September 3, 2025 Tech giants’ market capitalization soars: ‘washed moment for AI revolution’ With all the buzz AI has been generating since last year, the digital landscape is currently being shaped by this tech revolution with unprecedented developments taking place in the blink of an eye. AI has now seamlessly blended itself into our daily lives, fundamentally altering the way we work, communicate, and interact with the world around us. Most companies have been adopting AI as defining strategy for business growth. These companies across all industries are either already integrating AI, using it for everything from advanced data analytics to decision-making support, or beginning to explore ways to start. AI is no longer just a tech trend—it’s a competitive edge, whether it’s streamlining operations, increasing revenue, or boosting customer engagement. US tech giants Meta and Microsoft have smashed market expectations with performance analysts are hailing as a ‘watershed moment’ in the artificial intelligence revolution. Microsoft became the third company to surpass $4 trillion in market capitalization as its shares soared in response to a fourth-quarter profit of $34.3 billion, up 24% year-on-year, driven by growth in its Azure cloud business. Azure revenues soared 34% to surpass $75 billion over one year, Microsoft said, as it forecast double-digit growth for the next 12 months. And Microsoft forecast its largest ever planned capital expenditure at $30 billion for the first quarter to meet soaring AI demand. It follows the group’s multibillion-dollar bet on OpenAI, and has helped fuel the stock to more than double its value since ChatGPT’s late-2022 debut. Microsoft shares jumped more than 9% overnight in response to a peak of $561.28 per share. They have added almost 30% over the last year (2024). Gerrit Smit, lead portfolio manager of the Stonehage Fleming Global Best Ideas Equity fund, said: “Microsoft has proven with its results that it is the preferred technology stock to own to sustainably participate in the high growth of the global fourth industrial revolution.” Meanwhile, shares in Facebook’s parent company Meta soared 12.2% to trade at $781.14 per share by mid-afternoon on Thursday (July 31). It came as the social media giant crushed analysts’ sales and profit targets, even as it poured billions of dollars into AI. Higher advertising and a growing user base on its social media platforms drove profits 36% higher to $18.34 billion for its second quarter as revenues soared 22%. Analysts at Wedbush described Microsoft and Meta’s “eye-popping” results as a “washed moment for the AI revolution” that will be “remembered in the market for many years.” Nvidia, Apple and now Microsoft – have surpassed a $4 trillion market capitalization. Reference: ‘Watershed moment for AI revolution’: Microsoft blows past $4tn valuation Analysts at Wedbush described Microsoft and Meta’s “eye-popping” results as a “washed moment for the AI revolution” that will be “remembered in the market for many years.” Nvidia, Apple and now Microsoft – have surpassed a $4 trillion market capitalization. Reference: ‘Watershed moment for AI revolution’: Microsoft blows past $4tn valuation

August 29, 2025 Filipinos can now invest in government’s retail treasury bonds via GCash The investing public can now purchase the government’s 31st offering of the Retail Treasury Bonds (RTB 31) through e-wallet platform GCash’s GBonds feature. The government on Tuesday (Aug. 5) raised P210 billion from its latest retail Treasury bond (RTB) sale — the third under the Marcos government and the first to accept subscription via an e-wallet. The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) said the move is in line with state efforts to attract ordinary Filipinos into investing in government securities. Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto said the launch is also timely, noting that it comes after the enactment of a measure that promotes efficient capital markets. He added: “It is time for the capital market not only to cater to experts in finance, but also to the Filipino people. And that’s why we are aggressively making our RTBs available and accessible to everyone.” BTr data released after the rate-setting auction showed tenders hitting P354.175 billion, almost 12 times the P30 billion offered at the first RTB auction this year. The five-year RTBs fetch a 6% fixed coupon, down slightly from 6.125% in February 2024. Awarded rates ranged from 5.625% to 6%, averaging 5.943%. Interest will be paid quarterly, the BTr said. National Treasurer Sharon P. Almanza said: “We are thrilled to bring RTB 31 to the GCash app. This collaboration significantly expands our reach, enabling more Filipinos to invest in government securities easily and securely. It’s a monumental step toward our goal of a more financially inclusive Philippines, giving more people the opportunity to build their savings and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.” “We want to really tap retail investors,” she said. “If we are able to raise P90 billion more in fresh money, it will be a very successful RTB issuance.” Ms. Almanza added: “If increasing the P210 billion to P300 billion and the rest will be retail, that will be a game changer for the Bureau of the Treasury and also for the Department of Finance and for this government, because that means that we really are able to target retail investors. The public, including GCash users who signed up for GBonds, can place a buy order for the RTB 31 from August 5 until the end of the offer period on August 15. Powered by Philippine Digital Asset Exchange (PDAX) Inc. and Bonds.ph, in partnership with the Treasury, GBonds became available to the public in July, allowing fully verified users to access fixed-income government securities without the need for a bank account. Martha Sazon, president and CEO of GCash parent Mynt, said: “For a minimum investment of P5,000 with no extra fees, GCash users can instantly place a buy order for RTB 31 anytime within the offer period once they sign up for GBonds. More Filipinos will have the chance to take part in nation-building while taking a significant step toward their financial goals through this innovation.” Reference: Public can now purchase gov’t treasury bonds through GCash

August 26, 2025 Researchers Reveal Alarming Findings from Brain Scans of ChatGPT Users ChatGPT, or Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer, can expertly generate realistic, human-like text about almost anything. English essays, news articles, computer code, and songs are all examples of what this bot can produce, and all from a simple prompt. The bot uses a dialogue format in which users can provide both simple and complex instructions, to which ChatGPT will provide a detailed response.   A previous ASI article reported that at the inaugural “Festival Of Childhood” on April 3, 2025 in England, Dame Rachel de Souza who is Children’s Commissioner for England has warned that children are increasingly turning to online chatbots instead of their parents for answers to life’s biggest questions. She said that the “apathy” of many parents is causing a “crisis in childhood” that is leading to many children feeling “disconnected.” In an era where AI-driven tools are increasingly intertwined with daily life, understanding the impact of these technologies on the human brain is of paramount importance. Researchers, using advanced electroencephalogram (EEG) technology, have conducted studies to explore the brain activity of individuals interacting with ChatGPT. The findings were unprecedented, revealing significant neurological changes in users’ brains during and after AI engagement. These changes pose serious questions and implications for how AI tools influence cognitive processes. This discovery aims to shed light on the neurological repercussions that arise from prolonged interaction with AI language models like ChatGPT, raising questions about the potential long-term effects on mental health and cognitive functions. Specifically, EEG scans have shown altered brain wave patterns, indicating heightened levels of activity in areas related to attention, memory, and linguistic processing. While this hyperactivation might seem beneficial for cognitive sharpening, experts express concerns about the potential for overstimulation and mental fatigue, particularly with long-term use of AI technologies. The Philippine moon-eating dragon, will be the game’s new boss which will appear in the new area of Natlan called the Mare Jivari. This was revealed during the game’s version preview. Prior to the preview, the Bakunawa has been teased throughout the game’s lore. Created by Rhinedottir, one of the five sinners of Khaenri’ah, the Bakunawa is an immortal creature able to regrow its limbs when needed. Though many different tales surround the Bakunawa, there is a constant element of making noise by banging by striking pots and pans to scare off the creature or have it return the moon. Meanwhile, according to the game’s lore, Mare Jivari is a “sea of ashes where the wind does not blow” with a sea of fire and apparently vanished 30 years prior to the events of the game. Genshin Impact is a vast world of elemental magic and mysteries. Released in 2020, it’s an action role-playing game produced by MiHoYo/HoYoverse. The game features an anime-style open world environment and an action-based battle system using elemental magic and character-switching. Switching between characters can be done quickly during combat, allowing the player to use several different combinations of skills and attacks. The growing dependency on AI The utilization of language models like ChatGPT has grown exponentially, permeating various aspects of society, from customer service to content creation. As these AI tools become more sophisticated, individuals increasingly rely on them for professional and personal tasks, sometimes at the expense of human interaction. This dependency can raise the stakes regarding potential neurological impacts, with users exposing their brains to prolonged AI interaction without fully understanding the consequences. Reference: Brain Scans of ChatGPT Users Reveal Alarming Neurological Findings – czechjournal.cz  

August 5, 2025 PH creature Bakunawa plays major role for its debut in a popular video game Set to launch on July 30, Bakunawa Boss will make its debut in Genshin Impact’s Version 5.8 and coincides with the launch of latest version of the game. In numerous Philippine Mythology, the Bakunawa is a dragon that devoured the other moons until only one remained, causing darkness and eclipses, as well as other calamities. It either devoured the previous moons due to their beauty or as an act of vengeance for a loved one (either sister or betrothed).  The Philippine moon-eating dragon, will be the game’s new boss which will appear in the new area of Natlan called the Mare Jivari. This was revealed during the game’s version preview. Prior to the preview, the Bakunawa has been teased throughout the game’s lore. Created by Rhinedottir, one of the five sinners of Khaenri’ah, the Bakunawa is an immortal creature able to regrow its limbs when needed. Though many different tales surround the Bakunawa, there is a constant element of making noise by banging by striking pots and pans to scare off the creature or have it return the moon. Meanwhile, according to the game’s lore, Mare Jivari is a “sea of ashes where the wind does not blow” with a sea of fire and apparently vanished 30 years prior to the events of the game. Genshin Impact is a vast world of elemental magic and mysteries. Released in 2020, it’s an action role-playing game produced by MiHoYo/HoYoverse. The game features an anime-style open world environment and an action-based battle system using elemental magic and character-switching. Switching between characters can be done quickly during combat, allowing the player to use several different combinations of skills and attacks. Experience an immersive si ngle-player campaign. As a traveler from another world, you will embark on a journey to reunite with your long-lost sibling and unravel the mysteries of Teyvat, and yourself. Fly across the open world, swim through crystal-clear waters, and climb towering mountains. A free-to-play game monetized through gacha game mechanics, Genshin Impact is updated regularly using the games as a service model; it was originally released for Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, and Windows, followed by PlayStation 5 in 2021, with an Xbox Series X/S version in November 2024. Besides the Bakunawa, Genshin Impact Version 5.8 will see the game’s annual summer event, new character skins for Bennet and Yelan, a new character Ineffa who will feature in the new Archon quest as the game prepares for the release of its major update next month that will bring the game to a new land, Nod Krai. Reference: Philippine mythical creature Bakunawa to make debut in Genshin Impact

July 29, 2025 Human brain cells crafted by scientists to conceive a ‘living computer’ In 2022, Australian researchers at Cortical Labs succeeded in creating a self-adapting computer “mini-brain” by combining 800,000 human and mouse neurons on a chip. To achieve this, the researchers behind the prototype spent six years developing tiny groups of neurons. In July 2025, the Australian tech start-up launched the “first commercialized biological computer” made of human brain cells at a conference in Barcelona, ABC News Australia reported. Called CL1, the “bio-computer” relies on neurons placed on a chip that exchanges electrical signals with a neural network, while the computer sends information to the neurons that respond to it. Silicon chips, on the other hand, send electrical signals to neurons via small electrodes and capture their responses in return, like a miniature brain. Grown in the lab from blood cells, the neurons “are kept alive in a dish that feeds them nutrients and keeps unwanted microbes away,” the researchers explained. Combining traditional chips with artificial intelligence and human neurons, CL1 could offer a more advanced form of intelligence than any AI currently available on the market. The team behind it believes it could be used as a type of simple biological AI, but others are cautious about the technology’s potential. Cortical Labs is therefore proposing a “synthetic biological intelligence,” which would be capable of making complex decisions from a small amount of data, unlike existing systems. “Our technology merges biology with traditional computing to create the ultimate learning machine,” the Australian start-up says on its website. Brett Kagan, the scientific director of Cortical Labs, told ABC News: “This is a task that “humans, mice, cats, and birds can do (but not AI at the moment).” The media outlet ‘New Atlas’, which reported on the company’s premises, noted that CL1 “learns so quickly and flexibly that it completely outperforms the silicon-based AI chips used to train existing large language models like ChatGPT.” This new biocomputer also has the advantage of being less energy-intensive than other AI engines, while the high consumption of Chat GPT is often criticized. Further, CL1 accomplishes all its tasks with only 20 watts. Cortical Labs isn’t the only lab developing hybrid computers: Swiss start-up FinalSpark developed a biocomputer composed of 16 mini human brains in 2024, while Johns Hopkins University is exploring the integration of brain organoids into machines. However, some AI experts are skeptical. French artificial neural network specialist Claude Touzet believes that these systems are incapable of performing intelligent calculations because the organization of neurons in machines is not the same as in the human brain. Innovations in the world of technology are constantly emerging. One can’t help but get caught unaware of things to come because they happen fast. The best thing to do is to be always on the lookout for what is new because advances in technology continue to surprise. Reference: Scientists create a ‘living computer’ made from human brain cells

July 25, 2025 Quantum computing: Quantum computers are poised to change the world! A previous ASI article cited that Microsoft created in Feb 2025 a new chip, called “Majorana 1,” which is powered by a new state of matter called a topological state. This phase of matter is defined by its topological properties. A breakthrough that could lead to the most powerful quantum computers of all time. In November last year, IBM unveiled its latest quantum computer, Osprey, a new 433 qubit processor that is three times more powerful than its predecessor built only in 2021. Quantum is a field of science that studies the physical properties of nature at the scale of atoms and subatomic particles. Proponents of quantum technology say these machines could usher in rapid advances in fields like drug discovery and materials science — a prospect that dangles the tantalizing possibility of creating, for example, lighter, more efficient, electric vehicle batteries or materials that could facilitate effective CO2 capture. With the climate crisis looming, and technology with a hope of solving complex issues like these are bound to draw keen interest. Little wonder then, that some of the largest tech companies in the world — Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and, of course, IBM to name a few — are investing heavily in it and angling to stake their place in a quantum future. How do quantum computers work? These machines function in an entirely different way. In the place of bits in a classical computer, the basic unit of information in quantum computing is what’s known as a quantum bit, or qubit. These are typically subatomic particles like photons or electrons. The key to a quantum machine’s advanced computational power lies in its ability to manipulate these qubits. Superposition in qubits means that unlike a binary system with its two possible values, 0 or 1, a qubit in superposition can be 0 or 1 or 0 and 1 at the same time. This ability to be in multiple states at the same time means that you have an exponentially larger amount of states in which to encode data, making quantum computers powerful than traditional, binary code computers. Another property crucial to how quantum computing works is entanglement. When two qubits are generated in an entangled state there is a direct measurable correlation between what happens to one qubit in an entangled pair and what happens to the other, no matter how far apart they are. Entanglement brings stronger connectivity between the different units and qubits. Reference: What is quantum computing and how will quantum computers change the world? | Euronews

July 18, 2025 Filipino bishops, some lawmakers seek total ban for online gambling The pandemic lockdown and the rise of digital wallets like GCash and Maya silently paved the way to the entry of online gambling. These e-wallets, originally meant to enable financial inclusion, gave millions of unbanked Filipinos access to cashless transactions, and soon to gambling platforms. The same tools that were used to pay for groceries and online goods were now being used to place bets. According to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), from only P58.16 billion in 2023, GGR, or gross gaming revenue from e-games swelled to P154.51 billion in 2024 and P51.39 billion in the first quarter of 2025 alone. Online gambling is “making history” as the gaming industry’s “top revenue driver” contributing hugely for the government coffers. However, for some Filipinos, especially the poor, the story is different. For every peso generated, which the government is not willing to let go, a Filipino is sinking deeper in poverty – crippled by debt, distressed and left with nothing but heartbreak. Ricardo (not his real name), was a worker who was bringing home P20,000 a month. He told INQUIRER.net that while this was barely enough, he, as well as his wife and three children, survived. But everything fell apart when he learned online gambling in 2020 because he got hooked with online sabong then with e-games. Filipino bishops on Tuesday (July 8) began to warn the faithful against online gambling, calling it bagong salot or a new plague. In a statement signed by Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) President and Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David, the group described online gambling as a deep and widespread moral issue hiding in entertainment and technology. “With gambling, the conscience gradually becomes numb. We are taught to think that it is “normal,” “fun,” or “there is nothing wrong with it,” CBCP said. The prelates noted that online gambling has become a public health crisis, comparing it to illegal drugs and other addictions, as it not only destroys a person but also a family’s relationship. “We cannot afford to remain silent because addiction and the prevalence of gambling are a plague, a virus that destroys and kills individuals, families and societies,” CBCP said. The bishops also called for regulations in online payment systems to restrict the public, especially the youth, from using them for online gambling. Proposed legislations Akbayan party-list Representatives Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña, and Dadah Ismulla filed a measure restricting access to online gambling. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday (July 8) proposed a bill that would impose strict regulations for online gambling in the country. Senator Risa Hontiveros filed a measure seeking to ban online gambling access in e-wallets and super apps. Senator JV Ejercito said that he may also consider pushing for a total ban of online gambling. Meanwhile, Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri also filed a bill seeking an outright ban on all forms of online gambling. Sen. Joel Villanueva likewise called for an end to online gambling, describing the vice as a “growing national crisis.” During a press conference on July 15, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro was asked for reaction on the call of Senator Raffy Tulfo to totally ban online gambling. She said, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will study the calls to ban online gambling. Earlier, online gaming operators licensed with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) expressed opposition over proposals for a total ban on online gambling in the country. They warned that Filipinos might shift to unregulated sites on the black market. In a joint statement, the companies said they “are standing united with the PAGCOR and ‘forward-thinking’ lawmakers to call for stronger regulation — not a total ban — to keep Filipino players safe and the country’s economy thriving. References: Filipino bishops call online gambling addiction ‘bagong salot or new plague’ Online sugal: Income for gov’t, scourge for poor Filipinos

July 16, 2025 PH senator wants to safeguard minors from risks of social media A National ICT Household Survey revealed that 60% of children ages 10 to 17 not only have access to the internet but are also active participants on various online platforms. A UNICEF study has shown that Filipino children and adolescents are becoming more vulnerable to cyberbullying, body image pressures, and online harassment due to their exposure to social media. Sen. Panfilo Lacson introduced on July 3 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. Citing alarming studies that highlight the correlation between social media use and rising mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and social isolation, Lacson emphasized the urgency of the situation. The senator also cited statistics from the Council for the Welfare of Children that one in three children ages 0 to 18 in the Philippines are internet users. Under the bill, minors shall be prohibited from accessing or using social media services. In contrast, social media platforms shall take “reasonable steps and age verification measures to prevent age-restricted users from registering, accessing, or continuing to use their social media service.” Social media platforms will be required to adopt the following reliable means: Ensure the age and identity of its users, such as but not limited to ID verification, facial recognition, and other identity authentication systems; conduct regular audits of user account data to detect and remove age-restricted users from the platform; and adopt prompt response mechanisms for reports or findings of age-restricted users on the platform. The bill requires platform providers to ensure that the data collected is “limited, secure, and retained only for the period necessary to fulfill its intended lawful purpose.” A fine of P1 million to P20 million will be slapped against social media platforms and service providers who fail or refuse to comply with the measure. They also face a daily fine of up to P100,000 for each day of continuing violation after due notice. In a related ASI article, it was reported that Europe is now faced with a growing concern among minors and school-aged children: screen addiction! This condition among young people is seen as an excessive and compulsive use of smartphones, tablets, computers, TVs and gaming consoles. Excessive screen exposure for children younger than 3 years old may negatively impact their brain development. Reference: Lacson eyes bill to protect minors from social media risks

July 14, 2025 Popular Internet Terms You Need to Know (Final Part) The internet, now considered a digital jungle, is likewise a confusing place that may take some time for most people to get familiar with. So, it’s helpful to learn some of the technical terms to avoid confusion about acronyms like DOCSIS, the difference between “Wi-Fi” and “internet,” and so on. We got you covered for the 3rd time with the final part of a simple list of some of the most common home internet terms. Router: A router is one of the cornerstones of your home internet network. It connects to the modem and acts as a hub that routes data to and from the devices on your network. It’s essentially a network traffic manager. Most routers these days allow for wireless connections. Upload speeds: are a measurement of how quickly your home internet set-up is uploading data to the internet. For most connection types, upload speeds are typically much slower than download speeds. That’s because most of our internet activity consists of downloading data. Still, you’ll need at least 20Mbps upload speed to use Zoom, post on social media, submit homework or game online. VPN: A virtual private network establishes a private connection over a public network by encrypting your data and hiding your IP address. Using a VPN has many security advantages, but it may cost you a few extra bucks per month. Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is short for wireless fidelity. It’s a wireless communications technology that uses radio waves to connect devices like laptops, computers, smart thermostats, televisions and phones to the internet. In your home network, a Wi-Fi router is the go-between that helps your gadgets talk to the internet without having to physically connect them with a cable. Wi-Fi Extender: Even the best Wi-Fi routers can only do so much. That’s where Wi-Fi extenders come in. Sometimes also called a Wi-Fi booster or repeater, Wi-Fi extenders increase the range of your Wi-Fi signal from the router. These devices often plug directly into an electrical outlet, but since they connect to your router wirelessly, you’ll want to plug it in where there’s still somewhat of a strong signal. Otherwise, there won’t be much for the device to “extend.” WPA, WPA2, WPA3: Wi-Fi Protected Access is a built-in security protocol designed to prevent someone from hacking your router. WPA2 and WPA3 are updated standards, with WPA3 being the current version. WPS: This stands for Wi-Fi Protected Setup. Let’s say you have a guest over, and they want to connect to your Wi-Fi, but you’re not exactly comfortable sharing the password. WPS allows you to add their device, sometimes even on a separate network, often by simply pushing a router button or entering a unique PIN. Zigbee: This wireless technology helps devices work together using a low-energy mesh network without requiring Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. You might encounter Zigbee in smart home devices. The Philips Hue Bridge device, for example, uses a Zigbee network. Most Ikea smart lighting gadgets also use Zigbee. Numbers 5G: You’ll hear the term “5G” connected to cell phones and home internet. It’s shorthand for wireless mobile technology’s “fifth generation” standard. Instead of requiring a cable or telephone line, the ISP uses radio waves for sending and receiving data. The newer 5G standard offers faster speeds, more bandwidth and lower latency (less lag) than the previous 4G technology. Look to mobile providers Verizon 5G Home Internet, T-Mobile 5G Home Internet and AT&T Internet Air for wireless 5G home internet. 802.11: The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers maintains a list of industry standards for various technologies. Internet network connectivity falls in the 802.1 to 802.12 range, with the 802.11 designation pertaining specifically to wireless local area networks. So, 802.11 is a set of industry standards for Wi-Fi devices or routers. Looking at what comes after the “802.11” on a router will tell you what category of standards the device falls under. Wi-Fi 6, the previous standard, is 802.11ax. The newest router standard, known as Wi-Fi 7, is 802.11be. So, if you’re in the market for a new router and want the latest and greatest, look for models with 802.11be. Reference: Don’t Know a Thing About Broadband? Here’s Your Home Internet Glossary, From ACP to ZigBee

July 11, 2025 Apps That Run Your Life: Can’t Function Without them, Can you? 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. These days, functioning without certain apps feels like trying to toast bread with a flashlight—possible in theory but wildly ineffective. Here is the initial batch of apps that serve as backstage crew keeping your life’s performance running smoothly: WhatsApp Messenger. Green ticks changed communication forever. Green ticks redefined messaging. WhatsApp enables international voice notes, document sharing, and disappearing messages. Lastly, end-to-end encryption ensures privacy, and communities keep people organized without endless email chains. Google Maps. Traffic jams got easier to dodge once this app introduced predictive routing based on historical data. Maps now offer lane guidance and augmented reality directions for pedestrians. Forget asking strangers for help, and just follow digital arrows floating above the real world. Instagram. Instagram is basically the modern-day town square—only everyone’s holding a ring light and angling for the best filter. Between aesthetic travel dumps and chaotic meme pages, Instagram keeps you informed, entertained, and slightly addicted. Stories disappear in 24 hours, but the need to scroll? Eternal. Gmail. Labels, not folders—Gmail reinvented inbox logic. You can schedule emails to send later, undo ones you regret, and star messages for quick access. Plus, the priority Inbox learns your behavior and pushes what matters to the top. It’s like having a secretary who never sleeps. YouTube. YouTube is where time vanishes and rabbit holes begin. One second, you’re learning how to unclog a sink; the next, you’re deep into conspiracy theories narrated by soothing British voices. Without YouTube, where would you turn for everything you didn’t know you needed to know at 2 AM? Google Chrome. Browsing becomes instinctive with Google Chrome. Tabs multiply faster than your thoughts; extensions quietly do the heavy lifting. And incognito mode? Relax—it forgets everything. Chrome remembers your passwords, fills in your forms, and somehow eats all your RAM without apology. Spotify. Ever tried “Spotify DJ?” It uses AI to introduce songs like an old-school radio host tailored just for you. Crossfade blends songs into each other for nonstop vibes, and Wrapped at year-end turns your listening habits into a personality quiz you didn’t know you needed. Notion. Notion is considered the Swiss Army knife of productivity apps. It’s a blank slate for notes, tasks, databases, habit trackers, project timelines, and more. With syncing across devices and a growing library of community-made templates, Notion converts chaos into clarity. Facebook. Facebook might not be the trendiest anymore, but it’s where your relatives thrive, and old classmates resurface every five years. Between overshared recipes and vague status updates, it somehow remains essential. Without it, how would anyone know you’re “feeling blessed?” Amazon Shopping. Tap, swipe, delivered. Amazon’s mobile app turns couch browsing into doorstep delivery. Its every feature adds the utmost speed and convenience to the experience. Even product tracking shows packages creeping up your street. Convenience and consumerism merge here, all in one slick interface. Reference: Phone Necessities: 20 Apps You Can’t Function Without

July 07, 2025 Spam and fake engagement? Facebook finally takes action! 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, among others. Social media has revolutionized the way information, news and entertainment are delivered to the audience. Facebook alone has more than two billion daily active users. Facebook has showcased or documented the lives of everyone or just about anybody in the world and so, privacy should be an utmost concern amid the seemingly indiscriminate exposure. Meta continues to enhance Facebook for a better user experience. In April, the platform brought back the Friends tab to revive the “original” Facebook feel. Now, it is taking steps to clean up its Feed by targeting spam, low-quality posts, fake engagement, and impersonation — a pain point often criticized by users. One of the changes targets posts with long, off-topic captions and too many hashtags. These are often used to manipulate visibility on the Feed. Accounts sharing this kind of spammy content will have their reach reduced, making it harder for them to appear in users’ Feeds. Meta, Facebook’s parent company, is also addressing fake engagement. Accounts that use bots or fake profiles to gain likes, followers, or shares will be penalized. These accounts will see less reach and won’t be allowed to earn money through the platform. To further improve the Feed, Facebook is also introducing stricter rules to catch misleading posts. Content that tries to trick the system or spread false information will be flagged and shown to fewer people. Facebook’s latest actions mark an important turning point for the network. With this new focus, hopefully, we will see a less of spam, fake engagement, and impersonation. The platform might not be the trendiest anymore, but it’s where your relatives thrive, and old classmates resurface every five years. In a previous ASI article, it was discussed how protecting your social media privacy is crucially essential. The methods though cannot guarantee 100% protection, but they can greatly enhance your security. Some of them are as follows: Keep your profile private. A public profile is the top enemy of social media privacy, letting everyone see your posts and profile information. Avoid sharing too much info. Many people treat their social media accounts like diaries, sharing their inner thoughts daily. However, that can be dangerous, especially if strangers can read them. Think before responding. Internet culture encourages people to become overreactive to online content. Letting your emotions run rampant is a social media privacy threat. Reference: Facebook is finally cracking down on spam and fake engagement