Author: PhilSTAR Tech Team

PLDT Home introduced an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered customer support system across its Sales and Service Centers nationwide as part of its efforts to modernize customer service operations. PLDT said the new platform could save around 5,000 hours of customer waiting time every month once all features are fully activated in stores nationwide. “Customer experience remains at the center of our transformation efforts,” said John Y. Palanca, senior vice president and head of Consumer Business, PLDT. “By equipping our Sales and Service Centers with AI-driven capabilities, we are building a more agile and efficient operation that empowers our teams to serve…

Appliance company Concepcion Midea Inc. is promoting a new lineup of AI-powered air conditioners to help Filipino households manage rising temperatures and electricity costs this summer. Midea said its latest cooling products use artificial intelligence (AI) to adjust settings based on user habits while reducing unnecessary power consumption. “Midea is redefining modern cooling with smart, energy-efficient solutions for Filipino homes and businesses,” said Anna Marie Alejandro, general manager of Concepcion Midea Inc. Philippines. “Committed to sustainability and excellence, we provide reliable, high-performance air conditioners built to withstand the country’s tough climate where efficiency and dependability matter most.” Among the models…

A new mobile app is making structured Bible study more accessible, offering Filipinos a free and flexible way to learn scripture anytime and anywhere. The ZCMC SPS (Self-Paced Bible Study) app is designed for users who want guided theology lessons that fit into busy schedules. It allows learners to study at their own pace using a structured curriculum delivered through their phones. The launch comes as many Filipinos continue to balance work, studies, health, and personal well-being in a fast-paced digital environment, where time for traditional learning and reflection can be limited. Carrying the theme “Faith On the Go,” the…

Smartphone brand nubia is promoting the Neo 5 Series as a gaming phone lineup built to handle the Philippines’ hot weather, where overheating can affect gaming performance during long hours of use. The nubia Neo 5 Series comes with an advanced cooling system designed to help reduce heat buildup that often causes lag, frame drops, and slower response times during gameplay. The lineup combines cooling features with displays offering refresh rates of up to 144Hz, dual gaming shoulder triggers, and batteries reaching up to 6210mAh for longer gaming sessions. nubia said the cooling system becomes useful in several real-world situations,…

Shopee was named the top e-commerce platform in perceived quality in the Philippines at the 2026 Synergy-YouGov Awards, powered by YouGov BrandIndex. The recognition was based on Shopee’s highest NET Perceived Quality score in the E-Commerce & M-Commerce category for 2025. The award reflects how Filipino consumers rated the platform’s ability to consistently provide reliable products, services, and shopping experiences throughout the year. Shopee, an e-commerce platform operating across Southeast Asia, Taiwan, and Brazil, said the recognition highlights growing consumer trust in online shopping services that focus on convenience and reliability. “Shopee is dedicated to making e-commerce work for every…

Smart devices provider HONOR has introduced the HONOR 600 Series in the Philippines, highlighting artificial intelligence (AI)-powered photo and video tools for content creators and social media users. Priced starting at ₱25,999, the smartphone series includes AI Image to Video 2.0, a feature that turns photos into short videos using text prompts. Users can combine up to three images and create cinematic-style clips directly from the phone. HONOR 600 also comes with AI editing tools that allow users to edit photos using simple commands. Other features include moving photo effects, collage creation, and object removal. HONOR also improved camera performance,…

Globe said it has fully restored mobile and broadband services in Metro Manila and parts of Luzon after a network disruption caused by multiple fiber cuts on May 12. The outage affected calls, text messaging, and internet services in several Metro Manila cities and nearby provinces, including Rizal. Services returned to normal by 10:30 p.m. after its technical and network teams completed restoration work. Initial findings showed that underground fiber optic cables in Paco, Manila were damaged during drainage excavation activities carried out by a subcontractor of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). According to Globe, several fiber…

Epson Southeast Asia is calling for entries to the 17th Epson International Pano Awards 2026, the world’s largest competition dedicated to panoramic photography, continuing its long-running partnership with The Pano Awards as a major sponsor. Entries are now open, with early-bird submissions accepted until June 22, 2026 and final entries due by July 13, 2026. The competition is open to professional and amateur photographers worldwide, requiring a minimum 2:1 aspect ratio in either landscape or portrait format. “The Epson International Pano Awards give photographers a rare opportunity to stand alongside the world’s best on a global platform,” said Hattori Tai,…

Google is introducing Googlebook, a new laptop category named as the successor to Chromebook, a shift from cloud-first computing to what the company calls an intelligence-first experience powered by Gemini. The unveiling builds on the Chromebook foundation launched more than 15 years ago, but reframes the laptop around AI-driven assistance rather than a traditional operating system experience. Googlebook combines the Chrome browser, Google Play apps, and a modern OS layer designed to work closely with Gemini across everyday tasks. Among its features is the Magic Pointer, a redesigned cursor system built with Google DeepMind. Instead of only navigating the screen,…

HONOR Philippines may be preparing one of the biggest smartphone launch promotions in the local market after leaked promotional materials suggested that buyers of the upcoming HONOR 600 could win a Mercedes-Benz EQA 250. The leaked visuals, which quickly circulated on social media, hinted at a pre-order raffle tied to the launch of the AI-powered HONOR 600. While the company has yet to officially confirm the mechanics, the possible giveaway immediately generated online buzz among tech fans and smartphone buyers. The campaign comes as HONOR ramps up visibility for the HONOR 600 ahead of its May 14 launch. The smartphone…