Author: PhilSTAR Tech Team

Smart devices provider HONOR Philippines used artificial intelligence (AI) to simulate a virtual visit of global YouTube creator MrBeast to the Philippines, highlighting a feature of its upcoming HONOR 600 smartphone. HONOR 600’s AI Image-to-Video capability converts static photos into hyper-realistic moving clips, placing the internet personality in recognizable Filipino settings such as busy streets and local food spots. The demonstration aims to showcase how generative AI can create dynamic visual content without requiring actual footage. Although MrBeast has not visited the country, the AI-generated scenes show HONOR’s efforts to make HONOR 600 as a tool for content creation and…

In Filipino, “Hiraya” means “the fruit of one’s hopes, dreams, andaspirations”, the space where dreams take form as they enter reality. In today’s esports landscape, Hiraya is no longer just a concept. It is the starting point where potential is discovered, sharpened, and propelled toward the global stage.This is the vision behind the Hiraya Cup 2026, the all-female collegiate Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) qualifier supported by Converge FiberX.For Converge, the initiative reflects a clear commitment: expanding access, opportunity, and performance in competitive gaming, especially for women gamers who are increasingly shaping its future. Across Asia, women now comprise 37%…

Miss La Union Bea Millan-Windorski was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2026 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, one of the biggest pageant moments of the year while also putting a spotlight on the upcoming HONOR 600 smartphone. During the coronation night, global AI smart devices provider HONOR Philippines confirmed that the HONOR 600 will officially launch in the Philippines on May 14, 2026. The device made a high-profile appearance throughout the event, as a key tool for capturing photos and videos during the pageant. Millan-Windorski, who represented La Union, also received the special title of “Miss HONOR 600,” linking…

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…