Tech Advisory

Technology Advice for Small Businesses

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Recent Posts

7 Simple IT ways to boost digital efficiency

Editor December 3, 2025

When the workday fills up with meetings, emails, and repeated tasks, staying efficient and maintaining output levels can be difficult. But with the right mix of digital tools and intentional strategy, it’s possible to reclaim hours from the chaos. Here are several smart ways to use IT solutions to make your workdays more productive and less stressful.

Streamline routine work with automation

Workflow automation eliminates repetitive tasks. Instead of manually sending follow-up emails, updating spreadsheets, or moving files from one folder to another, automation software such as Zapier or Microsoft Power Automate can handle these jobs in the background. It works by connecting the apps and services you already use and triggers actions based on your rules.

For example, you can set up a workflow that automatically routes customer support requests to the appropriate team member, saving you time and effort. You can also create a workflow that adds new leads from your website directly into your customer relationship management (CRM) system, making it easier to manage and track potential clients. Over time, even shaving a few minutes off each process can add up to significant time savings.

Enable cloud-based collaboration

Cloud-based platforms such as Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace centralize communication, streamline workflows, and eliminate version-control issues that slow teams down. With real-time editing, automatic saving, and built-in commenting features, collaboration becomes seamless across team members, departments, and time zones.

These platforms also integrate directly with project management tools and communication apps, allowing users to create tasks, assign deadlines, and share updates without switching between systems. Admins can onboard new team members instantly, while shared access to documents, calendars, and resources keeps everyone in sync.

Use generative AI for repetitive writing

Writing the same types of emails or documents day after day? Generative AI assistants such as Microsoft Copilot can draft responses, create templates, or rephrase communications. These tools help you move faster while keeping your messaging consistent.

Set meeting agendas inside collaboration tools

Meetings are more productive when everyone knows why they’re there. Modern collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams and Google Meet) allow users to embed agendas into the invite. Doing this adds structure and clear expectations for the meeting, leading to more efficient use of time.

Control email clutter with smart filters

A messy inbox can distract even the most focused worker. Email filters and management systems automatically sort messages based on importance. You can also set up custom rules to archive receipts, flag messages from key contacts, or send newsletters to a reading folder. With less noise in your inbox, it’s easier to prioritize real work.

Master your calendar and block time intentionally

One of the simplest yet most effective changes you can make is to start blocking out your calendar. Instead of only using it for meetings, schedule time for deep focus, email review, short breaks, and even administrative tasks. A product manager, for instance, might block 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. daily for uninterrupted planning work, followed by 30-minute task blocks in the afternoon. By being intentional with your time, you can ensure that important tasks are not overlooked and that you have dedicated time for focused work.

Make progress fun by gamifying milestones

Motivating teams doesn’t have to rely solely on deadlines. By gamifying key milestones (e.g., reaching project goals or completing tasks ahead of schedule), you can create a sense of momentum and engagement. Tools like Trello and Asana support this with badges, leaderboards, and celebration animations that highlight progress. When accomplishments feel visible and meaningful, teams are more likely to stay motivated and continue delivering strong results.

There’s no shortage of tools out there to help you work more efficiently. The key is knowing how to apply them in ways that fit your goals and daily routines. If you want to fine-tune your workflows or explore tailored tech strategies for your business, reach out to us. We’re here to help you get more done with less effort.

Work smarter: Tech-driven strategies to get more done every day

Editor December 3, 2025

These days, work moves fast and the pressure to keep up can be intense. But staying productive doesn’t have to mean doing everything manually. With the right tech tools in place, you can manage your workload more efficiently, automate routine tasks, and keep your day from spiraling out of control.

Streamline routine work with automation

Workflow automation eliminates repetitive tasks. Instead of manually sending follow-up emails, updating spreadsheets, or moving files from one folder to another, automation software such as Zapier or Microsoft Power Automate can handle these jobs in the background. It works by connecting the apps and services you already use and triggers actions based on your rules.

For example, you can set up a workflow that automatically routes customer support requests to the appropriate team member, saving you time and effort. You can also create a workflow that adds new leads from your website directly into your customer relationship management (CRM) system, making it easier to manage and track potential clients. Over time, even shaving a few minutes off each process can add up to significant time savings.

Enable cloud-based collaboration

Cloud-based platforms such as Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace centralize communication, streamline workflows, and eliminate version-control issues that slow teams down. With real-time editing, automatic saving, and built-in commenting features, collaboration becomes seamless across team members, departments, and time zones.

These platforms also integrate directly with project management tools and communication apps, allowing users to create tasks, assign deadlines, and share updates without switching between systems. Admins can onboard new team members instantly, while shared access to documents, calendars, and resources keeps everyone in sync.

Use generative AI for repetitive writing

Writing the same types of emails or documents day after day? Generative AI assistants such as Microsoft Copilot can draft responses, create templates, or rephrase communications. These tools help you move faster while keeping your messaging consistent.

Set meeting agendas inside collaboration tools

Meetings are more productive when everyone knows why they’re there. Modern collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams and Google Meet) allow users to embed agendas into the invite. Doing this adds structure and clear expectations for the meeting, leading to more efficient use of time.

Control email clutter with smart filters

A messy inbox can distract even the most focused worker. Email filters and management systems automatically sort messages based on importance. You can also set up custom rules to archive receipts, flag messages from key contacts, or send newsletters to a reading folder. With less noise in your inbox, it’s easier to prioritize real work.

Master your calendar and block time intentionally

One of the simplest yet most effective changes you can make is to start blocking out your calendar. Instead of only using it for meetings, schedule time for deep focus, email review, short breaks, and even administrative tasks. A product manager, for instance, might block 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. daily for uninterrupted planning work, followed by 30-minute task blocks in the afternoon. By being intentional with your time, you can ensure that important tasks are not overlooked and that you have dedicated time for focused work.

Make progress fun by gamifying milestones

Motivating teams doesn’t have to rely solely on deadlines. By gamifying key milestones (e.g., reaching project goals or completing tasks ahead of schedule), you can create a sense of momentum and engagement. Tools like Trello and Asana support this with badges, leaderboards, and celebration animations that highlight progress. When accomplishments feel visible and meaningful, teams are more likely to stay motivated and continue delivering strong results.

There’s no shortage of tools out there to help you work more efficiently. The key is knowing how to apply them in ways that fit your goals and daily routines. If you want to fine-tune your workflows or explore tailored tech strategies for your business, reach out to us. We’re here to help you get more done with less effort.

Feeling swamped? Regain control with these digital efficiency tips

Editor December 3, 2025

If your workday constantly feels like a scramble, you’re not alone. The good news? There are practical tech strategies you can use right now to reclaim your time, reduce stress, and get more done without burning out.

Streamline routine work with automation

Workflow automation eliminates repetitive tasks. Instead of manually sending follow-up emails, updating spreadsheets, or moving files from one folder to another, automation software such as Zapier or Microsoft Power Automate can handle these jobs in the background. It works by connecting the apps and services you already use and triggers actions based on your rules.

For example, you can set up a workflow that automatically routes customer support requests to the appropriate team member, saving you time and effort. You can also create a workflow that adds new leads from your website directly into your customer relationship management (CRM) system, making it easier to manage and track potential clients. Over time, even shaving a few minutes off each process can add up to significant time savings.

Enable cloud-based collaboration

Cloud-based platforms such as Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace centralize communication, streamline workflows, and eliminate version-control issues that slow teams down. With real-time editing, automatic saving, and built-in commenting features, collaboration becomes seamless across team members, departments, and time zones.

These platforms also integrate directly with project management tools and communication apps, allowing users to create tasks, assign deadlines, and share updates without switching between systems. Admins can onboard new team members instantly, while shared access to documents, calendars, and resources keeps everyone in sync.

Use generative AI for repetitive writing

Writing the same types of emails or documents day after day? Generative AI assistants such as Microsoft Copilot can draft responses, create templates, or rephrase communications. These tools help you move faster while keeping your messaging consistent.

Set meeting agendas inside collaboration tools

Meetings are more productive when everyone knows why they’re there. Modern collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams and Google Meet) allow users to embed agendas into the invite. Doing this adds structure and clear expectations for the meeting, leading to more efficient use of time.

Control email clutter with smart filters

A messy inbox can distract even the most focused worker. Email filters and management systems automatically sort messages based on importance. You can also set up custom rules to archive receipts, flag messages from key contacts, or send newsletters to a reading folder. With less noise in your inbox, it’s easier to prioritize real work.

Master your calendar and block time intentionally

One of the simplest yet most effective changes you can make is to start blocking out your calendar. Instead of only using it for meetings, schedule time for deep focus, email review, short breaks, and even administrative tasks. A product manager, for instance, might block 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. daily for uninterrupted planning work, followed by 30-minute task blocks in the afternoon. By being intentional with your time, you can ensure that important tasks are not overlooked and that you have dedicated time for focused work.

Make progress fun by gamifying milestones

Motivating teams doesn’t have to rely solely on deadlines. By gamifying key milestones (e.g., reaching project goals or completing tasks ahead of schedule), you can create a sense of momentum and engagement. Tools like Trello and Asana support this with badges, leaderboards, and celebration animations that highlight progress. When accomplishments feel visible and meaningful, teams are more likely to stay motivated and continue delivering strong results.

There’s no shortage of tools out there to help you work more efficiently. The key is knowing how to apply them in ways that fit your goals and daily routines. If you want to fine-tune your workflows or explore tailored tech strategies for your business, reach out to us. We’re here to help you get more done with less effort.

Holiday retail cybersecurity: How to stay one step ahead of hackers

Editor December 1, 2025

The holiday season brings a surge of shoppers and increased sales, making it one of the most lucrative times of the year for retailers. At the same time, this spike in activity also draws the attention of hackers looking to exploit busy stores and distracted staff. From digital heists to scams targeting both staff and customers, cyber risks surge when retailers are at their busiest and most distracted.

Here’s how store owners and retail managers can prepare for and fend off the most common holiday cyberthreats.

Preventing ransomware disruptions

Ransomware attacks can freeze a retailer’s operations in their tracks. Cybercriminals may hijack systems by encrypting essential files and then demand a ransom to unlock them. At peak transaction times, this can be devastating.

What to do:

  • Keep your software updated to patch potential security gaps.

  • Back up important data regularly and keep a copy disconnected from your systems so hackers can’t reach them.

  • Teach employees how to recognize phishing attempts and to avoid clicking unfamiliar links or opening unexpected email attachments.

Spotting and stopping phishing attempts

Phishing is when someone pretends to represent a trusted company or individual to trick people into giving away passwords, credit card numbers, or other sensitive info. These scams commonly arrive via email or text message and can trick both customers and employees.

What to do:

  • Set up spam filters to stop suspicious emails from reaching inboxes.

  • Activate multifactor authentication for employee accounts to prevent access with just a stolen password.

  • Show staff how to spot phishing attempts, especially those with urgent language or spelling mistakes, which are common signs of a scam.

Securing checkout systems

In physical stores, criminals may attach devices to payment terminals to steal card details. In some cases, they install hidden software through USB ports or unsecured wireless connections to intercept payment information during processing.

What to do:

  • Use checkout systems with encryption to protect payment data during transfer.

  • Keep payment systems up to date and apply patches as soon as the developer releases them.

  • If possible, install surveillance cameras to monitor checkout areas and deter criminal activity.

  • Train staff to spot signs of tampering, such as loose card readers or unfamiliar attachments on payment terminals.

Managing bots that disrupt online sales

Bots are automated programs that hackers use to flood your website, snatch products before real customers can, or slow down your site during peak hours.

What to do:

  • Limit purchases of high-demand items to prevent bots from clearing out your inventory.

  • Add Google reCAPTCHA to login, checkout, and account pages to block simple bots without disrupting the customer experience.

  • Monitor website traffic for unusual patterns, such as repeated visits from the same IP address or rapid clicks.

  • For more sophisticated bot attacks, use advanced protection tools like Cloudflare. These services analyze visitor behavior to detect and block non-human traffic that simpler defenses might miss.

Reducing risks from inside your business

Some cyberthreats come from within, whether it’s a temporary employee misusing access or someone making an honest mistake. These risks often rise during the holidays due to an increase in seasonal hires, meaning more people with access to your systems and data.

What to do:

  • Conduct basic background screenings before bringing on seasonal workers.

  • Restrict employee access to the specific tools and data required for their responsibilities.

  • Recommend creating strong, memorable passphrases — at least 15 characters — by combining unrelated words or phrases.

  • Offer essential cybersecurity training to all staff, with special attention to onboarding new and temporary team members. Remind staff to follow essential practices such as locking their devices when unattended and never sharing their passwords.

Effective cybersecurity doesn’t need to strain your budget or feel complicated. Small retailers can protect themselves, their employees, and their customers by combining smart habits, simple tools, and a little preparation.

Not sure which solution fits your business best? Contact us, and we’ll help you build a security plan that aligns with your store’s setup, budget, and seasonal demands.

Protecting your store from holiday cyberthreats

Editor December 1, 2025

The festive season is a critical time for retailers, but it’s also prime hunting season for cybercriminals. With more transactions and digital activity than ever distracting employees, the risk of scams, breaches, and online attacks skyrockets, threatening both businesses and customers.

Here’s how store owners and retail managers can prepare for and fend off the most common holiday cyberthreats.

Preventing ransomware disruptions

Ransomware attacks can freeze a retailer’s operations in their tracks. Cybercriminals may hijack systems by encrypting essential files and then demand a ransom to unlock them. At peak transaction times, this can be devastating.

What to do:

  • Keep your software updated to patch potential security gaps.

  • Back up important data regularly and keep a copy disconnected from your systems so hackers can’t reach them.

  • Teach employees how to recognize phishing attempts and to avoid clicking unfamiliar links or opening unexpected email attachments.

Spotting and stopping phishing attempts

Phishing is when someone pretends to represent a trusted company or individual to trick people into giving away passwords, credit card numbers, or other sensitive info. These scams commonly arrive via email or text message and can trick both customers and employees.

What to do:

  • Set up spam filters to stop suspicious emails from reaching inboxes.

  • Activate multifactor authentication for employee accounts to prevent access with just a stolen password.

  • Show staff how to spot phishing attempts, especially those with urgent language or spelling mistakes, which are common signs of a scam.

Securing checkout systems

In physical stores, criminals may attach devices to payment terminals to steal card details. In some cases, they install hidden software through USB ports or unsecured wireless connections to intercept payment information during processing.

What to do:

  • Use checkout systems with encryption to protect payment data during transfer.

  • Keep payment systems up to date and apply patches as soon as the developer releases them.

  • If possible, install surveillance cameras to monitor checkout areas and deter criminal activity.

  • Train staff to spot signs of tampering, such as loose card readers or unfamiliar attachments on payment terminals.

Managing bots that disrupt online sales

Bots are automated programs that hackers use to flood your website, snatch products before real customers can, or slow down your site during peak hours.

What to do:

  • Limit purchases of high-demand items to prevent bots from clearing out your inventory.

  • Add Google reCAPTCHA to login, checkout, and account pages to block simple bots without disrupting the customer experience.

  • Monitor website traffic for unusual patterns, such as repeated visits from the same IP address or rapid clicks.

  • For more sophisticated bot attacks, use advanced protection tools like Cloudflare. These services analyze visitor behavior to detect and block non-human traffic that simpler defenses might miss.

Reducing risks from inside your business

Some cyberthreats come from within, whether it’s a temporary employee misusing access or someone making an honest mistake. These risks often rise during the holidays due to an increase in seasonal hires, meaning more people with access to your systems and data.

What to do:

  • Conduct basic background screenings before bringing on seasonal workers.

  • Restrict employee access to the specific tools and data required for their responsibilities.

  • Recommend creating strong, memorable passphrases — at least 15 characters — by combining unrelated words or phrases.

  • Offer essential cybersecurity training to all staff, with special attention to onboarding new and temporary team members. Remind staff to follow essential practices such as locking their devices when unattended and never sharing their passwords.

Effective cybersecurity doesn’t need to strain your budget or feel complicated. Small retailers can protect themselves, their employees, and their customers by combining smart habits, simple tools, and a little preparation.

Not sure which solution fits your business best? Contact us, and we’ll help you build a security plan that aligns with your store’s setup, budget, and seasonal demands.

Don’t let cyberthreats ruin your holidays: A guide for retailers

Editor December 1, 2025

For retailers, the holidays mean bustling stores and record-breaking sales. Unfortunately, it also means increased cyberthreats. Hackers and scammers ramp up their activity during the busiest time of the year, preying on distracted staff and eager shoppers.

Here’s how store owners and retail managers can prepare for and fend off the most common holiday cyberthreats.

Preventing ransomware disruptions

Ransomware attacks can freeze a retailer’s operations in their tracks. Cybercriminals may hijack systems by encrypting essential files and then demand a ransom to unlock them. At peak transaction times, this can be devastating.

What to do:

  • Keep your software updated to patch potential security gaps.

  • Back up important data regularly and keep a copy disconnected from your systems so hackers can’t reach them.

  • Teach employees how to recognize phishing attempts and to avoid clicking unfamiliar links or opening unexpected email attachments.

Spotting and stopping phishing attempts

Phishing is when someone pretends to represent a trusted company or individual to trick people into giving away passwords, credit card numbers, or other sensitive info. These scams commonly arrive via email or text message and can trick both customers and employees.

What to do:

  • Set up spam filters to stop suspicious emails from reaching inboxes.

  • Activate multifactor authentication for employee accounts to prevent access with just a stolen password.

  • Show staff how to spot phishing attempts, especially those with urgent language or spelling mistakes, which are common signs of a scam.

Securing checkout systems

In physical stores, criminals may attach devices to payment terminals to steal card details. In some cases, they install hidden software through USB ports or unsecured wireless connections to intercept payment information during processing.

What to do:

  • Use checkout systems with encryption to protect payment data during transfer.

  • Keep payment systems up to date and apply patches as soon as the developer releases them.

  • If possible, install surveillance cameras to monitor checkout areas and deter criminal activity.

  • Train staff to spot signs of tampering, such as loose card readers or unfamiliar attachments on payment terminals.

Managing bots that disrupt online sales

Bots are automated programs that hackers use to flood your website, snatch products before real customers can, or slow down your site during peak hours.

What to do:

  • Limit purchases of high-demand items to prevent bots from clearing out your inventory.

  • Add Google reCAPTCHA to login, checkout, and account pages to block simple bots without disrupting the customer experience.

  • Monitor website traffic for unusual patterns, such as repeated visits from the same IP address or rapid clicks.

  • For more sophisticated bot attacks, use advanced protection tools like Cloudflare. These services analyze visitor behavior to detect and block non-human traffic that simpler defenses might miss.

Reducing risks from inside your business

Some cyberthreats come from within, whether it’s a temporary employee misusing access or someone making an honest mistake. These risks often rise during the holidays due to an increase in seasonal hires, meaning more people with access to your systems and data.

What to do:

  • Conduct basic background screenings before bringing on seasonal workers.

  • Restrict employee access to the specific tools and data required for their responsibilities.

  • Recommend creating strong, memorable passphrases — at least 15 characters — by combining unrelated words or phrases.

  • Offer essential cybersecurity training to all staff, with special attention to onboarding new and temporary team members. Remind staff to follow essential practices such as locking their devices when unattended and never sharing their passwords.

Effective cybersecurity doesn’t need to strain your budget or feel complicated. Small retailers can protect themselves, their employees, and their customers by combining smart habits, simple tools, and a little preparation.

Not sure which solution fits your business best? Contact us, and we’ll help you build a security plan that aligns with your store’s setup, budget, and seasonal demands.

Level up your Android: 11 Quick Settings upgrades that make life easier

Editor November 28, 2025

If you’re ignoring your Android device’s Quick Settings panel, you might be missing out on a few useful features. With just a few customizations, it can become the most powerful part of your interface. Read on to learn how to create a Quick Settings panel that speeds up certain tasks.
Think of your Android device’s Quick Settings panel as your personal command center. While Google offers the basics, the real power comes from adding tiles that extend your phone’s capabilities. With the right setup, you can launch actions, access information, and reduce screen-hopping with a single tap.

To customize your Quick Settings panel, swipe down twice and tap the pencil icon. Then, add any of these 11 tiles to elevate your phone into a practical, efficient workspace.

Tile 1. Keep the screen awake with Wakey

We’ve all experienced our phone screens dimming for no apparent reason. Constantly tapping the screen breaks your concentration, but changing your display settings for a temporary task is just a hassle.

This is what the app Wakey is for. It adds a simple lightbulb tile to your Quick Settings panel — tap it once, and your screen stays on until you tap it again. It’s the perfect, on-demand way to override your phone’s sleep timer without digging through system menus.

Tile 2. Stay on top of your schedule with CalenTile

Opening your full calendar app just to see what’s coming up next can be an unnecessary hassle.

Luckily, CalenTile offers a smarter way to keep track of your schedule. It displays your upcoming event directly in the Quick Settings panel, eliminating the need for extra steps. It also offers scrolling text for long titles, and tapping it opens a customized panel where you can add or edit events ?

Tile 3. Add tasks instantly with your to-do app

Productivity systems often fail when there’s too much friction involved in capturing an idea. If you have to unlock your phone, find your to-do app, and hit a plus button, you lose valuable time — and potentially the idea itself.

Thankfully, both Todoist and Microsoft To Do offer dedicated Quick Settings tiles. Add one to your active tray, and with a single tap, you can instantly open a New Task input field, ready to capture your thoughts on the spot.

Tile 4. Check the weather easily with Chronus

Chronus lets you access lets you access real-time weather updates without ever leaving your current screen. Known for its sleek home screen widgets, Chronus also features a powerful Quick Settings tile that puts real-time temperature and weather updates right at your fingertips. Simply swipe down to see the current conditions displayed directly on the tile’s icon.

Tile 5. Perform quick calculations with Google Calculator

Whether you’re splitting a bill, measuring dimensions, or budgeting on the fly, you never know when you need to do a quick calculation.

The native Google Calculator has you covered. Many users don’t realize that if the app is installed, a hidden Quick Settings tile sits in the “inactive” portion of your editor menu. Simply drag it to the active area, and you’ll have instant access to a calculator, no matter what screen you’re on.

Tile 6. Open your storage instantly with Google Files

Navigating to the Downloads folder is notoriously tedious on mobile devices. The good news is that Google’s file manager includes a dormant Storage tile. Activating this provides a shortcut to your internal storage, making it easier to clean up space or locate a downloaded PDF in seconds.

Tile 7. Record audio immediately with Recorder

For Google Pixel users, the Recorder app’s ability to transcribe audio is an impressive feature. But capturing a spontaneous moment requires speed.

Buried in the editing menu of Pixel phones is a shortcut to Google’s Recorder app. Adding it to your Quick Settings tray turns your phone into an instant dictaphone, allowing you to start recording a meeting, lecture, or sudden burst of inspiration without delay.

Tile 8. Improve readability with Reading Mode

Browsing the web can often be frustrating, with ads, pop-ups, and messy typography detracting from the reading experience. You can cut through the clutter with the Google-developed tool, Reading Mode. With a simple tap on the Quick Settings tile while viewing an article, Reading Mode transforms the page into a clean, high-contrast format for effortless readability. It also features text-to-speech functionality, turning any article into an audio format so you can listen and multitask with ease.

Tile 9. Instantly identify songs with Song Search

Ever hear a song in the background but miss the chance to identify it before it ends? The new Song Search title in the Google App solves this problem effortlessly. All you need to do is tap it to instantly activate the “What’s this song?” recognition feature.

Tile 10. Turn your phone into a Google TV remote

The TV Remote tile, available through the Google TV app, transforms your phone into a convenient trackpad and keyboard for your television. You can use this feature to navigate menus and type passwords, whether you’re using Android TV or Chromecast hardware.

Tile 11. Build custom tools with Tile Shortcuts

Not every app offers a native tile, but with Tile Shortcuts, you don’t have to settle. This versatile “Swiss Army knife” app allows you to design your own custom tiles. Use it to launch specific websites, open apps, or enable settings not typically found in your shortcuts menu.

Streamlining your Android device is just the first step toward digital efficiency. If you are looking to bring this level of productivity to your business infrastructure or need personalized guidance on managing your organization’s mobile technology, we are here to help.

Contact our IT experts today to get useful tips on making the most out of your devices.

11 Android Quick Settings shortcuts that save time

Editor November 28, 2025

The average Android user swipes down their notification shade dozens of times a day, often just to toggle Wi-Fi or adjust brightness. However, treating this space as a simple switchboard is a missed opportunity. In this article, you’ll discover the most practical hidden shortcuts you can add to your Quick Settings panel for faster access to everyday tools.
Think of your Android device’s Quick Settings panel as your personal command center. While Google offers the basics, the real power comes from adding tiles that extend your phone’s capabilities. With the right setup, you can launch actions, access information, and reduce screen-hopping with a single tap.

To customize your Quick Settings panel, swipe down twice and tap the pencil icon. Then, add any of these 11 tiles to elevate your phone into a practical, efficient workspace.

Tile 1. Keep the screen awake with Wakey

We’ve all experienced our phone screens dimming for no apparent reason. Constantly tapping the screen breaks your concentration, but changing your display settings for a temporary task is just a hassle.

This is what the app Wakey is for. It adds a simple lightbulb tile to your Quick Settings panel — tap it once, and your screen stays on until you tap it again. It’s the perfect, on-demand way to override your phone’s sleep timer without digging through system menus.

Tile 2. Stay on top of your schedule with CalenTile

Opening your full calendar app just to see what’s coming up next can be an unnecessary hassle.

Luckily, CalenTile offers a smarter way to keep track of your schedule. It displays your upcoming event directly in the Quick Settings panel, eliminating the need for extra steps. It also offers scrolling text for long titles, and tapping it opens a customized panel where you can add or edit events ?

Tile 3. Add tasks instantly with your to-do app

Productivity systems often fail when there’s too much friction involved in capturing an idea. If you have to unlock your phone, find your to-do app, and hit a plus button, you lose valuable time — and potentially the idea itself.

Thankfully, both Todoist and Microsoft To Do offer dedicated Quick Settings tiles. Add one to your active tray, and with a single tap, you can instantly open a New Task input field, ready to capture your thoughts on the spot.

Tile 4. Check the weather easily with Chronus

Chronus lets you access lets you access real-time weather updates without ever leaving your current screen. Known for its sleek home screen widgets, Chronus also features a powerful Quick Settings tile that puts real-time temperature and weather updates right at your fingertips. Simply swipe down to see the current conditions displayed directly on the tile’s icon.

Tile 5. Perform quick calculations with Google Calculator

Whether you’re splitting a bill, measuring dimensions, or budgeting on the fly, you never know when you need to do a quick calculation.

The native Google Calculator has you covered. Many users don’t realize that if the app is installed, a hidden Quick Settings tile sits in the “inactive” portion of your editor menu. Simply drag it to the active area, and you’ll have instant access to a calculator, no matter what screen you’re on.

Tile 6. Open your storage instantly with Google Files

Navigating to the Downloads folder is notoriously tedious on mobile devices. The good news is that Google’s file manager includes a dormant Storage tile. Activating this provides a shortcut to your internal storage, making it easier to clean up space or locate a downloaded PDF in seconds.

Tile 7. Record audio immediately with Recorder

For Google Pixel users, the Recorder app’s ability to transcribe audio is an impressive feature. But capturing a spontaneous moment requires speed.

Buried in the editing menu of Pixel phones is a shortcut to Google’s Recorder app. Adding it to your Quick Settings tray turns your phone into an instant dictaphone, allowing you to start recording a meeting, lecture, or sudden burst of inspiration without delay.

Tile 8. Improve readability with Reading Mode

Browsing the web can often be frustrating, with ads, pop-ups, and messy typography detracting from the reading experience. You can cut through the clutter with the Google-developed tool, Reading Mode. With a simple tap on the Quick Settings tile while viewing an article, Reading Mode transforms the page into a clean, high-contrast format for effortless readability. It also features text-to-speech functionality, turning any article into an audio format so you can listen and multitask with ease.

Tile 9. Instantly identify songs with Song Search

Ever hear a song in the background but miss the chance to identify it before it ends? The new Song Search title in the Google App solves this problem effortlessly. All you need to do is tap it to instantly activate the “What’s this song?” recognition feature.

Tile 10. Turn your phone into a Google TV remote

The TV Remote tile, available through the Google TV app, transforms your phone into a convenient trackpad and keyboard for your television. You can use this feature to navigate menus and type passwords, whether you’re using Android TV or Chromecast hardware.

Tile 11. Build custom tools with Tile Shortcuts

Not every app offers a native tile, but with Tile Shortcuts, you don’t have to settle. This versatile “Swiss Army knife” app allows you to design your own custom tiles. Use it to launch specific websites, open apps, or enable settings not typically found in your shortcuts menu.

Streamlining your Android device is just the first step toward digital efficiency. If you are looking to bring this level of productivity to your business infrastructure or need personalized guidance on managing your organization’s mobile technology, we are here to help.

Contact our IT experts today to get useful tips on making the most out of your devices.

Quick Settings tweaks on Android to boost productivity

Editor November 28, 2025

Your Android phone holds a layer of productivity that’s only a swipe away. Unlock the potential of the Quick Settings panel with these 11 essential tiles designed to help streamline tasks and reduce screen clutter.
Think of your Android device’s Quick Settings panel as your personal command center. While Google offers the basics, the real power comes from adding tiles that extend your phone’s capabilities. With the right setup, you can launch actions, access information, and reduce screen-hopping with a single tap.

To customize your Quick Settings panel, swipe down twice and tap the pencil icon. Then, add any of these 11 tiles to elevate your phone into a practical, efficient workspace.

Tile 1. Keep the screen awake with Wakey

We’ve all experienced our phone screens dimming for no apparent reason. Constantly tapping the screen breaks your concentration, but changing your display settings for a temporary task is just a hassle.

This is what the app Wakey is for. It adds a simple lightbulb tile to your Quick Settings panel — tap it once, and your screen stays on until you tap it again. It’s the perfect, on-demand way to override your phone’s sleep timer without digging through system menus.

Tile 2. Stay on top of your schedule with CalenTile

Opening your full calendar app just to see what’s coming up next can be an unnecessary hassle.

Luckily, CalenTile offers a smarter way to keep track of your schedule. It displays your upcoming event directly in the Quick Settings panel, eliminating the need for extra steps. It also offers scrolling text for long titles, and tapping it opens a customized panel where you can add or edit events ?

Tile 3. Add tasks instantly with your to-do app

Productivity systems often fail when there’s too much friction involved in capturing an idea. If you have to unlock your phone, find your to-do app, and hit a plus button, you lose valuable time — and potentially the idea itself.

Thankfully, both Todoist and Microsoft To Do offer dedicated Quick Settings tiles. Add one to your active tray, and with a single tap, you can instantly open a New Task input field, ready to capture your thoughts on the spot.

Tile 4. Check the weather easily with Chronus

Chronus lets you access lets you access real-time weather updates without ever leaving your current screen. Known for its sleek home screen widgets, Chronus also features a powerful Quick Settings tile that puts real-time temperature and weather updates right at your fingertips. Simply swipe down to see the current conditions displayed directly on the tile’s icon.

Tile 5. Perform quick calculations with Google Calculator

Whether you’re splitting a bill, measuring dimensions, or budgeting on the fly, you never know when you need to do a quick calculation.

The native Google Calculator has you covered. Many users don’t realize that if the app is installed, a hidden Quick Settings tile sits in the “inactive” portion of your editor menu. Simply drag it to the active area, and you’ll have instant access to a calculator, no matter what screen you’re on.

Tile 6. Open your storage instantly with Google Files

Navigating to the Downloads folder is notoriously tedious on mobile devices. The good news is that Google’s file manager includes a dormant Storage tile. Activating this provides a shortcut to your internal storage, making it easier to clean up space or locate a downloaded PDF in seconds.

Tile 7. Record audio immediately with Recorder

For Google Pixel users, the Recorder app’s ability to transcribe audio is an impressive feature. But capturing a spontaneous moment requires speed.

Buried in the editing menu of Pixel phones is a shortcut to Google’s Recorder app. Adding it to your Quick Settings tray turns your phone into an instant dictaphone, allowing you to start recording a meeting, lecture, or sudden burst of inspiration without delay.

Tile 8. Improve readability with Reading Mode

Browsing the web can often be frustrating, with ads, pop-ups, and messy typography detracting from the reading experience. You can cut through the clutter with the Google-developed tool, Reading Mode. With a simple tap on the Quick Settings tile while viewing an article, Reading Mode transforms the page into a clean, high-contrast format for effortless readability. It also features text-to-speech functionality, turning any article into an audio format so you can listen and multitask with ease.

Tile 9. Instantly identify songs with Song Search

Ever hear a song in the background but miss the chance to identify it before it ends? The new Song Search title in the Google App solves this problem effortlessly. All you need to do is tap it to instantly activate the “What’s this song?” recognition feature.

Tile 10. Turn your phone into a Google TV remote

The TV Remote tile, available through the Google TV app, transforms your phone into a convenient trackpad and keyboard for your television. You can use this feature to navigate menus and type passwords, whether you’re using Android TV or Chromecast hardware.

Tile 11. Build custom tools with Tile Shortcuts

Not every app offers a native tile, but with Tile Shortcuts, you don’t have to settle. This versatile “Swiss Army knife” app allows you to design your own custom tiles. Use it to launch specific websites, open apps, or enable settings not typically found in your shortcuts menu.

Streamlining your Android device is just the first step toward digital efficiency. If you are looking to bring this level of productivity to your business infrastructure or need personalized guidance on managing your organization’s mobile technology, we are here to help.

Contact our IT experts today to get useful tips on making the most out of your devices.

Mac growth surges as Windows 10 reaches end of support

Editor November 27, 2025

The end of Windows 10 support has triggered one of the largest hardware refresh cycles in years, and businesses are using this moment to rethink their technology choices. With AI-ready performance and long-term value becoming top priorities, Macs are gaining ground and transforming how organizations plan their future fleets.

Strong numbers highlight a defining transition

Many major analyst firms point to the same trend: Mac shipments are outpacing the rest of the PC industry. While the broader market is growing steadily as millions replace outdated systems, Mac sales are expanding at an even faster rate. That difference matters when hundreds of millions of devices worldwide are due for upgrades.

Analysts attribute this surge not only to the retirement of Windows 10 but also to the fact that a large portion of aging PCs cannot run Windows 11. As a result, businesses reevaluating their long-term hardware strategies are more open to considering macOS, especially when their existing systems need to be replaced anyway.

Of course, not every new Mac purchase represents a direct switch from Windows. Some buyers are upgrading older Macs; others may be purchasing a computer for the first time. Still, the momentum is unmistakable. The Mac is experiencing renewed traction, strengthening its position in both consumer and enterprise markets.

The AI era accelerates the device refresh cycle

The transition from Windows 10 isn’t the only force shaping the market. The industry shift toward on-device artificial intelligence has created a second major incentive for users to replace outdated machines. Many older PCs lack the hardware necessary to support advanced local AI processing, making them unsuitable for companies building AI-centric workflows or adopting edge-based computing strategies.

Modern Macs, equipped with Apple Silicon, already deliver the type of on-device performance needed to handle emerging AI workloads. Their architecture provides strong processing power, impressive power efficiency, and robust built-in security — qualities that align with the needs of organizations preparing for an AI-driven future.

As concerns around data sovereignty grow, the demand for AI models running securely on local hardware is growing. Solutions built on Mac systems are already being used to deliver private, edge-based AI without the need for external servers. This trend is expected to gain momentum as businesses look for ways to stay competitive while keeping sensitive data out of third-party cloud environments.

Cost is another factor influencing buying decisions. With many cloud-based AI services facing rising operational expenses, subscription models may become more expensive for end users. Investing in hardware capable of long-term, on-device AI processing can help organizations avoid unpredictable cloud billing while maintaining full control over their data.

Apple Silicon drives performance expectations higher

Since its introduction, Apple Silicon has rewritten expectations for laptop and desktop performance. Macs released within the past several years are capable of running advanced AI tasks at the edge, and the newest generation of chips continues that trend. Early performance benchmarks indicate that the latest Apple processors rival or outperform many desktop-class chips from established competitors. As desktop versions of these processors arrive, the gap between Mac performance and traditional PC hardware may widen even further.

This combination of speed, efficiency, and thermal stability has made Apple Silicon-powered Macs strong candidates for organizations prioritizing both performance and long-term sustainability. The result is a growing perception that Macs are no longer niche devices but fully capable productivity and development machines.

More than a trend — a shift in buyer expectations

The surge in Mac adoption is not simply a temporary reaction to an operating system reaching its end of life. It reflects how quickly user expectations are changing in a world shaped by AI, security concerns, and rising operational costs. Businesses are looking for stable, efficient, and future-ready platforms, and many now see the Mac as meeting those requirements more reliably than in years past.

If you’re evaluating your next steps, we’re here to help. Reach out to our team for all your Windows and Mac needs, from choosing the right devices to supporting your entire environment with confidence.

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