Connect with us

TECHNOLOGY

Win P150,000 SM shopping money at PLDT Home Rewards Grand Giveaway

More prizes and surprises await the lucky winners of the PLDT Home Rewards Grand Giveaway promo this October and November, with the telco giant adding ten (10) SM Gift Cards worth ₱150,000 each to the prize pool! There’s nowhere to go but up in terms of the stakes, with a whopping ₱5 million cash prize up for grabs in the grand draw on December 8, 2021.

Here’s some better news for shopaholics: The draw dates coincide with SM’s Christmas Season sale, rewarding winners with a once-in-a-lifetime shopping experience to welcome the holiday season!

Planning to join the PLDT Home Rewards Grand Giveaway promo? Keep your eyes on that ₱150,000-worth SM Gift Cards! To get you fired up, here’s what to add to your wish list straight from SM’s upcoming Christmas sale inventory!

1. A wardrobe makeover – Spice up your OOTDs with cool fashion finds from the SM Store! Get that classic Levi’s High-waisted mom jeans  for that all-around casual look and pair it with an SM Woman Puff Sleeve Crop Top.

Complete the look with a Kicks Jelai Lace-Up Sneakers. You can also prepare for that upcoming–and honestly, long-awaited–beach trip with the beach-ready Orange Halter Dress from Coco Cabana and pair it with Crocs Tulum Sandal.

2. A dream home entertainment set – What’s more nostalgic than getting everyone together in the sala, laughing and gushing to some cheesy holiday movie like those good ol’ family reunions? Even with a fewer number of family members to celebrate with at home, you can still continue this tradition with Netflix’s almost unlimited range of flicks and series—just press play. Up the experience with a shiny new Samsung 75″ Real 4K UHD Smart TV set and a Sony Shake X30D high-power home audio system from SM Appliance Center! While you’re at it, it might be time to upgrade your furniture, too, by getting your hands on a brand new Gracen Sectional Sofa from Our Home!

3. Homeschooling essentials – In these days of blended learning, no kid should be left behind. Level up your youngsters’ online school experience with a high-powered Lenovo™ Chromebook C330 laptop from SM Appliance Center, plus a Wi-Fi printer to help them in their requirements. To secure their connection at home without them having to stay put next to the router the whole time, a Wi-Fi mesh system might just be the perfect holiday gift! This add-on ensures strong internet signal coverage wherever they are at home, giving them more movement and space to help in their focus!

4. Work-at-home essentials – Is your trusty computer not as trusty anymore that it’s slowing down your efficiency at work? A nifty Asus X415EA-EK760T laptop from SM Appliance Center equipped with the best specs might just inspire you to work better. Add to cart a pair of high-quality wireless earphones to help you multitask, plus a chic, ergonomic Hank HB Office Chair from Our Home to combat any stressor on the job with utmost comfort. Expect your productivity rate to shoot up soon!

5. Home improvement must-haves – With most of you in the fam toiling through daily life still locked down at home, revamping your space to better fit this new normal mold is now a must. Before rolling up your sleeves for some dirty, DIY sesh, it might be easier to get any kind of job with some nice and shiny-new power tools. A top recos: Black And Decker 18V 1.5AH Cordless Lithium Hammer Drill, Bosch Professional GWS 060 Mini Grinder, and Black and Decker Pressure Washer BW15 – all from Ace Hardware.

Besides the ₱5 million cash prize and the 10 SM Gift Cards each worth ₱150,000, PLDT Home is also gifting one lucky winner with a Play-at-Home Package. Continuing the trend from the previously awarded bundles, the Play-at-Home Package comprises a Sony PlayStation 5, a premium Gaming Chair, and Asus RaptureTouter.

Other exciting prizes for the October-December promo period include a cash gift worth ₱50,000, to be raffled to ten (10) winners.

Over 200 PLDT Home subscribers have already won since the PLDT Home Rewards Grand Giveaway launched in April, with the prizes getting bigger and better each run.

To join the PLDT Home Rewards Grand Giveaway, PLDT Home subscribers simply need to enroll their PLDT account in the PLDT Home Rewards program.

By paying PLDT bills on time, applying for paperless billing, and availing other PLDT services, enrolled subscribers earn Crystals that can be exchanged for shopping and dining vouchers and bill credits for PLDT, Smart, and Cignal subscriptions.

Every five (5) Crystals earned also automatically come with one (1) raffle entry. It’s that simple. The more Crystals earned, the more chances of winning!

New PLDT Home Rewards program registrants can claim 20 welcome Crystals upon registration. That’s easily a lot of raffle entries for more chances of winning!
For more details about PLDT Home Rewards Grand Giveaway, please visit https://pldthome.info/HomeRewardsxSM2021.

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.

Continue Reading

TECHNOLOGY

Google AI Tools open new frontiers for wildlife conservation in PH, Southeast Asia

2:22 p.m. February 5, 2026


The endangered hog deer was once plentiful throughout South and in Southeast Asia, including India, Pakistan, Burma and Thailand. The species now faces serious decline and a loss in genetic diversity.

As the Philippines continues to battle biodiversity loss, Google has announced a major step forward in using AI to preserve endangered species. Through a partnership with the Vertebrate Genomes Project (VGP), Google is providing advanced AI tools and funding to sequence the genetic codes of threatened animals, a move that holds significant promise for conservation efforts in biodiversity hotspots like the Philippines.

Scientists predict that up to one million species globally face extinction. To combat this, Google is deploying AI technologies—including DeepPolisher, DeepVariant, and DeepConsensus—to make genomic sequencing faster, more accurate, and more affordable.

This process allows researchers to create a “biological instruction manual” for species, vital for designing effective conservation strategies.

Regional Impact for Southeast Asia. The initiative has already successfully sequenced 13 endangered species, several of which are native to the broader Southeast Asian region, highlighting the technology’s relevance to local ecosystems:

● The Elongated Tortoise: A critically endangered reptile native to Southeast Asia, currently the focus of captive breeding and reintroduction efforts.
● The Hog Deer: Once plentiful across South and Southeast Asia, this species now faces serious decline and loss of genetic diversity.
● Eld’s Deer: An endangered deer species indigenous to the region that requires breeding and conservation plan to survive.

Expanding the Safety Net. In addition to the initial species, Google.org has awarded the AI for Science fund to The Rockefeller University to expand this work to 150 additional species. This expansion opens the door for more unique wildlife—potentially including species found in the Philippines—to benefit from genomic preservation.

Continue Reading

TECHNOLOGY

Infinix unveils XPAD Edge, its first 13.2-inch PC-level tablet redefining workplace productivity

12:01 p.m. February 2, 2026

Infinix today announced the launch of its first 13.2-inch ultra-slim productivity tablet, Infinix XPAD Edge. Featuring a 13.2-inch FHD+ (Full High Definition Plus) display, a sleek 6.19 mm metallic body, and a lightweight 588g design, XPAD Edge delivers the ideal balance of mobility and performance.With all-scenario 4G connectivity, the tablet redefines mobile productivity for modern creators, professionals, and learners.

Its detachable keyboard with touchpad transforms it into a true PC-level device, delivering a seamless workplace productivity experience, while combining cutting-edge technology and accessibility to give users greater freedom and efficiency everywhere.

Large Display, Ultra-Slim Design, and Productivity on the Go

Designed for today’s dynamic hybrid workforce, XPAD Edge enables users to work and learn efficiently anywhere. Measuring only 6.19mm thin and weighing 588g, it slips easily into a backpack or briefcase. Its 8000 mAh battery and all-scenario 4G connectivity provide lasting power and reliable access whether in a café, during travel, or at a remote worksite.

Furthermore, the expansive 13.2-inch 3:2 aspect-ratio display mirrors the proportions of a traditional PC screen, offering a broad workspace for documents, presentations, and spreadsheets.

With rich color reproduction and optimized contrast, every detail appears vivid and clear. Certified by TÜV Rheinland for low blue light and flicker-free performance, the XPAD Edge display filters up to 70% of harmful short-wave blue light and addresses the often-overlooked issue of screen flicker—helping to reduce eye fatigue during long working hours.

Inspired by the colors and light of the cosmos, the XPAD Edge is presented in the “Celestial Ink” colorway, refined metallic finish combines deep hues with a matte texture, blending technology with elegance in a minimalist design that suits both professional and personal settings.

PC-Level Experience for Smarter Workflows

Building on its ultra-slim design, XPAD Edge transforms mobile work into a truly PC-level experience. Designed as a versatile productivity hub, it brings together portability and power for efficient hybrid work and learning. Pre-installed WPS Office and an optimized task interface allow users to edit documents, manage files, and collaborate with ease. Whether preparing presentations, reviewing reports, or managing creative projects, XPAD Edge delivers a fast, intuitive, and professional workflow in every environment.

XPAD Edge supports split-screen, Parallel Windows, and multi-task drag-and-drop operations, maximizing the 13.2-inch large display for parallel applications. Within a single interface, users can browse data, take notes, and edit webpages effortlessly. 

For external productivity, XPAD Edge supports Wireless Second Screen for PC*, enabling content mirroring or extension for meetings, design work, or entertainment. Users can also connect keyboards, mice, and other peripherals for a smooth, desktop-like experience that enhances both comfort and control.

In addition, XPAD Edge pairs seamlessly with the X Keyboard 20 to provide a flexible and natural writing experience. The magnetic keyboard and stylus combine precision with comfort, allowing users to take notes, sketch, or edit content with accuracy. Whether working in a café, classroom, or creative studio, XPAD Edge enables users to enjoy the freedom and efficiency of a complete mobile office anywhere.

Continue Reading