Is AI the Underrated Travel Agent? Most Users Say Yes

 According to Kaspersky’s survey less than a third of respondents trust AI to plan trips, however 96% of those that do are satisfied with this experience with 84% planning to use it in the future. 

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of using the internet, transforming the way we search and verify information. As AI continues to evolve, its presence grows accordingly, making AI-powered tools almost ubiquitous. At the height of the tourist season, Kaspersky decided to find out how often people are using AI in travel planning, and what aspects of their trip tourists are ready to entrust to artificial intelligence. 

Who uses AI and why? The survey* confirmed that AI has become a widespread tool among active Internet users, 72% of respondents claimed to use AI at least once. Under 35 years of age, this figure reaches 88%. However, as expected, the older generation (54+) is less inclined to use AI services, with only 54% having interacted with AI and 20% showing no interest in trying. 

It turned out that the most popular use of AI is for research, with 76% of respondents confirming it was the most common use of AI. Second and the third place went to AI for work (45%) and studying (40%). Entertainment (39%) and experimenting with the technology (39%) tied for fourth place. AI in travel planning, with 28% of votes, is not yet among the most popular uses of AI.

Regardless of the relatively small percentage of users who applied AI in travel planning, almost all of them (96%) were satisfied with this experience. 44% said it was “perfect” while 52% claimed it was just “good” which was still one of the highest satisfaction scores. In both cases, a high number of respondents confirmed that they planned to use AI when preparing for trips in the future, (84%) suggesting that AI services may become much more popular as a planning tool in the near future. 

AI in travel planning. For travelers, AI retains its most popular function – research. 70% of respondents, who have used AI in travel planning, trusted AI to identify events and other activities for them whether that was finding suitable excursions, popular tourist routes and souvenir shops. 66% used AI to select an accommodation, 60% made a list of restaurants with its help and 58% even assigned AI to search for tickets. Interestingly, families with children more actively used various AI functions in preparing for travel then childless audience suggesting AI is helping users to save time. 

Compared to information research, AI-powered booking was less popular across all groups. According to the survey, 45% of respondents booked hotels via AI services, 43% booked tickets and only 38% booked restaurants with the help of AI. Notably, 45% of participants stated that they resorted to the help of AI in solving visa and migration questions, which raises some concerns. Recently the story about an Australian writer who couldn't fly to a conference in Chile because of the wrong visa advice from the ChatGPT suggests the risks of AI hallucinations outweigh the time saving benefits for the most critical applications.

“Some trends in AI usage we observed show that the role of AI in solving everyday issues is changing. The respondents all value their time and prefer the personalized outputs that AI provides. Already this technology is maturing and rapidly delivering on its promise of better research and generating creative ideas. By choosing the most suitable options it becomes an important decision aid, which of course provokes reflection about the credibility of data it provides. AI-powered services are becoming increasingly in-demand tools for solving a variety of tasks, including travel planning, however, we should still remember that the decision is ours to make”- comments Vladislav Tushkanov Group Manager at Kaspersky AI Technology Research Center. 

To ensure the safety of your travels Kaspersky recommends: 

- Always double-check the information that AI provides. Do not make purchases or book on websites until you verify their authenticity independently.

- While planning a trip, do not forget about the mobile Internet abroad. Consider using an eSIM to always stay in touch with your family and friends.

- Always double-check Wi-Fi networks before connecting, use a VPN and avoid auto-joining unfamiliar hotspots.  

- Protect your devices, do not leave them unattended in crowded places, set strong passwords and install a reliable security solution, which will help protect them from various cyber threats. 

*The study was conducted by Kaspersky’s market research center in partnership with the Toluna research provider in the summer of 2025. 3 thousand respondents from 15 countries (Argentina, Chile, China, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, UK, United Arab Emirates) took part in the survey.

Samsung Launches Galaxy S25 FE with One UI 8 and Next-Gen Galaxy AI

 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced Galaxy S25 FE, the newest and attainable addition to the Galaxy S25 lineup. Equipped with One UI 8 — the latest Galaxy AI experiences — Galaxy S25 FE offers a personalized AI companion with multimodal capabilities.

Designed to unlock new levels of creativity, Galaxy S25 FE brings powerful AI editing tools like Generative Edit and Instant Slow-mo while an upgraded 12MP front-facing camera, powered by AI-powered ProVisual Engine, introduces an enhanced selfie experience. A 4,900mAh battery and a more than 10% larger vapor chamber offer smooth, responsive performance with 45W wired charging support ensuring users can stay creative, entertained and connected while on the go.

“Galaxy S25 FE plays an important role as a gateway into the broader Galaxy AI ecosystem, making these experiences more attainable for a wider range of users,” said Jay Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of Customer Experience Office, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. "With expanded personalized AI experiences and AI-powered photography and editing tools, Galaxy S25 FE empowers more people to bring greater convenience and creativity into their everyday lives.”

Seamless Everyday Experiences, Powered by AI

With Galaxy AI built into Galaxy S25 FE and optimized by One UI 8 and multimodal AI agents, more users will step into a new era of natural and effortless interaction — where voice, touch and visual input combine to simplify and enhance everyday tasks by making them even more intuitive. 

• Gemini Live enables real-time visual conversations enhanced with multimodal AI, allowing the device to see what users see and making it easy to ask contextual questions. If you need help deciding what to pack for your next trip, just point your camera at two outfits and ask, “Which outfit is better for the weather in Seoul?” Gemini responds naturally, offering intelligent, conversational guidance that seamlessly supports your everyday life.

• Now Bar surfaces helpful information at just the right moment, right from the lock screen. It shows relevant updates, and can even be customized to display live notifications, music, modes and routines, and more. Now Brief provides personalized daily updates including traffic, reminders, calendar events, and fitness summaries.

• With Circle to Search with Googlegaming tips appear exactly when and where you need them. Just circle an item or challenge on screen to access tips and tactics — all in a floating view that keeps your gameplay uninterrupted. 

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These intelligent tools are designed to enhance communication, boost productivity and streamline daily interactions — all while adapting to the individual needs of each user. Plus, they’re backed by all-new protections for personalized, AI-powered features. 

• Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP) creates encrypted, app-specific storage environments within the device’s secure storage area, ensuring that each app can access only its own sensitive information. KEEP supports Galaxy’s Personal Data Engine (PDE) to keep user data and preferences entirely on-device and secured by Knox Vault. Together, these solutions ensure fortified security and privacy in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Built to Empower Creativity at Every Level 

Galaxy S25 FE delivers a premium camera experience thanks to the ProVisual Engine’s latest AI-powered features and an upgraded 12MP front camera that captures captivating selfies with improved clarity. It also elevates Galaxy’s renowned Nightography: Low noise mode boosts the quality of night shots, while Super HDR in video showcases lifelike colors and contrast in every frame. Photo Assist enhances on-device editing with effortless precision, boosting user creativity and seamlessly bringing their visions to life.

• Generative Edit automatically detects passersby in the background of photos and proactively recommends what to remove, eliminating the need to make manual selections and edits, while Portrait Studio allows users to create personalized avatars with more true-to-life facial expressions.

• Instant Slow-mo lets users relive favorite video moments in a more immersive way, transforming any clip into slow motion with just a single tap.

• Audio Eraser offers a convenient way to clean up noise in videos by isolating specific audio elements such as voices, music, wind, ambient nature, crowd noise and background interference — giving users precise control over what to reduce or remove entirely. Auto Trim on Galaxy S25 FE streamlines the video editing process by automatically selecting the best moments from your footage.

Reliable Performance, Refined Design

From routine productivity to creative workflows, Galaxy S25 FE optimizes every interaction. Galaxy S25 FE delivers reliable performance whether you’re streaming, multitasking or editing. 

• A 4,900mAh battery powers everyday tasks, while 45W wired charging enables extended use and quicker power-ups.

• AI processing runs smoothly thanks to a more than 10% larger vapor chamber for efficient thermal management. 

Galaxy S25 FE reflects the signature design of the Galaxy S25 series, with a slim, lightweight build that feels as good as it looks. 

• The 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate offers smooth, immersive visuals, while a new enhanced Armor Aluminum frame provides improved durability and a more refined finish. 

• Galaxy S25 FE reflects the iconic Galaxy S series form with a touch of playful personality, available in a range of bold, expressive colors – Icyblue, Jetblack, Navy, and White.

• Seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates ensures reliable and optimized performance that lasts longer. 

For those looking to combine these visuals with the latest high-quality sound, pair Galaxy S25 FE with all-new Galaxy Buds3 FE to enjoy seamless connectivity and Galaxy’s immersive mobile entertainment experience.

One UI 8 will be also available on more devices including the full Galaxy S25 series with updates starting this month.

Availability

Galaxy S25 FE will be available in the Philippines from September 19, 2025. From launch, customers can double-up their storage for less, plus get an additional P2,000 discount to save up to P11,000. 

You can also trade-in your old device today and get up to 50% off, and enjoy 0% installment offers for up to 36 months. To complete the Galaxy experience, customers can also get up to 50% off on the Galaxy Buds3 FE when purchased together with the Galaxy S25 FE. 

For more information about Galaxy S25 FE, please visit: https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-s/galaxy-s25-fe-navy-512gb-sm-s731bdbhphl/.  

See SRP below for your reference:

S25 FE	512GB	Php 53,990
S25 FE	256GB	Php 44,990
S25 FE	128GB	Php 39,990

HONOR Magic V5 to Launch on September 5, Showcasing Slim Power and Camera Excellence

Leading smart devices provider HONOR Philippines is gearing up for the arrival of its newest and thinnest foldable phone – the HONOR Magic V5! Coming this September 5, HONOR Magic V5 sports the biggest battery out of all its counterparts in the market to date. Catch the launch live on Facebook:

https://bit.ly/MagicV5Launch_FB. 

“With HONOR Magic V5, we combined portability, durability, and superb performance especially with its camera that competitors lack. We are very excited to share this new benchmark for foldable smartphone so join us tomorrow,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.

Exceptional Telephoto Capabilities with the 64MP Periscope Telephoto Camera

The HONOR Magic V5 is equipped with the HONOR AI Falcon Camera System, offering a professional-grade photography experience. The setup comprises an upgraded 64MP Periscope Telephoto Camera Lens, a 50MP Wide Camera, and a 50MP Ultra-Wide Camera. Combining powerful optics with advanced AI image processing, users can capture vivid, detailed photos and videos in any scenario or zoom level. 

Don’t miss the arrival of #MyFirstFoldable HONOR Magic V5 on September 5, live on Facebook: https://bit.ly/MagicV5Launch_FB.

For more information and exciting announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.honor.com/ph/retailers/.

LazMall 9.9: Smarter Shopping with Trust and Quality You Can Count On

The highly anticipated 9.9 Mega Brands Sale is back, and Lazada is making it easier than ever to shop guilt-free. With LazMall’sAuthenticity Guarantee, shoppers can indulge in great deals without second thoughts – knowing every purchase delivers real value and trusted quality. 

This year’s 9.9 sale promises up to 90% off branded deals, up to PHP 2,000 vouchers, and free shipping with no minimum spend from September 8 (8PM) to 11. To kick off the celebration, catch the special LazLive show on September 8 at 11PM, where you can take on the “Guilt-Free Test” yourself. Shoppers can play along for a chance to win vouchers from top LazMallbrands and enjoy even more exclusive deals and rewards during the livestream. Just search “Lazada Guilt Free” on the app to join the fun.

Authenticity, Quality, and Value Guaranteed

As one of the country’s leading eCommerce platforms, Lazada is committed to delivering high quality shopping experiences, with LazMall serving as the flagship of authenticity, dependable service, and secure transactions. Complementing the wide range of trusted brands at great value, shoppers also benefit from fast shipping and free returns, making every purchase even more convenient and worry-free. 

Lazada reinforces this vision through collaborations across the eCommerce ecosystem, partnering with brands, sellers and its creator network to drive trust and shared growth. “At Lazada, we’ve always worked closely with our brands and prioritized our buyer experience to make sure that every purchase on LazMall is worry-free,” said Alvin Ching, Head of Seller Operations, Lazada Philippines. “Through our 100% authenticity guarantee, 2X Money Back, and fast delivery and free returns, customers can be confident that they’re getting authentic brands and the best possible value with no hesitation.”

Smarter and More Rewarding Shopping with AI Lazzie

Lazada is also introducing new ways to make the shopping journey smarter and more seamless through AI Lazzie, Lazada’s AI-powered shopping assistant. AI Lazzie helps users cut through the noise of endless options by offering personalized guidance, smarter recommendations, and fun interactive experiences designed to make online shopping more rewarding. 

This 9.9, shoppers are invited to take part in a special challenge – just chat with AI Lazzie to unlock prizes of up to PHP 100 in LazRewards every day!

“AI is helping us create a more personalized and rewarding shopping experience,” said Pauline Castro, Head of User Product Operations, Lazada Philippines. “From helping users find the right products faster to surfacing deals that truly match their needs, our goal is to let everyone shop guilt-free, knowing they’re getting quality and value every single time.”

Beyond empowering individual shoppers, Lazada continues to play a key role in fueling the growth of the Philippine digital economy. By providing a platform that brings together trusted brands, diverse product assortment, and innovative AI-powered technology, Lazada inspires trust among shoppers while shaping the future of eCommerce.

This year’s better 9.9 sale kicks off on September 8 (8PM) to September 11, only on the Lazada app. Don’t miss out - visit lzd.co/99MegaBrandsSale today!

Smart Cooling Starts Here: TCL VoxIN Air Conditioner

 

Air conditioners are no longer just for beating the heat. As the rainy season brings increased humidity and a risk of poor indoor air quality, they've become essential for a healthy home. Today's smart AC units do more than just cool the air; they provide comprehensive air quality management, addressing the growing consumer demand for clean and comfortable living spaces, no matter the weather.

The Triple Global Top 1 TV Brand, a leading force in consumer electronics, and now the No.1 ranking in global fresh air AC sales, TCL has recognized the growing demand for innovative and healthy air solutions. By prioritizing user-centered innovation, the company has developed a wide-ranging portfolio of fresh air products that cater to various needs and budgets. This ensures that everyone can enjoy a healthier and more comfortable indoor environment.

TCL's family of smart air conditioners continues to grow with the addition of the TCL VoxIN. Following the introduction of FreshIN 3.0, which offers intelligent cooling and exceptional energy efficiency, VoxIN introduces another breakthrough designed to elevate everyday living. Equipped with advanced T-AI smart energy-saving technology, it goes beyond basic cooling by adapting to real-life needs, ensuring homes stay comfortable, fresh, and efficient throughout the year. Sleek, powerful, and practical, the VoxIN positions itself as a premium alternative that delivers high-level performance without the expensive markup.

“We're set to introduce another innovative air conditioner that continues TCL's steady progress in setting new industry standards for fresh air technology. As a global leader in fresh air AC sales, TCL has become the top choice for consumers seeking smart and healthy living. The new TCL VoxIN air conditioner offers a premium alternative with better value, delivering high-level performance without the luxury price,” Bert Cheung, Deputy Director of Air Conditioner Products and B2B Business, TCL Philippines excitedly announced.

 

From Voice Control to Energy Savings: The Next-Gen TCL VoxIN

The TCL VoxIN air conditioner redefines effortless cooling with advanced features that combine voice control and smart energy efficiency, giving you the power to manage comfort without lifting a finger or worrying about high electricity bills. As the latest addition to TCL’s expanding lineup of smart air conditioners, the VoxIN stands as a next-generation solution for energy-conscious, tech-savvy households seeking more intelligent and convenient climate control.

At the heart of this model is T-AI Energy Saving Technology, which intelligently adjusts the compressor’s power to maintain optimal comfort without wasting energy. By preventing overcooling and regulating temperature efficiently, households can enjoy up to 37% savings on electricity costs, all while maintaining control over both comfort and bills.

Taking comfort to the next level, the VoxIN AC is powered by advanced smart features. Through the TCL Home App, you can effortlessly monitor and optimize your energy use. The Smart Arrive/Leave Home feature automatically turns your AC on when you're nearby and off when you leave, ensuring you're never cooling an empty room. Smart Whole Home Control includes the Eco mode, an energy-saving function that maintains a comfortable temperature while significantly reducing electricity consumption. Lastly, the Smart Learning Mode learns your favorite temperature settings and adjusts automatically, so you'll never have to make manual changes again.

The TCL VoxIN also features intelligent voice control, a game-changing feature that allows users to adjust settings hands-free, even without an internet connection. Imagine a rainy afternoon at home: cozy warm lights indoors, raindrops against the window, and with a simple voice prompt—“Hey TCL, set the temperature to 26℃”—the air conditioner not only responds instantly but also replies, “Okay, it’s set to 26℃!” This effortless interaction brings a premium and convenient touch to everyday living.

The TCL VoxIN goes beyond cooling by placing equal importance on health and hygiene. Equipped with 3-Step Auto Clean Technology, it thoroughly cleans both the indoor and outdoor units to minimize the buildup of dust, bacteria, and allergens. Complementing this is its advanced Filtration System, which integrates silver ion, catechin, photocatalyst, anti-dust static and activated carbon filters. Together, these features ensure consistently cleaner, healthier indoor air, providing a safer and more comfortable environment for every household.

Experience ‘Smart Cooling, More Savings’ with the latest TCL VoxIN Air Conditioner, providing effortless comfort at your command.

Stay tuned for more updates on TCL Philippines official page and TCL website.

Level Up Your Connection: Smart 5G Max Home WiFi Now 50% OFF + Free 15-Day Unli Data

Whether you’re a student renting a small dorm room, a family juggling remote work and online classes, or a budding entrepreneur running a home-based café or a small food kiosk, you need reliable connectivity. Smart Home WiFi delivers just that, enabling subscribers to do more with its value-packed devices and data promo subscriptions.

Powered by Smart's superior 5G network, Smart Home WiFi’s latest device, the Smart 5G Max Home WiFi, is a plug-and-play WiFi router that offers a simple but powerful solution for anyone needing high-speed connectivity without the hassle of fiber installation or long-term contracts.

 

You can get it at 50% OFF for only P2,495 and it already comes with FREE UNLI DATA for 15 days. Smart 5G Max Home WiFi is compatible with Smart’s UNLI and BIG DATA prepaid offers — ideal for all your internet needs from daily video calls to streaming K-dramas and movies in high definition.

 

Internet for families anytime, anywhere

 

In areas where there are no fiber internet facilities, the Smart 5G Max Home WiFi has become a game-changer. For families, it’s an instant upgrade — no waiting, no drilling, no complicated setup. Parents can continue working uninterrupted while kids stream, play online games, or do school research, all at the same time.

 

Smart Home WiFi’s Unli 1299 promo has the entire family covered with unlimited data valid for 30 days.

 

Reliable connectivity for students, young professionals

 

If you’re a student or a young professional living in a dorm, shared space, or temporary home, Smart Home WiFi offers freedom and flexibility. Since it’s prepaid and reloadable, there is no bill shock because you only pay for what you need. And because there’s no lock-in period, the Smart Home WiFi flexibly moves with you, whether you’re switching apartments or headed home for the weekend.

 

Even better, it keeps you connected to what matters most — be it an online lecture, a favorite series, or a late-night video call with family.

 

For students looking to stay on top of their schoolwork, there’s the new Big Data 99 with 15 GB total data (12GB all access data + 1GB per day, valid for 3 days). Subscribers may also opt for Big Data 199 with 52 GB (45GB + 1GB daily) for 7 days for higher data and longer validity.

 

Small business, big connection starts at P499

 

For micro-entrepreneurs, connectivity can make or break a day. From digital payments to customer WiFi access, Smart 5G Max Home WiFi ensures your business stays online — and your customers stay happy. It can connect multiple devices from Point-of-Sale (POS) systems, 24/7 CCTV monitoring and livestream selling, yet simple enough to set up on your own.

 

Pair it with the new Big Data P499, which offers a total of 120GB (105GB base + 1GB daily for 15 days), or go bigger with Big Data P999, delivering 250GB (220GB base + 1GB daily for 30 days)—two of Smart’s most generous data packages and you’ve got a powerhouse tool that supports your grind, boosts your business by providing shareable data for customers and staff.

 

It’s also a smart choice for side hustlers — whether you’re selling products via livestream or managing your online orders. With its shareable connection and flexible data packages, it’s the kind of connectivity tool that keeps productivity up and downtime low.

 

Even better, these promos and packages are available not just to new Smart Home WiFi users, but also to existing subscribers of PLDT Prepaid Home WiFi 5G+ and LTE.

 

Powered by Smart 5G MAX

 

Smart Home WiFi is powered by Smart’s superior 5G network, which provides ultra-fast speeds for effortless video streaming, rapid file uploads and downloads, instant online posting, and lag-free mobile gaming.

 

The Smart 5G Max Home WiFi available on the Smart Online Store, as well as Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, and Smart Stores nationwide.

 

Just plug it in and top up with your preferred data offer via the Smart App, Smart Online Store, favorite e-wallets or your go-to accredited retailers nationwide.

 

For more details, visit https://smart.com.ph/SmartHomeWiFi.