Author: Marlet Salazar

Technology editor of The Philippine Star

Philippine businesses are adopting artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud-based systems faster as companies look for ways to improve operations, reduce manual work, and respond more quickly to market changes. At Oracle’s SuiteConnect event in Manila, executives said businesses are investing more in connected digital systems to help manage surging costs, supply chain disruptions, expansion plans, and growing customer demands. According to Amit Suxena, group VP and head of Asia at Oracle, companies in the Philippines are now moving beyond simply testing AI tools and are starting to use them in everyday business operations. “AI is moving from experimentation to actual…

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Small businesses are increasingly doing most of their work inside web browsers, but that shift is also making them more exposed to cyberattacks and data leaks, especially as employees start using AI tools for everyday tasks. Today, many small companies rely on different online apps just to run their operations, from email and file sharing to accounting and customer management. But security is becoming a major problem. About 95% of companies have experienced at least one security incident that started in the browser, showing how easily attacks can slip in through everyday work tools. For small businesses, the problem is…

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Sumsub, an all-in-one, AI-powered verification platform, is seeing a significant increase in AI-driven fraud, with attackers using multi-step methods, deepfakes, and artificial identities to breach financial platforms. In its Identity Fraud Report for 2025-2026, Sumsub found that high-quality attacks increased by 180 percent year over year. “We see this sophistication and increase of multi steps or attacks,” Andrew Sever, co-founder and CEO of Sumsub, said during a media interview. The company said fraud is no longer carried out by isolated individuals but by organized, cross-border networks. These groups use stolen identity data, often sourced from the dark web, to create…

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Power interruptions, electricity bill shocks, and the growing need to stay connected have quietly changed how people think about power. It is no longer just about what comes out of the wall. It is about having control, flexibility, and a backup plan that does not involve candles or noisy generators. That is where portable solar power stations come in, and brands like Jackery have become increasingly visible in this space. We look at three products in that ecosystem, in order: the Jackery Explorer 100 Plus, the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus, and the Jackery SolarSaga panels. Each one targets a slightly…

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Smartphone maker OPPO has introduced three new flagship devices in the Philippines, expanding its premiums portfolio with the OPPO Find N6, Find X9 Ultra, and Find X9s. The new Find Series is a multi-device flagship lineup, offering different form factors and capabilities instead of a single top-tier model. The approach is intended for users with specific needs, from productivity to professional-grade imaging. The OPPO Find N6 focuses on multitasking and mobility, combining a foldable design with a large inner display suited for work and entertainment. OPPO Find N6 (P139,999) The OPPO Find N6 is designed for professionals who need a…

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As I have tried the HONOR Pad X9a before, there is something easily noticeable when I held the HONOR Pad X8b: it’s so much lighter than the previous HONOR tablet I reviewed. And it is slimmer, too. My issue with tablets is it gets heavier as you carry it with you or hold it while reading or watching in bed. So, this lighter version is a welcome change. That difference alone changes how often you actually use the HONOR Pad X8b. A tablet that feels heavy tends to stay on the table. A lighter one gets picked up more, whether…

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In its announcement, Apple said Tim Cook will step down as CEO in September, ending his 15 years in the role. He will stay on as executive chairman, while John Ternus takes over as the new CEO. Cook has led Apple since 2011, following Steve Jobs. Under Cook, Apple introduced devices like the Apple Watch and AirPods, and expanded services such as iCloud, Apple Pay, Apple Music, and Apple TV. The company also made its own computer chips, which helped improve speed and battery life across iPhones, Macs, and other devices. The numbers show Apple’s growth trajectory. Its market value…

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As an Apple convert, getting my hands on anything from Apple still gets me excited. My first real Apple device was an iPhone 6 from work back in 2015, paired with a MacBook Air. I used that phone for seven years straight until apps started refusing to work properly. After that, I moved to an iPhone SE, but even then, I tend to keep my phones way longer than most people do. So using the new iPhone 17e feels like finally catching up after staying on older ones for a while. Here are my first impressions. The first thing I…

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Artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in the Philippines is accelerating, but many companies still struggle to find people with the right skills. Community-led tech groups are stepping in to help bridge that gap. A report from cloud computing company Amazon Web Services (AWS) shows AI adoption among Philippine organizations is growing at 24% year on year, up from 14% previously. About 82% of businesses expect AI to change how they operate, indicating strong demand for talent. However, only 26% of companies believe their workforce is ready for AI. This mismatch between demand and skills is becoming a major challenge for businesses…

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The Philippines is emerging as one of Southeast Asia’s most community-driven gaming markets, with around 45 million gamers out of its 118 million population, according to the “Ampverse Playbook: Unlocking the Value of Gaming in Southeast Asia.” The report shows that gaming in the country is no longer just about playing. It has become a highly social activity where Filipinos connect with friends, follow creators, and discover new games through online communities. “The Philippines is one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic gaming markets because of how social and community-driven it is,” said Charlie Baillie, CEO and co-founder of Ampverse, a…

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