Author: Dawn Solano

Nearly all viewers in rural areas of the Visayas and Mindanao now watch television programs through YouTube, according to a study by a global market research firm. A 2025 report by Kantar found that 97% of Filipinos in these regions watched online TV programs on the platform in the past month, an indication at how audiences are accessing shows outside traditional broadcasts. Programs from major networks such as ABS-CBN, GMA Network, and TV5 are available on YouTube, including full episodes and clips. “And they aren’t just using an app, they are using YouTube to stay connected to the national conversations…

There’s a certain confidence in a phone that knows exactly what it wants to be. The Infinix NOTE 60 Pro doesn’t hide its influences but leans into them.Yes, it looks almost identical to the iPhone 17 Pro — from the squared-off frame to the clean, almost minimal rear design that has come to define Apple’s recent hardware language. Yet after spending a few days with it, I realize this is something else entirely. It is an Android device that prioritizes performance without losing sight of design. Display The aluminum frame and matte finish give it that flagship-like tactility, while the…

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said the response of Meta Platforms to the Philippine government’s request for stronger action against disinformation does not fully address the urgency of the issue. In a statement, the DICT acknowledged that Meta outlined measures to curb the spread of harmful content on its platforms and highlighted its continued engagement with the Philippine government.However, the agency said these interventions “fall short of directly addressing the urgency of the situation and the specific, time-bound actions” requested by authorities. The response follows a joint appeal from the DICT, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and…

Samsung and Apple led separate global smartphone rankings in the first quarter of 2026, even as overall shipments declined amid surging costs and weaker demand.Data from market intelligence company International Data Corp. (IDC) showed Samsung reclaiming the top spot with roughly 20% global market share, followed by Apple at around 19%. Chinese vendor Xiaomi placed third with about 14%, while vivo and OPPO rounded out the top five with approximately 8% share each.Counterpoint Research, a research firm, ranked Apple as the top vendor globally with a 21% market share, ahead of Samsung Electronics at 20%, as strong demand for premium…

There is a tendency to think of artificial intelligence (AI) as something distant, even impersonal. Yet, inside the home, intelligence has always existed in a more familiar form. Growing up, Saturdays meant laundry day. I would watch my mother move through the routine with memorized ease. Sorting clothes and measuring detergents. It felt ordinary, almost invisible I could say. However, beneath that repetition was care in the form of consistency. A washing machine, in that sense, was part of my mother’s system built on how she shows up for us. That idea is what I believe LG Electronics is trying…

Video streaming platform Netflix will roll out a vertical video feature in its mobile app. The redesign is intended to make its service easier to navigate as its content offering expands beyond traditional films and series. In its latest shareholder letter released Thursday, Netflix said it plans to launch “vertical video” on mobile by the end of April 2026, alongside other changes to help users find and engage with content. The company did not provide full details on how the feature will work, but a later section of the letter described it more specifically as a “vertical video discovery feed,”…

Google has rolled out a native Mac application for its artificial intelligence (AI) assistant, bringing Gemini directly to desktop users. The app allows users to access Gemini through a floating interface that can be launched via a keyboard shortcut. Once opened, the assistant stays on top of other applications, enabling users to ask questions, generate content and perform tasks without switching between tabs.A feature of the Mac version is its ability to analyze on-screen content with user permission. This allows Gemini to provide answers or summaries based on what is currently displayed, removing the need to manually copy text or…

I’ve been to Dumaguete three times, but only ever in transit — on the way to Siquijor, chasing white shores and clearer waters. Like many, I treated it as a stopover. Not a place to linger, and certainly not a place I associated with technology. That unfamiliarity led me to overlook something more substantial, which is a local university building the foundations of what it believes could become a regional tech hub. Founded in 1949 as a post-war reconstruction effort, Foundation University (FU) was envisioned as a non-sectarian institution for Filipinos outside major cities, those who had limited access to…

Online gaming platform Roblox is set to introduce age-based account systems to strengthen protections for younger users, as scrutiny over child safety in digital spaces continues to grow. The company said it will roll out two new account categories, “Kids” and “Select,” in early June, tailoring access to content and communication features depending on a user’s age. Children aged five to eight will automatically be assigned to Kids accounts, while users aged nine to 15 will fall under Select accounts. Kid accounts will only be able to access games rated for minimal or mild content, while chat features will be…

Microsoft’ showcased a range of upcoming titles during the Xbox Partner Preview March 2026, highlighting new game announcements, trailers, and updates from partner studios. The showcase featured a mix of narrative-driven games, action titles, and indie projects with several releases confirmed for Xbox Game Pass, including day-one availability for select titles. “Stranger Than Heaven,” a new project from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, known for the Like a Dragon series, is included in the announced titles. The trailer introduced a multi-era setting, with scenes suggesting a story that spans different locations and time periods. Gameplay elements shown include exploration and character-driven interactions.…