Author: PhilSTAR Tech Team

ASUS has launched the ExpertBook Ultra in the Philippines, introducing what it calls its flagship AI-powered business laptop aimed at executives, professionals and enterprise users. Priced from P129,995, the ExpertBook Ultra is now available at select ASUS authorized stores and tech retailers nationwide. Buyers who purchase the device until July 31 will also receive an ASUS 100W GaN charger and P10,000 worth of SSI gift vouchers. The promotional bundle is valued at more than P13,000. ASUS aims to make its Expert Series the country’s top commercial PC brand by 2028, noting that the company’s local commercial business has grown by…

Google is bringing AI shopping features to the Gemini app in the Philippines, helping users find products, compare choices, and get shopping suggestions without leaving the chat. The update aims to make online shopping easier by reducing the need to open multiple tabs, check different websites, and compare products one by one before deciding what to buy. With the new feature, users can simply describe what they are looking for in their own words, similar to asking a friend for advice. Gemini can then show product suggestions along with details such as prices, reviews, availability, and where to buy them.…

For three Filipino families, winning PLDT Home’s Broadband Free Forever (BFF) promo means more than having free internet. It means easing monthly expenses, creating more opportunities for work and learning, and staying connected to the things that matter most. PLDT Home recently awarded Free Fiber for Life to three grand prize winners during a ceremony in Makati City. Another 75 subscribers nationwide also received one year of free Fiber service. “More than just a promo, the Broadband Free Forever (BFF) program is a celebration of the stories, journeys, and aspirations of every family that we serve,” said John Y. Palanca,…

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) have partnered with GCash to enable fuel subsidy disbursements benefiting drivers of public transportation nationwide. Under this program, eligible beneficiaries receive fuel assistance directly via their GCash e-wallets. This streamlined approach ensures aid reaches transport workers with greater speed, security, and transparency than traditional manual methods, while eliminating the need for beneficiaries to travel or wait in long queues. DOTr, LTFRB, and GCash partner to streamline fuel subsidy disbursements for Filipino transport workers nationwide. The initiative was launched in response to rising global fuel prices, driven by…

Banbros Commercial Inc. officially launched UNV (Uniview) and HopeTrek in the Philippines during a partner and media event held on June 23, 2026, at AC by Marriott Hotel, Ortigas Center, Pasig City. The launch brings together two innovative brands under the theme ”Smart Security. Sustainable Energy.”, offering solutions designed to help Filipino businesses and households become safer, smarter, and more resilient. UNV, a global AIoT and video surveillance provider, showcased its portfolio of intelligent security solutions, including IP cameras, video management systems, access control, and AI-powered analytics. These technologies are designed to help organizations strengthen security, improve operational efficiency, and enhance situational awareness. Complementing UNV’s security…

DITO Telecommunity has launched DITO Verified, an authentication service that enables banks and digital platforms to verify users without sending one-time passwords (OTPs), as financial institutions prepare for stricter cybersecurity rules. The service uses silent network authentication (SNA), which verifies users directly through their mobile network and SIM card. Instead of receiving a code, users connected to DITO mobile data are authenticated in the background within seconds. Developed with cybersecurity firm Shush Inc., DITO Verified can be integrated alongside existing authentication systems used by banks, e-wallets and other digital services. DITO, however, did not identify any financial institutions that have…

As digital commerce continues to reshape global markets, a collaboration between Philippine innovation company GENCYS Group and Alibaba Global Initiatives is creating opportunities for Filipino entrepreneurs to compete in the international market. The partnership introduces E-VOLVE, a leadership and digital transformation initiative designed to help business owners, startups, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) adopt artificial intelligence (AI), explore cross-border e-commerce, and pursue technology-driven growth. Rather than focusing only on digital adoption, the initiative aims to prepare entrepreneurs to participate in the global digital economy through practical learning, international exposure, and strategic collaboration. “Our vision is to ensure that Filipino…

Factories today are looking for ways to produce more products faster while keeping quality high. But as machines become faster and more automated, one challenge remains: keeping production accurate despite the small movements and vibrations that happen during operations. Even tiny vibrations can affect robots used in manufacturing, causing mistakes, lower-quality output, or delays. For industries that work with small and delicate parts, even a slight error can affect the final product. “Through our expertise in quartz technology and robotics, Epson is helping businesses overcome this challenge by improving precision, reducing errors, and enabling more efficient production processes,” said Masako…

By Maan D’Asis Pamaran The conversation around blockchain in the Philippines is changing. At the ribbon-cutting ceremony of Philippine Blockchain Week 2026 at the SMX Convention Center, digital transformation advocate Donald Lim discussed the future of blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, governance, and the Philippines’ place in the rapidly evolving global digital economy. “The only way blockchain is successful is when it is not being talked about at all. You don’t talk about AI. You don’t talk about cybersecurity. You’re already using them. That’s success.” The statement captures the essence of this year’s theme, “Decoded: Deployed.” After years spent explaining…

Samsung has introduced the Galaxy A27 5G, a midrange smartphone designed to deliver a larger display, improved performance, and more AI-powered features for everyday users. Building on the Galaxy A26 5G, the Galaxy A27 5G aims to make common smartphone tasks easier, from watching content and switching between apps to editing photos and using AI tools. The smartphone features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and viewing. It also uses an upgraded Infinity-O display design with a smaller punch-hole camera cutout and slimmer bezels to provide more screen space. With a 7.8…