Author: PhilSTAR Tech Team

Up to 35% discounts on smart locks and home security products are available this May as Yale teams up with True Value for a month-long in-store campaign at Shangri-La Plaza. Running from May 1 to May 31, 2026, the “Smart Yale Home” showcase features a dedicated pop-up booth inside True Value Shangri-La Plaza, where customers can test smart locks and connected security devices designed for modern homes. A limited flash promotion on May 2 and 3 offers a free unit of Yale Uno smart lock to the first customer each day who purchases a Yale Luna Elite+ Smart Lock. The…

DITO Telecommunity has been named the #1 Rated Mobile Network in the Philippines for the second half of 2025, based on a report by independent network analytics firm Ookla. The ranking is based on real-world data collected from users through Ookla’s Speedtest platform. The results indicate how people actually experience mobile internet in everyday use, such as browsing, streaming, video calls, and online work. Ookla’s five-star rating system measures a consumer’s overall satisfaction with their network operator. At the end of a test, users are prompted to “Rate Your Provider” and are presented with a range of one to five…

The modern Filipino’s relationship with television has undergone a transformation. Celebrating 20 years as the global No. 1 TV brand, Samsung leads the industry in redefining what a TV can do to meet the evolving needs of today’s consumers. What once was a device used primarily for scheduled, passive viewing has evolved into a central hub for streaming, gaming, and connected experiences at home. Samsung Electronics Philippines (SEPCO) head of AV, Chris Almazan, breaks down how Samsung televisions help Filipinos see possibilities beyond picture and sound. “Filipinos today demand TVs that do more,” Almazan said. “Samsung recognized early on that…

HONOR Philippines is hinting at a partnership with Miss Universe Philippines 2026, with a possible big reveal set during the coronation night. The global AI smart devices provider has started teasing a new smartphone tied to the pageant aiming to connect its brand with a wider, lifestyle-driven audience. Early details show that HONOR is introducing a smartphone built with AI-powered imaging that also offers smarter everyday features. HONOR suggests the upcoming release will highlight simplifying content creation through built-in AI tools, making it easier for users to shoot, edit, and post directly from their device. “For our upcoming launch, we…

E-commerce platform Shopee has added a dedicated Beats Flagship Store in the Philippines, giving local shoppers direct access to the brand’s latest headphones, earbuds, and accessories. The store went live on April 24, 2026, at 9 a.m., featuring a full lineup of Beats audio products and a limited special-edition release. Shopee said the move responds to strong demand for portable, high-quality audio among Filipinos, one of the most mobile-first and music-engaged audiences in Southeast Asia. The platform aims to be a key channel for global brands seeking to reach digital-native consumers in the region. Among the featured items is the…

According to DITO Telecommunity, its in-house artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, KAi, now resolves up to 98% of customer inquiries instantly without human intervention, a performance that helped it win at the 13th Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards. KAi was recognized among more than 1,000 entries across the region, highlighting its role in improving customer service speed, scale, and accuracy across the telco’s app, eShop, and social channels. “KAi represents how we are reimagining what service can be for Filipinos,” said Adel Tamano, chief commercial officer of DITO, who accepted the award in Macao. “When technology works seamlessly in the background, it unlocks…

PLDT Home is now offering fiber speeds of up to 300 Mbps as demand for fast, reliable home connectivity continues to grow. The upgrade builds on its original 50 Mbps offer, with customers now able to choose from 100 Mbps and 300 Mbps plans. This is for households juggling video calls, online classes, streaming, and gaming across multiple devices. “At PLDT Home, our focus is simple: to support Filipinos as they navigate today’s challenges,” said John Palanca, SVP and head of consumer business of PLDT. “Our Fiber Prepaid portfolio remains the most extensive in the market, delivering value and flexibility…

A decade after Diwata-1 microsatellite entered orbit, its most lasting impact is the disaster response capability it helped build on the ground. The goal to develop a local satellite program came after Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) exposed a gap. In 2013, the Philippines struggled to access timely satellite imagery to assess damage and guide response, highlighting dependence on foreign data sources. That gap led to a national effort to build homegrown capability. Filipino engineers were trained overseas to design and operate Earth observation satellites, culminating in Diwata-1’s deployment on April 27, 2016 from the International Space Station. The mission established the…

Consumer tech brand TechLife has entered the portable display segment with the release of its first external screen, the TechLife Portable Monitor 15.6-inch, aimed at users juggling work, entertainment, and creative tasks. Marketed as a second screen for laptops, smartphones, and gaming consoles, the TechLife Portable Monitor is designed with mobility and ease of use in mind. It is for people working in cafés, shared spaces, or on the move, where adding screen space without carrying bulky equipment is a priority. The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display delivers 1920×1080 resolution, offering clear visuals and wide viewing angles for multitasking, presentations,…

Technology company Microsoft returning to the Xbox brand, according to an internal memo published on Xbox Wire. The memo, written by Xbox leaders Matt Booty and Asha Sharma and shared with employees globally, indicates that the move is a reset in how the company presents its gaming ecosystem to players, developers, and partners. “We are Xbox,” the memo said, indicating a shift toward a single, consumer-facing identity across console, PC, and cloud. The message acknowledges ongoing challenges, pointing to player frustration and the need to simplify the experience across devices and services. It also emphasizes accountability and a renewed focus…