Author: PhilSTAR Tech Team

Apple has rolled out a software update that expands language support for Live Translation in Messages, enhances Hold Assist, and adds new AI-powered creative tools in Freeform through Apple Creator Studio. The update focuses on making communication more seamless while improving productivity and personalization features across the iPhone. Powered by Apple Intelligence, iOS 26.4 strengthens on-device AI capabilities, from real-time message translation to smarter content creation tools. It also introduces new widgets, health insights, and emoji, giving users more ways to communicate, create, and manage daily routines. Updates:

Ruckus Networks has named Banbros Commercial Inc. as its official distributor in the Philippines to widen access to high-performance enterprise networking solutions as demand for reliable connectivity grows. Banbros Commercial Inc. said the tie-up is designed to help local enterprises upgrade their network infrastructure, as businesses shift to cloud-based systems, hybrid work setups, and data-heavy applications. Michael Bangayan, president and CEO of Banbros Commercial Inc., said the company is strengthening its portfolio to support the country’s fast-evolving digital landscape. He noted that bringing in Ruckus technologies would help organizations deploy more resilient and scalable networks. Executives from Ruckus Networks outlined…

Converge ICT Solutions Inc. continues to strengthen its position in the country’s broadband landscape after securing multiple recognitions at the Ookla® Speedtest Awards. The company was recognized for Fastest Fixed Network, Best Fixed Network, and Best Fixed Video Experience, underscoring its continued performance across key connectivity metrics. The awards are based on analysis by Ookla®, the global authority in broadband and mobile network testing. Drawing from millions of consumer-initiated tests conducted through Speedtest by Ookla®, the results reflect real-world internet experiences from users across the Philippines. For Converge, these accolades include years of sustained investment in expanding and strengthening its…

ASUS Philippines has introduced its 2026 Zenbook lineup, headlined by the Zenbook DUO and Zenbook S14 and the newly unveiled Zenbook A16.The Zenbook DUO (UX8407AA) features dual 14-inch 3K OLED touchscreen displays, each with a 144Hz refresh rate and up to 1,000 nits brightness. ASUS reduced the gap between screens by 70 percent for a more seamless workspace. It supports multiple modes, including laptop, dual-screen, desktop, and sharing setups. It runs on an Intel Core Ultra 9 Series 3 processor with a 50 TOPS NPU, enabling AI-driven tasks under Microsoft’s Copilot+ platform. The device includes 32GB LPDDR5X RAM and a…

The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has shortened its deadline for Roblox to about 15 days, warning that the platform could face a temporary nationwide ban if it fails to address safety concerns within the tighter window. The CICC initially gave Roblox around 30 days to respond, but officials reduced the timeline after identifying urgent risks involving young users. The move shows the growing pressure on the company to act faster on content moderation and user protection. Authorities said the platform has been linked to cases involving online grooming, inappropriate interactions, and exposure of minors to harmful content. Because…

Trust and credibility, not follower count, are now the biggest drivers of creator-led sales in the Philippines, with 83% of marketers saying content performs better when creators have clear expertise or a strong fit with their niche, according to a study by Unbox Creator Network (UCN). The same report said social commerce in the Philippines is set to reach $20.05 billion in 2026, as Filipino consumers move from product discovery to purchase in just a few taps. Driving this growth is a clear shift in audience behavior, with Filipinos turning away from polished, highly curated influencers and engaging more with…

Samsung is making it easier for Galaxy users to share files across devices by adding AirDrop support to Quick Share on the Galaxy S26 Series. The feature has been available since March 23 in South Korea, with a global expansion planned for Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, Latin America, North America, Southeast Asia, and Taiwan. Initially exclusive to the Galaxy S26 series, Samsung said it will bring AirDrop support to more devices in the future. RELATED STORY: Galaxy S26 Series’ most useful features and what’s worth your attention With this update, Galaxy users can enjoy seamless file transfers similar to Apple’s…

Telecommunications company Globe has donated IMSI catcher detectors to key government agencies to strengthen the country’s response against mobile scams and fake cell sites. The devices were turned over to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to help identify and locate unauthorized signal activity in real time. The initiative targets the growing use of illegal mobile infrastructure such as IMSI catchers, also known as fake base stations, which allow cybercriminals to send fraudulent SMS messages directly to mobile users. These attacks bypass traditional network safeguards because they operate…

Smartphone brand nubia is building momentum in the Philippine gaming market with the upcoming release of its Neo 5 Gaming Series, set for a public debut on March 28 at SM Megamall Fashion Hall. Built as a gaming-focused smartphone line at a more accessible price point, the Neo 5 Series draws design and engineering cues from REDMAGIC, known for its high-performance gaming ecosystem. The devices combine a futuristic look with hardware tuned for competitive mobile gaming, targeting a fast-growing segment of Filipino players looking for better performance without premium pricing. The Neo 5 Series is expected to feature high-refresh-rate displays,…

A new electric tram designed and built by Filipinos is now giving free rides around Intramuros, offering a cleaner and quieter way to explore one of the country’s most historic areas. The 18-seater e-tranvia, developed through a partnership between the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Intramuros Administration, runs on batteries instead of diesel, cutting down smoke and noise along the narrow streets of the Walled City. Built to match the look of old tranvias from the late 1800s, the vehicle blends in with Intramuros’ heritage setting while using modern technology underneath. It is part of the efforts…