Author: PhilSTAR Tech Team

A Filipino scientist is urging wider use of simple building designs that keep homes and buildings cooler without relying heavily on air-conditioning, saying these methods could help reduce electricity use in the Philippines. Academician Filemon Uriarte Jr. of the National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines said passive cooling strategies could help ease rising energy demand, especially during the country’s hot and dry seasons. His study, “Passive Cooling Strategies for Sustainable Development,” looks at ways buildings can stay cooler using design and natural airflow instead of mechanical cooling systems like air conditioners. The approach was tested in Cambodia under a…

By Bobby Corpus The average person barely even heard of quantum computing, but in the next 20 years it’s possible to change the game in fields from cybersecurity and banking to medicine and artificial intelligence. This sounds like science fiction, but governments and companies around the world are investing billions of dollars in quantum technology already. The United States, China, the European Union, Japan, and Australia all have national quantum strategies. Big tech firms including IBM, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are also racing to make practical quantum computers. So is quantum computing, and should Filipinos care? To start understanding quantum…

Google is bringing a more personalized version of its artificial intelligence (AI) assistant to the Philippines, so users can connect their own data for more relevant and tailored responses. The feature, called Personal Intelligence, is now available in the Gemini app. It allows users to link services such as Gmail, Google Photos, YouTube, and Search so the AI can better understand individual preferences and past activity. Google said most AI tools today rely on general knowledge, but Personal Intelligence is designed to go further by using personal context. By connecting selected apps, Gemini can retrieve details from emails, photos, and…

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is promoting bamboo and agricultural waste as alternative fuel sources as the Philippines faces rising energy costs and supply risks. Developed by the Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI), bamboo pellets and charcoal briquettes are viewed as cleaner, locally sourced fuels that could reduce dependence on imported oil and coal. “The (recent) declaration of a state of national energy emergency shows our country’s vulnerability to disruptions in fuel supply,” said DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. in a media release. “By converting abundant biomass materials into efficient fuels, we offer a renewable,…

Deepfake scams are rapidly spreading beyond social media and into everyday work tools, including video calls, identity checks, and online transactions, according to a new report from iProov, an identity verification company. The iProov Threat Intelligence Report 2026 warns that artificial intelligence (AI) is making it easier for criminals to create highly convincing fake identities and impersonate real people at scale. These attacks are no longer rare, they are becoming part of daily business risks. “Identity is becoming the new battleground in cybersecurity,” said Dr. Andrew Newell, chief scientific officer of iProov. He said generative AI (GenAI) now allows attackers…

After nearly three years without a new Mate device, Huawei is bringing back its flagship smartphone line to the Philippines with the Huawei Mate 80 Pro, set to launch on April 17. The Mate series has long been known for introducing major smartphone innovations. Earlier models brought features such as AI-powered processors, ultra-wide cameras, gesture controls, and even satellite communication. With the Mate 80 Pro, Huawei is doubling down on photography, durability, and performance. The Huawei Mate 80 Pro has a new camera system designed to deliver more natural-looking photos. It uses a 50MP main sensor that captures more light…

Telecommunications company PLDT Inc., through its consumer arm PLDT Home, recognized five Filipino mompreneurs at the 4th Gawad Madiskarte Awards, highlighting how mothers are building businesses while supporting their families and communities. The annual program, launched in 2020, has grown into a platform that celebrates women who balance caregiving with entrepreneurship. Now in its fifth year, the initiative continues to expand alongside the Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH) community, which has reached more than 227,000 members. This year’s campaign, “Panahon Mo Na,” encourages mothers to take pride in their entrepreneurial journey and embrace their identity as business owners. The program is…

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) have urged Meta Platforms, the owner of Facebook, to step up efforts against fake news as misleading content spreads across social media in the Philippines. According to a media release, DICT Secretary Henry Aguda wrote to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, calling for stronger safeguards on platforms such as Facebook. The government warned that disinformation is worsening public anxiety as the country faces energy and economic challenges. The appeal followed reports from the Presidential Communications Office’s Anti-Fake News Desk, which flagged posts targeting Ferdinand Marcos…

HUAWEI is introducing a new smartwatch designed to improve GPS accuracy and training insights, even in areas where signal is weak or lost. The HUAWEI Watch GT Runner 2, priced at PHP 19,999, uses a redesigned antenna system that turns its titanium frame into a signal booster. The company says this improves GPS performance by up to 50% compared to the previous model, helping runners stay on track in dense cities, forests, or tunnels. When GPS drops completely, the watch switches to an internal tracking system powered by motion sensors. This system estimates the user’s path based on movement, allowing…

Smartphone brand Infinix has named Yuna of ITZY as its first global brand ambassador, as it rolls out the NOTE 60 Series worldwide. The partnership comes alongside the debut of the NOTE 60 lineup, including the NOTE 60 Pro, which indicates Infinix’s efforts to connect with younger users through a mix of style, performance, and everyday usability. “I am so excited to reach out to my fans in a new way as Infinix’s Global Brand Ambassador,” Yuna said in a media release. “I’ve always believed that life should be filled with joy and the courage to show the world who…