January 27, 2015 | Prepys' Homepage

PH Banks May Shift to EMV-based Cards Earlier Than Expected

January 27, 2015January 27, 2015 Ronnie Bulaong Leave a comment

Contrary to what was previously reported, local financial institutions are reported to make the switch to EMV-based ATM and credit cards sooner than what was mandated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas which is due on January 2017.

In an interview with BSP Deputy Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. with ABS-CBN, he mentioned that the local banks are “motivated” to upgrade to the new security standard in an effort to further lessen, if not totally eliminate fraudulent acts against their respective patrons.

As mentioned on our previous post, the main advantage of EMV-based cards over its predecessor is the information on magnetic strip on the former is dynamic as opposed to static. This added level of complexity makes it more challenging for hackers and skimmers to copy the information on the card.

Espenilla also noted that though the upgrade will likely cost the banks a good amount of money, it will prove to be more cost-effective in the long run since they are less likely to deal with fraud-related incidents which, he as stressed out during the interview, should be shouldered the bank.

Source

The post PH Banks May Shift to EMV-based Cards Earlier Than Expected appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines, Tech News & Reviews.

Some of the Fastest Cars You Can Drive on EDSA

January 27, 2015January 27, 2015 Kevin Bruce Francisco Leave a comment

EDSA is notorious for its traffic that gets you stuck for hours, buses that stop pretty much anywhere to pick up passengers, and motor bikes that swerve from lane to lane. These are some of the reasons why a sports/luxury car isn’t much of a wise decision if your daily route involves passing through the Philippines’ biggest parking lot. But if the road is clean and without any traffic (during late night drives or when Pacquiao has a fight), these are some of the fastest cars you can drive on EDSA or any open highway for that matter.

The cars here are all available here in the Philippines, although some still need to be ordered. They were also filtered by their manufacturer-claimed top speed.

7. Lexus LFA 4.8L V10 AT

Top speed: 202mph (325kph)

Specifications and features:
4.8L DOHC 40-Valve V10 engine
RWD
552PS @8,700rpm
354Nm @ 6,800rpm
6-speed AMT
Gas
20 x 11.5-inch painted alloy rims
Remote door locks
Power steering/lock/window/mirror/door
Xenon HID lamps
Leather seats
Design: 2-door coupe
Dimensions: 4,505 x 1,895 x 1,220mm
Wheelbase: 2,606mm
Curb weight: 1,580kg
Price: Php36,500,000

6. Lamborghini Murcielago LP640

Top speed: 205mph (330kph)

lamborghini-murcielago-lp640

Specifications and features:
6.5L DOHC V12 engine
AWD
640 PS @8,000rpm
469Nm @ 6,000rpm
6-speed MT
Gas
18-inch alloy rims
Leather seats
Design: 2-door coupe
Dimensions: 4,610 x 2,057 x 1,135mm
Wheelbase: 2,664mm
Curb weight: 1,746kg
Price: Php20,000,000

5. Bentley Continental GT

Top speed: 205mph (330kph)

CGT Location exterior front 3/4

Specifications and features:
4.0L DOHC V8 engine
AWD
500PS @6,000rpm
487Nm @1,700rpm
6-speed AT
Twin Turbo
Gas
20-inch aluminum rims
Keyless entry and alarm
Leather seats
Design: 2-door coupe
Dimensions: 4,805 x 1,905 x 1,404mm
Wheelbase: 2,745mm
Curb weight: 2,295kg
Price: Php20,000,000

4. Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

Top speed: 208mph (335kph)

2005-brabus-slr-mclaren

Specifications and features:
5.4L DOHC 24-Valve V8 engine
RWD
617PS @6,500rpm
575Nm @ 3,250rpm
5-speed AT
Intercooled supercharger
Gas
18-inch light alloy rims
Remote keyless entry
Cruise Control
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
HID lights with foglamps
Leather seats
Design: 4-door sedan
Dimensions: 5,834 x 1,990 x 1,632mm
Wheelbase: 3,570mm
Curb weight: 3,050kg
Price: Php36,000,000

3. Porsche 918 Spyder

Top speed: 210mph (340kph)

porsche_918_spyder

Specifications and features:
4.6L V8 engine + 2 electric motors
AWD
608 PS @8,500rpm
528Nm of torque
7-speed DCT
20×9.5-inch (front), 21×12.5-inch (rear) forged aluminum rims
Design: 2-door roadster
Dimensions: 4,643 x 1,940 x 1,167mm
Wheelbase: 2,730mm
Curb weight: 1,700kg
Price: Request to order

2. Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster V12 AMT

Top speed: 217mph (350kph)

2014_lamborghini_aventador_lp_700-4_roadster

Specifications and features:
6.5L DOHC V12 engine
AWD
700 PS @8,250rpm
690Nm @ 5,500rpm
7-speed AMT
Gas
19×9-inch (front), 20×12-inch (rear) alloy rims
Leather seats
Design: 2-door convertible
Dimensions: 4,780 x 2,030 x 1,136mm
Wheelbase: 2,700mm
Curb weight: 1,625kg
Price: Request to order

1. Ferrari F12berlinetta

Top speed: 220mph (354kph)

ferrari_f12_berlinetta

Specifications and features:
6.3L DOHC V12 engine
RWD
740 PS @8,250rpm
690Nm @ 6,000rpm
7-speed AMT
20×9.5-inch (front), 20×11-inch (rear) aluminum rims
Design: 2-door berlinetta
Dimensions: 4,618 x 1,942 x 1,273mm
Wheelbase: 2,720mm
Curb weight: 1,525kg
Price: Request to order

The post Some of the Fastest Cars You Can Drive on EDSA appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines, Tech News & Reviews.

Some of the Fastest Cars You Can Drive on EDSA

January 27, 2015January 27, 2015 Kevin Bruce Francisco Leave a comment

The cars here are all available here in the Philippines, although some still need to be ordered. They were also filtered by their manufacturer-claimed top speed.

7. Lexus LFA 4.8L V10 AT

Top speed: 202mph (325kph)

6. Lamborghini Murcielago LP640

Top speed: 205mph (330kph)

lamborghini-murcielago-lp640

5. Bentley Continental GT

Top speed: 205mph (330kph)

CGT Location exterior front 3/4

4. Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

Top speed: 208mph (335kph)

2005-brabus-slr-mclaren

3. Porsche 918 Spyder

Top speed: 210mph (340kph)

porsche_918_spyder

2. Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster V12 AMT

Top speed: 217mph (350kph)

2014_lamborghini_aventador_lp_700-4_roadster

1. Ferrari F12berlinetta

Top speed: 220mph (354kph)

ferrari_f12_berlinetta

The post Some of the Fastest Cars You Can Drive on EDSA appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines, Tech News & Reviews.

Facebook and Instagram are both offline/down right now

January 27, 2015January 27, 2015 Kevin Bruce Francisco Leave a comment

There have been a lot of Facebook and Instagram users reporting that both sites couldn’t be accessed from web and even on mobile devices.

We noticed this around 2:30PM (Philippine time) when the error message kept showing up. Twitter, however, is up and running. We’ve tried contacting their support team and will give you an update as to why these big sites are currently offline.

Update: Not only Facebook and Instagram are down, but also Tinder, AIM, and Hipchat are also offline. This is according to additional reports.

Update: There is an unofficial hashtag going on: #facebookdown just in case you want to see what other people have to say on Twitter.

This story is developing.

The post Facebook and Instagram are both offline/down right now appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines, Tech News & Reviews.

Baskin-Robbins celebrates “Royale Festival” of frozen treats

January 27, 2015January 27, 2015 PRNEWS Leave a comment

Baskin-Robbins, the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, is celebrating a “Royale Festival” until the end of February with the launch of a regal line-up of frozen treats inspired by its delicious Chocolate Mousse Royale ice cream flavor. Featuring silky chocolate mousse ice cream and decadent chocolate flakes, Chocolate Mousse Royale is a classic Baskin-Robbins flavor fit for royalty.

“Since making its debut more than 31 years ago, Chocolate Mousse Royale has become one of our most beloved ice cream flavors around the world,” said Jeff Miller, executive chef and vice president of product innovation for Dunkin’ Brands. “We’re excited to introduce a full line-up of frozen treats inspired by this classic Baskin-Robbins flavor, including a range of Gold Crown Layered Sundaes, a Chocolate King Waffle Cone, a Chocolate Mousse Royalty Triple Shake and our magnificent Royale Chocolate Ice Cream Cake. These delicious ice cream creations will certainly make you feel like a member of the King’s court.”

Baskin-Robbins’ Chocolate Mousse Royale ice cream flavor is available in participating Baskin-Robbins shops by the scoop, in a cup or cone as well as in fresh-packed pints and quarts to take home. In addition, guests can enjoy Baskin-Robbins’ full line-up of “Royale Festival” frozen treats including:

• Gold Crown Layered Sundaes: Baskin-Robbins is offering a range of layered sundaes this month which combine the featured Chocolate Mousse Royale flavor with layers of classic ice cream flavors and toppings, complete with whipped cream and diced almonds.

• Chocolate King Waffle Cone: A cone fit for a king, this frozen treat features a scoop of Chocolate Mousse Royale ice cream in a freshly baked waffle cone, topped with a “crown” of whipped cream and diced almonds.

• Chocolate Mousse Royalty Triple Shake: This refreshing frozen beverage features a Chocolate Mousse Royale milk shake served over fudge and topped with whipped cream and diced almonds.

• Royale Chocolate Ice Cream Cake: This extravagant cake featuring Chocolate Mousse Royale ice cream and a layer of chocolate cake is adorned with elegant gold accents and is sure to be a stand out at any special occasion.

Baskin-Robbins’ range of “Royale Festival” frozen treats are available at participating shops for a limited time until February 28, 2015. For more information about Baskin-Robbins’wide variety of ice cream flavors and frozen desserts, visit their website www.baskinrobbins.ph or check out their Facebook (facebook.com/baskinrobbinsph), Twitter and Instagram (baskinrobbinsph) accounts.