Monday, February 9, 2026

Supercharge Your Spreadsheets with Gemini in Google Sheets

Supercharge Your Spreadsheets with Gemini in Google Sheets

Stop struggling with complex formulas and manual data entry; let Google’s AI build your trackers, write your syntax, and analyze your data for you. Google Gemini in Sheets transforms your static spreadsheets into an intelligent data partner that can build tables, write formulas, and clean data through simple conversation. Whether you are a business pro or a home user, this AI integration eliminates the tedious "blank grid" problem forever.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor
February 9, 2026


Google Sheets
Have you ever stared at a blank Google Sheet, knowing exactly what data you needed but having no idea how to structure the table or write the necessary VLOOKUP to find it? 

You aren't alone. 

For decades, spreadsheets have required users to speak the language of "Cell C4" and "Nested IF statements."

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

With the 2026 rollout of Gemini 3 into Google Workspace and Google AI Pro plans, the spreadsheet has finally learned to speak human. 

Instead of hunting for tutorials, you can now simply ask your sheet to "Create a 12-month budget tracker" or "Calculate the variance between these two columns." 

It is the most significant shift in how we handle data since the introduction of the Pivot Table.

Google Sheets with Gemini

Feature Explanation

Gemini in Google Sheets is an AI-powered collaborator that lives inside your sidebar and your formula bar. It is not just a chatbot sitting next to your data; it is deeply integrated into the Sheets engine.

The feature works in three primary ways:
  • First, the "Ask Gemini" side panel allows you to generate entire table structures or charts by describing them. 
  • Second, Enhanced Smart Fill uses AI to recognize complex patterns in your data and finish the work for you. 
  • Finally, the =AI() or =GEMINI() function lets you bring generative power directly into a cell, allowing you to summarize or categorize text at scale without leaving the document.

What You’ll Gain
  • Instant Organization: Go from a blank tab to a fully formatted project plan in seconds.
  • Formula Freedom: Describe your mathematical goal in plain English and let Gemini write the syntax.
  • Automated Cleaning: Standardize messy data, extract names from emails, and categorize sentiment instantly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

Microsoft Web/Desktop
  1. In any Google Sheet, click the Ask Gemini (sparkle icon) in the top-right corner.
  2. In the chat box, type a prompt like "Create a table for a 3-day team offsite with columns for time, activity, and owner."
  3. Review the preview generated by Gemini. 
  4. Click Insert to place the table into your sheet.
  5. Click into any cell and type =AI("Summarize this table", A2:F15). Press Enter to see the AI process the data in that row.

Use Gemini in Google Sheets
fig. 1 - Use Gemini in Google Sheets


Use =AI Inside Cells for Instant Analysis

fig. 2 - Use '=AI' Inside Cells for Instant Analysis


Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Speed: Reduces the time to build complex trackers from hours to minutes.
  • Accessibility: Allows non-technical users to utilize advanced spreadsheet logic.
  • Privacy: For Workspace users, data remains within the organization and is not used to train public models.

Cons
  • Cost: Requires a monthly subscription (AI Pro or Workspace add-on).
  • Accuracy: Like all AI, it can "hallucinate" numbers if the prompt is vague; always double-check critical calculations.
  • Learning Curve: Users must learn "prompt engineering" to get the best results from complex data sets.

Feature Access

Gemini in Sheets is available to:
  • Google One AI Pro subscribers ($19.99/mo).
  • Google Workspace customers with Gemini Business, Enterprise, or Education Plus licenses.
  • Rollout Note: The =AI() function is currently rolling out to all AI Pro users globally as of late January 2026.
Score

Criterion  |  Score (0–10)  |  Justification

Value 9
The time savings for building templates and cleaning data are massive.

Usability 8
The side panel is intuitive, though the =AI() function requires some prompt practice.

Wow Factor 10
Watching a complex table appear from a single sentence still feels like magic.

Total: 27/30 🌟 Excellent
Gemini in Sheets is a "must-have" for anyone who spends more than an hour a week in spreadsheets. It is far more integrated and useful than the similar features currently found in Microsoft Excel.



Cool Tip Snapshot
  • Feature Name: Gemini in Google Sheets
  • Platform(s): Web
  • Quick Benefit: Build tables and write formulas using plain English.
  • Access Type: Subscription (Google One AI Pro / Workspace Gemini).

Try It Yourself

Ready to stop wrestling with your data? 

Open a blank Google Sheet today, click that sparkle icon, and ask Gemini to "Create a monthly budget for 2026." 

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Sunday, February 8, 2026

MyLow: Lowe’s AI Assistant That Helps You Finish Home Projects Faster

MyLow: Lowe’s AI Assistant That Helps You Finish Home Projects Faster

MyLow turns confusing home improvement questions into clear, step by step guidance, right when you need it most.  Lowe’s new AI assistant, MyLow, is designed to guide shoppers through home improvement projects with plain language help and product suggestions. It brings expert style advice to your phone before you even walk into the store.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor
February 8, 2026


MyLow icon
Home improvement projects rarely fail because of motivation. They fail because of uncertainty. 

Which tool is right? Which part fits? Did you miss a step?

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use MyLow, Lowe's AI Assistant.

MyLow is an AI-powered virtual home improvement assistant, built to answer practical questions, recommend products, and help customers move from planning to completion with fewer mistakes.

MyLow: Lowe's AI Assistant

Saturday, February 7, 2026

Amazon Alexa Plus Turns Your Smart Speaker Into a Real AI Assistant

Amazon Alexa Plus Turns Your Smart Speaker Into a Real AI Assistant

Alexa Plus upgrades Amazon’s familiar voice assistant with generative AI, smarter conversations, and context awareness that finally makes Alexa feel helpful again. If you use Alexa daily, this update changes how much you can ask and how little you need to repeat yourself.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor
February 7, 2026


Have you ever asked Alexa a follow-up question and felt like it forgot the entire conversation? 

Or tried to coordinate reminders, shopping, and routines only to hit a wall of rigid commands? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Try the new Alexa+ AI.

Amazon claims Alexa Plus fixes those long-standing frustrations by rebuilding Alexa around modern AI rather than scripted responses.

Alexa Plus

Friday, February 6, 2026

Watch Sesame Street for Free: How to Access the New Digital Library

Watch Sesame Street for Free: How to Access the New Digital Library

The sunny days are officially here for streaming. You can now access over 100 full-length episodes of Sesame Street for free on YouTube.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor
February 6, 2026
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If you grew up with a television, you likely have a core memory of a giant yellow bird or a cookie-obsessed monster. 

For over 50 years, Sesame Street has been the gold standard of educational media, but finding full episodes without a pricey cable package or specific streaming subscription has often been a scavenger hunt. 

Parents and nostalgic fans frequently find themselves stuck behind paywalls just to see a classic clip.


Here's a Cool Tip:  Watch Sesame Street for Free.

As of January 15, 2026, YouTube has officially become the largest digital home for Sesame Street content. 

Through an expanded partnership between Google and Sesame Workshop, a massive library of full episodes is now available to stream for free. 

This is not just a collection of short clips or songs; we are talking about full-length, historical, and modern episodes available at the click of a button.

Watch Sesame Street Free on YouTube

Feature Explanation

The initiative brings more than 100 full episodes to two primary destinations: the official Sesame Street YouTube channel and the Sesame Street Classics channel. 

This move is part of a strategic shift for Sesame Workshop to ensure their research-backed curriculum remains accessible to families worldwide, regardless of their ability to pay for premium services like Netflix or Max.

The library is curated to include a mix of the old and the new. 

You can find the very first episode from 1969, which introduced the world to Big Bird and Kermit the Frog, alongside modern adventures from recent seasons. It also features "landmark" episodes that tackled difficult social topics, such as the 1983 episode dealing with the death of Mr. Hooper. 

For parents, this means a reliable, safe, and educational alternative to the often chaotic "made for kids" content found elsewhere on the platform.

What You’ll Gain

Free Education: Access to hundreds of hours of curriculum-backed content without a subscription.

Historical Archive: The ability to watch iconic moments like the 1969 premiere or the reveal of Snuffleupagus.

Platform Safety: Integration with YouTube Kids provides a filtered, safer viewing environment for younger children.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

Microsoft Web/Desktop/Mobile
  1. Open your preferred web browser or the YouTube mobile App.
  2. Navigate to  www.youtube.com/sesamestreet.
  3. For full episodes, search for "Sesame Street Full Episodes".
Pros and Cons

Pro:
  • It is completely free and works on any device with a YouTube app, including smart TVs.
  • The content is high-quality, educator-vetted material rather than unverified user-generated clips.

Con:
  • Unless you have YouTube Premium, you will encounter advertisements. For children, using the YouTube Kids app is highly recommended to ensure ads are age-appropriate.
  • While 100+ episodes is a great start, it represents only a fraction of the 5,000+ episodes produced since 1969.

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Feature Access

The library of 100+ full episodes launched globally on January 15, 2026. It is available to all users on the free tier of YouTube. 

While newer episodes (Season 56 and beyond) premiere on Netflix and PBS, the YouTube collection serves as the primary "digital library" for past seasons and classic moments.

Score

Criterion Score (0–10) Justification

Value 10
Hundreds of hours of premium educational content for free is an unbeatable value.

Usability 9
Easy to find on any device, though ad-supported for free users.

Wow Factor 8
Bringing high-profile "classic" archives to a free platform is a rare move.

Total: 27/30  🌟 25–30 Excellent
This is a goldmine for parents and fans, offering the most accessible way to watch the world's most important children's show.

Key Takeaways

Families now have a central, free destination for one of the most trusted names in education. 

By moving a significant portion of their library to YouTube, Sesame Workshop has ensured that the "sunny days" are accessible to everyone with an internet connection.

Cool Tip Snapshot
  • Feature Name: Sesame Street Full Episode Library
  • Platform(s): Web, iOS, Android, Smart TVs
  • Quick Benefit: Free access to 100+ full-length educational episodes.
  • Access Type: Free (Ad-supported)

Try It Yourself

Take five minutes today to find the Sesame Street channel on your smart TV or mobile device and save the "Full Episodes" playlist. 

It is a perfect, stress-free backup for the next time you need high-quality entertainment for the kids. 

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Thursday, February 5, 2026

Visual Intelligence Turns Your iPhone Camera Into a Real-Time Research Tool

Visual Intelligence Turns Your iPhone Camera Into a Real-Time Research Tool

Your iPhone camera can now recognize what you are looking at and surface useful actions in real time. Visual Intelligence in iOS 26 blends camera input with on-device intelligence so you can copy text, identify objects, translate languages, and look up information without opening a browser.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor
February 5, 2026


iOS 26
Have you ever pointed your phone at something and wished it could simply tell you what it is, translate it, copy it, or explain it? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Visual Intelligence on the iPhone.

Visual Intelligence in iOS 26 treats the camera as an input device for understanding the world.

This is not a new app. 

It is a system capability built into the camera experience that works whenever text, objects, landmarks, plants, animals, or products appear in view.

iOS 26 Visual Intelligence

Feature Explanation

Visual Intelligence uses the iPhone camera, on-device processing, and Apple Intelligence services to analyze what you are seeing and offer context-aware actions.

In plain terms, when the camera detects something meaningful, iOS overlays actions such as:
  • Copying text from signs, labels, or documents
  • Translating foreign language text instantly
  • Identifying plants, animals, landmarks, books, and products
  • Opening links or phone numbers found in the real world
  • Searching for additional information without typing
It matters because it removes friction. 

You do not take a photo, switch apps, and paste content. 

The action appears while you are still looking at the subject.

What You’ll Gain
  • Faster research without typing searches
  • Instant translation from real-world text
  • Frictionless copying of text into notes or email
  • Real-time object and location identification

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.
  1. On supported models with Camera Control: click and hold the Camera Control.
  2. Use the visual intelligence tools at the bottom of the screen to do any of the following:
    • Tap the Search button to search the web for similar items.
    • Swipe your finger on a specific item to highlight it and search for that particular item.
    • Tap the Ask button to ask Apple Intelligence (or ChatGPT if configured) a question about what’s onscreen.
Note: The Camera Control lets you quickly open your iPhone camera and access common camera settings.  See supported models.
Your Camera Just Got Smarter

fig. 1 - Your Camera Just Got Smarter

On iPhone 16e, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, you can choose any of the following options as an alternative to using the Camera Control for visual intelligence:
  • Action button: Customize the Action button on the left side of your iPhone to use visual intelligence. 
  • Lock Screen: Add a visual intelligence control to the bottom of your Lock Screen to use visual intelligence. See Edit your Lock Screen or create a new one.
  • Control Center: Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to open Control Center, then tap the visual intelligence button to use visual intelligence.

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Removes steps between seeing and using information
  • Excellent for travel, education, and business note taking
  • Works inside the Camera app without extra setup
  • Strong for multilingual environments

Cons
  • Depends on lighting and camera clarity
  • Requires supported iPhone running iOS 26
  • May not recognize obscure objects or stylized fonts

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Feature Access

Visual Intelligence is available on compatible iPhones running iOS 26. Apple describes this as part of the camera and system intelligence features and notes that availability may vary by region and device capability. 

Score

Criterion  |  Score (0–10)  |  Justification

Value 10
Eliminates multiple steps between seeing information and using it.

Usability 9
Works directly in the camera with intuitive overlays.

Wow Factor 9
Feels like augmented reality for everyday tasks.

Total: 28/30 🌟 Excellent
Visual Intelligence is one of the most practical camera upgrades in years and more useful day to day than many headline features.

Key Takeaways

Visual Intelligence turns the camera into a research and productivity tool. 

It reduces friction between real-world information and digital use. 

Once you start using it, you will reach for it constantly.

Cool Tip Snapshot
  • Feature Name: Visual Intelligence.
  • Platform(s): iOS 26.
  • Quick Benefit: Copy, translate, and identify objects in real time.
  • Access Type: Built-in, currently rolling out.

Try It Yourself

Open your camera today, point it at a sign, label, or document, and tap the overlay that appears. 

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Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Quick Machine Recovery in Windows 11: Your Safety Net For Boot Failures

Quick Machine Recovery in Windows 11: Your Safety Net For Boot Failures

Quick Machine Recovery in Windows 11 uses Microsoft’s cloud services to repair certain widespread boot issues with minimal user effort. Learn what it does, how to configure it, and how to be ready before disaster strikes.

Byline: By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor
February 3, 2026


Windows 11
You press the power button, wait for Windows to appear, and instead you get a spinning circle that never ends. 

For many users, that moment means panic, lost work, and a frantic search for recovery media.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Quick Machine Recovery in Windows 11.

Quick Machine Recovery in Windows 11 aims to change that story. 

Instead of leaving you alone in a broken boot loop, Windows can detect certain widespread issues, enter the Windows Recovery Environment, connect to Microsoft’s cloud, and automatically apply a targeted fix if one exists. 

It is not magic, and it will not solve every problem, but when it works, it can turn a potential outage into a short coffee break.

Fix a Broken PC Fast - Quick Machine Recovery

Feature Explanation

Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) is a Windows 11 feature that helps devices recover from critical boot problems by using the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) and Microsoft’s cloud-based remediation services. 

When Windows detects repeated startup failures caused by a known, widespread issue, it can automatically enter WinRE, connect to the internet, and look for a fix delivered through Windows Update. 

If a solution is found, it is downloaded and applied, then the PC restarts into Windows. 

If no fix is available, traditional recovery tools remain available to you.

QMR builds on the older Startup Repair feature but adds a connected, cloud-aware layer. 

Instead of relying only on local tools, Windows can check for known issues that Microsoft has already analyzed and patched, especially during large-scale incidents that affect many devices. 

This reduces downtime and can significantly cut the need for hands-on IT intervention in organizations.

For home and small business users, the benefit is simpler: if your PC fails to boot due to a known, widespread problem, QMR may quietly fix it for you. 

You still need a working network connection in WinRE and a supported version of Windows 11, but when those conditions are met, recovery can be surprisingly painless.

What You’ll Gain
  • Quick recovery: Reduce downtime when a known, widespread boot issue hits your PC.
  • Less IT dependency: Fewer trips to the help desk or repair shop for certain startup failures.
  • Safer experimentation: More confidence when installing updates or drivers, knowing recovery tools are improving.
  • Business continuity: Better resilience during large scale incidents that affect many devices at once.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

Microsoft Windows 11 Desktop

These steps assume you are already running a supported Windows 11 version and want to confirm or configure Quick Machine Recovery.
  1. Open the Start menu, select Settings (gear icon).
  2. Select System, then choose Recovery.
  3. Scroll to find Quick machine recovery in the Recovery section.
  4. Use the toggle next to Quick machine recovery to enable or disable it. When enabled, Windows can use cloud based remediation from WinRE for certain boot issues.
Enable Quick Machine Recovery

fig. 1 - Enable Quick Machine Recovery


Trigger Quick Machine Recovery manually (when needed).  
  1. If Windows cannot boot and you reach WinRE, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Quick machine recovery
  2. Ensure the device is connected to the internet, then allow Windows to search for and apply any available remediation.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
  • Automatic remediation: QMR can detect certain widespread boot issues and apply targeted fixes without manual steps, which is ideal for non technical users and busy IT teams.
  • Cloud-aware recovery: Because it uses Windows Update and Microsoft’s cloud, QMR can benefit from new remediations as Microsoft learns about emerging issues.
  • Reduced IT burden: In organizations, QMR can help recover many devices during a large incident, reducing the need for on site visits and manual imaging.

Cons:
  • Requires network connectivity in WinRE: If your device cannot connect to the internet in the recovery environment, QMR cannot reach Microsoft’s services.
  • Not a universal fix: QMR focuses on known, widespread issues, so unique or hardware specific failures may still require traditional troubleshooting.
  • Version and policy dependent: Availability can depend on your Windows 11 version and whether your device is managed by IT, which may delay or limit access.

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Feature Access

Quick Machine Recovery is part of Windows 11 and is designed to help devices recover from widespread boot issues using WinRE and Windows Update.

QMR is available for consumers on Windows 11 Home and Pro starting with the August 2025 Security Update for version 24H2 and higher.  

QMR requires Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2, and is enabled by default on Home.

Pro and Enterprise devices require IT policy to turn it on.

If you do not see the Quick machine recovery toggle under Settings > System > Recovery, ensure your system is fully updated or check with your IT department if the device is managed.

Score

Criterion  |  Score (0–10)  |  Justification

Value 9
Strong protection against certain boot failures, especially during widespread incidents, with minimal user effort.

Usability 8
Once enabled, it is largely automatic, though network and version requirements can confuse some users.

Wow Factor 7
Cloud-based self repair feels impressive when it works, but it operates mostly behind the scenes.

Total: 24/30 🌟 Excellent
Quick Machine Recovery earns a solid “Good,” offering more practical resilience than the older Startup Repair feature, especially for users on modern Windows 11 builds.

Key Takeaways

Quick Machine Recovery gives Windows 11 a smarter, cloud aware way to fix certain boot failures without demanding deep technical skills from the user. 

When combined with good backups and up to date systems, it can turn a potential disaster into a short interruption. If your device supports it, enabling QMR is an easy win for both home and business users.

Cool Tip Snapshot
  • Feature Name: Quick Machine Recovery
  • Platform(s): Windows 11 (selected versions, currently rolling out)
  • Quick Benefit: Automatically repairs certain widespread boot issues using Microsoft’s cloud services.
  • Access Type (Free, Subscription, Beta): Included with supported Windows 11 editions, currently rolling out via Windows Update.

Try It Yourself

Before you need it, open Settings on your Windows 11 PC, check that Quick Machine Recovery is available and turned on.

Share this article with your team, family, and friends so they can prepare too.

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