News
Circle to Search now on HONOR Magic V3, HONOR 200 Series
Another AI feature added to these phones
The HONOR Magic V3 and HONOR 200 Series have become the latest smartphones to be equipped with the AI-powered Circle to Search with Google feature. HONOR announced the update coming to their flagship foldable and midrange line.
Circle to Search with Google is becoming a staple AI feature for the latest Android phones. Samsung’s S24 series had it as early as January this year. More recently, Xiaomi 14T series also became the first phones from the brand to debut the feature.
If you’re familiar with Google Lens, Circle to Search basically does the same, but with more precision. Users can try the feature with either a stylus or just their fingers. Simply encircle a part of an image and search results will instantly be pulled up based on the object.
Circle to Search has several practical applications, from research all the way to shopping. The same goes if you just want to recall more information about a photo you took. The AI-powered feature is definitely a big help.
It’s one of those AI capabilities on your phone that you’d rather have and not need, instead of need but not have.
And Circle to Search isn’t the only AI feature on the HONOR Magic V3. The world’s thinnest book-style foldable is equipped with AI Eraser, Face to Face Translation, and HONOR Notes, among other pro-grade productivity features.
HONOR also introduced AI Defocus Eye Protection and AI Deepfake Detection technologies to address health and safety concerns associated with smartphone usage.
Both the Magic V3 and HONOR 200 run on MagicOS 8.0.1, and come with Magic Portal and Magic Capsule.
News
OPPO Reno15 Series 5G Philippines price, availability, preorder perks
Tailor-fit for capturing moments
The OPPO Reno15 Series 5G is now official in the Philippines. OPPO has once again made three variants available in the market: the OPPO Reno15 5G, OPPO Reno15 Pro 5G, and OPPO Reno15 F 5G.
These latest mid-rangers are designed around how users capture and share moments. The are fitted with camera systems capable of recording up to 4K HDR Ultra-Steady Video across both front and rear cameras.
Moreover, the smartphones feature Dual-View Video for simultaneous recording with both front and rear shooters. Users can also switch seamlessly between cameras while recording.
Meanwhile, the expansive 100° wider field of view on the 50MP front camera lets users take ultra-wide selfies without having to flip the phone.
On the standard and Pro variants are a 3.5x Telephoto Vibe Portrait camera for natural-looking zoom and perspective. This is perfect for several scenarios with clean subject separation and realistic depth.
Other content creation-related features include:
- AI Motion Photo
- AI Motion Photo Slow-Mo
- AI Motion Photo Eraser
- AI Portrait Glow
- AI Flash Photography 2.0
Price, availability
Customers can now preorder the devices online via Lazada, Shopee, TikTok Shop, and the OPPO Online Store. Exclusive perks are available for preorders until February 26.
Here are the official pricing:
OPPO Reno15 F 5G (in Twilight Blue, Aurora Blue)
- 8GB+128GB: PhP 23,999 (online exclusive)
- 8GB+256GB: PhP 25,999
- 12GB+256GB: PhP 28,999
Reno15 5G (Twilight Blue, Aurora White)
- 12GB+256GB: PhP 36,999
- 12GB+512GB: PhP 39,999
Reno15 Pro 5G (Aurora Blue)
- 12GB+512GB: PhP 49,999
Freebies include an OPPO Enco Buds Pro, Watch Free, PhP 2,000 product voucher, OPPO Pad 5 + Watch S Lucky Draw, and more.
Meanwhile, preorders placed at OPPO’s concept stores are also eligible for perks like a PhP 2,000 discount, 1-year OPPO Care Service, and more.
In addition, the OPPO Reno15 Series 5G is available via Globe and Smart postpaid plans starting the GPlan 1799 and Plans+ 1499 for the Reno15 F variant.
Postpaid plans likewise come with an Enco Buds3 Pro will stocks last.
Furthermore, budget-conscious consumers can take advantage of Home Credit installment plans up to 18 months at 0% interest and Credit Card plans at up to 12 months at 0% interest.
OPPO Watch S, OPPO Pad 5
The OPPO Reno15 Series 5G is best paired with the OPPO Watch S and OPPO Pad 5.
The Watch S retails starting at PhP 10,999 while the Pad 5 completes the ecosystem, priced starting at PhP 26,999 for the Wi-Fi variant.
Bundling these devices with any Reno15 series variant unlocks extra freebies.
Computers
ASUS, ROG announce 2026 desktops, AiO availabilities in PH
For gaming, heavy workloads, modern setups
ASUS and ROG have announced the availabilities of their latest 2026 desktops and all-in-one (AiO) PCs in the Philippines.
Headlining the lineup is the ASUS V600 All-in-One PC, the latest addition to the AiO series. It has a sleek aesthetic and is powered by up to an AMD Ryzen AI 5 330 processor, capable of handling demanding workloads with ease.
This processor is paired with AMD Radeon 820M graphics, up to 16GB DDR5 memory, and up to 512GB SSD storage.
The V600 has a 23.8-inch FHD IPS 178-degree view display with a wide 93% screen-to-body ratio, anti-glare coating, and is certified for eye comfort.
The 50 TOPs NPU PC is also part of the Copilot+ family, making it efficient for AI computing tasks. Other features include ASUS AI Noise-Cancelling and Adaptive Lock.
Price: PhP 56,995
ASUS V500 Mini Tower
Meanwhile, the ASUS V500 Mini Tower is crafted to blend modern workspaces while delivering dependable performance.
It touts up to an Intel Core 7 240H processor and comes in a Dark Wood color. It operates at as low as 24dB in whisper mode.
An addition, it features up to 80 PLUS Platinum-certified PSU, reducing heat generation and eliminating power-consumption concerns. The PC has support for up to 64GB DDR5 RAM and up to 512GB of SSD storage.
Price: Starts at PhP 41,995
ASUS TUF Gaming TM500
Moreover, the ASUS TUF Gaming TM500 is a compact gaming desktop that delivers power and efficiency in a streamlined form factor.
It is fueled by an AMD Ryzen 7 260 processor, reaching a maximum boost speed of 5.1GHz. Along with up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 GPU, users can experience seamless gameplay.
The PC comes with 16GB DDR5 memory, and two more SO-DIMM slots to support up to 64GB of memory. This allows the machine to breeze through memory-heavy workloads, outside of the most demanding AAA titles.
Complementing these hardware is a custom heatsink with 1,218cm2 of total dissipation area, copper heat piping, and 90 mm cooling fan.
Price: Starts at PhP 76,995
ROG GM700
Lastly, the ROG GM700 features the undisputed power and beastly performance of the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor and AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU.
With up to 32GB of memory, the PC can process jaw-dropping visuals at ultra-fast speeds. With up to 2TB of storage, it guarantees swift load times, high frame rates, and freedom from stutters in high-stakes gaming.
The ROG GM700 is also amenable for customization, maintenance, and future-proofing. Users can enjoy an upgrade potential of up to four DDR5 U-DIMM slots and multiple M.2 slots.
Price: starts at PhP 139,995
News
Google pushes AI tools to help Filipinos stay safe online
Google highlights new AI tools for safer internet use.
Google Philippines is marking Safer Internet Day 2026 by highlighting how artificial intelligence can help Filipinos stay safe online.
Under the theme “sA Internet, Ingat!”, Google showcased new and updated tools designed to make digital safety easier, faster, and more intuitive for Pinoy users of all ages.
During the event, Google PH Head of Communications and Public Affairs Mervin Wenke discussed how AI-powered features across Search, Android, and Gemini can help users spot scams, verify content, and protect their devices in real time.
Using AI to spot misinformation
As AI-generated content becomes more common, Google says critical thinking is now a core digital skill.
To help users evaluate what they see online, Google recommends the SIFT method: Stop, Investigate the source, Find better coverage, and Trace claims back to the original context.
Supporting this are tools built directly into Google Search:
- About this image, which shows where an image came from and how it has been used online
- SynthID, a technology that embeds digital watermarks into AI-generated content to help identify manipulated media and deepfakes
Together, these tools aim to give users more context before they trust or share what they see.
Fighting scams with Circle to Search and Lens
Scams remain one of the biggest online threats in the Philippines, often arriving through SMS or social media messages.
Google is now using AI in Google Lens and Circle to Search to help users detect scams instantly. Users can take a screenshot of a suspicious message and scan it with Google Lens, or long-press the home button on Android and circle the text on screen.
Google AI then analyzes the content in real time and alerts users if the message is likely a scam.
Stronger protection for lost or stolen phones
Google is also strengthening Android security in case devices fall into the wrong hands. New and upgraded features include:
- Theft Detection Lock, which uses on-device AI to detect sudden motion patterns linked to snatch-and-run thefts and automatically locks the screen
- Biometric Identity Check, adding extra protection for sensitive settings
- Failed Authentication Lock, which secures the device after repeated incorrect login attempts
These features are designed to protect personal data even when a phone is physically stolen.
Tools for kids and families
For younger users, Google emphasized the importance of building healthy digital habits early. Parents can use:
- Family Link to manage screen time, approve app downloads, and apply content filters
- Be Internet Awesome, an educational program that teaches kids to be smart, alert, strong, kind, and brave online
- YouTube Shorts Timer, which lets parents set time limits for short-form videos, including the option to block Shorts during homework time
Google says the Shorts timer is an industry-first parental control focused on short-form content.
Encouraging deeper learning with Gemini
As AI becomes more common in education, Google says it wants students to learn how to think, not just how to get answers.
Through Guided Learning in Gemini, students are encouraged to work through problems step by step. The feature is designed to support logic and critical thinking, positioning AI as a learning companion rather than a shortcut.
Google says these updates reflect its broader goal for Safer Internet Day: helping Filipinos navigate the AI era with confidence and peace of mind.
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