Oops, AI faked our bust: This is bad. Maine cops posted a drug bust photo, then realized it was “substantially” AI-edited. Packaging on the drugs looked like AI gibberish, and people called them out. An officer used an editing app to slap the department’s patch in, and it warped the photo’s details. Officers swore they’re not deepfaking meth. It’s just their app skills are trash.
Survive Zoom, thrive IRL
ChatGPT
That meeting that could have been an email? You’re on it, eyes glossing over rambling updates, Todd’s screen share failing for the fourth time (use a mouse, Todd) or what appears to be a seance: “If you can hear me now, make a sign.”
AI can be your saving grace. I’m talking about short, sweet and productive meetings that everyone will thank you for later.
Here’s your no-BS cheat sheet for the best prompts to use with your favorite AI chatbot:
🎯 1. “Write an agenda for a 30-minute meeting about [insert meeting purpose here] focused on outcomes, not updates.”
Say goodbye to pointless tangents. This prompt spits out a clear, focused agenda that gets you in and out fast.
📝 2. “Summarize this meeting transcript into 5 key action points with deadlines and assigned tasks.”
Who wants to dig through messy notes afterward? Not you. Record your Zoom, Teams or Google Meet, drop the transcript into ChatGPT, and instantly get clear action steps, deadlines and a rundown of who’s responsible for what.
🎙️ 3. “Turn this long meeting transcript into concise notes for my team, highlighting tasks and who’s responsible.”
Don’t torture your coworkers with a replay of your meeting. AI trims down that snoozefest into a neat summary, just key decisions, assignments and who’s handling them, and what comes next. Done and dusted.
🤖 4. “Identify questions raised in this meeting that weren’t answered, and suggest who should follow up.”
Never lose track of loose ends again. ChatGPT spots overlooked questions and tells you who should chase them down, so nothing falls through the cracks.
Transcripts made simple
Take a trip back to your childhood home, no plane ticket required
Google Maps
That’s my childhood home above at 111 Washington Avenue, South Amboy, NJ. I was about 10 when I knocked out my front tooth on the swing set. There was also the day when I made the very bad decision to throw a snowball at a passing police car while the officer had his windows open. (Yes, I hit him. No, I don’t recommend it.)
⚡️ 3-second tech genius: Tired of Instagram suggesting people to follow? Go to your profile > Edit profile > toggle off Show account suggestions on profiles.
AI-powered home gadgets that lower your bills
ChatGPT
Every time my energy bill arrives, I swear it looks more like a ransom note: “$412 or the AC gets it.”
But guess what? Some good (actually smart) tech can help liberate you from this hostage situation, with real savings.
🐕 Never miss walk time again: Say, “Alexa, remind me to walk the dog at 6 p.m. every day.” No more side eye from the pup. Once you’re back in the habit, just say, “Alexa, cancel my 6 p.m. dog walking reminder.” FYI: The latest Echo Dot is 36% off. Such a deal!
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
AT&T’s new Account Lock feature: Finally, a way to stop SIM-swapping attacks. That’s when hackers transfer your number to their own SIM to steal 2FA codes. To turn it on, open the myAT&T app and go to Services > Mobile Security > Wireless Account Lock.
🍏 Auto-launch apps on your Mac: Always opening the same app? Do yourself a favor and set it to open on startup. Go to System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions. Under Open at Login, click the (+) button and choose your app. Bonus: To remove one you’re not using, select it and hit the (–) button.
📶 Wi-Fi not showing up on your phone? First, move closer to your router. Thick walls and appliances can mess with the signal. Still nothing? Unplug the router for 30 seconds and restart it. Still no go? Toggle Wi-Fi off and on.
⚡️ 3-second tech genius: Watching YouTube and want silence? Tap M on your keyboard to mute/unmute instantly. Useful when someone walks in mid-video.
Want smoother skin, stronger joints and sharper focus? NativePath Collagen is the go-to for tech execs, longevity labs and anyone who refuses to age quietly. 👉 Get 45% off, free shipping and a bonus gift to start your inside-out glow-up now!
🎧 Share podcasts from your iPad: Listening to something good and want to send it to a friend? While the episode’s playing, tap the three-dot menu and choose Share Episode. At the top, select From Start or the exact time you want, like From 12:31. Now tap Done, pick how you want to share it and send.
📊 Set a data limit on Windows: On a capped data plan? You can add a warning so you don’t go over. Go to Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Data usage, select your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection, then hit Enter limit. Choose a Limit type (like Monthly), enter your cap and click Save.
A free upgrade could be hidden in your TV: NextGen TV broadcasts have more vibrant colors, a higher resolution, better-quality surround sound and interactive features. Newer TVs from Sony, Hisense, Samsung and TCL have NextGen tuners built in, but you probably didn’t know it. See if your TV has NextGen here and which channels are available in your area!
🔍 Zoom in on Instagram posts: Using Instagram on your phone and can’t see the tiny details? You can zoom in on photos and videos by spreading two fingers apart on the screen. It’s great for reading small texts. Just don’t double tap by accident while snooping. That late-night “like” is hard to explain.
⚡️ 3-second tech genius: Want to reopen that tab you just closed? Hit Ctrl + Shift + T (Windows) or Command + Shift + T (Mac). Magic.
🎧 Join me this weekend! My national radio show is hitting 500+ stations coast to coast, and you’re on the VIP list. I’ll be sharing smart tech tips, digital life advice, crazy stories that didn’t make the newsletter and taking your calls! Find your local station or get the podcast.
🚨 A sneaky virus could be lurking. It’s better to be safe than sorry, which is why I trust TotalAV. For just $19 for the first year, you get rock-solid antivirus protection on up to five devices. It’s smart, simple and keeps your tech safe without breaking the bank.
Swipe to type on Samsung: If you have a Galaxy smartphone, you don’t need to tap each key. Open a message, select the keyboard settings icon, and go to Swipe, touch, and feedback. Choose Keyboard swipe controls, then hit Swipe to type. Now just glide your finger across letters to spell out words. Easy.
🍏 Turn Spotlight searches into shortcuts: Always using Spotlight on your iPhone to find the same apps? Save yourself the trouble. Just long-press the app in the search results, drag it out and drop it onto your Home Screen. It’s quicker than digging through your App Library every day.