Author: PhilSTAR Tech Team

HONOR Philippines has launched its HONOR 600 Series in the country, pairing its newest AI-powered smartphones with a limited-time pre-order promo that gives customers a chance to win a Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 worth about PHP 4 million. The pre-order campaign runs until May 29, 2026, and has quickly gained attention in the local tech scene due to its combination of flagship smartphone features and a high-value raffle prize. The HONOR 600 Series is designed for creators and mobile-first users, with AI-driven imaging tools such as AI Image-to-Video 2.0. The feature allows users to turn still photos into short video content…

Xiaomi and Leica are expanding their mobile photography partnership with a new feature on the upcoming Xiaomi 17T Series that aims to make smartphone photos feel more alive. Called “Leica Live Moment,” the feature captures short moments of motion before and after a photo is taken, allowing users to preserve expressions, movement, and emotions that a single image may miss. The feature arrives as Xiaomi and Leica enter the fifth year of their collaboration, which has focused on bringing professional-style camera experiences to smartphones. “Photos and videos have become integral to how we connect and share,” Xiaomi said. “People expect…

Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) is rolling out AI-powered smart glasses in the Philippines. The company is offering the Rokid AI Glasses, which come with native access to Google Gemini, starting Friday, May 29, 2026. The launch expands Smart Postpaid into what it calls next-generation devices under the emerging AI wearables category. Through an exclusive partnership with Rokid, new and existing subscribers of Smart Postpaid Plans+ 1499 can get the glasses starting at ₱28,800 via straight payment. Smart Infinity members can get the device for free under Plan 5000. “With its powerful, hands-free capabilities, the Rokid AI Glasses feel almost like…

By Maan D’Asis Pamaran A Philippine Statistics Authority survey says that in March 2026, the labor force participation rate (LFPR) was recorded at 63.3 percent or 51.65 million Filipinos aged 15 years and over who were in the labor force. The study also found that the number of unemployed persons was estimated at 2.58 million in March 2026. These numbers will be further impacted by AI and other tech disruptions, in which the Coursera Micro Credentials Report 2026 finds that 38% of key skills in the Philippines will change in the next five years, and that 12.7 Filipino jobs are…

For many Filipino mothers, balancing work and family is a daily challenge, with six in 10 working moms saying they struggle to manage both responsibilities. Despite the pressure, many continue working to support their families. For Sheena Mallari, that challenge became the push she needed to start something of her own. Mallari, owner of JakeSheen Homemade Spreads and a Diskarteng Angat (Start-Up) winner of the 4th Gawad Madiskarte, turned a difficult season in her life into a small home business that now supports her family. The business began during the pandemic, when Mallari was a first-time mother with no income…

For the fourth straight year, BingoPlus celebrated its victories as the number one and most trusted Filipino online entertainment platform with the uber-glitzy BingoPlus Night 2026: Step into the Next PLUS, on May 19 at a luxury Pasay City ballroom. Smack dab in the middle of the spotlights and splendor, however, was a dedicated avenue to the celebration that truly matters: the lives improved by the DigiPlus Foundation through its key projects this year, the last, and beyond. Top DigiPlus executives raised their wine glasses with pride as the Foundation, together with BingoPlus, announced a massive P1 billion commitment to…

Appliance brand TCL teamed up with retailer Abenson to hold the third TCL Cooltura Summer Fest, combining entertainment and smart home technology in a large-scale consumer event at Market! Market! in Taguig City. The event featured product showcases, interactive games, live music, and appearances by celebrity ambassador Kathryn Bernardo and OPM band The Juans, drawing shoppers and fans to experience TCL’s latest home appliances firsthand. TCL displayed a range of products, including large-screen TVs, air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines designed for Filipino households looking for connected and energy-efficient home appliances. Visitors also joined interactive activities such as a photobooth,…

As digital financial services become essential to daily life, GCash, the Philippines’ leading finance superapp, continues to strengthen its commitment to user security by streamlining its support channels To help users navigate concerns such as unauthorized transactions, account takeovers, scams, and “wrong send” errors, GCash provides clear and accessible reporting tools designed to enable faster resolution. By knowing exactly where to seek help, users can better protect their accounts and minimize financial risks in an increasingly cashless ecosystem. Built-in support channels and security safeguards GCash provides a range of official help channels designed to address different types of concerns. Inside…

Xiaomi has introduced the REDMI A7 Pro in the Philippines, the first “Pro” smartphone under the REDMI A Series lineup, designed for users who want a larger screen, longer battery life, and smoother performance without spending too much. The REDMI A7 Pro features a 6.9-inch display with up to 120Hz refresh rate, making scrolling, streaming, and casual gaming feel smoother compared to standard 60Hz displays. Xiaomi said the screen can reach up to 800 nits brightness for better visibility outdoors. The smartphone also comes with Wet Touch Technology 2.0, allowing the screen to remain responsive even when fingers are wet…

Smart energy brand HopeTrek has entered the Philippine market with a pitch centered on energy reliability, home security and power efficiency as Filipino households continue to grapple with rising electricity costs and unstable power supply. The company, which operates under global AIoT firm Uniview, formally launched its “Smart & Safe Home” ecosystem during an event in Manila on May 19. HopeTrek said its system integrates solar power, energy storage, EV charging and smart home technologies into a single platform aimed at both residential and business users. The company said the product is a practical response to recurring power interruptions and…