Easy dashcam/Word Pathfinder/Free Office software
Recomendo - issue #469
Easy dashcam
I wanted a dashcam that was easy to use and install. The Redtiger F7NP is both. The included plastic pry tool let me neatly tuck the power cable under my car's trim. The cigarette lighter adapter has a built-in USB port so you don't lose your phone charging spot, and the 32GB memory card comes included (no separate purchase needed). The 4K front camera delivers crystal-clear video that makes license plates easily readable, even at night. You can view videos via phone or desktop app. (It comes with a rear camera, but I haven’t installed it yet.) — MF
Find the path between two words
Word Pathfinder is a concept explorer that maps the connections between any two words. I’ve been using it to discover associations between seemingly opposite symbols in dreams, though I’m sure there are many other ways to use it. — CD
Free Office software
There is really no reason to pay Microsoft for access to Office (renamed Microsoft 365). You can open, or generate, an Excel spreadsheet, Powerpoint presentation, or Word doc in free Google Drive with okay accuracy (PPT slides can be problematic). If you did need to maintain strict formatting beyond what Google can do, Microsoft now offers a free version of Office/Microsoft 365 on the web. You need a (free) Microsoft account. The web app seems to pretty identical to the standard paid versions of Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. — KK
Free book cover mockups
From my own experience, it’s surprisingly hard to find a good mockup creator that’s truly free. Most sites claim to be free but add watermarks or require you to sign up. I’ve been using this 3D Book Cover Creator for a few years now, and it has always stayed free. If you think you might need one in the future, I’d suggest saving this now to save time later. — CD
AI meeting assistant
I used to frantically scribble notes during video calls until I discovered Granola ($18/month after 25 free meetings). This AI notetaker records meetings across Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet without requiring the user to join as a participant, unlike other meeting bots. It automatically generates transcripts and meeting notes, and creates shareable links that let attendees ask follow-up questions that Granola can answer based on the recorded content. — MF
Prompt theory AI
Prompt Theory is a viral internet meme that has the potential to stay awhile. The theory is that the characters in an AI generated video realize that they are only disposable AI generated characters and have no free will inside their video lives. Multiple videos depict them courageously talking about their suspicion, their “prompt theory,” that they are not real, not even actors. But only crazies believe in this prompt conspiracy. Do I need to say that 100% of this was AI generated with prompts? The truth is all very meta. A few examples on Twitter, or X, where it began, and on YouTube and more YouTube. — KK
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Thank you for the Word Pathfinder. I like the way it visualizes the connections, and I'm looking forward to exploring with it.