2025 Retrospective

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Preface

AI wrote the following retrospective. NotebookLM wrote it because I have a notebook there that holds all of my newsletters (see the end of this newsletter for a link to that notebook). I don’t usually use AI-generated content because I think it’s important to me that the content is from me and for you to read what I have written, not some language model. So, this is the first time I’ve had an AI contribute content to my newsletter and it will be a rare occurrence. Be assured that if I ever use AI-generated content again, you will see a disclaimer like this as a preface to the content.

Let’s Get Into It — Start of AI-generated Content

Throughout 2025, we have remained dedicated to providing technology understanding for the “non-techie,” focusing on practical tools, the rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and digital safety. We explored a wide range of topics this year, from saving personal memories to navigating the complexities of quantum computing, all while fostering a sense of community through virtual meetups.

The AI Revolution and Prompt Engineering

The landscape of Generative AI saw massive updates throughout 2025. We covered the release of OpenAI’s GPT-5, which expanded its context window to 400,000 tokens — allowing it to remember roughly the length of a long novel during a single conversation. We also analyzed Google’s Gemini 2.5 Pro, which pushed boundaries with a one-million-token context window, and its faster sibling, Gemini 2.5 Flash. Beyond text, we highlighted creative tools like Sora 2 and Veo 3.1 for video generation, and Nano banana for image editing.

Because getting the best results from these models requires skill, we revisited the art of Prompt Engineering in Better Prompts. We shared a framework for crafting "good" prompts: conditioning the AI with a specific role, being precise about desired outcomes, and providing examples. Detailed updates on these tools can be found in our series Updates In AI, Part 1 and Part 2.

Practical AI and Personal Legacy

We moved beyond theory to show how AI assists in everyday tasks. In Shopping with AI, we demonstrated using personalized prompts to find specific products while avoiding the sponsored results that often clutter search engines. We also covered using Perplexity.ai as a default search engine for complex or current queries.

Perhaps most meaningfully, we explored using AI to preserve a legacy. In Tell It Forward and Write Your Stories, we encouraged readers to use voice recorders and AI to weave disjointed life memories into coherent books. We argued that every life is worth telling, from childhood memories to professional milestones.

Digital Organization and Communication

Staying organized in a digital world was a recurring theme. We did a deep dive into Help Me Remember Part 3, focusing on Google's NotebookLM. This tool allows users to create an "Everything Notebook" where AI retrieves specific information from diverse sources like PDFs and audio files without manual categorization.

We also mastered digital communication. In GMail Address Features, we explained how to use subaddressing to filter newsletters and track who sells your data. We reviewed email etiquette in To:, CC:, and BCC:, and taught how to get A Phone Number for Free! using Google Voice to protect your primary number from spam.

Streaming Smarts and Daily Living

As more people abandoned cable, we provided essential advice in Streaming Smarts. We warned about data caps, explaining that 4K resolution can consume up to 10GB of data per hour. To help manage content, we recommended tracking tools like JustWatch and Trakt.TV in Tracking What We Watch.

We also explored global audio in Streaming Radio, Internet Radio, Part 1, and Part 2, highlighting Radio Garden for tuning into stations worldwide. To foster community, we launched Episode 1 of our Zoom-based "radio show" in I'm doing a "radio show". For practical home solutions, we shared tips on Buy Groceries, Online? and managing App Notifications.

Security, Privacy, and Cognitive Health

Digital safety remained a priority. In Quantum Safe?, we introduced quantum-safe encryption and cautioned against the DeepSeek app due to data privacy concerns. We clarified the difference between cookies (for tracking) and cache (for speed) in Cookies and Cash, recommending TOSDR to summarize confusing Terms of Service.

Finally, we looked at how technology intersects with aging in Intelligence. We distinguished between crystallized intelligence and fluid intelligence, recommending tech-based hobbies and puzzles to maintain cognitive sharpness. To combat isolation, we promoted learning platforms in Connect, Learn and Connections.

In summary, 2025 was a year of "tending the digital garden." We helped you pull the weeds of scams and data caps while harvesting the joy of new AI-driven possibilities.

That’s all for this time — End of AI-generated Content

I hope you found this retrospective useful. As I said earlier, this is the only time I’ve used an AI to write any of my content — and I don’t plan to use it again until perhaps the next retrospective. Don't hesitate to write to me if you have questions!

As always, my intent is to help you understand the basics and equip you to search for more detailed information.

Please feel free to email me with questions, comments, suggestions, requests for future columns, to sign up for my newsletter, or whatever at [email protected] or just drop me a quick note and say HI!

And remember that I maintain a NotebookLM notebook of all my previous newsletters at https://go.ttot.link/TonysNotebook. It has access to all of my newsletters. You can ask it questions like “what are passkeys” or “what can I do to help me remember things.” You’ll need a Google account to access it and, when you visit, you’ll be given your own NotebookLM notebook.

If you like, you can read my most recent newsletter in the Hillsboro Times Gazette at https://go.ttot.link/TG-Column - I should have that link updated shortly after this edition of the newsletter appears in the online version of the newspaper.