Saturday, December 16, 2023

Forget Flashcards, Meet Your AI Brain Buddy: How to Master Google NotebookLM

NotebookLM
Have you ever wondered how you could streamline your notetaking process with the power of AI? 

Are you drowning in research papers? 

Buried in PDFs? 

Say goodbye to information overload and hello to your personalized AI learning assistant.

Here's a Cool Tip.   Use the new Google NotebookLM!

Google NotebookLM is an experimental AI-powered note-taking app that aims to revolutionize how we process and retain information. 

It uses the power of Google's Gemini Pro language model to analyze your uploaded documents (PDFs, research papers, even textbooks) and create a personalized understanding of their content.

Here's how to do it.
  • Go to the notebooklm.google.com website.
    • Be sure you are logged into your Google account.
    • Select "New Notebook".
  • Add your first source:
    • Upload up to 10 documents, which may include Google Docs, PDFs from your computer, or any text content that is less than 50,000 words.
  • Once your sources are uploaded, you can ask questions about the documents you’ve uploaded.
    • Ask questions about your source to explain, summarize and provide insight.
    • Save answers to your notebook.

Here's an example where I loaded a copy of President Abraham Lincoln's famous Gettysburg Address as a PDF into NotebookLM.

Lincoln Gettysburg Address
fig. 1 - Lincoln Gettysburg Address


Once the data is loaded into your NotebookLM notebook, you can then ask questions about your material.

For example, I asked "How does Lincoln use historical context to support his argument in the Gettysburg Address?"

NotebookLM provided the following:

  • He starts the speech by referencing the "four score and seven years ago" when U.S. was founded on the ideals of Liberty and equality.
  • He connects the Civil War to these founding principles by posing the question of whether any nation based on these principles can endure.
  • He reminds the audience of the sacrifices made by the soldiers at Gettysburg to uphold these principles.
  • He urges the living to rededicate themselves to these ideals and ensure that the sacrifices of the soldiers were not in vain.

By clicking the pin icon, I can save that answer into the notebook.

NotebookLM can provide personalized learning with tailored summaries, questions, and even writing styles based on your uploaded materials.

It is a great example of the power and usefulness of AI.

Are you ready to unleash the power of AI learning?

Remember, this is a Google experiment and feature can change.

And, as with any AI, triple check all answers and do not upload sensitive or proprietary information.


Enjoy!

Please LIKE and SHARE OneCoolTip.com!
Visit the OneCoolTip YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@onecooltip


READ MORE

OneCoolTip.com
Cool Tech Tips for a Cooler Life

#Google @Google #AI #GoogleNotebookLM #AIforlearning #ResearchRevolution #AIWritingAssistant #TechTips #OneCoolTip @OneCoolTip 

Friday, December 15, 2023

Game On, Typist! Master the Keyboard Jump Typing Game

Have you ever feel like your fingers are stuck in molasses while typing? 

Wish you could level up your keyboard skills and have a blast doing it? 

Here's a Cool Tip.  Play the Keyboard Jump Game.

This free, addictive game is not just fun, it's a stealthy way to boost your typing speed and accuracy. 

So, ditch the spreadsheets and join the pixelated platforming party!

Imagine this: you're hurtling across a vibrant landscape, dodging obstacles and collecting coins, all while typing words that appear on the screen. 

Friday Funday OneCoolTip


Sounds thrilling, right? 

That's the magic of Keyboard Jump

It gamifies the learning process, making practice engaging and rewarding.

Typing Jump Game - Typing.com
fig. 1 - Keyboard Jump Game - Typing.com

Here's how to do it.
  • From a PC, navigate to Typing.com.
  • Create an account or log in if you already have one.
  • Select "Games" from the menu.
  • Find the Keyboard Jump icon.
  • Click "Play."
  • Choose your level: Start with Beginner if you're new or jump straight into Intermediate or Advanced for a challenge.
  • Type away! Words will appear on the screen. Type them correctly to propel your character forward and avoid hazards.
  • Collect coins and power-ups.
  • Level up and unlock new worlds

Please LIKE and SHARE OneCoolTip.com!
Visit the OneCoolTip YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@onecooltip


READ MORE

OneCoolTip.com
Cool Tech Tips for a Cooler Life

#keyboardjump #typingcom #gamifiedlearning #typingfun #keyboardskills #levelupyourtyping #FridayFunday #TechTips #OneCoolTip @OneCoolTip 

Thursday, December 14, 2023

Ditch the App? Navigate the Roads with Waze on the Web!

Waze
Stuck in traffic, phone glued to your dashboard, wishing you could check Waze without taking your eyes off the road? 

Here's a Cool Tip. Use Waze on the web! 

Did you know that you can use Waze on a PC?

But before you ditch the app entirely, let's explore the hows and whys of this web-based navigation revolution.

Ever get stuck in a dead end just because your phone ran out of battery? 

Or longed to plan your route on a bigger screen before hitting the road? 

Waze on the Web solves these woes and more. 

Access real-time traffic updates, find gas stations, report hazards, and even earn points - all without draining your phone's battery or squinting at a tiny screen.

How to Navigate with Waze Web:
  • Head to: https://www.waze.com/ on your desktop or laptop.
  • Allow location access. 
    • Waze needs to know where you are to show you relevant traffic and directions.
  • Enter your destination and choose your preferred route. 
    • Waze on the Web shows real-time traffic conditions so you can avoid jams and choose the fastest path.
  • See live traffic updates, accidents, police traps, and even gas prices along your route. 
  • Report hazards, accidents, and road closures to help other drivers on the road. 
  • Save your driving route instructions to your mobile phone Waze app by selecting the "Save to app" button.
  • The Best of Both Worlds!

fig. 1 - Waze on the Web


Use Waze on the Web on your laptop to research the best route, avoid construction zones, and find gas stations along the way.

So, ditch the app (or don't!) and explore the possibilities of Waze Web. 

Remember, the road less traveled might just be the one you see on a bigger screen!

Enjoy!

Please LIKE and SHARE OneCoolTip.com!
Visit the OneCoolTip YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@onecooltip


READ MORE


OneCoolTip.com
Cool Tech Tips for a Cooler Life


#Google @Google #Waze #WazeWeb #NavigationRevolution #TrafficFighter #CommuteConfidence #BiggerScreenBetterDrive #techTips #OneCoolTip @OneCoolTip 

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Unlock Your Inner Voice With The New Journal App on iPhones

iOS17
Are you ready to capture your thoughts, feelings, and experiences like never before? 

Have you wanted to start a digital journal but didn't know which app to use on your iPhone?

Here's a Cool Tip.  Use the new Journal app.

The latest iOS update, 17.2, introduces a revolutionary app - Journal - designed to transform your journaling journey. 

Here's how to use it.
  • Download iOS 17.2 (Settings-->General--> Software Update)
  • Launch the  Journal App.
  • Create Your First Entry.
    • Tap the "+" button. 
    • Select "New Entry." 
  • Type your thoughts.  
  • Add photos, videos, location, or even voice notes to make your entry memorable.

iPhone Journal App

The Journal app is designed for everyone, regardless of their technical expertise.

You can easily create journal entries throughout your day.

For example,
  • Record your day: Capture your daily reflections, including triumphs, challenges, and moments of gratitude.
  • Document your travels: Use photos and videos to create a vibrant record of your adventures.
  • Capture your creative spark: Jot down your fleeting ideas, sketches, and poems for future reference.
The Journal app, with its access to iOS suggest entries after key activities such as workouts.

Now is your chance to "write it out" and start your journaling adventure!

Enjoy.


Please LIKE and SHARE OneCoolTip.com!
Visit the OneCoolTip YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@onecooltip


READ MORE

OneCoolTip.com
Cool Tech Tips for a Cooler Life


#iPhone #Journal #JournalApp #iOS172 #Journaling #SelfDiscovery #DigitalJournal #Expression #CreativeWriting #TechTips #OneCoolTip @OneCoolTip

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Threads Levels Up Conversations With A New Hashtag Feature

Meat Threads
Do endless Threads conversations leave you feeling lost in a sea of messages? 

Have you ever wished you could easily find specific topics or connect with like-minded users? 

Here's a Cool Tip.  Use the new Threads topics hashtag feature.

Threads, a social media app launched by Meta Platforms, serves as a companion app to Instagram, focusing on text-based conversations and community building.

Threads' new feature embraces a clean and intuitive approach, transforming hashtags into clickable blue text, seamlessly integrating with the platform's design.

Here's how to do it.
  • Type the # key or select # from the row of icons. 
    • A list of popular hashtags pops up, allowing you to choose any of them. 
  • Start typing the tag you want to use
  • If your topic already exists, just select it. 
  • If not, you can add it as a new topic
    • The tag then appears in blue.

Meta Threads - Hashtag
fig. 1 - Meta Threads - Hashtag

For any Threads post that contains a hashtag, select the tag and it shows all related posts based on that tag.

Enjoy!


Please LIKE and SHARE OneCoolTip.com!
Visit the OneCoolTip YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@onecooltip


READ MORE

OneCoolTip.com
Cool Tech Tips for a Cooler Life


#Threads #NewFeature #Meta #MetaThreads #Hashtags #Organization #Discoverability #Trending  #NoHashSymbol #TechTalk #SocialMedia #TechTips #OneCoolTip @OneCoolTip 

Monday, December 11, 2023

Master the Magic of Excel: Unleash the Power of the Fill Handle

Microsoft Excel
Have you ever found yourself in a sea of data, manually copying formulas down a column in Excel? 

Have you ever wondered if there’s a faster, more efficient way? 

Here's a Cool Tip.  Use Microsoft Excel's most underutilized feature: the Fill Handle.

In Microsoft Excel, double-clicking the fill handle will automatically copy a formula down to the end of the data. 

The fill handle is a small black square in the bottom right corner of the active cell. 

When the pointer changes to a small black plus sign, you can double-click the fill handle to activate the AutoFill feature. 

www.OneCoolTip.com - Back To Work Monday

Here's how to do it.
  • Select the cell you want to copy.
  • Hover over the fill handle in the bottom right corner of the cell.
  • Double-click the fill handle.
  • The cells below will auto-populate based on the prior column and where you left off.
  • Scroll down to the bottom of your data to check if the formula has been copied correctly.

The Fill Handle can save you a significant amount of time, especially when dealing with large datasets. 

However, it’s important to note that it copies the exact formula, including relative cell references. 

If your formula includes absolute cell references, you may need to adjust them accordingly.



Excel Double Click Handle to Autopopulate

fig. 1 - Microsoft Excel - Double Click Selection Handle to Auto-Populate to End of Data


The Fill Handle is enabled by default in Excel. 

If it’s not working, check your settings: File > Options > Advanced > Enable fill handle and cell drag-and-drop.

Microsoft Excel - Enable Fill Handle
fig. 2 - Microsoft Excel - Enable Fill Handle





Please LIKE and SHARE OneCoolTip.com!
Visit the OneCoolTip YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@onecooltip


READ MORE

OneCoolTip.com
Cool Tech Tips for a Cooler Life


#Microsoft @Microsoft #Excel #ExcelTips #DataAnalysis #ProductivityHacks #TechTips #OneCoolTip @OneCoolTip #YouTube 

Sunday, December 10, 2023

Unlock Google Bard - Now Powered with Gemini Pro

Google Bard - Gemini Pro
Have you ever wondered how to make the most out of your Google Bard experience? 

Are you ready to unleash the full potential of Google Bard, the revolutionary AI platform? 

Here's a Cool Tip.  Try Google Bard which is now powered by Gemini Pro.

Yes, Google Bard is now powered by the Gemini Pro Large language Model (LLM). 

It's available for free in Bard, allowing users to experience its text-based capabilities. 

Gemini Pro makes Bard better at Understanding, Summarizing, Reasoning, Coding and Planning


Google Bard - Powered by Gemini
fig. 1 - Google Bard - Powered by Gemini

Here's how to use it.
  • Navigate to the Google Bard website.
  • Log in with your Google account.
  • Type anything you want to ask.
  • Bard replies using the power of Gemini Pro.
Note:   Bard only supports the text-based version of Gemini Pro. You'll have to wait for multimedia interactions in future updates. 

With the release of Gemini Pro, users now have access to a range of advanced features that promise to enhance productivity, creativity, and information access. 

In the previous version of Bard, a prompt to ask Bard to generate basic text formats like poems, scripts, and musical pieces often lacked originality and coherence.

Gemini produces outputs that are more original, engaging, and consistent with the style and tone requested.

Here's an example to request Bard to write a poem about the beauty of nature.

Old Bard
The flowers are blooming, 
The birds are singing, 
The sun is shining. 
Nature is beautiful.

Gemini Pro:
Beneath the sun's warm gaze,
A canvas stretched so wide,
The earth awakes, a masterpiece,
Where vibrant colors hide.



fig. 2 - Google Bard, Now Powered by Gemini Pro


The improvement is dramatic.

In addition to Gemini Pro, Google also announced a version for mobile devices, Gemini Nano, and
a version for highly complex tasks called Gemini Ultra,

Both will be available at a later date.

So check Gemini Pro out and see the difference.

It's available in English in the US but will roll out to other languages and countries in the future.

Enjoy!


Please LIKE and SHARE OneCoolTip.com!
Visit the OneCoolTip YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@onecooltip

READ MORE

OneCoolTip.com
Cool Tech Tips for a Cooler Life

 
#Google @Google #Bard #GoogleBard #Gemini #GeminiPro #AI #Productivity #Creativity #Innovation #TechTip #OneCoolTip @OneCoolTip 

Saturday, December 9, 2023

Unleash Your Inner Artist with Meta's New AI Image Creator

Have you ever dreamt of conjuring breathtaking images from the depths of your imagination? 

Ever wondered how artificial intelligence could aid in your creative pursuits?

Here's a Cool Tip.  Use Meta's revolutionary new AI Image Creator.

This new AI tool empowers anyone to turn their wildest ideas into stunning visuals.

Here's how to use it.
  • Navigate to imagine.meta.com and log in using your Facebook, Instagram, or email credentials.
  • Describe your desired image using clear and concise language
    • The more details you provide, the more accurately the AI can render your vision.
  • Select your preferred artistic style from a range of options, including realistic, surreal, or impressionistic.
  • Adjust parameters like composition, lighting, and color palette to perfect the image to your liking.
  • Click "Generate" and watch as the AI brings your vision to life before your eyes.
Generate an Imagine Meta Image
fig. 1 - Generate an Imagine Meta Image
  • Save your masterpiece to your device and share it with the world on social media or in your projects.
Imagine Meta AI
fig. 2 - Imagine Meta AI - Downtown St. Louis

Here are some fun ideas:
  • Turn your favorite quote into a captivating visual.
  • Visualize your dream vacation destination.
  • Create a unique logo for your business or brand.
  • Generate background images for your website or blog.

Imagine Meta joins a number of AIs that now create images, including ChatGPT (DALL-E) and Microsoft Windows Copilot (formerly Bing Chat).

Let's take a look.

Here are new images created with this AI prompt:
Create a realistic image of sunrise in Cancun Mexico looking ocean and sand.  A Catamaran is gliding across the waves.

AI Image Creation Comparison Bing Meta Dall-E

fig. 3 - AI Image Creation Comparison - Bing,  Meta, DALL-E

Which one is your favorite?

Let us know in the comments below.

Enjoy!


Please LIKE and SHARE OneCoolTip.com!
Visit the OneCoolTip YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@onecooltip


READ MORE

OneCoolTip.com
Cool Tech Tips for a Cooler Life


#Meta #MetaAI #ImageCreator #AI #Creativity #Art #Facebook #Instagram 3Bing #Copilot #ImagineMeta # ChatGPT #DALL-E #TechTips #OneCoolTip @OneCoolTip 

Friday, December 8, 2023

Checkmate Your Way to Glory: Play Chess Online

Chess.com
Do you dream of checkmating your opponent in style? 

Or perhaps you'd prefer to sharpen your strategic mind through the timeless game of chess? 

Here's a Friday Funday, Cool Tip.  Play Chess online against a friend, online or computer!

Chess.com is a massive online platform dedicated to the game of chess, offering a comprehensive experience for players of all skill levels. 

www.OneCoolTip.com - Friday Funday

There is a free version while paid subscriptions offer more features and ad-free playing.

For beginners, honing your skills against the computer is an excellent way to learn the ropes. 

Here's how to do it.
  • To start, you’ll need to create an account on Chess.com. It’s free and easy to sign up.
  • Once you’re logged in, you can choose to play against other users or the computer. 
    • If you’re new to chess, playing against the computer can be a great way to learn and practice.
  • When playing against the computer, you can set the level from 1 to 10, from easy to grandmaster
    • This allows you to customize the challenge to match your skill level.
  • Once you’ve chosen your opponent and set the difficulty level, you’re ready to start the game.
  • Make your move and watch as your opponent responds.

Benefits to playing against the computer.:
  • Learn the fundamentals of chess at your own pace.
  • Experiment with different strategies and openings without pressure.
Benefits to playing against other players:
  • Experience the thrill of real-time competition.
  • Learn from the diverse playing styles of other players.
  • Improve your chess rating by defeating opponents.
Chess

fig. 1 - Play Against Opponent or Computer


That's it!

Enjoy!

Please LIKE and SHARE OneCoolTip.com!
Visit the OneCoolTip YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@onecooltip

READ MORE

OneCoolTip.com
Cool Tech Tips for a Cooler Life

#Chess #ChessDotCom #Games #StrategyGames #Checkmate #ChessTips #ChallengeYourself #ChessLearning #GameOn #BrainTeaser #TechTips #OneCoolTip @OneCoolTip

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Who Represents You? How to Find Your Elected Officials

USAgov
Have you ever felt lost in the political labyrinth, unsure of who represents you and their stance on crucial issues? 

Do you know how to contact your elected officials?

Here's a Cool Tip.  Use the USA.gov and its Elected Official Search Tool.

The USAGov Elected Official Search Tool is a powerful weapon in your democratic arsenal.

Imagine: knowing who votes on your local school board, which senator speaks for your state, and how to contact your representatives about matters that concern you directly. 

This tool unlocks a whole new level of civic engagement, empowering you to participate in shaping your community and country.

Here's how to do it.
  • Navigate to the USAGov website, the official guide to government information and services.
  • Go to "About the U.S. and its government".
  • Select "Find and Contact Elected Officials" tool.
  • Enter your physical address, including your street number, apartment number (if applicable), city, state, and zip code.
  • Select "Find my elected officials".
  • USAGov displays a comprehensive list of your federal, state, and local elected officials.
  • Select from Federal, State or Local officials.
  • Select the "+" icon to open the list.
  • Each official's profile includes their contact information (phone number, email address, website).
USAgov - Find Your Elected Officials

fig. 1 - USAgov - Find Your Elected Officials


Knowledge is power, and this tool equips you to be an informed and active participant in your democracy.

The site also has information regarding agencies and programs.

Check it out!

Enjoy!


Please LIKE and SHARE OneCoolTip.com!
Visit the OneCoolTip YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@onecooltip


READ MORE

OneCoolTip.com
Cool Tech Tips for a Cooler Life


#President #VicePresident #Senator #Representative #FindYourReps #USAGovTool #EmpoweringCitizens #CivicEngagement #DemocracticParticipation #TechTips #OneCoolTip @OneCoolTip