WhatsApp has introduced an innovative new feature: voice message transcripts. This addition allows users to convert voice messages into text, making it easier to keep up with conversations no matter where you are or what you’re doing.

The feature is rolling out globally over the next few weeks, initially supporting a few select languages, with plans to expand language options in the coming months. In a blog post, WhatsApp highlighted the personal touch of voice messages, stating, “There’s something special about hearing your loved one’s voice even when you’re far away.” However, the company acknowledged that there are times when listening isn’t feasible, such as being in a noisy environment or receiving a lengthy message that’s difficult to hear.For those moments, WhatsApp now offers voice message transcripts.

These transcripts are generated directly on your device, ensuring that no one else — not even WhatsApp — can access your messages.To activate this feature, go to Settings > Chats > Voice Message Transcripts, where you can toggle transcriptions on or off and select your preferred language. Transcribing a message is simple: long-press the voice message and tap “Transcribe.”WhatsApp expressed enthusiasm about enhancing this experience further, promising to make it even more intuitive and user-friendly.

This update follows the introduction of the Message Drafts feature, which addresses a common issue: forgetting to send unfinished messages. WhatsApp now marks incomplete messages with a clear “Draft” label and moves the chat to the top of your list, ensuring you can quickly find and complete them without searching through multiple conversations.With these updates, WhatsApp continues to innovate and make communication more seamless and efficient for its users worldwide.

Joby Aviation, Inc., a company developing electric air taxis for commercial passenger service, today announced it has taken the first step towards becoming a certified air taxi operator in the United Arab Emirates.

During the International Civil Aviation Organization’s inaugural Advanced Air Mobility Summit, taking place in Montreal, Canada this week, JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, met with His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), and presented Joby’s Letter of Intent to initiate Joby’s Air Operator Certificate application.

In February 2024, Joby signed a definitive agreement with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to launch air taxi services in the Emirate of Dubai, positioning the city as a world leader in the next generation of fast, clean and quiet air mobility.

In April 2024, Joby expanded its partnership with the UAE through a multilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Municipalities and Transport – Abu Dhabi (DMT), the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (DED) and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), paving the way for Joby to establish and scale air taxi services in Abu Dhabi and beyond.

Bevirt commented: “There is incredible momentum behind the adoption of clean flight across the UAE, and we’re excited to be working with a wide range of partners, including the GCAA, to lay the groundwork for one of the world’s first electric air taxi networks, delivering fast, clean and quiet journeys using our revolutionary aircraft.”

H.E Saif Al Suwaidi said: “The Letter of Intent for the operator certificate application from Joby Aviation marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s journey towards becoming a global leader in EVTOL operations. Our readiness to support these advanced technologies underscores our commitment to fostering advanced air mobility solutions that will be part of the future of transportation in the UAE and beyond. We are excited to work closely with Joby Aviation to ensure the highest standards of safety and efficiency as we advance towards the realization of commercial EVTOL operations in our skies.”

Issued by the GCAA, the Air Operator Certificate is required to operate commercial air transport in the UAE. Joby will follow a five-stage application process that will see the Company develop a full complement of air taxi operating manuals, undergo inspections of its UAE-based facilities, and complete GCAA observation of pilot and aircraft mechanic training as well as flight operations.
Joby completed a similar process to receive its U.S. Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration in May 2022 and has operated traditional aircraft in the U.S. for more than two years, refining aspects of the Company’s intended air taxi operations while using its proprietary ElevateOS software system.

Joby’s electric air taxi is designed to carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour, with a journey from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah, which typically takes 45 minutes by car, expected to take just 10 minutes.

The Department of Municipalities and Transport-Abu Dhabi has launched Abu Dhabi Dark Sky Policy that aims to preserve the night sky and foster a sustainable future for communities throughout the emirate. As part of the endeavour’s roll out, an extensive awareness campaign will be launched under the theme Discover the Beauty of Abu Dhabi’s Sky, to educate residents and visitors about the importance of preserving the night sky.

The initiative is the first of its kind in the region and seeks to address the escalating concern of light pollution by presenting a blueprint for responsible lighting practices. Aligned with the global endeavours of the International Dark Sky Association, the policy’s multifaceted approach includes the promotion of sustainable lighting systems, protecting the natural environment and wildlife, supporting scientific research in the field of astronomy, enhancing public health, and promoting sustainable development.