New to Google Calendar: Dark mode. Click the Settings cog > Appearance and choose from Light, Dark or Device default. If you don’t see it yet, be patient; the update is rolling out.
Google's AI Bard has some new tools that are actually useful
ChatGPT launched last November, and it didn’t take long for the alarm bells to start ringing at Google. “Uh oh, AI is here and it works — what do we have?” (That’s the convo I imagine, anyway.)
Google brought co-founder and billionaire Sergey Brin back from his island paradise to get working on a solution. And now, finally, something exciting enough you’ll actually want to use it — Google Bard integrates with Gmail, Google Calendar, Drive, Docs, you name it.
Let’s start with email
If you haven’t played around with other AI tools like ChatGPT, Bard’s integration makes it easier to experiment with AI than ever before. Say you receive an email in Gmail, you can ask Bard to:
- Summarize it: “Bard, summarize the following email and tell me the key points.”
- Research the company or individual that sent it to you: “Look up the sender and tell me what kind of business they’re in and who they are.”
- Write a response: “Draft a reply to the email above that says I can’t make it to the conference.”
Your free travel agent
Imagine planning a family trip to Denver and the Rocky Mountains. Anyone who’s planned a vacation for their family knows that stress can make you lose your hair. I know — I’ve been there before. Let Bard do the work for you.
- Check when everyone is open: “Bard, check the Google Calendar schedules of Barry and Ian to see when they have seven days free for a vacation.”
- Hunt down the best tours and activities: “Research the best things to do while in Denver or visiting the Rockies.”
- Save on flights: “See when the cheapest flights from Los Angeles to Denver are during the first week of December.”
Getting a new job
I know it’s a slog to go through postings, change your resume and write a cover letter. Yep, you guessed it. Digital buddy Bard to the rescue.
- Find and update your resume: “Bard, look through my Gmail for my most recent resume and tell me three ways I can improve it.”
- Summarize your experience and draft an email: “Based on my resume, write a 100-word career summary and introductory email to a hiring manager.”
- Prepare for an interview: “Look up this hiring manager and the company and tell me the most important things about them” or “Give me a job interview based on this posting.”
Learning to play guitar
Meeting schedule packed? Use these Google Calendar tricks for easier planning
Let me put it this way. If you’re not using Google Calendar (it’s free), you’re missing out. Here are some things you can do with it.
Personal appointments and events: Beyond birthdays and meetings, manage personal commitments from school dates and doctor’s appointments to spa days.
Secret Google Calendar setting you'll love
Have you ever missed an important appointment or a video meeting? Those days are over thanks to a secret setting I’ll tell you about in 60 seconds.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Stop missing video meetings: Use this secret Google Calendar setting
Video meetings are practically unavoidable — and missing a call is just as bad as not attending an in-person meeting. Since they’re virtual, though, they’re easy to forget. Those days are over with this secret setting: Google Calendar daily agenda feature.
5 handy Google apps you should be using on your Android
The best Google apps for Android go beyond the basics. You’re likely already using Google Calendar, Google Maps and your beloved Gmail inbox. We’ve rounded up five Google apps that should also be on your list.
Accessibility? Culture? An app that transforms the real world into one giant, Google-able oyster? Explore the world with your Android device through a few helpful apps.
Click and drag: On a computer, you don’t have to go into the settings of your digital calendar tool (like Outlook or Google Calendar) to move an appointment or meeting. Just click it, drag it to the new date or time slot, and you’re all set.
Click and drag: On a computer, you don’t have to go into the settings of your digital calendar tool (like Outlook or Google Calendar) to move an appointment or meeting. Just click it, then drag it to the new date or time slot.
Small biz or side hustle tip: Manage appointments and rentals with these tips and tech tools
Running multiple small businesses can be overwhelming. You have to juggle scheduling, accounting and countless other duties. Talk about stressful.
Luckily, you can streamline your operations with a small business scheduling app like Google Calendar, Calendly or Acuity Scheduling.
This one hidden Google shortcut will save you time every single day
Most of us know at least some basic keyboard shortcuts. Ctrl + C for copy, Ctrl + V for paste, and the infamous Ctrl + Alt + Delete for when things aren’t going so well.
That’s not all. You can use your keyboard to paste text without its original messy formatting, take a picture of your screen, and create a virtual desktop to keep work and life separate. Tap or click here for seven shortcuts that will help you save even more time.
Google trick: Shortcuts to quickly open Docs, Sheets and your calendar
Most everyone knows some basic keyboard shortcuts. Ctrl + C for copy, Ctrl + V for paste, Alt + F4 to close an application or other active item and the infamous Ctrl + Alt + Delete for when things aren’t going so well.
Easily move from iPhone to Android with this new app
Apple and Android fans are as loyal as can be. Once you’ve chosen an operating system, most likely, you’ll stick with it for years. Since you are an Android fan, tap or click here for hidden features you should be using.
The clock on your phone has a bunch of hidden features - 4 to try now
The clock on your Android phone’s home screen is great for a quick glance at the time. Tap or click here to see the five best smartwatches you can buy right now. But did you know that the Clock app can do so much more than simply display time?
8 useful Chromebook tricks you aren't using but should
If you’re a Chromebook fan, then you know the lightweight laptops that run Google’s Chrome OS are a bit different than a regular Windows or Mac notebook. They have their own set of secrets and tricks. Tap or click here for Kim’s guide to Chromebook pros and cons.
Have trouble keeping track of birthdays? Use this handy tool
Are you fed up with the lack of privacy and finally moved on from Facebook? If that’s the case, there still might be one thing you need from the site — It’s still a great way to keep track of all the birthdays in your social circle.
Google Calendar: 12 tips and tricks to get organized
There is something to be said about being organized and excelling at time management. But having events and tasks planned for one’s professional and personal life on a daily, weekly or monthly basis is often a struggle for most. The good news is there are tools for scheduling out your time.
One clever way to make sure you banish coronavirus germs
Amid the outbreak of COVID-19, the CDC recommends everyone wash their hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If you can’t always access soap and water, hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can do the trick as well.
10 things you don’t need around the house anymore because of tech
Just think, not so long ago, you likely adorned your home with a garish stand-up lamp, rotary dial telephone and a stereo with speakers two feet tall. While you expect these items to change from generation to generation, rapid advancements in tech over the last two decades have made many of these gadgets obsolete.