Google has unveiled a major artificial intelligence upgrade for Gmail, allowing users to speak directly with their inbox through a new Gemini powered feature called “Gmail Live.” The announcement came during Google’s latest developer conference as the company accelerated efforts to integrate its Gemini AI models across products including Docs, Calendar, Drive and Android devices. Gmail Live allows users to interact with emails through natural voice conversations instead of manually searching inboxes or scrolling through message threads. Users can ask questions such as “When is my child’s school event?” or “What hotel did I book for Dubai next month?” and Gmail will generate spoken or written answers by analysing stored emails and related documents. Google said the feature aims to simplify inbox management and reduce the stress caused by overloaded email accounts. The company described the system as part of a broader shift toward AI assistants capable of understanding personal data and handling digital tasks more proactively. Gmail remains one of Google’s most strategically important products because it contains large volumes of personal, financial, travel and work related information. Gemini Expands Across Google Ecosystem The new feature builds on Gmail’s earlier AI Inbox redesign introduced this year. Instead of displaying messages in chronological order, AI Inbox automatically creates summaries, highlights urgent tasks and surfaces important items such as reservations, appointments and bills. Google said Gmail Live works similarly to Gemini Live by enabling back and forth spoken conversations while referencing emails and files in real time. The launch reflects intensifying competition among technology companies racing to turn AI chatbots into fully integrated digital assistants. OpenAI, Microsoft and Apple have all expanded AI powered productivity tools during the past year. Google has increasingly positioned Gemini as the central layer connecting its products and services across devices. The company recently announced Gemini integration for millions of vehicles and expanded AI features across Android smartphones and workplace software. According to technology publication The Verge, Gmail Live will initially launch this summer for subscribers of Google AI Pro and Ultra plans on mobile devices. Some AI Inbox functions currently remain limited to premium users in the United States, although Google said it plans broader expansion over time. Privacy Questions Emerge Alongside Convenience The rollout also raises fresh concerns around privacy and data security as AI systems gain deeper access to personal communication. Industry analysts say voice based AI assistants capable of reading emails, calendars and documents could significantly change how users interact with digital services. Supporters argue the technology could save time and improve productivity by reducing the need to manually organise information. Critics, however, warn that growing AI access to personal inboxes may increase concerns around data collection and user privacy. Google has repeatedly stated that its AI systems include privacy controls and security protections for users. Still, the rapid expansion of generative AI across personal applications continues to spark debate over how technology companies handle sensitive information.
Pakistan to Launch Smart Digital Reforms for Passport Applicants
Directorate General of Immigration and Passports plans to launch doorstep passport delivery and an AI-powered chatbot to modernise passport services across Pakistan. Director General Muhammad Ali Randhawa announced the upcoming reforms on Sunday. He said the measures would reduce delays and improve public access to passport services. “Applicants will soon have the option to get passports delivered to their doorsteps,” Randhawa said. He added that authorities were currently negotiating with a courier company to introduce the service nationwide. “After an agreement is signed, the facility will be available across the country. Under this initiative, passports of those ready to pay nominal courier charges will be shipped directly to their addresses from Islamabad,” he said. Officials plan to launch the service inside Pakistan first. Later, authorities will extend the facility to overseas Pakistanis. The reforms form part of Pakistan’s wider push toward digital governance and cashless public services. AI Chatbot to Assist Applicants Randhawa also confirmed plans to launch an AI-based chatbot for passport applicants. “Meanwhile, a chatbot will also be launched soon,” he said. “Applicants will be able to get guidelines through it on procedures and document requirements, and check the status of their passports after submission.” The chatbot will also reduce pressure on the department’s call centre, which authorities are currently expanding. Officials are also reviewing a proposal for fully online passport applications. According to Randhawa, authorities are considering two options. They may launch a dedicated passport application or expand Nadra’s existing Pak-ID platform. “Officials are considering either launching a dedicated app similar to Nadra’s Pak-ID or expanding the scope of Nadra’s app to accept passport applications,” he said. Under the proposed system, applicants could upload old passports, photographs and supporting documents online. Pakistan Expands Digital Government Services National Database and Registration Authority already provides digital identity services through the Pak-ID app. The platform allows citizens to apply for identity documents and update records online. Officials believe similar systems for passports could reduce overcrowding at passport offices and speed up processing. Pakistan’s passport offices have faced criticism for delays and long queues in recent years. Analysts say digital tools such as AI chatbots and online systems could improve efficiency and transparency if authorities implement them properly. The reforms also show growing interest in artificial intelligence within Pakistan’s public sector. Government departments increasingly rely on digital platforms to improve communication and automate administrative work. Experts believe the success of these reforms will depend on strong digital infrastructure, reliable online verification systems and public awareness campaigns.
AI-Written Wedding Fails Legal Test, Ruled Invalid by Dutch Court
A court in the Dutch city of Zwolle has ruled that a couple’s marriage was never legally valid, after finding that their wedding vows—written with the help of artificial intelligence—failed to meet the country’s legal requirements. The couple believed they were officially married following a small ceremony held in April 2025. Wanting something personal and informal, they chose not to use a licensed civil officiant and instead asked a close friend to conduct the service. To prepare for the occasion, the friend relied on an AI chatbot to help draft the wedding vows. While the ceremony appeared heartfelt, the court later found that a crucial legal element had been overlooked. In its ruling on Tuesday, the court said Dutch law requires couples to explicitly declare that they accept and will comply with the legal duties and obligations that come with marriage. That declaration must be clearly stated during the ceremony for a marriage to be legally recognised. Because the AI-generated vows focused on personal expressions of love rather than the required legal commitment, the court concluded that the marriage did not meet the formal standards set by law. The judges noted that while couples are free to personalise their ceremonies, legal requirements cannot be replaced or omitted, regardless of how sincere or well-intentioned the event may be. The decision has sparked discussion in the Netherlands about the growing role of artificial intelligence in personal and legal matters, and whether technology-driven convenience can sometimes clash with long-standing legal frameworks. For the couple, what they believed was a binding union turned out to be symbolic rather than lawful—highlighting that, at least for now, love alone, even when beautifully written by AI, is not enough in the eyes of the law.
