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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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.

Feature Explanation

What It Is

iOS 26.3 adds a standalone Weather category in the Lock Screen wallpaper picker. 

Previously, Weather was grouped under Astronomy. 

Now it has its own section with preset layouts and clock configurations.

These Weather wallpapers are dynamic. 

They display real-time conditions such as rain, sun, clouds, or snow based on your location.

How It Works

The Lock Screen pulls data from the native Weather app. 

When Weather wallpaper is active:

• Background animations reflect live conditions.
• Widgets can display temperature, precipitation, wind, UV index, and more.
• Time fonts and layout presets are preconfigured for clarity.

Why It Matters

This turns passive screen space into useful signal. 

Instead of unlocking your phone to check weather, you absorb it instantly.

For business users, that means quicker decision-making. 

For parents, faster planning. For travelers, fewer surprises.

What You’ll Gain

• At-a-glance awareness: See current conditions instantly.
• Fewer taps: Reduce repetitive Weather app checks.
• Cleaner customization: Weather now has its own dedicated layout section.
• Smarter daily planning: Know when rain or heat is coming before stepping outside.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

iOS

1. Go to Settings → General → Software Update. Install if available.
2. Press and hold on your Lock Screen until the wallpaper gallery appears.
3. Choose Add New Wallpaper.
4. You’ll now see Weather as its own category. Tap it.
5. Swipe between preset Weather designs with different clock fonts and widget placements.
6. Tap the widget area under the clock to add temperature, precipitation, wind, UV index, or air quality.
7. Tap the time to modify font and color for readability.
8. Tap Add → Set as Wallpaper Pair or customize Home Screen separately.

 

fig. 1 - Select the Weather Lock Screen Example

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Faster access to real-time weather.
• Clean separation from Astronomy for easier setup.
• Dynamic visuals improve glanceability.
• Great for travel and outdoor workflows.

Cons

• Primarily cosmetic enhancement.
• Requires location services for best experience.
• Heavy animations may slightly impact battery on older devices.

Feature Access

• Available on iPhones compatible with iOS 26.3.
• If not visible, the feature may be currently rolling out.

Score

Criterion | Score (0–10) | Justification

Value 7

Saves time and improves glanceability but does not add new forecasting capability.

Usability 9

Extremely easy to enable and customize.

Wow Factor 6

Visually appealing, though not groundbreaking.

Total: 22/30 👍 Good

A practical customization upgrade that improves daily awareness, comparable in usefulness to Lock Screen widgets introduced in earlier iOS versions.

Key Takeaways

• iOS 26.3 makes Weather easier to find and customize on your Lock Screen.
• This small design shift delivers faster access to useful information.
• It’s a quick win with real daily value.

Cool Tip Snapshot

• Feature Name: Weather Lock Screen Presets
• Platform(s): iOS
• Quick Benefit: Instant real-time weather visibility
• Access Type: Free system update

Try It Yourself

Update to iOS 26.3, activate a Weather Lock Screen, and see how often you check the Weather app afterward. 

Share your setup in the comments, subscribe to the One Cool Tip newsletter, and forward this article to someone who checks the forecast constantly.

READ MORE

• Visual Intelligence Turns Your iPhone Camera Into a Real-Time Research Tool
  
• 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
  
• MORE iPhone Cool Tips

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Explore More

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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 #AppleUpdates #WeatherApp #LockScreen @AppleNewsroom 

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

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.

Feature Explanation

The new emoji icon sits in the system tray near the clock. 

When you click it, the familiar emoji panel appears. 

This is the same panel you get with Windows key plus period. 

It includes emojis, GIFs, symbols, and kaomoji. Microsoft added the icon to make the feature easier to find. 

This feature is included in the KB5067036 preview update and is rolling out slowly to certain groups. 

That means you may not see it immediately, even if you install the update.

The icon behaves like other system tray icons. 

You can show it, hide it, or set it to appear only while typing. 

The goal is simple. 

Give users a visible, friendly way to add personality to their messages without memorizing shortcuts.

What You’ll Gain

• Faster expression.
• Less reliance on shortcuts.
• Consistent access across apps.
• A more visible entry point for emojis and symbols.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Microsoft Windows 11

Important: The emoji icon will not appear unless system tray icons are enabled in Taskbar settings.

Enable Preview Updates (if needed)

1. Click the Start menu and select Settings.
2. In the sidebar, choose Windows Update.
3. Scroll down to “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available.”
4. Toggle this On to allow preview updates.
5. Click Check for updates. If KB5067036 is available for your device, it will appear as an optional update.
6. Click Download and install next to KB5067036.
7. After installation, restart your device to apply changes.

⚠️ Rollout Notes

• KB5067036 is a preview update, not a mandatory security patch.
• Microsoft is rolling out features gradually, so even after installation, the emoji icon may not appear immediately.

Enable Emoji Panel

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Personalization.
3. Select Taskbar.
4. Scroll to System tray icons.
5. Turn on the toggle for System tray.
6. Find Emoji and more in the list.
7. Choose Always or While typing.

fig. 1 - Emoji Taskbar Settings

Use the Emoji Panel

1. Look for the emoji icon near the clock.
2. Click the icon to open the emoji panel. Or Windows + .
3. Use the search bar to find emojis, GIFs, or symbols.
4. Select any item to insert it into your active text field.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Easy discovery. Users who never learned the shortcut now have a visible entry point.
• Consistent across apps. Works in Teams, Outlook, browsers, and third party tools.
• Quick access. One click instead of a keyboard combination.

Cons

• Slow rollout. Not everyone will see it immediately.
• System tray clutter. Another icon in an already busy area.
• Preview update requirement. Some organizations delay preview updates for stability reasons.

Feature Access

• The emoji icon is included in the Windows 11 KB5067036 preview update. 
• This feature may roll out gradually. 
• Availability varies by device, region, and update channel. Some users will see the icon immediately. 
• Others may receive it later as Microsoft expands the rollout.

Score

Criterion  |  Score (0–10)  |  Justification

Value 8

A small feature that saves time and improves communication.

Usability 9

Simple, visible, and works across all apps.

Wow Factor 6

Helpful but subtle. Most users will appreciate it quietly.

Total: 23/30  👍 Good  

A practical upgrade that improves everyday typing without changing your workflow.

Key Takeaways

The new emoji icon gives Windows 11 users a faster way to add expressive elements to messages. 

It is included in the KB5067036 preview update and is rolling out slowly to certain groups. 

If you rely on emojis or symbols, this feature removes friction from your daily routine.

Cool Tip Snapshot

• Feature Name: Emoji Panel Icon
• Platform(s): Windows 11
• Quick Benefit: One click access to emojis, GIFs, and symbols
• Access Type: Free, rolling out through preview updates

Try It Yourself

Install the latest Windows 11 preview update, enable system tray icons in Taskbar settings, and look for the new emoji icon near your clock. 

Try it in Teams, Outlook, or your favorite messaging app. 

Share this tip with your team, family, and friends, and subscribe to the One Cool Tip newsletter for more daily productivity boosts.

READ MORE

• How to Master the Combine Taskbar Buttons Feature in Windows 11
  
• How to Translate with Ease Using the Windows 11 Taskbar
  
• Tick Tock: Windows 11 Now Shows Seconds in Taskbar Clock!
• MORE Windows Wednesday Cool Tips

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Explore More

YouTube: One Cool Tip Channel

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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!

#Windows11 #Productivity #Microsoft #WindowsUpdate #EmojiPanel @Microsoft @Windows 

#TechTips #OneCoolTip @onecooltip 

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

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

Stay Connected with One Cool Tip

👍 Like and Share: Help others discover OneCoolTip.com!

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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.