Combining health and fitness with financial wellness

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



Head up, runners! This play-to-earn game lets you earn while you move

DISCLAIMER: The statements in this article do not constitute financial advice. PDAX does not guarantee the technical and financial integrity of the digital asset and its ecosystem. Any and all trading involving the digital asset is subject to the user’s risk and discretion and must be done after adequate and in-depth research and analysis.

When it comes to getting fit and achieving overall wellness, running is one of the best and easiest activities you can get into. You only need a pair of running shoes, your legs, and a lot of motivation to get started reaping a plethora of health benefits such as relieving stress, enabling weight loss, strengthening joints, and so much more.

But what if aside from the obvious health rewards, there was an app that can help you monetize your passion for running?

This is exactly what the up-and-coming play-to-earn lifestyle app STEPN offers. It leverages the power of blockchain technology to let players earn while they run or move.



So what is STEPN exactly?

STEPN is a Web3/blockchain-based lifestyle app, which means it incorporates blockchain technology for the decentralized transfer of information and assets. It makes it possible for the game to use non-fungible tokens or NFTs, which are unique tokens that cannot be replicated. For many blockchain-based play-to-earn games such as STEPN, NFTs act as tokens that can later be traded for cryptocurrencies. The game was launched in December 2021.

 
How the app works

To get started, players need to download the STEPN app through the Apple App Store or Google Play to begin playing. After signing up and creating a wallet for the application, users will need to buy an NFT sneaker from the in-app marketplace that fits their activity type: the options are Walk, Run, Jog, or Train. Players can pay for the NFT sneaker using SOL, the native cryptocurrency token of the increasingly popular Solana blockchain. STEPN is also built on the Solana blockchain.

These NFT sneakers are what the STEPN app uses to disburse the player’s earnings. Different sneakers will require different levels of activity, and have different stats for efficiency which determines the rate of earnings. Owning a sneaker NFT will allot a player with 2 Energy points per day, and more energy points can be added once a player owns more than three sneakers, allowing for more run time and consequently, more earnings.

Once a player’s sneakers are set, all they have to do is begin moving. The app’s GPS will track a player’s movement and reward him/her for successfully maintaining the required pace of the type of sneaker they’re wearing.

Depending on the type of sneaker you get, one unit of Energy can earn you varying levels of GST, which is STEPN’s in-game token. A Walk-type sneaker that requires movement of just 1-6 kilometers an hour can earn you up to 4 GST tokens per Energy, while a Runner-type sneaker that requires movement of 8-20 kilometers an hour can earn you up to 6 GST tokens per Energy. As of writing, one GST is worth approximately P30.

STEPN users will also be able to collect another token called GMT in future updates. GMT is the game’s governance token which may be eventually earned by leveling up your NFT sneaker, halving events, and/or random daily distribution. Both GST and GMT can then be traded for other cryptocurrencies such as SOL or even fiat currencies—enabling players to literally earn as they run.



STEPN’s rising popularity

Many in the running world have already acknowledged the game’s potential to change running forever. In April, STEPN even announced it joined forces with global running shoe brand Asics to release a collection of limited edition STEPN Asics sneaker NFTs. The collection gained more than 95,000 participants and subscribed tickets from the STEPN community. The collection’s trading volume even exceeded USD$10 million and maintained a floor price of USD$3,000.

Indeed, STEPN has gained a large amount of attention ever since its launch just last year. The game is credited with presenting a new way for people to get fit while combining the best the worlds of blockchain and NFTs have to offer.

The good news is that it’s easier than ever for Filipinos to begin playing STEPN. For example, SOL is already available on PDAX, the leading homegrown crypto exchange in the Philippines.

Through PDAX, Filipino STEPN players can also easily convert their pesos to SOL and purchase an NFT sneaker. All users need to do is download the app, create an account, and cash-in to begin buying, selling, and trading crypto. The locally-based exchange allows users to cash-in using 7-Eleven/CLiQQ machines, DragonPay, ECPay, GCash, PayMaya, or through online bank transfers. Cash-outs from PDAX are also done through popular outlets such as InstaPay, PayMaya, PESONet, and more. You can download the PDAX app through the Apple App Store and Google Play to purchase the SOL you need.

With STEPN, there’s more incentive than ever to get active and fit. In fact, there already is an active community of Filipino STEPN runners, boasting an ever-expanding number of 4,000+ members in one Facebook group alone.

As STEPN expands in popularity and develops gameplay even further, there’s more incentive than ever to lace up your running shoes and get moving. With the possibility of earning combined with the health benefits that come with running, it’s certainly a win-win for every runner out there.

PLDT Enterprise calls for cybersecurity readiness among PH compani

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

PDT Enterprise AVP and Head of Cybersecurity Business Consulting Alexis Bernardino [second to the right] joined the customer panel discussion of the Philippine leg of the 2022 Fortinet Accelerate Asia Tour. He highlighted some key important notes on cybersecurity to help businesses secure their organizations against cyberattacks.

 

PLDT Enterprise, the B2B arm of the country’s largest fully integrated telecommunications provider PLDT, highlighted the significance of cybersecurity readiness amid the dramatic rise of cyberattacks to businesses over the past year.

During the Philippine leg of the 2022 Fortinet Accelerate Asia Tour, PLDT Enterprise AVP and Head of Cybersecurity Business Consulting Alexis Bernardino shared that “in terms of the current cyber security landscape, it is no longer a question of ‘if’ or ‘how’ companies will be breached or attacked but it is a matter of ‘when.’”

According to survey results from cybersecurity firm Sophos last year, 69% of the respondents, composed of businesses in the country, experienced a ransomware attack, or those cyberattacks that encrypt systems in exchange for a ransom.

This was higher compared to the results of the same survey conducted in 2020 where 42% of Philippine firms surveyed reported ransomware incidents.

Likewise, the average ransomware payment made by companies in the country was found to be about $1.6 million last year which was more than double the global average of $812,000. The country’s average in 2020 was already at $820,000.

It also cost Philippine organizations an average of $1.34 million to recover from the attack, ranging from downtime, people time, device cost, and network cost, to lost opportunity, among others.

“Enterprises should operate on an “ASSUMED BREACH MODE”. Anticipate that you have been breached already. That should be the operating mode so that you would always stay vigilant that something might happen and you might be vulnerable to any cyberattack. It is also important to fortify your predictive and responsive capabilities and approach,” Bernardino said.

The PLDT Enterprise executive also added that the partnership between public and private companies is critical to ensuring a safer Philippine cyberspace.

“There should be strong legislation pertaining to cybersecurity so that we can establish a framework and roadmap for the Philippines. The private sector can come in to share their best practices, threat intelligence, and cybersecurity expertise to help the government, which is leading the pack to create a safer and secured Philippine Cyberspace,” he noted.

Moreover, Bernardino raised the issue of the scarcity of cybersecurity talents in the country. He mentioned that there are different approaches to addressing this but the most important consideration is to employ cybersecurity professionals who have “the right mindset, the right attitude and should be trainable in cybersecurity.”

Fortinet Accelerate Asia 2022 Tour is a cybersecurity conference for Fortinet partners and customers, aiming to deliver inspiring and innovative plenary sessions to broaden the delegates’ perspective, allow them to engage their thoughts, and help them improve their security senses.

The tour’s Philippines edition delivers unique insights from Fortinet and industry experts who share their knowledge on the technology trends that will shape the future of cybersecurity.

It features informative talks and breakout sessions, discussing today’s most challenging cybersecurity while providing a fun, comprehensive, and focused event where delegates can network with other peers and experts in the industry.

Bernardino joined other executives from different companies during the event’s customer panel discussion, which was graced by Fortinet Asia Vice President of Marketing and Communications Rashish Pandey, Maynilad Water Services Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer Dr. Francisco Castillo, and Experts Prime IT Services President Joseph Mark R. Aquino.

Each speaker shared insights on how to navigate through various cybersecurity challenges organizations face today.

For more information, visit pldtenterprise.com. #

How Modern Technology Has Impacted the Gambling Industry

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Gambling has been around for thousands of years. Previously looked upon somewhat as a taboo, the stigma attached to gambling is fast fading away as more people embrace it. Today, the gambling industry is worth billions of dollars, and it is projected that the value will only continue to increase.

Technological advancement has played and is still playing a significant role in the growth of the gambling industry. The technological space is dynamic, so both old and new online casino establishments have to keep up with the latest technologies to make their services more appealing to customers.

This article will provide a general overview of the impacts of technology on the gambling industry.

Ways Modern Technology Has Impacted the Gambling Industry

Here are just some of the most noteworthy ways in which modern technology has revolutionized the gambling industry:




Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence technology is being utilized in various ways in the gambling industry. They play a part in helping gambling companies improve their services by tracking user behavior and gathering data on customers. AI also moderates many casino games.

Additionally, AI equally helps in the delivery of fast and efficient customer services. Chatbots, which are available on most gambling websites, have been employed in handling customers’ inquiries. Only if a chatbot cannot satisfactorily handle an inquiry, the customer is transferred to a live agent.




Live Streaming

Streaming has become a part of our daily lives. Popular movie streaming apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu most likely ring a bell. As unexpected as it may seem, streaming has found its way into gambling with the introduction of live dealer games —real-time casino games handled by a croupier that can be streamed via a gambling company’s website.

The games are conducted in a casino studio or land-based casino. Some games that are available in live-dealer format include roulette, blackjack, and baccarat. The main reason why live dealer games have become popular is because they offer gamblers the experience of playing in a physical casino without the possible inconvenience of having to go and visit one.




Mobile Gaming

We live in a world where more than 50% of the population own a smartphone or some other mobile device. In contrast, much fewer people have personal computers. Considering these factors, it simply doesn’t make sense for gambling companies to neglect or exclude mobile users.

Most gambling websites are now mobile-friendly. Some gambling companies have even gone a step further and developed their own mobile applications. Supporting mobile gaming promotes inclusivity and allows people to play on the go when they don’t have access to or can’t use their computers.

Cloud gaming is a form of gaming where game data is stored and can be accessed from remote servers. This has eliminated the need to download large game applications or spend a fortune on high-end PCs. Since data is stored in the “cloud,” it can be accessed from anywhere, meaning that you can access and play these games on any device. All you have to do is have access to the internet and log into your account.

Cloud gaming is done online. Therefore, it requires a stable and fast internet connection for an optimal experience. Thankfully, 5G is more than up to the task. 5G is incredibly fast —100x faster than 4G— and can reach an insane download speed of 10GB per second.




Virtual and Augmented Reality

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are technological advancements that are set to revolutionize the gambling industry, as well as the rest of the gaming world. With the aid of a VR headset, players can immerse themselves into a 3D virtual world where they can interact with in-game characters and objects.

This technology is yet to be largely implemented in the gambling industry. However, plans are underway to achieve this. The real-life casino experience that virtual reality offers is something that many punters can’t wait to experience.




More Payment Options

Thanks to technology, gamblers now have a wide range of payment and withdrawal options to choose from. The most frequently used cashless options are debit/credit cards, e-wallets, and third-party services like PayPal.

Many gambling sites accept cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Dogecoin, Ethereum, and Ripple. These cryptocurrencies are built on blockchain technology. When it is available as an option, many gamblers prefer to use cryptocurrencies because of their numerous advantages. Cryptocurrency transactions are generally anonymous, faster, and more secure.

Security

The fear of having sensitive and financial information compromised or even stolen discouraged people from making online payments and deposits in the past. However, technologies like SSL and TLS have made it harder for cybercriminals to hack websites and access people’s financial information. In countries where the government regulates gambling, it is usually mandatory for gambling sites to comply with the standard online safety practices.

Unfortunately, threats of security breaches and hacks are not the only thing punters have to worry about. Unscrupulous gambling companies often misuse and resell data collected from their customers. Laws such as the GDPR have been implemented to curb such activities.




High-quality Graphics and Audio

The use of high-definition graphics and 3D in game development has transformed the experience for many punters. Gone are the days of 2-dimensional unrealistic images. Games are much more realistic and visually appealing now.

Audio equally plays a part in providing an immersive gaming experience. Luckily, it has been getting the attention it deserves from developers. For each game, a soundtrack that fits it is carefully composed and integrated. Great audio and high-quality graphics go hand in hand for the best experience.




Conclusion

Modern technology has become the backbone of the gambling industry. According to Statista, the gambling industry is expected to grow from $59 billion in 2022 to $92.9 billion in 2023. There is no doubt that this mega growth will be driven by technology. From all indications, the role of technology in the gambling industry is not ending anytime soon.