Author: Dawn Solano

Google will begin restricting free access to its Gemini artificial intelligence chatbot on Oct. 9, with users losing access to its Flash and Pro models unless they subscribe to a paid plan. Users without a subscription will retain access to Flash-Lite, according to a Google advisory on changes to model availability for personal accounts. The advisory did not specify a separate rollout schedule for the Philippines. Flash-Lite is designed for everyday tasks such as summarizing information and brainstorming, while Flash combines speed and reasoning to handle a broader range of questions, according to Google. Pro is intended for more demanding…

Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda said he remains focused on his duties amid reports of his resignation, stressing that he serves at the pleasure of the President.In a statement, Aguda acknowledged circulating reports about his position but did not directly confirm or deny that he had submitted his resignation. “At this time, I remain focused on carrying out my responsibilities and ensuring the continuity of the Department’s work,” he said. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) chief said he recognizes the President’s authority over matters concerning the Cabinet and the administration. He added that he fully…

Six Filipinos completed a 24-hour simulated Moon mission in Batangas, conducting experiments while dealing with isolation, limited resources and communication delays, according to the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA). The first Analog Habitat Waypoint (ANAHAW) mission concluded on Sept. 26 at Batangas State University’s Alangilan campus, where a simulated lunar habitat housed the crew. Organized by PhilSA and the university, the exercise tested equipment, procedures and teamwork under conditions that recreated some challenges of space missions. Such exercises, called analog missions, allow researchers to study how people and systems perform in simulated space environments before considering their use in actual missions.…

Converge ICT Solutions Inc. has introduced an internet bundle that combines fiber connectivity, TikTok Shop benefits and personal accident insurance for online sellers and home-based businesses. The SellerPlus program, introduced with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and TikTok Shop on Sept. 29 in Makati City, targets micro, small and medium enterprises, livestreamers and content creators. The bundle includes a 200 Mbps fiber internet connection and personal accident insurance from AXA. Converge said it also provides TikTok Shop benefits intended to help merchants reach customers and sell through the platform. Converge said the program aims to address connectivity and…

The recently released HONOR 600S 5G will be available for as low as Php 15,799 for two days as part of HONOR Philippines’ upcoming online sale. The discounted price will be available on Oct. 8 and 9 during the HONOR Shopee Super Brand Day, down from the Php 18,999 suggested retail price of the 6GB+128GB variant. Qualified purchases of the HONOR 600S will also come with an HONOR Watch 2i and HONOR Bluetooth Speaker. Buyers will also get a chance to win a Php 1-million shopping spree at SM Store, subject to the promotion’s mechanics. The phone may also be…

The Philippines lost some of its gains in this year’s Global Innovation Index (GII) after improving its position for three consecutive years, with research capacity remaining among the challenges to its innovation performance. The country ranked 52nd among 139 economies, down from 50th in 2025, according to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). It placed 53rd in 2024, 56th in 2023 and 59th in 2022. Despite the decline, the Philippines ranked third among 36 lower middle-income economies and 11th among 17 economies in Southeast Asia, East Asia and Oceania. The GII uses roughly 80 indicators to measure economies’ innovation capabilities…

Editor’s Note: This article was first published in Future Forward, Volume 1, No. 2. For most Filipino households, home life is far less glamorous. “Tapos na ba ‘yung labada?” is what one family member would ask while another rummages through the refrigerator, looking for something to eat for a meal.Our house is no different. For this review, Midea Philippines loaned us three of its smart home appliances for a two-week evaluation. The 10kg Luna Inverter Front Load Washer, the matching 10kg Heat Pump Dryer, and the 1,6-cu Side-by-Side Inverter Refrigerator became our newest additions to our household.Installed in our home…

Editor’s Note: This article was first published in Future Forward, Volume 1, No. 2. Convenience has always been measured by what we no longer have to think about. Every technological leap, no matter how small, has promised to return a little more of our time to ourselves. Smart homes are simply the latest chapter in that promise. Today, we live among robot vacuums that clean while we’re away. Manufacturers often describe this as the future of living because they supposedly remove friction from everyday routines. Undoubtedly, these homes are smart. However, the more interesting question is whether they’ve actually become…

The PH-Singapore C2C undersea internet cable is back online after an outage that coincided with connectivity problems Friday night.

Internet users in the country reported connectivity problems on Friday, October 2, as an undersea cable segment between the Philippines and Singapore was reported offline. The UP Diliman Network Helpdesk said it was informed that one of the undersea cable segments connecting the two countries was offline, warning of increased latency and intermittent performance, particularly when accessing websites hosted overseas. The university said the issue was not limited to its network and that other local internet service providers and telecommunications companies could experience slowdowns depending on their primary links. Users of Globe, PLDT and Converge ICT also reported connectivity problems…