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Google pushes AI tools to help Filipinos stay safe online

Google highlights new AI tools for safer internet use.

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Safer Internet

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.

Gaming

Steam Machine price, reservation system revealed

Reservations open now

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Steam Machine

Valve has officially revealed pricing and availability details for the Steam Machine, its living room-focused gaming PC running SteamOS.

The company is launching the device in four configurations. Reservations open immediately through a randomized queue system designed to reduce scalping and bot purchases.

Steam Machine price

The base Steam Machine with 512GB of storage costs USD1,049. A bundle that includes the Steam Controller is priced at USD 1,128.

Meanwhile, the 2TB model costs USD 1,349, while the 2TB bundle with a Steam Controller retails for USD 1,428.

Buyers who opt for either 2TB variant will also receive two additional faceplates: a red fabric finish and a solid walnut option.

Valve says all listed prices already include VAT where applicable.

Why Steam Machine costs more than expected

The pricing announcement comes months after Valve delayed the Steam Machine’s launch.

According to the company, rising component costs and supply chain issues forced it to revisit its original pricing targets.

Valve explained that when development began in 2023, it expected hardware costs to gradually decline over time. Instead, the company encountered significant increases in RAM and storage pricing, alongside periods where some components became difficult to source altogether.

The company added that component shortages also limited the number of units it could manufacture for launch.

Steam Machine was first announced as a compact PC gaming device designed for living room setups. It runs SteamOS and is positioned as an alternative to traditional game consoles while maintaining access to the broader PC gaming ecosystem.

Reservations use randomized queue

Rather than opening direct sales, Valve is implementing a reservation system.

Interested buyers can sign up for their preferred Steam Machine model until June 25 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. After the registration window closes, Valve will randomize all entries and assign customers either a reservation slot or a waitlist position.

Customers selected for the reservation queue will receive an email confirming that a Steam Machine has been reserved in their name. Purchase invitations will begin rolling out starting June 29 as inventory becomes available.

To qualify, users must have a Steam account in good standing and must have made a Steam purchase before April 27, 2026. Valve is also limiting registrations to one entry per household.

Users may sign up for multiple models. If selected for more than one queue, Valve will automatically assign the highest-end model available and remove the user from other reservation lists.

Not a console, says Valve

Despite its console-like form factor, Valve says it does not view Steam Machine as a traditional console.

The company describes the device as an extension of PC gaming rather than a closed ecosystem. Unlike conventional consoles that often subsidize hardware through software sales and subscriptions, Valve says Steam Machine is built around the openness that has long defined PC gaming.

Valve also reiterated plans to expand SteamOS support beyond its own hardware. With the recently released SteamOS 3.8, users can already install the operating system on compatible living room PCs, although support is currently limited to AMD graphics cards.

For users in Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, orders will be handled through regional distributor Komodo. Steam Machine will not be available in South Korea.

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Automotive

Mercedes-Benz holds a Welcome Home campaign to celebrate 140 years

Get freebies and discounts from now until the end of July.

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Mercedes-Benz has been an important part of Filipino car culture. Stylized as the “Chedeng,” the brand’s cars are still worthy choices today. Now, to celebrate their 140th anniversary, Mercedes-Benz is launching the Welcome Home Campaign, offering treats and discounts for Filipino drivers.

From now until the end of June, new Mercedes-Benz owners can get an exclusive 1886 Benz Patent Motorwagen Replica. The limited-edition replica represents the history of brand’s innovations in the motoring space.

Similarly, until the end of the month, interested customers can start their Benz journey for downpayments as low as PhP 140,000. Discounted prices, however, will go on until the end of July:

MODEL
Original Price
Discounted Price
CLA 200 Progressive
PhP 3,990,000
PhP 3,490,000
C 180 Avantgarde
PhP 3,990,000
PhP 2,990,000
GLB 200 AMG Line
PhP 4,590,000
PhP 4,090,000
GLC 200 4MATIC
PhP 5,190,000
PhP 4,690,000
EQB 250+ Electric Art
PhP 4,290,000
PhP 4,090,000
EQE 300 Electric Art Sedan
PhP 5,590,000
PhP 3,990,000
EQE 350+ AMG Line Sedan
PhP 6,290,000
PhP 4,690,000
EQS 450 4MATIC AMG Line Sedan
PhP 9,990,000
PhP 7,490,000
Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 4MATIC
PhP 5,719,000
PhP 5,519,000
Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4MATIC
PhP 5,719,000
PhP 5,219,000

 

If you already own a Chedeng, Mercedes-Benz will show some love by offering special aftersales initiatives throughout the campaign period. Additionally, there will be more roadshow activations happening the entire year to showcase the latest in the Benz lineup.

Finally, if you have a Chedeng story of your own, Mercedes-Benz is inviting long-time fans to share their stories on social media by tagging the official Mercedes-Benz Philippines account and using the hashtags #Chedeng and #140YearsofInnovation. Featured users can win exclusive Benz merchandise.

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Gaming

Ubisoft co-founder dies in plane crash

Claude Guillemot was one of five brothers that founded Ubisoft.

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Yasuke, Naoe

Claude Guillemot, one of the four co-founders of Ubisoft, has died last week in a plane crash. He was 69 years old.

As reported via Bloomberg, Guillemot died alongside the plane’s other passenger. They both died in La Baule in France.

Regardless of how you feel about the company today, Ubisoft is still an undeniable reason why RPGs are so popular. In 1984, Guillemot started the company with his four brothers. Since then, it’s become a household name for gaming. Its portfolio includes Assassin’s Creed, Prince of Persia, Splinter CellAnno, and Far Cry. Despite the prolific resume, the company is currently struggling to recreate the magic that made it so popular over a decade ago. Its current efforts include remaking Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag, which launches next month.

Though Claude might not be your first thought when thinking of Ubisoft, the company is still owned by the family, headed by his brother Yves. Claude, however, was the chairman of Guillemot Corp.

“Ubisoft was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Claude Guillemot, co-founder of the group and chairman of Guillemot Corp., in an accident. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. No further statements will be made at this time,” Ubisoft said about his passing.

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