Author: PhilSTAR Tech Team

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,…

Entrepreneurial mothers or “mompreneurs” are using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to make everyday business tasks easier, faster, and more organized. Instead of doing everything manually, they now rely on AI to help with planning, research, pricing, content creation, and customer communication. This is the result of the first Google Gemini workshop held last year together with PLDT Home, Google Philippines, and Madiskarte Moms PH. At the center of this shift is Google Gemini, an AI tool that can answer questions, generate ideas, write content, and even help build formulas for spreadsheets. It is being used alongside other tools introduced through…

Technology company Google is rolling out Search Live globally, bringing its (artificial intelligence) AI-powered, real-time search experience to users in more than 200 countries and territories where AI Mode is available. The expansion enables interactive conversations with Search using both voice and camera, moving beyond traditional typed queries. Powered by the new Gemini 3.1 Flash Live model, the feature delivers more natural responses and supports multiple languages, allowing users to speak in their preferred language and receive contextual answers instantly. Search Live is designed for situations where typing is impractical, such as when users need hands-free assistance or quick guidance.…

Technology company Lenovo has signed a global partnership with David Beckham, combining the reach of one of the world’s most recognized sports figures with the company’s expanding innovation in both technology and international sports. The collaboration supports Lenovo’s role in global football, including its position as Official Technology Partner of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027. Beckham will work with Lenovo across initiatives spanning sports innovation, business productivity, and global marketing. Lenovo said the partnership will highlight how its technologies are used across different environments, from elite sports to everyday work. In football, this…

Telecommunications and digital services provider PLDT Enterprise is expanding its artificial intelligence (AI) efforts internally with the rollout of Ellie, a digital assistant which aims to improve productivity, collaboration, and customer responsiveness across the organization. Short for Enablement and Intelligence Engine, Ellie is integrated into Microsoft Teams, allowing employees to quickly access product information, sales materials, and a centralized, searchable knowledge base within their daily workflow. The platform enables teams to retrieve product bulletins across PLDT Enterprise’s portfolio, covering fixed, wireless, and information and communications technology (ICT) solutions. It also provides ready-to-use resources such as sales decks and client proposals,…

Digital healthcare platform mWell has Healthsavers Plan, which is a practical add-on for travelers looking for accessible medical support while on the move. Holy Week remains one of the busiest travel periods in the Philippines, as Filipinos head out for vacations, pilgrimages, or family time. Planning is often focused on destinations and itineraries, but health preparedness is overlooked, even as minor illnesses or unexpected conditions can disrupt trips and add unplanned costs. The Healthsavers Plan allows users to consult with licensed Filipino doctors through the mWell app, offering immediate access to care without the need to locate clinics or hospitals,…

TCL Electronics, a global consumer electronics brand known for its televisions and air conditioners, has partnered with Automatic Centre to strengthen its retail presence in the Philippines, starting with a showcase at the retailer’s Sheridan branch in Mandaluyong. The partnership allows TCL Philippines to bring its latest televisions, air conditioners, and smart home appliances to more consumers through an established appliance retailer with decades of experience. “Joining forces with Automatic Centre is a milestone moment for TCL Philippines. We have immense respect for their 70-year standing as a pillar of the local appliance industry,” said Peter Chen, CEO of TCL.…

Mobile brand Infinix is rolling out the XPAD 30E in the Philippines, pitching it as a tablet for schoolwork, online classes, and everyday use at an affordable price. Infinix XPAD 30E is designed with built-in learning tools. It comes preloaded with more than 120,000 educational resources, covering subjects for children aged 2 to 16. These include lessons, exercises, videos, and interactive content designed to support both basic and intermediate learning. Infinix AI Tutor guides students through problems step by step instead of simply giving answers. The system includes more than 100,000 math exercises aligned with school curricula in many countries.…

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: