Author: PhilSTAR Tech Team

Apple’s iOS 27 update is packed with artificial intelligence (AI) features, but one of its most useful changes may be much simpler: It could make everyday iPhone tasks faster than before. Apple said apps can open up to 30% faster with iOS 27. Photos may appear up to 70% faster after they are taken, while sending files through AirDrop can be up to 80% faster. Those improvements could matter more to many users than a long list of new features. Waiting a little less for an app to open, a photo to appear, or a file to transfer may not…

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, or MSMEs, are critical to the Filipino way of life. In fact, they comprise the backbone of the Philippine economy as they make up about 99 percent of all businesses in the country while providing some 60–63 percent of the nation’s total employment and accounting for about 36 percent of the gross domestic product or GDP. Unfortunately, this critical sector is beset with challenges that make it difficult for business owners at this level to stay open, much less thrive. Filipino MSMEs face multiple interconnected challenges, with technology and digitalization representing a major and persistent…

Advent Upgrade Solar Inc. (AUSI) and Proterial Philippines Inc. signed a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA), with the latter’s facility in LIMA Estate, Batangas to source power from a 1,587.20 kilowatt-peak ground-mounted solar photovoltaic system. Targeted to begin commercial operations in the first quarter of 2027, the project represents the first ground-mounted solar installation within the estate. “Through this collaboration, we are taking a meaningful step toward reducing our carbon footprint, enhancing energy efficiency, and contributing to the country’s transition to a more sustainable energy landscape,” said Proterial Philippines, Inc. President Yoshiaki Yamashita. “As a responsible corporate organization, we recognize…

Apple has introduced the iPhone Duo, its first foldable smartphone. The iPhone Duo has a 5.4-inch outer display designed for one-handed use. Unfolding the device reveals a 7.6-inch inner screen, the largest display Apple has offered on an iPhone. The company said the inner display is 50% larger than that of the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Both screens have the same shape, allowing apps and other content to resize without suddenly changing their layout. The displays also support ProMotion, Always-On display, and up to 3,000 nits of brightness for better outdoor viewing. Apple added a matte nano-texture finish to the…

Infinix has launched the XPAD 30 Pro in the Philippines, offering an 11-inch screen, 4G connectivity, and gaming features at a starting launch price of Php 12,999. The tablet is designed for users who want a larger screen for mobile games, streaming, schoolwork, and everyday online tasks without paying laptop-level prices. Its SIM card support also allows users to access 4G mobile data when Wi-Fi is unavailable. The Infinix XPAD 30 Pro runs on the MediaTek Helio G200 Ultimate processor, paired with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Users can add up to 2TB of storage through a microSD…

As the Philippines gears up for one of the biggest e-commerce events of the year, Star Digital Solutions (SDS) is preparing for the upcoming 9.9 Mega Campaign, bringing together leading brands, creators, and e-commerce strategies designed to capture one of the year’s biggest online shopping moments. Recognized as a top MCN and TikTok Shop Partner (TSP) agency in the Philippines, Star Digital Solutions is entering 9.9 with an expanding portfolio of major accounts across FMCG, beauty and personal care, fashion, health, and technology—strengthening its position as one of the country’s emerging forces in e-commerce and livestream commerce. The agency’s growing…

Anker Innovations is bringing its five consumer technology brands under the Anker name, ending a strategy that separated its charging, audio, smart home, energy, and creative products. The change affects Anker, eufy, soundcore, SOLIX, and eufyMake. New products will carry the Anker brand first, while existing products will make the switch gradually. The company said warranties, customer support, and after-sales service will remain unchanged. Founded in 2011 as a charging company, Anker has expanded into headphones, security cameras, robot vacuums, home energy systems, and creative tools. It now serves more than 200 million customers across over 180 countries and regions.…

College and university students in the Philippines can use Google AI Plus for free for one year under a new offer to help them manage lessons, exams, research papers, and school deadlines. The plan gives eligible students access to Google’s artificial intelligence (AI) tools without subscription charges during the 12-month promotional period. Students must verify that they are enrolled at a qualified Philippine college or university. One of the main tools included in the plan is Study Notebooks. Students can upload their class materials, such as course outlines, presentation slides, and reading materials. Gemini can then use those files to…

Philippine micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSME) need more than access to artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and other new technologies. They also need affordable tools that solve everyday problems and guidance on how to use them, according to Converge ICT Solutions Inc. The fiber broadband and technology provider said many MSMEs may hesitate to adopt unfamiliar technology because they do not immediately see its value or are worried about the cost and risks. At the ASEAN Tech Summit Manila 2026, Converge SVP and SME Group head Dindo Marzan said technology companies must make their products easier for small-business owners…

DJI has launched the Osmo 360 II in the Philippines, adding a new 360-degree camera with 8K video recording, improved low-light performance and replaceable lenses. The Osmo 360 II uses a 1-inch square HDR sensor capable of recording 360-degree video at up to 8K resolution and 60 frames per second. DJI said the sensor delivers a 14.5-stop dynamic range, while its 2.4-micron pixels are designed to improve image quality in fast-moving scenes. For low-light shooting, the camera uses DJI’s AI SuperNight 2.0 noise-reduction system. It can also capture 120-megapixel HDR 360-degree photos, 16K timelapses and 8K/120fps Vortex footage. All video…