News

AI could help Philippines economy grow by US$ 31B: Google

Google willing to help country seize its AI opportunities

Published

August 12, 2025

GadgetMatch

The Philippines economy could grow by a whopping PhP 1.8 trillion (roughly US$ 31 billion) if the country harnesses the full potential of AI.

This is the key inference according to a new report by London-based public policy research agency Public First, which was commissioned by Google.

The “Turbocharging Growth: The Philippines’ AI Opportunity” report highlighted AI’s role as a key driver for the country to sustain its economic momentum.

The study mentions that AI is already part of many Filipinos’ lives, with around half of the population regularly using AI tools at least once a week.

Also, 46% of Filipinos are optimistic about AI’s potential for the country. Moreover, 50% are optimistic about its personal impact.

Boosting productivity, efficiency to drive gains

In a nutshell, the report says AI can help key Philippine sectors grow massively, including:

Wholesale and Retail
Finance and Insurance
Public Administration and Defense

AI technologies can significantly augment the productivity of 37% of the Filipino workforce. This includes increasing productivity for highly repetitive tasks in the public sector.

This can lead to up to a three-hour reduction per week in required time needed for administrative tasks, resulting to potential wage increases of over 6% and boosting average worker productivity by up to PhP 110,000 annually.

AI can also personalize the way citizens can solve problems, so they can mitigate losses.

For example, with the help of AI-powered solutions like modelling and taking into consideration data like weather reports, the agricultural industry can reduce the risk of crop failure.

The study even mentioned that by 2035, the Philippines’ agricultural economy can be improved by up to US$ 2 billion.

Moreover, AI can also save industries capital. Solutions can cut the costs from cybersecurity threats and fraud by half, or US$ 3.2 billion.

The Philippine local governments can also leverage AI to make sure funds do not go to waste.

For instance, if a local city or municipality decides to have a tree-planting project, Google’s Environmental Insights Explorer (Tree Canopy Lab) can guide them to choose the appropriate and sustainable area.

For its part, Google continues to offer the country help in terms of upskilling to ensure the workforce can thrive in an AI-driven economy.

It is also partnering with various government agencies and private parties to impart further knowledge about seizing the AI opportunity.

Gaming

FromSoftware’s The Duskbloods delayed to 2027

The game needs more development time.

Published

October 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

It’s been a while since the last time we got a FromSoftware game. Elden Ring Nightreign felt like an age ago, even if it was launched just last year. Plus, the title isn’t even a new one, technically, since it’s just building off of Elden Ring. Unfortunately, our wait for a new FromSoftware game has to go on for a little bit longer. FromSoftware has delayed the launch of The Duskbloods to 2027.

The Duskbloods is an interesting addition to the FromSoftware oeuvre. Compared to the usual fare, the Switch-exclusive title is a multiplayer extraction game with a distinctly Bloodborne-like feel. If you’re used to FromSoftware’s usual formula, The Duskbloods represents a huge change.

But it’s a welcome one, nonetheless. If the recently released Elden Ring port of the Switch 2 is any indication, FromSoftware does have a handle of what performance looks like on the console.

Sadly, the new title needs a bit more time in the oven. Citing “final adjustments to game rules and balancing,” FromSoftware is delaying the launch of the game to 2027. According to the studio, this is in response to the successful network test a while back.

The delay shouldn’t come off as a surprise. Though the studio promised a 2026 launch for the title, most of the year has passed without a definite launch date. That was already a telltale sign that a delay was coming.

At the very least, the delay comes with the benefit of launching the game farther away from Grand Theft Auto VI and the Ocarina of Time remake, which will surely dominate holiday gaming this year.

Laptops

Yes, you can turn off the MacBook Pro’s touchscreen display

No need to complain anymore.

Published

October 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

The launch of the new MacBook Pro is a polarizing one, to say the least. The notebook introduces a new touchscreen feature that isn’t really an automatic hit for fans. Some have even pointed out how Steve Jobs once said that touchscreen MacBooks were a bad idea. If you’re a part of this group, a new discovery might alleviate your worries a little bit. Apparently, you can turn off the new MacBook Pro’s touchscreen functionalities.

According to MacStories’s Federico Viticci, the new MacBook Pro with Touch includes accessibility features that can turn off the touchscreen entirely. Other early testers have also corroborated this option.

A touchscreen notebook isn’t the most popular type of laptop. Though this particular display has been available for quite a while, it hasn’t really taken off. Case in point, Apple’s announcement hasn’t been met with the warmest of fanfare.

It’s also telling that Apple baked in a way to turn this setting off. At the very least, we didn’t have to wait a while. The hullabaloo is reminiscent of the reception to Liquid Glass, another polarizing feature that Apple eventually made configurable for detractors.

Also, this isn’t the first time that Apple tried experimenting with the MacBook. Do you remember the short-lived Touch Bar?

Strangely, it’s such a strong contrast to the MacBook Neo launched earlier this year. Whereas that particular model debuted to applause, the new MacBook Pro attracted more raised eyebrows.

News

TechLife Pad Neo SE: Price, availability in the Philippines

Now available at PhP 8,999 SRP, with deals on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.

Published

October 29, 2026

GadgetMatch

TechLife has officially launched the Pad Neo SE. It’s a 10.1-inch tablet aimed at families, positioned as a study device first, with room for creativity and after-school entertainment. It comes in Space Grey, Bubble Blue, and Aurora Green.

The Eye Comfort Display is the main draw. The larger screen gives kids more space for research and online classes. It’s designed to keep longer study sessions easier on the eyes.

Dual stereo speakers handle lessons and shared family viewing, while split-screen support lets kids and parents run two tasks at once.

The tablet supports Smart Parental Control and Google Kids Space. Parents can pick the apps, books, videos, and learning content their kids can access.

For the hardware, the Pad Neo SE runs Android 16 on an octa-core processor. It offers up to 8GB of RAM, including memory expansion, and 64GB of storage that can be expanded up to 1TB.

Also, its 6000mAh battery last through a full school day of classes and lessons. Rounding out the spec sheet are 5MP front and rear cameras and the Google Gemini AI assistant.

Price, availability in the Philippines

The Pad Neo SE retails at PhP 8,999. With vouchers, it can go for as low as PhP 7,099 on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.

As part of TechLife’s Peak Season offers, which run from October 29, 2026 to January 3, 2027, buyers get a free Folio Case or a free Power Bank R211 5,000mAh, depending on availability. An online giveaway for the Pad Neo SE also starts October 29 on TechLife’s official social media pages.

Vouchers apply to participating online platforms only. Stocks and vouchers are limited. Freebies are available while supplies last.