Google Portraits with Kim Scott: Your AI Leadership Coach

Google Portraits with Kim Scott: Your AI Leadership Coach

Step into conversational coaching on leadership and feedback with Kim Scott’s AI-powered Portrait in Google Labs.  Get real-time guidance drawn from trust, candor, and expert voice.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

June 12, 2025

Ever wish Kim Scott could hop into your Zoom call at the moment you're wrestling with a tough feedback convo? 

Here's a Cool Tip: AI Coaching.

In early June 2025, Google Labs rolled out "Portraits," starting with a lifelike AI avatar of Kim Scott, author of Radical Candor.

It’s not science fiction—it’s your own virtual coach, available 24/7, ready when you are.

Win + C is Back: Open Copilot Instantly in Windows 11

Win + C is Back: Open Copilot Instantly in Windows 11

Microsoft revives a classic shortcut—Win + C now launches Copilot in Windows 11, thanks to the latest update. Here’s how it works and why it matters.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

June 11, 2025

Remember when the Win + C keyboard shortcut opened Cortana? 

Microsoft retired the shortcut after moving away from its voice assistant, leaving the key combo unused. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Win + C is back!

Win + C makes a comeback—this time launching Copilot, Microsoft's AI-powered assistant in Windows 11.

This functionality arrives with Windows 11 update KB5060842, part of the June 2025 cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2. 

If you rely on Copilot for quick answers, writing help, or coding assistance, this shortcut is a game-changer.

Let’s explore how to use it, why it’s useful, and how to customize it.

Unlock Your Insights: Share NotebookLM & Revolutionize Collaboration

Unlocking the Power of NotebookLM: Share AI-Enhanced Notebooks with Ease

Google's NotebookLM now allows users to share AI-powered notebooks publicly via a simple link, enabling seamless collaboration and knowledge dissemination.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

June 7, 2025

Ever wished your research could speak for itself?

Here's a Cool Tip:  Share Your NotebookLM Notebook!

Google's NotebookLM has introduced a game-changing feature: public notebook sharing. 

This allows users to disseminate their AI-enhanced notes and summaries effortlessly. 

Whether you're an educator, business professional, or content creator, this feature streamlines collaboration and information sharing.

Bing Video Creator: AI-Powered Video Generation Made Easy

Bing Video Creator: AI-Powered Video Generation Made Easy

Unlock AI-Powered Video Creation with Bing Video Creator Bing Video Creator revolutionizes video production by enabling users to generate high-quality, AI-driven videos simply by entering text prompts.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

June 5, 2025

Creating professional-grade videos has historically required expensive software, specialized skills, and hours of editing. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Create videos with the new Bing Video Creator.

But now, with Bing Video Creator, anyone can generate engaging short videos simply by entering text prompts—no editing experience needed. 

Whether you're a business user, an educator, or a content creator, this AI-powered tool streamlines video production for impactful storytelling.

Google Gemini Goes Live

Google Gemini Goes Live

Discover how Gemini Live's new camera and screen-sharing capabilities transform your smartphone into an interactive AI assistant, offering real-time assistance for tasks ranging from troubleshooting to planning.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

June 3, 2025

Imagine pointing your phone at a malfunctioning appliance and receiving immediate, step-by-step repair guidance. 

Or sharing your screen during a meeting to get real-time insights from an AI assistant.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Try the New Google Gemini Live feature.

 This level of interactive assistance is now a reality with Gemini Live's latest features, 

What is Gemini Live?

Gemini Live is Google's advanced AI assistant, now enhanced with camera and screen-sharing functionalities. 

Powered by Project Astra, these features allow Gemini to process visual information, enabling it to provide context-aware assistance in real time.

What You'll Gain:

• Visual Assistance: Receive help by showing Gemini what's on your screen or in your environment.
• Enhanced Productivity: Streamline tasks with real-time, context-aware support.
• Seamless Integration: Easily incorporate Gemini Live into your daily workflow on Android and iOS devices.

Set Length for NotebookLM Audio Overviews: Customize Your Listening Experience

Set Length for NotebookLM Audio Overviews: Customize Your Listening Experience

Get just the right amount of insight from NotebookLM's audio summaries—now customizable to fit your time and attention.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

May 31, 2025

Ever wish AI could explain something just long enough—not too much, not too little?

Here's a Cool Tip:  Set the Audio Overview Length in NotebookLM.

Google has quietly introduced a highly practical feature for users of its AI-powered note summarization platform: you can now set the length of audio overviews to better match your needs, whether you're multitasking or deep diving into research.

This feature gives you more control over your listening experience, so you don’t have to choose between speed and substance.

What Is This Feature and Why It Matters

NotebookLM’s Audio Overview feature turns long documents and complex notes into spoken summaries you can listen to—hands-free. 

New Power for Siri: How to Add ChatGPT to iOS

New Power for Siri: How to Add ChatGPT to iOS

Want a smarter Siri? Apple now lets you integrate ChatGPT with Apple Intelligence, making your iPhone’s assistant more powerful than ever. Here’s how to set it up and why it matters.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

May 29, 2025

What If Siri Got a Brain Boost?

Imagine asking Siri to summarize a complex article, write an email draft, or generate ideas for your next presentation—and getting a natural, coherent response. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Integrate ChatGPT with Siri.

Apple’s latest innovation—Siri + ChatGPT integration via Apple Intelligence—unleashes a more capable and context-aware assistant. 

With just a few taps, you can upgrade Siri’s skills by enabling access to ChatGPT, giving your iPhone a serious AI IQ boost.

Let’s discover what it is, why it matters, and how to enable it today.

Save Your Screenshots to Google Maps

Save Your Screenshots to Google Maps

Google Maps now lets you turn screenshots into saved locations using AI. No more digging through your camera roll—just snap, review, and save.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

May 27, 2025

Ever Screenshot a Place and Forget Why?

You're scrolling through Instagram, spot a cozy café in Paris, and screenshot it for your upcoming trip. 

Weeks later, that image is buried among memes and receipts. 

Sound familiar? 

Here's a Cool Tip: Save Your Screenshots to Google Maps.

Google Maps' latest feature, powered by Gemini AI, ensures those spontaneous captures become organized, actionable travel plans.

What Is the Feature and Why It Matters

Google Maps' new capability scans your screenshots for recognizable place names and prompts you to save them directly within the app. 

This transforms your casual captures into structured lists, streamlining trip planning and ensuring no location is forgotten.

Gemini in Chrome: Google’s AI Assistant Now Built Into Your Browser

Gemini in Chrome: Google’s AI Assistant Now Built Into Your Browser

Google’s Gemini AI is now seamlessly integrated into Chrome, offering real-time, context-aware assistance directly within your browser.  Learn how this powerful tool can streamline your workflow, enhance productivity, and transform your browsing experience.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

May 24, 2025

Introduction: AI Assistance, Right Where You Work

Imagine reading a dense research article and instantly getting a concise summary without leaving the page. 

Or comparing product specs across multiple tabs with a single command. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Google Gemini in Chrome.

With Gemini now embedded in Chrome, these scenarios are not just possible—they're effortless.

Google's latest integration brings AI assistance directly into your browser, revolutionizing how we interact with web content.

What Is Gemini in Chrome?

Gemini in Chrome is Google's AI assistant built directly into the Chrome browser. 

Unlike standalone AI tools, Gemini operates within your current browsing context, providing real-time assistance based on the content you're viewing. 

Whether you're summarizing articles, clarifying complex concepts, or comparing information across tabs, Gemini is designed to enhance your productivity without disrupting your workflow.

Google’s NotebookLM Goes Mobile: Your AI Research Assistant, Now in Your Pocket

Google’s NotebookLM Goes Mobile: Your AI Research Assistant, Now in Your Pocket

The long-awaited NotebookLM mobile app is here, bringing Google’s AI-powered research and note-taking tool to Android and iOS.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

May 22, 2025

Ever wish your notes could talk back?

Imagine uploading a dense PDF or a long YouTube lecture and having it transformed into a podcast-style summary you can listen to during your commute. 

That's the promise of NotebookLM, Google's AI-powered research assistant.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Try the New NotebookLM mobile app.

Launched just ahead of Google I/O 2025, this app brings the power of AI-driven summarization and interactive learning to your fingertips.

What is NotebookLM?

NotebookLM is an AI-powered research and note-taking tool developed by Google Labs. 

It allows users to upload various sources—such as PDFs, Google Docs, websites, and YouTube videos—and interact with them through AI-generated summaries, Q&A, and even podcast-style audio overviews. 

The mobile app extends these capabilities, enabling users to engage with their content on the go.

ChatGPT's Shopping Upgrade: Smarter, Faster, Ad-Free Product Discovery

ChatGPT's Shopping Upgrade: Smarter, Faster, Ad-Free Product Discovery

Say goodbye to endless tabs and sponsored results. ChatGPT’s new shopping feature delivers personalized, ad-free product recommendations in a conversational format.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

May 20, 2025

Ever found yourself lost in a sea of browser tabs, trying to compare products, read reviews, and find the best deals? 

Online shopping can be overwhelming, with countless options and sponsored ads vying for your attention. 

But what if you could simplify the process by having a conversation with an AI that understands your needs and preferences?

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use ChatGPT to Shop Online.

Feature Explanation

OpenAI has recently enhanced ChatGPT with a new shopping feature that transforms the way users discover products online. 

When you express a shopping intent - like searching for "the best noise-canceling headphones under $200 - ChatGPT now provides:

• Visual product carousels: Displaying images, prices, and star ratings.
• Detailed product information: Including descriptions and aggregated reviews.
• Direct purchase links: Redirecting you to the retailer's website to complete the transaction.

Unlike traditional search engines, ChatGPT's recommendations are not influenced by paid advertisements. 

ChatGPT's Deep Research Now Offers PDF Downloads

ChatGPT's Deep Research Now Offers PDF Downloads

OpenAI's ChatGPT has introduced a "Download as PDF" feature for its Deep Research tool, enabling users to export comprehensive AI-generated reports with preserved formatting.  This enhancement is particularly beneficial for professionals requiring polished, shareable documents.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor  

May 18, 2025

Imagine delegating hours of meticulous research to an AI assistant that not only compiles comprehensive reports but now also delivers them in a neatly formatted PDF. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the New Download feature in ChatGPT's Deep Research.

OpenAI's ChatGPT has made this a reality with its latest update to the Deep Research feature. 

This advancement is poised to transform how professionals, educators, and researchers gather and present information.

What Is Deep Research?

Simplify Your Search: How Google's New iOS Feature Streamlines Your Mobile Experience

Simplify Your Search: How Google's New iOS Feature Streamlines Your Mobile Experience

The Google iOS app just got a whole lot more user-friendly! The new Simplify feature is designed to cut through the clutter and bring you the information you need, faster than ever.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

May 8, 2025

Ever stumbled upon a web article filled with technical jargon that left you scratching your head? 

Whether it's medical terminology, legal lingo, or scientific concepts, complex text can be a barrier to understanding.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Google's New Simplify Feature on iPhone.

Google's new Simplify feature for its iOS app declutters the search experience, making it easier and faster to find what you're looking for. 

In today's fast-paced world, time is of the essence. 

How to Use the New Perplexity Voice Assistant on iPhone

How to Use the New Perplexity Voice Assistant on iPhone

Unlock hands-free knowledge with the new Perplexity Voice Assistant for iPhone. Learn how to set it up, use it efficiently, and maximize your productivity with natural voice conversations.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

April 26, 2025

Have you ever needed quick, reliable information but didn’t have a hand free to type?

Imagine an AI assistant that lets you ask follow-up questions naturally—no repeated prompts or awkward rephrasing.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Try the new Perplexity AI Voice Assistant on iPhone.

With the new Perplexity Voice Assistant for iPhone, that experience is now at your fingertips (or rather, your voice).

What Is the Perplexity Voice Assistant?

The Perplexity Voice Assistant is a new feature integrated into the Perplexity iOS app, allowing users to ask spoken questions and receive live, research-backed answers.

Unlike basic voice assistants, Perplexity's system actively gathers updated information from across the web, citing credible sources in real-time.

Google Unleashes Gemini 2.5 Pro: Advanced AI Now Free for All Users

Google Unleashes Gemini 2.5 Pro: Advanced AI Now Free for All Users 

Google's most powerful AI model, Gemini 2.5 Pro, is now accessible to everyone at no cost. Here's how to leverage its advanced capabilities for your projects.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

April 22, 2025

Are you ready to experience the next leap in AI technology? 

What if you could harness the power of a model that not only understands your requests but also reasons through them like a human?

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the New Gemini 2.5 Pro.

In a surprising move, Google has made its latest and most advanced AI model, Gemini 2.5 Pro (Experimental), available to all users for free. 

Previously exclusive to Gemini Advanced subscribers, this rollout democratizes access to cutting-edge AI capabilities. 

Gemini 2.5 Pro excels in complex reasoning, coding, and multimodal tasks, positioning itself as a formidable tool for developers, researchers, and creatives alike.​

What Is Gemini 2.5 Pro?

Unlocking AI for All: Inside OpenAI Academy’s Mission to Democratize Artificial Intelligence Summary:

Unlocking AI for All: Inside OpenAI Academy’s Mission to Democratize Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI Academy is a free, global initiative that delivers high-quality AI education to communities worldwide. Learn how this platform empowers students, developers, educators, and small businesses to harness artificial intelligence for innovation and impact.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

April 19, 2025

Could the next AI innovator come from a rural school in your state?

 A small nonprofit in Kenya? 

A solo entrepreneur in Brazil?

Here's a Cool Tip:  Join the OpenAI Academy.

Launched in 2024, this groundbreaking platform is designed to make artificial intelligence education accessible to everyone—regardless of location, income, or background. 

With free courses, resources, and community support, OpenAI Academy is reimagining what global tech empowerment looks like.

What Is OpenAI Academy?

OpenAI Academy is a free online educational program launched by OpenAI to make AI knowledge and tools accessible to learners around the globe. 

It offers structured training, expert guidance, and practical support, particularly targeting individuals in underserved communities and developing economies.

Remix Coldplay’s New Album with Microsoft AI: A Fan Experience Like No Other

Remix Coldplay’s New Album with Microsoft AI: A Fan Experience Like No Other

Coldplay, in collaboration with Microsoft, has introduced an AI-powered platform that allows fans to create personalized remixes of their new album, MOON MUSiC. This innovative experience leverages Azure AI to transform passive listening into active participation.​

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

April 18, 2025

Imagine not just listening to your favorite band's new album but actively participating in its creation.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Create a Coldplay Remix.

Coldplay, known for their boundary-pushing artistry, has partnered with Microsoft to make this a reality. 

Through an AI-driven platform, fans can now craft their own remixes of Coldplay's latest album, MOON MUSiC, turning listeners into co-creators.​

The AI-Powered Remix Experience

At the heart of this initiative is a unique feature that allows fans to generate 15-second video clips, or "remixes," of Coldplay's accompanying film, A Film For The Future. 

Utilizing Microsoft Copilot and Azure AI Foundry, users can adjust emotional attributes—such as passion, trust, and peace—represented as moons against a rainbow. 

The AI then assembles a personalized clip, offering a distinct visual and auditory experience for each fan. ​

How to Create Your Remix

Introducing ChatGPT's Image Library: Your AI-Generated Art Hub

Introducing ChatGPT's Image Library: Your AI-Generated Art Hub

Discover how to access, manage, and make the most of your AI-generated images with ChatGPT's new Image Library feature.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

April 17, 2025

Have you ever wished for a centralized space to view and manage all the AI-generated images you've created with ChatGPT? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Try the New Image Library in ChatGPT.

OpenAI has introduced a new Image Library—a feature designed to streamline your creative workflow.

What Is the ChatGPT Image Library?

The Image Library is a newly integrated feature within ChatGPT that allows users to access, view, and manage their AI-generated images in one convenient location. 

This enhancement simplifies the process of revisiting and organizing your visual creations, making it easier than ever to harness the full potential of AI-generated art.

ChatGPT's Memory Feature: A Game-Changer for Personalized AI Conversations

ChatGPT's Memory Feature: A Game-Changer for Personalized AI Conversations

OpenAI's ChatGPT now boasts an improved Memory feature, enabling the AI to remember user-specific details across sessions. This enhancement promises more personalized and efficient interactions, though it also raises considerations about data privacy and user control.​

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

April 15, 2025

Imagine having a personal assistant who remembers your preferences, past conversations, and unique quirks, ensuring every interaction feels tailored just for you. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Try the new and improved Memory feature in ChatGPT.

OpenAI's latest update to ChatGPT introduces the Memory feature, bringing this vision closer to reality. 

But how does it work, and what does it mean for users?​

Understanding ChatGPT's Memory Feature

ChatGPT first introduced memory last year.

The improved Memory feature in ChatGPT allows the AI to retain information from past interactions, enabling more context-aware and personalized responses. 

This means that ChatGPT can remember details like your name, preferences, and past topics of discussion, enhancing the continuity and relevance of conversations.​

Unleash Your Inner Filmmaker: Try Google Vids

Unleash Your Inner Filmmaker: Try Google Vids

Google Vids empowers users to create professional-quality videos with ease. This Cool Tip shows how to use Google Vids, highlighting its key features, benefits, and practical applications.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

April 14, 2025

In today’s fast-paced digital world, video content reigns supreme. 

But what if you could create compelling, professional-looking videos without needing extensive technical skills or expensive equipment? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Try Google Vids.

Google Vids is a powerful new tool designed to democratize video creation. 

Are you ready to transform your ideas into engaging videos? 

Curious about how to streamline your communication with dynamic visuals? 

Google Vids offers an intuitive platform that simplifies the entire video production process, making it accessible to everyone from educators to business professionals. 

What is Google Vids and Why Does It Matter?