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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Extract Text from Any Image with the Windows Photos App

Extract Text from Any Image with the Windows Photos App

Windows 11 hides a powerful OCR tool inside the Photos app that instantly pulls text from images. If you take screenshots, snap whiteboards, or store receipts as photos, this feature can save you hours of retyping.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

February 25, 2026

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Have you ever stared at a screenshot and thought, “I just need that one paragraph”? 

Maybe it was a Wi-Fi password, a quote from a PDF, or handwritten notes from a meeting. 

Traditionally, that meant retyping everything or installing a third-party OCR tool.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Windows Photos App to Extract Text.

Windows 11 now includes built-in text recognition inside the Photos app. 

It works quietly in the background and makes text selectable and copyable directly from your images. 

No subscription. 

No browser extension. 

No scanning app required.

For business users, and home users alike, this is one of those practical upgrades that removes friction from daily work.

Feature Explanation

What it is:

• The Windows Photos app in Windows 11 includes optical character recognition, or OCR, that detects text inside images and allows you to copy it.

How it works:

• When you open an image in Photos, the app analyzes the image for recognizable characters. If text is detected, a “Copy text” or “Scan text” option appears. You can select specific lines or copy all detected text.

Why it matters:

• Screenshots, scanned contracts, printed forms, whiteboards, and even photographed documents become searchable and editable. This eliminates retyping and reduces errors.

What You’ll Gain

Faster data entry from screenshots and photos

Fewer transcription errors

No need for third-party OCR tools

Instant copy and paste into Word, Excel, or email

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

Windows 11 (Desktop)

1. Double-click any image file to open it in the Photos app.
2. If text is detected, you will see a “Scan text” or “Copy text” icon in the toolbar.
3. Click “Scan text”.
4. Drag your cursor over the portion you want.
5. Click “Copy”.
6. Paste into Word, Excel, Notepad, Teams, or anywhere else.

fig. 1 - Copy Text from Any Image in Windows 11

Tip: Use this on screenshots of web pages, error messages, or printed invoices.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Built into Windows 11.
• No subscription required.
• Fast and accurate for clear text.
• Works offline for many scenarios.

Cons

• Handwriting accuracy varies.
• Complex layouts may require cleanup.
• Feature visibility depends on Photos app version.

For business users, this replaces basic scanning software for everyday needs. 

For home users, it simplifies digitizing printed information.

Feature Access

Platform: Windows 11.

App: Microsoft Photos.

Cost: Included with Windows 11.

Availability: Included in current Windows 11 Photos app versions.

If the icon does not appear, confirm your Photos app is updated via the Microsoft Store.

Score

Criterion  |  Score (0–10)  |  Justification

Value 9

Eliminates manual retyping and works instantly inside a default Windows app.

Usability 9

Extremely simple interface; click, select, copy.

Wow Factor 7

Not flashy, but deeply practical for daily productivity.

Total: 25/30  🌟 Excellent

A quiet productivity powerhouse that competes with standalone OCR tools for everyday tasks.

Key Takeaways

Windows 11 hides powerful OCR directly inside the Photos app. 

If you regularly take screenshots or photograph documents, this tool can save measurable time every week. 

It is one of the most underrated productivity features in Windows.

Cool Tip Snapshot

• Feature Name: Text Extraction in Windows Photos
• Platform(s): Windows 11
• Quick Benefit: Copy text directly from any image
• Access Type: Free, built into Windows 11

Try It Yourself

Open any screenshot right now and look for the Scan Text icon in Photos. 

Test it, paste the result into Word, and see how much time you save. 

If you found this useful, share this article with your team, family, and friends and subscribe to the One Cool Tip newsletter for daily practical tech wins.

READ MORE

• How to Set Up iCloud on Windows
  
• How AI Actions in File Explorer Speed Up Your Windows 11 Day
  
• Skip the USB: How Windows Nearby Sharing Streamlines File Transfers

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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.

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Lock Down Your Chats with WhatsApp’s Strict Account Settings

Lock Down Your Chats with WhatsApp’s Strict Account Settings

WhatsApp has introduced new Strict Account Settings designed to strengthen privacy and reduce unwanted contact. Here’s how the feature works, who gets it, and how to configure it for maximum control.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

February 24, 2026

Subscribe  |  Read the Newsletter Version.

How many times have you been added to a random group chat or received a suspicious message from an unknown number? 

Messaging apps are essential for business and personal communication, but convenience often comes at the cost of privacy.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Set WhatsApp's Strict Account Settings.

WhatsApp’s latest privacy update, called Strict Account Settings, aims to rebalance that equation. 

These new controls give users stronger defenses against spam, unwanted group adds, and visibility exposure while preserving end-to-end encryption.

If you use WhatsApp for business coordination, family communication, or client outreach, this is a feature worth enabling.

Feature Explanation

Strict Account Settings adds an extra layer of privacy controls inside WhatsApp. 

It builds on existing settings such as Last Seen, Profile Photo, and Groups, but shifts your account toward a more restrictive posture by default.

In practical terms, it:

• Limits who can add you to groups.
• Reduces visibility of your profile details to unknown contacts.
• Strengthens controls around messaging requests.
• Helps prevent mass-add spam behaviors.

The feature is designed to provide stronger privacy protection while maintaining encrypted messaging.

Why it matters: 

• Spam and phishing increasingly originate inside messaging platforms. Reducing unsolicited contact lowers social engineering risk for both home users and business professionals.

What You’ll Gain

With Strict Account Settings enabled, you can expect:

• Fewer unwanted group chat invitations
• Reduced exposure of your profile information
• Lower risk of messaging-based scams
• More control over who can reach you

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

iOS

1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Tap Settings in the bottom-right corner.
3. Select Privacy.
4. Select Advanced.
5. Locate the new Strict Account Settings option.
6. Enable the toggle.

fig. 1 - Take Control of Your WhatsApp Security

Android

1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
3. Select Settings.
4. Tap Privacy.
5. Scroll to the bottom and tap Advanced.
6. Enable Strict Account Settings or enhanced restrictions.

If you do not see the feature yet, it may still be rolling out.

Please note that these settings can only be managed from your primary mobile device. 

You cannot enable or disable Strict Account Settings from WhatsApp Web or the Desktop app.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Stronger spam protection that reduces unsolicited group invites for professionals.
• Better client privacy for consultants, educators, and business owners.
• Low-friction activation with simple toggle-based setup.
• Preserves encryption while improving exposure control.

Cons

• May limit networking if strict filtering blocks legitimate outreach.
• Rollout timing varies, so some users may not see it yet.
• Requires periodic review if your communication needs change.

Feature Access

• Strict Account Settings is currently rolling out globally across iOS,  and Android. 
• Availability may vary by version and region.
• No subscription is required. WhatsApp remains free to use.

Score

Criterion  |  Score (0–10)  |  Justification

Value 9

Strong protection against spam and unwanted contact, especially valuable for business users.

Usability 8

Simple toggle-based activation, but requires manual review of related privacy settings.

Wow Factor 6

Incremental improvement rather than a breakthrough feature.

Total: 23/30  👍 Good

A practical and necessary privacy upgrade that compares well with Telegram’s strict group controls and Signal’s privacy-first approach.

Key Takeaways

Strict Account Settings strengthens your control over who can contact you and view your profile. It reduces spam, protects sensitive information, and requires only a few minutes to enable.

Cool Tip Snapshot

• Feature Name: Strict Account Settings.
• Platform(s): iOS, Android.
• Quick Benefit: Reduces unwanted contact and protects profile visibility.
• Access Type: Free, currently rolling out.

Try It Yourself

Open WhatsApp today, enable Strict Account Settings, and review your privacy controls. 

Share this article with your team, family, and friends. 

Subscribe to the One Cool Tip newsletter for daily tech insights.

READ MORE

• WhatsApp’s Improved About Feature Finally Makes Status Updates Useful Again
  
• Schedule a Call in WhatsApp
  
• Let AI Help You Write in WhatsApp
  
• MORE WhatsApp Cool Tips

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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.

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

Edit Slides in NotebookLM: No More Starting Over

Edit Slides in NotebookLM: No More Starting Over

Google has finally added the ability to edit individual slides within NotebookLM using simple text prompts. This update also introduces a long-requested PowerPoint export option for professional workflows.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

February 23, 2026

Subscribe  |  Read the Newsletter Version.

Have you ever spent twenty minutes waiting for an AI to generate the "perfect" slide deck, only to realize that slide seven has a glaring typo or an image that looks nothing like your brand? 

Until now, NotebookLM users faced a frustrating "all or nothing" choice: keep the flawed deck or roll the dice on a full regeneration. 

Here's a Cool Tip: Edit Slides in NotebookLM.

Google has quietly upgraded its research powerhouse with a surgical editing tool that allows you to fix individual slides without touching the rest of your presentation. 

It is the bridge between AI creativity and human precision that business professionals have been waiting for.

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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!

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How to Edit Photos Privately with Duck.ai

How to Edit Photos Privately with Duck.ai

DuckDuckGo has quietly added AI-powered photo editing to Duck.ai, allowing users to modify images using natural language commands. This feature gives you powerful image editing tools without the data tracking common in competing AI platforms.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

February 22, 2026

Subscribe  |  Read the Newsletter Version.

Most AI image editors require you to upload photos to services that analyze, store, or use your data to train their models. 

That creates a tradeoff between convenience and privacy. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use DuckDuckGo's AI Tool.

DuckDuckGo's new Duck.ai image editing feature lets you enhance, modify, and transform photos using AI while maintaining the privacy-first principles the company is known for.

Instead of installing software or subscribing to expensive creative tools, you can edit images directly in your browser using simple prompts like “remove the background,” “improve lighting,” or “turn this into a watercolor painting.”

How to Compose Original Music Using Google Gemini and Lyria

How to Compose Original Music Using Google Gemini and Lyria

Google Gemini now integrates with the Lyria model to allow users to generate, edit, and refine original music through simple conversational prompts. This guide shows you how to master these new creative tools for your next project.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

February 21, 2026

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Have you ever had a melody stuck in your head but lacked the technical skills or the expensive studio equipment to bring it to life? 

Perhaps you need a unique, royalty-free background track for a presentation or a social media video but cannot find the right "vibe" in standard stock libraries. 

The barrier between musical imagination and actual digital audio is evaporating. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Make Music with Google Gemini.

With the integration of Google’s Lyria model into the Gemini ecosystem, the process of songwriting is shifting from complex software manipulation to a simple natural language conversation. 

Whether you are a professional creator or a hobbyist, the ability to generate high-fidelity audio with specific instruments, moods, and styles is now at your fingertips.

Go Fishing (Without Leaving Your Desk) With Fishing Frenzy

Go Fishing (Without Leaving Your Desk) With Fishing Frenzy

FishingFrenzy.co turns quick breaks into a cozy, competitive fishing loop you can play on the web. If you like games that reward consistency, smart upgrades, and event timing, this one is built to hook you fast.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

February 20, 2026

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What if your next “five-minute break” actually reset your brain, instead of melting it? 

Here's a Friday Funday Cool Tip:  Go FishingFrenzy!

Fishing Frenzy is that kind of game: simple to start, surprisingly deep once you notice the quests, multipliers, events, and progression systems that reward disciplined play.

You do not need a console or a gaming PC. 

If you have a browser, you can fish, collect, upgrade, and chase limited-time events in short sessions that fit between calls, classes, or chores.

iOS 26 Fixes Motion Sickness With Smarter Vehicle Motion Cues

iOS 26 Fixes Motion Sickness With Smarter Vehicle Motion Cues

Apple has upgraded Vehicle Motion Cues in iOS 26 to help prevent motion sickness using real-time visual indicators. This small but powerful accessibility feature makes using your phone in a car dramatically more comfortable.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

February 19, 2026

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Have you ever tried to read email or respond to a message in a moving car, only to feel dizzy or nauseous within seconds? 

You are not alone. 

Motion sickness happens because your brain receives conflicting signals. 

Your inner ear senses motion, but your eyes see a stationary screen. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the Improved Vehicle Motion Cues in iOS 26.

We first told you about Vehicle Motion Cues last year in iOS 18 and how it can make using your phone better when traveling.

Apple’s improved Vehicle Motion Cues in iOS 26 addresses the motion problem directly by synchronizing what you see with how your body moves.

This feature transforms the iPhone into an adaptive interface that visually communicates motion, helping your brain reconcile those signals.

Windows 11’s Microsoft Store CLI: Install and Update Apps Without Opening the Store

Windows 11’s Microsoft Store CLI: Install and Update Apps Without Opening the Store

If you live in Windows Terminal, Microsoft just gave you a faster way to manage Store apps. The new Microsoft Store command line tool lets you browse, install, and update Microsoft Store apps with a few simple commands, no GUI required.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

February 18, 2026

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Ever set up a new PC and thought, “Why am I clicking through the Store again?” 

Or needed to update one specific app and got dragged into a sea of tiles, banners, and “recommended” content? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the New Microsoft Store Command Line Interface (CLI).

Microsoft’s new Store CLI is a small change that quietly removes a lot of friction for anyone who prefers fast, repeatable workflows.