Google has just announced the release of its latest Pixel features and it looks like tech lovers have much to be excited about.
In a move that showcases the brand has a finger on the pulse of the current world environment, the Android 10 update promises to extend battery life, improve users' sleep, and give people greater access to safety tools during emergencies.
The new update comes after its inaugural feature update last December, which was quickly followed by another drop in March.
Here are some of the new functions Android users can expect:
Improved safety functions
Pixel has introduced new features available through its Personal Safety app, including crisis alerts, and a safety check option (so users can set up a time in their phone to confirm that they are safe, like after a hike alone. If they don't respond, emergency sharing automatically starts).
Another improvement to the Personal Safety app is the emergency sharing with real time location, allowing emergency contacts updates on the user's location.
The new features, which will be rolled out to all Pixel phones globally, can be accessed by tapping the safety icon in the apps drawer. Those using Pixel 3a or earlier devices, will first need to add the app in Settings.
Bedtime made better
To ensure users are getting enough rest, the clock app can now assist with maintaining a consistent sleep schedule.
Some of the updates include sending users a snapshot of how much time they’re spending awake and on which apps (if they’re up past bedtime), as well as a sunrise alarm function that wakes users up with their favourite track or by gradually increasing the brightness of the screen. Users can also set it to play calming sounds as they fall asleep.
Integration between recorder app and Google Assistant
A function that plenty are going to be excited about is the ability to start, save and search recordings in the recorder app by simply giving commands. For example, users can say, "Hey Google find my voice recording about lasagna" to find a recipe that had been recorded.
Better yet, this integration between the recorder app and Google Assistant allows users to save transcripts of the recordings directly onto Google Docs.
To do so, users have to go to the recorder app, choose the recording, tap "Transcript", then tap the three dots menu on the top-right corner, to "Save text to Google Docs."
The new Google Assistant capabilities will roll out to Pixel 4 in English, and the Google Docs feature will be available to Pixel 2, 3, 3a, and 4, globally.
Improved battery
Finally, the adaptive battery, which learns users’ favourite apps and reduces power to ones hardly being used, has been improved. The new adaptive battery will be able to predict when the battery will run out and reduce background activity to keep the phone on for longer.
This will roll out to Pixel 2, 3, 3a, and 4, globally.
To activate these features, Pixel users have to update to the latest Android version and look out for a notification from the Tips app that will explain how to use the new functions.
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
RESULTS
Catchweight 82kg
Piotr Kuberski (POL) beat Ahmed Saeb (IRQ) by decision.
Women’s bantamweight
Corinne Laframboise (CAN) beat Cornelia Holm (SWE) by unanimous decision.
Welterweight
Omar Hussein (PAL) beat Vitalii Stoian (UKR) by unanimous decision.
Welterweight
Josh Togo (LEB) beat Ali Dyusenov (UZB) by unanimous decision.
Flyweight
Isaac Pimentel (BRA) beat Delfin Nawen (PHI) TKO round-3.
Catchweight 80kg
Seb Eubank (GBR) beat Emad Hanbali (SYR) KO round 1.
Lightweight
Mohammad Yahya (UAE) beat Ramadan Noaman (EGY) TKO round 2.
Lightweight
Alan Omer (GER) beat Reydon Romero (PHI) submission 1.
Welterweight
Juho Valamaa (FIN) beat Ahmed Labban (LEB) by unanimous decision.
Featherweight
Elias Boudegzdame (ALG) beat Austin Arnett (USA) by unanimous decision.
Super heavyweight
Maciej Sosnowski (POL) beat Ibrahim El Sawi (EGY) by submission round 1.
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
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