Google Photos, the popular photo and video management service, has announced a significant update to its mobile video editor. The redesigned editor aims to simplify the video editing process and make it more accessible to users of all skill levels.

The new video editor interface places key editing tools front and centre, making it easier for users to access and utilize features like muting, enhancing, adjusting speed, stabilizing, and exporting frames. Additionally, the trim tool has been improved with more precise controls, allowing users to cut footage with greater accuracy.

One of the most notable additions to the video editor is the introduction of AI-powered video presets. These presets offer a variety of editing options, including basic cuts, slow-motion effects, zooming, and dynamic motion tracking. By applying these presets, users can quickly and easily create professional-looking videos without extensive editing knowledge.

Google has begun rolling out these improvements to Google Photos, but a specific timeline for the update has not been provided. You are encouraged to check your app regularly for new features to become available.

Google is enhancing its business productivity suite, Google Workspace, with the addition of Gemini chatbot. This move aims to expand access to its enterprise-grade AI app and provide users with a powerful AI-powered assistant. “With built-in enterprise-grade data protections, employees can now save time and deliver higher quality work securely and compliantly,” said Aparna Pappu, vice president and general manager of Google Workspace.

Workspace users in the Business, Enterprise, and Frontline plans will automatically gain access to the Gemini app. The app allows users to ask questions about company information and suggest actions based on organizational policies. Similar to Microsoft’s Copilot, Gemini offers a seamless integration into the Workspace suite.

Google emphasizes user control over data and privacy. The company reiterates that data, prompts, and generated responses will not be used to train Gemini models. This is not the first time Google has incorporated generative AI into Workspace. For an additional fee, users can add the Gemini AI model to Gmail, Docs, Drive, and other apps. Google has also previewed Google Vids, an AI video generation platform for enterprise users.

To enhance security, Google announced a new security advisor tool for Workspace customers. This tool provides tailored insights, actionable guidance, and additional threat prevention and data protection controls. The advisor will send security insights directly to IT administrators’ inboxes. Google has also secured industry certifications for Gemini for Workspace, including SOC 1/2/3, ISO 27001, and ISO 27001 compliance. Earlier this year, it also achieved HIPAA compliance.

A recent Google survey revealed that 75% of daily Gemini users on Workspace reported improved work quality and time savings of 105 minutes per week. Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian highlighted the significant adoption of Gemini among organizations, with over two million developers building with its AI platforms and a 36-fold increase in API usage. Many customers have successfully built AI agents and applications to boost productivity. “We are inspired by the ingenuity and speed with which our customers are embracing generative AI,” said Kurian. “We continue to partner with customers to help them deliver real business value.”

Astra Tech has introduced a first-of-its-kind service in the UAE: “Send Now, Pay Later” (SNPL) via its Botim Ultra App. This new service allows users to send money internationally with instant transfers, while deferring payments, making Botim the first fintech in the MENA region to offer such a solution—further solidifying its pioneering role in the region’s financial technology landscape.

SNPL builds on the rapid growth of Astra Tech’s fintech ecosystem, which has fueled exponential increases in transaction volumes quarter-on-quarter. Following the success of its expanded remittance services in 2023, Astra Tech is strategically positioning SNPL to capture a substantial share of the UAE’s multi-billion-dollar remittance market.

Designed to support the UAE’s large expatriate workforce, which constitutes a significant part of the country’s growing population, SNPL offers enhanced financial flexibility. Users can send money abroad and pay later in manageable instalments, providing much-needed relief during financially demanding periods, such as month-end.

Abdallah Abu Sheikh, Founder of Astra Tech and CEO of Botim, commented,k “The launch of ‘Send Now, Pay Later’ marks a pivotal moment for Botim and Astra Tech. By leveraging advanced credit infrastructure, we’re offering users a faster and more accessible way to send remittances. This service gives millions of users the flexibility to manage their financial obligations more effectively while continuing to support their families abroad.”

Introduced in 2022, Botim’s financial services, including international transfers and bill payments, are now enhanced with SNPL, removing the burden of upfront payments. In the first five months of 2023 alone, Dh6.74 trillion was processed in remittances from the UAE, which benefits economies like India, Egypt, and Pakistan. SNPL will further ease these transfers, reducing financial strain on the workforce.

The launch aligns with Astra Tech’s mission of expanding financial inclusion in the region. This follows their acquisition of a Finance Company License through Quantix, a financial service provider licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE. Quantix offers a range of credit solutions, including SNPL and Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL).

Ahead of the official rollout, Botim will introduce a pre-registration form for its 9 million users, inviting early adopters to benefit from instant remittance transfers and flexible payment terms.