Finally! How to Change Your Primary Gmail Address Without Losing Your Data

Finally! How to Change Your Primary Gmail Address Without Losing Your Data

Stop living with that embarrassing high school email address. Google finally lets you swap your primary @gmail.com handle while keeping every single message and photo intact. Discover how to transform your old Gmail identity into a professional new address without the headache of manual migrations. This update ensures you stay connected to your past while moving forward with a fresh digital name.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

February 10, 2026

Subscribe  |  Read the Newsletter Version.

Are you still using the "coolguy92" or "sparkle-pony-fan" email address you created two decades ago? 

For years, the standard advice for anyone wanting a more professional Gmail identity was a digital shrug and a suggestion to start over from scratch. 

That meant moving thousands of photos, losing years of archived chats, and manually updating every single subscription service you own. 

It was a massive technical hurdle that kept millions of users tethered to usernames they outgrew long ago.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Pick a New Gmail Address Without Losing Your Data.

A new Gmail rollout is hitting accounts that allows users to pick a new @gmail.com address while automatically turning the old one into a permanent alias. 

You no longer have to choose between a professional look and your digital history.

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

Subscribe  |  Read the Newsletter Version

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.

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.

fig. 1 - Use Gemini in Google Sheets

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." 

If you found this tip helpful, share it with your team and subscribe to the One Cool Tip newsletter for daily tech shortcuts!

READ MORE

• Master the UNIQUE Function in Google Sheets
  
• Revolutionize Your Data Management with Tables in Google Sheets
  
• MORE Google Sheets Cool Tips
• MORE Google Gemini Cool Tips

Stay Connected with One Cool Tip

👍 Like and Share: Help others discover OneCoolTip.com!

📬 Subscribe: Get the FREE OneCoolTip Newsletter delivered straight to your inbox.

💡 Support the Site: Chip in through TIPJAR to keep the Cool Tips coming.

Explore More

YouTube: One Cool Tip Channel

X (Twitter): @OneCoolTip

Threads: @onecooltip

Have a great tip or tech question?

📧 Email: onecooltip.com@gmail.com

Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned technology expert and editor of OneCoolTip.com, transforms complex tech into practical advice for everyday users. His Cool Tips empower readers to stay productive, secure, and one step ahead in the digital world.

One Cool Tip

http://www.onecooltip.com

Cool Tech Tips for a Cooler Life!

#AI #GoogleSheets #GeminiAI #ProductivityTips #GoogleWorkspace #AIforBusiness @GoogleWorkspace @Google

#TechTips #OneCoolTip @onecooltip 

Copyright © 2008-2026 | www.OneCoolTip.com | All Rights Reserved

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

Subscribe  |  Read the Newsletter Version.

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.

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

Subscribe  |  Read the Newsletter Version

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.

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

Subscribe  |  Read the Newsletter Version

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.

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.

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. 

If you found this tip helpful, subscribe to the One Cool Tip newsletter and share this guide with your friends and family!

READ MORE

• Chick-fil-A Launches New "Play" App: Entertainment and Education for Kids
  
• Play Games on YouTube: Unlock the Hidden World of PlayablesPlay Games on YouTube: Unlock the Hidden World of Playables
  
• How to Play Google Snake Game

Stay Connected with One Cool Tip

👍 Like and Share: Help others discover OneCoolTip.com!

📬 Subscribe: Get the FREE OneCoolTip Newsletter delivered straight to your inbox.

💡 Support the Site: Chip in through TIPJAR to keep the Cool Tips coming.

Explore More

YouTube: One Cool Tip Channel

X (Twitter): @OneCoolTip

Threads: @onecooltip

Have a great tip or tech question?

📧 Email: onecooltip.com@gmail.com

Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned technology expert and editor of OneCoolTip.com, transforms complex tech into practical advice for everyday users. His Cool Tips empower readers to stay productive, secure, and one step ahead in the digital world.

One Cool Tip

http://www.onecooltip.com

Cool Tech Tips for a Cooler Life!

#SesameStreet #YouTube #ParentingTips #FreeStreaming #Education #Muppets #FridayFunday 

 #TechTips #OneCoolTip @onecooltip 

Copyright © 2008-2026 | www.OneCoolTip.com | All Rights Reserved

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

Subscribe  |  Read the Newsletter Version

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.

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.

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

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. 

Share this tip with your team and subscribe to the One Cool Tip newsletter for more practical wins like this.

READ MORE

• Turn a Screenshot into a Calendar Event in iOS 26
  
• How to Select and Copy Part of a Text Message in iOS 26
  
• Alarm Reminders in iOS 26.2: Turn Reminders Into Can’t-Miss Alerts
  
• How to Take a Photo With Your AirPods
  
• MORE iOS 26 Cool Tips

Stay Connected with One Cool Tip

👍 Like and Share: Help others discover OneCoolTip.com!

📬 Subscribe: Get the FREE OneCoolTip Newsletter delivered straight to your inbox.

💡 Support the Site: Chip in through TIPJAR to keep the Cool Tips coming.

Explore More

YouTube: One Cool Tip Channel

X (Twitter): @OneCoolTip

Threads: @onecooltip

Have a great tip or tech question?

📧 Email: onecooltip.com@gmail.com

Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned technology expert and editor of OneCoolTip.com, transforms complex tech into practical advice for everyday users. His Cool Tips empower readers to stay productive, secure, and one step ahead in the digital world.

One Cool Tip

http://www.onecooltip.com

Cool Tech Tips for a Cooler Life!

#iOS26 #iPhoneTips #AppleIntelligence #MobileProductivity #VisualSearch #iPhone 

 #TechTips #OneCoolTip @onecooltip 

Copyright © 2008-2026 | www.OneCoolTip.com | All Rights Reserved