HUAWEI nova 16s Series Raises the Bar for Selfies with 200MP Camera, AI Features, and Massive 7,000mAh Battery

Manila, Philippines – Smartphone photography gets a major upgrade as HUAWEI introduces the nova 16s Series, combining advanced camera technology, AI-powered imaging tools, 5G connectivity, and long-lasting battery performance. Dubbed the “King of AI Selfies,” the latest lineup aims to redefine how users capture, create, and share everyday moments.

Leading the series is the HUAWEI nova 16s Pro, featuring an industry-exclusive Front True-to-Color Camera designed to deliver lifelike skin tones and more accurate colors, even in challenging lighting conditions. Its 50MP Ultra Portrait Camera also supports an industry-first 0.8x–5x Selfie Zoom, allowing users to capture everything from group selfies to detailed close-up portraits.

The smartphone takes photography further with AI-powered features such as AI Best Expression, AI Move, and AI De-Glare. These tools help users improve group photos, adjust image composition, and remove unwanted reflections.

On the rear, the Nova 16s Pro boasts a powerful 200MP RYYB Ultra-Large Sensor Main Camera with a 1/1.28-inch sensor and F1.8 aperture. Designed for detailed photography, it captures brighter, sharper images, especially in low-light conditions. Rear True-to-Color technology and AI Composition further enhance the photography experience.

Beyond cameras, the nova 16s Series is built for demanding everyday use. Its massive 7,000mAh battery supports extended streaming and social media browsing, while 100W HUAWEI SuperCharge Turbo can deliver up to 40% charge in just 15 minutes. The device also features 5G connectivity, an adaptive 1–120Hz display, and EMUI 16 with the enhanced Celia AI Assistant.

Its premium design includes Kunlun Glass, IP65 dust- and splash-water resistance, and an aerospace-grade aluminum alloy mid-frame.

Meanwhile, HUAWEI is inviting Filipino creators to join the #TrueColorsSelfieChallenge on TikTok until November 12, 2026. Fifty eligible participants with the highest-viewed entries can each win a HUAWEI nova 16s Pro.

The HUAWEI nova 16s Pro (12GB + 256GB) is available for pre-order at PHP 39,999, while the standard nova 16s (12GB + 256GB) is priced at PHP 29,999. Early buyers can enjoy PHP 5,000 discounts and gift bundles worth up to PHP 14,997.

With flagship-inspired photography, intelligent features, and impressive battery capacity, the HUAWEI nova 16s Series offers a compelling option for Filipinos looking to upgrade their smartphone experience.

For more information and pre-order details, visit the official HUAWEI Philippines website.

As AI Reshapes Customer Service, PLDT and Smart Bet on Human Skills

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in customer service and business operations, PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications, Inc. believe the companies that will gain the most from the technology will not necessarily be those that automate the fastest, but those that best combine AI with human judgment, empathy, and trust.

“The future is not about choosing between AI and people. It's about using AI to help our people do what they do best. Technology can help us move faster, work smarter, and serve customers better, but trust, empathy, and human judgment remain irreplaceable. That's why our approach at PLDT and Smart is to put AI in the hands of our people, not in place of them,” said Butch Jimenez, Chief Operating Officer of PLDT.

The topic comes as businesses worldwide grapple with the implications of generative AI on jobs, productivity, and customer engagement. While automation is increasingly handling routine tasks, industry leaders argue that the technology is making uniquely human capabilities even more valuable.

These issues were explored during “The Human Edge in the Age of AI,” a special edition of the PEG-Usapan Natin learning series for employees and stakeholders held as part of PLDT and Smart’s Customer Experience Month celebration. The discussion brought together leaders from business, technology, and customer experience to examine how organizations can harness AI while preserving meaningful human connections.

For Haidee Enriquez, CEO of MicroSourcing Group and President of the Customer Experience Association of the Philippines (CXAP), AI is fundamentally changing the role of people in the workplace and the skills organizations will need to succeed.

“AI isn't making people irrelevant. It's changing where they create the most value. As technology takes on more routine tasks, people will increasingly focus on solving complex problems, managing sensitive customer interactions, building relationships, and making decisions that require human judgment.”

Enriquez emphasized the growing importance of developing T-shaped professionals — individuals who combine deep expertise in a particular field with broader capabilities in technology, analytics, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration.

“The workforce of the future needs to be T-shaped. Having deep expertise in one area will remain important, but people also need the ability to work across disciplines, adapt to new technologies, and understand how AI can improve outcomes. Ultimately, your value will increasingly come from what you know, how you think, and how effectively you use technology.”

That view was echoed by Lloyd Manaloto, Smart Officer-in-Charge, who argued that the discussion around AI should move beyond automation and focus on delivering better customer outcomes. “AI helps us process information faster, but customers don't measure us by how fast our systems work. They measure us by how well we solve their problems. The opportunity is to use AI to understand customers better so we can deliver experiences that are more relevant, more responsive, and ultimately more valuable. At the end of the day, AI is a tool.”

As customer expectations continue to rise, businesses are under pressure to deliver faster resolutions, more personalized interactions, and seamless experiences across channels. Yet industry leaders caution that speed and efficiency alone are not enough.

“Technology has a huge space to help us do our jobs better, to help keep our customers happier, or make them happier with our service. But, at the same time, we still have to maintain that human experience, where customers continue to have the option to speak with a live person and not a bot,” said Abigail Ho-Torres, Chief Marketing Officer of Ikigai Philippines and customer experience advocate.

From a technology perspective, Naveen Asrani, Head of AI Acceleration for Banking, FSI and Digital at AWS, said AI's greatest impact could be its ability to help organizations better anticipate customer needs, reduce friction across customer journeys, and build trust at scale.

Human-centered AI augments people; it doesn't replace them. The goal of enterprise AI isn't to take humans out of the workflow; it's to make them better at it. "The person at the frontline has huge insights, not just about what the customer said. It's also about what the customer feels," he said. Human-centered AI learns from that human input, keeps people in control, and improves continuously. Asrani noted, trust is the real measure of any AI system: the technologies that earn a lasting place in the enterprise will be the ones that consistently deliver on what they promise.

For PLDT and Smart, these insights reinforce a broader approach to AI adoption: using technology to free employees from repetitive tasks so they can focus on higher-value work, from problem-solving and innovation to relationship-building and customer care.

Across the Group, AI is already being integrated into customer-facing operations, network management, and internal workflows. PLDT and Smart have deployed AI-enabled customer service capabilities and self-optimizing network technologies, while expanding the use of Microsoft 365 Copilot to help employees automate routine tasks, accelerate analysis, and improve productivity. The Group has also rolled out AI and innovation upskilling programs to equip employees with practical AI capabilities and prepare them for an increasingly AI-enabled workplace.

The Group is likewise advancing its broader AI agenda through AI.Smart, a one-stop AI workspace that gives Smart and TNT subscribers access to multiple artificial intelligence models and tools through a single browser-based platform. Powered by Avtica, AI.Smart brings together AWS Nova, ChatGPT, Claude, Google Gemini, and Thinking Machines in one interface, helping users access and maximize AI capabilities more easily.

Beyond deploying AI tools, the initiative reflects PLDT and Smart's broader approach to innovation: making emerging technologies more accessible and practical while helping customers and employees unlock new ways of working, learning, and creating value.

For PLDT and Smart, the question is no longer whether AI will transform customer experience, but how organizations can use it responsibly and effectively. As AI takes on more routine work, the opportunity shifts toward enabling people to focus on higher-value contributions, from solving complex problems to designing better customer journeys and building stronger relationships.

“In an age where technology is becoming increasingly intelligent, our responsibility is to become even more human. AI can help us scale efficiency, but it is our people who build relationships, earn trust, and create meaningful experiences for our customers,” added Jimenez.

As AI adoption accelerates across industries, PLDT and Smart see the technology not as an endpoint, but as a catalyst for a new era of customer experience, one where speed, intelligence, and automation are matched by deeper understanding, stronger relationships, and more meaningful outcomes for customers and communities alike.

Globe Earns Top Industry, Workplace Honors at ACES 2026

Globe Telecom has earned two distinctions at the Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability (ACES) Awards 2026 for its business performance and efforts to build a workplace where employees can grow and succeed. The company was named Industry Champions of the Year for the sixth time and Top Workplaces in Asia for the eighth time, recognizing its progress in strengthening connectivity, improving customer experience, and investing in its people.

Globe's Industry Champions of the Year distinction acknowledges its financial resilience, network expansion, innovation, and customer service. The ACES Council cited the company's ₱87.6 billion EBITDA in 2025, alongside the deployment of 1,549 new 5G sites and the addition of 115,082 fiber lines to support growing demand for connectivity.

Beyond network expansion, Globe has focused on making customer interactions faster and more convenient. Supported by automation, streamlined processes, and employee involvement, Globe reduced average customer waiting time from 32 to 17 minutes. Its Globe Care Crew initiative also brings employees closer to customers through frontline immersion and volunteer support during peak periods and post-disaster recovery.

The ACES Council also recognized Globe's efforts in cybersecurity, digital solutions, and extending connectivity to underserved communities. These initiatives reflect the company's broader focus on improving service delivery while expanding access to digital opportunities.

The company's Top Workplaces in Asia recognition reflects its continued investment in employee development, engagement, and inclusion. Globe continues to provide employees with opportunities to grow professionally, explore new roles, and develop skills across different areas of the business. The company also encourages employees to contribute ideas, improve work processes, and explore new technologies, including AI, to help strengthen operations and deliver better customer experiences.

“These honors are meaningful because they reflect the progress we have made, but what matters most is how our people experience working at Globe. We want every Ka-Globe to feel supported, have opportunities to grow, and build a fulfilling career. We will continue listening to our employees and making improvements that respond to their needs,” said Renato “Ato” Jiao, Globe Chief Human Resource Officer.

Learn more about Globe's people and workplace culture at www.createeverydaypossibilities.com.

For more information about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

Pet Pals Theme Brings a Playful Touch to Vivo V80 with OriginOS 7

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Smartphone personalization is becoming more expressive, and Vivo is bringing a playful twist to everyday mobile interactions with the upcoming Vivo V80. Powered by OriginOS 7, the device introduces Pet Pals, a wallpaper theme that features virtual pets designed to move and interact with users.

Unlike traditional static wallpapers, Pet Pals adds personality to the lock screen through animated virtual companions. Whether users are checking notifications or glancing at the time, these digital pets make everyday smartphone interactions more engaging. For pet lovers and users who enjoy customizing their devices, the feature offers a charming way to bring a little fun to their daily routines.

More Ways to Personalize the Vivo V80

Pet Pals is just one of several personalization features available through OriginOS 7. The operating system also introduces creative visual effects and customization options that allow users to make their smartphones reflect their individual styles.

Wiggle adds movement to wallpapers through motion-responsive effects, creating a more dynamic screen experience. Glint introduces shimmering visual details that give the display an eye-catching appearance, while StickIt allows users to decorate their system with playful stickers.

Together, these features offer different ways to customize the Vivo V80, from animated backgrounds to decorative elements. Rather than simply serving as a communication and productivity tool, the smartphone becomes a more personal device that reflects its owner's preferences and personality.

These additions highlight how software design can enhance the everyday smartphone experience. Small visual details and interactive elements can make routine actions feel more enjoyable without changing how users perform essential tasks.

With Pet Pals and the other OriginOS 7 themes, Vivo aims to make personalization an important part of the Vivo V80 experience. The combination of virtual companions, motion effects, shimmering visuals, and stickers gives users more opportunities to express themselves through their devices.

Watch the Vivo V80 Launch

Users interested in exploring these features can tune in to the Vivo V80 launch livestream on October 30 at 6 PM via Vivo Philippines' official Facebook page.

The livestream will provide an opportunity to discover more about the upcoming smartphone and its personalization features. For users who enjoy customizing their mobile experience, Pet Pals and the other OriginOS 7 themes offer a fresh look at how smartphone interfaces can combine functionality with creativity.

Filipino Innovations Take Center Stage at the 2026 Alfredo M. Yao Innovation Awards

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) has recognized outstanding Filipino ingenuity at the 2026 Alfredo M. Yao (AMY) Innovation Awards, celebrating two groundbreaking inventions focused on healthcare, sanitation, and sustainable development.

Held at the Manila Hotel alongside the 52nd Philippine Business Conference and Expo, the ceremony highlighted innovations with the potential to address pressing societal challenges and contribute to the country’s economic growth.

Named after Filipino businessman Alfredo M. Yao, whose company received the first ASEAN Business Award in Innovation, the awards recognize socially relevant, Filipino-developed inventions with the potential to create meaningful economic and community impact.

Agapita: Improving Communication for Stroke Survivors

The collegiate category award went to Jose Gian Tubera of Angeles University Foundation for Agapita: An Offline Sketch-to-Speech Communication System for Stroke Survivors with Broca’s Aphasia.

The system transforms patients’ rough sketches into clear, spoken clinical requests without requiring an internet connection. Designed for individuals who experience difficulties expressing themselves following a stroke, Agapita offers a practical communication solution that could help improve interactions between patients and healthcare professionals.

Its offline functionality is particularly valuable in settings where connectivity and access to speech-language pathologists are limited. By making communication more accessible and affordable, the innovation could support more responsive and inclusive healthcare services.

HOCLOMAC: Affordable and Sustainable Disinfection

In the professional category, Dr. Francis Aldrine Uy of USHER Technologies Inc. received recognition for HOCLOMAC, a portable, low-cost hypochlorous acid generator.

Using electrolysis, the device produces disinfectant on demand from readily available materials. Its design aims to reduce recurring sanitation expenses while minimizing plastic waste associated with conventional disinfectant packaging.

HOCLOMAC has potential applications in healthcare facilities, schools, and agriculture, offering a scalable approach to decentralized sanitation. By enabling users to produce disinfectant locally, the technology demonstrates how practical engineering can support safer environments and more sustainable operations.

Championing Filipino Innovation

AMY Awards Chairman Antonio Sayo praised both recipients, emphasizing how Filipino creativity can translate into real-world solutions. The awards were presented by government and industry leaders, including Vice President Sara Duterte, PCCI President Ferdinand A. Ferrer, and other representatives from the business and intellectual property sectors.

Through the AMY Innovation Awards, PCCI continues to promote research, entrepreneurship, and technology development among Filipinos.

The recognition of Agapita and HOCLOMAC underscores the importance of homegrown innovation in addressing healthcare challenges, improving sanitation, and advancing sustainable development. More importantly, these achievements demonstrate how Filipino inventors can create solutions that benefit communities while strengthening the country’s innovation ecosystem and economic competitiveness.