This video tutorial explains how you can get more ‘oomph’ from training slides by repurposing them as SEO-friendly blog-posts.

[ Note – To Watch This Video without interruptions, It’s best to download it first ]

Alternatively, you can watch it here (but it may buffer a bit).

Locking your PC when you step away is a simple way to protect your data and privacy. The Win + L shortcut is the fastest way to secure your computer without closing your programs or files. Here’s how to use it:

– Lock Your PC : Press Win + L to instantly lock your screen.

– Unlock Your PC : When you return, simply enter your password, PIN, or use Windows Hello to unlock your computer and resume your work.

Microsoft 365 is packed with numerous apps designed to save time, boost productivity and help you work smarter. Here’s a closer look at some essential (yet often under-utilised) applications that can make a significant difference in your daily workflow.

Planner 

This app is a task management tool that helps teams create detailed plans, assign tasks, and track progress using visual boards and charts. Planner integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft 365 apps like Teams and Outlook, allowing for efficient task management and collaboration across different platforms.

Whiteboard 

Whiteboard is a digital canvas that allows teams to brainstorm, plan, and create together in real-time, no matter where they are located. Whiteboard supports collaboration with tools for drawing, note-taking, and diagramming, enhancing team creativity and productivity

Bookings

This is a great scheduling tool that simplifies managing appointments with customers and clients. Bookings provides a web-based booking calendar that integrates with Outlook to automatically send confirmations and reminders, helping to reduce no-shows and ensuring smooth appointment scheduling. It’s Microsoft’s answer to the popular ‘Calendly’ software.

Microsoft Loop 

This co-creation tool brings together components like tasks, notes, and data from various Microsoft 365 apps into collaborative workspaces. Loop helps teams stay organised and work together efficiently by consolidating all the necessary elements of a project in one place.

Power Automate 

If you’re looking for an automation tool that helps save time on repetitive tasks like data entry, email notifications, and file management, Power Automate could be for you. It essentially connects your apps and services to create automated workflows. Power Automate supports a wide range of triggers and actions, making it highly customisable for various business needs.

Power Apps 

If you need to build custom apps but have a minimal knowledge of coding, Power Apps may be just what you need. Power Apps enables you to create apps that can interact with data stored in various Microsoft 365 apps like SharePoint, Dynamics 365, and SQL Server, thereby providing a flexible and scalable solution for unique business processes.

Microsoft Viva 

Viva could broadly be described as an ‘employee experience platform’ that brings together communications, knowledge, learning, resources, and insights to support your workforce. Viva aims to improve employee engagement and well-being by integrating with existing Microsoft 365 apps and services.

SharePoint 

Although you may have heard the name SharePoint, if you haven’t tried it, you may not realise how versatile and helpful SharePoint can be. This is a platform for creating websites, sharing documents, and collaborating across teams and departments. SharePoint allows for the creation of custom intranet sites and document libraries, which can help streamline information sharing and document management within an organisation. Using SharePoint can therefore help enhance efficiency, reduce duplication of effort, plus ensure that all team members have access to the most up-to-date information, thereby improving overall productivity and decision-making.

Microsoft Forms 

A tool for creating surveys, quizzes, and polls, Forms collects real-time responses and provides analytics to help you make data-driven decisions, making it easy to gather feedback, conduct research, or assess employee or customer satisfaction.

Yammer 

Although now quite an old app (introduced in 2008 and acquired by Microsoft in June 2012), Yammer still reportedly has tens of millions of monthly active users worldwide. This enterprise social networking service facilitates communication and collaboration within your organisation. Yammer enables employees to create groups, share updates, and engage in discussions, fostering a more connected and informed workplace.

Sway 

This digital storytelling app enables you to create interactive reports, presentations, and newsletters. One big advantage of Sway is that it offers easy-to-use templates and design tools that help users create visually appealing content without the need for advanced design skills, making it ideal for sharing information in an engaging way.

Stream 

Introduced to Microsoft 365 back in 2017, Stream is a video service for businesses to securely upload, share, and manage videos. Stream integrates with other Microsoft 365 apps, enabling features like automatic transcription, video search, and embedding videos in Teams and SharePoint, thereby enhancing the way teams can use video for communication and training.

To Do 

As the name suggests, this task-management app allows you to plan your day and keep track of your to-do lists. To Do integrates with Outlook tasks, thereby enabling you to manage all your tasks in one place (which is very convenient) and set reminders and due dates to stay on top of their responsibilities.

Clarity 

This is a web analytics app that provides insights into user behaviour on your website. For example, Clarity offers heatmaps, session recordings, and other analytical tools to help improve user experience and engagement, thereby making data-driven decisions easier and more effective.

Microsoft Lists 

If you need to track information and stay on top of organising work, Lists does just that. Lists helps you to create, share, and track lists with anyone, using templates to get started quickly and customising views and formats to fit the team’s specific needs. It also integrates with Teams for seamless collaboration.

Clipchamp 

This video editing tool enables you to create and edit professional-looking videos with relative ease. Clipchamp offers a range of templates, effects, and editing tools that make video production accessible even to those without extensive video editing experience.

Intune 

Intune is a cloud-based service focusing on mobile device management (MDM) and mobile application management (MAM). This app can help secure your organisation’s data by managing how devices access and share information, ensuring compliance with security policies.

Microsoft Entra ID 

If you need to protect sensitive information and ensure that only authorised users can access critical data and systems, then Microsoft Entra ID identity and access management service can help. Microsoft Entra ID enhances security by managing user identities and access to resources across your enterprise.

How Do You Find and Access Microsoft 365 Apps? 

Accessing the wide variety of apps available in Microsoft 365 is designed to be simple and convenient. The Microsoft 365 app launcher, a grid icon in the top-left corner of the Microsoft365.com page, is your primary gateway. Clicking this icon reveals a menu of all your available apps. If you don’t see the one you need, clicking “All apps” provides a comprehensive list. The launcher also tracks your most recently used apps for quick access.

Many Microsoft 365 apps can also be installed directly on your desktop or mobile devices, ensuring you can use them offline. For desktop applications, visit the Microsoft 365 downloads page to download apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Mobile users can find these apps in the App Store or Google Play Store, making it easy to access tools like Microsoft Outlook and OneDrive on the go.

Microsoft Teams integrates several Microsoft 365 apps within its interface, enhancing collaboration. By signing into Teams, you can browse and install apps like Planner and Lists from the “Apps” section, allowing seamless use within your team channels and chats.

Also, most Microsoft 365 apps have web versions accessible from any browser, eliminating the need for downloads. Simply go to Microsoft365.com and select the app you need from the homepage or app launcher. These web apps offer functionalities similar to their desktop counterparts, ensuring a smooth experience across devices.

For added efficiency, bookmark the Microsoft 365 login page and frequently used app URLs. Pinning your most-used apps in the launcher also ensures easy access. This way you can maximise productivity with the comprehensive suite of Microsoft 365 apps, whether in the office, at home, or on the go.

What Does This Mean For Your Business? 

The extensive array of apps offered by Microsoft 365 provides many advantages for businesses and individuals. By integrating these apps into daily operations, businesses can significantly enhance their efficiency, productivity, and overall workflow. Applications like Planner and To Do streamline task management and ensure that teams stay on track, while Power Automate eliminates repetitive tasks through automation, allowing employees to focus on more strategic activities.

For businesses, the use of tools such as SharePoint and Microsoft Viva can improve collaboration and information sharing across departments, fostering a more connected and informed workplace. SharePoint’s custom intranet sites and document libraries make it easier to manage and disseminate information, while Viva supports employee engagement and well-being by integrating communications, knowledge, and learning resources.

From a competitive standpoint, Microsoft’s comprehensive suite of productivity apps positions it strongly against competitors and have helped make it the most popular suite of applications for business, boasting some 345 million users worldwide. The seamless integration of these apps within the Microsoft ecosystem provides a unified experience that can be difficult for competitors to match. This integration is further enhanced by Microsoft Teams, which acts as a central hub for communication and collaboration, incorporating apps like Planner, Lists, and Whiteboard directly into its interface.

Since the arrival of AI and its widescale incorporation into many Microsoft 365 apps, this has provided many extra benefits for businesses. AI-driven features in apps like Microsoft Loop and Clarity, for example, provide deeper insights and facilitate smarter decision-making. Clarity’s analytical tools are able to offer potentially valuable insights into user behaviour, allowing businesses to optimise their websites and improve user engagement. AI in Power Automate and other apps also helps create more sophisticated workflows that adapt to the needs of the business, further boosting productivity.

Looking ahead, the integration of AI will continue to evolve, providing even more powerful tools to enhance business operations. Microsoft’s ongoing investment in AI technologies, thanks to very close relationship with OpenAI, should mean that its apps will remain at the forefront of innovation, thereby helping businesses to stay competitive and efficient in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

Following in from last week, here are 10 more top iPhone tips / tricks you may not know about that could make your life easier and help you to be more productive:

1. Use QuickPath for Faster Typing

When you’re in a hurry and need to type out messages or emails with one hand, the QuickPath feature can be a real time-saver. Instead of tapping each key individually, simply swipe your finger across the keyboard to form words. This intuitive method allows you to glide from one letter to the next without lifting your finger, speeding up your typing and making it easier to compose messages on the go.

2. Capture Entire Web Pages with Full-Page Screenshots

Sometimes, you need to save more than just what’s visible on your screen. Whether you’re documenting a long article or capturing detailed web content, the full-page screenshot feature in Safari is invaluable. After taking a regular screenshot, tap the preview thumbnail, then select “Full Page” at the top of the screen. This will capture the entire length of the webpage, allowing you to scroll through and save it as a PDF. You can even crop the content to focus on specific sections before saving or sharing it.

3. Record Your Screen Without Background Noise

When creating a screen recording for a presentation or tutorial, you might not want to capture background noise or your voice. You can easily disable the microphone during a screen recording session by accessing the Control Centre, long-pressing the Screen Recording button, and toggling the microphone off. This feature is particularly useful for creating clean, professional recordings that you can voiceover later if needed.

4. Ensure Your Apps Are Always Up-to-Date

Keeping your apps up-to-date is essential for maintaining security and accessing new features. While your iPhone can automatically update apps, you can also manually force updates to ensure you’re running the latest versions. Open the App Store, tap your profile picture, and swipe down to refresh the update list. If updates are available, tap “Update All” to bring all your apps up to date. This proactive approach helps you avoid bugs and ensures optimal performance.

5. Make Calls with Your iPad Using Wi-Fi Calling

If your iPhone is out of reach or charging, you can still make and receive calls using your iPad. By enabling Wi-Fi Calling on your iPhone, this feature extends to other Apple devices signed into the same iCloud account. This allows your iPad to use your iPhone’s connection to the internet for calls, making it a versatile tool when you’re multitasking or working across multiple devices.

6. Switch to Your Preferred Default Apps

If you prefer using third-party apps like Chrome for browsing or Gmail for email, you can set them as your iPhone’s default apps. This means that links and email addresses will automatically open in your preferred apps instead of Safari or Mail. To change your default apps, go to Settings, find the app you want to set as default (e.g., Chrome or Gmail), and choose “Default Browser App” or “Default Mail App.” This simple adjustment aligns your iPhone with your workflow preferences.

7. Back Tap for Quick Access to Functions

The Back Tap feature on your iPhone lets you assign quick actions to a double or triple tap on the back of your device. This can be a real time-saver for functions you use frequently, such as taking a screenshot, activating Siri, or locking the screen. To set it up, go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap, and choose the actions you want to trigger with each tap pattern. This feature adds a new layer of convenience to your daily iPhone usage.

8. Free Up Space by Offloading Unused Apps

If your iPhone’s storage is getting tight, consider enabling the “Offload Unused Apps” feature. This automatically removes apps you haven’t used in a while, freeing up valuable space while preserving your data. The next time you reinstall the app, all your data will be intact. To activate this feature, go to Settings > App Store, and toggle on Offload Unused Apps. This is especially useful for heavy apps like games that take up a lot of space but aren’t used daily.

9. Teach Siri to Pronounce Names Correctly

If Siri mispronounces names or struggles to recognise certain contacts, you can teach her the correct pronunciation. Simply say, “Hey Siri, learn how to pronounce [name],” and Siri will guide you through the process of correcting her pronunciation. This feature ensures that voice commands and dictations are more accurate, making your interactions with Siri more effective and frustration-free.

10. Retrieve Forgotten Wi-Fi Passwords

If you’ve connected to a Wi-Fi network in the past but can’t remember the password, your iPhone can help. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the info icon next to the network name, and then tap to reveal the password. This is especially handy when you need to connect another device to the same network or share the password with a colleague. No more guessing or searching through old notes for passwords!

These 10 top tips should help you make the most of your iPhone, boost your productivity, and streamline your daily tasks this summer, and beyond.

Summer is the perfect time to refresh your Android skills and boost your productivity, whether you’re in the office or on the go. In this article, we’ve gathered together 10 top tips to help you make the most of your Android device during the sunny season, keeping you efficient, secure, and focused.

1. Use Voice Commands with Google Assistant 

Boost your productivity by using Google Assistant’s voice commands to perform tasks hands-free, whether you’re driving, multitasking, or simply looking for a quicker way to get things done.

Activate Google Assistant by saying “Hey Google” or by pressing and holding the home button. If you haven’t set up Google Assistant yet, you’ll be prompted to do so by following the on-screen instructions. Once activated, you can use voice commands for various tasks. For example, say “Hey Google, send a text to Pete saying I’m running late,” or “Hey Google, set a timer for 5 minutes.” You can also ask it to search the web, navigate to a location, or even control smart home devices. To make sure Google Assistant is always ready, you can enable “Hey Google” detection in the Assistant settings under “Voice Match.”

2. Encrypt Your Data 

Protecting sensitive business data is crucial, especially if your device is lost or stolen. Encrypting your data can therefore ensure that even if someone gains physical access to your device, they won’t be able to read your files without the decryption key.

To check if your device is already encrypted, go to “Settings,” tap on “Security,” and look for an option like “Encrypt phone” or “Encryption & credentials.” If your device isn’t encrypted, select “Encrypt phone” (or “Encrypt tablet”) and follow the on-screen instructions. Ensure your device is fully charged or connected to power, as the encryption process can take an hour or more. Once completed, your data will be protected, and you’ll need your PIN, pattern, or password to decrypt it each time you turn on your device.

3. Backup Regularly 

Regular backups are essential to prevent data loss in case of a device failure, loss, or accidental deletion.

To back up your Android device, go to “Settings,” select “System,” and then tap on “Backup.” Ensure that “Back up to Google Drive” is turned on. Here, you can see which data is being backed up, including app data, call history, contacts, device settings, and SMS text messages. To customise what gets backed up, tap on “Account” to select the Google account where backups should be stored, then tap on the various categories to enable or disable specific backups. You can also manually back up your data by tapping “Back up now.”

 4. Clean Up With Smart Manager 

Keeping your device running smoothly and efficiently is vital, especially when dealing with large amounts of data or numerous apps. Smart Manager helps you optimise your device’s performance by clearing unnecessary files and managing resources.

Open the “Smart Manager” or “Device care” app from your settings. If your device doesn’t have this app, you can find similar options under “Settings” > “Storage” or “Battery.” In the app, you’ll see options to clean up storage, optimise RAM, and manage your battery life. Tap on each section to view recommendations for cleanup or optimisation. For example, under “Storage,” you can delete unnecessary files, clear cache, and uninstall unused apps. Under “Battery,” you can check battery usage by app and enable power-saving modes.

5. Reduce Battery Drain 

Battery life is a common concern, especially for business users who rely on their devices throughout the day. Reducing battery drain ensures your device lasts longer between charges.

Go to “Settings,” tap on “Battery,” then select “Battery Saver” or “Power saving mode.” You can enable this feature to automatically turn on when your battery reaches a certain level, or activate it manually whenever needed. Also, you can optimise your battery usage by making a few changes such as adjusting screen brightness, turning off location services, and limiting background data for specific apps. In the “Battery” settings, you can also see which apps are consuming the most power and take action, such as disabling or uninstalling power-hungry apps.

6. Plan Events and Tasks Using Calendar 

Staying organised is key to managing a busy schedule and using your Android’s Calendar app can help you keep track of meetings, deadlines, and personal tasks.

Open the “Calendar” app that comes pre-installed on most Android devices. Tap the “+” button or “Create” to add a new event. Fill in the details like the event title, time, date, location, and any guests you’d like to invite. Set a reminder by choosing how far in advance you’d like to be notified. You can also create recurring events by tapping on “Does not repeat” and selecting the frequency. To sync your calendar with your work or personal accounts, go to “Settings” within the Calendar app, select “Manage accounts,” and add any additional accounts you want to sync.

7. Chatting Using ‘Google Meet’ 

Effective communication is essential in business, and alt hough you may have tried Zoom or WhatsApp, you may not know that Google Meet is a really reliable platform for video conferencing and collaboration.

First, however, you’ll need to download and open the “Google Meet” app, sign in with your Google account, and tap “New meeting” to start a session. You can schedule a meeting in advance using the “Schedule in Google Calendar” option, or start an instant meeting. To invite others, tap on “Share invite” and send the meeting link through email, chat, or any other communication app. When joining a meeting, you can control your microphone and camera, and share your screen to present documents or slides. Make sure to test your audio and video settings before starting a meeting to ensure everything runs smoothly.

8. Smart Lock To Stay Secure

Wherever you are this summer, constantly unlocking your device can be tedious, especially in a secure environment. Smart Lock allows your device to stay unlocked in trusted locations or when connected to certain devices.

Go to “Settings,” select “Security,” then “Smart Lock.” You’ll need to enter your PIN, pattern or password to access Smart Lock settings. Once inside, you can choose from different options like “On-body detection,” which keeps your device unlocked while you’re carrying it, “Trusted Places” that unlock your device when you’re at a specified location (e.g. home or office), and “Trusted devices” that keep your phone unlocked when connected to a specific Bluetooth device like your car or smartwatch. Set up the options that best suit your needs to reduce the hassle of repeatedly unlocking your device.

9. Use Focus Mode to Minimise Distractions 

In a busy work environment, staying focused is crucial. With this in mind, Android’s Focus Mode can help you minimise distractions by pausing apps that might interrupt your workflow, allowing you to concentrate on the tasks at hand.

To enable Focus Mode, go to “Settings,” select “Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls,” then tap on “Focus Mode.” You’ll see a list of apps that you can pause. Select the apps that tend to distract you the most. Once you’ve selected the apps, you can turn on Focus Mode immediately or schedule it for certain times of the day. When Focus Mode is active, the selected apps will be greyed out and won’t send notifications, helping you maintain your focus. You can also set up “Take a break” intervals if you need a quick break from Focus Mode.

10. Need To Multi-Task? Use Multi-Window 

Multitasking can be a challenge but it’s often necessary in business, and the Multi-Window feature lets you run two apps side by side, making it easier to juggle tasks like referencing documents while emailing.

To use Android’s Multi-Window feature, start by opening the first app you want to use. Then, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold to open the recent apps menu (on some devices, this might be a button press). Tap the app’s icon at the top of its preview and select “Open in split-screen view.” You’ll then be prompted to choose a second app from the list of recently opened apps or your app drawer. Once selected, both apps will display simultaneously on your screen, with a divider that you can drag to resize the windows as needed. This feature is ideal for comparing data, responding to messages while referencing documents, or watching a video while taking notes.

Making Life That Bit Easier This Summer …. 

These Android tips are designed to enhance your efficiency and make your business life a little easier. By incorporating these tricks into your daily routine, you’ll be well on your way to mastering your Android device. Stay tuned for next week where we’ll have 10 more top summer Android tips for you.

A team of 20 team global scientists have published research findings showing that “twisted single-walled carbon nanotube ropes” can store three times more energy per unit mass than advanced lithium-ion batteries.

The Search For New Energy Sources 

The research team, which includes members from the University of Maryland- Baltimore County (UMBC) and its Centre for Advanced Sensor Technology (CAST) set out to look at new energy sources to help meet the net-zero objective needed by the next-generation. As the researchers noted: “Energy acquisition in itself is not enough, and an environmentally compatible approach for efficient energy storage during times of high demand is presently the top-ranking priority for humankind.” 

Twisted Carbon Nanotubes 

The researchers discovered that a twisted rope composed of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) “possesses the remarkable ability to reversibly store nanomechanical energy”. In fact, these ropes (wrapped in thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers) were found to be able to store over 10,000 times more energy than steel springs and three times more energy than the best lithium-ion batteries.

Also, unlike chemical and electrochemical energy carriers, the nanomechanical energy stored in a SWCNT rope was found to be very safe, even in harsh conditions, with the energy not depleting over time and remaining accessible in a wide temperature range (from −60 to +100°C).

In addition to being able to store vast amounts of energy, SWCNTs are 100 times stronger and five times stiffer than steel at a fraction of its weight, with unparalleled mechanical toughness. They are also easy to manufacture!

Applications 

With the SWCNT rope samples investigated in the research being “miniscule”, the researchers have suggested their current use could be for microscale energy storage in hydro and wind power and in small devices. However, advances in SWCNT spinning could make them suitable for other applications, but further research would be required, e.g. to make ropes with greater energy storage.

That said, with their high energy storage capacity, safety, and stability across a wide temperature range, it’s possible that SWCNTs could be used in future to power things such as medical devices and implants safely within the human body. They could also conceivably be used to enhance wearable electronics, support sensors in harsh environments, and perhaps be used in advanced space technologies. It’s understood that one of the first uses of the twisted carbon nanotubes is as an energy source for a prototype sensor that the CAST team is developing.

Exciting Discovery 

Although energy has been stored in mechanical coil springs to power devices such as watches and toys for many years, the SWCNTs developed by the researchers have dramatically increased the amount of energy that can be stored in a tiny, coiled structure.

For this reason, Sanjeev Kumar Ujjain, from CAST, a lead researcher on the work, said: “This research shows twisted carbon nanotubes have great potential for mechanical energy storage, and we are excited to share the news with the world.” 

What Does This Mean For Your Business? 

The breakthrough in twisted single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) ropes presents a transformative opportunity for businesses across various sectors. The ability of SWCNT ropes to store three times more energy per unit mass than advanced lithium-ion batteries and 10,000 times more than steel springs signifies a substantial leap in energy storage technology. This innovation offers a pathway to more efficient and sustainable energy solutions, aligning with global net-zero objectives.

For companies involved in renewable energy, SWCNT ropes could revolutionise microscale energy storage, particularly in hydro and wind power applications. Their high energy-density and stability across a wide temperature range ensure consistent performance and safety, even in harsh environments. This makes them a reliable option for remote or extreme condition deployments, enhancing the resilience and efficiency of renewable energy systems.

In the healthcare sector, the application of SWCNT ropes in powering medical devices and implants opens up new possibilities. Their compact size and high energy capacity make them ideal for long-lasting, safe energy storage in medical technologies, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing the need for frequent interventions.

The electronics industry can also benefit from the integration of SWCNT ropes into wearable devices. Their lightweight and flexible nature, coupled with significant energy storage capabilities, can lead to the development of more advanced, longer-lasting wearable technology, enhancing user experience and device functionality.

Also, the aerospace and defence industries could leverage the unparalleled mechanical toughness and energy density of SWCNT ropes for powering sensors and other critical components in space and military technologies. The ability to maintain performance across a broad temperature range further suggests their suitability for such demanding applications.

The discovery of twisted carbon nanotube ropes, therefore, represents a significant advancement in energy storage technology, offering numerous applications across various industries. Businesses that invest in this technology early on could gain a competitive edge by developing innovative, energy-efficient products and solutions that meet the growing demand for sustainable and reliable energy sources.