Never Miss Important News Again: How to Create Google Alerts in Minutes

Never Miss Important News Again: How to Create Google Alerts in Minutes

Track topics, competitors, and your own name automatically with Google Alerts. This free tool turns Google into your personal research assistant.  Google Alerts automatically monitors the web for new content about topics you choose and sends notifications directly to your inbox. It is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to stay informed without constantly searching.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

February 17, 2026

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How often do you search Google to see if someone mentioned your company, published new research, or released a product update? 

Most people rely on memory and occasional searches, which means they miss critical developments.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Google Alerts.

Google Alerts eliminates that problem by monitoring the internet continuously and notifying you the moment something new appears.

Whether you run a business, manage investments, publish articles, or simply want to track your favorite topics, Google Alerts gives you an early warning system for information that matters.

How to Remove Your Explicit Content from Google Search Results

How to Remove Your Explicit Content from Google Search Results

Take control of your digital footprint by requesting the removal of sensitive personal images and information from Google Search results.

Byline: By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

February 15, 2026

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Have you ever searched for your own name only to find a photo that felt like a punch to the gut? 

Perhaps it is an old image shared without your consent that you never intended to be public. 

In an era where a digital first impression is often the only one that counts, finding explicit personal content of yourself online is more than just embarrassing. 

It is a security risk and a violation of privacy. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Remove the Content from Google.

Google has significantly expanded its toolset to help users claw back their privacy, but many people still believe that once something is on the internet, it stays there forever. 

That is not entirely true. 

While Google cannot delete a file from a third-party website server, it can effectively bury the link so it no longer appears in search results for the world to see.

Explore Search Trends with Gemini

Explore Search Trends with Gemini

Turn raw search data into instant insight with AI-powered explanations, comparisons, and context that save hours of research.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

January 26, 2026

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Google Trends has long been the gold standard for understanding what the world is searching for, but finding the exact right terms to compare has always been a manual, trial-and-error process. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Google Trends Now with Gemini.

A new integration with Gemini now automates the heavy lifting, instantly suggesting relevant comparisons and explaining the "why" behind the data.

Why You Should Care

• Instant Context: Gemini explains why a topic is trending, not just that it is trending.
• Better Comparisons: Automatically generates up to eight relevant comparison terms (e.g., searching "dog breeds" auto-populates "Golden Retriever," "Poodle," etc.).
• Time Saver: Eliminates the guesswork of finding related keywords for market research or content planning.

How to Use "Thinking with 3 Pro" in Google Gemini

How to Use "Thinking with 3 Pro" in Google Gemini

Unlock deep reasoning, self-correcting logic, and dynamic visual layouts with Google's most powerful AI mode yet.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

January 4, 2026

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Have you ever stared at a complex problem and wished you could see the actual thought process behind the answer? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Think with Gemini 3 Pro.

Google has just rolled out "Thinking with 3 Pro," a new mode in the Gemini app and Google Search that does exactly that, pausing to reason, plan, and even self-correct before it speaks.

Google Search Just Added a Plus Button

Google Search Just Added a Plus Button

Google is transforming its search bar from a text box into a command center with a simple interface update. You can now upload a photo or file directly to Search to get AI-powered answers for complex problems you cannot easily describe with words.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

December 21, 2025

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When was the last time you searched Google without typing a word?

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the New Google Search AI Mode Plus (+) Button.

Google is quietly rolling out a feature that lets you stop typing and start showing.

The New Google App for Windows: Your Digital Sidekick Just Got a Promotion

The New Google App for Windows: Your Digital Sidekick Just Got a Promotion

Google is testing a new Windows app through Labs that combines AI-powered search, and seamless integration with Google services, all within a desktop experience.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor, 

September 18, 2025

Your workflow is a river, and every time you stop to search for something, you're building a dam. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Try the new Google App for Windows.

Google's new experimental app for Windows aims to clear that path, giving you instant access to information without ever breaking your stride.

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.

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. 

Unleash Your Inner Trainer: How to Catch Pokémon with Google Search!

Unleash Your Inner Trainer: How to Catch Pokémon with Google Search!

Did you know you can encounter and "catch" Pokémon directly through Google Search? This hidden feature lets you engage with the beloved franchise in a fun, interactive way, right from your browser or mobile device.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

April 11, 2025

In a world where technology constantly surprises us, Google Search holds more secrets than you might imagine. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Catch Pokémon in Google Search.

Beyond answering your burning questions and directing you to the best websites, Google occasionally hides delightful Easter eggs – and one of the most charming is the ability to "catch" Pokémon. 

Yes, you read that right! 

Forget complex apps and dedicated gaming consoles for a moment. Google Search transforms into a mini Pokémon adventure, offering a unique and nostalgic experience for fans of all ages. 

But how does it work, and what Pokémon are waiting to be discovered?

Personalize Your AI with Google Search History

Personalize Your AI with Google Search History

Discover how connecting Google Gemini to your search history empowers the AI to deliver highly personalized and relevant responses, transforming your digital interactions.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

March 15, 2025

Have you ever wished your AI assistant understood your unique interests and needs better? 

Imagine an AI that learns from your past searches, providing responses tailored to your specific context. With Google Gemini, that vision is becoming a reality. 

By connecting Gemini to your Google Search history, you unlock a new level of personalization, transforming how you interact with AI.

The Power of Search History in AI Personalization

Your Google Search history is a treasure trove of information that reflects your interests, curiosities, and needs. 

By allowing Gemini to access and analyze this data, you enable the AI to understand your context more deeply. 

This connection empowers Gemini to deliver highly relevant and personalized responses, making your interactions more efficient and insightful.

Secure Your Digital Life: Master Google's New Privacy Controls

Secure Your Digital Life: Master Google's New Privacy Controls. 

Google's revamped "Results about you" feature now offers proactive monitoring and a more intuitive interface, empowering users to efficiently manage their personal information in search results.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

March 4, 2025

Are you ready to take control of your online privacy with Google's latest updates? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Remove Your Personal Information from Google.

The "Results about you" feature has been significantly enhanced, introducing proactive monitoring and a streamlined process for removing personal information.

Google has transformed its "Results about you" feature from a reactive tool to a proactive privacy guardian. 

This update provides users with greater control over their digital footprint, making it easier than ever to manage personal information in Google Search results. 

The new features, including proactive monitoring and streamlined removal requests, are designed to enhance user experience and privacy.

How to Use Google as a Dictionary

Paradigm.

What does that word mean?

When you need to know the definition of a word you encounter, use Google as your online dictionary!

Google can provide the meaning for the word including providing an audio pronunciation and other information.

Here's how to do it:

• to learn more about the word Paradigm, enter define paradigm into the Google search box.

• Google will return the definition for the word, a link to an audio file to hear how to pronounce the word (click the speaker icon), similar words and origins of the word.

This cool Google dictionary tip is a quick and easy way to keep on learning!

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READ MORE

• Search Chrome Tabs, Bookmarks and History
• How to Find Customer Service Phone Numbers Using Google Search
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Use Google to Search for Specific File Types

Google is full of amazing features.

One of the best is the ability to search for specific documents based upon file types.

Perhaps you are looking for a Power Point (ppt or pptx) or an Adobe Acrobat file (pdf).

With Google, you can search for these files types, plus a whole lot more.

To do so, just type filetype:xxx search terms where xxx is the document type you are searching.  

For example, to search for PDFs concerning Hillary Clinton, enter 
filetype:pdf Hillary Clinton into Google:

Search result will return the desired documents.

Google indexes a number of common file types including:

• Adobe Portable Document Format (.pdf)
• Microsoft Excel (.xls, .xlsx)
• Microsoft PowerPoint (.ppt, .pptx)
• Microsoft Word (.doc, .docx)
• Rich Text Format (.rtf, .wri)

In addition, a number of technical and lesser-known file types are also indexed and searchable:

• Adobe Flash (.swf)
• Adobe PostScript (.ps)
• Autodesk Design Web Format (.dwf)
• Google Earth (.kml, .kmz)
• GPS eXchange Format (.gpx)
• Hancom Hanword (.hwp)
• HTML (.htm, .html, other file extensions)
• OpenOffice presentation (.odp)
• OpenOffice spreadsheet (.ods)
• OpenOffice text (.odt)
• Scalable Vector Graphics (.svg)
• TeX/LaTeX (.tex)
• Text (.txt, .text, other file extensions), including source code in common programming languages:Basic source code (.bas)
• C/C++ source code (.c, .cc, .cpp, .cxx, .h, .hpp)
• C# source code (.cs)
• Java source code (.java)
• Perl source code (.pl)
• Python source code (.py)
• Wireless Markup Language (.wml, .wap)
• XML (.xml)

You can also use the Google Advanced Search page to limit your search to several options including filetypes.  

However, not all searchable file types are available in the dropdown filetype list.

https://www.google.com/advanced_search

Enjoy!

READ MORE

• Google Now Shows Twitter in Desktop Search Results
• Google Hangouts Gets a New Website
• Reopen Closed Tabs in Chrome Browser
• The Many Searches of Google
• Is Google Down?  Learn How to Find Out
• Clear Your YouTube Search History
• Upload Your Photos to Google from your Desktop

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Cool Tech Tips for a Cooler Life!

#Google #search #results #pdf #doc #filetype #advancedsearch

How to Delete Your Facebook Search History

Did you know that Facebook saves all of your site activity?

Did you know that all of your Facebook searches are saved too?

Have you searched out ex-boyfriends?  Ex-girlfriends?

Do you want to make these past search queries go away?

You can with a few simple steps.  Just follow these instructions below:

1. Click on the settings cog in the top-right corned.  Choose the "Activity Log" option from the dropdown list.
2. All of your recent Facebook activity will be displayed.  On the left-hand menu, select "More" under "Photos, Likes and Comments".  Then choose "Search"
3. Your complete search history will be displayed.  You can delete individual searches by clicking the "block" icon (the circle with a line through it) and then "Remove".  To remove all searches, click the "Clear Searches" link at the top.

That's it.  Facebook can't use your past searches for marketing to you.

Enjoy!

READ MORE

• The Many Searches of Google
• Upload Your Photos to Google from your Desktop
• Take Back Your Inbox with Google Inbox
• Google Photos is the New "Must Have" App
• Amazon Echo Now Knows Your Google Schedule

One Cool Tip.com

http://www.onecooltip.com

Cool Tips for a Cooler Life!

#facebook #search #history

The Many Searches of Google

When we think of searching Google, we usually just go to Google's main page, or use the Chrome browser's search box.

That is fine for most Google searches.

But Google has a number of specialized search sites that can assist you in finding the right information.

Check out these sites the next time you need to search the web:

Google Images - images.google.com
Search for images on the web.

Google News - news.google.com
Search news from news sources from around the world.

Google Maps - maps.google.com
Search for directions but also search for specific destinations.

Google Finance - https://www.google.com/finance
Search the latest financial information.

Google Video - video.google.com
Search for videos from around the web.

Google Shopping - google.com/shopping
Search for a variety of merchandise from thousands of merchants.

Google Books - books.google.com
Search through an extensive collection of digitized books.  Many in the public domain can be viewed completely and downloaded as a PDF file.

Google Patent Search - www.google.com/?tbm=pts&hl=en

Search through millions of patents from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the European Patent Office (EPO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

Google Scholar - scholar.google.com
Search for scholarly literature with this specialized site from Google.

Google Trends - http://www.google.com/trends/?hl=en
Search and explore top search trends on Google.

READ MORE

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• Upload Your Photos from Your Desktop to Google
• Google Photos is Your New "Must Have" App
• Dropbox is Your Simple Cloud Storage Solution
• How to Extend Your Smart Phone Battery Life

One Cool Tip.com

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Cool Tips for a Cooler Life!

#google #news #images #search #maps #finance #books #patent #trends #scholar #video

Secret Twitter Photo Search

UPDATE 6/1/2015 - Updated with current instructions on how to search and filter Twitter results including Advanced Search.

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It's not so secret anymore.  In the years since this OneCoolTip first posted, Twitter has added additional search capabilities to its site.

Twitter has become the "go to" app for up-to-the-moment searches.

But with this enormous stream of information comes the challenge of how to filter unwanted results.

Fortunately, Twitter now has advanced search tools.

But first things first.  To do a photo search, enter your keyword(s) in the search box on the Twitter main page.  When the results are displayed, you can limit them to photos by selecting the "Photos" option in the top bar across the results.

In the example below, I searched for "cat" and then limited the results to just photos.

In addition, there are additional options besides "Top", "Live", "Accounts", "Photos" and "Videos".  Click the "More Options" link to show these options.

You can limit the results to just from people you follow or even from near your location.

Finally, there is a comprehensive "Advanced" Search option available at: https://twitter.com/search-advanced

The "Advanced" Search option page allows you to search full or partial words as well exact phrases and even hashtags.  Or even results that do not contain key words.

You can also search by accounts and account mentions.

And a very useful advanced search is to limit by date.

All of these options are great tools for finding the information you want from the very popular Twitter site.


READ MORE

• Take Back Your Inbox with Google Inbox
• NASA Ringtones Just Launched
• The Sparkly End of Facebook?
• Google Photos is the New "Must Have" App
• Amazon Echo Now Knows Your Google Schedule

One Cool Tip.com

http://www.onecooltip.com