AI Tools & iPhone Features 2.26.2026

The class website is sfct.net (SanFranciscoComputerTraining.net), which contains notes from all classes in chronological order
The site has been updated with more SEO (Search Engine Optimization) keywords to improve searchability for terms like "computer help for seniors"
AI-generated images are created for each class blog post using Gemini - the most recent image was generated based on class notes and accurately reflected topics covered (like pink dolphins and unicorns from the card-making activity)
AI-generated images sometimes contain typos and errors (like "Penn's map" instead of what was intended), which can be used to identify AI-created content
News organizations like Paris News 24 analyze social media for AI-generated images by looking for telltale signs like blurry text, misspellings, or objects that shift positions in videos

AI assistants like Gemini and ChatGPT function as free personal assistants that can help with a wide range of tasks, from planning parties to creating birthday cards
These tools are always friendly, never complain, and provide helpful responses to any request
AI tools start to learn about users based on conversation history - for example, they can write a bio about you using information from previous chats rather than searching the web

All iPhones can access AI tools by downloading apps from the App Store - Apple Intelligence (built-in AI) requires iPhone 15 or newer, but third-party apps work on any iPhone
To find the App Store: Use the search bar (swipe down from middle of screen) and type "A-P-P"
When searching for apps like Gemini or ChatGPT, use the search function (bottom right in App Store) rather than relying on suggestions
Ad listings appear at the top of search results with a blue background and say "Ad" below the title - these are legitimate but paid placements
For Gemini: Look for the official app by Google; both the ad and the organic listing below it are the same app
For ChatGPT: Verify it says "the official app by OpenAI" and check that the seller is OpenAI (not third-party developers like "AIBY Incorporated")
Google account required to use Gemini app on phone
To download: Tap "Get," authenticate with Face ID/password, wait for the circle to spin, then tap "Open" when download completes

Both Gemini and ChatGPT have microphone features that allow voice conversations - you can speak questions and receive spoken responses
Searches sync across devices when logged into the same account, so requests made on phone will appear in history on computer (accessible at gemini.google.com)
AI compiles information from multiple sources rather than pulling single articles, providing comprehensive answers (example: Giants season outlook analyzes players, manager, and various news sources)
To start a new conversation: Tap the paper and pencil icon in top right corner
ChatGPT offers specialized tools accessible via buttons, including video creation, image generation (Nano Banana 2), deep research, Canvas (for programming), and guided learning

Stick with free versions of ChatGPT and Gemini - many other AI apps have limited free features and require subscriptions
Other AI options available include Microsoft Co-Pilot (uses OpenAI), Grok (Elon Musk's tool), Claude (Anthropic), and DeepSeek (China)
Specialized AI tools exist for specific purposes (photos, music, etc.) with more guided interfaces, but the main engines (ChatGPT, Gemini) offer versatile functionality

Access edit mode by tapping the three horizontal lines icon on a photo (used to say "Edit")
Markup tool: Tap the pen icon at the top to write or draw on photos with different colors; use the undo arrow (top left) to remove marks
Auto crop feature uses AI to automatically identify and crop the subject of the photo
Filters and adjustments available for orientation, cropping, and converting to black and white
Cancel button discards all edits and returns to original photo

Swipe up on any photo to view information panel showing location, date/time, and camera used
Use "Add a caption" feature (appears when swiping up) to type notes about the photo without writing on the image itself
Captions are searchable using the gallery's search tool
Can adjust location, date, and time in the adjust settings

iOS 26 update changed the entire interface, including icon designs (camera now looks like just a lens) and Photos app layout (now has two screens: library and albums)
Previous Photos app interface was changed again because users were unhappy with it
Updates vs. Upgrades: Updates (with a "d") improve security and fix flaws in current system; Upgrades (with a "g") move to an entirely new operating system that may not yet be secure
Avoid upgrading on older devices with poor battery life - new operating systems expect new hardware and can drain battery or slow down older phones
Apple's user guides are available free online at support.apple.com - search for "Apple iOS 26 guide" or "iPhone user guide"
The online guide includes table of contents, search function, and step-by-step instructions with visual aids
Guide covers all features including camera (distinguishing between video with red dot vs. photo with white dot), flash settings, and new iOS 26 features

Red dot = recording video; White dot = taking photo - check before starting to ensure you're in the correct mode
Remember to turn off flash when attending shows to avoid being that person with the flash on during performances

Cleanup feature (iOS 26 with Apple Intelligence only): AI-powered tool that removes unwanted objects from photos by circling them
This feature requires iPhone 15 or newer

Cannot scan a QR code from a photo saved on your own phone - need another device to scan it

SFCT.NET - Technology Help & Repair for Seniors in the SF/Bay Area. PC, Mac, iOS training.