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8 Google tips for safer online browsing

Stay protected online

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Safer Internet Day

According to Google, Filipino netizens had a higher interest in cybersecurity last year.

The Philippines ranked among the top in the world in keyword searches for the following terms:

  • malinformation
  • cybercrime
  • phishing
  • malware
  • fraud
  • scam
  • one-time password
  • password strength

The word “fraud” particularly reached a 13-year high in search volume. Meanwhile, searches for “scam” increased by 40% from 2022.

These keyword search trends are a reflection of the Filipino netizen’s better interest in internet safety practices.

To help more Filipinos maintain safe browsing online, here are eight tips from Google.

Install the latest OS, updates

Turn on auto-updates on your device and web browser. Don’t ignore warnings or notifications. It’s also crucial to run the latest updates for security enhancements and protection against new threats.

For Android device users, Google Play Protect should be automatically turned on to provide protection against malicious apps and more.

Use password manager

Google’s Password Manager is a free, built-in tool to help users create, store, and manage secure passwords for all accounts.

Aside from the convenience it gives, the service also analyzes saves passwords for weaknesses or if they’ve been exposed for breaches.

Secure accounts with passkeys

Speaking of passwords, Passkeys like fingerprints or face IDs provide an extra layer.

They can keep your accounts safe against phishing since they are stored on your device.

Run regular security checkups

Google Security Checkup is a simple tool within one’s Google Account that reviews and improves their online security.

This helps users identify and fix potential vulnerablities across digital properties from connected devices and third party apps.

Review your data settings

Run a deeper checkup to see whether your apps and accounts are above-board.

Make sure you’re not sharing any data, especially sensitive information. Look through each app and site as well to see if you agree with their terms and conditions, and settings.

Avoid suspicious links

Take a moment before clicking any online or SMS links. These are usually links that can steal your sensitive information.

If a link does not look legitimate, report them immediately and block the source.

Don’t give in to pressure

Scams and frauds, whether online, over the phone, or in person, rely on pressuring someone or getting them nervous and careless.

When you are rushed to make a decision and it feels unusual, take a moment to stop, think, and assess the situation. If you’re not allowed to pause, something is not right.

Check the facts

Before posting or sharing, verify information first. See if the information is from a trusted source. Using Google Search, check the way it is written or said, who shared it, and other details.

News

OPPO Find X9 series are now live in China

Global launch to follow on October 28

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Just days after vivo’s widely-anticipated X300 series, its sister brand OPPO releases the Find X9 series. It’s their latest line of flagships for 2025.

Flagship Find

The OPPO Find X9 and Find X9 Pro are the next line of smartphones equipped with MediaTek’s latest Dimensity 9500 SoC based on a powerful and power-efficient 3nm process.

Much like its closest cousins, the base and Pro models of the Find X9 differ in certain aspects.

First and foremost, the Pro has the bigger 6.78-inch display. Meanwhile, the vanilla variant has a “more compact” 6.59-inch.

OPPO says though that both units boast an ultra-thin 1.15mm symmetrical bezels on all sides.

Moreover, battery capacities are also different.

The Find X9 has 7025mAh while the Find X9 Pro possess a larger 7500mAh battery.

These phones are expected to run the all-new ColorOS 16 with primary focus on silky-smooth animation, as well as smarter AI feats, seamless connectivity between PCs, Macs, and other accessories, as well as band overall user experience.

Hasselblad Legacy

Different from what OnePlus is doing, OPPO continues to strengthen its partnership with the renowned Swedish camera-maker Hasselblad.

With this continuous collaboration, both the Find X9 and X9 Pro feature the Hasselblad Camera System alongside OPPO’s all-new LUMO Image Engine.

Furthermore, the Find X9 Pro offers a 200MP telephoto camera co-developed with Hasselblad — both in sensor calibration and optical design.

Additionally, these Find models also deliver exceptional video capabilities with up to 4K / 120fps Dolby Vision support as well as LOG recording with ACES support for that seamless and professional workflow.

The Find X9 series are also concert-ready with cutting-edge telephoto optimizations such as Stage Mode and AI Sound Focus.

Pricing and Availability

The OPPO Find X9 are available in three colorways: Titanium Grey, Space Black, and Velvet Red.

Meanwhile, the Find X9 Pro is being offered in two shades: Silk White and Titanium Charcoal.

In line with the China-exclusive launch, the announcement of the Find X9 series slated for global markets will be held in Barcelona, Spain on October 28th.

Mark your calendars!

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Accessories

Samsung launched a charger that’s incompatible with all its phones

None of their phones have built-in Qi2 magnets.

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In the world of wireless charging, Qi2 is where it’s at. The newer magnetic system automatically aligns the phone with the best positions to charge wirelessly. That said, it’s taking a while for most smartphones to get the charging standard. In an odder twist, Samsung, who does not currently have any native Qi2 devices, has launched its own Qi2 chargers.

In the United States, Samsung rolled out the Qi2-compatible Single Wireless Charger and Car Wireless Charger. As both their names indicate, the chargers will allow for wireless charging in a variety of situations.

Retailing for US$ 34.99, the single puck can charge by up to 25W when paired with a charging adapter (sold separately). The car charger, on the other hand, comes with its own 12V car adapter and a rotating mount. It’s very pricy, coming in at US$ 84.99.

Now, the kicker is that the chargers are compatible with Samsung’s current flagships including the Galaxy S25, the Flip7, and the Fold7. Technically, yes, these smartphones can charge using this duo. However, none of them have the built-in magnets to natively connect to the pucks. They need a separate case with a Qi2-certified magnet included.

It seems pretty scummy to offer a Qi2 charger for smartphones without the magnets built inside. On the bright side, it’s a good sign that Samsung’s upcoming smartphones, starting with the Galaxy S26 early next year, will likely offer Qi2 charging natively. (At least, we hope. Otherwise, this might be the priciest charger in recent memory.)

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy S25 FE review: Closer to flagship than ever

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Apps

ChatGPT will soon allow NSFW conversations

The platform will start age-gating users in December.

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Every day, we inch closer and closer to the strange reality of Joaquin Phoenix’s Her. Today’s AI-powered chatbots have inevitably adapted to address our more carnal desires. Some, such as those offered by xAI, are even explicitly designed to only flirt with the user. Soon, ChatGPT will offer the same thing: a way for adult users to… well, be adults.

Through a post on X, OpenAI’s Sam Altman reiterated ChatGPT’s impending drive to introduce age-gating in December. Keeping younger users from the platform will open ChatGPT to more “mature” conversations. Altman specifically names “erotica” as one of the potential uses of a looser platform.

Additionally, ChatGPT is rolling out an update which will make the platform more personable and comparable to actual conversations. This includes using more emojis or talking like a friend.

The platform is also adding more safeguards when it comes to mental health issues, given that more people are using it as a makeshift therapist. Recently, Altman made sure that ChatGPT treated mental health with more delicateness. To some, especially those without such issues, the platform became more unusable. To bring back how it used to be, the platform will add better tools to detect whether the user is in “mental distress.”

Finally, OpenAI is implementing a backend solution to mental health by creating a new council of researchers and experts to accurately determine the impact of AI on mental health. Currently, it’s still unknown how much this new technology is helping (or harming) our wellbeing.

SEE ALSO: ChatGPT Go now available in the Philippines, more Asian countries

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