How to Customize Google's Top Stories

How to Customize Google's Top Stories

Google Search now lets you pick your preferred sources for the Top Stories section. With a few quick steps, you can make sure the outlets you trust appear first.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 17, 2025

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Have you ever searched for news and felt overwhelmed by the random mix of outlets? 

Some you trust, others you don’t, and plenty that just waste your time. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Select Your Preferred Sources for the Top Stories.

You can now tell Search which outlets you prefer, and they’ll appear more prominently in Top Stories. 

It is a small change with a big impact on how you find reliable news.

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

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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. 

Throwback: How to Build Digital Sand Art

Throwback: How to Build Digital Sand Art

Create mesmerizing digital sand art with This is Sand Art, a playful web and mobile app that lets you layer virtual sand in vibrant colors, just like the classic bottle craft from childhood. Available on desktop browsers and iOS/Android devices for a relaxing, creative escape.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 15, 2025 (Originally published January 20, 2023)

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Remember making those multi-colored sand in the bottle crafts when you were young?

Relive the fun of your youth with this Friday Funday Cool Tip: https://thisissand.com/

ThisIsSand allows you to drop multi-colored sand piles to create amazing works of art.

ThisIsSand can be played in a laptop/desktop web browser (thisissand.com) OR with the Thisissand app on iOS (iPhone) or Android devices.

fig. 1 - This is Sand Art

How to Set YouTube’s Sleep Timer

How to Set YouTube’s Sleep Timer

Use YouTube’s built‑in sleep timer on both PCs and mobile phones to pause videos automatically.  This is ideal for winding down, zoning in on productivity, or just not falling asleep to needless autoplay chaos.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

August 14, 2025

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Have you ever nodded off to a video, only to wake at 3 a.m. realizing you’re the star of an impromptu all‑night binge? 

Happens to the best of us. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Set a YouTube Timer.

YouTube has a subtle but game‑changing little feature: the sleep timer. 

Not flashy, not front‑and‑center, but it’ll quietly pause playback when you’re ready to call it a night or just reclaim your attention.

🧊 Frozen PC? and More! - OCT Newsletter 8-13-2025

 Frozen PC? and More! - OCT Newsletter 8-13-2025

Normally, the One Cool Tip Newsletter is for subscribers.  

Elevate your tech game with our latest One Cool Tip Newsletter 8-13-25! 

This edition dives into the often-overlooked Emergency Restart feature in Windows, a lifesaver for those frustrating freeze moments. 

Learn how to perform this safe reboot method and keep your files intact. Plus, catch up on hot topics like ChatGPT for federal agencies and the end of AOL dial-up. 

•  Check Hack Scam.
•  ChatGPT for Federal Agencies.
•  AOL Dial-Up is Shutting Down.
•  Windows Emergency Restart.
•  Hidden Files & Folders.
•  Pin to Start Menu.
•  The F2 Key Trick.

Stay informed and empowered! 

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Do you have a Cool Tip or question? Email us at onecooltip.com@gmail.com

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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The Hidden Lifesaver in Windows: How Emergency Restart Can Save Your Day

The Hidden Lifesaver in Windows: How Emergency Restart Can Save Your Day

When your Windows PC locks up and nothing responds, there's a little-known feature that can force a clean reboot without pulling the plug. Here's how to use Emergency Restart and why it matters.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 13, 2025

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Have you ever had your PC Freeze at the Worst Possible Moment?

You’re deep into a project. 

Then, out of nowhere, your system stops responding. 

No mouse movement.  No keyboard input.  Just a frozen screen and rising panic.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Windows Emergency Restart.

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 12, 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.

Cool Deals - August 12, 2025

 Cool Deals - August 12, 2025

Help support One Cool Tip. Use this Amazon link when you shop online.

Look at these Cool Products:

•  Logitech MX Brio Ultra HD 4K Streaming Webcam: Ideal for content creators who want to enhance their videos with excellent camera quality. Check it out on Amazon!

•  Logitech for Creators Blue Microphones: A popular microphone for high-quality audio in video production or podcasting. Save 31% Check it out on Amazon!

•  DJI Osmo Mobile 6 Smartphone Gimbal: Stabilize your phone while experimenting with Grok videos, adding professional polish to AI-generated content. Check it out on Amazon!

Read the Cool Tip: X Unveils AI-Powered Video Creation from Text and Images

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Cool Tech Tips for a Cooler Life!

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🎧 Get a Podcast from Your Word Doc - OCT Newsletter 8-11-2025

🎧Get a Podcast from Your Word Doc - OCT Newsletter 8-11-2025

Exciting news! Our latest One Cool Tip newsletter 8-11-25  reveals how to turn your Word documents into podcasts using Microsoft 365 Copilot. 

This innovative feature allows you to absorb content while multitasking, saving you precious time. 

Also, stay informed about passport renewal scams and the AI upgrade on Google Finance. 

Don’t miss out on our tech trivia and more! Subscribe for daily tips! 

•  Passport Renewal Scam Alert.
•  Google Finance Gets an AI Upgrade.
•  North Korean IT Worker Scams.
•  Try These Work AI Prompts
•  Resume AI Prompt
•  Turn Word Docs into Podcasts.
•  Create Tables with ASCII in Word.
•  Paste Without Formatting in Word.
•  Delete a Page in Word.

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Do you have a Cool Tip or question? Email us at onecooltip.com@gmail.com

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.

One Cool Tip

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Cool Tech Tips for a Cooler Life!

#Microsoft365 #AI #TechNews #Productivity #Word 

#TechTips #TechGuide #OneCoolTip @OneCoolTip 

Copyright © 2008-2025 | www.OneCoolTip.com | All Rights Reserved

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.