Author: PhilSTAR Tech Team

Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a growing role in how consumers decide what to buy, often before they visit a store or a retailer’s website, according to a global study released by the IBM Institute for Business Value. The study, conducted with the National Retail Federation, found that 45 percent of consumers now use AI tools during their buying journey. Respondents said they turn to AI systems to research products, compare options, summarize reviews and find discounts. The findings suggest that product discovery is gradually shifting away from traditional entry points such as storefronts, advertisements and direct website searches. Instead,…

Small businesses that often change products, prices, or packaging may no longer need to order labels in bulk and wait days or weeks for delivery. Technology company Epson Philippines Corp. has introduced the ColorWorks C4050, a compact color label printer designed to enable businesses to print labels on demand, in small batches, and as needed. For many micro, small, and medium enterprises, labeling is not just about compliance. It shapes how customers see a product on the shelf or online. But traditional label printing often requires minimum order quantities, which can lead to excess inventory, outdated designs, or added storage…

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…