This Zoom feature isn’t even remotely funny

September 26, 2024

This Zoom feature isn’t even remotely funny: Zoom’s new AI companion takes notes, summarizes meetings and even tells you who talked most. Click the magic wand icon below the main video window to use it. You can ask it for a quick update or to pull out action items from the discussion, too. Fine print: Available for paid plans only.

Tags: AI (artificial intelligence), Feature, fine print, notes, update, video, Zoom

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Your smartwatch isn’t as accurate as you think

Sensors in today’s smartwatches can detect your heartbeat, track how you sleep and even monitor blood oxygen levels. We’re not far from your watch tracking your blood sugar … and possibly sending reports about it to your doctor.

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📊 Secret you need to know: If you use Google Docs or Microsoft OneDrive, you can go back in time to see earlier versions of your work (or someone else’s). In Google Docs, head to File > Version History > See Version History. In OneDrive, it’s under File > Info > Version History. Bonus tip: If you want to know who does what in real time in a Google Doc, turn on the Track Changes option.

That’s refreshing: Refresh rates (found in your computer’s display settings) control how things look on your screen. For regular work and browsing, go with 60Hz. For gaming or video editing, try 120Hz or 144Hz. Competitive gamers use 240Hz or higher. Now you know!

🎞️ Don’t face the camera straight on: Instead, position your body at a far more flattering 45-degree angle. Put your weight on your back foot and lean your torso slightly forward. This tip was brought to you by 20 years of broadcasting and looking fabulous each time … well, most of the time!

🚴 Have an e-bike? Here’s one thing that ruins the battery: Letting it drain completely before you recharge. Lithium-ion batteries perform best when kept charged between 20% to 80%. Keep your e-bike inside, too, once the temps drop for winter. Anything below 32 degrees is no bueno for your battery life.

iPad modes to get more done: Split view lets you open two apps side by side. To try it, drag an app to the left or right side of the screen. Watching a video? Tap the PiP icon (two small rectangles) to minimize it into a corner of your screen.

🤫 Secret pricing strategy: Selling stuff on Amazon? Use the “charm pricing” trick — set the price just below a round number. Research shows folks perceive $9.99, for example, as much lower than $10. Bonus tip: Put expensive items next to affordable ones to make them seem like an even bigger bargain.

Turning off alerts from your video doorbell is a mistake: Instead, set up custom motion zones. On a Ring doorbell, open the Ring app and select your device. Go to Motion Settings > Edit Motion Settings. To go into full don’t-bug-me mode, choose People Only.

📺 The first time I saw a universal remote, I thought, “This changes everything”: Upgrade to a bitchin’ universal remote that controls it all and lets you set up shortcuts, aka macros. Say you make a “Movie Night” macro that turns on the TV, soundbar and streaming box, then switches the TV to the right HDMI output. This brand is regarded as the best out there. Enjoy!

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Personalize your biz emails: Instead of sending a one-size-fits-all marketing blast to your customers, try segmenting your audience to send the right message to the right person. Most email service providers let you set up multiple lists. MailChimp, Constant Contact and all the other big ones do. Smart!