Tips to get you tech-ahead in 2025

December 30, 2024

By Kim Komando

Tech should make life easier, not harder. With the right tips and tools, it can do just that. These hacks are designed to make 2025 your most efficient and stress-free year yet. Ready to level up? Let’s dive in!

1. Ctrl + Z (undo) isn’t just for Word docs

Did you accidentally delete an email, close a browser tab or move a file? Ctrl + Z on a PC (Cmd + Z on a Mac) is the universal lifesaver. Use it everywhere, from editing spreadsheets to undoing changes in most apps. It’s a superpower.

2. Screenshots for the win

Forget scrambling for a pen and paper — just take a screenshot! Whether it’s a recipe, directions or an annoying error message, capturing your screen can save time and frustration. On your PC, hold down your Windows key + Shift + S. On a Mac, it’s Cmd + Shift + 4.

3. When you don’t know which tab is playing music

I love the free OneTab browser extension for keeping my browser organized and running smoothly. It takes all your open tabs and turns them into a list, saving your device’s memory and your sanity.

4. Use your voice more

You’ll be surprised by what you can tell your phone to do. For starters, forget fumbling for an app. Just say, “Hey, Siri, open Instagram” or, for Google Assistant, “Open Spotify.” You can also tell your assistant to call someone in your contacts, set a reminder, take a photo, convert milliliters to ounces, turn on the flashlight, flip a coin — the list goes on.

5. Track the kids

Apple AirTags (iOS) or Tile trackers (Android) let you keep tabs on your little ones. Attach a tracker to their backpack, shoelaces or belt loop. Pro tip: At somewhere very public, like a Disney park, give your child’s tracker a unique name, like “Buzz Lightyear.” That way, if someone gets a “Tracker Nearby” alert, your child’s name won’t pop up.

6. Every mail has its day

It’s a game-changer for staying organized. In Apple Mail on your iPhone or iPad, compose your email as usual, then tap and hold Send. You’ll see options like “Send Later,” where you can select a specific date and time for delivery. In Gmail, after drafting your email, click the small arrow next to the Send button and select Schedule Send.

7. Let tech handle the little things

Start by setting up smart home routines: Use commands like “Good night” to turn off lights, lock doors and adjust the thermostat all at once with your smart assistant. Next, download apps like IFTTT (for iOS and Android) or Shortcuts (iOS only) to automate tasks, such as saving photos from text messages to a specific album or turning on your porch lights at sunset.

Bonus: Unlock the potential of AI

Pick your favorite bot (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude or Gemini), then ask it to plan a weeknight dinner menu based on what’s in your fridge, write a speech, draft compelling emails, brainstorm marketing ideas or analyze industry trends. Your chatbot can help you find new workout routines, learn about dietary plans or even understand complex medical research in simple terms. My point: Start using AI in your daily life next year. Googling things is dead.

✅ Knowledge is better when shared! Use the share icons below to spread the know-how with your friends and family, and help them make 2025 their easiest and most productive year yet.

Don’t get left tech-behind – Stay tech-ahead

Award-winning host Kim Komando is your secret weapon for navigating tech.

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