Create and Code with Gemini Canvas

Create and Code with Gemini Canvas

Google recently introduced a significant update to Gemini that changes how you interact with AI by moving beyond the simple chat box into a split-screen interactive editor. This new feature allows users to refine drafts and debug code in real-time without losing the context of their original conversation.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

March 7, 2026

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Have you ever felt the frustration of asking an AI to tweak just one sentence in a 1,000-word essay, only to have it spit out the entire document again? 

It is a common digital headache that turns a quick edit into a tedious game of copy and paste. 

In the fast-paced world of software development and content creation, that friction costs more than just time; it breaks your creative flow. Google is addressing this exact pain point with a new interface called Gemini Canvas. 

By separating the brainstorming chat from the working document, Gemini is evolving from a chatbot into a legitimate collaborative workstation.

Boldly Go to Your Next Destination with the Waze Star Trek Experience

Boldly Go to Your Next Destination with the Waze Star Trek Experience

Add a touch of science fiction to your commute by navigating with The Doctor from Star Trek guiding your route in Waze.

Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

March 6, 2026

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Imagine your daily commute feeling less like a chore and more like an adventure through space. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Drive with Star Trek.

Waze has teamed up with Star Trek to make that happen for drivers, blending navigation with a beloved sci-fi universe.

Feature Explanation

The new “Drive with Star Trek” experience in Waze lets you navigate with voice guidance provided by The Doctor (voiced by Robert Picardo), the holographic medic from Star Trek: Starfleet Academy as your co-pilot. 

You can also customize your in-app mood and vehicle icon to fit the Star Trek theme.

Why It Matters

This is more than a cosmetic change. 

Special voice packs and themed icons make the navigation experience more fun, keep users engaged with directions, and highlight how Waze continues to collaborate with pop culture franchises to make everyday tasks feel fresh and enjoyable.

What You’ll Gain

• Navigation with a recognizable voice familiar to Star Trek fans.
• Themed map icons and moods for visual flair.
• Keeps routine drives entertaining and memorable.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

iOS and Android

1. Open the Waze app (iOS / Android). 
2. Tap the menu icon.
3. Tap Pick a Sidekick.
4. Tap Drive with Star Trek.
5. Toggle these options on:

• Voice directions: English (US).
• Car icon: Visible only to you.
• Mood: How you appear on the map to other drivers.

fig. 1 - Enable Drive with Star Trek Example

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Brings entertainment value to navigation.
• Great for fans of the franchise.
• Encourages use of Waze over default navigation in some cases.

Cons

• Not a utility feature if you’re looking only for efficiency.
• Some drivers may find character voices distracting.
• The novelty could wear off over time.

Feature Access

This experience is currently available globally in English for Waze users who have updated to the latest app version.

Score

Criterion  |  Score (0–10)  |  Justification

Value 7

Adds enjoyment but does not change core navigation accuracy.

Usability 8

Easy to activate and use.

Wow Factor 9

Themed experience feels fresh and fun.

Total: 24/30  |  👍 Good

A fun, engaging navigation twist for Star Trek fans, best for users who enjoy themed experiences.

Key Takeaways

This new feature turns routine navigation into an entertaining experience with character-voice guidance and theme customization. 

It is especially fun for fans and anyone who enjoys adding personality to ordinary tasks.

Cool Tip Snapshot

• Feature Name: Drive with Star Trek.
• Platform(s): Waze on iOS and Android.
• Quick Benefit: Make drives more engaging and thematic.
• Access Type: Free with Waze app update.

Try It Yourself

Update Waze, find the Star Trek experience in the menu, apply it, and enjoy your next drive with a voice from the final frontier. 

READ MORE

• How to Turn Your Commute into a Trip to Bikini Bottom
  
• Drive With the Wizard of Oz on Waze
  
• How to Master Waze’s Camera Alerts Before They Catch You
  
• MORE Waze Cool Tips
• MORE Friday Funday Cool Tips

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Flash Your iPhone Screen for Notifications You Might Otherwise Miss

Flash Your iPhone Screen for Notifications You Might Otherwise Miss

Missed calls and texts often happen when your phone is muted or across the room. The iPhone’s flash notification feature turns your screen or camera flash into a visual alert so you always know when something important arrives.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

March 5, 2026

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Have you ever silenced your phone for a meeting and then realized hours later that you missed several important messages? 

It happens more often than people admit. 

Modern smartphones give us dozens of notification options, but most still depend on sound or vibration.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Enable LED Flash for Notifications.

Apple includes a clever accessibility feature that solves this problem with light instead of noise. 

When enabled, your iPhone can flash the camera LED or brighten the screen whenever a notification arrives. 

The result is a clear visual cue that something needs your attention, even when the phone is on silent.

For anyone who keeps their phone muted during the workday or in noisy environments, this simple setting can make a surprising difference.

Windows 11 Adds a One Click Internet Speed Test in the Taskbar

Windows 11 Adds a One Click Internet Speed Test in the Taskbar

Windows 11 now includes a built-in shortcut that lets you check your internet speed directly from the taskbar. It is a small change that saves time when troubleshooting slow connections.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor  

March 4, 2026

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Slow Wi-Fi can ruin a video call or stall a download at the worst possible moment. 

Most people jump to a browser and search for a speed test, but that takes extra steps when you are already frustrated. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the New Internet Speed Test in the Taskbar.

Microsoft quietly added a new shortcut in Windows 11 that puts a speed test one click away. 

It is simple, fast, and surprisingly useful for both home users and busy professionals.

Create Professional Videos with Google Veo 3.1 Templates

Create Professional Videos with Google Veo 3.1 Templates

Create high-quality, consistent videos in seconds using the new Gemini-powered Veo 3.1 templates designed for business and personal storytelling. The future of AI video just got a lot more structured. Google is rolling out Veo 3.1 templates to help users skip the blank-page syndrome and generate professional-grade clips with ease.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

March 3, 2026

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Have you ever stared at a flashing cursor while trying to describe the perfect video scene to an AI? 

You aren't alone. 

Most users struggle to get the lighting, camera angles, and pacing just right on the first try. 

In fact, professional cinematographers spend years mastering the "look" that AI often misses in a basic text prompt. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Create Professional Videos with Templates in Veo 3.1.

Google has introduced Veo 3.1 templates within Gemini. 

Instead of guessing which keywords will trigger a cinematic lens flare or a smooth pan, you can now lean on pre-built structures that ensure your output looks polished and intentional from the very first frame.

Feature Explanation

Veo 3.1 templates are essentially "creative blueprints" integrated into the Gemini interface. 

While the base Veo model remains a powerhouse for generating high-fidelity video and audio, these templates provide a framework for specific styles, such as product showcases, social media explainers, or cinematic atmosphere shots.

When you select a template, Gemini pre-fills the complex technical parameters like lighting, frame rate, and camera movement. 

You simply swap in your specific subjects or locations. 

It works by narrowing the generative field so the AI focuses on your unique content rather than trying to figure out the basic physics of the shot. 

This matters because it dramatically lowers the barrier to entry for small business owners and creators who need consistent, high-quality video assets without hiring a production crew.

What You’ll Gain

• Visual Consistency: Maintain the same style across multiple clips for a unified brand look.
• Reduced Friction: Eliminate "prompt fatigue" by using pre-configured cinematic settings.
• Professional Polish: Access high-end lighting and camera techniques without technical expertise.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

Microsoft Web/Desktop

1. Navigate to the Gemini website, gemini.google.com,  and ensure you are logged into your paid workspace or premium account.
2. Locate the "Create Video" icon or the Tools > Create Video shortcut in the prompt bar.
3. Select "Browse Templates" to view the current library of styles.
4. Click on a template like "Memo" or "Civilization."
5. Edit the bracketed text in the prompt (e.g., change [Subject] to "a sleek espresso machine").
6. Click "Generate" and wait for the four-frame preview before selecting the final render.

fig. 1 - Example of Veo 3.1 Template

iOS and Android

1. Open the Gemini app (iOS / Android) on your mobile device.
2. Tap the "+" icon and select the Video/Veo option.
3. Swipe through the "Template Gallery" displayed at the top of the interface.
4. Tap a template to load the pre-structured prompt.
5. Customize the specific details of your scene using the on-screen keyboard.
6. Hit the send icon to begin the generation process.

Pro Cool Tip: Take a screenshot of the template settings before you modify them. This helps you remember which descriptors created the specific lighting you liked for future manual prompts.

Pros and Cons

Pros: 

• Ideal for rapid prototyping of marketing materials or social media ads.
• Removes the "uncanny valley" effect by using proven stylistic constraints.

Cons:

• Templates can feel restrictive for advanced prompt engineers who want total control.
• High processing demand means generation can take several minutes during peak hours.

Feature Access

Google Veo 3.1 and its associated templates are currently rolling out to Gemini Advanced subscribers and Google Workspace labs users. 

The full library of professional templates is currently a premium feature.

Score

Criterion  |  Score (0–10)  |  Justification

Value 9

It saves hours of trial and error for non-technical users.

Usability 10

The interface is intuitive and requires almost no learning curve.

Wow Factor 8

The visual quality is stunning, though generation time can be a wait.

Total: 27/30  🌟 Excellent

Veo 3.1 templates are a game-changer for anyone who needs high-quality video assets but lacks a Hollywood budget.

Key Takeaways

These templates bridge the gap between complex AI prompting and simple, usable content creation. 

By using pre-set creative blueprints, users can ensure their videos look professional and stay on-brand without needing to learn cinematography.

Cool Tip Snapshot

• Feature Name: Veo 3.1 Templates
• Platform(s): Web, iOS, Android
• Quick Benefit: Instant professional video formatting with minimal prompting.
• Access Type: Gemini Advanced / Workspace Labs (Subscription)

Try It Yourself

Go into Gemini today and try the "Cinematic Product" template with the most boring object on your desk. 

You will be amazed at how a simple stapler looks like a luxury item under AI-generated studio lights. 

If you found this helpful, subscribe to the One Cool Tip newsletter and share this with your team to start upgrading your video content!

READ MORE

• Transform Still Photos into Dynamic Videos with Veo 3 in Gemini
  
• How to Use Google Gemini to Summarize a Video Like a Pro
  
• How to Compose Original Music Using Google Gemini and Lyria
  
• MORE Gemini Cool Tips

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Google's "Punch the Monkey" Search Surprise

Google's "Punch the Monkey" Search Surprise

Gemini sai

Google’s latest Search Easter egg celebrates Punch, the viral baby macaque from the Ichikawa City Zoo, by showering results for "Punch the Monkey" with hearts and hand-drawn icons. This interactive tribute marks the primate’s journey from being abandoned by his mother to finding comfort with a plush toy and finally integrating into his troop.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

March 2, 2026

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A heartwarming new Easter egg has taken over Google Search, and it is not tied to a movie release or a tech anniversary. 

Instead, it is a digital tribute to Punch, a seven-month-old Japanese macaque at the Ichikawa City Zoo who has become a global viral sensation.

Here's How to Do It

1. Go to www.google.com.
2. Type "Punch the Monkey" or "Punch Monkey" into the Google search bar on desktop or mobile.
3. A shower of colorful, graffiti-style hearts cascades down your screen.
4. Look closely and you will see small, hand-drawn icons of the baby monkey clinging to his famous orange plushie interspersed with the hearts.

fig. 1 - Discover Punch the Monkey Easter Egg

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Query your local Excel files with Copilot Chat

Query your local Excel files with Copilot Chat

Copilot in Excel is finally learning a new trick: it can now answer questions about workbooks stored right on your device. If you primarily work in local folders, this update quietly changes how you work with data every day.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

March 2, 2026

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You know that one folder on your desktop where all the “final_v3_really_final.xlsx” files live. 

Until now, those local workbooks were invisible to Copilot Chat unless you moved them into the cloud. 

That extra step was just enough friction to skip using Copilot at all.

Here's a Cool Tip:  You Can Now Query Your Local Excel Files with Copilot Chat.

Copilot can now analyze modern Excel files stored locally, so you can ask questions, clean data, and build summaries without reshuffling your storage strategy or uploading sensitive files.

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