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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Visual Intelligence Turns Your iPhone Camera Into a Real-Time Research Tool

Visual Intelligence Turns Your iPhone Camera Into a Real-Time Research Tool

Your iPhone camera can now recognize what you are looking at and surface useful actions in real time. Visual Intelligence in iOS 26 blends camera input with on-device intelligence so you can copy text, identify objects, translate languages, and look up information without opening a browser.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

February 5, 2026

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Have you ever pointed your phone at something and wished it could simply tell you what it is, translate it, copy it, or explain it? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Visual Intelligence on the iPhone.

Visual Intelligence in iOS 26 treats the camera as an input device for understanding the world.

This is not a new app. 

It is a system capability built into the camera experience that works whenever text, objects, landmarks, plants, animals, or products appear in view.

Feature Explanation

Visual Intelligence uses the iPhone camera, on-device processing, and Apple Intelligence services to analyze what you are seeing and offer context-aware actions.

In plain terms, when the camera detects something meaningful, iOS overlays actions such as:

• Copying text from signs, labels, or documents
• Translating foreign language text instantly
• Identifying plants, animals, landmarks, books, and products
• Opening links or phone numbers found in the real world
• Searching for additional information without typing

It matters because it removes friction. 

You do not take a photo, switch apps, and paste content. 

The action appears while you are still looking at the subject.

What You’ll Gain

• Faster research without typing searches
• Instant translation from real-world text
• Frictionless copying of text into notes or email
• Real-time object and location identification

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

1. On supported models with Camera Control: click and hold the Camera Control.
2. Use the visual intelligence tools at the bottom of the screen to do any of the following:
• Tap the Search button to search the web for similar items.
• Swipe your finger on a specific item to highlight it and search for that particular item.
• Tap the Ask button to ask Apple Intelligence (or ChatGPT if configured) a question about what’s onscreen.

Note: The Camera Control lets you quickly open your iPhone camera and access common camera settings.  See supported models.

fig. 1 - Your Camera Just Got Smarter

On iPhone 16e, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, you can choose any of the following options as an alternative to using the Camera Control for visual intelligence:

• Action button: Customize the Action button on the left side of your iPhone to use visual intelligence. 
• Lock Screen: Add a visual intelligence control to the bottom of your Lock Screen to use visual intelligence. See Edit your Lock Screen or create a new one.
• Control Center: Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to open Control Center, then tap the visual intelligence button to use visual intelligence.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Removes steps between seeing and using information
• Excellent for travel, education, and business note taking
• Works inside the Camera app without extra setup
• Strong for multilingual environments

Cons

• Depends on lighting and camera clarity
• Requires supported iPhone running iOS 26
• May not recognize obscure objects or stylized fonts

Feature Access

Visual Intelligence is available on compatible iPhones running iOS 26. Apple describes this as part of the camera and system intelligence features and notes that availability may vary by region and device capability. 

Score

Criterion  |  Score (0–10)  |  Justification

Value 10

Eliminates multiple steps between seeing information and using it.

Usability 9

Works directly in the camera with intuitive overlays.

Wow Factor 9

Feels like augmented reality for everyday tasks.

Total: 28/30 🌟 Excellent

Visual Intelligence is one of the most practical camera upgrades in years and more useful day to day than many headline features.

Key Takeaways

Visual Intelligence turns the camera into a research and productivity tool. 

It reduces friction between real-world information and digital use. 

Once you start using it, you will reach for it constantly.

Cool Tip Snapshot

• Feature Name: Visual Intelligence.
• Platform(s): iOS 26.
• Quick Benefit: Copy, translate, and identify objects in real time.
• Access Type: Built-in, currently rolling out.

Try It Yourself

Open your camera today, point it at a sign, label, or document, and tap the overlay that appears. 

Share this tip with your team and subscribe to the One Cool Tip newsletter for more practical wins like this.

READ MORE

• Turn a Screenshot into a Calendar Event in iOS 26
  
• How to Select and Copy Part of a Text Message in iOS 26
  
• Alarm Reminders in iOS 26.2: Turn Reminders Into Can’t-Miss Alerts
  
• How to Take a Photo With Your AirPods
  
• MORE iOS 26 Cool Tips

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Have a great tip or tech question?

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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.

One Cool Tip

http://www.onecooltip.com

Cool Tech Tips for a Cooler Life!

#iOS26 #iPhoneTips #AppleIntelligence #MobileProductivity #VisualSearch #iPhone 

 #TechTips #OneCoolTip @onecooltip 

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

Quick Machine Recovery in Windows 11: Your Safety Net For Boot Failures

Quick Machine Recovery in Windows 11: Your Safety Net For Boot Failures

Quick Machine Recovery in Windows 11 uses Microsoft’s cloud services to repair certain widespread boot issues with minimal user effort. Learn what it does, how to configure it, and how to be ready before disaster strikes.

Byline: By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

February 3, 2026

Subscribe  |  Read the Newsletter Version.

You press the power button, wait for Windows to appear, and instead you get a spinning circle that never ends. 

For many users, that moment means panic, lost work, and a frantic search for recovery media.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Quick Machine Recovery in Windows 11.

Quick Machine Recovery in Windows 11 aims to change that story. 

Instead of leaving you alone in a broken boot loop, Windows can detect certain widespread issues, enter the Windows Recovery Environment, connect to Microsoft’s cloud, and automatically apply a targeted fix if one exists. 

It is not magic, and it will not solve every problem, but when it works, it can turn a potential outage into a short coffee break.

Feature Explanation

Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) is a Windows 11 feature that helps devices recover from critical boot problems by using the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) and Microsoft’s cloud-based remediation services. 

When Windows detects repeated startup failures caused by a known, widespread issue, it can automatically enter WinRE, connect to the internet, and look for a fix delivered through Windows Update. 

If a solution is found, it is downloaded and applied, then the PC restarts into Windows. 

If no fix is available, traditional recovery tools remain available to you.

QMR builds on the older Startup Repair feature but adds a connected, cloud-aware layer. 

Instead of relying only on local tools, Windows can check for known issues that Microsoft has already analyzed and patched, especially during large-scale incidents that affect many devices. 

This reduces downtime and can significantly cut the need for hands-on IT intervention in organizations.

For home and small business users, the benefit is simpler: if your PC fails to boot due to a known, widespread problem, QMR may quietly fix it for you. 

You still need a working network connection in WinRE and a supported version of Windows 11, but when those conditions are met, recovery can be surprisingly painless.

What You’ll Gain

• Quick recovery: Reduce downtime when a known, widespread boot issue hits your PC.
• Less IT dependency: Fewer trips to the help desk or repair shop for certain startup failures.
• Safer experimentation: More confidence when installing updates or drivers, knowing recovery tools are improving.
• Business continuity: Better resilience during large scale incidents that affect many devices at once.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

Microsoft Windows 11 Desktop

These steps assume you are already running a supported Windows 11 version and want to confirm or configure Quick Machine Recovery.

1. Open the Start menu, select Settings (gear icon).
2. Select System, then choose Recovery.
3. Scroll to find Quick machine recovery in the Recovery section.
4. Use the toggle next to Quick machine recovery to enable or disable it. When enabled, Windows can use cloud based remediation from WinRE for certain boot issues.

fig. 1 - Enable Quick Machine Recovery

Trigger Quick Machine Recovery manually (when needed).  

1. If Windows cannot boot and you reach WinRE, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Quick machine recovery. 
2. Ensure the device is connected to the internet, then allow Windows to search for and apply any available remediation.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Automatic remediation: QMR can detect certain widespread boot issues and apply targeted fixes without manual steps, which is ideal for non technical users and busy IT teams.
• Cloud-aware recovery: Because it uses Windows Update and Microsoft’s cloud, QMR can benefit from new remediations as Microsoft learns about emerging issues.
• Reduced IT burden: In organizations, QMR can help recover many devices during a large incident, reducing the need for on site visits and manual imaging.

Cons:

• Requires network connectivity in WinRE: If your device cannot connect to the internet in the recovery environment, QMR cannot reach Microsoft’s services.
• Not a universal fix: QMR focuses on known, widespread issues, so unique or hardware specific failures may still require traditional troubleshooting.
• Version and policy dependent: Availability can depend on your Windows 11 version and whether your device is managed by IT, which may delay or limit access.

Feature Access

Quick Machine Recovery is part of Windows 11 and is designed to help devices recover from widespread boot issues using WinRE and Windows Update.

QMR is available for consumers on Windows 11 Home and Pro starting with the August 2025 Security Update for version 24H2 and higher.  

QMR requires Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2, and is enabled by default on Home.

Pro and Enterprise devices require IT policy to turn it on.

If you do not see the Quick machine recovery toggle under Settings > System > Recovery, ensure your system is fully updated or check with your IT department if the device is managed.

Score

Criterion  |  Score (0–10)  |  Justification

Value 9

Strong protection against certain boot failures, especially during widespread incidents, with minimal user effort.

Usability 8

Once enabled, it is largely automatic, though network and version requirements can confuse some users.

Wow Factor 7

Cloud-based self repair feels impressive when it works, but it operates mostly behind the scenes.

Total: 24/30 🌟 Excellent

Quick Machine Recovery earns a solid “Good,” offering more practical resilience than the older Startup Repair feature, especially for users on modern Windows 11 builds.

Key Takeaways

Quick Machine Recovery gives Windows 11 a smarter, cloud aware way to fix certain boot failures without demanding deep technical skills from the user. 

When combined with good backups and up to date systems, it can turn a potential disaster into a short interruption. If your device supports it, enabling QMR is an easy win for both home and business users.

Cool Tip Snapshot

• Feature Name: Quick Machine Recovery
• Platform(s): Windows 11 (selected versions, currently rolling out)
• Quick Benefit: Automatically repairs certain widespread boot issues using Microsoft’s cloud services.
• Access Type (Free, Subscription, Beta): Included with supported Windows 11 editions, currently rolling out via Windows Update.

Try It Yourself

Before you need it, open Settings on your Windows 11 PC, check that Quick Machine Recovery is available and turned on.

Share this article with your team, family, and friends so they can prepare too.

And subscribe to the One Cool Tip newsletter for more practical, real-world tech safety nets.

READ MORE

• Protect Your Tech: A Consumer’s Guide to Creating a Disaster Recovery Plan
  
• The Hidden Lifesaver in Windows: How Emergency Restart Can Save Your Day
  
• How to Schedule Windows Update Restarts Like a Pro!

Stay Connected with One Cool Tip

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Explore More

YouTube: One Cool Tip Channel

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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!

#Windows11 #QuickMachineRecovery #QMR  #PCRecovery #SysAdmin #Productivity @Windows  

@Microsoft365 @MicrosoftHelps 

 #TechTips #OneCoolTip @onecooltip 

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

Gemini Navigation Expands to Walking and Cycling in Google Maps

Gemini Navigation Expands to Walking and Cycling in Google Maps

Google Maps just got a major brain transplant for your morning commute and weekend treks. AI-powered navigation is no longer just for drivers.

Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

February 3, 2026

Subscribe  |  Read the Newsletter Version.

Have you ever stared at a blue dot on your phone while spinning in circles trying to figure out which way is North? 

Even with augmented reality, urban canyons, and winding bike paths can be disorienting. 

Navigation has historically focused on the four-wheeled experience, leaving those on foot or two wheels to squint at tiny lines and hope for the best.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Google Gemini for walking and cycling.

Google is bridging that gap by integrating Gemini into Google Maps specifically for walking and cycling. 

This update transforms the map from a static document into a conversational partner. 

It understands the context of your surroundings and helps you find specific landmarks or points of interest using natural language while you are on the move.

Turn Word Into Your AI Writing Partner With Agent Mode

Turn Word Into Your AI Writing Partner With Agent Mode

Agent Mode in Word lets you describe your goal and have Copilot do targeted edits, rewrites, and formatting inside your document. Once you learn where to find it and how to steer it, Word starts to feel less like a blank page and more like a collaborative editor.

Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

February 2, 2026

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How many times have you stared at a messy draft and thought, "I wish someone could just fix this for me"? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Agent Mode in Microsoft Word.

Agent Mode in Word is Microsoft’s answer to that feeling: a way to talk to Copilot as if it were a colleague sitting beside you, editing the document in real time.

Instead of copying text into a chat window and pasting results back, you stay in the document while Copilot restructures sections, tightens language, and applies Word styles for you. 

For busy professionals, that shift from "AI on the side" to "AI inside" is a big deal.

NotebookLM Video Overviews Now Available on Mobile

NotebookLM Video Overviews Now Available on Mobile

Transform dense documents into engaging AI-generated video presentations directly from your iPhone or Android device.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

February 1, 2026

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Have you ever stared at a thirty page research paper or a complex technical manual and wished it could just explain itself to you while you walk the dog? 

Most professionals and students spend hours scanning text for the "big picture" before they can even begin to apply the information. 

Google is changing that equation. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Create Video Overviews on Mobile.

With the latest update to NotebookLM, your mobile device now functions as a portable production studio that turns static files into dynamic video overviews. 

This move signals a shift from simply reading data to experiencing it through multi-modal AI.

Yahoo Scout: The AI Answer Engine That Thinks Before It Speaks

Yahoo Scout: The AI Answer Engine That Thinks Before It Speaks

Yahoo Scout transforms how you find information by moving beyond lists of links to provide direct, conversational answers powered by advanced AI.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

January 31, 2026

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How many times have you clicked through five different websites just to find one specific answer about a travel itinerary or a technical specification? 

The traditional search engine model often feels like a research project rather than a quick query. Yahoo is betting that you are ready for a change. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Search with Yahoo Scout.

With the launch of Yahoo Scout, the company is pivoting from a search engine that points to answers to an "answer engine" that synthesizes information for you in real time. 

It is a bold move designed to reclaim relevance in a world where users expect immediate, conversational results without the digital clutter.

Fun with the Toymaker: Reviving the Joy of Paper Craft in a Digital Age

Fun with the Toymaker: Reviving the Joy of Paper Craft in a Digital Age

Rediscover the tactile magic of paper engineering with high-quality, free printable toys that bridge the gap between screen time and hands-on creativity.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

January 30, 2026

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When was the last time you built something with your hands that didn't involve a touchscreen or a keyboard? 

In our hyper-connected world, the simple satisfaction of folding paper into a three-dimensional object is becoming a lost art. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Make Paper Toys with the Toymaker.

Most of us stare at pixels for eight hours a day, yet research consistently shows that tactile hobbies can significantly reduce stress and improve spatial reasoning. 

What if your printer could act as a portal to a Victorian-style workshop? 

Marilyn Scott-Waters, the creator of The Toymaker, offers a whimsical solution that turns a standard piece of office paper into a moving, breathing piece of art.

How to Select and Copy Part of a Text Message in iOS 26

How to Select and Copy Part of a Text Message in iOS 26

Trimming down a long text to just the essential lines used to require workarounds on iPhone. With iOS 26, Apple finally added a way to select and copy only the words you need.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

January 29, 2026

Subscribe  |  Read the Newsletter Version.

If you’ve ever wanted to grab just a phone number, address line, or specific snippet from a message without copying the entire bubble, you know how frustrating it has been. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Copy a Part of a Text Message in iOS 26.

Prior versions of iOS forced you into awkward edits or managing a pasteboard cleanup after pasting everything you didn’t want. iOS 26 changes that by letting you highlight and extract the exact text you need straight from the Messages app.

How AI Actions in File Explorer Speed Up Your Windows 11 Day

How AI Actions in File Explorer Speed Up Your Windows 11 Day

AI is creeping into Windows in a practical place: the File Explorer right-click menu. If you manage lots of files, these new “AI actions” can save real time by launching smarter image edits and generating quick document summaries without the usual app-hopping.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

January 28, 2026

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Have you ever opened three different apps just to clean up a photo, grab a quick summary, and then email the result? 

That workflow is exactly what AI Actions in File Explorer tries to kill.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use 'AI Actions' in Windows 11 File Explorer.

Microsoft is wiring AI directly into the right-click menu so you can act on files in place instead of bouncing between apps. 

It feels small at first glance, but for anyone who lives in shared folders, OneDrive, or project libraries, this is the kind of friction that quietly eats hours every month.