NotebookLM Expands Your Research Universe with Epub Support

NotebookLM Expands Your Research Universe with Epub Support

Unlock the power of your digital library by transforming standard ebooks into interactive, AI-powered research assistants.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

March 10, 2026

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Have you ever stared at a three-hundred-page industry guide or a dense technical manual on your e-reader and wished you could just ask the book a direct question? 

For years, digital readers have been passive experiences where we highlight text and hope we remember the context later. 

But what if your entire library of professional development books and technical guides could talk back?

Here's a Cool Tip:  NotebookLM Now Supports Epub Files as Sources.

By adding Epub support to NotebookLM, the barrier between static reading and active analysis has finally vanished. 

This update marks a significant shift for anyone who manages a large collection of digital documents and needs to extract insights without spending hours flipping through virtual pages.

ChatGPT 5.4: What’s Changed, What You Can Do, and Why It Matters for Web and Mobile Users

ChatGPT 5.4: What’s Changed, What You Can Do, and Why It Matters for Web and Mobile Users

OpenAI’s GPT 5.4 represents the company’s most capable foundation model yet, improving accuracy, reasoning, business productivity, and long-context workflows across web and mobile platforms. This update sets a new baseline for real-world AI tasks in both home and business settings.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

March 8, 2026

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When you ask an AI to help with a complex task, you want an answer that’s fast, accurate, and useful without repeated clarifications. 

GPT 5.4 aims to deliver that by tackling some of the hardest challenges users face: multi-step reasoning, document and spreadsheet work, tool use, and maintaining context over long interactions. 

Early adopters say it feels faster and more reliable than earlier models, whether you’re drafting presentations or asking for detailed research summaries.

Create and Code with Gemini Canvas

Create and Code with Gemini Canvas

Google recently introduced a significant update to Gemini that changes how you interact with AI by moving beyond the simple chat box into a split-screen interactive editor. This new feature allows users to refine drafts and debug code in real-time without losing the context of their original conversation.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

March 7, 2026

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Have you ever felt the frustration of asking an AI to tweak just one sentence in a 1,000-word essay, only to have it spit out the entire document again? 

It is a common digital headache that turns a quick edit into a tedious game of copy and paste. 

In the fast-paced world of software development and content creation, that friction costs more than just time; it breaks your creative flow. Google is addressing this exact pain point with a new interface called Gemini Canvas. 

By separating the brainstorming chat from the working document, Gemini is evolving from a chatbot into a legitimate collaborative workstation.

Feature Explanation

Gemini Canvas is a dedicated, side-by-side editing window that opens automatically when the AI detects a task that requires more than a simple text response. 

Think of it as a hybrid between a chat interface and a document editor like Google Docs or VS Code.

When you ask Gemini to write a blog post or generate a Python script, the content appears in a separate panel on the right. 

You can highlight specific sections of text to ask for targeted changes, adjust the reading level, or even find and fix bugs in a block of code. 

This matters because it eliminates the all-or-nothing nature of AI responses. 

You are no longer just a recipient of information; you are an active editor working on a live canvas.

What You’ll Gain

• Precise Editing: Modify specific paragraphs or lines of code without regenerating the entire output.
• Streamlined Workflow: Reduce the need to jump between browser tabs and external text editors.
• Contextual Tools: Access specialized shortcuts for length, tone, and formatting directly within the workspace.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Web and Desktop

1. Open your browser and navigate to the Gemini website, gemini.google.com.
2. Select Tools.
3. Select Canvas.
4. Enter a prompt that requires a long-form response.  For example:  "Create a full-function HTML Space Invaders game."
5. Observe the Canvas window opening on the right side of the screen as the text generates.
6. Highlight a specific sentence you want to change. A small menu will appear with options like "Rephrase" or "Shorten."
7. Use the floating action button in the bottom right corner to adjust the overall tone or length of the entire document.

Android and iOS

1. Open the Gemini app (iOS / Android) on your mobile device.
2. Use a prompt to generate code or a long document.
3. Tap the "Open in Canvas" icon if the response is lengthy.
4. Use touch gestures to highlight code snippets for optimization suggestions.

Pros and Cons

Pros: 

• Excellent for business users who need to polish professional emails or reports with granular control.
• Developers benefit from specialized coding tools that can explain specific logic blocks or suggest performance improvements.

Cons: 

• Currently in a rollout phase, so some users may experience slight lag when switching between the chat and the canvas view.
• Advanced formatting options are still more robust in dedicated apps like Google Docs or Microsoft Word.

Real-World Examples

1. Coding: The Retro Arcade Prototype

• The Canvas is a powerhouse for "vibe coding." You can build and test web-based games instantly without leaving the browser.
• Scenario: Use the prompt, "Build a fully functional, single-file HTML Space Invaders game using CSS and JavaScript. Include a scoring system, three levels of difficulty, and a classic green-and-black arcade aesthetic."
• Canvas Utility: Once the code is in the Canvas, you can highlight the player's ship movement logic and ask Gemini to "Make the ship move 20% faster." You can also highlight the "Game Over" screen and request a "High Score" leaderboard that saves to the browser local storage.

fig. 1 - Create Retro Video Games with Gemini

2. Writing: The Sustainable Product Launch

• For professional writing, Canvas acts as an advanced editor that can overhaul entire sections of a massive marketing plan.
• Scenario: Use the prompt, "Create a 1,000-word product launch plan for a new eco-friendly coffee subscription service. Include a press release, social media captions, and a pitch email to green-living influencers."
• Canvas Utility: When the 1,000-word plan appears, the text is easy to manage. If the press release feels too formal, highlight just that section and select the "Change Tone" shortcut to make it "Exciting." If the influencer email is too wordy, highlight it and use the "Shorten" slider to make it punchier for a mobile audience.

Feature Access

Canvas in is now available for everyone in the U.S. using English.

Availability varies by region as the feature scales globally.

Score

Criterion  |  Score (0–10)  |  Justification

Value 9 

It solves the biggest UI hurdle in generative AI by providing a persistent workspace.

Usability 8 

The interface is intuitive, though mobile users may find the split-screen cramped.

Wow Factor 8 

Seeing a document live edit itself based on a highlight is a significant leap forward.

Total: 25/30  |  🌟 Excellent

This is the most significant improvement to the Gemini user interface since its launch, rivaling the "Canvas" or "Artifacts" features found in competing AI models.

Key Takeaways

Gemini Canvas transforms the AI experience from a simple question-and-answer format into a professional-grade collaborative tool. 

Users gain better control over their final output, making it an essential feature for anyone using AI for high-stakes writing or technical coding.

Cool Tip Snapshot

• Feature Name: Gemini Canvas.
• Platform(s): Web, iOS, Android.
• Quick Benefit: Provides a side-by-side editor for precise, real-time content refinement.
• Access Type (Free, Subscription, Beta): Free (U.S. / English).

Try It Yourself

Go to Gemini today and ask it to "Write a 500-word article about the future of space travel." 

When the Canvas opens, try highlighting the second paragraph and asking it to make it "more persuasive." 

If you enjoy these daily productivity boosts, please share this article with your team and subscribe to the One Cool Tip newsletter for more tech insights!

READ MORE

• Create Professional Videos with Google Veo 3.1 Templates
  
• Google Nano Banana 2: The Next Giant Leap for Desktop and Mobile AI
  
• How to Compose Original Music Using Google Gemini and Lyria
  
• MORE Google Gemini Cool Tips

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Create Professional Videos with Google Veo 3.1 Templates

Create Professional Videos with Google Veo 3.1 Templates

Create high-quality, consistent videos in seconds using the new Gemini-powered Veo 3.1 templates designed for business and personal storytelling. The future of AI video just got a lot more structured. Google is rolling out Veo 3.1 templates to help users skip the blank-page syndrome and generate professional-grade clips with ease.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

March 3, 2026

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Have you ever stared at a flashing cursor while trying to describe the perfect video scene to an AI? 

You aren't alone. 

Most users struggle to get the lighting, camera angles, and pacing just right on the first try. 

In fact, professional cinematographers spend years mastering the "look" that AI often misses in a basic text prompt. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Create Professional Videos with Templates in Veo 3.1.

Google has introduced Veo 3.1 templates within Gemini. 

Instead of guessing which keywords will trigger a cinematic lens flare or a smooth pan, you can now lean on pre-built structures that ensure your output looks polished and intentional from the very first frame.

Feature Explanation

Veo 3.1 templates are essentially "creative blueprints" integrated into the Gemini interface. 

While the base Veo model remains a powerhouse for generating high-fidelity video and audio, these templates provide a framework for specific styles, such as product showcases, social media explainers, or cinematic atmosphere shots.

When you select a template, Gemini pre-fills the complex technical parameters like lighting, frame rate, and camera movement. 

You simply swap in your specific subjects or locations. 

It works by narrowing the generative field so the AI focuses on your unique content rather than trying to figure out the basic physics of the shot. 

This matters because it dramatically lowers the barrier to entry for small business owners and creators who need consistent, high-quality video assets without hiring a production crew.

What You’ll Gain

• Visual Consistency: Maintain the same style across multiple clips for a unified brand look.
• Reduced Friction: Eliminate "prompt fatigue" by using pre-configured cinematic settings.
• Professional Polish: Access high-end lighting and camera techniques without technical expertise.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

Microsoft Web/Desktop

1. Navigate to the Gemini website, gemini.google.com,  and ensure you are logged into your paid workspace or premium account.
2. Locate the "Create Video" icon or the Tools > Create Video shortcut in the prompt bar.
3. Select "Browse Templates" to view the current library of styles.
4. Click on a template like "Memo" or "Civilization."
5. Edit the bracketed text in the prompt (e.g., change [Subject] to "a sleek espresso machine").
6. Click "Generate" and wait for the four-frame preview before selecting the final render.

fig. 1 - Example of Veo 3.1 Template

iOS and Android

1. Open the Gemini app (iOS / Android) on your mobile device.
2. Tap the "+" icon and select the Video/Veo option.
3. Swipe through the "Template Gallery" displayed at the top of the interface.
4. Tap a template to load the pre-structured prompt.
5. Customize the specific details of your scene using the on-screen keyboard.
6. Hit the send icon to begin the generation process.

Pro Cool Tip: Take a screenshot of the template settings before you modify them. This helps you remember which descriptors created the specific lighting you liked for future manual prompts.

Pros and Cons

Pros: 

• Ideal for rapid prototyping of marketing materials or social media ads.
• Removes the "uncanny valley" effect by using proven stylistic constraints.

Cons:

• Templates can feel restrictive for advanced prompt engineers who want total control.
• High processing demand means generation can take several minutes during peak hours.

Feature Access

Google Veo 3.1 and its associated templates are currently rolling out to Gemini Advanced subscribers and Google Workspace labs users. 

The full library of professional templates is currently a premium feature.

Score

Criterion  |  Score (0–10)  |  Justification

Value 9

It saves hours of trial and error for non-technical users.

Usability 10

The interface is intuitive and requires almost no learning curve.

Wow Factor 8

The visual quality is stunning, though generation time can be a wait.

Total: 27/30  🌟 Excellent

Veo 3.1 templates are a game-changer for anyone who needs high-quality video assets but lacks a Hollywood budget.

Key Takeaways

These templates bridge the gap between complex AI prompting and simple, usable content creation. 

By using pre-set creative blueprints, users can ensure their videos look professional and stay on-brand without needing to learn cinematography.

Cool Tip Snapshot

• Feature Name: Veo 3.1 Templates
• Platform(s): Web, iOS, Android
• Quick Benefit: Instant professional video formatting with minimal prompting.
• Access Type: Gemini Advanced / Workspace Labs (Subscription)

Try It Yourself

Go into Gemini today and try the "Cinematic Product" template with the most boring object on your desk. 

You will be amazed at how a simple stapler looks like a luxury item under AI-generated studio lights. 

If you found this helpful, subscribe to the One Cool Tip newsletter and share this with your team to start upgrading your video content!

READ MORE

• Transform Still Photos into Dynamic Videos with Veo 3 in Gemini
  
• How to Use Google Gemini to Summarize a Video Like a Pro
  
• How to Compose Original Music Using Google Gemini and Lyria
  
• MORE Gemini Cool Tips

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Query your local Excel files with Copilot Chat

Query your local Excel files with Copilot Chat

Copilot in Excel is finally learning a new trick: it can now answer questions about workbooks stored right on your device. If you primarily work in local folders, this update quietly changes how you work with data every day.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

March 2, 2026

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You know that one folder on your desktop where all the “final_v3_really_final.xlsx” files live. 

Until now, those local workbooks were invisible to Copilot Chat unless you moved them into the cloud. 

That extra step was just enough friction to skip using Copilot at all.

Here's a Cool Tip:  You Can Now Query Your Local Excel Files with Copilot Chat.

Copilot can now analyze modern Excel files stored locally, so you can ask questions, clean data, and build summaries without reshuffling your storage strategy or uploading sensitive files.

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Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned tech expert, is the mastermind behind www.OneCoolTip.com where he serves as both writer and editor. With a keen eye for simplifying complex tech, Rodger delivers practical advice that empowers readers to navigate the digital world with confidence. Dive into www.OneCoolTip.com for a treasure trove of savvy tips and tricks that keep you one step ahead in tech.

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Google Nano Banana 2: The Next Giant Leap for Desktop and Mobile AI

Google Nano Banana 2: The Next Giant Leap for Desktop and Mobile AI

Elevate your creative workflow with the most advanced multimodal AI model yet. Nano Banana 2 brings high-fidelity image generation and seamless editing directly to your favorite devices.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

March 1, 2026

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The world of generative AI moves at a breakneck pace, but every so often, a tool arrives that fundamentally changes how we interact with our screens. 

Imagine sitting at your desk, describing a complex scene, and watching it materialize in seconds with photographic precision. 

Better yet, imagine clicking a single element in that image and changing its color, shape, or position just by speaking. 

This isn't a futuristic concept for a high-end film studio. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Nano Banana 2.

Nano Banana 2 is the latest powerhouse model from Google designed to bridge the gap between simple text-to-image prompts and professional-grade composition.

Alexa+ Personality Styles: Finally, an AI That Matches Your Vibe

Alexa+ Personality Styles: Finally, an AI That Matches Your Vibe

Customize how Alexa responds so it feels less like a device and more like a digital companion that fits your mood and workflow. Amazon’s new Alexa+ introduces personality styles that let you tailor how your assistant talks and reacts. If you’ve ever wished Alexa sounded more energetic, more concise, or more conversational, this update puts you in control.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

February 28, 2026

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Ever wished your smart assistant could read the room? 

Amazon just rolled out a game-changing feature for Alexa+ users that allows you to choose from different 'personality styles' to change the tone and delivery of responses. 

No more one-size-fits-all interactions; now your AI can match your mood, whether you want quick facts or friendly chatter.