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Google Launches AI-Driven Scheduling Tool For Gmail And Calendar

Google has unveiled an innovative AI-powered scheduling feature designed for Gmail and Google Calendar users. Harnessing the advanced capabilities of its Gemini engine, the new ‘Help Me Schedule’ tool simplifies the process of arranging one-on-one meetings by automatically suggesting optimal times based on your calendar availability.

Streamlining The Scheduling Experience

Embedded directly beneath the email compose interface, the feature displays a range of available time slots sourced from your personal calendar. Users can customize these suggestions by modifying or removing specific time options before inserting them into their outgoing messages. Once a recipient selects a time, the system seamlessly updates both parties’ calendars, eliminating the need for manual coordination.

Contextual Intelligence For Maximum Efficiency

Distinguishing itself from other scheduling solutions like Calendly and Doodle, Google’s tool leverages contextual information from the email content. For instance, if a message specifies a 30-minute meeting, the AI will exclusively propose half-hour slots that align with your availability, ensuring meetings are scheduled precisely and efficiently.

Enhancing The Google Workspace Ecosystem

This launch is part of a broader series of updates aimed at further integrating AI into everyday business tools within Google Workspace. Recent enhancements include the introduction of the Nano Banana image editing model in Google Slides, the ability to share custom AI assistants known as Gems, new formats in NotebookLM, and improved AI video tools in Google Vids. Each of these updates underscores Google’s commitment to innovation and streamlined productivity in the digital workspace.

Additional Updates And Strategic Outlook

Alongside the new scheduling tool, Google has made significant improvements to its productivity features. Notably, Google Keep reminders will now be automatically saved to Google Tasks, ensuring even greater integration across the company’s productivity suite. As organizations increasingly rely on smart, integrated digital tools, these updates position Google at the forefront of workplace efficiency and technology innovation.

Cyprus Maps Out New Strategy To Attract International Businesses And Skilled Talent

Cyprus is preparing a renewed effort to attract international companies and skilled professionals, with the government targeting Cabinet approval by December 2026 and implementation beginning in 2027.

The proposed Business and Talent Attraction Strategy for 2027–2030 is designed to draw new investment, support the expansion of companies already operating on the island and increase the contribution of international businesses to the Cypriot economy. Its specific measures have yet to be finalised.

A Strategy Shaped With Business Input

Energy, Commerce and Industry Minister Michalis Damianos outlined the government’s plans at the first consultation workshop, which brought together businesses, universities, banks and public authorities.

According to the ministry, Damianos emphasised that the strategy should be developed in close consultation with investors and other stakeholders. The goal is to shape measures around the practical needs of the businesses expected to use them, rather than designing support without their input.

At Monday’s workshop, ministry Permanent Secretary Marios Panayides reviewed progress under the existing strategy, explained the role of the Business Support Centre and presented the proposed framework for 2027–2030. Participants included companies operating in Cyprus, universities, banking institutions, government ministries and Invest Cyprus, whose representatives sit on the technical committee reviewing the strategy.

Building On Existing Business Support

A central element of the government’s approach is the Business Support Centre, which assists local and international investors seeking to establish or expand operations in Cyprus.

The centre began operating in May 2025 and incorporates the Business Facilitation Unit. Established in 2022, the unit is intended to simplify administrative processes and help companies navigate requirements related to registration, licensing and employment.

The new strategy builds on the framework introduced in 2022, which aimed to strengthen Cyprus’s competitiveness through investment incentives, more accessible recruitment of skilled professionals from outside the European Union and more efficient business registration procedures.

Investor Interest Meets Practical Challenges

The initiative comes as Cyprus seeks to convert investor interest into sustained economic activity. In the EY Cyprus Attractiveness Survey 2026, 83% of international investors surveyed described the island as an attractive investment destination. Meanwhile, 62% of businesses already operating in Cyprus said they planned to expand over the following 12 months.

That optimism exists alongside persistent obstacles. High energy costs, bureaucracy and access to finance remain concerns for investors. How effectively the government addresses these issues will influence whether companies choose to establish or grow their presence on the island.

Consultations Continue Through October

A second workshop is scheduled for Thursday, October 29, bringing together chambers of commerce, professional associations, organised business groups and professional services companies. Feedback from both sessions will inform the government’s final proposal, which is scheduled to go before the Council of Ministers in December 2026.

The consultations form part of the government’s ongoing dialogue with the business and investment community, launched at the initiative of President Nikos Christodoulides. The process is intended to identify measures that reflect business needs while supporting employment, investment and broader economic growth.

For now, the government has not published the proposed measures. Their scope and detail will depend on the consultation process—and on how successfully the final strategy translates investor interest into long-term business activity in Cyprus.

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