GCash rolls out In-App OTPs to strengthen protection against digital fraud
Gadgets Magazine

GCash is set to fully roll out its In-App One-Time Passwords (OTPs) feature by June 22, 2026, replacing traditional SMS-based authentication as part of its efforts to strengthen account security and reduce the risk of digital fraud.

The move aligns with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas directive under the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA), which requires financial institutions and digital payment platforms to phase out SMS OTPs and adopt more secure authentication methods by June 2026.

Under the new system, users will receive OTPs through secure push notifications delivered directly within the GCash app. The company says the upgrade is designed to provide a safer and more seamless verification experience while reducing opportunities for scammers to intercept authentication codes.

A Shift Away from SMS-Based Authentication

For years, SMS OTPs have served as a standard security layer for online transactions. However, they have also become a common target for phishing attacks, social engineering schemes, SIM swap fraud, and other forms of cybercrime.

In-App OTPs help address these vulnerabilities by delivering authentication requests directly to a user’s verified and authenticated app session. This reduces the likelihood that codes are intercepted or accessed by unauthorized parties.

The new system also streamlines the verification process by eliminating the need to switch between applications, manually enter codes, or wait for text messages to arrive.

“Our upgrade to In-App OTPs is a strategic move to put an end to phishable SMS OTPs. We will shift users to instant, GCash app-verified authentication to increase the security of their daily transactions,” said Miguel Geronilla, chief information security officer of GCash.

Strengthening Multi-Factor Authentication

The rollout of In-App OTPs forms part of GCash’s broader cybersecurity strategy built around Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), an industry-standard approach that adds multiple layers of verification when accessing digital accounts and financial services.

According to the company, MFA significantly reduces the risk of account takeover attempts, even if a user’s password or MPIN has been compromised.

The latest enhancement builds on several existing security measures implemented within the platform, including Know Your Customer (KYC) verification and Facial Recognition verification through GCash’s Double Safe feature.

By combining multiple authentication layers, GCash aims to improve account protection without creating additional friction in the user experience.

Supporting Safer Digital Finance

As digital financial services continue to expand in the Philippines, financial institutions face increasing pressure to strengthen defenses against evolving scams and cyber threats.

GCash says the introduction of In-App OTPs reflects its ongoing commitment to improving platform security and supporting safer digital transactions for millions of users nationwide.

The company believes the transition will not only help reduce fraud risks but also encourage wider adoption of secure digital financial services as more Filipinos embrace cashless transactions.

The In-App OTP feature will be fully rolled out to GCash users by June 22, 2026.

For more information, visit www.gcash.com.

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GCash rolls out In-App OTPs to strengthen protection against digital fraud
Gadgets Magazine

HUAWEI nova 15 Max: 8,500mAh battery + big-screen experience
Gadgets Magazine

HUAWEI is expanding its smartphone lineup with the launch of the HUAWEI nova 15 Max, a device that focuses on long battery life, immersive entertainment, durability, and everyday convenience.

Priced at PHP19,888 during its launch period, the nova 15 Max introduces what HUAWEI describes as the largest battery ever fitted in one of its smartphones, paired with a large OLED display, stereo speakers, and AI-powered productivity features.

Max Performance for a Busy Day

The headline feature of the HUAWEI nova 15 Max is its 8,500mAh battery, the largest battery capacity currently offered in a HUAWEI smartphone. Paired with 40W HUAWEI SuperCharge Turbo technology and Advanced Energy Booster Technology, the device is designed to support extended usage throughout the day.

According to HUAWEI, the battery can provide up to 48 hours of continuous calling, up to 25 hours of navigation, and up to 23 hours of video playback on a single charge. The phone also supports reverse charging, allowing it to serve as a power source for other compatible devices when needed.

The device features a 6.84-inch Vivid OLED display with a 120Hz intelligent refresh rate and peak brightness of up to 4,000nits. Combined with slim bezels, the screen is designed to deliver a more immersive viewing experience for video streaming, gaming, and productivity tasks.

Audio is handled by symmetrical dual speakers capable of producing up to 85dB of sound output. The speaker system is designed to deliver clearer audio in noisy environments, making it easier to hear calls, navigation prompts, and media playback.

Designed for Everyday Durability

Despite its large battery, the HUAWEI nova 15 Max maintains a slim 7.98mm profile and weighs 232g. The smartphone is available in Lake Cyan, Blush Gold, and Golden Black color options and continues the nova series’ recognizable Star Ring camera design.

Durability is another key focus. The device carries SGS 5-Star Drop Resistance Premium certification and is rated to withstand up to 100kg of pressure. It also comes with an IP65 rating for protection against water splashes and dust ingress.

It is designed to operate in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 60°C while maintaining accurate touch responsiveness even when the display is wet.

Camera and AI Features

The HUAWEI nova 15 Max is equipped with a 50MP RYYB Ultra-Clear Camera featuring an F1.9 aperture. The RYYB sensor design increases light intake, helping improve image quality in low-light environments such as night scenes and indoor venues.

For selfies and video calls, the smartphone includes an 8MP front-facing camera with an F2.0 aperture.

The device also introduces AI Smart Control, allowing users to launch frequently used applications such as GCash, Grab, and Angkas through customizable button shortcuts. The feature can also provide quick access to AI assistants including Google Gemini, DeepSeek, ChatGPT, and Dola.

Pricing and Availability

The HUAWEI nova 15 Max launches on June 12, 2026, and will be available on Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, the HUAWEI Online Store, and HUAWEI Experience Stores nationwide.

Early buyers can purchase the device at a special launch price of PHP19,888, down from PHP20,888. It comes with a two-year battery replacement service and two stainless thermos tumblers as launch freebies.

HUAWEI nova 15 Max: 8,500mAh battery + big-screen experience
Gadgets Magazine

Infinix GT 50 Pro makes early debut at MPL PH Arena
Gadgets Magazine

Ahead of its Philippine launch on June 10, 2026, Infinix gave esports fans an early look at the upcoming GT 50 Pro during a special showcase at the MPL PH Arena. As the official gaming phone of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Philippines, the device was presented to one of the country’s most engaged competitive gaming communities.

The GT 50 Pro is positioned as a performance-focused gaming smartphone, with Infinix placing particular emphasis on thermal management, high frame rate gaming, and tournament-ready reliability.

Built to Stay Cool Under Pressure

At the center of the GT 50 Pro’s gaming credentials is Infinix’s HydroFlow Liquid Cooling Architecture. The system combines a large 3D Vapor Chamber with the GT MagCharge Cooler 2.0 accessory to help manage temperatures during extended gaming sessions.

According to Infinix, overheating remains one of the most common concerns among mobile gamers. The company says the cooling system is designed to maintain stable temperatures, helping reduce performance throttling, frame drops, and gameplay interruptions during demanding matches.

The smartphone also features a 144FPS Gaming Ecosystem and MLBB Certified High Frame Rate support, delivering smoother visuals and more responsive gameplay for competitive titles.

Validated for Competitive Play

Infinix revealed that the GT 50 Pro underwent a three-phase testing process in collaboration with MOONTON Games. The certification process included stress testing, tournament simulations, on-site evaluations, and hands-on testing by professional players.

The company says these evaluations helped ensure the device could meet the performance and reliability requirements expected in professional esports environments.

“Our partnership with Infinix is rooted in a shared commitment to elevating the competitive gaming experience and equipping players with technology built for professional play,” said Lee Viloria, head of business development and partnerships for PH esports at MOONTON Games.

Expanding the GT Ecosystem

Alongside the smartphone, Infinix also introduced the GT Watch 5 Pro, an esports-focused smartwatch designed to complement the GT 50 Pro.

The wearable includes a dedicated esports mode that displays heart rate and gaming-related data. Infinix also highlighted the watch’s integration with MPL Philippines broadcasts, allowing live BPM data from players to be displayed during matches.

The launch reflects the company’s broader strategy of expanding the GT Series beyond smartphones and into a wider gaming ecosystem.

Community and Esports Initiatives

During the MPL event, attendees were given hands-on access to both the GT 50 Pro and GT Watch 5 Pro through interactive booth activities and product demonstrations.

Infinix also continued its support for local esports initiatives through activities such as FANSIKLABAN and the Alamat Awards, which recognize standout teams, players, media contributors, and memorable moments within the MPL community.

According to the company, these initiatives are part of its broader effort to support Filipino gaming culture while helping aspiring players connect more closely with the professional esports scene.

Pricing and Availability

The nationwide pre-order period for the Infinix GT 50 Pro runs until June 10, 2026, with device claiming scheduled from June 11 to 15.

Customers who pre-order can receive freebies and discounts valued at up to PHP11,999, including a Gaming Kit, one-year Liquid Cooling Warranty, one-year Viu Premium subscription, PHP1,000 discount, and an additional PHP1,000 discount through Home Credit.

To learn more, visit Infinix’s official Facebook page, TikTok Shop, and website.

Infinix GT 50 Pro makes early debut at MPL PH Arena
Gadgets Magazine

Ready for the rain: Here’s why you need a Jackery portable power station
Gadgets Magazine

Modern living spaces are becoming increasingly compact, making strategic layouts and clever storage solutions essential for comfort. But when storage is already a challenge, how do you make room for backup power, especially when the rainy season rolls in? 

Traditional fuel-powered generators are a definite no-no for condo dwellers. So, this calls for a safer alternative: a sleek and portable power backup that fits effortlessly into their space and lifestyle. Enter Jackery, which offers portable power stations that are space-conscious and dependable, providing exactly what Filipinos need for any weather.

No Outlet? No Problem

Urban living, particularly in condos, requires a specific skill: arranging furniture and appliances within limited space and outlets. We all know the frustration: that aesthetic reading nook would look perfect by the window to watch the rain, but the nearest outlet is meters away. And while extension cords are a functional fix, they are often a messy eyesore.

This is where portable power stations shine. Jackery offers models built for convenient power with no wall socket required. The Explorer 100 Plus weighs under a kilogram, making it easy to carry whether you’re lounging in a common area or need bedside power for your essentials. 

Meanwhile, the Explorer 300 Plus and Explorer 1000 v2 feature standard 3-prong outlets, ensuring your appliances run exactly where you want them. When heavy rains bring unexpected localized brownouts, you can easily keep your fan, lamp, laptop, and even an oven toaster going. Best of all, they are easy to tuck away in a closet when not in use, a genuine advantage in smaller homes.

Harnessing the Sun (even on cloudy days)

A common misconception about solar power is that you need blazing, intense heat for it to work. But as a tropical country experiencing shifting weather patterns, we also often face gloomy skies. Herein lies Jackery’s true urban advantage: you don’t need a sun-baked roof to harvest energy.

Jackery’s SolarSaga series utilizes highly sensitive monocrystalline solar cells. This technology allows the panels to capture diffuse light, so even when the sun is hidden behind rainy-day clouds or when you place the panels indoors, right by your glass windows or balcony doors, they can still absorb ambient solar energy.

Set up the SolarSaga panels near an open window during the day to quietly draw power from the sky rather than the grid, then use the harvested energy to run your lamps, charge your gadgets, or top up your power station. It’s an eco-friendly way to watch your monthly electricity meter slow down, even during the gloomiest months of the year.

No fuss, just power

Condo and apartment living comes with a strict set of “dos and don’ts,” and one consistent rule across high-rises is the absolute ban of fuel-based appliances running on LPG or gasoline. 

When the skies darken and the power dips, you shouldn’t have to worry about how to brew your comforting morning coffee or cook a hot meal. With Jackery, building rules don’t have to cramp your rainy-day routines. Built with long-lasting, ultra-safe LiFePO4 cells, Jackery power stations operate silently and safely indoors. You can run your electric kettle, induction cooktop, and coffee maker freely with no fuel, no fumes, and most importantly, no friction with the property admin.

Urban living invites us to be creative with every inch of our space. By switching to energy-efficient habits and investing in a safe-for-indoors, solar-ready portable power station like Jackery, you can ensure your comfort remains uninterrupted, rain or shine.

Shop the full Jackery lineup on Shopee and Lazada, or through Techroom’s Shopee and Lazada stores. 

Experience Life Uninterrupted with Jackery. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for more updates.

Ready for the rain: Here’s why you need a Jackery portable power station
Gadgets Magazine

Cisco launches Cloud Control to power the agentic enterprise
Gadgets Magazine

Cisco has unveiled Cisco Cloud Control, a unified platform designed to help organizations manage, monitor, and defend critical IT infrastructure in an increasingly AI-driven world.

Announced at Cisco Live US 2026 in Las Vegas, the platform serves as the foundation of Cisco’s AgenticOps vision, bringing human operators and AI agents together within a single operational environment. The company says the platform is designed to help organizations operate and secure critical infrastructure at machine speed while keeping humans in control of governance and decision-making.

With a single login, Cisco Cloud Control provides visibility across networking, security, compute, observability, and collaboration environments. It also integrates with a broad ecosystem of third-party platforms including AWS, Microsoft, Google Cloud, ServiceNow, Slack, PagerDuty, Linear, and Wiz.

Building the Agentic Enterprise

At the core of Cisco Cloud Control is a unified management plane that brings together a customer’s technology estate into a single environment.

The platform combines cross-domain telemetry from networking, security, observability, collaboration, and other systems, allowing both human operators and AI agents to work from the same operational context. Cisco says this shared data layer enables organizations to address key priorities such as uptime, AI agent behavior, security posture, and operational efficiency.

Cisco Cloud Control also incorporates purpose-built AI models, including Cisco’s Deep Network Model, which is trained on more than four decades of operational networking data.

Another key component is the use of trusted AI agents capable of following a structured workflow from detection to resolution.

Building Apps and Agents with Natural Language

Cisco is also introducing Cloud Control Studio, a development environment that allows organizations to create their own applications, workflows, and AI agents using natural-language prompts.

The platform includes Agent Builder and App Builder, enabling customers to build custom agents and applications while connecting to more than 50 third-party platforms and tools.

Security at Machine Speed

Alongside Cloud Control, Cisco announced several security innovations aimed at addressing the shrinking window between vulnerability discovery and exploitation.

The company is expanding Live Protect, a runtime protection capability that acts as a digital immune system for supported Cisco products. The technology allows organizations to shield systems from newly discovered vulnerabilities without requiring reboots, upgrades, or maintenance windows.

Cisco also highlighted Hybrid Mesh Firewall, which extends security policy enforcement across networks, applications, and both Cisco and third-party firewalls.

Protecting the Future of AI Operations

As AI agents become part of the enterprise workforce, Cisco says organizations must also address the risks associated with autonomous systems. The company is continuing to expand its AI Defense portfolio, Zero Trust capabilities for agents, and Agentic Security Operations Center initiatives.

Preparing for the Quantum Era

Cisco outlined several initiatives aimed at helping organizations prepare for quantum computing. These include quantum-safe communications capabilities across much of its core portfolio by the end of 2026, Quantum Ready Assessments, and a new Quantum Resilience Framework designed to help enterprises prepare for post-quantum cryptography.

Cisco IQ and Long-Term Resilience

Cisco also announced new capabilities for Cisco IQ, its AI-powered services platform. Fully integrated into Cisco Cloud Control, Cisco IQ provides AI-driven insights, resilience playbooks, infrastructure modernization guidance, and peer benchmarking tools.

The company also introduced Resilient Infrastructure Services, a framework designed to help organizations understand and mitigate risks associated with frontier AI models and evolving cyber threats.

“AI agents reason and act continuously at software speed, and that changes everything about how we scale, manage, and defend our critical infrastructure,” said Jeetu Patel, president and chief product officer of Cisco.

Cisco launches Cloud Control to power the agentic enterprise
Gadgets Magazine

MARKETOUR: Redefining destinations through immersive experiences
Gadgets Magazine

PUP P1ONEERS Production presents MARKETOUR: Redefining Destinations Through Immersive Experiences—an academic and advocacy-driven event that encourages future marketers and tourism leaders to help shape a more responsible, creative, and community-centered approach to destination promotion. More than a university program, MARKETOUR is a movement that shows how storytelling, cultural understanding, and purposeful marketing can influence the way people see places and communities.

Through destination marketing discussions and immersive learning experiences and advocacy-based competitions, MARKETOUR highlights the necessity of promoting tourism with integrity and intention. The assembly, which is scheduled at PUP Bulwagang Balagtas on June 11, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, will convene students and educators and industry professionals and partner organizations, providing a forum where dialogues about travel and branding and community development unfold with depth. Guided by the theme “Marketing with Purpose, Traveling for the Future” the program reflects tourism’s role not only in economic growth but also in cultural preservation and inclusive development.

The concept of destination stands as more than a geographic marker; it embodies stories which shape identities and lived experiences which merit sharing with care and authenticity. Through academic sessions that examine theory and creative competitions which inspire innovation and collaborative activities which foster engagement, the event invites participants to think beyond conventional promotion and to consider how destination marketing can honor local heritage and support responsible tourism and strengthen communities.

The event also opens doors for networking, internships, and partnerships that can help students grow in the tourism and marketing industries. Aligned with quality education, decent work and economic growth, sustainable communities, responsible consumption, and partnerships for shared progress, MARKETOUR goes beyond discussion and becomes a call to action.

At its core, MARKETOUR aims to prepare a generation of marketers who understand that effective promotion arises from authenticity, responsibility, and purpose. Register and be part of MARKETOUR, where destinations are redefined and stories are brought to life.

Visit P1ONEERS on social media for updates:
Facebook: P1ONEERS
Instagram: @pup_p1oneers
TikTok: @official.p1oneers

MARKETOUR: Redefining destinations through immersive experiences
Gadgets Magazine

Fake AI apps fuel surge in malware attacks, says Kaspersky
Gadgets Magazine

Cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting the popularity of artificial intelligence services to distribute malware, according to new findings from Kaspersky. From January to early May 2026, the cybersecurity company detected more than 92,000 attacks involving malware and potentially unwanted applications disguised as popular AI agents and AI services.

The findings, presented during Kaspersky HORIZONS 2026 in Rome, highlight how threat actors are leveraging trusted AI brands to trick users into downloading malicious software. Fake ChatGPT applications accounted for nearly half of all detected attacks at 49%, while fake Claude and Gemini applications each represented 18%.

Researchers also identified more than 15,000 malware samples masquerading as AI software, including fake versions of emerging tools such as OpenClaw. These samples included banking trojans, spyware, exploits, and malware downloaders capable of deploying additional malicious payloads.

Silver Fox Campaign Targets AI Users

In May 2026, Kaspersky’s Global Research and Analysis Team uncovered a campaign linked to the Silver Fox advanced persistent threat group. Attackers distributed fake Claude AI applications for Windows, macOS, and Linux, targeting users searching for AI tools.

Once launched, the malicious installers silently deployed malware onto victims’ devices, potentially enabling long-term access to compromised systems and sensitive information.

AI Changes the Security Landscape

Kaspersky warns that the growing adoption of AI agents introduces new security considerations for both organizations and consumers. As automated systems become more deeply integrated into business processes, trust must extend beyond endpoints to include how intelligence, permissions, and decisions move across interconnected environments.

“Users should also keep in mind that attackers are actively leveraging popular AI services as a lure to steal victims’ confidential data and funds,” said Dmitry Galov, head of Russia and CIS units at Kaspersky GReAT.

Recommendations for Organizations

To address evolving threats, Kaspersky recommends deploying security platforms that provide real-time protection, threat visibility, investigation capabilities, and advanced response tools. The company also advises organizations to strengthen threat intelligence capabilities and consider managed security services when internal cybersecurity resources are limited.

Staying Safe as an AI User

For consumers, Kaspersky recommends using AI services only from reputable providers with established privacy and security practices. Users should avoid downloading unknown AI applications or interacting with anonymous AI bots that may be designed to harvest personal information.

The company also advises maintaining up-to-date security software capable of blocking phishing sites and preventing malware from being installed.

Fake AI apps fuel surge in malware attacks, says Kaspersky
Gadgets Magazine

Mouse: P.I. For Hire — game review
Gadgets Magazine

Mixing video games and 1930s cartoons isn’t a brand new concept—just ask someone who played the frustratingly difficult Cuphead (and reviewed it for Gadgets back in 2017). The 1930s, while a time of difficulty around the world, produced some of the most iconic films in history (think The Wizard of Oz and Gone With the Wind), so it only makes sense that video games explore this era more thoroughly. Enter Mouse: P.I. For Hire, a first-person shooter with the fun and quirky cartoon elements of the era. Can these totally not Mickey Mouse characters bring the magic to the first-person shooter genre?

You play as Jack Pepper, an anthropomorphic mouse who solves cases by finding clues and figuring out puzzles, as well as a nice dash of killing off bad guys with guns, melee weapons, and gadgets. The game takes place in a 1930s big city (New York) setting of Mouseburg. You even have some references to 1930s cartoons, such as a steamboat named Willie and a spinach power-up that makes your arms grow (Popeye). However, the game may be oversaturated with humor. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but mice and cheese jokes only go so far with audiences. Unless you really dig into the 1930s references, you might get confused by the contemporary slang. Still, Troy Baker, who voices Jack Pepper and has a wealth of video game and other voice-acting roles (Snow Villiers from Final Fantasy XIII, Samuel “Sam” Drake in the Death Stranding series, and Booker DeWitt in BioShock Infinite), does a great job, as does his supporting cast.

Now, onto the gameplay. Remember the numerous references to cheese? You can eat it normally, but melted cheese and powdered cheese are considered alcohol and drugs and part of “cheeselegging” (a clear reference to the practice of Prohibition-era bootlegging). You start with Jack’s hands and a pistol, but you can work your way up to shotguns, dynamites, James Guns (Tommy Guns), and strange weapons like the Devarnisher, which melts enemies and leaves them as a skeleton. This is probably my favorite weapon in the game. You can also do some classic platformer moves such as double jumps, dashing, hovering, and sliding. The graphics also stay true to their 1930s reference material. Enemies also bleed black ichor (or ink?) when killed.

One of the most frustrating things to deal with, however, is the enemies themselves. Unless you’re armed to the teeth, you’ll find yourself locked in a room constantly fighting bad guys, and this ramps up, especially if you’re playing on Supersleuth (hard) mode. While not brutally hard, those unfamiliar with first-person shooters or who can’t exploit cartoon physics may have a bit of a learning curve. You collect clues you can bring back to your office, where you can save after every mission.

You can collect a variety of items, including baseball cards, in a highly destructive environment, and open safes with Jack’s tail. One thing I hate about opening the safes is that some are ridiculously easy, while others are comically hard, with almost no middle ground. The baseball cards can be used to play a minigame, which is one of the better minigames I have seen in a game in years.

While I like Mouse: P.I. For Hire, it has some annoying flaws that could easily be patched up. While I prefer my shooters to have multiplayer (something Fumi Games should strongly consider), I actually found it okay to play through. The whole game is over in about 12 or so hours, but the baseball minigame can tack on a few more, and collecting everything is also a way to squeeze more replay value out of the game. While one of the better “boomer shooters” (a sub-genre of first-person shooter games that pays homage to Doom, Quake, and other classic shooters), it could be even better, and hopefully, Fumi Games brings Jack Pepper out for some more 1930s action.

Developer: Fumi Games
Publisher: PlaySide Studios
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2

Words by Jose Alvarez
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE Volume 26 Issue No. 10

Mouse: P.I. For Hire — game review
Gadgets Magazine

Relic: Logo Programming Language
Gadgets Magazine

The classroom can be a place to learn anything—math, English, science, reading, history, other languages—the list is practically endless. One popular narrative (until recently) was that people should learn to code to make a good living. While it has been successful for many people, the dynamic has rapidly changed as layoffs have reportedly increased due to the ramp-up of artificial intelligence (AI) in recent years. However, it’s never a bad thing to learn. So, how did one learn to code? My research took me to the Logo programming language. Why was Logo so important to learning, and what made it essential for coding to this day?

Wally Feurzeig, Seymour Papert, and Cynthia Solomon created Logo in 1967 at Bolt, Beranek and Newman (BBN) in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is a general-purpose programming language known for its turtle graphics, and its movement and drawing commands produce line or vector graphics. The intellectual roots of Logo were in artificial intelligence (AI), mathematical logic, and developmental psychology, placing it at the intersection of technical and functional use and allowing anyone to pick it up and start learning.

Logo was also used to help children think computationally, using Papert’s educational theory about constructionism, or the idea that people can learn best by creating things themselves, a way of learning by doing (think back to science class when you first heated a cup of water to create steam). While created in 1967, Logo did not take off until the 1970s-1980s. Children used Logo on Apple, IBM, and Commodore computers. The first recorded use of Logo at a year-round school was at Muzzey Jr. High in Lexington, Massachusetts, with fifth-graders using the virtual and physical turtles at the Bridge School in the 1970-71 school year.

How did Logo work? Logo used turtle geometry to mimic the movement of the actual turtle robot. For example, the command LEFT 90 meant to spin left by 90 degrees. Thanks to modern technology, this could quickly scale to form more complex shapes. What made Logo unique, though, was its focus on teaching students how to think, making programming accessible to younger individuals, using graphics for immediate feedback, and encouraging exploration of the unknown rather than the rote memorization common in schools and other coding languages. Most programming languages focused on business, engineering, or scientific computing, while Logo sought to reach other audiences who may have felt overwhelmed by the complexities of engineering or scientific computing.

Due to its encouragement of exploration and prioritization of critical thinking, Logo had no agreed-upon standard, and many implementations (as many as over 300 as of 2020) existed, such as the implementations of Logo for the aforementioned Apple, IBM, and Commodore: Apple Logo for the Apple II Plus and IIe, IBM Logo with Logo Computer Systems, Inc., and Commodore Logo. It also influenced the Smalltalk programming language and even provided the framework for Boxer, a simplified version of the language based on a literacy model designed for nontechnical users.

What is Logo’s legacy? Logo opened up programming to everyone, not just the smartest people, and encouraged thinking and innovation. It was also a programming language of some popular early PCs. While it is still used today, there are only a few active implementations. On top of its use as a programming language, it is also said to have changed education as a whole, with Papert’s constructionism also influencing project-based learning and educational design, but research as well. One implementation of Logo, NetLogo, has been used for many social behavior models, traffic simulations, ecosystem modeling, and economic experiments. While the classroom Logo is long gone, its influence remains, even almost 60 years later. 

Words by Jose Alvarez
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE Volume 26 Issue No. 10

Relic: Logo Programming Language
Gadgets Magazine

Synology PAS7700 enterprise NVMe storage platform now available in PH
Gadgets Magazine

Synology has announced the Philippine availability of the PAS7700, a new active-active all-flash NVMe storage system designed for organizations that require high-performance storage, continuous availability, and enterprise-grade data protection.

As businesses continue to embrace AI, analytics, and increasingly data-intensive applications, storage infrastructure is becoming a critical component of enterprise operations. Synology positions the PAS7700 as a platform built to support these evolving requirements while maintaining operational stability and service continuity.

Built for Enterprise Performance

The PAS7700 features dual active-active controllers and 48 NVMe SSD bays within a 4U chassis. The system can scale to as much as 1.65PB of raw storage capacity and supports both file and block storage workloads. Synology says the platform can deliver up to 2 million IOPS, latency below one millisecond, and sequential throughput of up to 30GB/s.

Designed for Continuous Availability

A key feature of the PAS7700 is its active-active architecture, allowing both controllers to operate simultaneously. The platform incorporates triple-parity RAID, mirrored write-cache protection, IP failover, automated failover mechanisms, and Continuous Availability Manager monitoring tools.

Enterprise Data Protection and Cyber Resilience

The system supports Self-Encrypting Drives, immutable snapshots, WORM folders, Snapshot Replication, and Hyper Backup. These capabilities help organizations strengthen backup and recovery strategies while reducing the risk of data tampering.

Optimizing Storage Efficiency

PAS7700 includes online and offline deduplication technologies and will support Synology Tiering for automated data placement. The platform runs on DSM Enterprise, Synology’s operating system developed for enterprise storage environments.

Synology PAS7700 enterprise NVMe storage platform now available in PH
Gadgets Magazine