Tech Tidbits: AI Enhancements, Windows Phone Sync, and Hidden Tricks


This week's tech feed is buzzing with AI advancements and practical tips for your everyday devices. From Google Workspace and ChatGPT gaining new AI superpowers for enhanced productivity and data analysis, to Microsoft's Copilot expanding its visual capabilities within Edge, artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly integrated into our workflows.

For Windows users facing the sunset of Intel Unison, we highlight alternative methods to seamlessly connect your phone. Android users will be excited to learn about a major Gemini upgrade and discover hidden features that can simplify their mobile experience. We also delve into optimizing your smart TV for smoother performance and explore five straightforward ways to transfer photos from your Android to your Windows PC.

Beyond the AI and mobile realms, we touch upon automating tasks on Linux with bash scripts, customizing GIMP to resemble Photoshop, and understanding the fundamentals of Google Ads for small businesses. Finally, for the social media savvy, we take a peek at Instagram's new Blend feature and the quirky trend of turning photos into AI action figures. Stay informed and make the most of your tech with these insightful updates!

3 ways to connect your phone with Windows now that this popular sync tool is getting the axe
With Intel Unison being retired in June, you'll have to turn to another app to sync your iPhone or Android phone with Windows 11.
Your TV's USB port has hidden superpowers: 5 benefits you're not taking advantage of
The USB port on your TV is more than just an afterthought - it's a hidden gem packed with unexpected features.
Your Android phone just got a major Gemini upgrade for free - Samsung models included
More people can now have a conversation with Gemini about what's on their screen, including if they have the camera viewfinder on.
POV: When someone asks why you need to automate every single thing with IFTTT
I can’t even imagine life without IFTTT anymore.. #ifttt #automation #techtok #techcompany #workflow #productivity #nocode #ai
How I automate basic tasks on Linux with bash scripts - and why you should try it
Stop wasting time on repetitive tasks, and let bash scripts do the work for you.
How to make GIMP more like Photoshop
If you're hesitant to try GIMP because the UI looks so different from Photoshop, you're in luck because there's an easy way to transform the interface.
Google Ads Explained: How Pay Per Click Advertising Really Works
If you’re a small business owner, startup founder or local tradesperson trying to make sense of online advertising, you’ve probably heard the term “Google Ads” thrown around more times than you can count. But what is it, really? And how does it actually work to bring paying customers to your website? This blog post is your no-fluff guide to understanding...
I changed these 6 TV settings to give it an instant speed boost (and why they work)
With a few quick adjustments and troubleshooting steps, you can reduce lag and eliminate judder on your smart TV. Here's how to enjoy a smoother picture.
5 easy ways to transfer photos from your Android device to your Windows PC
You can transfer photos from your Android phone to your Windows computer using a variety of different methods. Here are step-by-step instructions for the five easiest ways.
6 hidden Android features every user should know - and how they make life easier
Not all Android phone owners will use these lesser-known options every day. However, when you need them, you'll be glad to have them at your fingertips.
How to use Instagram Blend, Metas new Reels feature
Instagram just launched Blend, a a new feature that lets users create a private feed of recommended Reels in their DMs. The use-case here is kind of confusing, but it has potential to be useful for users who want to get to know their friends and lovers' algorithms better — an inclination so disturbing in nature that it might actually be real. You could...
I'm always turning to ChatGPT - 5 reasons why it's still my go-to AI
In the face of greater competition, OpenAI's chatbot offers a variety of compelling advantages. Here's how and why I use its AI smarts.
Google Workspace gets a slew of new AI features. Here's how they can help your daily workflow
Google Meets, Chat, Docs, Vids, and Sheets are all being enhanced by AI.
WordPress' new AI website builder helps you quickly create your own site - and it's free
No coding required - but there is one catch. Here's how to get started.
How to use ChatGPT's Advanced Data Analysis to create quality charts and tables
ChatGPT has some great chart-making tools. Whether you want bar, line, column, or pie charts, here's how to take advantage of this powerful capability.
Photorealistic Azure Avatars for the Enterprise
The ability to generate a realistic video of a person speaking any text might still sound like science fiction, but it’s reality with Azure AI’s text-to-speech (TTS) avatars. This technology creates photorealistic digital humans that can speak with natural voices in multiple languages. In this article, I’ll dive into what Azure’s AI TTS avatars are,...
Want to be an AI action figure? Just give ChatGPT a full-body pic.
If your FYP, timeline, or feed feels like a toy aisle lately, you're not imagining things. The latest internet trend has everyone turning themselves — or their favorite characters — into AI-generated action figures.These digital creations are everywhere. Instagram, X, TikTok, and even — actually, especially — LinkedIn, have all been inundated with them....
5 things to know about AI model cards
Anokhy Desai, IAPP, Apr 14, 2025 This is an item from some notes shared at an IEEE study group meeting I attended on Friday (I'm more of an interloper than a participant but I do try to contribute). The concept of an AI 'model card' was new to me (I know, I can really lag behind the times sometimes) so I'm including...
With Copilot Studio's new skill, your AI agent can use websites and apps just like you do
According to Microsoft, 'if a person can use the app, the agent can too.' Here's how to try it out.
Microsoft's Copilot Vision is now free for all Edge users - here's how it works
The AI tool allows Copilot to describe what it sees on your screen in Edge, letting you ask questions about the page content.

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