Friday, September 26, 2025

Vivo Set to Redefine Smartphones with Global Launch of OriginOS on October 15, 2025

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Vivo is preparing to transform the way the world experiences smartphones with the highly anticipated global launch of OriginOS on October 15, 2025, live from Shanghai, China.

Until now, OriginOS has been exclusive to China, earning praise for its smooth interface, intelligent features, and groundbreaking customization options. Internationally, Vivo users—including those in the Philippines—have relied on FuntouchOS, the brand’s trusted system since 2013. The transition to OriginOS represents a historic shift, marking a major milestone for millions of Vivo users across the globe.

In a video released by Vivo Philippines on September 25, Shi Yujian, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Vivo, shared the company’s vision: “The brand new OriginOS is designed to bring our users a smoother and smarter mobile experience.”

Echoing this excitement, Vivo Philippines CEO Zeng Kai added, “We are thrilled to finally share OriginOS with our Filipino users. This upgrade is a leap forward in speed, design, and intelligence that will elevate how Filipinos connect and create every day.”

Watch the video here or via Vivo Philippines on X.

First Look: Vivo X300 Series with OriginOS 6

Alongside this software milestone, Vivo is also unveiling the Vivo X300 Series, the first smartphones powered by OriginOS 6, based on Android 16. Scheduled to debut globally this October, the X300 Series promises users a faster, more intuitive, and visually stunning experience right out of the box.

With sleek design, refined navigation, and enhanced customization tools, the X300 Series demonstrates how OriginOS is not just an update but a complete reinvention of the mobile experience.

Join the Global Celebration

The Vivo OriginOS Global Launch Event, scheduled for October 15, 2025, invites fans and tech enthusiasts worldwide to witness this new era in smartphone innovation. From enhanced speed and design to intelligent features tailored for modern users, OriginOS is set to redefine how people interact with their devices.

Stay tuned to vivoglobal.ph and Vivo’s official channels on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for live coverage, exclusive sneak peeks, and key announcements directly from Shanghai.

This October, Vivo is not just launching a new operating system—it’s shaping the future of mobile technology.

Eastern Communications and Nexusguard Forge Strategic Collaboration to Strengthen Cybersecurity in the Philippines

Manila, Philippines – Nexusguard, a global leader in Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) mitigation and cybersecurity solutions, today announced a strategic collaboration with Eastern Communications, the Philippines’ premier telecommunications provider. The partnership was officially launched at an exclusive event held at Manila House, bringing together industry leaders, partners, and stakeholders to mark a new era in cybersecurity resilience across the country.

This collaboration leverages Nexusguard’s cutting-edge expertise in cloud-based DDoS protection and managed security services with Eastern Communications’ robust infrastructure and local market reach. Together, the two companies will deliver comprehensive, scalable, and highly reliable cybersecurity solutions tailored to the needs of Philippine enterprises, government agencies, and service providers.

"We are proud to partner with Eastern Communications to extend our mission of safeguarding businesses from evolving cyber threats,” said Andy Ng, CEO of Nexusguard. “With Nexusguard Bastions Technology, organizations in the Philippines can now access world-class protection against sophisticated attacks, ensuring business continuity and peace of mind.”

In a joint statement, Eastern Communications Co-Coordinators Atty. Aileen Regio and Jaeson Evangelista emphasized, “By joining forces with Nexusguard, we are reinforcing our commitment to provide our clients not only with reliable connectivity, but also with the world-class security solutions designed to help them thrive in today’s digital-first world.”

The product launch complements Eastern’s connectivity solution, DDoS-Protected Eastern IDS (Internet Direct Service), which delivers a premium, dedicated, high-speed internet built for today’s business demands. Powered by fiber-leased line technology and fortified with advanced DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) protection, Eastern IDS ensures 24/7 reliable connectivity with symmetrical upload and download speeds of up to 10 Gbps. Backed by resilient global internet backbone access, this solution not only drives workforce productivity but also shields businesses from costly cyber disruptions.

The launch event at Manila House celebrated the partnership with a symbolic awards presentation, industry networking, and the unveiling of the joint service portfolio. Guests included key leaders from the tech, telecom, and enterprise sectors, underscoring the growing importance of cybersecurity in the Philippines’ digital transformation journey. This collaboration comes just in time to fortify businesses as the local Cybersecurity Month celebration is observed throughout October.

To learn more about Eastern Communications’ DDoS-Protected Eastern IDS and other cybersecurity solutions, visit www.eastern.com.ph.

Thursday, September 25, 2025

Anko Unveils New Collection and Holiday Surprises to Make Christmas Brighter

Manila, Philippines — The holiday countdown has officially begun, and Anko, Australia’s much-loved home and lifestyle brand, is bringing extra sparkle to Christmas 2025. With a brand-new festive collection, exciting store openings, and a special holiday event with Anne Curtis, Anko is set to make the season merrier for Filipino homes.

This year’s Christmas collection is a curated wonderland of affordable, stylish pieces designed to inspire decorating, gifting, and entertaining. From a candy cane–themed Christmas tree to whimsical gingerbread mugs, every piece is made to bring warmth, color, and festive cheer to the season.

“Christmas in the Philippines is a time when homes come alive, families gather, and every moment feels brighter,” says Rachel Turner, Anko Philippines’ Country Manager. “It’s only our second Christmas in the country, and this year’s campaign was filmed in Australia together with Anne, capturing the joy and spirit of the season in a way that feels both global and deeply personal. From thoughtful gifts to festive home touches, we want to show that stylish, quality, and affordable products can be within reach of every Filipino family, making the holiday celebration more meaningful,” she added.

Sarah Smith, Anko’s Design Team Leader, also highlights the collection’s inspiration. “This year’s holiday collection celebrates color and playfulness while keeping designs timeless and versatile. From classic reds and greens to vibrant pinks and magentas, every piece is designed to inspire Filipinos to create homes that are festive, joyful, and uniquely their own.”

Holiday shopping just got easier with Anko unwrapping not one but two new stores—Ayala Malls Manila Bay in October and Ayala Malls Feliz in November—adding more places for Filipinos to discover holiday favorites.

Peek Inside Anko’s Christmas 2025 Collection

Transform your space with a whimsical centerpiece like the candy cane–themed Christmas tree (₱2,140), a fresh twist on a classic. Drape it with the Candy and Gift Garland (₱290) and the soft glow of Anko Novelty Lights (₱220–₱440). Bring in pops of festive color and character with charming tree decorations, such as the Nutcracker Decor Set (36 pieces, ₱490), Candy Cane Baubles (₱190), and Cane Letter Decorations (₱90) – sweet, cheerful accents that tie the whole Christmas story together.

Elevate your holiday tablescapes with the sophisticated 12 Days of Christmas Side Plate set (₱960) and serve up festive drinks in the cute Santa and Red Bauble Drink Jars (₱150) or Gingerbread Drink Jars (₱150). For a touch of warmth and charm, serve hot chocolate in the whimsical 3D Gingerbread Man Mugs (₱290) and 3D Santa Mugs (₱150), or add a dash of sparkle to your favorite drinks with the 3D Bow Mug (₱290). For the little helpers in the kitchen, grab the adorable Mini Me Pink Bows Aprons (₱190), perfect for baking holiday treats.

If you love Anko’s famous scented candles, set a festive mood with the warm glow and inviting scent of the Merry & Bright Globe Candle (₱590). Add a touch of elegant comfort to your sofa & bed with the soft Silk Striped Pillow Case (₱690). For a personalized touch on the mantle, style the charming Ceramic House decor (₱440) alongside a Letter Stocking (₱220), creating a unique, heartfelt display.

A Christmas Wonderland Awaits

Anko is set to turn its TriNoma store into a holiday wonderland on October 10, complete with festive workshops, holiday activities, and a special appearance by brand ambassador Anne Curtis. The celebration continues across Anko’s Metro Manila stores in Glorietta, TriNoma, and Alabang Town Center, where the shelves come alive with new décor and gifting finds every week.

To be part of the Anko holiday fun, download the Anko Club app or sign up at www.anko.com/anko-club. For more festive styling ideas and inspirations, follow @anko_philippines on Instagram and TikTok.

Lenovo Launches GOAST v4.0 to Revolutionize Genomics Analysis

Lenovo has unveiled GOAST v4.0, the latest version of its Genomics Optimization and Scalability Tool, setting a new benchmark for genome analysis speed and efficiency. With this release, whole genome sequencing can now be completed in just 24 minutes—significantly accelerating discoveries in genomics and related fields.

A single node of GOAST v4.0 is capable of processing approximately 22,000 genomes annually, tripling the throughput of its predecessor. This leap in performance means researchers and institutions can handle larger datasets at unprecedented speed, empowering studies in precision medicine, cancer research, drug discovery, and even national health programs.

One of the most notable features of GOAST v4.0 is its ability to deliver GPU-level performance while running on optimized CPUs, lowering operational costs by up to 50%. This makes high-throughput genomics more accessible to institutions that may not have had the resources for such advanced computational power in the past.

Lenovo also offers GOAST through its TruScale HPC-as-a-Service model, allowing organizations to adopt the technology on a pay-as-you-go basis. This flexible approach ensures that institutions of all sizes, from research labs to national health organizations, can take advantage of cutting-edge genomics capabilities without the burden of heavy upfront investment.

Sustainability is another critical factor in GOAST v4.0’s design. Featuring water-cooled HPC technology, the system reduces power consumption by up to 40%, making it both energy-efficient and environmentally responsible.

Already, GOAST has been deployed across leading research institutes in India, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Australia, and the Philippines. In the Philippines, a prominent medical research institute is utilizing the tool to advance genomic studies, while interest is also emerging from non-medical sectors such as banking and weather forecasting, highlighting the platform’s versatility.

By integrating artificial intelligence with high-performance computing, GOAST v4.0 enhances bioinformatics workflows and supports the design of next-generation algorithms, driving progress in precision health and beyond. This advancement reflects Lenovo’s broader vision of “Smarter AI for All,” which aims to democratize access to advanced technology and make scientific breakthroughs faster, more cost-effective, and globally inclusive.

With GOAST v4.0, Lenovo not only redefines the future of genomics but also underscores the importance of accessibility, sustainability, and innovation in shaping the next era of healthcare and research.

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Former Facebook and SpaceX Communications Executive DEX Hunter-Torricke to Unveil Silicon Valley’s Blueprint at DMAP’s DigiCon 2025

Manila, Philippines — The Digital Marketing Association of the Philippines (DMAP), the leading organization known for its excellence and innovation in digital marketing, will spotlight the power of communication and social innovation with global emerging technologies expert and former communications executive at Facebook and SpaceX Dex Hunter-Torricke as its keynote speaker at the tenth edition of the Digital Congress (DigiCon) on October 16 to 17, 2025, in Pasay City, Metro Manila.

DMAP’s DigiCon 2025 is sponsored by DoubleVerify, Hit Productions, Unilever Philippines, McDonald's, Meltwater, Near Creative, UnionBank of the Philippines, Gigil Metama, Google, and Inquiro Inc.

Esteemed outlets AGC Power Holdings Corp., Cignal TV, GMA 7, MBC Media Group, Rappler, The New Channel, Inquirer, Outcomm, The Pod Network, The RJ Ledesma Podcast, ZOE TV, adobo Magazine, BusinessMirror, BusinessWorld, CoinGeek, DiscoverMNL, DOOH, The Philippine STAR, and WhenInManila.com serve as this year’s media partners.

Meanwhile, Certified Digital Marketer, Eastern Communications, Havas Ortega, IDEASXMACHINA Hakuhodo, Manila Marriott Hotel at Newport World Resorts, Meta, Synergy Market Research + Strategic Consultancy, Uniquecorn Strategies, Creative Collective - Lennon Group, Tony &, and Leron Leron Sinta, a11y media, QR Tiger, and Slash by Mineski serve as the DigiCon 2025 event partners.

Currently serving as an independent strategic communications adviser to major technology companies and political leaders in the US and the UK, Hunter-Torricke brings over a decade of experience from the heart of the technology industry, having managed communications for some of Silicon Valley’s most influential leaders and companies. Headlining the first day of the two-day conference, his keynote is expected to provide over 2,000 attendees with a blueprint for navigating personalization in a tech-driven world and unlocking strategies for scalable, impactful connections.

Prior to his career at Silicon Valley, Hunter-Torricke began his career at the United Nations in 2008 as a speechwriter and spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. He later served as Mark Zuckerberg's personal speechwriter and led the executive communications team at Facebook from 2012 to 2016. He then joined Elon Musk’s SpaceX as a senior director of communications and, later, served as the head of communications for the Oversight Board for Meta, the independent body responsible for overseeing the most challenging content issues for Facebook and Instagram. He was also Google's first executive speechwriter, supporting CEO Larry Page and Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt.

Weighing on this year's theme, Hunter-Torricke highlights the imperative for organizations to invest in building effective and meaningful end-consumer experiences.

“The entire future of communications and reputation-building depends on personalization. Every organization and industry today is facing a vortex of massive challenges and intensified competition. Investing in meaningful experiences that truly meet the needs of individuals is critical for building long-term connections between consumers and businesses.”

Themed "The Age of ‘i’: The Power of Personalization,” the tenth iteration of Southeast Asia’s premier digital convention will gather global and local experts, thought leaders, and pioneers to offer opportunities to learn, interact, and collaborate across five focused tracks: Innovation (AI), Intelligence (Data Science), Immersive (Retail and Activations), Impact (Brand Building), and Integration (Business Transformation). These tracks, along with various practical and immersive activities, aim to enable attendees to explore the latest trends and emerging technologies in personalized marketing, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration among industry professionals.

In today’s tech and AI world, brands leverage personalization to create more engaging and relevant customer experiences by using AI algorithms to analyze data, predict behaviors, and tailor content, recommendations, and marketing messages. About 71% of consumers expect personalization, and companies with high growth see 40% more revenue from it, underscoring the critical role of personalization in meeting consumer expectations and driving customer satisfaction.

This year's DigiCon is a testament to DMAP’s mission to equip marketers with crucial insights and skills amid evolving consumer behaviors and rapid technological shifts.

To secure your spot and learn more about DMAP DigiCon The Age of 'i' 2025, you may visit https://www.digicon.com.ph or email conference@dmap.com.ph.