Author: Dawn Solano

Meta Platforms is reportedly reviving its long-shelved smartwatch project, this time positioning it as an AI-first wearable targeted for 2026 launch, according to The Information cited by Reuters.The device, internally called “Malibu 2,” is expected to combine health and fitness tracking with a built-in Meta AI assistant.The company previously scrapped its original smartwatch plans in 2022 amid broader cost-cutting within its Reality Labs division.Meta’s earlier smartwatch concept reportedly included ambitious features such as dual cameras and a detachable display. This version never reached the market as the company shifted focus to its metaverse and augmented reality products.This time around, the…

The government will formally launch a national center for artificial intelligence (AI) on Feb. 26, providing the National AI Strategy with a dedicated implementing arm for the first time.The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will roll out the National Artificial Intelligence Center for Research and Innovation (NAICRI), a permanent institution that will house key AI research programs and advanced computing platforms developed over the past decade.For years, government-backed AI systems supporting pandemic surveillance, climate modeling, hazard-mapping and agricultural research were developed through initiatives across agencies.NAICRI brings these efforts under one center anchored at the Advanced Science and Technology Institute…

A paper published in the medical journal Cureus has proposed a new framework to describe distress linked to fears of being replaced by artificial intelligence (AI).The study introduces the term Artificial Intelligence Replacement Dysfunction (AIRD), which authors Stephanie McNamara and Joseph Thornton of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Florida College of Medicine describe as a conceptual model for anxiety and identity-related stress tied to AI-driven job displacement.However, AIRD is not a formal psychiatric diagnosis and is not included in existing diagnostic manuals.The authors present it as a clinical lens to help mental health professionals recognize technology-related workplace…

The Philippines will host MarketHub Asia 2027, a regional travel industry summit that brings together global buyers, suppliers, and technology platforms, marking a push to strengthen the country’s role in the international tourism market. Organized by Spain-listed HBX Group, the B2B travel technology company behind Hotelbeds and Bedsonline, the event will convene destinations, hoteliers, airlines, and tour operators from across Asia-Pacific. This year, MarketHub Asia was held in Bali, Indonesia. Industry officials said the country’s selection reflects growing confidence in its capacity to host large-scale events and engage more competitively in the global travel ecosystem. HBX Group executive David Amsellem…

OpenAI will retire GPT-4o and several of its older artificial intelligence (AI) models from ChatGPT interface on Feb. 13, just a day before Valentine’s day, prompting emotional reactions from users who describe the system as a “lifeline.” In a recent announcement, the AI company said GPT-4o, GPT-4.1, GPT-4.1 mini and o4-mini will no longer be available for selection within ChatGPT after the deadline.While the models will remain accessible through OpenAI’s API for developers “for the time being,” everyday users on the web and mobile app will be transitioned to newer models in the GPT-5 line.OpenAI said it has to streamline…

A month is enough time for the honeymoon period to fade. By then, scratches start to show, performance slows, and batteries begin to reveal their real limits. However, after four weeks of carrying the Redmi Note 15 Pro+ 5G, it’s hard not to admit that this phone lives up to its “Titan Tough” promise in more ways than one. It has a fiberglass back, the Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, and the weight of the Titan Structure that Xiaomi has been proudly talking about. I’ve had it in my bag, pocket, and on more than one occasion, watched it slide…

The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) is closely monitoring romance-related scams this February, warning the reported cases may reflect only a fraction of actual incidents as many victims remain hesitant to come forward.Speaking to reporters after a #SaferInternetDay event at Google Philippines’ headquarters at Bonifacio Global City, CICC executive director Undersecretary Aboy Paraiso said authorities have so far recorded 18 complaints involving love scams since the beginning of the year.However, he acknowledged that the figure does not capture the full landscape, as victims are often “afraid” or “shy” to report being deceived.“I think these scammers understand the fact that…

BALI, INDONESIA – Phishing and other forms of social engineering have emerged as the biggest cybersecurity risk for travel companies as artificial intelligence (AI) makes attacks more targeted and harder to detect, according to global travel technology firm HBX Group. The issue was discussed during a media roundtable at MarketHub Asia 2026, an industry conference organized by HBX Group that gathered travel companies, hoteliers, and other tech partners from across the Asia-Pacific region HBX Group chief information officer Daniel Nordholm said social engineering has become the easiest way for attackers to penetrate organizations because it targets individuals rather than technical…

Globe Telecom’s latest results show the Philippine telco is now driven by data platforms, with data and digital services accounting for 88 percent of revenues as voice and SMS continue to fade. In 2025, Globe said data and digital service made up a vast majority of its consolidated service revenues, up from 86 percent last year. “Data demand remained robust throughout the year, especially in the fourth quarter, and it cuts across all our revenue lines from mobile, broadband, and enterprise,” said Globe Telecom’s chief financial officer Carlo Puno during Globe’s Financial Report of 2025 via Zoom held today, Feb.…

BALI, INDONESIA – Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to become an invisible but critical part of hotel operations, according to an executive from enterprise software firm Oracle. Speaking at Markethub Asia 2026, a hospitality industry conference organized by HBX Group, Subandi Susilo of Oracle said the next phase of AI adoption in hospitality will be defined less by visible features and more by how deeply the technology is integrated into booking, pricing, housekeeping, and guest service platforms. Rather than being deployed as standalone tools, he said AI works best when integrated into existing workflows that hotel staff already use. “AI…