Google has announced a set of Pixel updates that promise to extend battery life, improve sleep and give people access to safety tools during emergencies. EPA
Google has announced a set of Pixel updates that promise to extend battery life, improve sleep and give people access to safety tools during emergencies. EPA
Google has announced a set of Pixel updates that promise to extend battery life, improve sleep and give people access to safety tools during emergencies. EPA
Google has announced a set of Pixel updates that promise to extend battery life, improve sleep and give people access to safety tools during emergencies. EPA

Google’s new Pixel update includes personal safety checks and a bedtime feature


Janice Rodrigues
  • English
  • Arabic

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.

People examine a Google Pixel smartphone. Getty
People examine a Google Pixel smartphone. Getty

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.

Company%20profile%20
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Who was Alfred Nobel?

The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.

  • In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
  • Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
  • Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
 
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
PROFILE BOX

Company name: Overwrite.ai

Founder: Ayman Alashkar

Started: Established in 2020

Based: Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai

Sector: PropTech

Initial investment: Self-funded by founder

Funding stage: Seed funding, in talks with angel investors

UAE%20v%20West%20Indies
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INVESTMENT PLEDGES

Cartlow: $13.4m

Rabbitmart: $14m

Smileneo: $5.8m

Soum: $4m

imVentures: $100m

Plug and Play: $25m

Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

Company profile

Company: Rent Your Wardrobe 

Date started: May 2021 

Founder: Mamta Arora 

Based: Dubai 

Sector: Clothes rental subscription 

Stage: Bootstrapped, self-funded 

COMPANY%20PROFILE
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ELIO

Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett

Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina

Rating: 4/5