Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Thursday, October 22, 2015

AMD Achieves High-End Embedded Performance Leadership with New R-Series Processors

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AMD today announced new AMD Embedded R-Series SOC processors that establish performance leadership across a targeted range of embedded application market requirements for digital signage, retail signage, medical imaging, electronic gaming, media storage and communications and networking. Designed for demanding embedded needs, the processors incorporate the newest AMD 64-bit x86 CPU core (“Excavator”), plus third-generation Graphics Core Next GPU architecture, and state-of-the-art power management for reduced energy consumption. Combined, these AMD innovations and technologies provide industry-leading graphics performance and key embedded features for next-generation designs.

The single-chip system-on-chip (SOC) architecture enables simplified, small form factor board and system designs from AMD customers and a number of third party development platform providers, while providing astounding graphics and multimedia performance, including capability for hardware-accelerated decode of 4K video playback. With a robust suite of peripheral support and interface options, high-end AMD Radeon™ graphics, designed for the industry’s first Heterogeneous Systems Architecture (HSA) 1.0 certification, and support for the latest DDR4 memory, the new AMD R-Series SOC addresses the needs of a wide range of markets and customers.

“AMD continues its push into x86 embedded platforms and that’s paying off with an increasing number of customers and applications,” said Jim McGregor, principal analyst, TIRIAS Research. “There is a need for immersive graphics, high-quality visualization, and parallel computing in an increasing number of embedded applications. Across these fronts, the AMD Embedded R-Series SOC is a very compelling solution.”

“With so much momentum around immersive experiences, especially for visual and parallel computing, the embedded industry needs a high-performance, low-power and efficient architecture with superior graphics and compute capabilities,” said Scott Aylor, corporate vice president and general manager, AMD Embedded Solutions. “Our new AMD Embedded R-Series SOC is a strong match for these needs in a variety of industries including digital signage, retail signage, medical imaging, electronic gaming machines, media storage, and communications and networking. The platform offers a strong value proposition for this next generation of high-performance, low-power embedded designs.”

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Western Digital Corporation and SanDisk Corporation today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Western Digital will acquire all of the outstanding shares of SanDisk for a combination of cash and stock. The offer values SanDisk common stock at US$86.50 per share or a total equity value of approximately US$19 billion, using a five-day volume weighted average price ending on October 20, 2015 of US$79.60 per share of Western Digital common stock. If the previously announced investment in Western Digital by Unisplendour Corporation Limited closes prior to this acquisition, Western Digital will pay US$85.10 per share in cash and 0.0176 shares of Western Digital common stock per share of SanDisk common stock; and if the Unisplendour transaction has not closed or has been terminated, US$67.50 in cash and 0.2387 shares of Western Digital common stock per share of SanDisk common stock. The transaction has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies.

The combination is the next step in the transformation of Western Digital into a storage solutions company with global scale, extensive product and technology assets, and deep expertise in non-volatile memory (NVM). With this transaction, Western Digital will double its addressable market and expand its participation in higher-growth segments. SanDisk brings a 27-year history of innovation and expertise in NVM, systems solutions and manufacturing. The combination also enables Western Digital to vertically integrate into NAND, securing long-term access to solid state technology at lower cost.

The proposed combination creates significant value for both SanDisk and Western Digital shareholders. Western Digital brings a successful track record of M&A with a number of acquisitions over the last several years helping to fuel innovation, create value and strongly position the company to capture higher-growth opportunities. In addition, Western Digital's operational excellence, coupled with the recently announced decision by China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) allowing Western Digital to integrate substantial portions of its WD and HGST businesses, is expected to generate additional cost synergies.

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We hear, but do we actually listen?

For its 3rd production in this year’s season line-up, The Artist Playground proudly presents “AUDIRE” starring veteran stage actress Angelina Kanapi under the direction of Jeffrey Camañag.

AUDIRE (Audire /aʊˈdiːre/: a Latin word which means 'listen carefully') is a one woman act based on sound exploration where sound is used as the kernel that creates the performance experience.

AUDIRE is an experimental performance that showcases the process of artistic creations, inventions and discoveries. A process wherein the images of the sounds of the surroundings interact with the images of the artist’s inner sounds and thoughts that produce series of mental, emotional and physical images used to build a blueprint that breathes life to movements, situations, events and characters. It is basically an improvisation.

The actor’s life experiences and memories serve as the source of images that interacts with the sound to create vivid experiences that the actor shares with the audience. It is like a concert but instead of sharing images through music and lyrics, the actor gives you scenes, moments, happenings and even monologues depending on what the sound inspires the actor to share.

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The Department of Transportation and Communications’ (DOTC) and the Manila International Airport Authority’s (MIAA) efforts to erase the infrastructure backlog at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) have started to pay off, as the country’s premiere gateway is no longer listed among the world’s worst airports, according to online travel site Guide to Sleeping in Airports (www.sleepinginairports.net).

“While we are pleased to hear that international travelers no longer rate NAIA among the world’s worst, there is obviously still a lot for us to do. Having fully opened Terminal 3 and substantially refurbishing Terminal 1 after decades of neglect, our next focus is decongesting the runway,” said DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya.

Erasing NAIA’s Infrastructure Backlog

It took around 2 years from 2011 to 2013 to unravel the legal complications which prevented Terminal 3 from fully operating, but its resolution paved the way for the transfer of 3.5 million annual passengers from the run-down, overcapacity Terminal 1 to the more modern Terminal 3 building in 2014.

With Terminal 1 restored to its design capacity of 4.5 million yearly passengers, major rehabilitation was undertaken beginning in 2014, most notably through structural retrofitting which ensured the continued safety and integrity of the facility, and the improvement of the mechanical, electrical, and fire protection systems.

Architectural works were also performed, considerably reimaging the airport with a sleeker look and better services. The improvements include:

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With Allphones Shopping Money, customers get to customize and bundle their devices with their choice of gadgets that lets them enjoy their digital lifestyle

This year’s Masskara Festival is set to become another wonderful experience once again as the country’s number 1 mobile brand Globe Telecom and multi-brand mobile retail chain Allphones partner to give customers the best smartphone and postpaid plan deals to share their Masskara experiences.

For the best range of gadget and devices, Allphones has become the go-to store for value-for-money seekers. Alongside its partnership withGlobe, Allphones maximizes the combination of retail and telco services by offering flexiblepostpaid plan deals.

With its commitment to offer the best value postpaid plan, Allphones recently introduced the Allphones Shopping Money and is bringing the exclusive offer to the Masskara Festival. Allphones Shopping Money offers new postpaid customers P8,500 worth of shopping money for Plan 999 and P4,000 shopping money for Plan 599.

Usingthe shopping money, customers can easily mix and match mobile devices with an assortment of digital connectors like speakers, headphones, or powerbanks, giving them the flexibility to customize gadget and accessory bundles versus pre-set offers. One can even spend the whole shopping money to get more than one smartphone. Plan 599 with 1.5 GB of data lets one stay connected with 2,000 Facebook posts and 300 tweets. Plan 999 with 3 GB on the other hand allows more time online with 25 hours of music streaming and up to 1,000 instagram posts. Both come with unlimited calls and texts to Globe and TM, free access to Facebook and Viber and rich content such as Spotify, HOOQ or NBA.

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Proactiv, the skin care product choice among Hollywood’s elite, has been endorsed by many celebrities especially in Hollywood but there has never been a Filipino who directly endorses it as a brand ambassador from the Philippines.

Now, that has changed because Proactiv finally found the perfect Filipina who embodies the brand. Young, charming and most importantly, a loyal user of Proactiv, actress and comedienne Alex Gonzaga is the first Proactiv Filipino endorser.

“The Proactiv 3-Step System has been an important part of my daily skin care routine for years! It is effective and easy to use. I am so thrilled to be the first Filipina face of Proactiv and tell everyone all about my experience using it,” the 27-year old TV host shares. “Its mild formulation gently exfoliates my skin, removes excess oil and delivers powerful acne-fighting medicine.”

We were there to witness the official launch of Alex Gonzaga as celebrity endorser held at the Buddha Bar Manila in Makati just a few weeks ago. The ever charming and spunky Alex was so proud to be among the many endorsers of the brand.

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Women of all ages, sizes, and gender identities… Come out, come all!

Spectrum MNL is back with another serving of what promises to be an awesome themed party that provides a safe space for women – lesbians, bisexuals, queers, pansexuals, asexuals, transgenders, and more – to celebrate their lives and their loves at Queerspotting: Pride Carnivale on October 24 at the Circulo Verde Guest House in Calle Industria.

Following its previous themed events which provided a venue for women to express themselves freely and encouraged them to break free from stereotypes without the threat of prejudice, Queerspotting: Pride Carnivale offers a unique experience that aims to celebrate diversity and empower women of all ages and gender identities through a festive themed party that promises to bring you the whole carnival experience complete with tricks and treats.

Get your costumes ready and come in your fanciest or scariest attire. Best dressed cirqueers (Queer of the Night and Best in Costume) are getting special trophies, free tattoos from Kulture of Ink, P5,000 worth of services from SandreaLee Salon(for Queer of the Night), gift certificates from SOGO Hotel, and a lot more products from our partners and sponsors.

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The wait is over.

Drop everything.
Be ready.
Glow under the rays of the UV light.
Together, let's travel the unseen
And reveal the unraveled.

As UST ChES presents:

UNSEEN: Revealing the Unraveled, The UST ChES Grand Acquaintance Night!

Happening this OCTOBER 29, THURSDAY, at the Elements at Centris, Eton Centris, EDSA Corner Quezon Avenue from 5PM-11PM

Ticket Prices:
For ChES Members:
PHP 400 for single purchase
PHP 380 per head for BUNDLES of FIVE

For Non-ChES Members:
PHP 450 for single purchase

U-Hop Offers Mass Transport Ride Sharing Solution to Ease Traffic Problems

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They say the best way to prove that we are visiting a first world country is when you see their rich and affluent citizens riding the public mass transports. Only when we have made our mass transport solutions attractive for even the class As, it is the only time we can claim we have eased our traffic or transport problem, and got rid of infuriated passengers going mad and miserable by the seemingly unending traffic congestions all throughout the day and night of our every waking life.

At a media presentation organized on October 21 at Anabel's Restaurant in Tomas Morato, a new transport network company (TNC) aims to provide a better solution to challenge the already in-placed jurassic transport systems of other companies. We don't exactly know what she is after, but it was long gone now.

Internationally famous Urban Planner Felino "Jun" Palafox was invited to be their speaker at the launch. Above photo shows Jun receiving a trophy for his talk. Jun fully supports the goals of U-Hop and believes that this is one of the best ways to really ease our traffic and transport problems. He discussed his thoughts, ideas and many projects related to urban planning. Check out our video of him soon which I'm going to embed in this blog article as soon as I've uploaded them on YouTube.

It looks like Uber and Grab Car might be saying goodbye to the Philippines real soon because U-Hop is now here to start their operations next week starting with B2B arrangements, then as soon as another board of director from that transport agency of the government signs, they'll be offering to anybody who wants more convenient, comfortable, practical and affordable means of transportation that would directly pick you up from home, school, work, etc and vice versa.

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In support of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Globe Telecom transmitted text messages warning customers of potential danger coming from Typhoon Lando. Only customers in areas affected by the typhoon were given the message.

The move is also in compliance with the Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Act or Republic Act 10639, which requires all telecommunication service providers to send free mobile alerts before disasters such as typhoon happen.

“As mandated by law, Globe is privileged to be a conduit of useful information beneficial in ensuring the safety and security of people. We hope that through dissemination of timely and relevant alerts, Globe is able to assist and contribute to the government’s objective of minimizing casualties,” Globe Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications Yoly Crisanto said.

The mobile alerts include critical information that affected communities can use to prepare for and respond to disasters. The disaster alerts sent by Globe through SMS messaging were directed to customers in Aurora, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Viscaya, Ifugao, Northern Quezon, Polilio Island.

Crisanto said that Globe is also closely coordinating with NDRRMC for the immediate restoration of telecommunication services in areas affected by Typhoon Lando. Outages were caused mainly by power outages while strong winds brought by the typhoon also caused transmission issues. Outages were monitored in the provinces of Aurora, Benguet, Ifugao, Isabela, Kalinga, La Union, Mountain Province, Nueva Ecija, Quirino, Tarlac and Zambales.