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The View From Koo: Prepare for the AI Age with Your Family

Prepare for the AI age by mastering effective and efficient learning, focusing on learning style, content, curation, and critical thinking.

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TL;DR:

  • Prepare for AI age by improving learning skills.
  • Develop effective, efficient learning through style, content, curation, and critical thinking.
  • Choose right content, medium, and evaluate creators for successful learning.
  • Practice curation and critical thinking to filter valuable information.
  • Master learning skills to adapt and thrive in AI age.

First off, a heartfelt thank you

Yes, thank you to all you readers who made my last article on this website “Does Your Business Really Need an AI Strategist?” a top trending article on this website, and thank you AIinASIA for publishing these articles.

So what are focusing on today?

Off the back of this, a lot of you reached out with different questions and concerns… and so this new article has been written in direct response. Grab yourself a coffee, get comfortable and welcome to the next article in this series of The View from Koo!

How to prepare yourself for the age of AI:

First, some context: a lot of my friends and participants of my courses are young parents. One of the top things on their minds were, what should they have their children to learn. The parents’ concern – and really, the top concern on everyone’s mind – is a worry that AI will eventually take over our jobs and cause seismic shifts in our industries… leading to a need to find another job.

Remember: you’re not going to be able to escape the impact of AI. So how best to prepare for it?

The current trend is while Artificial Intelligence does not take over jobs right now, it will take over certain tasks. As Artificial Intelligence take over more and more tasks, jobs which is a basket of tasks, can be replaced eventually.

It is either that or Artificial Intelligence will change the nature of jobs since it is a tool. You can see it as a dirt digger at a construction yard, from using the shovel to an excavator.

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Artificial Intelligence will either change the nature of your job by increasing your productivity, moving you to higher value-added tasks, or make your job obsolete (think long-haul drivers and supply chain workers).

A Single Key Skill to Have to Unlock Your Future!

If I were to go to ‘First Principles’ I would say the single key skill to pick up and become more resistant to the waves of changes brought about by Artificial Intelligence is embrace the “Learning Skill” – meaning: how to learn effectively and efficiently.

Innovate and pivot

As waves of changes keep coming, we can either be proactive and pick up new skills that we believe will be in high demanded later, or be forced to learn new skills when changes hits hard and potentially embrace retrenchment or our businesses may become bankrupt.

The next 3-5 years will bring uncertaintly and we will all be in a constant state of flux and we will need to continue to learn new skills such as operating new software, technology or latest best-practices.

This translates into the need to keep learning. The spoils will go to those that are proactive, and able to learn effectively (able to apply) and efficiently (understand in a short amount of time).

So Let’s Talk About Learning

As a fellow lifelong learner, trainer and mentor, I see that there are THREE dimensions you need to look at to improve your learning skill. They are: learning style, content, curation and critical thinking.

Learning Style

Learning gets better with practice and having lots of self-awareness. The more you learn, the more practice you get. The more you learn, the better you understand your learning style. Getting to that learning style is important as it makes your learning more productive. But getting to that learning style requires time and experimentation.

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You need to experiment while learning at the same time.

For instance, spending time listening to audiobooks versus reading physical books, learning from an instructor versus self-directed learning, or writing notes versus recording and listening to notes.

Content is everything: Medium and People

For content there are two sub-dimensions to look at: Medium and People.

There are many mediums that we can use to learn from. There are videos, websites, physical books, e-books, podcasts, classrooms, workshops, short-courses, degree programs etc. You can see them as delivery channels of content. Choose the deliver channels that suit your style of learning.

Content is generated by people, think professors and lecturers in your degree or diploma program. To learn better, we need to start questioning the background of the folks who are generating the content. Are they the right people to learn from? As I always say:

If you want to be rich, learn from the rich. If you want to be a professional soccer player, you learn from a professional soccer player.

We need to start questioning the background of the content generators. Do not fall into the influencers in “expert” clothing trap.

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Critical Thinking & Curation To Cut Through the Noise

We are in the information age where information is in abundance. I am sure you have heard of disinformation and misinformation and you do not want to fall victim to it as it hurts your credibility as an individual and in your career.

What can we do with the information avalanche? How can we quickly differentiate the truth from the “fake news” stains?

In a self-directed or from classroom learning, we want to pick up the skills, knowledge and information that is going to be useful. This is where we need to do curation and critical thinking:

Curation will help to quickly reduce the delivery channels we need to pay attention to. Critical thinking will help us to quickly differentiate what we should pick up and learn from.

You can start practicing curation by always looking at and figuring out the content producers are they really experts or the schools that are putting out the courses are they credible in the fields and what is the background of the instructors, and critical thinking comes in to quickly ascertain whether the content shared is it going to be useful for your circumstances.

Critical Thinking and Curation as you practice more of it will make your learning better!

So Where Does This All Lead Us?

We need to start to learn how to learn. Learning skills will help us to stay ahead of the curve, ensuring that we can not only survive but to thrive in the Age of AI.

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However, learning how to learn is not taught in any former education institution and thus it is up to us to pick it up.

To be able to learn effectively and efficiently, we will need to quickly be aware of our learning style, focus on getting good content, the medium and producer, that suit our styles and last but not least, practice, practice and more practice, especially on our Critical Thinking and Curation skills.

Comment and Share:

Do you have any tips on how to learn better? Share your thoughts in the comments below as we hone our learning skills together, and don’t forget to subscribe for updates on AI and AGI developments.

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  • Koo Ping Shung (Guest Contributor)

    Koo Ping Shung has 20 years of experience in Data Science and AI across various industries. He covers the data value chain from collection to implementation of machine learning models. Koo is an instructor, trainer, and advisor for businesses and startups, and a co-founder of DataScience SG, one of the largest tech communities in the region. He was also involved in setting up the Chartered AI Engineer accreditation process. Koo thinks about the future of AI and how humans can prepare for it. He is the founder of Data Science Rex (DSR). View all posts


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10 AI Prompts to Turn Your Pet Photos Into Phone Wallpapers (Plus Freebies!)

Discover 10 amazing prompts for how to create AI-powered phone wallpapers with AI platform, Midjourney. Unleash your inner artist!

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AI pet phone wallpapers

TL;DR

  • Learn how to turn your pet photos into stunning AI-generated wallpapers for your phone.
  • Includes 10 creative AI prompts, from fantasy hero pets to minimalist silhouettes.
  • Tips on using tools like MidJourney or DALL-E, optimising images, and sharing creations.

AI Pet Phone Wallpapers

Whether you’re a proud pet parent or simply adore animals, turning your furry (or feathery) friend into stunning AI-generated art is an exciting way to personalise your phone. With AI tools like MidJourney, DALL-E, or Stable Diffusion, you can create incredible, artistic renditions of your pet that fit your style and aesthetic.

In this article, we’ll share 10 unique AI prompts tailored to transform your pet photos into captivating works of art for your phone. You’ll also find detailed tips for getting started and optimising your wallpapers for the perfect fit.

Handy hint: Like the look of one of these images? Tap and hold on your phone and choose ‘Set as Wallpaper’ (or a similar option)—AIinASIA Editor

Why Create AI Phone Wallpapers of Your Pet?

  • Celebrate Your Pet: Turn your beloved companion into a piece of art you can cherish every time you unlock your phone.
  • Personalisation: Make your phone truly unique with wallpapers that reflect your style and personality.
  • Explore Creativity: Experiment with different artistic styles—be it fantasy, minimalist, or futuristic—and see your pet like never before.

Getting Started with AI-Generated Pet Wallpapers

To create AI art that truly stands out, follow these simple steps:

  1. Choose Your AI Tool: Platforms like MidJourney, DALL-E, or Stable Diffusion are perfect for generating artistic images from prompts. Look for features like image-to-image transformations, which allow you to upload your pet’s photo as a reference.
  2. Pick a High-Quality Photo: AI tools perform better with clear, detailed images. Choose a well-lit photo where your pet’s features—eyes, fur, feathers—are easy to distinguish.
  3. Tailor the Aspect Ratio: Most phones use a 9:16 aspect ratio (e.g., 1080×1920 pixels). Many AI platforms let you specify image dimensions before generating your artwork.
  4. Experiment with Prompts: Use the creative prompts provided below, or modify them to suit your pet’s personality and your artistic preferences.
  5. Finalise and Optimise: After generating the artwork, use tools like Canva or Snapseed to crop, adjust colours, or apply finishing touches.

10 AI Prompts for Stunning Pet Wallpapers

1. Fantasy Realm Hero

Inspiration: Imagine your dog as a knight or your cat as a sorceress—ready to embark on epic adventures!

Prompt: “A majestic portrait of [your pet’s species] wearing intricate fantasy armour, glowing eyes, standing atop a mountain, ethereal lighting, detailed fur texture, high-resolution phone wallpaper.”

pet phone wallpapers

2. Watercolour Painting

Inspiration: A soft, elegant depiction that works beautifully as a lock screen.

Prompt: “A hand-painted watercolour portrait of [your pet’s breed], soft pastel tones, white background, minimalistic style, high-resolution for phone wallpaper.”

pet phone wallpapers

3. Neon Cyberpunk

Inspiration: Perfect for sci-fi fans who love bold, high-energy designs.

Prompt: “A cyberpunk-style portrait of [your pet’s name], glowing neon colours, city skyline background, futuristic armour, vibrant lighting effects, high-resolution wallpaper.”

pet phone wallpapers

4. Royal Portrait

Inspiration: Imagine your pet as king, queen, or duke—complete with a gilded frame.

Prompt: “A regal portrait of [your pet’s species] dressed in Victorian royal attire, soft studio lighting, intricate clothing details, realistic painting, designed for a phone wallpaper.”

pet phone wallpapers

5. Dreamy Galaxy Explorer

Inspiration: Great for cosmic dreamers who want their pet among the stars.

Prompt: “A whimsical depiction of [your pet’s breed] floating in a galaxy, surrounded by planets and stars, dreamy pastel colours, cosmic glow, phone wallpaper resolution.”

pet phone wallpapers

6. Comic Book Superhero

Inspiration: Give your pet a bold, action-packed look with superhero vibes.

Prompt: “A dynamic comic book illustration of [your pet’s species] in superhero attire, bold colours, action pose, halftone effects, phone wallpaper resolution.”

pet phone wallpapers

7. Pop Art Extravaganza

Inspiration: Bright, eye-catching art for fans of modern and retro styles.

Prompt: “A vibrant pop art portrait of [your pet’s species], bold colours, abstract shapes in the background, Andy Warhol-inspired design, phone wallpaper size.”

pet phone wallpapers

8. Winter Wonderland

Inspiration: A seasonal touch for those who love winter themes.

Prompt: “A serene portrait of [your pet’s name] sitting in a snowy forest, soft light, frost-covered trees, realistic fur details, high-resolution phone wallpaper.”

pet phone wallpapers

9. Minimalist Silhouette

Inspiration: Perfect for a sleek, understated home screen.

Prompt: “A minimalist black-and-white silhouette of [your pet’s breed], clean lines, solid colour background, modern art style, high-resolution for phone wallpaper.”

10. Anime-Inspired Portrait

Inspiration: A playful depiction of your pet in a whimsical anime world.

Prompt: “An anime-style illustration of [your pet’s species], big expressive eyes, pastel colours, soft background, whimsical vibe, high-resolution phone wallpaper.”

pet phone wallpapers

Pro Tips for AI Success With AI-Generated Art

  1. Fine-Tune Prompts: Be specific about the colours, textures, and settings to get the best results.
  2. Use Advanced Features: Many AI tools offer style transfer or reference image settings—use them for a more customised look.
  3. Generate Variations: Create multiple versions of the same prompt to explore different artistic outcomes.

Sharing Your Creations

Once you’ve created your masterpiece, share it! Post your custom wallpapers on Instagram, Pinterest, or your favourite social platforms. Tag AIinASIA to inspire fellow pet lovers and show off your AI creations.

Final Thoughts on AI Personalised Wallpapers

AI tools are opening up endless possibilities for creating personalised and unique art. With these prompts, you can transform your pet into a star on your phone screen—whether they’re ruling a fantasy kingdom, exploring space, or posing as a royal icon.

Get started today and let your imagination run wild. Don’t forget to drop a comment or tag us with your favourites—your pet might just become the next AI art sensation!

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Everyday Hacks with Google and Microsoft AI Tools

Learn how AI productivity tools like Gemini and Copilot are transforming everyday workflows—and why a human touch still matters.

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AI productivity tools

TL;DR

  • Google’s Gemini and Microsoft’s Copilot are reshaping productivity with advanced AI features integrated into their suites.
  • Gemini offers features like email summarisation, smart replies, and data analysis through Google Workspace, starting at $20 per user/month.
  • Copilot, integrated into Microsoft 365, helps with document drafting, meeting automation, and data visualisation, starting at $30 per user/month.
  • Both tools are designed to streamline repetitive tasks, improve collaboration, and spark creativity.

Embracing AI Productivity Tools In Your Daily Workflows

If you’ve ever wished for a workday where you can skip the admin grind and focus on the good stuff—creative ideas, strategy, and, dare I say it, an actual lunch break—Google’s Gemini and Microsoft’s Copilot are here to make it happen. These AI productivity tools are redefining how we work, play, and (let’s be honest) survive in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world. Let’s explore how they’re transforming workflows and what’s in it for you.


Gemini: Google’s AI Assistant for Productivity Bliss

Launching in January 2025, Google’s Gemini is set to become the ultimate assistant for users of Google Workspace (yes, that’s what used to be G Suite). With AI weaved into Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and even Meet, Gemini aims to make the everyday less tedious and a whole lot smarter.

Gemini’s Features You’ll Actually Use

  • In Gmail: Writing emails? Gemini can do it for you. Endless threads? Summarised. Replies? Smart and context-aware.
  • In Google Docs: It’s like having a co-writer on speed dial, helping draft, summarise, or even whip up images for your content.
  • In Google Sheets: Need data entered or trends spotted? Gemini has you covered with its enhanced Smart Fill feature.
  • In Google Slides: Presentation nerves? Gemini’s image creation and background removal tools ensure your slides look the part.
  • In Google Meet: From automatic note-taking to real-time translated captions, meetings just got a lot less exhausting.

Subscription Plans

  • Gemini Business: $20 per user/month with basic features and usage limits.
  • Gemini Enterprise: $30 per user/month, giving you premium features and more elbow room to explore Gemini’s capabilities.

Why Gemini Stands Out

As Upcurve Cloud says, Gemini doesn’t just help you “get things done”—it’s about doing them better. Whether it’s cutting through email chaos or polishing your next big presentation, Gemini’s AI helps you reclaim time for what matters. Bonus points for Google’s enterprise-grade security keeping your data safe.

Real-World Example: Gemini as a Productivity Tool

Creospark has many examples of using Copilot, such as Adore Me, a lingerie and sleepwear company, has leveraged Gemini to dramatically reduce the time spent on content creation—reducing over 35 hours of work creating product descriptions to just 30 minutes using Gemini, illustrating Gemini’s powerful capability to automate and accelerate content generation tasks, resulting in substantial time savings for e-commerce businesses.


Microsoft Copilot: The AI Powerhouse for Work Smarts

Not to be outdone, Microsoft has embedded Copilot into its Microsoft 365 ecosystem, turning apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams into supercharged productivity hubs. If you’ve ever dreamt of an assistant who “just gets it”, Copilot is the next best thing.

What Copilot Brings to the Table

  • In Word: Copilot drafts, edits, and summarises like a champ, cutting hours off document creation.
  • In Excel: Data insights? Charts? Done and done. Let Copilot turn rows of numbers into actionable insights.
  • In PowerPoint: Presentations are no longer a slog—Copilot suggests content, designs, and layouts tailored to your needs.
  • In Outlook: It sorts your inbox, drafts replies, and highlights what actually matters.
  • In Teams: Catch-up summaries, action items, and real-time transcription make meetings less painful.

Subscription Options

  • Commercial Plans: $30 per user/month for enterprises and large teams.
  • Personal Plans: A modest $3/month price hike adds Copilot to Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscriptions.

The Copilot Advantage

Copilot doesn’t just automate—it elevates. Imagine crafting a polished report in minutes or summarising a day’s worth of meetings at the click of a button. With its seamless integration across Microsoft 365 apps, Copilot ensures everything is right where you need it, when you need it.

Real-World Example: Copilot as a Productivity Too

Hargreaves Lansdown, a financial services company, has successfully used Copilot to streamline their workflow—financial advisers used Copilot to generate meeting summaries and annual review reports for clients, streamlining their workflow, demonstrating how Copilot can significantly improve efficiency in document creation and client communication in the financial sector.

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The Real Impact of AI Productivity Tools

Both Gemini and Copilot are more than just fancy add-ons; they’re reshaping how work gets done. These AI tools are tackling the biggest pain points in the modern workplace:

  1. Saving Time: Whether summarising emails or automating reports, these tools free up hours in your day.
  2. Enhancing Creativity: With AI handling the grunt work, you can focus on big ideas and polished results.
  3. Improving Collaboration: From shared notes to instant insights, teams work better together.
  4. Boosting Decision-Making: Advanced data analysis gives you the insights you need to act fast.

A Word of Caution: Trust but Verify

AI tools like Gemini and Copilot can supercharge your productivity, but they’re not infallible. While they’re brilliant for handling the grunt work, they’re no replacement for human oversight and judgement.

Why Double-Checking Matters

  1. Accuracy: AI-generated outputs can occasionally misinterpret context or make errors.
  2. Appropriateness: AI doesn’t always understand nuances like brand voice, cultural sensitivity, or workplace-specific policies.
  3. Over-Reliance: Depending solely on AI may reduce your own engagement with the material, leading to missed opportunities or oversights.

Practical Tips for Responsible AI Use

  • Review Outputs Carefully: Always double-check AI-generated summaries, drafts, or data visualisations before sharing or implementing them.
  • Add the Human Touch: Make edits to ensure the content aligns with your goals, tone, and audience.
  • Use AI as a Starting Point: Let the AI handle the groundwork, but refine the output with your expertise.
  • Train AI Over Time: Where possible, provide feedback to improve the tool’s understanding of your preferences.

By staying engaged and bringing a human touch to AI-generated content, you can ensure your work remains accurate, professional, and impactful.


What’s Next? The AI Productivity Revolution

AI tools like Gemini and Copilot are undoubtedly paving the way for smarter, more efficient workplaces. But let’s remember that these tools are here to complement human skills, not replace them. By using AI responsibly—embracing its strengths while applying critical judgement—we can unlock its full potential without sacrificing quality or trust.


Your Turn

How do you strike the balance between relying on AI and adding your personal touch? Do you think we risk becoming too dependent on these tools? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear your perspective!

And don’t forget to subscribe for updates on AI and AGI developments here. Let’s build a community of tech enthusiasts and stay ahead of the curve together!

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ChatGPT’s Thirst for Water

Explore the connection between AI water usage and wildfire management.

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AI water usage

TL;DR:

  • AI data centres consume millions of gallons of water annually for cooling purposes.
  • Reducing ChatGPT usage can help conserve water needed to combat wildfires in cities.
  • Companies are exploring alternative cooling methods and data centre locations to minimise water usage.

In the midst of the blazing wildfires in the greater Los Angeles area, residents are eager to contribute to firefighting efforts in any way possible. While donations and volunteering are top of mind, a surprising call to action has emerged on social media: refrain from using ChatGPT.

Wait! What does ChatGPT have to do with water conservation and wildfire management?

This provocative suggestion raises the question: what does ChatGPT have to do with water conservation and wildfire management? Let’s dive in and explore the hidden connection between AI and water usage.

The Water-Guzzling Reality of AI Data Centres

AI platforms like ChatGPT rely on massive data centres to function. These data centres are packed with high-performance computer chips that process user queries, generating immense heat. To prevent servers from overheating and crashing, sophisticated cooling systems are employed, many of which rely on water.

“Because the computers and chipsets that power servers are so densely packed, they generate an incredible amount of heat. Running complex AI applications like ChatGPT requires immense amounts of computing power, which generate lots of heat 24 hours a day.”
HP Newquist, Artificial Intelligence Historian and Author
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The sheer volume of water consumed by these data centres is staggering. Some large facilities use millions of gallons of water annually to absorb and dissipate heat through cooling towers or evaporative cooling methods. This water usage can have a significant impact on local water supplies, especially in drought-prone areas.

The Collective Impact of Individual AI Usage

While it may seem like an individual ChatGPT query has a negligible effect on water consumption, the collective impact of millions of users interacting with AI services adds up quickly. By making small changes, such as delaying non-urgent AI tasks, Angelenos can contribute to conserving water and energy for critical firefighting efforts.

“Data centres that host AI services like ChatGPT continuously consume power and indirectly rely on water for cooling. By making small changes like delaying non-urgent AI tasks, Angelenos can contribute to ensuring that water and energy remain available where they’re needed most during these high-risk periods.”
Daniel Kearney, Chief Technology Officer, Firmus Technologies
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Exploring Alternative Cooling Solutions

As AI continues to advance, finding sustainable solutions for data centre cooling is becoming increasingly important. Some companies are exploring alternative cooling methods and data centre locations to minimise water usage.

One promising approach is immersion cooling, which involves submerging hardware in a special cooling liquid. This method can significantly reduce water consumption compared to traditional cooling techniques. Additionally, some AI companies are opting to build data centres in colder regions, where lower ambient temperatures can help regulate server temperatures more efficiently.

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“Many companies are building server centres near polar regions or in northern countries with low ambient temperatures.”
HP Newquist, Artificial Intelligence Historian and Author
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By investing in these alternative cooling solutions, AI companies can help mitigate their impact on water supplies and contribute to more sustainable technology practices.

The Fire Line: AI Water Usage and Wildfire Management

Current wildfires are exacerbated by the region’s ongoing drought, placing a strain on the state’s water supply. By reducing AI usage, residents can help free up water resources needed to combat these devastating fires.

“With California already experiencing an ongoing drought, the water necessary to fight these fires is further straining the state’s water supply. Water is a finite resource, and cutting back on AI use will have direct impacts on the state’s water availability and ability to respond to this climate disaster.”
Mia Montoya Hammersley, Assistant Professor, Environmental Law, Vermont Law and Graduate School
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As AI continues to permeate our daily lives, it is essential to recognise the hidden environmental costs associated with these technologies. By taking proactive steps to minimise our AI water footprint, we can help preserve valuable resources and support wildfire management efforts in major cities.

Wrapping Up: The Future of AI and Water Conservation

The connection between ChatGPT, water usage, and wildfire management serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of technology and the environment. As AI continues to evolve, it is crucial for both companies and consumers to prioritise sustainable practices and invest in alternative cooling solutions.

By doing so, we can help minimise the environmental impact of AI and ensure that valuable water resources are allocated where they are needed most.

Comment and Share:

Have you ever considered the water footprint of your AI usage? How do you think we can encourage more sustainable technology practices? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe for updates on AI and AGI developments here. Let’s foster a community of mindful tech enthusiasts, working together to promote a more sustainable future!

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