WD makes Cloud Storage more personal (and private)

Tweet

New My Cloud OS 3 Puts Control of Content into the Hands of Consumers with Greater Photo Sharing, Backup and Synchronization

MANILA, Philippines – Western Digital company, and a worldwide leader in storage solutions, today introduced significant enhancements to WD’s family of My Cloud personal storage devices, including a new, redesigned My Cloud OS 3 operating system, Software Developer Kit (SDK) enabling enhanced app integration and a dual-drive My Cloud Mirror personal cloud storage offering increased memory and faster processing performance than previous generations.

WD’s My Cloud OS 3 features an intuitive user interface delivering a rich content-sharing experience, and back-up and sync capabilities that elevate the personal cloud NAS offering while retaining the privacy and control unique to personal cloud devices physically located in the home or office.

“We know our personal cloud customers place the highest value on their personal content and enjoy the peace of mind from backing up PCs, smart phones and tablets to and centralizing content on their My Cloud systems,” said Jim Welsh, executive vice president and general manager of Content Solutions business at WD. “They tell us they are confident in the privacy, control and anywhere access we provide them with the My Cloud OS. Now, with My Cloud OS 3, we’ve made users’ management of their digital lives easier than ever before.”

My Cloud OS 3 features new photo and video capabilities. MyCloud.com provides users global access to their My Cloud via an intuitive web browser-based user interface and enables file collaboration, comprehensive access management and a photos and videos gallery view.

My Cloud OS 3’s new WD Sync™ feature syncs data across multiple PCs and notebooks, ensuring that important files are up to date and available to users from almost any device. The new OS also allows users to set up automatic camera-roll backup of photos from smartphones and tablets and offers a new transfer tool that enables users to easily and quickly move their files to My Cloud devices. The OS also includes Chromebook and Chromecast support.

As part of the My Cloud OS 3 launch, WD has introduced My Cloud Device SDK and My Cloud API enabling developers to build new extensions, features and capabilities within the My Cloud ecosystem of personal cloud storage devices. The My Cloud Device SDK, based on the Docker™ open platform technology, ensures developers can easily access and collaborate to create customized experiences. Partners already developing extensions and new features based on the new SDK include Plex and Milestone.

In addition to new software upgrades, WD has also introduced a new version of My Cloud Mirror personal cloud storage devices, featuring two hard drives set to Mirror Mode (RAID 1), ensuring content is stored on one drive and automatically duplicated to a second drive. My Cloud Mirror personal cloud storage includes the new features announced for My Cloud OS 3 and an improved processor and 512 MB RAM for faster file transfers and application support.

Pricing and Availability

WD My Cloud OS 3 will be available at the end of the month as a free download on current My Cloud personal cloud storage devices. My Cloud devices supporting the new OS 3 include: My Cloud, My Cloud Mirror, My Cloud Expert Series EX2/EX4, My Cloud Expert Series EX2100/EX4100 and My Cloud Business Series DL2100/DL4100. Customers can also download the new WD My Cloud mobile apps, which are now available on the iTunes and Google Play stores. All WD My Cloud devices are available today at select retailers and distributors. Access to My Cloud Device SDK and My Cloud API will be available to interested developers late October.

My Cloud Mirror will have a Manufactured Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of 4 TB Php 15,990, 6 TB Php 20,990, 8 TB Php 25,990 and will be available at select retailers and distributors later in October.

EPSON: Ready for BIR ban on thermal paper with dominant DOT Matrix technology

Tweet

Last September 21, The Department of Finance (DOF) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) instructed all business establishments and individual taxpayers not to use thermal paper in issuing receipts.

The regulation stated that all taxpayers (individuals or businesses) are required to preserve their books of accounts, including subsidiary books and other accounting records, for a period of ten (10) years – an impossibility with receipts printed on thermal paper. As such, new business registrants must use non-thermal paper while existing registered taxpayers (who are currently using thermal receipts), have a three-year transition period to conform to the regulation.

Epson Philippines, the six-year No.1 brand in Point-of-Sale (POS) systems, is ready to help customers using thermal POS printers with regard to this new government regulation by offering its other reliable Epson printer technology that can be used for POS systems: dot matrix technology. In the dot matrix printer category, Epson has been the brand of choice in the Philippines for the past 17 years, holding an outstanding 96% market share. The print outs from the dot matrix printers do not fade, and are therefore perfect for financial record-keeping purposes. 

Thea Austria, Product Manager of Epson Philippines’ POS systems, said, “We are equipped to provide even more trusted solutions to our customers by aiding them to comply with the new government regulation banning the use of thermal paper for receipts. There’s a reason why Epson’s dot matrix printers dominate the category – new users would be delighted in the uncompromising reliability and efficacy of our printers.”

Epson offers a wide range of advanced technology solutions found in millions of POS systems around the world. This includes Epson’s flagship model and industry-standard TM-U220 series, the robust, best-selling impact receipt printer, which is exceptionally easy to use. It features unparalleled reliability which Epson is known for, fast print speeds and two-color printing.

On the other hand, Epson’s TM-U950 multifunction POS printer is a high performance 2.5 station printer that is a perfect choice for large POS systems used by mass merchandisers and other large retailers. Aside from receipts, it also handles a variety of printing formats including journals and slips. Other models include: TM-U295, TM-U590, and TM-U675.

“Epson’s easy-to-use dot matrix POS printers offer superior printing speeds, impressive consistency, and cost efficiency that satisfies the most demanding customer. No matter the scale or the requirement, Epson’s pre-sales support for end-user tests, porting, and integration with various POS applications, coupled with our nationwide after-sales support ensure that we are the best choice as a printing partner of enterprises,” added Austria.

Epson has extensive driver support for various platforms -- ESC/POS, OPOS, Windows, JavaPOS, and Linux. 

For more information about Epson’s dot matrix POS printers, visit: www.epson.com.ph/pos

Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) bags Best Marketing and Relationship Effort 2015 award

Tweet

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the marketing arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), bagged the Best Marketing and Relationship Effort during the 26th Annual TTG Travel Awards 2015. This prestigious award is given to the organization that demonstrates outstanding, exemplary and inspirational marketing and relationship-building efforts in the travel trade industryin the Asia-Pacific region.

Organized by the Travel Trade Gazette (TTG) Asia, the TTG Travel Awards is the most prestigious annual travel industry awards in Asia-Pacific. It recognizes the best organisations and individuals for their achievements and contributions in four categories: Travel Supplier, Travel Agency, Outstanding Achievement, and Travel Hall of Fame. This year, all winners were honored at the Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner in Bangkok, Thailand last October 1, 2015.

“It is a great honor to receive the Best Marketing and Relationship Effort Award from TTG Travel Awards. This recognition will definitely inspire us to work harder in promoting the country’s international profile for years to come. We would not be able to achieve this without the support of various stakeholders in the travel trade industry. This award is also for everyone who makes the Philippines one of the best tourist spots and vacation destinations in the world,” says TPB COO Domingo Ramon Enerio III.

TPB spearheads Visit the Philippines Year (VPY) 2015, a year-long campaign that highlights exciting and major events in the country that attract international tourists from all over the world, from music, arts and entertainment shows; lifestyle, sports, adventure and ecotourism activities; and business, historical and cultural showcases.

Since the launch of VPY 2015, the country has registered a total of 3.11 million international visitors from January to July 2015 alone. The country has also earned 130.2billion pesos in tourism earnings for the same period.

While continuing to forefront and support international events that attract foreign visitors this year, TPB is also gearing up for more fun and exciting tourism campaigns next year with the recent launching of its newest campaign, “Visit the Philippines Again 2016.” 

Offering more fun that keeps foreign travellers coming back for more, VPA 2016 will treat returning tourists to new rip-roaring and top-notch attractions, spectacular travel destinations and world-class events that will make their stay in the country worthwhile and productive. The line-up includes the Asean Tourism Forum 2016, Routes Asia 2016, Madrid Fusión Manila 2016, Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship 2016, and the MTV Music Evolution 2016. Returning visitors will also be given exclusive travel deals and special incentives discounts on flights, hotel accommodations and tour packages after simply presenting proof of previous visits.

“We are committed to promoting and upholding the boom in the inbound tourism industry by constantly making effective campaigns. Our upcoming promotions will not only make foreigners choose to visit the Philippines over other destinations in the world but will also make them want to come back to the country over and over again,” says Enerio. 

UNIQLO special collections - DISNEY Magic for All, Ines De La Fressange, and LEMAIRE at selected large stores

Tweet

Shop UNIQLO for the latest collection for women, men, kids and babies. Clothing with innovation and real value, engineered to enhance your life every day.

UNIQLO offers its special collection only in its large stores in Metro Manila – SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, SM Aura and SM Mall of Asia. These branches have the widest and most complete selection of apparels for women, men, kids and babies. 

The stores carry limited-edition pieces from international brands and designer collaborations such as DISNEY Magic for All, Ines De La Fressange, and UNIQLO’s most recent partnership with French fashion designer Christophe Lemaire.

UNIQLO and LEMAIRE 

The UNIQLO and LEMAIRE collection represents products that embody the LifeWear concept – simple made better – that is shared by both brands. Every item combines elegance with moderate relaxation and comfort, for modern and advanced wardrobe mainstays.

The much-anticipated collaboration showcases UNIQLO’s high quality materials at a perfect price. Sophisticated yet accessible, it offers a timeless color palette of greens, navies, whites, and reds. The men’s and women’s collections will be available in SM Megamall and SM Aura, two out of UNIQLO’s four large stores starting October 2 until the end of Fall Winter 2015. 

UNIQLO and Ines De La Fressange Paris

In 2013, former fashion model and muse of designer Karl Lagerfeld, Ines De La Fressange re-launched her own brand, INES DE LA FRESSANGE PARIS, a luxury lifestyle brand that includes a wide range of products to create a truly Parisian style, from ready-to-wear apparel to interior decorations.

Forward to 2015, Ines combined her interest in UNIQLO’s LifeWear with her unique sense of style, based on refined feminine beauty and authentic quality. The UNIQLO and INES DE LA FRESSANGE 2015 Collection Fall and Winter Collaboration employs wool and other natural fabrics in a variety of styles and colors. Ines’ jackets for this season retain traditional tailoring, while offering the modern comforts that women want. 

Disney MAGIC FOR ALL Collection 

The MAGIC FOR ALL 2015 Fall Winter collection offers a wide range of products from Ultra-Light Down, fleece, flannel shirts, and UTs, to plush toys, umbrellas, room slippers and more. The collection features Walt Disney’s beloved characters such as Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, as well as popular characters from Star Wars, Disney Pixar, Toy Story, Marvel’s Avengers and Frozen. 

Technology Talk: Kakao Talk Launches Open Chat, a New Chat Feature that Allows Users to Begin Chatting with the Click of a Link

Tweet

KakaoTalk users share diverse content and information including photos, videos, voice messages, location, URL links as well as contact information.

Kakao Philippines Corp. has announced the launch of Open Chat, a Kakao Talk feature that allows users to chat with others at the click of a link. All chat rooms in Open Chat have designated URLs, which users can share on social media and other websites.

Any Kakao Talk user can enter the chat room without providing their mobile phone numbers or Kakao Talk IDs.

Group chats are then easier to start because users who have the link can join the conversation; no need to add people one by one.

Human relationships offline are not equal. There are mutual friends whom users are comfortable sharing their mobile numbers or profiles with, and then there are complete strangers. Kakao provides a middle level of interaction with this new feature. Open Chat connects users through links; as opposed to regular chats, which require the exchange of phone numbers. Open Chat allows users to have more control over their friends list and gives them a secure alternative: to chat with whomever they need without having to divulge personal information.

Kakao Talk users have continuously requested for “easier and more convenient ways to chat with new friends” and “ways to limit or control who [they] reveal [their] profiles to.” Open Chat was introduced to address these issues.

The new feature is intended for those who are seeking fast and convenient ways of communication. People with the same interests can also converse with each other on Open Chat through links posted on social media and other websites. Students, in particular, can use it for group work in classes, extracurricular activities, study sessions, and more. They can also share an Open Chat link at online marketplaces instead of exposing personal information, such as phone numbers and IDs, when selling or purchasing second-hand items.

Open Chat can also serve as an interactive comment section for news providers, bloggers, and readers to discuss an article or blog entry without giving out personal details.

News providers and bloggers only need to add an Open Chat link at the end of the post.

Open Chats can be created by pressing on the floating ‘+’ button on the Chats tab and selecting ‘Open Chat.’ The host can then input his or her chat identity and set up a chat room. The host can choose a type of chat (1:1 chat or group chat), select a background photo, and simply press ‘OK.’ The Open Chat link will then be live and ready to go.

Open Chat can accommodate up to 500 users in a single chat room. The chat room’s host can designate the maximum number of users that can participate in any given Open Chat. 

"Open Chat makes it easy to begin conversations with people who are not on each other’s KakaoTalk friends lists. It also alleviates users’ concerns about exposing their personal details on messenger services,” explained Paolo Pineda, CEO of Kakao Philippines Corp.

"The real value of this feature is that it provides our users with privacy and control over their friends list, while connecting with other people."

Kakao Talk’s Open Chat feature will be available to Filipino users starting October 11th, on both iOS and Android. Users can also enjoy Kakao Talk’s other features like Secret Group Chat and Star Chat.

For more information, please visit facebook.com/kakaotalkph.

Kakao Corp.

Kakao Corp is a global mobile lifestyle platform company with services spanning messaging, mail, search, news, advertising, gaming, e-commerce, music, maps and more. Based in South Korea, Kakao reaches consumers, businesses and others via its portfolio of popular assets: KakaoTalk, KakaoGame, Daum Mail and Daum Cafe, among others. In line with the vision to “Connect Everything” Kakao plans to center its focus on creating an environment of real-time interconnectivity, thereby enriching lives and delivering value to consumers, businesses, partners and shareholders alike. Kakao is committed to building new experiences by harnessing its successful 20-year legacy of innovation as an Internet and mobile services leader. More information is available at www.kakao.com

Kakao Philippines Corp. is a new company in the Philippines owned by Kakao Corp. and ABS-CBN. The company's main objective is the proliferation of its messaging service and launching new mobile services in the Philippines and SEA.