One Cool Tip Newsletter

July 11, 2025

Your daily dose of tech-savvy brilliance!

😀Hello Rodger, Happy Friday, Cool Tipper!


Get ready to streamline your digital life with simple, actionable tips delivered straight to your inbox.


Today's Cool Tip Theme: Ztype Typing Fun


IN THIS ISSUE


  • 🚨 Amazon Prime Scam Alert.
  • 🧠 Grok 4 Debuts.
  • 🚀 Make It a Great Friday!
  • 🖼️ Cool AI Prompt of the Day.
  • 🚀 Typing Meets Arcade Shooting.
  • ♟️ Play Chess Online.
  • 🎮 Master Typing with Keyboard Jump.
  • 👾 Relive Asteroids.


New here? Subscribe to the One Cool Tip Newsletter for daily updates. It's FREE!


  • 😂 Laugh with Us! Enjoy our Tech Joke of the Day, Haiku and Cool Tip Comics.



  • 🌐 Stay Informed! Check out ICYMI, and our One Cool Tip Video.


🔔 Is your email provider (Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook...) not delivering the newsletter? 


Check the Junk folder - Move the newsletter to your Inbox. And reply to this email with a “Hey, Rodger” or “I got it.” That tells your mail service you want this newsletter!


Today's Tech Trivia


Which of the following classic typing programs available on early computers was widely credited with helping a generation learn to type?


A) Typing of the Dead

B) KeyBlaze

C) Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing

D) TypeRacer


Answer at the end of this newsletter.

3️⃣

If you enjoy the One Cool Tip newsletter, please forward this newsletter to THREE friends or colleagues or share it on social media using the links below.


Share this One Cool Tip Newsletter!

X Share This Email
LinkedIn Share This Email
Pinterest Share This Email


🔥Hot Topics 🔥

🚨Amazon Prime Scam Emails Are on the Rise🚨


Amazon is warning customers about a surge in fake emails claiming your Prime membership will renew at a higher price. These messages often include personal details and a “cancel subscription” button that leads to a phishing site designed to steal your login and banking info.


🔒 Protect Yourself:


  • Don’t click links in suspicious emails—go directly to Amazon.com or use the mobile app.
  • Verify your membership by selecting “Prime” in your account settings.
  • Check the Message Center under “Your Account” for legitimate communications.
  • Enable two-step verification at amazon.com/2SV.
  • Report scams to amazon.com/reportascam.


Stay alert. If it feels off, it probably is.


And in Other News...


  • Grok 4 Debuts as Elon Musk’s “Smartest AI” Yet


Elon Musk has unveiled Grok 4, the latest version of his AI chatbot from xAI, claiming it’s “smarter than almost all graduate students” and capable of perfect SAT scores.


Available via X and soon in Tesla vehicles, Grok 4 introduces advanced reasoning, coding, and real-time search features.


But the launch follows controversy—just one day earlier, Grok 3 posted antisemitic content, prompting xAI to tighten content moderation and retrain the model.


🧠 Why It Matters: Grok 4’s release highlights both the rapid evolution of AI and the ethical challenges of deploying powerful language models in public platforms.


  • 🚀 Make It a Great Friday!


Try this AI prompt!


Copy/Paste this AI-powered prompt. Use with your favorite AI assistant: GeminiCopilotGrok, DuckAI, Meta and ChatGPT.


Help me complete a lingering task I’ve been avoiding.


Here’s what it is: [describe your task or project].


I need a simple step-by-step plan to finish it today in under 2 hours, with built-in motivation, breaks, and a quick win at the end.


  • Try THIS!


🖼️ Cool ChatGPT AI Prompt of the Day:


“I spilled coffee during a Zoom call, my dog barked at the Amazon driver, and I finished a big report.”


Turn it into: ‘The Adventures of Coffee Carl and Barky the Hero’ with fun cartoon images and a moral at the end.



Today's Cool Tip

Typing Meets Arcade Shooting


What if mastering your keyboard came packaged as an adrenaline-fueled arcade game?


Imagine zapping alien ships by typing their names. 


Here's a Cool Tip: ZType. 


It sneaks in repetitive typing drills under the guise of a shooter, no boredom, just blast after blast of productivity.


What You'll Gain


• Sharpened typing speed and accuracy.

• Engaging, focus-boosting practice.

• Fun break routine that doubles as skill training.


Feature Explanation


ZType is a browser-based typing shooter: words appear on approaching enemies, and you eliminate them by typing the text precisely. 


As you progress, difficulty ramps up.  


Words get longer, more enemies swarm, and your reflexes are tested. 


Why It Matters


It turns repetitive typing drills into something you want to do. 


That sticky, game-like hook keeps users engaged far longer than mundane typing tests.


Step‑by‑Step Instructions


Here's how to do it.


Microsoft Web/Desktop


  1. Navigate to zty.pe in any modern browser.
  2. Click “New Game”.
  3. As words scroll in, type each letter accurately to fire and destroy the word's ship.  Don’t worry about shifting gear, it’s all right there.
  4. Watch your Score increase after each round.


iOS / Android


  1. ZType is browser-based and plays fine in mobile Safari/Chrome.
  2. Open your mobile browser → go to zty.pe.
  3. Tap to start, adjust difficulty if possible.
  4. Type on your on-screen keyboard—results feel smoother with an external one.


There is also downloadable game in the Apple App Store.  


Unfortunately, there’s no Android app available at this time.


Pros and Cons


Pros


  • Addictive training: Unlike online typing tests, ZType feels like play, so it’s easier to stick with.
  • No install required: Web-based means desktop or mobile access anywhere.
  • Measurable progress: Track your WPM and accuracy after each session.


Cons


  • Not lesson-based: Lacks formal instruction—no drills on home row or posture tips.
  • Repetitive vocabulary: Arcade focus may overemphasize certain words.
  • Not enterprise-ready: No reporting/dashboard for team-wide tracking.


Configuration Guide


ZType doesn’t require complex setup. 


Optionally, adjust difficulty and enable stats display. 


No registration needed. 


It works out of the box in any modern browser, with minimal settings, just difficulty level and visual style.


Feature Access


Who can use it: Anyone with a web browser—desktop or mobile.


Limitations: No offline option, and no native mobile app yet.


Platform scope: Fully public, free to all, no sign-in or permissions.


Score

Criterion Score (0–10) Rationale
Value 7
Helps build typing speed in engaging way, but lacks structured curriculum.
Usability 9
Instant play, zero install, clear mechanics—work any skill level.
Wow Factor 8
Typing to shoot arcade-style? It grabs attention and puts a smile on your face.
Total: 24 👍 Good — Worth adopting for most users.
ZType delivers a fun yet productive typing workout.
It’s not a full-fledged tutoring system, but it’s one of the most enjoyable “quick wins” you can add to your workflow today.


Key Takeaways


ZType transforms dull typing drills into an arcade-like challenge that sticks. 


It’s accessible, free, and effective, especially for boosting speed with a smile. 


If you want to sharpen your typing practice without yawning, it’s a solid pick.


Try It Yourself


Try ZType today—see how fast you can type and how satisfying it is to shoot words down. 


Comment with your high score, subscribe to stay on top of productivity tips, and share this with colleagues or students.


READ MORE



Read the Full Cool Tip


Cool Products

Help support One Cool Tip. Use this Amazon link when you shop online.


Look at these Cool Products: LAST PRIME DAY!


  •  Logitech MX Master 3S Mouse Precision scrolling and customizable buttons, perfect for Excel power users. Save 21% $94.99 Check it out on Amazon!


  •  Anker USB-C Hub Expand your laptop’s ports for multitasking with spreadsheets and accessories. Save 24% $18.99 Check it out on Amazon!




Cool Thoughts

🆒Tell Me More


  • ZType is free and works directly in any modern web browser with no downloads or logins.


  • Unlike typing tests, ZType turns typing practice into a reactive, arcade-style game.


  • Gameplay adapts dynamically to your performance, pushing your speed and reflexes.


  • It's a great warm-up tool before writing sessions or meetings.


  • Teachers can use it for classroom brain breaks that build skills without feeling like work.


⏩Quick Tips


  • 💻 Use a mechanical keyboard for better tactile feedback. - Use a mechanical or responsive keyboard to reduce finger strain and increase typing speed.


  • 🧠 Practice in short sessions to avoid fatigue. - Keep sessions to 5–10 minutes to boost muscle memory without losing focus.



  • 🔌 Pair with Bluetooth keyboards on tablets. - Using a real keyboard on iPads or Android tablets makes mobile play much more effective.

✅ More Must-Read Tech Tips


👀 How Do I Play Chess Online?


Do you dream of checkmating your opponent in style? 


Here's a Friday Funday, Cool Tip.  Play Chess online against a friend, online or computer!


Chess.com is a massive online platform dedicated to the game of chess, offering a comprehensive experience for players of all skill levels. 


Here's how to do it.


  1. To start, you’ll need to create an account on Chess.com. It’s free and easy to sign up.
  2. Once you’re logged in, you can choose to play against other users or the computer. 
  3. If you’re new to chess, playing against the computer can be a great way to learn and practice.
  4. When playing against the computer, you can set the level from 1 to 10, from easy to grandmaster
  5. This allows you to customize the challenge to match your skill level.
  6. Once you’ve chosen your opponent and set the difficulty level, you’re ready to start the game.
  7. Make your move and watch as your opponent responds.



That's it!


Discover more HERE

🤔 Have You Ever Wondered How to Master Typing?


Have you ever felt like your fingers are stuck in molasses while typing? 


Here's a Cool Tip.  Play the Keyboard Jump Game.


This free, addictive game is not just fun, it's a stealthy way to boost your typing speed and accuracy. 


Here's how to do it.


  1. From a PC, navigate to Typing.com.
  2. Create an account or log in if you already have one.
  3. Select "Games" from the menu.
  4. Find the Keyboard Jump icon.
  5. Or go directly to Keyboard Jump game.
  6. Click "Play."
  7. Choose your level: Start with Beginner if you're new or jump straight into Intermediate or Advanced for a challenge.
  8. Type away! Words will appear on the screen. Type them correctly to propel your character forward and avoid hazards.
  9. Collect coins and power-ups.
  10. Level up and unlock new worlds.



Find more HERE. 

🙋‍♂️ Here's How to Relive Your Childhood with This New Asteroid Clone


Do you remember the classic arcade game Asteroids?D


Here's a Cool Friday Funday Tip:  Check out this Asteroid clone game.


This game plays like the original arcade game.  


With your mouse, click to fire towards the incoming asteroids before one reaches you and ends the game.


Sometimes after being hit, an asteroid will break into multiple smaller targets.


So keep on firing!


Enjoy!


Learn more HERE

❓Did you share this newsletter with three friends yet?



😎 Cool Facts with Numbers


  • 10-15%: On average, touch typists are 10-15% more productive than hunt-and-peck typists in tasks requiring significant text input.


  • ~200 Words Per Minute: While most people type around 40-50 WPM, the fastest recorded typing speed is over 200 words per minute, demonstrating the incredible potential for speed with practice.


  • 90%: It's estimated that roughly 90% of a computer user's time is spent typing, highlighting the critical importance of efficient keyboarding skills.



⌨️Today's Cool Keyboard Shortcuts


Cool Keyboard shortcuts:


  • Ctrl + Backspace (Windows/macOS in many text editors): Deletes the entire previous word. Handy for quick corrections in Ztype if you realize you made a mistake at the beginning of a word.


  • F5 (Web Browsers): Refreshes the page. If Ztype glitches or you want to restart a fresh game quickly, this is your go-to.


  • Esc (Ztype Specific): Pauses the Ztype game. Great for a quick break without losing your progress in a session.


✍️Today's Haiku


Fingers fly like stars,

Aliens fall as words flow,

Typing turns to game.


🔎 Do you have a Cool Tip or tech question? Email us at onecooltip.com@gmail.com.



😜 Tech Joke of the Day 😅


What’s a typist’s favorite arcade game?


Spacebar Invaders.


Cool Tip Pulse

🤔 What's your biggest motivator for improving your typing speed?


Fuel Your Adventure

Try Big Mike's Jerky!

bigmikesjerky.com


Did You See These Cool Tips This Week?

Stop Inbox Clutter with Gmail’s New “Manage Subscriptions” Feature

Take control of newsletters and promotions with Gmail’s new subscription dashboard, view senders, unsubscribe in one click, and keep your inbox clean.

Markdown Comes to Notepad

Microsoft has quietly added Markdown support to Windows 11’s Notepad app and it’s much more than a cosmetic upgrade. This deceptively simple addition brings formatting tools, live previews, and enhanced functionality for writers, developers, and everyday users.


Find Your Adventure

Looking for your next adventure?


Call Denise at Travel For You.

314.660.3039


Sign Up for the Monthly Newsletter - Deals and Specials


http://www.travelforyouvacations.com/


https://www.facebook.com/TRAVEL.FOR.U/


ICYMI - In Case You Missed It ...

Win + C is Back: Open Copilot Instantly in Windows 11

Microsoft revives a classic shortcut—Win + C now launches Copilot in Windows 11, thanks to the latest update. Here’s how it works and why it matters.


One Cool Tip Video

How to Play the Google Snake Game



Do you remember playing the classic Snake game on your Nokia phone? 


Do you want to play a new version on your PC or smart phone?


Watch


Cool Tip Comics

Homework may be losing the battle, but Words Per Minute(WPM) is winning the war.


See You Tomorrow

Trivia Answer: C) Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing


"Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing" debuted in 1987 and quickly became the gold standard for educational typing software.


Developed by The Software Toolworks, it featured a fictional typing instructor named Mavis Beacon (portrayed by model Renee L'Esperance), helping users improve speed and accuracy.


The program blended drills with progress tracking long before gamification became mainstream.


----------


Tomorrow's Cool Tip is waiting to amaze you.


Until then, go forth and conquer the tech world with your newfound knowledge!


Be sure to visit www.OneCoolTip.com for Cool Tech Tips for a Cooler Life!


And if you Like One Cool Tip, please support with TipJar!


Enjoy!




Rodger

Chief Cool Tipper

onecooltip.com@gmail.com


What Do You Think?

What do you think of today's OneCoolTip newsletter?

Please Share the One Cool Tip Newsletter!


You asked for it. You got it. There is now a One Cool Tip Newsletter archive. Did you delete a newsletter and want to read it again? Check it out HERE.


Want to help One Cool Tip grow? Please forward this email using the link above. And if you see an OCT social media post, please LIKE, COMMENT and SHARE!


Have you subscribed to the One Cool Tip YouTube channel? Subscribe HERE.

X Share This Email
LinkedIn Share This Email

Connect with One Cool Tip!!

Facebook  X  Instagram  Web  Pinterest  YouTube  LinkedIn

As an Amazon Associate, One Cool Tip may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.


Our media content is intended solely for informational purposes only. Please do not construe anything here as legal, tax, investment, financial, marital or other advice.


Copyright © 2025 | www.OneCoolTip.com | All Rights Reserved