Welcome to One Cool Tip

Welcome to OneCoolTip.com

OneCoolTip is for people who use technology every day and want it to work better, faster, and with less frustration.

One practical tech improvement. Every day. In under two minutes.

One Cool Tip shows you small changes that make a real difference; new features, smarter settings, and overlooked tools that save time and reduce friction across the tech you already use.

What You’ll Find Here

• Windows 11 - Productivity boosts, hidden settings, and quiet improvements you probably missed
• iPhone & iOS 26 - Everyday shortcuts that save taps and time
• AI That’s Actually Useful  - Practical uses of ChatGPT, Gemini , and Copilot
• Work & Home Tech – Smart, realistic tips for daily digital life

What makes One Cool Tip different?

• No fluff, no hype, no vendor agendas
• Written by a working technology expert, not a content farm
• Focused on changes you can apply immediately

Read by thousands of professionals, home users, and curious tech users every day.

Start with the latest Cool Tips below, or use the topic links on the right to jump straight to what matters to you. 👉

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Control Your Threads Feed With the New “Dear Algo” Feature

Control Your Threads Feed With the New “Dear Algo” Feature

Threads now lets you directly instruct its algorithm using a simple “Dear Algo” request. This AI-powered feature puts you in control of your feed instead of passively accepting what the platform decides to show you.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

February 14, 2026

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Have you ever opened Threads and wondered why your feed is full of topics you barely care about, while the conversations you actually want are buried or missing entirely? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Update your Threads feed.

That frustration is exactly what Meta is trying to solve with a new AI-powered feature called Dear Algo.

Instead of relying solely on likes, follows, or engagement signals, 

Threads now allows you to directly tell its algorithm what you want to see more or less of. 

This is a major shift in how social feeds work. 

For the first time, you can explicitly guide the algorithm using natural language instructions.

Feature Explanation

Dear Algo is an AI-driven personalization tool built into Threads that lets users temporarily adjust their feed by posting a request that begins with the phrase “Dear Algo.” 

For example, you can write:

Dear Algo, show me more tech tips.

Threads then uses AI to interpret that request and adjust your feed accordingly. According to Meta, these preferences apply for about three days, helping you stay focused on relevant conversations without permanently changing your long-term feed profile.

This feature works publicly. 

When you post a Dear Algo request, others can repost it and apply the same preferences to their own feeds. 

That creates a new discovery mechanism where users share curated algorithm instructions.

Why this matters:

• Most social algorithms work invisibly.
• Dear Algo makes personalization explicit and controllable.
• You can adjust your feed dynamically based on current interests.
• This is especially useful for live events, projects, business topics, or temporary interests.

What You’ll Gain

• Customize your feed instantly with plain English requests.
• See fewer irrelevant posts and more useful content.
• Preferences automatically expire after about three days.
• Faster discovery.
• Copy and repost others’ Dear Algo instructions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

Microsoft Windows or Desktop (Web)

1. Open Threads, www.threads.net,  in your web browser.
2. Click “Create Post”.
3. Type your instruction starting with “Dear Algo”.
4. Example: "Dear Algo, more tech tips."
5. Post the message publicly.
6. Refresh your feed and observe changes.

fig. 1 - Dear Algo Example

iOS (iPhone and iPad)

1. Open the Threads app.
2. Tap the “New Post” button.
3. Type your Dear Algo request.
4. Tap Post.
5. Return to your Home feed.

Android

1. Open Threads app.
2. Tap Create Post.
3. Enter your Dear Algo instruction.
4. Tap Post.
5. View updated feed recommendations.

Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Immediate feed personalization.
2. Simple natural language control.
3. No complicated settings required.
4. Temporary changes prevent permanent distortion.
5. Example: A business analyst can prioritize AI or Excel content during a project.

Cons

1. Only temporary adjustments.
2. Requires public posting.
3. Limited regional rollout initially.
4. Algorithm interpretation may vary.
5. Example: A vague request may produce inconsistent results.

Feature Access

• Dear Algo is currently rolling out in:
• United States
• United Kingdom
• Australia
• New Zealand

• Meta plans to expand availability to additional countries.

• Platform support:
• iOS
• Android
• Web

• Access type:
• Free feature

Score

Criterion  |  Score (0–10)  |  Justification

Value 9

Gives users direct control over algorithmic content, which significantly improves relevance.

Usability 10

Requires only typing a natural language request. No settings or menus needed.

Wow Factor 9

Direct conversational control over algorithms represents a major shift in social media design.

Total: 28/30  🌟 Excellent

Dear Algo sets a new standard for algorithm transparency and control, surpassing traditional passive personalization used by most social platforms.

Key Takeaways

Dear Algo lets you explicitly guide Threads’ algorithm instead of relying on passive signals. 

This makes your feed more relevant and responsive to your current needs. 

This feature shifts the power dynamic from the platform to the person.

Cool Tip Snapshot

• Feature Name: Dear Algo
• Platform(s): iOS, Android, Web
• Quick Benefit: Instantly control what Threads shows you
• Access Type: Free, currently rolling out

Try It Yourself

Open Threads today and post your first Dear Algo request. 

Try asking for content about your favorite technology, hobby, or industry. 

Share your experience in the comments and subscribe to the One Cool Tip newsletter for more practical tech insights.

READ MORE

• Hidden Words Hero: Mastering Thread Management
• Threads DMs Are Here
  
• Threads Levels Up Conversations With A New Hashtag Feature
  

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Explore More

YouTube: One Cool Tip Channel

X (Twitter): @OneCoolTip

Threads: @onecooltip

Have a great tip or tech question?

📧 Email: onecooltip.com@gmail.com

Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned technology expert and editor of OneCoolTip.com, transforms complex tech into practical advice for everyday users. His Cool Tips empower readers to stay productive, secure, and one step ahead in the digital world.

One Cool Tip

http://www.onecooltip.com

Cool Tech Tips for a Cooler Life!

#Threads #SocialMediaTips #MetaAI #Productivity #AI 

#TechTips #OneCoolTip @onecooltip 

Copyright © 2008-2026 | www.OneCoolTip.com | All Rights Reserved

Master the Art of Spotting Scams with Google’s New Interactive Game

Master the Art of Spotting Scams with Google’s New Interactive Game

Discover how to sharpen your digital defense skills using a free, browser-based simulation that trains you to identify modern phishing and fraud tactics.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

February 13, 2026

Subscribe  |  Read the Newsletter Version

How confident are you that you can spot a fake text from your bank or a fraudulent "urgent" email from a coworker?

As digital threats become more sophisticated, the traditional advice to just "look for typos" no longer cuts it. 

Scammers now use high-quality branding and psychological triggers to bypass our natural skepticism. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Play the "Be Scam Ready" Game from Google.

This "Be Scam Ready" game puts you in the hot seat to test your instincts against realistic, real-world scenarios.

Turn Your Lock Screen Into a Live Weather Dashboard

Turn Your Lock Screen Into a Live Weather Dashboard

See current conditions the moment you pick up your iPhone. iOS 26.3 makes weather more visible, faster to access, and easier to customize. iOS 26.3 adds a dedicated Weather category to the Lock Screen wallpaper picker with new preset layouts. Here’s how to turn your iPhone into a real-time weather dashboard in under a minute.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

February 12, 2026

Subscribe  |  Read the Newsletter Version.

How many times a day do you check the weather? 

Before a walk. 

Before a meeting. 

Before school pickup. 

Before a flight.

Now imagine seeing current conditions, animations, and forecast details the instant your screen wakes up. 

No app tap required.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the Weather Lock Screen.

With iOS 26.3, Apple separates Weather from Astronomy in the Lock Screen customization menu and introduces new preset Weather layouts, making it easier to create a glanceable, live weather dashboard right on your Lock Screen.

This is not just cosmetic. 

It changes how quickly you access useful information throughout the day.

A New Emoji Icon Lands in the Windows 11 Taskbar

A New Emoji Icon Lands in the Windows 11 Taskbar

Windows 11 now includes a small emoji icon in the system tray that gives you faster access to expressive typing. It is rolling out slowly to certain groups, so availability may vary.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor  

February 11, 2026

Subscribe  |  Read the Newsletter Version.

Most people know the keyboard shortcut for emojis only after someone shows them. 

Windows key plus period is easy to remember, but millions of users never discover it. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Enable the Emoji Panel in the System Tray.

Microsoft has decided to fix that by placing a small emoji icon directly in the Windows 11 taskbar. 

It is a tiny change that solves a surprisingly common problem. 

If you spend your day in Teams, Outlook, Slack, or social apps, this new icon might save you more time than you expect.

Finally! How to Change Your Primary Gmail Address Without Losing Your Data

Finally! How to Change Your Primary Gmail Address Without Losing Your Data

Stop living with that embarrassing high school email address. Google finally lets you swap your primary @gmail.com handle while keeping every single message and photo intact. Discover how to transform your old Gmail identity into a professional new address without the headache of manual migrations. This update ensures you stay connected to your past while moving forward with a fresh digital name.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

February 10, 2026

Subscribe  |  Read the Newsletter Version.

Are you still using the "coolguy92" or "sparkle-pony-fan" email address you created two decades ago? 

For years, the standard advice for anyone wanting a more professional Gmail identity was a digital shrug and a suggestion to start over from scratch. 

That meant moving thousands of photos, losing years of archived chats, and manually updating every single subscription service you own. 

It was a massive technical hurdle that kept millions of users tethered to usernames they outgrew long ago.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Pick a New Gmail Address Without Losing Your Data.

A new Gmail rollout is hitting accounts that allows users to pick a new @gmail.com address while automatically turning the old one into a permanent alias. 

You no longer have to choose between a professional look and your digital history.

Supercharge Your Spreadsheets with Gemini in Google Sheets

Supercharge Your Spreadsheets with Gemini in Google Sheets

Stop struggling with complex formulas and manual data entry; let Google’s AI build your trackers, write your syntax, and analyze your data for you. Google Gemini in Sheets transforms your static spreadsheets into an intelligent data partner that can build tables, write formulas, and clean data through simple conversation. Whether you are a business pro or a home user, this AI integration eliminates the tedious "blank grid" problem forever.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

February 9, 2026

Subscribe  |  Read the Newsletter Version

Have you ever stared at a blank Google Sheet, knowing exactly what data you needed but having no idea how to structure the table or write the necessary VLOOKUP to find it? 

You aren't alone. 

For decades, spreadsheets have required users to speak the language of "Cell C4" and "Nested IF statements."

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Google Gemini in Google Sheets.

With the 2026 rollout of Gemini 3 into Google Workspace and Google AI Pro plans, the spreadsheet has finally learned to speak human. 

Instead of hunting for tutorials, you can now simply ask your sheet to "Create a 12-month budget tracker" or "Calculate the variance between these two columns." 

It is the most significant shift in how we handle data since the introduction of the Pivot Table.

Feature Explanation

Gemini in Google Sheets is an AI-powered collaborator that lives inside your sidebar and your formula bar. It is not just a chatbot sitting next to your data; it is deeply integrated into the Sheets engine.

The feature works in three primary ways:

• First, the "Ask Gemini" side panel allows you to generate entire table structures or charts by describing them. 
• Second, Enhanced Smart Fill uses AI to recognize complex patterns in your data and finish the work for you. 
• Finally, the =AI() or =GEMINI() function lets you bring generative power directly into a cell, allowing you to summarize or categorize text at scale without leaving the document.

What You’ll Gain

• Instant Organization: Go from a blank tab to a fully formatted project plan in seconds.
• Formula Freedom: Describe your mathematical goal in plain English and let Gemini write the syntax.
• Automated Cleaning: Standardize messy data, extract names from emails, and categorize sentiment instantly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

Microsoft Web/Desktop

1. In any Google Sheet, click the Ask Gemini (sparkle icon) in the top-right corner.
2. In the chat box, type a prompt like "Create a table for a 3-day team offsite with columns for time, activity, and owner."
3. Review the preview generated by Gemini. 
4. Click Insert to place the table into your sheet.
5. Click into any cell and type =AI("Summarize this table", A2:F15). Press Enter to see the AI process the data in that row.

fig. 1 - Use Gemini in Google Sheets

fig. 2 - Use '=AI' Inside Cells for Instant Analysis

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Speed: Reduces the time to build complex trackers from hours to minutes.
• Accessibility: Allows non-technical users to utilize advanced spreadsheet logic.
• Privacy: For Workspace users, data remains within the organization and is not used to train public models.

Cons

• Cost: Requires a monthly subscription (AI Pro or Workspace add-on).
• Accuracy: Like all AI, it can "hallucinate" numbers if the prompt is vague; always double-check critical calculations.
• Learning Curve: Users must learn "prompt engineering" to get the best results from complex data sets.

Feature Access

Gemini in Sheets is available to:

• Google One AI Pro subscribers ($19.99/mo).
• Google Workspace customers with Gemini Business, Enterprise, or Education Plus licenses.
• Rollout Note: The =AI() function is currently rolling out to all AI Pro users globally as of late January 2026.

Score

Criterion  |  Score (0–10)  |  Justification

Value 9

The time savings for building templates and cleaning data are massive.

Usability 8

The side panel is intuitive, though the =AI() function requires some prompt practice.

Wow Factor 10

Watching a complex table appear from a single sentence still feels like magic.

Total: 27/30 🌟 Excellent

Gemini in Sheets is a "must-have" for anyone who spends more than an hour a week in spreadsheets. It is far more integrated and useful than the similar features currently found in Microsoft Excel.

Cool Tip Snapshot

• Feature Name: Gemini in Google Sheets
• Platform(s): Web
• Quick Benefit: Build tables and write formulas using plain English.
• Access Type: Subscription (Google One AI Pro / Workspace Gemini).

Try It Yourself

Ready to stop wrestling with your data? 

Open a blank Google Sheet today, click that sparkle icon, and ask Gemini to "Create a monthly budget for 2026." 

If you found this tip helpful, share it with your team and subscribe to the One Cool Tip newsletter for daily tech shortcuts!

READ MORE

• Master the UNIQUE Function in Google Sheets
  
• Revolutionize Your Data Management with Tables in Google Sheets
  
• MORE Google Sheets Cool Tips
• MORE Google Gemini Cool Tips

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Explore More

YouTube: One Cool Tip Channel

X (Twitter): @OneCoolTip

Threads: @onecooltip

Have a great tip or tech question?

📧 Email: onecooltip.com@gmail.com

Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned technology expert and editor of OneCoolTip.com, transforms complex tech into practical advice for everyday users. His Cool Tips empower readers to stay productive, secure, and one step ahead in the digital world.

One Cool Tip

http://www.onecooltip.com

Cool Tech Tips for a Cooler Life!

#AI #GoogleSheets #GeminiAI #ProductivityTips #GoogleWorkspace #AIforBusiness @GoogleWorkspace @Google

#TechTips #OneCoolTip @onecooltip 

Copyright © 2008-2026 | www.OneCoolTip.com | All Rights Reserved

MyLow: Lowe’s AI Assistant That Helps You Finish Home Projects Faster

MyLow: Lowe’s AI Assistant That Helps You Finish Home Projects Faster

MyLow turns confusing home improvement questions into clear, step by step guidance, right when you need it most.  Lowe’s new AI assistant, MyLow, is designed to guide shoppers through home improvement projects with plain language help and product suggestions. It brings expert style advice to your phone before you even walk into the store.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

February 8, 2026

Subscribe  |  Read the Newsletter Version.

Home improvement projects rarely fail because of motivation. They fail because of uncertainty. 

Which tool is right? Which part fits? Did you miss a step?

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use MyLow, Lowe's AI Assistant.

MyLow is an AI-powered virtual home improvement assistant, built to answer practical questions, recommend products, and help customers move from planning to completion with fewer mistakes.

Amazon Alexa Plus Turns Your Smart Speaker Into a Real AI Assistant

Amazon Alexa Plus Turns Your Smart Speaker Into a Real AI Assistant

Alexa Plus upgrades Amazon’s familiar voice assistant with generative AI, smarter conversations, and context awareness that finally makes Alexa feel helpful again. If you use Alexa daily, this update changes how much you can ask and how little you need to repeat yourself.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

February 7, 2026

Subscribe  |  Read the Newsletter Version

Have you ever asked Alexa a follow-up question and felt like it forgot the entire conversation? 

Or tried to coordinate reminders, shopping, and routines only to hit a wall of rigid commands? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Try the new Alexa+ AI.

Amazon claims Alexa Plus fixes those long-standing frustrations by rebuilding Alexa around modern AI rather than scripted responses.

Watch Sesame Street for Free: How to Access the New Digital Library

Watch Sesame Street for Free: How to Access the New Digital Library

The sunny days are officially here for streaming. You can now access over 100 full-length episodes of Sesame Street for free on YouTube.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

February 6, 2026

Subscribe  |  Read the Newsletter Version

If you grew up with a television, you likely have a core memory of a giant yellow bird or a cookie-obsessed monster. 

For over 50 years, Sesame Street has been the gold standard of educational media, but finding full episodes without a pricey cable package or specific streaming subscription has often been a scavenger hunt. 

Parents and nostalgic fans frequently find themselves stuck behind paywalls just to see a classic clip.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Watch Sesame Street for Free.

As of January 15, 2026, YouTube has officially become the largest digital home for Sesame Street content. 

Through an expanded partnership between Google and Sesame Workshop, a massive library of full episodes is now available to stream for free. 

This is not just a collection of short clips or songs; we are talking about full-length, historical, and modern episodes available at the click of a button.

Feature Explanation

The initiative brings more than 100 full episodes to two primary destinations: the official Sesame Street YouTube channel and the Sesame Street Classics channel. 

This move is part of a strategic shift for Sesame Workshop to ensure their research-backed curriculum remains accessible to families worldwide, regardless of their ability to pay for premium services like Netflix or Max.

The library is curated to include a mix of the old and the new. 

You can find the very first episode from 1969, which introduced the world to Big Bird and Kermit the Frog, alongside modern adventures from recent seasons. It also features "landmark" episodes that tackled difficult social topics, such as the 1983 episode dealing with the death of Mr. Hooper. 

For parents, this means a reliable, safe, and educational alternative to the often chaotic "made for kids" content found elsewhere on the platform.

What You’ll Gain

Free Education: Access to hundreds of hours of curriculum-backed content without a subscription.

Historical Archive: The ability to watch iconic moments like the 1969 premiere or the reveal of Snuffleupagus.

Platform Safety: Integration with YouTube Kids provides a filtered, safer viewing environment for younger children.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

Microsoft Web/Desktop/Mobile

1. Open your preferred web browser or the YouTube mobile App.
2. Navigate to  www.youtube.com/sesamestreet.
3. For full episodes, search for "Sesame Street Full Episodes".

Pros and Cons

Pro:

• It is completely free and works on any device with a YouTube app, including smart TVs.
• The content is high-quality, educator-vetted material rather than unverified user-generated clips.

Con:

• Unless you have YouTube Premium, you will encounter advertisements. For children, using the YouTube Kids app is highly recommended to ensure ads are age-appropriate.
• While 100+ episodes is a great start, it represents only a fraction of the 5,000+ episodes produced since 1969.

Feature Access

The library of 100+ full episodes launched globally on January 15, 2026. It is available to all users on the free tier of YouTube. 

While newer episodes (Season 56 and beyond) premiere on Netflix and PBS, the YouTube collection serves as the primary "digital library" for past seasons and classic moments.

Score

Criterion Score (0–10) Justification

Value 10

Hundreds of hours of premium educational content for free is an unbeatable value.

Usability 9

Easy to find on any device, though ad-supported for free users.

Wow Factor 8

Bringing high-profile "classic" archives to a free platform is a rare move.

Total: 27/30  🌟 25–30 Excellent

This is a goldmine for parents and fans, offering the most accessible way to watch the world's most important children's show.

Key Takeaways

Families now have a central, free destination for one of the most trusted names in education. 

By moving a significant portion of their library to YouTube, Sesame Workshop has ensured that the "sunny days" are accessible to everyone with an internet connection.

Cool Tip Snapshot

• Feature Name: Sesame Street Full Episode Library
• Platform(s): Web, iOS, Android, Smart TVs
• Quick Benefit: Free access to 100+ full-length educational episodes.
• Access Type: Free (Ad-supported)

Try It Yourself

Take five minutes today to find the Sesame Street channel on your smart TV or mobile device and save the "Full Episodes" playlist. 

It is a perfect, stress-free backup for the next time you need high-quality entertainment for the kids. 

If you found this tip helpful, subscribe to the One Cool Tip newsletter and share this guide with your friends and family!

READ MORE

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• How to Play Google Snake Game

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YouTube: One Cool Tip Channel

X (Twitter): @OneCoolTip

Threads: @onecooltip

Have a great tip or tech question?

📧 Email: onecooltip.com@gmail.com

Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned technology expert and editor of OneCoolTip.com, transforms complex tech into practical advice for everyday users. His Cool Tips empower readers to stay productive, secure, and one step ahead in the digital world.

One Cool Tip

http://www.onecooltip.com

Cool Tech Tips for a Cooler Life!

#SesameStreet #YouTube #ParentingTips #FreeStreaming #Education #Muppets #FridayFunday 

 #TechTips #OneCoolTip @onecooltip 

Copyright © 2008-2026 | www.OneCoolTip.com | All Rights Reserved