Author: PhilSTAR Tech Team

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…

Mobile devices brand HONOR is set to introduce a new tablet designed to handle everyday wear and tear while delivering reliable performance for work and entertainment. The upcoming tablet is viewed as a practical option for users who need a gadget that can keep up with busy, on-the-go routines, from online classes to streaming and multitasking. “If there’s anything I can say about this tablet for now is that it will boast a robust build, reinforced structure, and long-lasting battery life, ensuring uninterrupted productivity and entertainment throughout the day,” said Stephen Cheng, vice president at HONOR Philippines. “Paired with an…

Shopee is helping micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) streamline daily operations through artificial intelligence (AI) tools that manage customer inquiries and improve product listings. For New Earth, known for its eco-friendly washable paper bags, handling day-to-day tasks used to be a strain. With only six team members, the group had to juggle customer messages, order updates, and backend work at the same time. “We take turns answering customer inquiries,” said Valerie Pineda, founder of New Earth. “Whenever our admin assistant is busy and cannot reply, I step in and help respond to customers.” Manual replies became time-consuming, especially during…

Jabra, a global brand of professional audio and video solutions, is strengthening its lineup that caters to hybrid work setups with two new products: the Jabra Evolve3 headset series and the Jabra PanaCast Room Kit. The devices are designed to improve both personal and meeting room communication as more companies adopt flexible work arrangements. According to Jabra, 46 percent of knowledge workers still use consumer-grade headsets, which often lack clarity and reliability for work calls. At the same time, 60 percent of professionals expect voice to become the main way to interact with workplace technology in the next three years,…