Author: PhilSTAR Tech Team

Video streaming platform YouTube has restored service after a brief outage that affected users worldwide, including in Southeast Asia and the Philippines. According to Downdetector, some users reported issues with access, although not everyone was affected as some did not experience any shutdown. In its Help Center, YouTube said the problem has been resolved and all platforms, including YouTube.com, the YouTube app, YouTube Music, Kids, and TV, are back to normal. “An issue with our recommendations system prevented videos from appearing across surfaces on YouTube,” the platform said. “The homepage is back, but we’re still working on a full fix.”…

Samsung’s next Galaxy phones are expected to focus on making the camera smarter and much easier to use. The goal is simple: help anyone take, edit, and share great photos and videos without needing special skills or extra apps. Here’s what you can likely expect: Samsung says this will be its brightest Galaxy camera system yet. For users, that likely means clearer night photos, brighter indoor shots, and more detail in dark areas. You can expect better low-light photos with less grain, clearer night videos, sharper zoom shots, and improved night sky photos, including better star shots. Photos taken at…

If you use Messenger on your personal computer without installing extra apps, a change from Meta could affect how you chat next year. The company is streamlining how Messenger works on desktop and web. Here’s what is confirmed and what remains unclear. Automatic redirect behavior.While reports say Messenger.com users will be automatically redirected to Facebook.com/messages after April 2026, Meta has not publicly detailed how that redirect will technically function. Impact on users without Facebook accounts.Messenger.com has allowed some users to access chats without an active Facebook account. Meta has not issued a detailed public explanation of how those users will…

Known for personal tech and home devices, Acer is now moving deeper into the household space through its lifestyle brand, Acerpure. Five years after its launch, Acerpure is entering the large-appliance category with Acerpure Chill, a line of window-type air conditioners designed for Filipino homes. As temperatures continue to rise and urban living spaces become more compact, demand for efficient and reliable cooling is increasing. Acerpure Chill is viewed as a solution that balances performance, energy savings, and space-conscious design. It is designed with a Dual Inverter Compressor. Unlike conventional air conditioners that use a single rotor, this system uses…

Tonik, a digital bank, increased its Time Deposit (TD) interest rate to 6%-8% for a minimum deposit of PHP 5,000. Depositors don’t need to have a maintaining balance or promo code to enjoy these upgrades. Tonik now offers depositors 6% for 6 months, 7% for 9 months, and 8% for 12 months. Tonik said it aims to make high-yield savings accessible to everyone who wants to open a TD account. “Whether you’re new to saving or already a seasoned investor, these enhancements offer real, simple savings that grow,” the bank said in a media release. Here’s what it offers. •…

Samsung Electronics is promoting its upcoming Galaxy device with a global 3D video billboard campaign ahead of Galaxy Unpacked on Feb. 26, 2 a.m. Philippine time. Starting Feb. 11, Samsung’s 3D video billboards will appear across 17 landmarks in major cities, including Ho Chi Minh City, London, Los Angeles, Seoul, and Tokyo. The displays offer an early look at how Galaxy AI supports everyday tasks such as capturing photos and managing daily activities. The campaign builds anticipation for the new Galaxy S series, which Samsung said is designed to reduce friction in daily mobile use. The company said the device…

HUAWEI is set to bring its MatePad 11.5 S 2026 to the Philippine market, expanding its tablet lineup with a device positioned as a laptop-style productivity alternative for students and young professionals. The tablet will be offered as a bundled setup that includes a magnetic keyboard, third-generation M-Pencil stylus, and wireless mouse, forming what the company describes as a four-in-one work configuration. One of its headline features is the updated third-generation PaperMatte display, which uses nano-etched anti-glare technology designed to reduce reflections and screen sparkle.HUAWEI says the display will improve visibility during long periods of reading, writing, and online work,…

Daikin Airconditioning Philippines, Inc. outlined its approach to smart township cooling and connected HVAC systems during the Daikin Solutions Seminar 2026 held in Quezon City, presenting how integrated air-conditioning systems are being positioned for large-scale, mixed-use developments across the country As Philippine townships expand beyond Metro Manila, developers are facing more complex cooling requirements that span residential towers, office spaces, hotels and retail hubs within a single master plan.  At the seminar, company executives discussed how centralized HVAC strategies, scalable VRV (Variable Refrigerant Volume) systems, chillers and connected monitoring platforms can be integrated from the planning stage to improve energy…

Apple released the iOS 26.3 update globally, introducing a new data transfer feature that allows users to move content between iPhones and Android devices. Like most updates, it also focuses on bug fixes and security updates. The feature enables smartphone users who need to move their data (and that include apps, contacts, messages, and photos) can now do so without downloading any other app. The update also includes a redesigned interface called Liquid Glass, which changes the visual appearance of the Lock Screen, Home Screen, Control Center, and native apps. The design uses transparent, glass-like elements to create a more…

Oceanhorn 3: Legend of the Shadow Sea will launch exclusively on Apple Arcade on March 5, adding a new installment to the action role-playing game (RPG) and adventure franchise. Set nearly 1,000 years after the events of Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm, the new title will allow players to explore uncharted islands, battle large enemies, and uncover the history of a world preparing for renewal. The game features a three-dimensional gaming experience designed for play across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro. It continues the series’ storyline while offering exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving gameplay. The…