Thursday, February 19, 2026

LG Electronics Redefines Lightweight Laptops with Aerominum and AI-Powered 2026 LG gram Lineup at CES 2026

LG Electronics has officially unveiled its 2026 LG gram lineup, introducing one of its most significant upgrades to date through a new material called Aerominum. This breakthrough chassis material delivers a lighter yet stronger frame, offering enhanced scratch resistance and military-grade durability while preserving the gram’s signature portability. The innovation marks a major step forward in balancing toughness and ultra-light design, long considered a core identity of the gram series.

Beyond physical improvements, LG is heavily integrating artificial intelligence into its latest laptops. Select models now feature advanced dual AI capabilities, combining on-device processing with cloud-based intelligence. This hybrid approach allows users to experience faster, more efficient workflows while maintaining privacy and functionality even without internet connectivity.

The lineup supports Microsoft Copilot+ PC features alongside LG’s gram chat On-Device AI, providing intelligent assistance for productivity, content creation, and task management. Users can generate summaries, manage files, and receive contextual help locally, ensuring speed and data security. This combination positions the gram as a serious contender in the emerging AI PC category.

Connectivity also sees major improvements through the enhanced gram Link feature. Users can seamlessly share files, mirror screens, and transfer content across Android and iOS smartphones, as well as LG webOS devices such as TVs, monitors, and projectors. This creates a more unified ecosystem for both professional and personal use.

Security remains a priority with LG ThinQ integration, allowing owners to remotely lock or erase their laptop if it is lost or stolen. This feature provides peace of mind, especially for professionals who carry sensitive data.

Leading the lineup is the gram Pro 17, now recognized as the world’s lightest 17-inch RTX laptop. It features a stunning 17-inch WQXGA display and is powered by the new NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 GPU, delivering powerful graphics performance for creators and professionals.

Meanwhile, the gram Pro 16 stands out as the lightest 16-inch laptop in its class with both on-device and cloud AI. It boasts a 16-inch WQXGA+ OLED display and runs on the latest Intel Core Ultra processors, ensuring strong performance with exceptional efficiency.

With Aerominum, integrated AI, improved connectivity, and enhanced security, LG’s 2026 gram lineup represents a milestone in laptop innovation, delivering a powerful blend of durability, intelligence, and ultra-portable productivity.

Data Center Operators of the Philippines at PTC 2026, Highlights Nation as Rising Digital Hub

HONOLULU, HAWAII — The debut event of the Data Center Operators of the Philippines (DCPH) at Pacific Telecommunications Council 2026 concluded with strong momentum, spotlighting the Philippines as the next premier digital destination in Southeast Asia. The landmark gathering brought together key leaders and professionals from the global telecommunications and digital infrastructure industries to underscore the nation’s readiness to support exponential digital growth.

Top executives from leading data center operators — VITRO Inc., ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (Philippines), YCO Cloud, Digital Halo, Digital Edge Philippines, and A-FLOW (a joint-venture partnership between FLOW Digital Infrastructure and AyalaLand Logistics Holdings Corp.) — convened to help advance the Philippines’ digital infrastructure and reinforce its competitiveness regionally and globally. The event was honored by the presence of Philippine Deputy Consul General Pamela F. Durian-Bailon, whose support highlighted the government’s commitment to fostering a thriving digital ecosystem.

Victor S. Genuino, President of DCPH and President & CEO of ePLDT and VITRO Inc., shared his optimism for the country, “The Philippines is at a point where it can truly position itself as the next digital destination in Southeast Asia. Demand for cloud, hyperscale, and emerging technologies like AI is only increasing, and with the right partnerships, infrastructure, and policies in place, we’re well-positioned to support that growth.”

"For the first time at PTC, we are standing together as a unified industry to showcase that the Philippines is ready and has the collective capacity to meet global demand. By promoting the country as a strategic data center hub and leveraging robust government incentives from the BOI, we are ensuring we are equipped to support the massive infrastructure needs of the international digital economy," added Carlo Malana, Corporate Secretary of DCPH and President & CEO of ST Telemedia Global Data Centres.

The formation of DCPH marks a pivotal step in unifying the country’s data center industry to accelerate infrastructure development, enhance connectivity, and advocate for policies that drive innovation and sustainable growth. Representing a combined 473 MW of IT power capacity, the alliance serves as a unified voice for the sector, advancing infrastructure readiness, renewable energy access, competitive power rates, and supportive policy frameworks, including data localization. Together, these efforts strengthen national resilience, boost investor confidence, and attract greater investments in cloud, hyperscale, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

The successful event not only celebrated the launch of DCPH but also reinforced the Philippines’ strategic role in the evolving digital economy, inviting global partners to be part of its journey toward digital leadership in the region.

“We are certainly proud to invest back and contribute to the country's next chapter of growth, to enable the entry of new economies and industries to future-proof the nation,” said Nikolas de Ynchausti, DCPH Trustee and Co-Founder of YCO Cloud.

LG Unveils Art-Inspired Gallery TV at CES 2026, Turning Living Spaces into Personal Art Exhibits

LG Electronics has expanded its lifestyle television portfolio with the introduction of its new Gallery TV at CES 2026, designed to seamlessly merge advanced display technology with artistic expression. The new model reflects LG’s continued push toward transforming televisions from simple entertainment devices into creative centerpieces that enhance interior spaces.

Created for design-conscious consumers, the Gallery TV is built to blend naturally into home environments, delivering a refined, gallery-like atmosphere. Its slim, flush-mount design allows it to sit close against the wall, while customizable magnetic frames enable users to match the TV’s appearance with their interior décor. Available in 55-inch and 65-inch options, the Gallery TV offers both flexibility and elegance for various room sizes.

One of its standout features is Gallery Mode, developed in collaboration with museum curators. This feature carefully optimizes color accuracy, brightness, and contrast to replicate the texture and visual depth of real artwork. The display also minimizes glare, ensuring that images maintain their authenticity and clarity. In addition, the TV automatically adjusts its picture settings based on ambient lighting conditions, preserving optimal viewing quality throughout the day and night.

Beyond its artistic capabilities, the Gallery TV delivers a premium entertainment experience. It is powered by MiniLED technology and LG’s α7 AI Processor, providing sharp visuals, enhanced contrast, and improved overall performance. The AI Sound Pro feature complements the visuals with immersive audio, creating a complete cinematic experience for movies, shows, and games.

The TV is supported by LG Gallery+, a dedicated platform offering access to more than 4,500 curated artworks and visual content. This allows users to continuously refresh their space with new pieces, transforming the screen into a dynamic visual display. Users can also personalize their experience further by generating images using built-in generative AI tools or by displaying their own photos. Background music can be added through built-in tracks or connected Bluetooth devices, enhancing the ambiance.

LG emphasizes that the Gallery TV is designed to empower users to express their creativity while enjoying high-quality entertainment. By combining art, personalization, and technology, the Gallery TV serves as both a display and a design statement.

The new Gallery TV will be showcased alongside LG’s full Art TV lineup at CES 2026, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, highlighting the company’s vision for the future of lifestyle-focused home entertainment.

Paradise Connected: Eastern Communications and Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu Forge Strategic Partnership to Deliver Next-Generation Connectivity

Eastern Communications and Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu, have formalized a strategic partnership through a high-level contract signing, naming Eastern as the resort’s official internet and ICT service provider. The collaboration marks a significant milestone in strengthening digital infrastructure at one of Cebu’s most iconic island destinations, underscoring how world-class hospitality today is powered by equally premium digital connectivity.

Beginning January 2026, Eastern Communications will provide Shangri-La Mactan with 1000 Mbps of its Internet Direct Service (IDS), supporting both guest-facing digital experiences and the resort’s internal operations. Designed for large enterprise environments, Eastern IDS is a premium, dedicated internet solution with a 1:1 contention ratio that ensures stable, consistent, and reliable connectivity even during peak usage periods.

In the hospitality sector, especially in regional and island destinations, dependable high-speed internet is a necessity in daily operations. From seamless guest check-ins and uninterrupted in-room connectivity to operational systems that support service excellence, safety, and efficiency, connectivity plays a central role in shaping the modern resort experience. Through this partnership, Shangri-La Mactan enhances its ability to deliver a smooth, digitally enabled stay that meets the expectations of today’s always-connected travelers. According to the Department of Tourism (DoT), Cebu is listed among the top travel destinations in the country, and its capital city drew in 102,124 visitors during the holiday break. This surge was just ahead of Lapu-Lapu City hosting the 45th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Tourism Forum this January.

“Providing an exceptional guest experience means ensuring that connectivity is effortless and reliable throughout the resort,”
said Dave Junker, General Manager of Shangri-La Mactan. “By working with Eastern Communications, we are strengthening our digital capabilities in a way that supports both our guests and our teams, allowing us to consistently deliver the exceptional service Shangri-La is known for.”

The collaboration reinforces Eastern Communications' position as a trusted connectivity partner for enterprises that require robust infrastructure and dependable, personalized support. Bringing enterprise-grade connectivity to a premier island resort demonstrates the telco provider’s commitment to enabling businesses to operate at their best—regardless of location.

“Connectivity is fundamental to how businesses serve their customers and how guests experience a destination,” said Anthony Co, Head of Sales - Regional Operations Groupof Eastern Communications. “Our partnership with Shangri-La Mactan reflects our commitment to ensuring reliable, high-quality internet and digital services to businesses in areas that have high growth potential.”

The partnership reflects a shared vision of helping organizations reach beyond boundaries. As businesses across the country continue to evolve, Eastern Communications remains committed to empowering its partners to move forward with confidence and to dare to soar by building on strong digital foundations supported by responsive, human-centered service.

As Eastern Communications expands its footprint across the Philippines, its partnership with Shangri-La Mactan highlights the company’s continued investment in supporting world-class enterprises with future-ready connectivity solutions—proving that even in island destinations, digital excellence can thrive.

To learn more about Eastern Communications and their upcoming partnerships, contact 5300-7000 or visit www.eastern.com.ph.

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

LG Electronics and will.i.am Redefine Portable Audio with AI-Powered xboom Speakers at CES 2026

LG Electronics is once again pushing the boundaries of portable audio, teaming up with global music icon and tech innovator will.i.am to expand the xboom by will.i.am speaker lineup at CES 2026. Building on the success of last year’s models, the refreshed collection introduces deeper artificial intelligence integration, smarter personalization, and four new speakers designed for different lifestyles and listening environments.

At the heart of the new lineup is FYI.RAiDiO, an advanced AI-powered platform that delivers real-time music curation, contextual recommendations, and interactive AI Personas. This technology transforms the listening experience from passive playback into an intelligent, adaptive interaction that evolves based on user preferences, mood, and environment.

The new lineup includes four distinct models: Stage 501, Blast, Mini, and Rock.

The flagship Stage 501 is engineered for performance and versatility. It features AI Karaoke Master, allowing users to remove vocals, adjust pitch, and customize singing styles without requiring specialized tracks. With up to 25 hours of battery life on a swappable battery and up to 220W of power when plugged in, it is built for both portability and powerful output.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Blast delivers rugged durability and up to 35 hours of playback. Its portable vertical rope handle and reinforced design make it ideal for adventures, while maintaining strong, immersive sound.

The Mini offers a more compact and stylish cube design, perfect for everyday use. Despite its size, it provides clear audio, 10 hours of playtime, IP67 dust and water resistance, a Magic Strap, and even a built-in tripod mount for added flexibility.

Meanwhile, the Rock is designed to meet military-level durability standards. It offers enhanced sound output, wide audio coverage, and LE Audio Auracast support, allowing multiple listeners to share audio seamlessly.

All models feature AI Sound, which automatically optimizes audio settings, and AI Lighting, which synchronizes lighting effects with music for a more immersive experience.

will.i.am emphasized that AI is transforming sound into a more dynamic and culturally connected experience. LG Electronics, for its part, continues to position portable audio as a major growth category in 2026, combining design innovation, performance, and intelligent features.

The new xboom speakers will debut at CES 2026 before launching globally later this year, signaling a new era where AI and audio merge to create smarter, more personal listening experiences.