Smartphone Search, Settings and AI Tools Class 4.16.2026

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 Smartphone Search, Settings and AI Tools Class 4.16.2026



Class Resources and Schedule

  • Class notes and AI-generated images available at sfct.net
  • Class schedule shows April focus on searching topics
  • Previous week covered family history research

Today's Focus: Searching on Mobile Devices

  • Session focused on searching using smartphones rather than computers, as most people spend more time on their phones
  • Covered Google and AI searching capabilities on mobile devices
  • Explored various apps and settings to improve mobile search experience

Siri Search Capabilities and Settings

Basic Siri Functions

  • Siri can be activated by voice ("Hey Siri") or side button
  • Good for quick facts, weather, conversions, and calculations
  • Can perform tasks like adding calendar events, making calls, and sending texts
  • Answers disappear quickly with no way to extend display time

Key Siri Settings (accessed via Settings > Siri)

  • Language selection available
  • "Talk to Siri" options: voice activation ("Siri" or "Hey Siri") or side button press
  • "Allow Siri When Locked" setting - controls whether Siri responds when phone is locked
  • Voice options - can choose different accents and tones
  • Call hang up feature - enables voice command to end calls
  • Announce calls setting - Siri can announce who's calling
  • Automatic message sending - can bypass confirmation prompt for text messages

Safari Browser Settings and Customization

Navigation Basics

  • Safari address bar functions as both URL entry and search bar
  • Microphone icon enables voice search
  • Can access settings by typing "settings" in search or using Settings app

Important Safari Settings

  • Search engine can be changed from Google to alternatives like Bing, DuckDuckGo, Baidu, Sogou, 360 Search, or Ecosia
  • Default browser setting determines which browser opens links from emails
  • Auto-close tabs feature available - can set tabs to close after one day, one week, or one month to save battery and resources
  • Page zoom default can be adjusted to make content larger automatically

Autofill Management

  • Credit cards can be added, viewed, or removed in Safari settings under Autofill
  • Address information can be updated through "My Info" section
  • Both settings important to maintain current information

Google App vs Google Chrome

Understanding the Difference

  • Google Chrome is a browser similar to Safari with back buttons, tabs, and navigation controls
  • Google app is a dedicated search tool with simpler interface, no visible back buttons
  • Instructor recommends Google app for better search functionality since Safari already provides browser capability

Installing Apps

  • Download from App Store by searching for desired app
  • "Get" button means app not yet downloaded, cloud icon means previously downloaded, "Open" means currently installed
  • Be careful to select correct app by checking logo carefully

Google App Features

Main Search Interface

  • Always opens to clean Google search page, unlike Safari which shows last visited page
  • Includes search bar, microphone for voice search, and camera icon
  • Can link to Google account for personalized settings

AI Overview

  • Google now provides AI-generated overviews for search queries in addition to traditional link results
  • Demonstrated by comparing Sogou, 360 Search, and Ecosia search engines
  • Provides detailed explanations before showing links

Google Lens (Camera Search)

  • Camera icon enables visual search of physical objects
  • Can find patterns, products, or similar items by taking photo
  • Can solve math problems by photographing them and provides step-by-step solutions
  • Useful as learning tool for students to understand problem-solving process
  • Successfully identified meeting room as San Francisco Towers lounge by matching room layout with online images

Additional Features

  • Nano Banana feature (banana icon) creates AI-generated images
  • Sound recognition button for identifying songs

Gemini AI App

Overview

  • Gemini is Google's AI engine, similar to ChatGPT and Claude
  • Available as free download from App Store
  • Provides more detailed, comprehensive answers compared to standard Google searches

When to Use Gemini vs Google

  • Gemini provides thorough comparisons and detailed explanations that Google might not offer
  • Google provides AI overview plus links for further research
  • Gemini acts as research assistant, comparing multiple topics in structured format

Home Screen Customization

Organizing Apps

  • Press and hold any app to enter edit mode (apps start wiggling)
  • Drag apps to reposition on home screen
  • Remove from home screen vs delete app - "remove from home screen" places app in app library

Widgets

  • Add widgets by pressing "Edit" button on empty home screen
  • Google widget provides quick access to search, voice search, camera search, and AI
  • Widgets eliminate extra steps to access frequently used tools

Privacy and Security Considerations

Credit Card Storage Safety

  • Autofill credit card information is secure - requires Face ID to view and only shows last four digits
  • Card information is encrypted when typed during purchases or added to Apple Wallet

Password Saving

  • Password keepers are generally safe as they require authentication to access

Image Search Privacy

  • Google Lens can identify locations by matching room layouts with public marketing photos
  • Photos appear in search because they're publicly posted by marketing on Instagram, Facebook, etc.
  • Private archives not publicly accessible won't appear in image searches

Alternative Search Engines Discussed

  • Sogou, 360 Search, and Ecosia were compared using Gemini AI
  • Sogou and 360 Search are major Chinese search engines with ties to domestic tech companies
  • Ecosia is environmentally focused, European-based search engine

Troubleshooting Tips

  • If Face ID not working during app download, use Apple ID password instead
  • Can add alternate appearance in Face ID settings for better recognition or to allow partner/spouse access
  • If app not responding, swipe up from bottom to see all open apps, then swipe up again to close and restart

Questions for Follow-Up

  • Overriding Face ID issues to be addressed in next week's Q&A session
  • Internet Archive controversy regarding AI access to archived data to be researched

Notes on Wikipedia

  • Wikipedia is user-generated content, vetted by other users
  • Schools typically don't allow Wikipedia as reference source due to lack of professional vetting
  • Acknowledged as useful for biographies and historical events with images and references

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