Author: PhilSTAR Tech Team

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…

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…

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…

Three Filipino entrepreneurs are finding new markets for products rooted in local agriculture, food and traditional craftsmanship, as they adapt their businesses to changing consumer habits. Their stories are featured in Grit Expectations, a docuseries presented by Shopee Kultura+ and produced by FEATR. The series follows Cacao Culture, Organic Options and FilDogScarf, three businesses that have built their products around local industries and traditions. Cacao Culture founders Shiela and Ken Reyes-Lao became interested in Philippine cacao after moving from Manila to Davao. Their business eventually expanded to support more than 20 local chocolate brands, highlighting products made from Philippine cacao.…

TCL has launched its latest smart washer-dryer lineup in the Philippines as the consumer electronics company expands its home appliance business beyond televisions. The new machines combine washing and drying functions, allowing households to complete their laundry without relying entirely on outdoor drying. This may be particularly useful during the rainy season, when changing weather can make drying clothes more difficult. TCL, the No. 1 panel TV brand in the Philippines and a global leader in consumer electronics, said the lineup is designed to handle both large family loads and smaller batches of personal clothing. The company, however, has not…

As businesses rely on more applications, cloud platforms and connected systems, keeping the network running reliably has become increasingly critical to everyday operations. Yet greater complexity also means IT teams can spend significant time responding to alerts, tracing network issues and troubleshooting connectivity instead of focusing on technology initiatives that support business growth. Globe Business is addressing this challenge through AI WAN, an intelligent network management solution designed to help anticipate, identify and respond to potential network issues with less manual intervention. Once progressively deployed across Globe’s network infrastructure, AI WAN will continuously analyze network conditions and traffic behavior, allowing…

Beyond powering frictionless digital payments in areas like public transportation, online and offline cashless purchases, and peer-to-peer transfers, Mynt, the parent company of GCash, is also expanding access to investing through its wealthtech platform. With simple signup and paperless registration that eliminates the need to physically visit a bank or brokerage, GInvest enables Filipinos to invest via GStocks, GFunds, GBonds, and more directly through the GCash app. GStocks PH currently serves over 2 million users through broker AB Capital Securities Inc., accounting for over 50% of all online retail stock market accounts with the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), reinforcing GCash…

Xiaomi’s upcoming REDMI Note 17 Series will feature a 10,000mAh battery, promising durability and long-term software support for the new lineup. The battery will use silicon-carbon technology and is rated for 1,600 charging cycles while retaining more than 80% of its capacity. Xiaomi said the battery system is designed to address capacity decline and safety concerns associated with extended use. The company said the battery is designed to support six years of reliable performance. The series’ six-year “Built for Years” commitment will also cover security patch updates and sustained smoothness, although coverage will vary depending on the model and market.The…

Philippine businesses have more data than ever before. Yet as economic pressures, geopolitical shifts, rapid technological change, and recurring disruptions make the business environment harder to predict, having more information does not necessarily make decisions easier. For business leaders, the challenge is knowing which information they can trust, understanding it in context, and turning it into sound decisions, even when the full picture is not always visible. This becomes especially important when decisions involve significant financial, operational, or reputational consequences. “Simply having more data isn’t the answer. What matters is having the right data, with enough depth, breadth, and context…