October 27, 2025 CHEd calls on PH universities, colleges to embrace AI learning methods Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) Chief Dr. Ethel Agnes Pascua-Valenzuela has urged higher education institutions to accelerate digital maturity, integrating AI and rethinking assessment models to ensure graduates remain competitive in an evolving workforce. She warned that many education systems are still preparing students for yesterday’s jobs. “AI is no longer the future. It is actually here—from adaptive learning platforms to virtual laboratories,” Valenzuela said in her opening keynote at the CanvasCon Philippines 2025 held on Sept 10, 2025 at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Taguig City. She added: “In ASEAN alone, studies show that by 2030 more than half of existing jobs will require advanced digital skills.”  The one-day conference gathered educators, administrators, and private sector leaders to discuss practical strategies for reimagining the learner journey through AI and digital platforms. Among the central themes was agentic AI—its potential to personalize learning, transform teaching, and simplify academic management. How the chip works Neuralink is designed to be implanted directly into the skull and features a series of ultra-thin wires that extend into the brain. According to a September 2023 announcement from the company, these wires are inserted into the region responsible for controlling movement intentions. Apparently, the first goal of this so-called ‘brain chip’ is to allow people to control their electronic devices using only their thoughts. Neuralink is designed to restore autonomy to people with paralysis, allowing them to control phones and computers using only their thoughts—a capability the company calls “telepathy.” Reference: The controversial blend of the human brain and technology Key speakers included Ryan Lufkin, Instructure Vice President for Global Academic Strategy; Harrison Kelly, Instructure Managing Director for APAC; Martin Bean, CEO of The Bean Center; Leopoldo Valdez, OIC President of Holy Angel University; and Alma Emerita V. De La Cruz, Senior Vice President of FEU Roosevelt. A highlight panel titled “Today’s Learner Journey, Reimagined” examined how digital tools are shaping more flexible and connected learner experiences, which CHEd has been advancing in its post-pandemic education reforms. For CHEd, CanvasCon 2025 underscored the need for HEIs to move from experimentation to full-scale digital transformation, positioning Philippine higher education alongside international standards. In 2024, CHEd started to finetune its curriculum requirements to meet quickly evolving changes in job markets, according to Commissioner Valenzuela. The Commission cited a 2023 study by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, showing the top fastest growing jobs in the region were AI and machine learning specialties; data analysts and scientists; sustainability specialists; robotics engineer; business intelligence analysts; big data specialists; information security analysts, among others. Technical Education and Skills Development Authority division chief Gemma Lorena Reyes said that they are in constant communication with different industries to determine how they can revamp their curriculum to meet the new trend. “We coordinate with the industry in the development of our curriculum and one of these aspects are on AI and robotics,” Reyes explained. Reference: CHED calls for AI integration in schools 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.

October 22, 2025 Human brain and technology: The controversial mix is subject to debate The rapidly emerging field of “human augmentation” guides us towards a futuristic vision, promising a fusion of human and computer tech designed to enhance our natural potential. In March 2025, US researchers said, a brain implant using AI was able to turn a paralyzed woman’s thoughts into speech almost simultaneously.   The experiment was performed on Ann, a 47-year-old former high school math teacher who has not been able to speak since suffering a stroke 18 years ago. The California-based team of researchers had previously used a brain-computer interface (BCI) to decode the thoughts of Ann  and translate them into speech. But there was an eight-second delay between her thoughts and the speech being read aloud by a computer. On July 21, Elon Musk’s company Neuralink announced it had implanted its brain-computer interface device in two participants on the same day, marking a first for the neurotechnology firm. The surgeries bring the total number of human patients to nine. The experimental device is designed to help people with paralysis control smartphones and computers using only their thoughts. As Neuralink advances its research, public discussion is growing around the potential benefits and challenges of brain chip technology. While these implants could revolutionize medical treatment and quality of life, they also raise important ethical and societal questions. At the end of January 2024, billionaire Elon Musk announced on X that the first human had successfully received a brain implant from his company, Neuralink, and was recovering well.   Neuralink is one of several groups looking at how the human nervous system can be linked to a computer and what medical implications this could have. According to clinicaltrials.gov, there are currently over than 70 so-called “brain computer interface” trials underway. How the chip works Neuralink is designed to be implanted directly into the skull and features a series of ultra-thin wires that extend into the brain. According to a September 2023 announcement from the company, these wires are inserted into the region responsible for controlling movement intentions. Apparently, the first goal of this so-called ‘brain chip’ is to allow people to control their electronic devices using only their thoughts. Neuralink is designed to restore autonomy to people with paralysis, allowing them to control phones and computers using only their thoughts—a capability the company calls “telepathy.” Reference: The controversial blend of the human brain and technology Key findings of the Q2 2025 edition (HP Wolf Security Threat Insights Report) include the following: 1.) In Q2 2025, the HP Threat Research team identified attackers refining their use of living-off-the-land (LOTL) tools to evade detection. In one campaign that targeted businesses, threat actors chained together multiple LOTL tools, including lesser-known ones, to deliver XWorm malware. The final payload was hidden in the pixels of an image (T1027.003) downloaded from a trusted website, decoded via PowerShell (T1059.001), and executed through MSBuild (T1127.001), enabling remote access and data theft. 2.) HP Sure Click detected attackers targeting German-speaking regions with highly realistic SVG-based (T1027.017) invoice lures to deliver malware in Q2. These emails bypass scanners and mimicked Adobe Acrobat to trick users into downloading malicious ZIP files. The delivered malware is a lightweight JavaScript (T1059.007) reverse shell that establishes persistence, collects system data, and enables remote command execution. 3.) Lumma Stealer was one of the most active malware families observed in Q2. HP Wolf Security found the malware being actively distributed via phishing emails containing malicious IMG archives. These disk images, mounted by Windows as virtual drives, hid HTA files (T1218.005) that launched obfuscated PowerShell commands leading to an NSIS installer. The installer deployed shellcode that unpacks and runs Lumma Stealer. Despite a law enforcement takedown in May 2025, campaigns continued in June and its operators have been rebuilding their infrastructure. Reference: HP Wolf Security Threat Insights Report: September 2025 | HP Wolf Security 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.

October 17, 2025 Asking Dr. Google? Careful, you might get what you didn’t wish for! In this age of easy access to widespread information available online, people have relied heavily on the internet in their search for answers to questions on just about anything including health concerns. Hence, a habit of “consulting” “Dr. Google” for health issues is not so unusual, actually. Well, can’t blame them, the information overload is way too tempting to resist! But why so tempting? It’s because the modern work environment has taken a toll on the health and well-being of workers. To combat stress, even health apps have become necessary. So, does the following scenario looks familiar? You suddenly feel unwell then anxiety sets in and you rush to get online to “consult” Dr Google! Doctors say Internet searches for medical information should be done cautiously, especially with the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI). Information from the right websites can teach patients about symptoms and prepare them for a doctor’s visit. But a poorly done search might inflame anxiety well before someone reaches the waiting room. It’s important to know the source of the information you find and to avoid trying to diagnose your health issue. Here are questions to keep in mind if you seek medical help online: You can quickly turn your ideas into reality and take innovation to the next level with lightning-fast Thunderbolt 5 and up to Wi-Fi 7 connectivity. Dell Pro Max PCs are the number one workstations in the world and are Independent Software Vendor (ISV) tested and certified, ensuring reliable, optimized performance for the most demanding professional applications. They are the most manageable and the world’s most secure commercial AI PCs, providing industry-leading device and data security. The Dell Pro Max laptops are the ultimate laptops for unmatched performance on the go—designed to spark creativity, power AI innovation, and effortlessly tackle your most demanding tasks. The Dell Pro Max desktops are built for peak performance—ideal for demanding applications and AI workloads, powered by high-end CPUs, pro-level GPUs, and ultra-fast storage and memory. Buying a PC can overwhelm because of too many choices, brands and technical details. At Dell Technologies, that experience is being changed for the better! Reference: Dell Pro Max High-Performance PCs, Laptops & Desktops | Dell USA What’s your source? When you do a Google search, don’t automatically click the first link. It may not contain the best answers. Some companies pay to have their websites listed at the top of a results page. Scroll for results that come from a source you can trust for medical information, such as sites run by government agencies like the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) or a country’s national health service. Should I use AI? More people are using AI to get quick answers pulled from a variety of Internet sources. Some searches also will generate an AI summary at the top of the results page. But an AI answer may not say where it got the information. That makes it hard to judge credibility. AI also can be prone to “hallucinations,” an industry term for issues that cause the technology to make stuff up. What should I ask? How you phrase a question plays a big role in the results you see. Doctors say patients should search for information based on symptoms, not an expected diagnosis. “You’ve got to ask at the very beginning the right questions,” said Dr Eric Boose of the US-based Cleveland Clinic. Focusing on a diagnosis means you may miss other explanations, especially if you just click the first few links listed in the results. Can the internet diagnose a problem? No. Leave that to the real doctors who are trained to ask questions that lead to a diagnosis. “There are a lot of symptoms that overlap between minor conditions and major medical problems,” said Dr Sarah Sams, a board member with the American Academy of Family Physicians. In all these situations, some testing and a visit with a doctor who knows your medical history may be the best medicine. Reference: Dr Google doesn’t have all the answers. Here’s how to use the web wisely for medical help 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.

October 15, 2025 Smart Glasses becoming the next wearable transformative innovation Smart glasses offer a distinct value, catering to different contexts compared to VR, AR, or MR headsets. Their portability and quick deployment make them a fashionable, versatile tool for on-the-go use. The standout feature of smart glasses is their ability to provide instant access to AI assistance. However, this capability is set to become standard across a wide range of devices, including smart watches, smartphones, and other gadgets. Since ChatGPT’s viral success in 2022, tech companies have scrambled to harness generative AI for digital assistants. Many of these AI-driven tools, including Meta’s, are already being integrated into smart glasses. Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg highlighted the advantage of smart glasses for AI in 2023. Unlike smartphones, glasses offer a more immersive experience, seeing and hearing from the user’s perspective, making them a powerful tool for AI-driven interaction. Despite steady growth in the smart glasses market, their mainstream adoption remains uncertain. Whether they will ever replace smartphones as the primary personal tech device depends on technological advancements and consumer demand. The smart glasses industry is still hunting for its defining feature: the ‘killer app’ that makes the technology indispensable. Interestingly, this was one aspect Google got right with Google Glass. You can quickly turn your ideas into reality and take innovation to the next level with lightning-fast Thunderbolt 5 and up to Wi-Fi 7 connectivity. Dell Pro Max PCs are the number one workstations in the world and are Independent Software Vendor (ISV) tested and certified, ensuring reliable, optimized performance for the most demanding professional applications. They are the most manageable and the world’s most secure commercial AI PCs, providing industry-leading device and data security. The Dell Pro Max laptops are the ultimate laptops for unmatched performance on the go—designed to spark creativity, power AI innovation, and effortlessly tackle your most demanding tasks. The Dell Pro Max desktops are built for peak performance—ideal for demanding applications and AI workloads, powered by high-end CPUs, pro-level GPUs, and ultra-fast storage and memory. Buying a PC can overwhelm because of too many choices, brands and technical details. At Dell Technologies, that experience is being changed for the better! Reference: Dell Pro Max High-Performance PCs, Laptops & Desktops | Dell USA Epson’s 2011 smart glasses targeted personal media enjoyment, allowing users to browse the web or watch movies anywhere. In contrast, Google’s 2012 concept video for Glass presented a different vision centered on everyday utility and augmented interactions. Unlike previous designs focused on passive entertainment, these smart glasses aimed to be genuinely useful. They would deliver text notifications, assist with scheduling, and overlay helpful graphics. Google continues to pursue the future envisioned in its Glass concept video. In May 2024, Google DeepMind unveiled a demo showcasing Project Astra, an AI assistant integrated with smart glasses. Greg Wayne, DeepMind’s research director, described the device as a “functional research prototype” developed by the AR team. Wayne emphasized the transformative potential of universal AI agents; from aiding the visually impaired to seamless language translation and real-time insights into the physical world, these advancements could revolutionize daily living. Combining personal computing, AI, and augmented reality, smart glasses could redefine how we interact with the digital and physical worlds, becoming the next transformative innovation. Reference: Can smart glasses really replace your phone? For the final presentation, Wendy Butlig Gurra, Enterprise Technical Specialist at Intel Philippines took the stage with her topic “Intel Bringing AI Everywhere.” She started off the discussions by declaring that AI as the future of innovation is here and the current landscape is evolving rapidly. In fact, various sectors have been adopting use of AI namely, education; health; finance; retail; government; energy; automotive. She described Intel’s AI strategy as open, innovative, efficient, and secure. 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.

October 6, 2025 Clever Security weapons: key to outsmart ingenious hackers, Part 2 Being hacked in today’s digital setting must be the most frustrating event that can happen to anyone. However, you can maintain security against hackers and any outside parties’ unwanted attempts to access your data by implementing a few simple changes. It really doesn’t take much effort in making your devices, online identity, and activities more secure. We give you part 2 of these awesome pointers! Encrypt your data. Modern tools make it possible for anyone to encrypt emails and other information. Encryption is important to protect data stored on a computer or network storage system. Use two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication means you need to pass another layer of authentication, not just a username and password, to get into your accounts. Get a VPN, and use It. Any time you connect to the Internet using a Wi-Fi network that you don’t own, you should use a virtual private network, or VPN. This is because the owner of the hotspot might be snooping around your stuff via the Wi-Fi connections. Make your old computers’ hard drives unreadable. A lot of information can remain on old computing devices. Protect your personal data by making hard drives unreadable before disposing of them. Use passcodes even when they are optional. Your phone is filled with personal data and connections that need protection. Therefore, apply a passcode lock wherever available, even if it’s optional. Lock your smartphone and tablet devices. When your device is locked, a thief must crack your password before gaining access to your apps or personal information. This adds a layer of protection. Protect your social media privacy. Social media sites make it easy for you to share your thoughts and pictures, but sharing too much can be dangerous. One reason is that many hackers manages to guess passwords through trial and error. Use passphrases rather than passwords. Passphrases are a series of random words or a sentence. The more characters your passphrase has, the stronger it is. They are easy to remember, and harder for cyberattackers to crack. Use a firewall. Firewalls assist in blocking dangerous programs, viruses, or spyware before they infiltrate your system. It’s worth considering one. Back up your data. One of the most basic data protection tips is to back up your data. This creates a duplicate copy of your data so that if a device is lost, stolen, or compromised, you don’t lose your important information. Turn off your computer. When you’re finished using your computer, power it off. Leaving computing devices on, and connected to the internet, leaves the door open for attacks. Don’t forget to delete old files from cloud backups. Cloud backups create an added step when it comes to deleting old information. Don’t forget to delete files from your backup services in addition to those you remove on your local devices. To protect your chats, use an encrypted app for messaging. If you want the contents of your messages to be secure, it’s best to use an app that has end-to-end encryption. That means only you and the recipient can read the messages sent. Turn off the “save password” feature in browsers. Most browsers include a built-in password management solution. Avoid using this, so you don’t get any malicious software accessing your information. Use unique passwords for every login. One of the easiest ways hackers steal information is by getting a batch of username and password combinations from one source and trying those same combinations. For this reason, use unique passwords for every login. Disable Bluetooth when you’re not using it. Most threats exploiting Bluetooth connectivity are dependent on if it’s active, and while they aren’t typically dangerous, they’re certainly inconvenient and can be serious. So, turn off your Bluetooth when you’re not using it. Install operating system updates. Operating system updates can seem like a pain, but they are necessary, as they contain critical security patches that will protect your computer from recently discovered threats. References: How to protect your digital privacy        (PCMag) (NPR) (Forbes) (Digital Guardian) The appeal of a TikTok-approved dance is obvious, with most big hits trending on the app first before they reach the charts. As those in charge of marketing push for these moments more, the type of music made will inevitably shape itself to fit these parameters. Organic or orchestrated, the pressure to have a viral song has forever changed music — even from those as influential as Lady Gaga. Lady Gaga’s third album, Born This Way (2011), found the entertainer reaching back to earlier musical eras for inspiration. As a blonde dance-pop performer with a penchant for provocation, Lady Gaga has often earned comparisons to the singer Madonna. In the 2018 remake of the movie A Star Is Born, garnered critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for her first lead role — a guileless up-and-coming singer-songwriter. Reference: Lady Gaga’s new song The Dead Dance proves TikTok has changed music forever | Metro News

October 3, 2025 The Google Effect: What it has been doing to our memory skills The internet has enabled a leap in quality and a substantial improvement in the daily lives of millions of people, but this technology progress also comes with a huge cost: the Google Effect. Dr. Eva M. Krockow, a doctor in Psychology, through Psychology Today, defined the Google Effect as a “phenomenon in which people’s memory performs worse with easily accessible information than with information that is difficult to obtain.” Dr. Krockow said: “Why remember complicated data, numbers or anniversary dates when you can rely on your mobile phone or computer?” In reality, the brain is just adapting to the circumstances and being productive. The Google Effect points out how the search engine helps to find information immediately and easily, so most users do not bother to retain or memorize facts that were once necessary for everyday life. Back in the day, it was normal to know the phone numbers of friends and relatives by heart. You could even get to your destination without using an app! Today, it’s hard to imagine if your phone stopped working or got lost, do you know any phone number of anyone who could help you? Do you know any addresses or birthdays? On the one hand, the Google Effect boosts efficiency in a society where everything seems to be online. On the other hand, experts warn, in a study published in Science, of potential risks such as technological dependence and the addiction that it can create, leading to “stress and anxiety” as Dr. Krockow pointed out. Furthermore, if there’s a glitch, years of information, files, data, and knowledge will be lost, with little to no alternative to recover all of it in its entirety. Another risk associated with the Google Effect is the loss of critical thinking. The psychologist points out that the top answers found on search engines is usually what people consider valid. To remedy the impact of the Google Effect, Dr. Krockow recommended the following: First, avoid multitasking. That is, focus all our attention on the information that is being processed at any given time. Another simple trick to boost memory is to take notes by hand. “The process of summarizing and writing down information slows down the mind, makes it more attentive and helps to process and remember the data,” said Dr. Krockow. The last piece of advice to mitigate the Google Effect is to leave your devices at home from time to time. Not just your mobile phone, but also cameras, computers, tablets… With less technology, you make a bigger mental effort and have better learning. After all, we used to do things the traditional way, free from the distraction of tech gadgets, and fully engaging in life’s moments that matter most. Reference: The Google Effect: Are we losing our memory skills? The appeal of a TikTok-approved dance is obvious, with most big hits trending on the app first before they reach the charts. As those in charge of marketing push for these moments more, the type of music made will inevitably shape itself to fit these parameters. Organic or orchestrated, the pressure to have a viral song has forever changed music — even from those as influential as Lady Gaga. Lady Gaga’s third album, Born This Way (2011), found the entertainer reaching back to earlier musical eras for inspiration. As a blonde dance-pop performer with a penchant for provocation, Lady Gaga has often earned comparisons to the singer Madonna. In the 2018 remake of the movie A Star Is Born, garnered critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for her first lead role — a guileless up-and-coming singer-songwriter. Reference: Lady Gaga’s new song The Dead Dance proves TikTok has changed music forever | Metro News

October 1, 2025 TikTok has changed the appeal of music: Lady Gaga’s new song is proof! President Donald Trump has been trying to keep TikTok with 170 million US users from being banned after Congress passed a law in 2024 that ordered it shut down by January 2025. Trump on Sept 16 extended a delay on enforcing a ban against TikTok, marking the fourth postponement of a law designed to force the app’s sale from its Chinese owner. Three days later on Sept 19, Trump said that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping had made progress on a TikTok agreement in a phone call and would meet face-to-face in six weeks. But Beijing’s statements have not clarified how advanced the progress has been. Looks like the uncertain issues of TikTok’s operations in the United States are far from over. Meanwhile, the iconic Lady Gaga made a fleeting appearance on screen as Rosaline Rotwood in the new season of Wednesday on Netflix. But The Born This Way singer couldn’t resist treating us with a brand new song. Followed by two more songs, the Wednesday track has already taken fans by storm, especially as there is a built-in dance to go with it. The Dead Dance features as the music to which Enid Sinclair (Emma Myers) and Agnes DeMille (Evie Templeton) dance together in the latest episodes. On first glance, it makes sense that Gaga would lend her musical talents to a project she is starring in — but there’s something deeper to this. It could be that Netflix are attempting to kickstart a TikTok trend mirroring the viral dance scene from season one, which the Abracadabra hitmaker herself participated in. In her own music video, Gaga mimics the movements from Wednesday, subconsciously sowing the seeds further for fans to give it a go. A departure from the Escapism hitmaker’s usual style, which will hopefully give the song a second wind to carry the momentum to that September 19 release date. Some dances become so powerful that they end up in the actual performances. The appeal of a TikTok-approved dance is obvious, with most big hits trending on the app first before they reach the charts. As those in charge of marketing push for these moments more, the type of music made will inevitably shape itself to fit these parameters. Organic or orchestrated, the pressure to have a viral song has forever changed music — even from those as influential as Lady Gaga. Lady Gaga’s third album, Born This Way (2011), found the entertainer reaching back to earlier musical eras for inspiration. As a blonde dance-pop performer with a penchant for provocation, Lady Gaga has often earned comparisons to the singer Madonna. In the 2018 remake of the movie A Star Is Born, garnered critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for her first lead role — a guileless up-and-coming singer-songwriter. Reference: Lady Gaga’s new song The Dead Dance proves TikTok has changed music forever | Metro News Intel Xeon 6 processors deliver new degrees of performance with more cores, a choice of microarchitecture, additional memory bandwidth, and exceptional input/output (I/O) across a range of workloads. Features like Multiplexed Rank DIMM (MRDIMM) support, Compute Express Link (CXL) enhancements, integrated accelerators, and more give an additional boost to targeted workloads for even greater performance and efficiency. Reference: Intel® Xeon® 6 Product Brief

September 29, 2025 TikTok to continue US operations as Trump, China’s Xi reach agreement President Donald Trump has been trying to keep the popular app TikTok from being banned in the US after Congress passed a law in 2024 that ordered it shut down by January 2025. Trump on Sept 16 extended a delay on enforcing a ban against TikTok, marking the fourth postponement of a law designed to force the app’s sale from its Chinese owner. However, on Sept 25, 2025, Trump signed an executive order outlining the terms of a deal to transfer TikTok to a US owner. The US president said he and China’s president Xi Jinping had come to an agreement to allow TikTok to continue operating in the US, separating the social media platform from its Chinese owner ByteDance. Trump said the deal complies with a law that would have forced the shutdown of the app for American users.   “I spoke with President Xi and he said, ‘Go ahead with it,’” Trump said at a press conference. “This is going to be American-operated all the way.” Under the plan, US investors will take over the majority of TikTok’s operations and take charge of a licensed copy of the app’s powerful recommendation algorithm. American companies are expected to own about 80% of the US version of the spun off company, while ByteDance and Chinese investors will own less than 20%. The new version of TikTok will be controlled by a seven-member board of directors made up of cybersecurity and national security experts, six of them Americans, according to the White House. Vice President JD Vance said the new US company will be valued at $14 billion. However, the number is far lower than the valuation for ByteDance overall, at around $330 billion. The group of American TikTok investors is led by the US software giant Oracle, which will oversee TikTok’s US operations, provide cloud service for user data storage and get a license to take control of the app’s algorithm. White House officials have said ByteDance and Chinese officials will not have access to US user data. The deal ends months of legal limbo for one of the US’s most widely used apps, while also giving several US companies a powerful newfound influence within the social media industry. TikTok is used by about 180 million people nationwide, and Trump has credited it with helping him win the 2024 presidential election. In April 2024, the US Congress approved a law that could potentially lead to a ban on TikTok in the country. This legislation was passed amidst growing concerns on Chinese influence and the impact of social media on young people. In the Philippines, similar concerns led to discussions of a potential ban in 2023, resulting in the prohibition of military personnel from using the app. Reference: Trump signs executive order to transfer TikTok to US owners | TikTok | The Guardian Intel Xeon 6 processors deliver new degrees of performance with more cores, a choice of microarchitecture, additional memory bandwidth, and exceptional input/output (I/O) across a range of workloads. Features like Multiplexed Rank DIMM (MRDIMM) support, Compute Express Link (CXL) enhancements, integrated accelerators, and more give an additional boost to targeted workloads for even greater performance and efficiency. Reference: Intel® Xeon® 6 Product Brief

September 22, 2025 Apps That Run Your Life: Why not if you can do tasks with ease, Part 2 Ever tried toasting bread with a flashlight? Well, that’s actually how it feels like functioning without certain apps, these days! Could work but wildly ineffective. In a previous ASI article, it was cited that modern work environment has taken a toll on the health and well-being of workers. To combat stress, even health apps have become necessary. Here is the final batch of apps that serve as backstage crew keeping your life’s performance running smoothly: Dropbox. Dropbox simplifies digital storage by allowing you to back up files from anywhere. It’s a lifesaver for remote teams needing version control or freelancers who hate cluttered desktops. Lastly, smart syncing and file recovery add peace of mind, especially when you accidentally delete something important. Microsoft Office Suite. Documents go mobile with the Microsoft Office Suite. Word edits on a train? PowerPoint touch-ups in a cafe? Totally doable. These apps sync smoothly via OneDrive. That’s why professionals across industries rely on these staples to handle deadlines and brainstorm without missing a beat. Calendar. Let’s be real—without Calendar, your entire life would descend into beautifully color-coded chaos. It’s the digital version of that friend who remembers everything. Sync it once with your account, and suddenly, your device knows your schedule. No app has more passive-aggressive power. Google Drive. File version history might just save your next big presentation. Whether you’re co-editing a resume or backing up old college essays, Drive’s universal compatibility means you can open nearly any file type. Plus, permissions let you control who views, edits, or comments. Google Pay. Payments move faster than card swipes using Google Pay. Double-click your phone, tap, and go. Store loyalty cards and transit passes here. It’s more secure than physical cards, too, as tokenization keeps data safe. Going wallet-free never felt this normal. Calculator. Simple doesn’t mean skippable. The calculator handles basic arithmetic, scientific equations, and conversions without clutter. No ads, no gimmicks—just clean, reliable math on demand. If you’ve ever needed to split a check or calculate interest, this humble tool likely saved the moment. Adobe Scan. This one on the list captures documents with clarity and converts them into editable PDFs. Its automatic text recognition (OCR) makes searching and organizing effortless. People managing paperwork will appreciate how quickly it turns into clean digital files. Uber/Lyft. Who needs a car when your chauffeur lives in your pocket? Whether you’re tipsy, tired, or dodging parking nightmares, these apps rescue you on-demand—like superheroes, but with GPS and the occasional surge pricing. Zoom. Need to attend a meeting in your pajamas? Zoom’s got you. Want to host a virtual trivia night? Zoom’s your party host. It’s the app that keeps on giving. With breakout rooms for meetings and the ability to add funky backgrounds, Zoom has turned virtual interactions into a whole new kind of social circus. Signal. Privacy enthusiasts swear by Signal. Created by cryptographers and endorsed by security experts, it uses open-source encryption to protect all communications. Moreover, it stores no metadata and allows disappearing messages for added protection. Reference: Phone Necessities: 20 Apps You Can’t Function Without “As strong demand for fintech in the Philippines continues, so too Filipinos’ expectations on convenience, interoperability and improved user experience across these applications,” Arreco added. Digido reported that 76.2% of Filipino adults (63.1 million users) adopted fintech services through mobile apps from September 2018 to June 2024, with fintech app downloads totaling 617 million. Digital commerce led with 31.4% of downloads, followed by digital wallets at 21.7%, and digital lending at 20.3%. The remaining downloads were for digital payments and transfers (11.6%), digital personal finance apps (8%), and digital banking (7%). In the first half of 2024, Digido found that digital lending saw the highest growth with 25.4 million downloads, followed by digital commerce at 13.5 million, and digital wallets at 12.2 million. Digital payments and transfers, digital banking, and digital personal finance apps had 7.8 million, 6.2 million, and 4 million downloads, respectively. Digido noted that, on average, downloads grow at about 10.26% every six months. In the first half of 2024, digital banking saw the highest growth at 22.34%, followed by digital payments and transfers at 17.72%, and digital lending at 16.81%. “We believe that the Philippines remains on course towards widespread digitalization, with its ‘fintech-ization’ far from weakening,” Arreco said. “Collaboration within and outside of the industry remains paramount for this growth to be realized at a faster rate,” she added. Financial technology (fintech) adoption through mobile applications is likely to reach 80% or about 65 million users by the end of 2024, an analysis from consumer credit service Digido showed. Reference: Mobile financial apps gain traction (msn.com)

September 19, 2025 Mobile financial apps adoption in PH quickly gaining momentum A previous ASI article cited that Filipinos have learned to embrace digital payments out of necessity because of the COVID-19 pandemic. A 2021 study by Visa Consumer Payment Attitudes shows that about 60% of Filipino consumers now carry less cash in their wallets and 84% have tried going cashless—reflective of how the pandemic and the consequent lockdowns have sped up digital adoption.   Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) 2024 Financial Inclusion Survey shows by the end of 2023, the number of e-wallet accounts had increased by 52.8%, from 257.5 million in 2022 to 393.6 million. E-money transaction volume reached 10.6 billion, up 40.2% from 7.6 billion in 2022. As of December 2023, there were 72 registered e-money issuers in the country—28 banks and 44 non-bank financial institutions. EMIs (e-money issuers) are now widely accepted in most establishments around the Philippines, especially those that visiting Pinoys from abroad would likely frequent: restaurants (even fast-food joints), supermarkets, retailers (whether in malls, bazaars or tiangges, and online), theaters/cinemas, tourist spots, and others that provide services they might need, like transportation and delivery apps. Approximately 79.5% of Filipinos ages 15 and older — about 66.4 million people — are expected to use fintech through mobile apps. The growth is expected to be driven mainly by digital commerce, contributing 34%, followed by digital wallets at 27.2% and digital banking at 8.6%. Digido Business Development Manager Rose Arreco said: “The positive numbers seen in digital lending, digital wallets and digital commerce can be attributed to growing trust in these segments and its natural synergies with one another.” Edge Secure Network VPN Get free and built-in online security protection that is smart enough to turn on when you need it the most– like when you’re connected to an open Wi-Fi network. Edge Secure Network uses VPN technology to stop third parties and bad actors from accessing your sensitive information, so you can make purchases online, fill out forms, and keep your browsing activity away from prying eyes. Browse freely, stay private With InPrivate in Microsoft Edge, your browsing history, cookies, and site data are never saved—so you can explore, shop, and search with confidence. Whether you’re planning a surprise or researching sensitive topics, InPrivate gives you the freedom to browse without leaving a trace. 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Reference: Explore Online Safety Features in Microsoft Edge “As strong demand for fintech in the Philippines continues, so too Filipinos’ expectations on convenience, interoperability and improved user experience across these applications,” Arreco added. Digido reported that 76.2% of Filipino adults (63.1 million users) adopted fintech services through mobile apps from September 2018 to June 2024, with fintech app downloads totaling 617 million. Digital commerce led with 31.4% of downloads, followed by digital wallets at 21.7%, and digital lending at 20.3%. The remaining downloads were for digital payments and transfers (11.6%), digital personal finance apps (8%), and digital banking (7%). In the first half of 2024, Digido found that digital lending saw the highest growth with 25.4 million downloads, followed by digital commerce at 13.5 million, and digital wallets at 12.2 million. Digital payments and transfers, digital banking, and digital personal finance apps had 7.8 million, 6.2 million, and 4 million downloads, respectively. Digido noted that, on average, downloads grow at about 10.26% every six months. In the first half of 2024, digital banking saw the highest growth at 22.34%, followed by digital payments and transfers at 17.72%, and digital lending at 16.81%. “We believe that the Philippines remains on course towards widespread digitalization, with its ‘fintech-ization’ far from weakening,” Arreco said. “Collaboration within and outside of the industry remains paramount for this growth to be realized at a faster rate,” she added. Financial technology (fintech) adoption through mobile applications is likely to reach 80% or about 65 million users by the end of 2024, an analysis from consumer credit service Digido showed. Reference: Mobile financial apps gain traction (msn.com)

September 15, 2025 Your online habits can uncover subtle signals of your psychological state The internet boom in the last 10 years has paved the way for the overwhelming emergence of social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X(Twitter) among others. People anywhere in the world get connected in real time and interaction online becomes a breeze. The uninterrupted flow of information gets everyone, including minors, engaged – even hooked! Most of us would suddenly switch to panic mode if we accidentally leave our phone at home. This current innovation comes with incredible benefits and improves our quality of life, but our digital habits are never trivial: they sometimes reveal much more than our preferences or routines. It’s possible to uncover subtle but revealing signals about our psychological state. The amount of time spent on social media, the frequency of posts, and how we respond to messages—all these clues, when combined, can paint a surprising picture of our mental health. While we often talk about the effects of technology on the brain, we sometimes forget that our online behavior also reflects our vulnerabilities.Studies conducted in recent years have shown a direct link between certain digital uses and symptoms such as anxiety, depression, isolation, or chronic stress. The point here is not to make a diagnosis through a screen, but to observe how our online lives sometimes become a mirror of a deeper malaise. Compulsive use of the phone or certain apps can also mask emotional discomfort. Spending hours browsing profiles, liking, or commenting can be a way to feel connected and connected to others. However, it can also signal a need for external validation, an emotional void, or even an attempt to escape unpleasant thoughts. The phone then becomes an escape. Constant notifications, required instant responses, and social comparisons induced by social networks can generate constant mental pressure. A study by Frontiers in Psychology showed that young adults who use Instagram and TikTok extensively exhibit more frequent signs of social stress and attention disorders. However, our online habits are now inseparable from our daily lives. In an age of ubiquitous digital exposure, restoring a form of emotional balance also requires more conscious use, more aligned with our real needs. There is a need to observe those habits to create self-awareness. It’s never too late to readjust your relationship with digital technology. Regaining control over your digital uses is a first step to lightening your mental load. Here’s more:  Establish regular times for disconnecting, particularly in the evenings or on weekends.  Consciously sort through the accounts you follow, favoring those that inspire or soothe.  Disable certain notifications to limit over-stimulation.  Practice digital mindfulness: reflect on your feelings after each online session. Consult a mental health professional if the discomfort persists, with kindness and without shame.   Reference: What your online habits reveal about your mental health   Nintendo switch fitness boxing almost hard mode by Z2sniper gaming11. Supernatural. Daily workouts designed by professional fitness trainers take Supernatural beyond typical VR gaming into legitimate personal training territory. Here, choreographed routines are set against stunning virtual environments. This VR fitness game sees players punch targets while performing squats and lunges. 10 months of using Supernatural for my Fitness Routine! by Essi Flynn12. Fruit Ninja Kinect. The deceptively simple concept of slicing fruit turns into a surprisingly intense workout when mini-games require jumping and rapid arm movements. Folks slice fruit by making actual sword-swinging motions with their arms. Additionally, motion-sensing technology keeps the speed record. Reference: Get Moving: 20 Video Games That Require Physical Activity

September 10, 2025 Konektadong Pinoy bill becomes law; Business groups cheer enactment A previous ASI article reported that the proposed Konektadong Pinoy Act (KPA) was approved by the Senate in February 2025. The bill aims to improve the country’s internet connection, which is one of the slowest and most expensive in the region. On August 24, 2025, the Konektadong Pinoy bill has officially lapsed into law and without the President’s signature, it took effect after the constitutional deadline, as confirmed by the Palace. The law removes the requirement for a congressional franchise for companies that want to build broadband and data transmission infrastructure. This makes it easier for new providers to enter the market and expand internet access, especially in remote areas and public schools. It also allows for infrastructure sharing, which lets new players use existing networks. Supporters say this could help speed up service rollout in underserved communities. Major telecom firms warn that the law could create loopholes and lead to unfair competition. New entrants might bypass cybersecurity checks and gain access to infrastructure without proper oversight. The law comes as the country continues to struggle with slow and expensive internet. The Department of Information and Communications Technology is expected to release implementing rules within 90 days. Business groups laud Konektadong Pinoy Business groups cheered the enactment of the Konektadong Pinoy Act. In a joint statement on Aug. 26, the Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC), EU-ASEAN (European Union-Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Business Council (EUABC), IT (Information Technology) and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) and the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) lauded the enactment of the Konektadong Pinoy Act. Safeguards sought to achieve promise of Konektadong Pinoy Converge ICT Solutions backs the Konektadong Pinoy law, with its chief executive officer, Dennis Anthony Uy, believing this would be “better” for consumers. However, the Pampanga-based businessman stressed that the government must deploy the “right regulatory framework” to protect Filipinos from “fly-by-night operators.” Ronald Gustilo, a national campaigner for Digital Pinoys group, said: “Allowing unqualified operators would risk undermining consumer trust instead of strengthening it.” He added: “But if regulators successfully implement stringent measures governing this new law, the sector may see heightened competition that will then prompt incumbents to raise their game.” References: Konektadong Pinoy bill becomes law, eases entry for new internet providers in PH Safeguards sought to achieve promise of ‘Konektadong Pinoy’ Nintendo switch fitness boxing almost hard mode by Z2sniper gaming11. Supernatural. Daily workouts designed by professional fitness trainers take Supernatural beyond typical VR gaming into legitimate personal training territory. Here, choreographed routines are set against stunning virtual environments. This VR fitness game sees players punch targets while performing squats and lunges. 10 months of using Supernatural for my Fitness Routine! by Essi Flynn12. Fruit Ninja Kinect. The deceptively simple concept of slicing fruit turns into a surprisingly intense workout when mini-games require jumping and rapid arm movements. Folks slice fruit by making actual sword-swinging motions with their arms. Additionally, motion-sensing technology keeps the speed record. Reference: Get Moving: 20 Video Games That Require Physical Activity

September 5, 2025 Video Games that get you moving for that active body on the go! While gaming can be a fun distraction or hobby (and is even becoming a competitive sport), there are health risks that come from too much gaming. Prolonged sitting with minimal body movement is associated with obesity. Frequent gaming is likewise linked to sleep deprivation, insomnia and circadian rhythm disorders. But here’s good news, the following video games require physical activity that gets you moving while having fun! Introducing Slam by FitXR. Wii Sports. What started as a simple pack-in game evolved into a cultural phenomenon associated with exercise. Wii Sports requires players to swing controllers to mimic tennis, bowling, and boxing movements, using motion-sensing technology to track arm and body movements for gameplay.  Ring Fit Adventure Overview Trailer – Nintendo Switch by Nintendo of America3. Just Dance 2023. The calorie-burning potential of dance gaming has never been more evident than with players crediting Just Dance 2023 with helping them lose significant weight through regular play. This full-body workout disguised as entertainment monitors player movements through motion controllers. POKEMON GO – NEW POKEMON ON THE BEACH by Lachlan5. Beat Saber. Professional esports players train for hours daily to build the stamina and precision needed for competitive Beat Saber. Folks slash through blocks with lightsabers by making full-arm swinging motions, demanding precise timing and coordination while moving to electronic music beats.  Beat Saber Queen Music Pack | Bohemian Rhapsody (Expert+) First Attempt by OtterWorldly6. Wii Fit. Physical therapy clinics began incorporating Wii Fit into their rehabilitation programs, recognizing its therapeutic potential beyond its entertainment value. This creation uses a balance board to track weight shifts and body movements during exercises, including yoga, strength training, and aerobic activities. Dance Dance Revolution. Championship players can perform up to 800 steps per minute during expert-level songs. The arcade classic encourages everyone to step on arrow panels in time with the music, with constant leg movement that can burn up to 400 calories per hour. Zombies, Run! by That Adventure Family9. Kinect Sports. Microsoft’s Kinect sensor technology proved so effective at monitoring human movement that it was later adapted for use in medical rehabilitation. The well-known game uses full-body motion tracking for various sports activities. These include boxing, track and field, and volleyball. Nintendo switch fitness boxing almost hard mode by Z2sniper gaming11. Supernatural. Daily workouts designed by professional fitness trainers take Supernatural beyond typical VR gaming into legitimate personal training territory. Here, choreographed routines are set against stunning virtual environments. This VR fitness game sees players punch targets while performing squats and lunges. 10 months of using Supernatural for my Fitness Routine! by Essi Flynn12. Fruit Ninja Kinect. The deceptively simple concept of slicing fruit turns into a surprisingly intense workout when mini-games require jumping and rapid arm movements. Folks slice fruit by making actual sword-swinging motions with their arms. Additionally, motion-sensing technology keeps the speed record. Reference: Get Moving: 20 Video Games That Require Physical Activity