Most Important Technologies / Products of 2009

It’s that time of the year again where we give our annual report on the most important technologies / products for the year 2009. These are the technologies that really made an impact in the industry. Technologies that have shaped the information technology world in a way we could never go back.

First, we would like to say that the “touch user interface” is the most important technology and innovation of 2009. Look at most of the mobile phones now, notebook and netbook computers, printers, and others – all adopted the touch user interface. We expect more device to adopt this technology and we also expect it to improve more.

“No Goodbyes, Just See You Later…” – Ramon Arteficio

Last December 1, 2009 – Canon Marketing Philippines had their annual media Christmas party. As expected, it was a blast. No less than its President and CEO Mr. Ramon Arteficio led the merriment. Mr. A (as he is fondly called by everyone) was in his usual happy mood – cracking jokes while giving away raffle prizes to his media friends.

While everyone is having fun, I can’t help but be sad as well. I am witnessing Mr. A’s last Christmas party with the Philippine press. Yes, you heard it right – the December 1 media party of Canon will be Mr. A’s last party with the press people.

Efren Peñaflorida wins 2009 CNN Hero of the Year

We should not allow anything and anyone to stop us from learning – not even poverty. This is the very message why Efren Peñaflorida embarked into a project to teach less fortunate kids. For Efren, its a matter of opportunity and determination – education is within reach for everyone.

Because of his unselfish endeavor – Efren was nominated as one of the finalist of the prestigous CNN 2009 Hero of the Year.

And the new MD of HP Philippines is…

David Tan will relinguish his role as managing director and Technology Solutions Group (TSG) country manager of HP Philippines soon. Tan will assume a new role in the AP region.

The news of Tan’s stepping down brings to the table another question – Who will replace Tan? Who will head HP Philippines?

Jam-packed Crowd shows up for Techtutor Seminar

I just finished conducting my annual Powertips seminar, this year its called “Techtutor”. This is the main reason why I was not able to update my blogs as often as I want to.

TechTutor is a seminar designed for educators, learners, parents and experts. The objective is to discuss how new technologies particularly Web 2.0 would change the way we teach, learn, share, collaborate, communicate and participate.

Guess how many attended the event–close to 5,000 attendees.

Jerry Liao to discuss impact of Web 2.0 in education with TechTutor seminar

Technological achievements in the modern world are not only the convenience for the people around the globe, but also an incentive for the younger generations to review and develop their own thinking and ideas to advance the technology even further.

It is very important that every education, may it be from the lower primary to the PhD level, should all include the trace of technology in the process according to the level most suitable.

Even in any general education class or activity, the use of technology is highly encouraged for a better understanding and wider approach of the students from their very initial learning years.

Nokia N97 arrives ahead of schedule

The much awaited Nokia N97 arrives ahead of time when my editor Art Samaniego presented me the phone straight from our Manila Bulletin TechLab. Being with TechNews allows us to have the first crack to try and test the latest gadgets available in the market today.

Nokia is set to launch Nokia N97 here in the Philippines by June 25, 2009.

Microsoft stops paying for employees’ smartphones, unless…

Microsoft recently announced that it will no longer reimburse the monthly data service charges of employees not on Windows Mobile devices. In other words, Microsoft will not reimburse its employees who decide to use a BlackBerry, iPhone, or Android-based device. This even if the employees are using the device for work purposes.

The policy took effect as part of the broader cost saving measures announced by Microsoft.

Maricar Reyes / Hayden Kho sex video Part 3 and more uploaded

All the while I thought the sex video scandal involving Dr. Hayden Kho will die down soon. After the Senate investigation, people seem to lose interest or perhaps most of those who are interested has seen the video already.

If you watch the news, the topic is more of one party filing a case, or who is responsible for the uploading of the videos, and others. Believe it or not, I am thankful that such a scandal is no longer the headlines of newspapers or TV. But I was wrong.

First A(H1N1) incident in Philippines confirmed

Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque confirmed that the Philippines is now included in the list of countries with A(H1N1) virus.

A 10 year old girl who flew in with her parents last May 18, 2009 (Monday) was the first case of A(H1N1) in the Philippines said Duque.

The girl was able to pass through the thermal scanner. She started having fever May 19, 2009 with cough and sore throat. Her parents brought the girl to the hospital and after thorough testings made by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RTM), the girl was confirmed to suffer from the virus.