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.

The curtains have finally been lifted. Though it took a while compared to previous years, Samsung has revealed when the year’s first Galaxy Unpacked will happen. And yes, as expected, the event will see the debut of the upcoming Galaxy S26 series.

Previously, rumors have suggested that Samsung is holding its next Galaxy Unpacked at a later date. Traditionally, Samsung holds the annual event towards the tail end of January. Since we’re already in February, it’s abundantly clear that the rumors were right. Now, it’s confirmed.

Samsung has officially released invites for the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked. The event is scheduled for February 25.

As expected, Samsung is bringing its next flagship, the Galaxy S26 series to the event. The brand will also update Galaxy AI for the flagship series.

As early as last year, reports have already hinted at improvements coming to the series. Right now, the biggest headline is how the upcoming Exynos 2600, which will debut with the Galaxy S26 series, is reportedly at par with Apple’s A19 Pro.

In other news, the series will supposedly retire the Plus model, which would otherwise have been the Galaxy S26+. The middle child of a flagship series is often the experimental one. Besides Samsung, Apple will reportedly sunset the iPhone Air, its own version of the middle child.

Right now, all we can do is speculate on the upcoming series. Until its arrival soon, that is. For now, stay tuned for more coverage of the series launch from GadgetMatch.

SEE ALSO: Samsung will reportedly delay Galaxy S26 launch to late February

TECNO is officially heading to this year’s MWC 2026 (Mobile World Congress) in Barcelona, Spain!

Smarter phones, practical AI

Leading TECNO’s MWC lineup is the upcoming CAMON 50 series, the latest update to their imaging-focused smartphone range. TECNO’s new line of smartphones will introduce upgraded AI imaging features that promise smarter scene detection, improved image processing, and more creative shooting options.

TECNO is also positioning the CAMON 50 Series as more than just a camera phone, with AI tools designed to help with content creation and day-to-day tasks.

Also on display is the next generation of the POVA 8 Series. Known for balancing performance and style, the new POVA phones focus on long battery life, smooth everyday performance, and a refreshed design.

Beyond smartphones, TECNO will also showcase its wider ecosystem, including laptops, tablets, and smart accessories. The brand will highlight updates to OneLeap, its cross-device platform that makes it easier to share files and switch tasks across TECNO devices.

A look at what’s next

TECNO will also tease what’s coming next with a set of concept devices and technology prototypes — including the Tri-Fold concept last August 2025.

These concepts explore new form factors, interaction ideas, and imaging technologies, offering a glimpse at how TECNO sees the future of smart devices.

If you’re going, you can visit TECNO’s booth at Hall 7, Stand 7A40 from March 2nd until March 5th, 2026. Expected visitors can try out hands-on AI demos that show how TECNO’s AI features can be used for work, learning, wellness, and entertainment.