NotebookLM’s New Video Overviews: Turn Your Research into AI-Narrated Slides

NotebookLM’s New Video Overviews: Turn Your Research into AI-Narrated Slides

Google’s NotebookLM now delivers AI‑generated narrated visual overviews, plus a more flexible Studio panel, streamlining how you digest, tailor, and share knowledge.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

August 16, 2025

What if your dense research notes could talk you through the key points as a slick slideshow?

Here's a Cool Tip:  Try the New Google NotebookLM Video Overview.

With its new Video Overviews feature, you get visual walkthroughs of your content, complete with figures, quotes, diagrams, and narration. 

It’s like having a mini‑doc ready to absorb, on demand. 

X Unveils AI-Powered Video Creation from Text and Images

X Unveils AI-Powered Video Creation from Text and Images

X introduces "Grok Imagine," an AI tool that turns text and images into engaging videos. This new feature simplifies content creation for both individuals and businesses.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 11, 2025

Imagine taking simple text or image and transforming it into a full video, all thanks to AI. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Try Grok Imagine.

X (formerly Twitter) recently launched an innovative new tool, "Grok Imagine," that makes it easier than ever to create videos without needing any special skills or complicated software.

Turn Your Word Docs into Podcasts with Microsoft 365 Copilot

Turn Your Word Docs into Podcasts with Microsoft 365 Copilot

Discover how Microsoft 365 Copilot’s new audio overview feature in Word transforms documents into podcast-style summaries.  It's perfect for multitaskers, educators, and busy professionals.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 11, 2025

Have you ever wished that your documents could talk to you?

You’re rushing between meetings, juggling emails, and trying to prep for tomorrow’s presentation. 

That 10-page report sitting in Word? 

It’s not getting read anytime soon. 

But what if it could read itself to you like a podcast, tailored to your pace?

Here's a Cool Tip:  Let Microsoft Word Read to You.

ChatGPT 5: What’s New, What’s Changed, and How OpenAI Is Listening to Feedback

ChatGPT 5: What’s New, What’s Changed, and How OpenAI Is Listening to Feedback

Explore the latest updates to ChatGPT 5, OpenAI’s new AI language model, and how the company is responding to user feedback by giving subscribers access to legacy models.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 10, 2025

Artificial intelligence is evolving at a rapid pace.

Are you staying informed?

Here's a Cool Tip:  Try the new ChatGPT 5 version.

ChatGPT recently released its latest AI mode, ChatGPT 5, to cheers and jeers.

How does this next-generation model stack up against its predecessors, and what changes have been made in response to the chorus of user feedback? 

Feature Explanation

Turn Ideas into Illustrated Stories with Google Gemini

Turn Ideas into Illustrated Stories with Google Gemini

Let Google Gemini help you create charming, illustrated storybooks with just a few prompts.  It's perfect for kids, educators, and creativity lovers.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

August 8, 2025

Picture this: your child is going off to kindergarten soon and she is feeling anxious. 

What if you could whip up a custom book where a friendly kitten goes to kindergarten on her first day, complete with pictures and a voice that reads it aloud?

Here's a Cool Tip:  Create Storybooks with Google Gemini.

What You'll Gain

• Turn a single sentence into a full illustrated storybook
• Access free AI-generated art and narration
• Engage your children or classroom with custom tales

Ready to Become an AI-Powered Storyteller?

Boost Learning with ChatGPT Study Mode: Think, Not Just Copy

Boost Learning with ChatGPT Study Mode: Think, Not Just Copy

Study Mode transforms ChatGPT from an answer machine into an interactive tutor that guides you with questions and feedback instead of simply handing over solutions.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

July 31, 2025

 

Ever asked ChatGPT for a homework answer only to forget it an hour later? 

That shortcut might be fast, but it’s not learning. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  OpenAI's Study Mode.

OpenAI’s new Study Mode, launched in July 2025, aims to change that. 

Built with feedback from over 40 schools and grounded in learning science, this new feature turns ChatGPT into a personal study partner, one that challenges your thinking instead of doing the work for you.

ChatGPT Agent: Automate Web Tasks from Plan to Spreadsheet with AI That Acts

ChatGPT Agent: Automate Web Tasks from Plan to Spreadsheet with AI That Acts

Discover how ChatGPT Agent transforms ChatGPT from a conversation tool into a productivity powerhouse, saving time by autonomously handling multistep tasks across browsers, email, calendars, and documents.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

July 26, 2025

What if ChatGPT did more than just talk? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  ChatGPT Agent mode.

OpenAI's new ChatGPT Agent, introduced in July 2025, advances AI with Agent capabilities.

Instead of only answering your questions, it can take action, such as planning trips, drafting emails, building slides, updating spreadsheets, and more. 

Think of it like a digital assistant that follows through on instructions and works directly inside your apps.

Unlock the Power of Grok Voice Mode on the Web

Unlock the Power of Grok Voice Mode on the Web

Discover how Grok Voice Mode on the web saves time and boosts productivity with hands-free AI assistance, perfect for business users and educators.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

July 24, 2025

Picture this: you’re juggling a packed workday, and instead of typing out queries, you’re chatting hands-free with an AI assistant that nails your tasks in real-time. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Try Grok's Voice Mode on the Web.

xAI’s recent launch of Grok Voice Mode for the web makes this a reality, bringing seamless voice interaction to your browser.

What is Grok Voice Mode for the Web?

Grok Voice Mode, already a favorite on iOS and Android, now shines on the web, transforming how productivity enthusiasts, business pros, and educators work. 

This feature lets you interact with Grok, xAI’s clever AI, using your voice—like having a virtual assistant that listens and responds instantly. 

Choose from voices like Ara (upbeat female), Rex (calm male), Eve (soothing female), Sal (smooth male), or Gork (laid-back male), each with customizable personalities (e.g., “Assistant”) and adjustable speech speeds. 

Google Photos' Ask Photos Gets a Powerful Brain Boost

Google Photos' Ask Photos Gets a Powerful Brain Boost

Tired of endless scrolling to find that one photo? Google Photos' enhanced Ask Photos, powered by Gemini AI, is rolling out to more users, transforming how you interact with your visual memories and making complex searches remarkably simple.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

July 22, 2025

Remember those days when finding a specific photo in your ever-growing digital archive felt like searching for a needle in a haystack? 

You’d scroll endlessly, trying every keyword imaginable, often giving up in frustration. 

Whether it’s that snapshot of a crucial whiteboard session, a particular plant you saw on vacation, or a group photo from a long-forgotten event, our photo libraries have become vast, unwieldy digital beasts.

How to Hide AI Images in DuckDuckGo

How to Hide AI Images in DuckDuckGo

Learn how DuckDuckGo’s new “hide AI-generated images” filter puts you in charge of what appears in image search results.  No tricks, just clarity.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

July 17, 2025

Ever feel like you’re swimming through a sea of synthetic visuals when you just want a real photo?

Here's a Cool Tip:  Filter AI Search Images with DuckDuckGo.

DuckDuckGo’s latest move gives users a practical way to filter AI-generated images from search results. 

That means less guess‑work, more relevance especially for business professionals, educators, or anyone who needs authenticity at a glance.

What You'll Gain

• More accurate image results when you need legitimacy
• Reduced distraction from AI-generated visuals
• Customizable search experience that respects your preferences

NotebookLM's Featured Notebooks: Instantly Tap into Expert AI Learning

NotebookLM's Featured Notebooks: Instantly Tap into Expert AI Learning

Discover curated content from leading minds and elevate your research, learning, and productivity instantly with NotebookLM's latest update.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

July 15, 2025

Have you ever wished you could pick the brain of an expert, not just on a specific topic, but directly within your workflow, grounded in their own curated materials? 

The digital age has promised us endless information, but often, that promise drowns us in a sea of unverified claims and superficial summaries. 

We click, we skim, and too often, we walk away feeling less informed than when we started.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Featured Notebooks in NotebookLM.

Transform Still Photos into Dynamic Videos with Veo 3 in Gemini

Transform Still Photos into Dynamic Videos with Veo 3 in Gemini

Ready to bring your static images to life? Discover how Google's Veo 3, integrated into Gemini, is revolutionizing video creation, allowing you to generate compelling, short video clips from your favorite photos in seconds.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

July 13, 2025

Remember that feeling of flipping through a photo album, wishing you could see the moment unfold, not just a frozen frame? 

Or perhaps you've got a fantastic drawing that just begs to dance, or a scenic landscape that would be breathtaking with a gentle breeze rustling the leaves. 

For years, turning still images into engaging video required complex software, a steep learning curve, and a good chunk of your valuable time. 

But what if I told you that barrier has crumbled? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Veo 3 to Make Your Photographs Come Alive.

Welcome to the future of content creation, right within Google Gemini, powered by its latest video generation model, Veo 3.

 

How to Use Google Gemini to Summarize a Video Like a Pro

How to Use Google Gemini to Summarize a Video Like a Pro

Spend less time watching and more time acting—learn how Google Gemini can swiftly break down video content into crisp summaries and timestamped insights.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

July 12, 2025

Ever wished you could skip ahead to the good part without wading through an hour of chatter?

You're not alone. 

Whether prepping for a meeting, lesson, or research session, time's the enemy and sifting through video feels incredibly slow. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Google Gemini to Analyze and Summarize YouTube videos.

That’s where Google Gemini’s video summarization feature proves smarter than streaming.

What You'll Gain

• Save time by skipping irrelevant video sections
• Boost focus with structured summaries and instant access to key moments
• Improve productivity with quick extraction of actionable info

Master Excel Formulas with Copilot’s ‘Explain this Formula’

Master Excel Formulas with Copilot’s ‘Explain this Formula’

Understand the mystery behind complex Excel formulas with a single click, thanks to Microsoft 365 Copilot’s new explanation feature.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

July 7, 2025

Excel formulas are powerful but they’re not always readable. 

Especially when digging through inherited budget sheets, performance dashboards, or shared templates filled with nested functions and cryptic references.

Even seasoned users pause at logic like IF(AND(A1>100,B1<50),TRUE,FALSE). 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Microsoft 365 Copilot to Explain Excel Formulas in Plain English.

With Microsoft 365 Copilot’s “Explain this formula” feature, you don’t have to play guessing games. It gives you clear, plain-English explanations for even the most convoluted formulas.

Google AI Mode: The Future of Search

Google AI Mode: The Future of Search

Google’s new AI Mode injects powerful generative AI directly into Search, helping you cut through noise and get clearer, faster answers. Here’s what you need to know — and how to make the most of it.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

July 5, 2025

Is Google's AI Mode the Productivity Secret You’ve Been Waiting For?

Ever typed a question into Google and felt overwhelmed by the avalanche of blue links? You’re not alone. 

According to Google, nearly 15% of daily searches are brand-new, leaving traditional search engines scrambling to keep up. 

That’s where Google’s newly expanded AI Mode steps in, bringing the magic of generative AI right to the search bar, offering concise, contextual, and conversational answers.

This could be the beginning of a genuine shift in how we gather information online — one that might actually make you love searching again.

Unleash Your Inner Storyteller: A Deep Dive into Google Labs Portraits with Matt Dicks

Unleash Your Inner Storyteller: A Deep Dive into Google Labs Portraits with Matt Dicks

Google Labs Portraits, featuring AI trained by experts like Matt Dicks, offer a groundbreaking way to access specialized knowledge. This innovative tool provides on-demand guidance for enhancing storytelling and communication skills, making expert insights accessible to everyone looking to craft more compelling narratives.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

June 29, 2025

Have you ever wished you could tap into the wisdom of a seasoned expert, right when you needed it most, almost like having them on speed dial? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Try Google Portraits with Matt Dicks.

For anyone looking to refine their communication and storytelling prowess, Google Labs has unveiled something genuinely intriguing: AI-powered "Portraits," and the one featuring acclaimed storyteller Matt Dicks is a real standout. 

This isn't just another chatbot; it's a carefully crafted AI designed to impart Dicks' unique insights into the art of narrative, transforming how we approach communication.

What You'll Gain

• Access to expert storytelling wisdom on demand.
• A new way to practice and refine communication skills.
• Insights into crafting compelling narratives.

Gemini Live Rolls Out Real‑Time Captions: Speak Quietly, Read Loud

Gemini Live Rolls Out Real‑Time Captions

Gemini Live now adds live captioning on Android and iOS.  It's ideal for silent spaces or noisy environments where you’d rather read the AI response than listen.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

June 26, 2025

Ever tried chatting with a voice assistant in a quiet library or during a meeting? 

You likely hit mute or whispered prompts—only to find Gemini Live wouldn’t even start if the phone was silent. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Gemini Live Captions.

Try this subtle hack: tap a new captions button and Gemini speaks through text instead of sound. 

It’s a small tweak with a big practical upside.

Wake Up to AI That Works for You: Gemini Scheduled Actions Boost Productivity

Wake Up to AI That Works for You: Gemini Scheduled Actions Boost Productivity

With Gemini Scheduled Actions, Google turns its AI into an on‑demand assistant by handling daily summaries, reminders, and creative prompts on your schedule.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

June 22, 2025

Ever wish you could automate your morning routine? 

Imagine waking up to a personalized summary of your calendar, emails, and weather without lifting a finger. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Google Gemini Scheduled Actions.

Google’s new Scheduled Actions for its Gemini AI does exactly that, making repetition disappear like a morning alarm that never stops buzzing.

Boost Your Browsing: How Microsoft Edge’s New 'Copilot Mode' Levels Up Your Productivity

Boost Your Browsing: How Microsoft Edge’s New 'Copilot Mode' Levels Up Your Productivity

Edge is transforming its new‑tab page into a smart command center—here’s how Copilot Mode helps busy professionals search, chat, and accelerate your workflow.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

June 18, 2025

Ever opened a new tab and wished you could ask for help right away, without typing a search or navigating menus? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the New Microsoft Edge Copilot Mode.

Microsoft is rolling out a "Copilot Mode" toggle in Edge’s new‑tab experience, replacing the usual clutter, news feeds, widgets with a clean prompt: "How can I help today?" 

This invites you to Search and Chat, launching your query into Copilot’s AI for instant, contextual responses with no extra typing, no tabs, just answers.

Generate AI Images in WhatsApp with ChatGPT: Just Text “1‑800‑ChatGPT” for Magic

Generate AI Images in WhatsApp with ChatGPT: Just Text “1‑800‑ChatGPT” for Magic

ChatGPT’s new image‑generation feature lets you create AI visuals directly in WhatsApp by messaging 1‑800‑ChatGPT—no extra apps needed.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

June 17, 2025

Ever thought, “I wish I could conjure up a quick illustration or photo edit right here in chat”? 

WhatsApp users can now do just that—no need to bounce over to Midjourney or DALL·E. OpenAI unveiled this direct‑to‑WhatsApp image generation via their number 1‑800‑ChatGPT, blending convenience with creative power.