Author: PhilSTAR Tech Team

Infinix introduced the HOT 70 series, offering AI features, a large battery, and a stylish design for users looking for an affordable smartphone starting at ₱7,999. The HOT 70 comes in Thermo Orange variant, which changes color depending on temperature. Users can also add custom patterns to the back panel, giving the phone a more personal look. Other variants, including Quiet Violet and Green Texture, feature textured designs that create different light effects when viewed from different angles. The phone also comes with a dedicated One-Tap AI Button for easier access to AI tools. A short press activates AI FlashMemo,…

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and Google Cloud have strengthened their partnership to use artificial intelligence (AI) and stronger cybersecurity systems in government services. The goal is to make public transactions faster, simpler, and safer for Filipinos. The effort supports the Philippine Development Plan 2023 to 2028 and DICT’s digital transformation roadmap. It covers both AI tools for government work and a unified cybersecurity system across agencies. “Transformation is not defined by the adoption of sophisticated software tools alone, but by facilitating sustained systemic efficiency across public institutions and widespread access to e-government services,” said DICT Secretary…

A10 Networks has acquired AI security company TrojAI Inc. as it expands its strategy to help organizations secure artificial intelligence (AI) applications, models, and autonomous AI systems. The acquisition adds TrojAI’s AI security capabilities to A10 Networks’ portfolio, giving enterprises tools to test AI systems for weaknesses and protect them from threats while they are being used. TrojAI focuses on two areas of AI security. The first is red teaming, which tests AI models, agents, and applications for vulnerabilities before deployment. The second is real-time protection, which helps defend AI systems against attacks during operation. The combination of A10 Networks’…

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are teaming up to build a national data platform that will use artificial intelligence (AI) to help the government better prepare for disasters and manage climate risks. The partnership will support DOST’s Geospatial Analytics & Technology Solutions (GATES) program, which aims to bring together scattered data from different government agencies into one secure and reliable system. The platform will make it easier for agencies to access information and use it for faster decision-making during emergencies. Through the JICA Digital Transformation Lab (JICA DXLab), the partnership will help…

Riot Games Philippines is giving more players and gaming creators a chance to join the Wild Rift competitive scene through the 2026 Wild Rounds: SMASH tournament, which will feature community competitions, creator matches, and new programs for content creators. SMASH 2026 will have two main events: the Community Champions Cup, where teams will compete for global recognition, and the Creator Showmatches, where gaming creators will battle it out in Wild Rift matches. The tournament will include qualifiers in Brazil, China, South Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Türkiye as Riot Games continues to expand its Wild Rift community. In the Philippines,…

For those wondering if Threads, Facebook’s response when Elon Musk bought Twitter, now X, still has users, Meta said the app has reached 500 million monthly active users. Meta said Threads has grown steadily since its launch, with people using it mainly to talk about everyday interests such as books, sports, parenting, and music. “This is a milestone that reflects people’s desire for a public space built around conversation,” Meta said. Meta added that much of the growth comes from online communities forming around shared interests. “This growth is driven by communities, groups of people showing up around the conversations…

Popular video game Roblox is rolling out Roblox Kids and Roblox Select accounts worldwide, giving children different settings based on their age, including access to games, chat features, and safety controls. The new accounts are meant to help younger users explore Roblox while giving parents more ways to manage what their children can do on the platform. Roblox Kids accounts are for younger children and come with stricter settings, including chat turned off by default. Roblox Select accounts are for older children and younger teens, giving them access to more features while keeping safety tools and parental controls available. “As…

Xiaomi has introduced a new lineup of smart wearables designed to help people keep track of their health, fitness, and daily activities more easily. The new lineup includes the Xiaomi Smart Band 10 Pro, Xiaomi Watch S5, and Xiaomi Buds 6, which help users monitor different parts of their everyday routine, from exercise and sleep to staying connected and focused. The Xiaomi Smart Band 10 Pro helps users keep an eye on important health information such as heart rate, sleep, blood oxygen levels, and stress. It also supports more than 150 sports modes, including cycling and other daily activities. With…

The HUAWEI nova 15 Max, which is now available in the Philippines, comes with an 8500mAh Super Battery, the biggest battery capacity used in a HUAWEI smartphone. Priced at Php 19,888, the phone is designed for users who stream videos, play games, use navigation apps, or stay connected throughout the day. HUAWEI said the battery can support up to 48 hours of calls, 25 hours of navigation, or 23 hours of video playback. When it runs low, the 40W SuperCharge feature helps recharge it faster. It can also act as a backup charger through Reverse Charging, allowing users to power…

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is working on a new digital traffic system designed to help emergency vehicles move faster and avoid getting stuck in heavy traffic. The system is called the Swift Emergency Response Vehicle Integration System with Smart Traffic and Electronic Enforcer on the Road, or sERVis-STEER. It is being developed by the DOST-Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI). The goal is to solve a common problem in cities and towns: ambulances, fire trucks, and other emergency vehicles often get delayed because of traffic jams, especially during urgent situations. According to Miguel Asido of DOST-ASTI, the…