“Alexa, who plays [character] in [movie or show]?” That phrase, which you can say to any smart assistant, just solved your next three TV-related fights.
🤏 Easy zoom: If you only have one hand free to use your Android phone, zoom in or out in Google Maps by double-tapping on the map and holding your finger down on the second tap. Then, move your finger up or down.
Not now, Microsoft: If you don’t want a massive Windows update interrupting something you’re doing, pause them temporarily. Go to Settings > Windows update > Pause updates. Just remember to undo this.
Call me by my name: In your iPhone contacts, fill out the Add related name field with nicknames like “Mom” and “Bestie.” Now, you can use those nicknames to call and text those individuals using Siri.
Do this before your next shindig: You can easily find your lost phone if you set this up ahead of time. Hey, why not do it now?
- For iPhone: Go to Settings > [your name] > Find My. Tap Find My iPhone, then turn on Find My iPhone. To see your device even when it’s offline, turn on Find My network.
- On Android: Go to Settings > Security > Find My Device. Or try Security & location or Google > Security. Make sure Find My Device is turned on.
Put it on the tab(s): Windows File Explorer can use tabs, just like your web browser. Click the + (plus) on the toolbar at the top to create a new tab. You can also right-click on folders and pick Open in new tab. Nice.
Bring it back: Don’t panic if you’ve accidentally deleted important photos or videos on your Mac. Open the Photos app and follow the Recently Deleted link in the sidebar. Your “deleted” files stick around for 30 days.
AI is only as good as the prompts you give: Here are three quick ways to make yours better. First, give examples of what you want. Second, if you have an intended audience, say so. A note to your uncle and your boss should look quite different. Third, ask for a step-by-step response. It’s helpful for more complex questions, like, “How do I write a business plan?”
🔖 Easier than bookmarks: Set all your tabs to open when you start your browser. In Chrome, click the three vertical dots, then Settings. Click On startup > Continue where you left off. Steps for Safari, Firefox and Edge here. Power move!
Keys-y does it: To set the brightness level on the keyboard on your MacBook, click the Apple menu > System Settings > Keyboard. You can also have the backlights turn off after a certain time. Perfect if you’re watching a movie in the dark.