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TECHNOLOGY

No more keep the change: SM, PayMaya introduce e-sukli

April 23, 2022 5:26 p.m.

Digital financial services leader PayMaya partners with the Philippines’ largest department store chain, The SM Store, to launch e-sukli, the first-of-its-kind digital sukli service which makes receiving change more convenient for shoppers.   

Instead of getting bulky coins and bills from the cashier, e-sukli allows customers to receive a change of up to P50 directly to their PayMaya accounts.

Now available in over 60 The SM Store branches nationwide, this service makes receiving change much easier and eliminates the need to find a smaller bill for your purchases.   

To encourage more Filipinos to use digital payments, PayMaya is incentivizing customers who use e-sukli in any of The SM Store branches.

From April 1 to 30, 2022, those who use e-sukli will get a P5, P10, or P25 bonus amount on top of their actual change. SM Shoppers can avail of this reward four times until April 30, 2022.  

Customers can get their e-sukli at the checkout counter in The SM Store by simply asking the cashier to send their change via PayMaya.

On their PayMaya app homepage, they simply need to tap the icon in the upper-left corner and tap the QR code beside their name. The cashier will then scan the PayMaya account QR code and transfer your change.   

“We are happy to team up once again with our trusted partner, The SM Store, to be the first to bring this digital sukli initiative to Filipinos,” said Pepe Torres, Chief Marketing Officer for PayMaya Philippines.   

“As more people flock to malls following the eased quarantine restrictions, we continue to develop digital solutions based on cashless technologies which will make their shopping experience fun, safe, and convenient,” he added.    

“The SM Store is committed to providing mall-goers with a great shopping experience through our offers, and we are pleased to have PayMaya align with this goal,” said Dhinno Francis S. Tiu, Executive Vice President for The SM Store. “Launching e-sukli is just one of the ways we welcome our customers back in the malls and promise an even better experience for them.”   

The e-sukli initiative with The SM Store is just among the many programs and innovations that PayMaya is rolling out to its enterprise partners to encourage more Filipinos to adopt digital payments for their everyday transactions.   

PayMaya is the only end-to-end digital payments ecosystem enabler in the Philippines, with platforms and services that cut across consumers, merchants, communities, and government.

As of end-December 2021, PayMaya provides more than 44 million Filipinos access to financial services through its consumer platforms. Its Smart Padala by PayMaya network of over 63,000 partner agent touchpoints serves as last-mile digital financial hubs in communities, providing the unbanked and underserved access to digital services.

Through its enterprise business, it is the largest digital payments processor for key industries in the country, including “every day” merchants such as the largest retail, food, gas, and eCommerce merchants, as well as government agencies and units.   

TECHNOLOGY

iProov study: Deepfakes shatter online confidence 

5:18 p.m. March 21, 2026

A NEW consumer study released today by iProov, the world’s leading provider of science-based biometric identity verification solutions, warns that deepfakes have triggered The Great Trust Recession, where digital authenticity has been undermined, and skepticism has reached unprecedented levels.

The research, which surveyed 2,000 individuals across the UK and the US in Q1 2026, shows that AI-generated impersonation is increasingly seen as a real-world threat undermining confidence in what people see online. Nearly half of respondents (48%) say they now question the authenticity of “almost everything” they encounter online, signaling a profound shift in consumer confidence. Consequently, establishing genuine human presence in digital ecosystems is now essential to thwart fraud, misinformation, reputational harm, and institutional distrust, and to regain certainty about what — or who — can be believed.

The breakdown in confidence is already evolving into commercial pressure: three-quarters (74%) of consumers say they would switch banks if a competitor offered guaranteed protection against deepfake-enabled fraud. This highlights how consumer allegiance is being impacted, with many willing to endure the inconvenience of switching banks to gain stronger safeguards against AI-driven impersonation. Younger adults are leading this shift: 41% of those aged 25 to 34 say they would switch immediately, compared with just 14% of those aged 65 and older, showing that even the most digital native generations are raising expectations for stronger safeguards.

At the same time, expectations of accountability are rising sharply. More than half of respondents (52%) believe banks should be legally liable for losses caused by deepfake-enabled fraud, reflecting growing demand for institutional responsibility in the AI era.

A Government Trust Gap Is Emerging

The study also highlights evolving expectations around digital public services. While the availability of online government platforms has grown, many consumers say stronger identity protections would increase their confidence. More than half (55%) report they would be more likely to use government services online if a secure biometric login were available. When given a choice, respondents also show openness to digital-first options: 43% say they would prefer a secure face scan via a mobile app, compared with 30% who would choose an in-person appointment.

“AI has blurred the line between real and fake in digital ecosystems, and too many organizations are caught off guard. This study highlights a major shift in consumer sentiment, showing that generative AI is actively undermining the credibility of the institutions people have traditionally relied upon,” said Andrew Bud, founder and CEO of iProov. “Deepfakes are quickly undermining the trust at the heart of the digital economy, ultimately compelling consumers to change their behaviors and, importantly, who they are willing to do business with.”

Find the Fake Game

The stakes behind this research are easier to understand when experienced firsthand. iProov’s new interactive game, “Find the Fake,” challenges participants to identify a single AI-generated deepfake hidden among a grid of six seemingly real social media profiles. It’s a deceptively simple exercise and a revealing one. Try it for yourself at https://quiz.iproov.com/quiz2/en.

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TECHNOLOGY

Logitech G brings premium wireless performance to PH with the G325 LIGHTSPEED

4:18 p.m. March 10, 2026

Logitech G has released its latest addition to the G3 Series, a powerful gaming headset designed to support seamless gameplay at home or on the go.

The G325 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Headset brings together premium features such as immersive 24-bit audio, flexible connectivity, superior comfort, and long-lasting battery life, all packed into one affordable and versatile device for modern gamers.

Richer and More Dynamic Audio Performance

Made with the modern gamer’s needs in mind, the G325 is equipped with 32 mm audio drivers and 24-bit audio over LIGHTSPEED wireless to deliver rich, detailed, and dynamic sound. This enhanced depth and clarity allow players to detect subtle in-game cues more accurately while enjoying fuller bass and more immersive soundscapes during every match.

For players who prefer tailored audio settings, a 10-band EQ and game-optimized presets allow users to personalize their sound profile based on genre, title, or personal preference. These features can be easily accessed through the Logitech G HUB software and the mobile app, giving gamers more control over how they experience their gameplay.

Comfort That Keeps Up With Long Gaming Sessions
The G325 features a flattering, modern close-fit headband design with breathable fabric materials that help keep users cool and comfortable during extended wear. The dual-layer memory foam ear cups provide a cushioned and secure fit, helping reduce pressure during long matches or casual listening sessions.

Gamers can also choose from three distinct color options (Black and  White) to complement their battle stations and personal playstyles. Meanwhile, its lightweight construction at just 212 grams supports hours of continuous use without unnecessary strain, making it suitable for both competitive gaming at home and everyday wear on the go.

Clear Communication With AI-Enhanced Voice Capture

In-game coordination is key in most competitive games. The G325 comes with a dual beamforming microphone system made to focus on the user’s voice while reducing surrounding distractions. Through an integrated  AI-powered noise reduction system, the microphone filters out common background sounds such as keyboard clicks, fan hums, and room noise to make every conversation sound crisp, natural, and clear during intense gaming moments.

Pro-Grade Wireless Freedom and Versatile Connectivity

Powered by Logitech G’s signature LIGHTSPEED wireless technology, the G325 delivers ultra-responsive and stable performance with an impressive wireless range of up to 30 meters. This extended range allows gamers to move freely around their space without worrying about signal drops or audio interruptions, keeping every session smooth and uninterrupted.

In addition to LIGHTSPEED wireless, the headset supports Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity for seamless switching between compatible PCs, consoles, and Bluetooth-enabled devices. With just a quick toggle, users can easily transition from gaming to music or calls, making the G325 a flexible audio companion for both play and everyday use.

Designed with Sustainability in Mind

Beyond its amazing lineup of premium features at an affordable price point, the G325 also reflects a more conscious approach to product design in line with Logitech’s global environmental efforts. 

The G325 is made with up to 43 percent post-consumer recycled plastics and comes in zero plastic packaging to reduce environmental impact across its life cycle. An optional 80 percent battery charge limit is also available for users to help extend battery longevity over time and promote more sustainable everyday use.

These thoughtful design choices for the G325 reinforce Logitech’s long-term sustainability direction while simultaneously giving users access to top-tier gear to enhance their gaming experience.

The G325 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Headset is built for players who demand performance-driven gear that looks great, feels comfortable, and is easy to use right out of the box. Combining immersive audio, reliable wireless performance, and thoughtful design, the G325 makes high-quality gaming experiences more accessible for those ready to level up their setup.

Logitech’s latest gaming headset is priced at  PHP 5495  and is available on Shopee and Lazada, and Logitech Authorized Retail Partners and Gaming Specialists. To learn more about the product and upcoming product releases, follow Logitech G on Facebook. You may also visit http://www.logitechg.com  for more product offerings.

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TECHNOLOGY

inDrive is 4th most downloaded travel app in PH

2:11 p.m. February 12, 2026

WITH over four million installations in 2025 alone, inDrive ranked fourth among the most downloaded travel apps in the Philippines, according to market intelligence firm Sensor Tower. 

This ranking underscores Filipino users’ growing demand for inDrive to expand beyond ride-hailing as it evolves into a mobility super app.

inDrive also remained the world’s second most downloaded ride-hailing app for the fourth straight year. It also climbed from fifth to fourth place among the top travel apps globally and topped this category in Pakistan, Peru, Egypt, Morocco, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panama, and Zimbabwe.

Reflecting on this milestone, inDrive Founder and CEO Arsen Tomsky said, “This recognition reflects the trust people place in our platform and the continued dedication of our global team. As inDrive evolves into a super app, we remain focused on our core principles of fairness, transparency, and user choice while expanding access to services that make a meaningful difference in people’s daily lives.”

Full Speed Ahead as inDrive Evolves into a SuperApp

With inDrive growing its user base year-on-year, the app has begun expanding its services beyond ride-hailing in other key markets. Among these new offerings is inDrive.Ads, an in-app advertising platform. By generating new income streams, inDrive can keep its take rate among the lowest in the industry while supporting long-term sustainability for riders, drivers, and local communities. 

Now live in 20 countries, including the Philippines, inDrive.Ads plans to expand to all global markets within this year. On inDrive.Ads, ads appear across various screens in the funnel and include multiple-dimension banners featuring graphics and animation, with transparent measurement tools built in.

Tomsky said in a statement, “Diversifying our business with a high-margin stream like Ads is an important step for inDrive. This new line gives us more flexibility to fund affordability at scale.”

Sofia Guinto, inDrive Philippines Country Representative, echoed similar sentiments, saying, “inDrive.Ads is our way of championing fairness and accessibility on all facets of our SuperApp. Through this, we can maintain fares that are both affordable for passengers and lucrative for our drivers and create equal opportunities for more people and brands.”

Beyond its global launch of inDrive.Ads, inDrive has also expanded into intercity transportation, courier and grocery delivery, and financial services in other global markets. These new services utilize artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to fix mapping gaps, improve ETA accuracy, anticipate user needs, and personalize solutions. Through these AI-powered offerings, inDrive continues to drive innovation while still giving users the freedom of choice in every ride.

Throughout the rest of 2026, inDrive will continue to update its features and grow its user base, becoming a true mobility superapp. Amid this shift, it ensures that all rollouts will be built around fairness, opportunity, and people’s real needs. For more updates on inDrive’s new offerings available in the Philippines, visit www.inDrive.com or follow @inDrive.ph on social media.

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