. Language Learning Apps. With language learning apps like Duolingo and Babbel, gaining fluency in another language has never been easier. These apps allow you to learn at your own pace and level, giving you flexibility and control. Plus, they’re typically much more affordable than traditional classes, meaning you can take on more than one course if you want! Research Methods. The way we research materials has also changed dramatically. Whereas we needed physical books and resources in the past, we can now access digital archives and rely on the web to help guide us to appropriate sources. AI tools can even help compile and simplify this process, making it easier for us to digest large chunks of information. “The External Brain”. Technology has also affected the way we memorize pieces of information. Because we now have the option to save important details in our phones, laptops, and other external devices or online locations, we treat the internet as our “external brain,” which allows us to save brainpower and memory space.   Reference: 20 Ways Technology Is Changing How We Learn The new facility was initially expected to be launched in October, but the date was postponed due to PEZA’s investment mission to South Korea. The AI Tech Academy is also an initiative being undertaken with the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines. “Using the AI training framework, I think it’s a pioneering initiative by the Philippine government, by the Philippines in Southeast Asia,” Panga said. PEZA is also working with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to provide grants to workers that will undergo the AI training. Panga said Cebu was chosen as the location for the first AI Tech Academy given the available space there. Since AI is a new technology, he said the training must be conducted in person.   Through the facility, the aim is to train IT workers, high-school and college students and job seekers on various AI tools and solutions to prepare the Filipino workforce for new technologies and advanced manufacturing. StackTrek specializes in AI and programming, offering a unique combination of advanced technology integration and talent development for modern businesses. They provide scalable training programs to cultivate a skilled AI workforce, along with consultation and implementation services to reengineer business operations. PEZA plays a crucial role in the economic development of the Philippines by managing and promoting ecozones, industrial estates, export processing zones, and free trade zones across the country. Established under the provisions of its enabling act, PEZA is tasked with creating an environment conducive to business by providing essential infrastructure and services, facilitating investments, and fostering sustainable growth. Reference: PEZA to unveil AI Tech Academy Wendy mentioned Intel’s tech updates for 2025 such as Intel Core Ultra (Lunar Lake for laptop and Arrow Lake for desktop) processors comprising Intel’s AI PC portfolio for 2025; Intel vPro as the no-compromise solution for business. She said that Intel delivers what modern businesses need: performance; manageability; connectivity; AI; stability; security. There is also the new Intel Xeon 6 which is the latest processor for servers bringing AI everywhere; for evolving data centers; and ecosystem ready. Xeon is the most deployed host CPU for AI accelerated systems. Dynamic presentations and conversations capped this occasion plus some fun during the raffle draws with guests winning various prizes. But the best part was the priceless trove of knowledge imparted to valued clients for the benefit of their respective organizations.

December 1, 2025 Your next cuddly pet is an AI-powered “bundle of joy” Meet Moflin, a fluffy AI pet robot designed to be your newest companion as it can provide emotional support through adaptive interaction. Developed by Casio Computer Co. and released to the market in Nov 2024, it recognizes voices, responds to touch, and evolves its behavior based on individual user engagement. Would you like to bond and cuddle with this fluffy AI companion? Moflin is so small it will fit on the palm of your hand. This furry little owl-crossed-with-a-hamster AI pet appeared for the first time at CES 2021, courtesy of a partnership between Casio and Vanguard Industries. Fast forward to 2025, it’s now available to pre-orders in Japan. Moflin is a totally new type of AI pet robot. With its soft fur and adorable movements and sounds, you can count on it bringing joy to your everyday lives. Just like a living animal, Moflin possesses emotional capabilities and movements that evolve through daily interactions with its environment. It can show over four million distinctive personality traits, recognizing the person who talks to it frequently as its owner. “Development began with women as our target audience. We imagined a sidekick that could provide support, even when you’re facing issues at work or in your personal life,” said Ms Erina Ichikawa, 42, the leader of the team that developed Moflin. The project gained momentum after an engineer from the company brought in a prototype robot for the purpose of portraying the cuteness of small animals. It gradually learns what the owner likes based on interactions such as petting and cuddling. Through communication, it will develop its own unique personality and as it gets attached to you, you will most certainly get attached to your Moflin as well. It has a 2-Dimensional Emotion Express Map in which enables changes in its emotions. Moflin feels like the TikTok generation’s Tamagotchi, but just like in the 90s, digital pets can only go so far. Part of being a pet owner is loving and caring for something that completely relies on you. Moflin’s concept and technology is globally acclaimed. It received various awards including the “Best of Innovation” award from CES, the largest technology conference in the world. Casio says Moflin has a 5-hour battery life on a single charge, slightly less than a French Bulldog Kermit’s 24-hour runtime. If you need to boost its power, Moflin sits in a cute charging bed and requires a 3-and-a-half-hour power boost to help with your emotional well-being again. References: Moflin – An Ai Pet With Emotional Capabilities Casio launches AI-powered furry robot pet that wants to replace your dog | TechRadar The new facility was initially expected to be launched in October, but the date was postponed due to PEZA’s investment mission to South Korea. The AI Tech Academy is also an initiative being undertaken with the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines. “Using the AI training framework, I think it’s a pioneering initiative by the Philippine government, by the Philippines in Southeast Asia,” Panga said. PEZA is also working with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to provide grants to workers that will undergo the AI training. Panga said Cebu was chosen as the location for the first AI Tech Academy given the available space there. Since AI is a new technology, he said the training must be conducted in person.   Through the facility, the aim is to train IT workers, high-school and college students and job seekers on various AI tools and solutions to prepare the Filipino workforce for new technologies and advanced manufacturing. StackTrek specializes in AI and programming, offering a unique combination of advanced technology integration and talent development for modern businesses. They provide scalable training programs to cultivate a skilled AI workforce, along with consultation and implementation services to reengineer business operations. PEZA plays a crucial role in the economic development of the Philippines by managing and promoting ecozones, industrial estates, export processing zones, and free trade zones across the country. Established under the provisions of its enabling act, PEZA is tasked with creating an environment conducive to business by providing essential infrastructure and services, facilitating investments, and fostering sustainable growth. Reference: PEZA to unveil AI Tech Academy Wendy mentioned Intel’s tech updates for 2025 such as Intel Core Ultra (Lunar Lake for laptop and Arrow Lake for desktop) processors comprising Intel’s AI PC portfolio for 2025; Intel vPro as the no-compromise solution for business. She said that Intel delivers what modern businesses need: performance; manageability; connectivity; AI; stability; security. There is also the new Intel Xeon 6 which is the latest processor for servers bringing AI everywhere; for evolving data centers; and ecosystem ready. Xeon is the most deployed host CPU for AI accelerated systems. Dynamic presentations and conversations capped this occasion plus some fun during the raffle draws with guests winning various prizes. But the best part was the priceless trove of knowledge imparted to valued clients for the benefit of their respective organizations.

November 26, 2025 PEZA, AI training firm collaborate to establish first AI tech academy in PH The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) has forged a joint venture with AI firm StackTrek to establish the first AI Tech Academy in the Philippines. PEZA is set to launch the tech academy in Cebu later this month to equip ecozone workers with skills needed to utilize new technologies. PEZA director general Tereso Panga announced that the AI Tech Academy is set to open on Nov. 17. He said StackTrek was looking to collaborate with host economies for the initiative and the Philippines was the first to respond to the call to set up an AI training academy. He added: “StackTrek made an investment for the AI Tech Academy, while PEZA’s role is to mobilize the industry to support the initiative through donations of equipment.” Here’s how games can help kids gain some important life skills along the way: Team-based games teach cooperation and communication Cooperative video games force kids to learn the benefits of collaboration, which is a skill they can take into their teenage and adult lives. These games require them to articulate their ideas and opinions, negotiate, and be open to receiving feedback. Many popular console games, like Fortnite and Minecraft require players to use teamwork to succeed. Expand their social circles Video games don’t get the praise they deserve for creating safe social spaces for kids to meet other like-minded kids. In fact, it’s easier for some kids to make friends through gaming than in the schoolyard or at camp. There’s less pressure to impress and more opportunities to have fun together. Friendships made while playing video games can be just as meaningful as those made offline. Kids can connect over shared goals, jokes, and work together to achieve something. Gaming can help with emotional regulation Gaming is competitive, it offers kids a controlled environment to practice emotional regulation. Kids will have no choice but to deal with losing, various setbacks and hurdles, adapting to changes in gameplay, or learning to play a new game or with a kid they haven’t played with before. These are critical life skills that school can’t always teach to the kids. Remarkably, there is a lot of value to letting kids play though not everything related to gaming is positive. The best evidence of the merit of kids playing video games is that they require a lot of problem-solving, patience, compromise. Playing can also make them resilient and smart, too! Reference: Gaming Has Its Merits—Here’s How Video Games Help Kids Develop Better Social Skills The new facility was initially expected to be launched in October, but the date was postponed due to PEZA’s investment mission to South Korea. The AI Tech Academy is also an initiative being undertaken with the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines. “Using the AI training framework, I think it’s a pioneering initiative by the Philippine government, by the Philippines in Southeast Asia,” Panga said. PEZA is also working with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to provide grants to workers that will undergo the AI training. Panga said Cebu was chosen as the location for the first AI Tech Academy given the available space there. Since AI is a new technology, he said the training must be conducted in person.   Through the facility, the aim is to train IT workers, high-school and college students and job seekers on various AI tools and solutions to prepare the Filipino workforce for new technologies and advanced manufacturing. StackTrek specializes in AI and programming, offering a unique combination of advanced technology integration and talent development for modern businesses. They provide scalable training programs to cultivate a skilled AI workforce, along with consultation and implementation services to reengineer business operations. PEZA plays a crucial role in the economic development of the Philippines by managing and promoting ecozones, industrial estates, export processing zones, and free trade zones across the country. Established under the provisions of its enabling act, PEZA is tasked with creating an environment conducive to business by providing essential infrastructure and services, facilitating investments, and fostering sustainable growth. Reference: PEZA to unveil AI Tech Academy Wendy mentioned Intel’s tech updates for 2025 such as Intel Core Ultra (Lunar Lake for laptop and Arrow Lake for desktop) processors comprising Intel’s AI PC portfolio for 2025; Intel vPro as the no-compromise solution for business. She said that Intel delivers what modern businesses need: performance; manageability; connectivity; AI; stability; security. There is also the new Intel Xeon 6 which is the latest processor for servers bringing AI everywhere; for evolving data centers; and ecosystem ready. Xeon is the most deployed host CPU for AI accelerated systems. Dynamic presentations and conversations capped this occasion plus some fun during the raffle draws with guests winning various prizes. But the best part was the priceless trove of knowledge imparted to valued clients for the benefit of their respective organizations.

November 24, 2025 Can Video Games Help Kids Develop Social Skills, critical thinking? In this age of digital gaming, believe it or not, video games have merit and shouldn’t be treated as forbidden. Since this hobby has easily become a habit for today’s digitally dependent youngsters, video gaming has also become a major fiber of the norm/culture of modern living. But parents shouldn’t let kids play video games all night or not offer any supervision. Balanced and age-suitable video games can help develop friendships, social skills, and critical thinking. However, video games have acquired an unfair reputation as an antisocial activity that breeds violence. As gaming and the industry evolve, most have learned that it offers the opportunity for social interaction and can help kids and teens improve their teamwork, communication, and even their emotional intelligence. Gaming doesn’t have to be an isolating experience, at all. Here’s how games can help kids gain some important life skills along the way: Team-based games teach cooperation and communication Cooperative video games force kids to learn the benefits of collaboration, which is a skill they can take into their teenage and adult lives. These games require them to articulate their ideas and opinions, negotiate, and be open to receiving feedback. Many popular console games, like Fortnite and Minecraft require players to use teamwork to succeed. Expand their social circles Video games don’t get the praise they deserve for creating safe social spaces for kids to meet other like-minded kids. In fact, it’s easier for some kids to make friends through gaming than in the schoolyard or at camp. There’s less pressure to impress and more opportunities to have fun together. Friendships made while playing video games can be just as meaningful as those made offline. Kids can connect over shared goals, jokes, and work together to achieve something. Gaming can help with emotional regulation Gaming is competitive, it offers kids a controlled environment to practice emotional regulation. Kids will have no choice but to deal with losing, various setbacks and hurdles, adapting to changes in gameplay, or learning to play a new game or with a kid they haven’t played with before. These are critical life skills that school can’t always teach to the kids. Remarkably, there is a lot of value to letting kids play though not everything related to gaming is positive. The best evidence of the merit of kids playing video games is that they require a lot of problem-solving, patience, compromise. Playing can also make them resilient and smart, too! Reference: Gaming Has Its Merits—Here’s How Video Games Help Kids Develop Better Social Skills However, before you start drafting your breakup text because your partner didn’t gush over your bird sighting, take a deep breath. Dr. Vanessa, a therapist, says not to overreact to a single missed cue.  “We can’t always be on and locked in and focused out of nowhere,” she explains. “What matters is the overall pattern—do they usually try to meet you where you’re at? Do they make you feel seen and heard?” The bird theory has evolved—or devolved—into viral content. First used in 2023 by a TikTok user named Alyssa, it’s back, with Google Trends reporting a spike in search traffic for the term in October 2025. On TikTok, couples now record themselves mid–bird-test and post the footage for millions to analyze. The comments section becomes a relationship lab, with viewers cheering on the tender responses and condemning the detached ones. Sharing relationship “tests” online may generate likes, but it can also blur the boundaries between authenticity and validation. After all, the real lesson of the bird theory is about connection, not spectacle. Because once your love is up for public review, even the most genuine gestures can start to feel rehearsed. Now, let’s go back to the music. Sending a song to your partner, sharing a playlist of memories, or revealing your current favorites… These simple gestures create emotional bridges. By telling their story through music, each person opens up in a different way, revealing their story, and sometimes their flaws. This sharing nourishes dialogue and tenderness over time. Reference: What TikTok’s ‘bird theory’ teaches us about love Wendy mentioned Intel’s tech updates for 2025 such as Intel Core Ultra (Lunar Lake for laptop and Arrow Lake for desktop) processors comprising Intel’s AI PC portfolio for 2025; Intel vPro as the no-compromise solution for business. She said that Intel delivers what modern businesses need: performance; manageability; connectivity; AI; stability; security. There is also the new Intel Xeon 6 which is the latest processor for servers bringing AI everywhere; for evolving data centers; and ecosystem ready. Xeon is the most deployed host CPU for AI accelerated systems. Dynamic presentations and conversations capped this occasion plus some fun during the raffle draws with guests winning various prizes. But the best part was the priceless trove of knowledge imparted to valued clients for the benefit of their respective organizations.

November 19, 2025 TikTok’s ‘bird theory’: Can it measure the strength of the romantic bond? When it comes to crafting a lasting love story, certain elements are necessary in order to complete the ingredients of a perfect mix. According to research and behaviors observed among young adults, it is the sharing of music—daily, spontaneous, sometimes intimate—that makes all the difference in the strength of the romantic bond. But before we sing our hearts out, let’s dig deep into the so-called “bird theory.” In the 1990s, psychologist John Gottman observed that strong relationships are built not on grand gestures but on how partners respond to small, everyday moments—what he called “bids for connection.” A “bid” could be as simple as saying, “Look at that bird!” or “That meme reminds me of you.” It’s not about the bird—it’s about saying, “Hey, I want to share this moment with you or connect with me.” And how your partner responds to that little moment says a lot. If they look up and smile, that’s called turning toward—meeting your bid with warmth and attention. If they stay silent or brush it off, that’s turning away. And if they snap back with something like, “Can you not be annoying?” that’s turning against. Lenovo Aura Edition PCs use AI to intelligently adapt to whatever you do. Working in a café? Shield Mode guards your privacy. Taking a meeting? Collaboration Mode optimizes your camera. No more last-minute scrambling to adjust settings—Lenovo Aura Edition PCs do it for you. Attention Mode silences notifications and blocks distracting websites so you can focus. Smart Share. You’ve captured a must-share picture on your phone. Now you can transfer it to your Lenovo Aura Edition PC with a simple tap, thanks to an AI Virtual Smart Sensor. It works for both Android and IOS phones, so there are no cross-platform headaches. Lenovo Aura Edition AI PCs offer virtual support wherever you need it. Smart Care is your one-stop shop for all your support needs, and you can access it anywhere. Get the most out of your Smart Care experience — such as live chat and remote camera sharing — with the Premium Care Suite. The Lenovo ThinkPad® X9 Aura Edition Series, imagined with Intel, redefines productivity with next-gen AI, best-in-class battery life, and innovations from Lenovo AI Now and Copilot+, exclusively on Windows 11. The new Lenovo ThinkPad® X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition, imagined with Intel, is the lightest, thinnest, and most powerful ThinkPad® X1 Carbon yet—now optimized for peak performance with Windows 11. Reference: Lenovo Aura Edition – Smart AI Laptops with Premier Remote Support | Lenovo Philippines However, before you start drafting your breakup text because your partner didn’t gush over your bird sighting, take a deep breath. Dr. Vanessa, a therapist, says not to overreact to a single missed cue.  “We can’t always be on and locked in and focused out of nowhere,” she explains. “What matters is the overall pattern—do they usually try to meet you where you’re at? Do they make you feel seen and heard?” The bird theory has evolved—or devolved—into viral content. First used in 2023 by a TikTok user named Alyssa, it’s back, with Google Trends reporting a spike in search traffic for the term in October 2025. On TikTok, couples now record themselves mid–bird-test and post the footage for millions to analyze. The comments section becomes a relationship lab, with viewers cheering on the tender responses and condemning the detached ones. Sharing relationship “tests” online may generate likes, but it can also blur the boundaries between authenticity and validation. After all, the real lesson of the bird theory is about connection, not spectacle. Because once your love is up for public review, even the most genuine gestures can start to feel rehearsed. Now, let’s go back to the music. Sending a song to your partner, sharing a playlist of memories, or revealing your current favorites… These simple gestures create emotional bridges. By telling their story through music, each person opens up in a different way, revealing their story, and sometimes their flaws. This sharing nourishes dialogue and tenderness over time. Reference: What TikTok’s ‘bird theory’ teaches us about love Wendy mentioned Intel’s tech updates for 2025 such as Intel Core Ultra (Lunar Lake for laptop and Arrow Lake for desktop) processors comprising Intel’s AI PC portfolio for 2025; Intel vPro as the no-compromise solution for business. She said that Intel delivers what modern businesses need: performance; manageability; connectivity; AI; stability; security. There is also the new Intel Xeon 6 which is the latest processor for servers bringing AI everywhere; for evolving data centers; and ecosystem ready. Xeon is the most deployed host CPU for AI accelerated systems. Dynamic presentations and conversations capped this occasion plus some fun during the raffle draws with guests winning various prizes. But the best part was the priceless trove of knowledge imparted to valued clients for the benefit of their respective organizations.

November 17, 2025 PH banks soon to take charge of enabling access to global digital wallets The way business is done has changed dramatically due to technology. Virtual transfers made possible by smartphone applications have replaced actual transfers made with cash and cheques. The use of technology to transform and improve financial processes is known as financial technology (or ‘Fintech’).  The Philippines has an emerging financial technology (Fintech) industry thanks to booming digitalization. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) played a vital role in the evolution of the Fintech industry. As early as 2000, the BSP allowed banks to engage in electronic banking to improve financial access. However, it was only in the years leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic that most banks incorporated online banking to cater to the growing share of Filipinos owning smartphones. Lenovo Aura Edition PCs use AI to intelligently adapt to whatever you do. Working in a café? Shield Mode guards your privacy. Taking a meeting? Collaboration Mode optimizes your camera. No more last-minute scrambling to adjust settings—Lenovo Aura Edition PCs do it for you. Attention Mode silences notifications and blocks distracting websites so you can focus. Smart Share. You’ve captured a must-share picture on your phone. Now you can transfer it to your Lenovo Aura Edition PC with a simple tap, thanks to an AI Virtual Smart Sensor. It works for both Android and IOS phones, so there are no cross-platform headaches. Lenovo Aura Edition AI PCs offer virtual support wherever you need it. Smart Care is your one-stop shop for all your support needs, and you can access it anywhere. Get the most out of your Smart Care experience — such as live chat and remote camera sharing — with the Premium Care Suite. The Lenovo ThinkPad® X9 Aura Edition Series, imagined with Intel, redefines productivity with next-gen AI, best-in-class battery life, and innovations from Lenovo AI Now and Copilot+, exclusively on Windows 11. The new Lenovo ThinkPad® X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition, imagined with Intel, is the lightest, thinnest, and most powerful ThinkPad® X1 Carbon yet—now optimized for peak performance with Windows 11. Reference: Lenovo Aura Edition – Smart AI Laptops with Premier Remote Support | Lenovo Philippines Through their devices, Filipinos can easily open bank accounts online and access them easily without having to step into a bank branch. Among Fintech companies, GCash pioneered money remittances nationwide by turning mobile phones into an e-wallet using their app. Today, GCash is the first fintech unicorn, providing various solutions, including bill payments, QR code payments, investments, loans, and insurance services. However, new entrants from the global arena are stepping into the game! Visa, the world leader in digital payments, is helping Philippine banks prepare for the rollout of global digital wallets like Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay. In a recent workshop, Visa brought together local banks and regional partners, including Google Southeast Asia, Vietcombank, and Starbucks Vietnam, to share how these wallets were successfully launched in other markets. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas recently clarified that these wallets are technology service providers. They must be linked to users’ credit, debit, or e-money accounts. They cannot hold funds directly. This puts banks in charge of enabling access to these services. Visa’s workshop focused on how banks can integrate and scale these wallets. It also highlighted the role of tokenization, which replaces card numbers with secure digital tokens. This helps protect users from fraud. Visa has issued over 10 billion tokens globally and says fraud rates have dropped by more than half. Partners from Vietnam shared how xPay adoption increased card usage and improved customer engagement. Google also explained how digital wallets make payments easier and safer. Visa says the move supports financial inclusion and helps build a secure payment system. With digital payments now making up 57.4% of retail transactions in the Philippines, the country is ahead of its 2024 targets. Fintech has enabled underprivileged communities and emerging nations to engage in the global financial ecosystem by democratizing access to financial services. As a result, traditional banking and payment structures have been upended, and it has revolutionized how individuals handle their finances. References: Visa prepares Philippine banks to adopt Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay The role of technology in the finance industry | OneAdvanced Wendy mentioned Intel’s tech updates for 2025 such as Intel Core Ultra (Lunar Lake for laptop and Arrow Lake for desktop) processors comprising Intel’s AI PC portfolio for 2025; Intel vPro as the no-compromise solution for business. She said that Intel delivers what modern businesses need: performance; manageability; connectivity; AI; stability; security. There is also the new Intel Xeon 6 which is the latest processor for servers bringing AI everywhere; for evolving data centers; and ecosystem ready. Xeon is the most deployed host CPU for AI accelerated systems. Dynamic presentations and conversations capped this occasion plus some fun during the raffle draws with guests winning various prizes. But the best part was the priceless trove of knowledge imparted to valued clients for the benefit of their respective organizations.

November 14, 2025 E-Governance law to provide efficient, transparent service for every Filipino The government is making fairly commendable strides when it comes to adopting modern technology in providing services to the citizens. The series of seminars conducted by Advance Solutions Inc (ASI) on different occasions was aimed at updating government agencies on the current technology trends. In fact, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. emphasized the need for a unified approach to AI development that serves real societal needs. Hence, DOST is taking bold steps to position the Philippines as a leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI) through a newly proposed National AI Strategy (NAIS Ph), unveiled during an event in April 2025. On Sept. 5, 2025, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed into law a measure institutionalizing the government’s digital integration for a more regulated and secure information and communications system. The law is known as Republic Act 12254, or the E-Governance Act. Lenovo Aura Edition PCs use AI to intelligently adapt to whatever you do. Working in a café? Shield Mode guards your privacy. Taking a meeting? Collaboration Mode optimizes your camera. No more last-minute scrambling to adjust settings—Lenovo Aura Edition PCs do it for you. Attention Mode silences notifications and blocks distracting websites so you can focus. Smart Share. You’ve captured a must-share picture on your phone. Now you can transfer it to your Lenovo Aura Edition PC with a simple tap, thanks to an AI Virtual Smart Sensor. It works for both Android and IOS phones, so there are no cross-platform headaches. Lenovo Aura Edition AI PCs offer virtual support wherever you need it. Smart Care is your one-stop shop for all your support needs, and you can access it anywhere. Get the most out of your Smart Care experience — such as live chat and remote camera sharing — with the Premium Care Suite. The Lenovo ThinkPad® X9 Aura Edition Series, imagined with Intel, redefines productivity with next-gen AI, best-in-class battery life, and innovations from Lenovo AI Now and Copilot+, exclusively on Windows 11. The new Lenovo ThinkPad® X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition, imagined with Intel, is the lightest, thinnest, and most powerful ThinkPad® X1 Carbon yet—now optimized for peak performance with Windows 11. Reference: Lenovo Aura Edition – Smart AI Laptops with Premier Remote Support | Lenovo Philippines The new law aims to facilitate more responsive and transparent online citizen-centered services across the executive, legislative, and judicial branches as well as constitutional offices, including local government units (LGUs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), government-owned or-controlled corporations (GOCCs), and other instrumentalities. The new law likewise covers all back-end government operations between and across agencies and government-to-government transactions. It also identifies the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) as the lead implementing body and administrator of the law. The DICT shall “advise, support, monitor, and guide government agencies in ensuring the quality, security, and reliability of their respective ICT infrastructure and services, in accordance with international or industrial standards, specifications, and best practices and ensure the interconnection or interoperability of ICT infrastructure, systems and facilities when necessary to achieve the goals of this Act.” It is also mandated to adopt a national policy and process that promotes innovations, supports start-ups, and facilitates the entry and adoption of technologies. In a statement, the DICT said it welcomes Marcos Jr.’s move to sign the proposal into law. “With this law, government services will now be within reach of every Filipino,” said DICT Secretary Henry Aguda. The DICT is also tasked to craft an E-Government master plan which will serve as the blueprint for the development and enhancement of all electronic government service processes and workforce to achieve digital transformation in the bureaucracy. Reference: Marcos enacts E-Governance law for govt’s digital integration Wendy mentioned Intel’s tech updates for 2025 such as Intel Core Ultra (Lunar Lake for laptop and Arrow Lake for desktop) processors comprising Intel’s AI PC portfolio for 2025; Intel vPro as the no-compromise solution for business. She said that Intel delivers what modern businesses need: performance; manageability; connectivity; AI; stability; security. There is also the new Intel Xeon 6 which is the latest processor for servers bringing AI everywhere; for evolving data centers; and ecosystem ready. Xeon is the most deployed host CPU for AI accelerated systems. Dynamic presentations and conversations capped this occasion plus some fun during the raffle draws with guests winning various prizes. But the best part was the priceless trove of knowledge imparted to valued clients for the benefit of their respective organizations.

November 7, 2025 Filipinos in rural areas prefer watching YouTube than traditional TV YouTube is known globally for its video-form content. Creators will upload their videos and users can consume and engage with them in numerous ways. From beauty product tutorials to comedy shows and even to music and beyond, there’s more! Being a popular video platform, YouTube has hosted everything from concert clips and podcasts to political ads, tutorials and much more. YouTube is now the most-watched video platform in rural areas of the Philippines, according to a new study from Kantar. The report shows that 88% of Filipinos in Visayas and Mindanao watch YouTube every day, more than traditional TV. The shift reflects how mobile access and creator-driven content are changing viewing habits outside Metro Manila. According to the report, 9 out of 10 Filipinos say they trust YouTube creators more than influencers on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. Data from global media research Nielsen shows YouTube ads are nearly four times more effective than TV ads, and more than twice as effective as other digital platforms. Lenovo Aura Edition PCs use AI to intelligently adapt to whatever you do. Working in a café? Shield Mode guards your privacy. Taking a meeting? Collaboration Mode optimizes your camera. No more last-minute scrambling to adjust settings—Lenovo Aura Edition PCs do it for you. Attention Mode silences notifications and blocks distracting websites so you can focus. Smart Share. You’ve captured a must-share picture on your phone. Now you can transfer it to your Lenovo Aura Edition PC with a simple tap, thanks to an AI Virtual Smart Sensor. It works for both Android and IOS phones, so there are no cross-platform headaches. Lenovo Aura Edition AI PCs offer virtual support wherever you need it. Smart Care is your one-stop shop for all your support needs, and you can access it anywhere. Get the most out of your Smart Care experience — such as live chat and remote camera sharing — with the Premium Care Suite. The Lenovo ThinkPad® X9 Aura Edition Series, imagined with Intel, redefines productivity with next-gen AI, best-in-class battery life, and innovations from Lenovo AI Now and Copilot+, exclusively on Windows 11. The new Lenovo ThinkPad® X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition, imagined with Intel, is the lightest, thinnest, and most powerful ThinkPad® X1 Carbon yet—now optimized for peak performance with Windows 11. Reference: Lenovo Aura Edition – Smart AI Laptops with Premier Remote Support | Lenovo Philippines The platform’s growing influence was also highlighted at the YouTube Works Awards Philippines 2025. Campaigns from Grab, GCash, and Nido 3+ were recognized for creative impact and audience engagement. GCash’s “GSafeTayo” campaign even won at the Southeast Asia level, which is a first for the country. YouTube accounts for 37% of the world’s mobile internet traffic. People use YouTube for many reasons and often rely on it as a trusted source. Mobile devices account for 63% of views on YouTube videos. It can be so easy to pull out your phone while commuting or while relaxing in the evening and watch YouTube videos. More than a quarter of news readers use YouTube to obtain news, opinions, and facts. Major players like BBC and Sky News use the platform to deliver live or pre-recorded coverage. As of 2024, 2.5 billion active monthly users called YouTube home. It delivers tailored search results and covers a broad range of topics ranging from comedy to health and wellness as well as much more. Meanwhile, YouTube Premium Lite is now officially available in the Philippines. The plan costs ₱109 per month and offers an ad-free viewing experience across most YouTube videos. The plan is for users who want fewer interruptions while watching videos but don’t need the full set of Premium features. It’s a lower-cost option compared to the full Premium plan, which is priced at ₱189 per month. Reference: YouTube now reaches more rural Filipinos than traditional TV Wendy mentioned Intel’s tech updates for 2025 such as Intel Core Ultra (Lunar Lake for laptop and Arrow Lake for desktop) processors comprising Intel’s AI PC portfolio for 2025; Intel vPro as the no-compromise solution for business. She said that Intel delivers what modern businesses need: performance; manageability; connectivity; AI; stability; security. There is also the new Intel Xeon 6 which is the latest processor for servers bringing AI everywhere; for evolving data centers; and ecosystem ready. Xeon is the most deployed host CPU for AI accelerated systems. Dynamic presentations and conversations capped this occasion plus some fun during the raffle draws with guests winning various prizes. But the best part was the priceless trove of knowledge imparted to valued clients for the benefit of their respective organizations.

November 3, 2025 Instagram allows access for teenagers but limits content to PG-13 In April 2025, popular online platform Instagram launched a device aimed at monitoring teens with their online activities. It was testing the use of AI to flag underage users who lie about their age, as part of new measures to better protect teens online, parent company Meta said. The platform will now “proactively” look for teen accounts it suspects belong to underage users, even if those users entered a false birthdate when signing up. Philippine senator Panfilo Lacson introduced in July 2025 a bill that seeks to regulate social media usage among minors to protect the mental health and well-being of Filipino youth. The proposed legislation aims to impose strict age restrictions and penalties for violations to address growing concerns about the detrimental effects of excessive social media use. On October 14, parent company Meta announced that teenagers on Instagram will be restricted to seeing PG-13 content by default and won’t be able to change their settings without a parent’s permission. This means kids using teen-specific accounts will see photos and videos on Instagram that are similar to what they would see in a movie rated PG-13 in the United States — no sex, drugs, or dangerous stunts, among other restrictions. Lenovo Aura Edition PCs use AI to intelligently adapt to whatever you do. Working in a café? Shield Mode guards your privacy. Taking a meeting? Collaboration Mode optimizes your camera. No more last-minute scrambling to adjust settings—Lenovo Aura Edition PCs do it for you. Attention Mode silences notifications and blocks distracting websites so you can focus. Smart Share. You’ve captured a must-share picture on your phone. Now you can transfer it to your Lenovo Aura Edition PC with a simple tap, thanks to an AI Virtual Smart Sensor. It works for both Android and IOS phones, so there are no cross-platform headaches. Lenovo Aura Edition AI PCs offer virtual support wherever you need it. Smart Care is your one-stop shop for all your support needs, and you can access it anywhere. Get the most out of your Smart Care experience — such as live chat and remote camera sharing — with the Premium Care Suite. The Lenovo ThinkPad® X9 Aura Edition Series, imagined with Intel, redefines productivity with next-gen AI, best-in-class battery life, and innovations from Lenovo AI Now and Copilot+, exclusively on Windows 11. The new Lenovo ThinkPad® X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition, imagined with Intel, is the lightest, thinnest, and most powerful ThinkPad® X1 Carbon yet—now optimized for peak performance with Windows 11. Reference: Lenovo Aura Edition – Smart AI Laptops with Premier Remote Support | Lenovo Philippines “This includes hiding or not recommending posts with strong language, certain risky stunts, and additional content that could encourage potentially harmful behaviors, such as posts showing marijuana paraphernalia,” Meta said in a blog post on Oct. 14, calling the update the most significant since it introduced teen accounts last year. The company is also adding an even stricter setting that parents can set up for their children. Meta said the update will be rolled out first in the US, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, and elsewhere by the end of the year. The changes come as the social media giant faces relentless criticism over harms to children. As it seeks to add safeguards for teens, Meta has already promised it wouldn’t show inappropriate content to young people. But this does not always work. A recent report, for instance, found that teen accounts researchers created were recommended age-inappropriate sexual content, including “graphic sexual descriptions, the use of cartoons to describe demeaning sexual acts, and brief displays of nudity.” In addition, Instagram also recommended a “range of self-harm, self-injury, and body image content” on teen accounts that the report says “would be reasonably likely to result in adverse impacts for young people, including teenagers experiencing poor mental health, or self-harm and suicidal ideation and behaviors.” Meta says the new restrictions go further than its previous safeguards. Reference: Instagram to use PG-13 rating to limit content for teenagers Wendy mentioned Intel’s tech updates for 2025 such as Intel Core Ultra (Lunar Lake for laptop and Arrow Lake for desktop) processors comprising Intel’s AI PC portfolio for 2025; Intel vPro as the no-compromise solution for business. She said that Intel delivers what modern businesses need: performance; manageability; connectivity; AI; stability; security. There is also the new Intel Xeon 6 which is the latest processor for servers bringing AI everywhere; for evolving data centers; and ecosystem ready. Xeon is the most deployed host CPU for AI accelerated systems. Dynamic presentations and conversations capped this occasion plus some fun during the raffle draws with guests winning various prizes. But the best part was the priceless trove of knowledge imparted to valued clients for the benefit of their respective organizations.