Rich On Tech

OnePlus is exiting the U.S. market. Richard from New Jersey is having issues getting audio from his Roku to his soundbar. Rich says it is most certainly the audio output settings. The iOS 27 public beta is here. Just be careful. I would not install on your primary phone. The final version will be out in September. Rick emails and asks for a way to watch over-the-air Dodgers games on his Android phone. Rich recommends the Tablo, a device that lets you stream local broadcast TV to your phone and other devices. Judy has a Samsung Galaxy S25 and says Chrome’s “Listen to this page” feature has disappeared. Rich says it’s likely a temporary software issue and recommends waiting for a future update. In the meantime, try Google’s free Reading Mode app or ElevenReader for text-to-speech. Switching from Samsung Messages to Google Messages? Here’s the info. Rich mentioned the app SMS Backup and Restore on Google Play. Travel expert Johnny Jet shares the must-have apps that can make a European vacation easier, from navigating cities and booking trains to translating menus and handling flight delays. Gene in Alabama has a Mac Laptop that just shows the Apple icon on startup. Rich says to boot into recovery mode using these commands. A Philadelphia news anchor says he lost $7,000 after scammers, in person at his bank, convinced him to read back a one-time code. Chuck in Lakewood is having issues resetting his Echo Dot. The Signal Ring promises blood pressure readings without a cuff. Samsung says it’s new foldables will have a less noticable crease thanks to a new display tech called Flex Titanium. Skyscanner says the cheapest week to fly this summer is August 17-23, and check out their <a href="https://www.skyscanner.com/flights/advice/choose-your-next-adventure-skys

Meta pulls controversial AI likeness feature: Meta briefly allowed its Muse Image generator to create images based on any public Instagram user’s photos without requiring permission. After criticism over consent, deepfakes, scams and unauthorized use, Meta removed the Instagram reference feature. Samsung Messages users move to Google Messages: Samsung’s discontinued messaging app may remain on phones because it was installed as a system app. Before clearing its data and cache, users should back up their texts with a tool such as SMS Backup & Restore and confirm everything appears in Google Messages. DuckDuckGo blocks most YouTube ads: DuckDuckGo’s browser now filters most ads on the YouTube website without requiring an additional extension. It does not block ads inside the YouTube app, and users may occasionally encounter buffering, playback problems or ads that slip through. Consider testing AT&T Internet Air before switching: Susan in San Clemente is considering a $99 bundle replacing her cable internet, cellular service and landline. Because 5G home internet speeds vary by location and congestion, Rich recommends testing cellular speeds and taking advantage of any trial period before canceling existing service. Speechify launches free AI voice typing: Speechify Voice Typing is available for iPhone, Mac and Windows and automatically cleans up punctuation, grammar and filler words. It offers an alternative to paid AI dictation services, although its iPhone workflow requires a few extra steps. Use the correct film for printing transparencies: James in San Diego found that ink smeared when printing signs on transparent sheets. Inkjet and laser printers require transparency film specifically designed for that printer type, with inkjet film usually having a coated printable side. Apple’s customer service and education discount stand out: Rich’s wife saved about $70 on an Apple Watch after an employee helped her verify eligibility through UNiDAYS. The experience was also a reminder that an older Apple device may be worth more when passed along to a family member than traded in. Shopping around can lower telecom costs: A caller paying $142 monthly for internet, television and a landline may already have a competitive bundle, but should compare promotional expiration dates and alternatives. Low-cost carriers such as Mint Mobile can substantially reduce cellular bills for people who do not need premium data or hotspot features. Keep the same Wi-Fi credentials when replacing a router: Meredith in Thousand Oaks lost connections to her printer and other devices after changing routers. Reusing the old network name and password can reconnect devices auto

The Supreme Court just handed down a major privacy ruling that affects the location data tech companies collect and store from your smartphone. Sony says they will stop making physical discs for games starting in January 2028. Rich mentioned the AP Stylebook. Rich mentioned downloading the official National Park app if you are traveling to a national park. Vince wants every website to appear in dark mode. Rich recommends the Dark Reader browser extension. Gregory Wieber, creator of the Apple Vision Pro app Vibescape, will discuss how immersive technology can help people connect with nature and the conservation projects underway at his Oregon farm. James wants to create an AI video avatar. Rich recommends using Google Gemini’s avatar feature. Apple’s hide my email may not be as private as you think. Petco has a lost and found pet service called Petco Love Lost. Tandia’s Samsung Galaxy S23 won’t turn on, but it contains important recordings. Rich says a professional data recovery service may be able to retrieve the files. He says to check The Clone Store and DriveSavers. Bob in San Diego wants a backup eSIM on a second carrier. Rich says you can add a low-cost plan and switch to it for calls and texts when needed. If you want automatic multi-network support, US Mobile offers a Multi-Network Add-on for $7.50 per month. Rich explains that iPhone now includes built-in earthquake alerts. Check your settings to make sure they’re enabled, or turn them off if you don’t want them. Dan Barbera of MacRumors shares his real-world experience with iOS 27, the WWDC announcements that matter most, and the Apple features consumers should be paying attention to next. Scott in El Cajon asks when to buy a new Mac. Rich recommends the <a href="https://buyersguide.macrumors.co

Rich says prices on tech products are going up. Apple raised prices this week on pretty much every product except the iPhone, and so did Microsoft on the Xbox. Rich talked about the new Slate electric pickup truck starting at $24,950. You customize it to make it your own. Prime Day shattered prices. Shoppers spent a record $26.4 billion online during those four days, according to Adobe Analytics. Rich has his list of recommended gadgets and the stuff you were actually buying from my links. Gary wants to bring his iPad in for a repair since he cracked the screen and wants to know how to erase it. Rich says: Go to General. Go to Settings, General. Scroll down to Transfer or Reset iPad and tap Erase All Content and Settings. Kim wants to know why the photos in his Google Photos library are being saved at a lower resolution. Rich says he likely has Storage Saver enabled instead of Original quality. To check: Open Google Photos Tap your profile picture in the upper right Tap Google Photos settings Tap Backup Under Backup quality, make sure Original quality is selected if you don’t want your photos compressed. Microsoft is giving Windows 10 users another year of security updates. Alan in Cyprus is wondering why his ASUS computer has no audio after a Windows update. Rich says to review Google’s new AI privacy setting. By default, Google may save images, videos, audio, and other media you upload while using Search to help improve its AI models. To check it: myactivity.google.com → Data & privacy → My Activity → Search services history → Save media. From there, you can decide whether you want Google to save that content. William in Kansas asks about Delivery Optimization</

Rich talked about his favorite apps he’s using right now. Chris in Orange County is looking for the most reliable live broadcast connection for sports coverage. Should he use cellular bonding or Starlink? Check out Rich’s Guide to Prime Day 2026! Bryan Bishop, creator of the Hooray for Baldywood newsletter, reviews Toy Story 5 and tells us whether Pixar still has the magic. Elaine wants to remove Google’s AI search summaries. Rich suggests adding -AI to searches or using the Bye Bye Google AI extension. Listener Jim recommends tapping the Web tab for traditional search results. Valerie in North Carolina wants to save photos and videos from Google Photos to a flash drive for her granddaughter. Rich recommends creating an album first, downloading it to a computer, then copying the files to a flash drive for easy sharing. Sherri in Lancaster wants to track her subscriptions. Rich recommends Rocket Money (free) or Monarch Money (paid), and checking for recurring charges through Amazon, Apple, and Google Play. Bobby is also popular, but the tracking process is more manual. Henderson in Richmond, Virginia is wondering if he should use a hardwire for his doorbell with Wi-Fi or go PoE. Rick Broida, senior tech writer at Yahoo⁠ and author of the Deal Secrets newsletter, shares smart ways to save on tech without sacrificing much. His picks include a 55-inch Vizio TV for $300, a 70-inch Insignia TV for $300, and Anker headphones for around $100. Meta is giving free Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses to legally blind U.S. veterans. The AI-powered glasses can read text, describe surroundings, and assist with everyday tasks. Andy in Baltimore is looking for a CCTV solution for his iPad. Rich recommends checking the American Foundation for the Blind’s guide to video magnifiers, along with iPad-compatible document cameras and magnifiers on Amazon. Also expl

Be sure to subscribe to the Rich On Tech Newsletter! Rich talked about the biggest changes coming to iOS 27 and beyond, including Apple’s long-awaited Siri overhaul and other new features announced at WWDC 2026. Kim in Big Pine was having issues with a Samsung Galaxy A36 smartphone. Rich recommended making sure the phone is completely up to date, including Android system updates, Galaxy Store updates, app updates through the Google Play Store, and Google Play system updates. He also suggested resetting the phone’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings and using the Files by Google app to clean up unnecessary files and free up storage. Paul in Columbus, Ohio, was having trouble signing up for a YouTube Family Plan. Rich suggested contacting YouTube support directly through the app. Open the YouTube app, tap your profile icon, then tap the Settings icon. Scroll to the bottom and select Help, then tap Contact Us to start a chat with a live support representative. Meta will begin using your web browsing activity to influence the content you see on Facebook and Instagram, not just the ads you’re shown. [Instagram Post] Kathy in Hemet wanted to give her old Samsung phone to her niece and asked how to reset it. Rich explained that on most Samsung phones, you can go to Settings, tap About Phone, scroll down to Reset, and then choose Factory Data Reset. If the phone uses an eSIM and you plan to keep your phone number, be sure to select the option that preserves the eSIM when prompted during the reset process. John in Inglewood wants to erase an iPad that he forgot the password to. Rich says you can connect it to a computer or use iCloud. Jim in Portland wants to know if he can move his ChatGPT memory to another AI. Rich says yes. Both Claude and Gemini offer prompts you can paste into ChatGPT to summarize what it knows about you, then import that information into their services. Here’s the link for Claude and Gemini. Andrew O’Hara, editor at AppleInsider, will break down the biggest WWDC announcements. A caller wanted to know the website for getting vanity phone number and parking numbers. It’s num

Be sure to subscribe to the Rich On Tech Newsletter! Alex in Northridge wants to know: Can you mirror your phone to a TV while sending the audio to a Bluetooth speaker or headphones? Dawn received a text about an Amazon product recall, but the link looked suspicious. Rich says Amazon has an official recalls page where you can check whether any items you’ve purchased have been recalled. Melody wonders if she can still create and open Word documents without paying for Microsoft 365. Rich says yes, recommending free alternatives like Google Docs and LibreOffice, or the free web version of Microsoft Word available through a web browser. Apple’s WWDC 2026 kicks off Monday in Cupertino, where the company is expected to unveil a new version of Siri powered by Apple Intelligence and enhanced AI capabilities. Richard writes in about a privacy warning that appeared after installing the Bitmoji keyboard and wants to know whether it’s safe to use. Bobo celebrated his birthday at a place called Barcade, and it turns out there are several locations where you can enjoy classic arcade games along with food and drinks. Shelly Brisbin, author of “iOS Access for All,” joins to share practical accessibility features and helpful tech tips for seniors and people with disabilities. Al in Jacksonville is looking for a good PDF form-filling app for his Android phone. Rich recommends Tungsten Power PDF Mobile and Adobe Acrobat Reader, both of which make it easy to complete and sign PDF forms on the go. Listener Marco recommends PDFgear. Stephanie in Pasadena keeps seeing a message that says, “A JavaScript error occurred in the main process,” and wants to know what’s causing it and how to make it go away. Ben Komenkul of Ben’s Big Deal shares the best travel apps, airfare tools, and insider strategies to save money, handle delays, and book smarter trips. Mentioned: Autopilot, a service that can automatically help you claim eligible flight and hotel refunds, and Gondola.ai, a hotel search engine that lets you find properties based on specific fe

Be sure to subscribe to the Rich On Tech Newsletter! Rich talked about the big changes to the Roku home screen. Rich mentioned to turn off Automatic Content Recognition: Settings > Privacy - Smart TV Experience > ACR Off Chelsea in Beaumont wants to know why Samsung Messages is moving to Google Messages and how to individualize text sounds for contacts. Rich says to enable Custom Notification Categories on Android for more control over alerts. Open Settings, tap Notifications, select Advanced settings, then turn on Manage notification categories for each app. You can also customize alerts for individual contacts. Open the Contacts app, select a person, tap Edit, and change their ringtone so you know who’s calling without looking at your phone. DIRECTV is raising prices on satellite and streaming starting June 25, most packages are going up from $5-8 a month. Rich mentioned iVerify to scan your phone for signs of spyware. iOS and Android. Verizon’s Total Wireless has a new $25 unlimited plan if you can bring your own unlocked phone. Gini in Menifee wants a simple Android phone. Rich recommends the Pixel 10a for its clean software, great camera, and ease of use. Meta has new Plus subscription plans for Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp starting at $3 a month. Gary says his phone is asking him to install AI by Glance for his lock screen. Rich says to skip it. Josie wants to know the difference between Guardio, LifeLock and Incogni. Rich also mentioned Chrome Enhanced Safe Browsing and AnnualCreditReport.com Guests:Amanda Caswell, AI Editor at Tom’s Guide, shares practical AI tips, tricks and tools that everyday consumers can actually use to save time and get more done. Nick in Ohio wants to know if Starlink is good for work from home. Rich says to check all options at FCC Broadband Map and Ookla’s ISP Finder. Google says it has heard consumer complaints about the Google Health app

• Google’s biggest Search overhaul in 25 years: Google unveiled a major AI-powered redesign of Search and Gemini at Google I/O, turning the search box into a multimodal assistant that can understand text, photos, video, and voice. Rich explained how AI is becoming more proactive, helping users summarize emails, organize tasks, and even recommend products from a simple photo. • AI avatars and deepfakes get eerily realistic: Rich tested Google’s new AI avatar tools that can generate lifelike videos and voice clones from a face scan and a few voice samples. While the technology is impressive for creative projects, it also raises serious concerns about scams, impersonation, and how easy it’s becoming to fake someone’s identity. • AI agents could replace routine digital tasks: Google previewed “agentic AI” tools that can research products, monitor prices, and complete tasks in the background 24/7. Rich discussed how these systems may become cheaper alternatives to human assistants, but many advanced features currently require expensive subscription plans. • Gmail becomes conversational with AI: New AI-powered Gmail features can summarize inboxes, organize travel plans, and answer questions about upcoming trips using information already stored in Google accounts. Rich noted the convenience, but also reminded listeners that AI summaries can still make mistakes. • Scammers are using AI to become more convincing: A new Visa fraud report found scammers increasingly rely on AI-generated voices, fake customer service calls, deepfake videos, and highly personalized phishing attacks. Rich stressed the importance of slowing down, verifying requests independently, and never trusting caller ID alone. • Covina couple loses $845,000 in FBI impersonation scam: Scammers posing as federal agents convinced a retired California couple to liquidate savings, take out loans, and send cryptocurrency over several months. The case highlights how emotional manipulation, spoofed phone numbers, and fake video calls are making scams harder to detect. • Remote access scams continue targeting consumers: A caller shared how scammers pretending to be Apple Pay support tried to convince him to install remote access software. Rich warned listeners that once scammers gain remote access to a device, victims can quickly lose control of accounts and finances. • Google’s AI Search answers may still hallucinate: Guest Connor Jewiss explained why Google’s new AI-generated search results could create problems when incorrect information is presented confidently. He warned that many users trust AI answers without clicking through to verify sources. • Will consumers actually pay for AI subscriptions?: Google’s premium AI plans now bundle features like advanced Gemini tools, YouTube Premiu

Be sure to subscribe to the Rich On Tech Newsletter! Rich talked about some of the best new features coming to Android 17. Barbara asks about the app Rich mentioned for keeping track of TV shows. Rich recommends JustWatch, his personal go-to, with Reel Good as another solid option. Kara in Fallbrook called in to report that she loves the Epson WorkForce WF-110 mobile printer. Rich mentioned he likes his HP Smart Tank 5101. Michael in Los Angeles called in trying to decide between a used M1 MacBook and a new MacBook Neo. iPhone to Android texts are finally getting end-to-end encryption. Randy called in wondering whether to take Spectrum’s free router or buy his own. Amazon has launched 30-minute delivery for groceries and essentials in a growing number of cities nationwide. OpenAI has launched a tool that lets you connect your financial accounts directly to ChatGPT. Tim Schofield of the QBKing77 YouTube channel joins to talk about the new Motorola razr fold, what stands out after hands-on testing, and whether foldables are finally ready for mainstream users. Paul in Grand Rapids called in wondering why Gemini is generating low-resolution images. Rich says to tap the three dots underneath the photo and look for “Redo with Pro” to get a higher-quality result. Anne in Simi Valley called in looking for an app that can record a doctor’s visit, transcribe it, and produce an English summary -- even if the doctor is speaking a different language. Rich recommends Whisper Memos for this. Rich shares his workaround for Whisper Memos not being available on Android -- he’s using VoiceNotes.com, with Zapier set up to email

Rich On Tech Episode 173 - May 9, 2026 Be sure to subscribe to the Rich On Tech Newsletter! Google unveils the Fitbit Air screenless fitness tracker. Rich helps Drew in Laguna Beach fix Chrome pop-ups by identifying them as notification spam and recommending you go to Chrome > Settings > Site settings > Notifications to remove any unrecognized sites Mindtrip Flights offers a new way to search for travel using natural language. Rich mentioned how an elderly man was scammed out of $25,000 through a phone spoofed phone call. Rich mentioned a good website called scamspotter.org to understand how these scams work. Rich recommended a good movie called Thelma from 2024, where an elderly woman gets scammed and takes revenge. Mauricio in Fountain Valley is wondering how to reset an Xbox console to factory defaults. Some iPhone 15 and 16 users may be eligible for $25 to $95 thanks to a new Apple Siri settlement. ChatGPT is adding a new feature, a new optional safety feature called Trusted Contact. Mary in Orange County is looking for computer repair services and Rich recommends contacting top-rated companies on Yelp or using established providers like HelloTech and Micro Center. Samsung says the Galaxy Watch may be able to predict fainting. Paul Struhsaker, CEO of the Wireless Power Consortium, explains why Qi2 could be the USB-C moment that finally makes wireless charging simple, universal, and more reliable. Chad in Los Angeles has an old MacBook that won’t boot up. Rich says to try the recovery tool or making a flash drive and re-installing the operating system with a tool like Disk Drill. Several listeners recommended ZVOX soundbars for easier to hear dialogue. Dennis in Lake Forest says he’s getting hundreds of spam texts, political spam texts. What can he do? Rich says to do

Rich DeMuro brings you the latest tech news, helpful tips, gadget reviews, and more - plus interviews with industry experts - all in this weekly show. Rich talked about motorola’s launch event in Hollywood for new razr flip and foldable phones. Here’s the latest edition of the Rich On Tech Newsletter! Bill in Los Angeles is worried about a virus on his iPhone. Rich explains it’s most likely notification spam, not an actual virus. To clean things up: clear your browser history, delete any apps you don’t recognize or no longer use, and head into Settings > Privacy & Security to review which apps have access to your location, camera, microphone, and more. Rich mentioned the app iVerify Basic, which can scan your iPhone or Android for any signs of spyware. Cathy in Chicago wants to know Rich’s favorite to-do app on Android. Rich’s pick is Microsoft To Do, because it gives you a fresh start each day. Dennis in Marina Del Rey wants a backup battery for power outages, specifically one that runs on regular AA batteries. Rich found an option on Amazon that fits the bill, and also recommends stepping up to a portable power station from brands like EcoFlow, Jackery, or Goal Zero, which can also be paired with solar panels for off-grid charging. Uber now lets you book hotels directly in the app, and Uber One members can score some solid discounts and credits when they do. Chime in Sherman Oaks is blind and voices his concern that not every streaming app has strong accessibility features built in. Bill in Little Rock wants to know if it’s safe to click links in text messages. Fubo has added Spectrum SportsNet LA for the 2026 season, meaning subscribers can now watch Dodgers games through the service. Airlines are cracking down on portable chargers. Here’s what you need to know. Barbara in Topanga is looking for music software that lets her write with an Apple Pencil. Rich recommends checki

• Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra first impressions: The new Ultra keeps a familiar look but improves comfort with a lighter aluminum build, faster charging, and better low-light camera performance. AI features are everywhere, but the standout is a built-in privacy display that limits side-angle viewing. • AI-powered phone features expand: Samsung leans heavily on AI for photo editing, call screening, and “agentic” tasks like booking rides or ordering food. Some features feel early, but the direction is toward phones doing more actions on your behalf. • T-Mobile’s live call translation: A new network-level feature will translate phone calls in real time across 50+ languages with no app required. Only one person on the call needs to be a T-Mobile customer, making it broadly useful. • Credit card fee settlement payouts: Small businesses that accepted Visa or Mastercard between 2004 and 2019 may receive payments from a $5.5 billion settlement over swipe fees. Checks are starting to go out now. • Debit vs credit card debate: Using tap-to-pay or chip is safest since it generates one-time numbers. Credit cards offer better fraud protection, while debit cards can help with budgeting but expose your actual funds. • Streaming TV gets more fragmented: Services like YouTube TV are testing cheaper genre-based bundles (sports, news, entertainment), but the ecosystem remains confusing. Consumers must mix and match carefully to avoid overspending. • Local sports streaming options grow: MLB and regional networks now offer team-specific streaming packages, letting fans watch local teams without a full cable bundle, though pricing can still add up. • Risks of grey market streaming boxes: “Fully loaded” boxes offering free TV are often illegal, unreliable, and may expose users to malware. Stick to legitimate platforms like Roku, Fire TV, or Apple TV. • Accessibility challenges and solutions: Callers highlighted issues with voice assistants misfiring and navigating smartphones without vision. Built-in tools like VoiceOver on iPhone and accessibility settings on Android can help, but setup often requires guidance. • Default app confusion on Windows: If PDFs open in Microsoft Word instead of a reader, it’s due to default app settings. Changing the default to a proper PDF viewer like Adobe Acrobat fixes the issue. • Waymo robotaxis and loss of human interaction: Autonomous rides are efficient but remove the human element, like asking drivers for local tips. Technology is increasingly transactional, reducing shared experiences. • New apps worth trying:– Acme Weather offers hyper-local forecasts, rainbow alerts, and multiple prediction models.– Dispo creates retro-style photos with delayed “

Rich DeMuro brings you the latest tech news, helpful tips, gadget reviews, and more - plus interviews with industry experts - all in this weekly show. Booking.com breach exposes traveler data. Watch out for phishing emails related to travel. The FBI figured out a way to access signal messages on an iPhone. If you want to keep your messages super secure, turn off message preview notifications. Google now has new apps for both Windows and Mac computers. Keith in Kansas is wondering if he should invest in a dedicated AI audio recorder like Plaud or Pocket. Rich mentioned he’s a fan of Whisper Memos, which works seamlessly with both the Apple Watch and iPhone. Peter in Massachusetts just got a new Samsung A16, but if his Mint Mobile service isn’t working, he likely needs to manually update his Access Point Name (APN) settings to get his data and messaging up and running. A website called send/links helps you save, organize, and find your links in one place, with the added convenience of being able to send them via Telegram. Steve in Murietta wants to reduce his digital footprint and stop spam calls, so Rich recommends using Google’s "Results about you" tool to remove personal info from search results and check out this Consumer Reports article. Don in New Hampshire wants sleep apnea detection. There is a sleep apnea feature on both the Apple Watches and the Galaxy Watches. You can finally turn off YouTube Shorts, sort of. A 73-year-old Anne Goldberg, author of Take This Phone and Shove It!, shares simple, real-world tips to help seniors outsmart scams, avoid AI-driven tricks, and feel confident using their smartphones. Ed in Pennsylvania is wondering if he should try to conn

Americans lost nearly $21 billion to cybercrime last year, a 26% increase from the year before. Investment scams, crypto scams, and phishing remain the most common ways criminals target victims. Samsung Messages is going away this summer. You’ll need to switch to Google Messages, which should make texting more secure and improve messaging between iPhone and Android. Susan in Orange County is heading to China. Rich recommends bringing a VPN, a portable power bank, messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram, and translation tools such as Google Translate, Apple Translate, or Gemini. For connectivity, he suggests using an eSIM from Airalo. Older Kindle models are losing support in May. Here’s the list of affected devices and how to check yours. Vic in Sherman Oaks asks whether a smartphone can be remotely wiped even if it’s offline. Bob emails asking if you can see speed limits and hazards in Apple Maps or Google Maps on CarPlay without entering a destination. Rich says Google Maps used to offer a Drive Mode, but it appears to be gone. For now, your best option is Waze, which shows that info even without a destination set. YouTube Premium is raising prices by $1 to $4 a month. Marianne in Los Angeles says her copper landline is being phased out. Rich suggests alternatives like Ooma, Ooma LTE, or Starlink. Inc. has a great article on what businesses can do right now to avoid the same fate as the massive LAPD data breach. Yolanda says when she clicks links in spam text messages, she gets an “Error 400.” Rich says don’t click those links. Instead, reply with “STOP,” “unsubscribe,” or just delete the message. Better yet, enable spam text filtering on your iPhone or Android. Connie writes in that she’s buying an iPhone from Apple as a gift for her daughter and asks whether to choose Verizon or “connect to any carrier later.” Rich recommends choosing “connect to any carrier later,” which gives you an unlocked phone. Her daughter can then activate it on Verizon once she receives it. Fabrice says changes in his Outlook email aren’t showing up in Gmail. What’s going on? Rich says it’s likely set up using POP3 instead of IMAP. Alex is looking for a truly free VPN with no upfront cost. Ric

Rich talked about the importance of backing up your phone, computer, photos and texts. Check out his guide here. Sophia in Westlake asks if an out-of-cloud storage email she received is legit. Helix CEO Alex Oberg on building a privacy-first digital ID layer to prove what’s real online in an era of AI fakes. Anthony in Palmdale asks how to call his wife by voice on Samsung, and Rich recommends using Bixby, Google Assistant, or Gemini. Rich in San Diego asks if Carbonite is a good backup service, and Rich says to compare it with Backblaze and iDrive. Karen in Los Angeles asks why deleting photos on her iPhone also deletes them from iCloud; Rich says iCloud sync mirrors changes, suggests turning on Optimize iPhone Storage, and notes Amazon Photos offers unlimited photo backup for Prime members (with video storage turned off). You can finally change your Gmail address, and your old one will still work. ChatGPT is now available in CarPlay—just update to iOS 16.4 and the latest ChatGPT app. Barbara in San Bernardino is wondering how to cut down on her AOL email spam. One helpful way is to turn off remote image loading. Johnny Jet shares the latest tips on flight disruptions, booking strategies, and what travelers need to know right now. Samsung Watches can now monitor Blood Pressure - but you’ll still need to calibrate with a cuff once a month. Scott in Ventura asks how to move music from his iPhone to a Mac, and Rich recommends iMazing, EaseUS MobiMover or AnyTrans. FYI, YouTube Music can host a free cloud library. AT&T’s new OneConnect bundle combines wireless and home internet into a single plan that could save you money. Dee in the City of Industry thinks she’s under a cyberattack, and Rich suggests enabling Lockdown Mode on the iPhone. Jefferson Graham, host and producer of the travel TV show Photowalks, will share smart travel photography tips, scenic destination ideas, and how to take better ph

The FCC is moving to ban Wi-Fi routers made by foreign companies - here’s what it means for the gear in your home. Netflix is raising prices again - here’s what you’ll be paying and when the changes kick in. Samsung Galaxy phones can now AirDrop files directly to iPhones, marking a major milestone in Android and Apple interoperability. Jason from Michigan lost access to his Meta account, and Rich walks him through two recovery options including the Meta recovery page and paying for Meta Verified. Most AI apps train on your data by default unless you opt out, and Rich walks you through exactly how to turn that off on ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. Nancy wants to back up her MacBook Air, and Rich recommends a Western Digital hard drive paired with Apple’s built-in Time Machine software to get it done. Ron from Oregon has trouble with touchscreens not recognizing his fingertips, and Rich recommends Samsung’s touch sensitivity setting plus several accessible phone options including dumbwireless.com, Kapsys, and the BlindShell phone. Marty from Michigan wants to know the best way to move everything to a new PC, and Rich says skip PCMover and instead transfer your important files with a hard drive and reinstall your apps fresh. iOS 26.4 is out with a solid batch of updates including a keyboard bug fix, upcoming concert info in Apple Music, expanded translation, and Stolen Device Protection now turned on by default. Catherine is looking for ways to caption audio on a smartphone for her friend, and Rich walks her through the built-in live captioning options available on iPhone and Android. Catherine is looking for a disposable camera app for a wedding or event, and Rich recommends Lense.app, while also mentioning Dispo as an option though it may not be the best fit for this use case. Olivia Yokubonis, digital wellness creator and anti-doomscrolling advocate, will discuss how social me

Rich DeMuro brings you the latest tech news, helpful tips, gadget reviews, and more - plus interviews with industry experts - all in this weekly show. Call 1-888-RICH-101 (1-888-742-4101) to join in! Email your question here. Rich said it’s important to keep your iPhone and Android updated with the latest security updates, especially in light of exploits like DarkSword. Download iVerify Basic to check iPhone (and Android) for signs of spyware. Enable Lockdown Mode on iPhone if you’re really worried about your security. Aura confirmed a data breach affecting 900,000 records, but not financial. Gary in Indio is trying to connect a printer to an Eero network using WPS, which is no longer supported. In the Eero app, go to Settings > Troubleshooting > “My device won’t connect” to temporarily enable 2.4 GHz for about 10 minutes. WordPress CEO Matt Mullenweg almost fell for an Apple scam. Rich shares highlights from the 41st Annual CSUN Assistive Tech Conference. Featured technology and companies: • Be My Eyes – A free app connecting blind and low-vision users with volunteers through live video. The service now supports over 1 million users, 10 million volunteers, and 185+ languages. The company also introduced Be My Eyes Workplace, which helps employees navigate inaccessible documents and tasks on the job. • Luna – Smart glasses designed for people with night blindness, using a light-sensitive camera to brighten surroundings and restore independence in low-light environments. • Mesmo Technologies – Their Bridge Captioning solution provides real-time captions for phone calls on desk phones and computers, helping people with hearing loss stay connected at work. A free companion app is also available on iOS and Android. • LG Electronics – Showcasing accessibility-focused innovations including their LG ThinQ smart home platform, appliance “Comfort Kit” accessories for easier use, and TVs with built-in accessibility features

Meta is cracking down on scams with new AI detection systems in Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger. Google just gave Google Maps it’s biggest overhaul in a decade - with new AI powered ways to find places using specific questions and immersive navigation. Jim in Michigan can’t get the Notes app on his iPhone to scan documents. Rich mentioned he can also use the built-in Preview app. Check out Rich’s review of the iPhone 17e. Susan in Burbank can’t connect to her WiFi network because it’s too congested. Debra is wondering if the vSeeBox is a good way to save on her cable bill. Rich says to read the article called Everyone is stealing TV. Herbert in Rancho Santa Fe is looking to replace his aging iMac with a Mac Mini and a monitor. Rich mentioned this Dell model. Zal in Brooklyn is wondering if he can run smartphone apps on his PC. Rich mentioned Phone Link on Windows and Home Assistant. Joan in Falbrook wants a portable printer. Rich says to check out the Canon TR-160 and the Epson WF-110. Scott Combs, AT&T Archivist, discusses the 150th anniversary of the first phone call. Brian in Ventura is looking for a Chromebook. Rich likes the CX15 for $159 at Walmart, or the ASUS Zenbook and check Slickdeals for laptop deals. Paul in Columbus suggests a Chromebox might be good for Brian in Ventura. Bonnie in Charleston, South Carolina is looking for a printer Rich recommended the HP Smart Tank 5101 or the Epson EcoTank ET2400. Amazon is raising

Rich talks about going to the Apple NYC event and how the $599 MacBook Neo is a gamechanger for basic laptops. Mike in Austin can’t get his printer to connect to his WiFi network. A new online personality test uses a series of questions to generate a massive report about you - and you can export it’s findings to AI. Steve wants to add someone to a photo and is wondering how to do it. Rich says to upload both photos to Google Gemini and say, “Add this person to the other picture.” Marsha in Northridge wants a portable battery pack for her Galaxy S25 Ultra. Rich recommends this model from Belkin. If your phone supports MagSafe, this EcoFlow model is great. Want something under $30, try this Belkin power bank! Stephanie in Glendora wants her Samsung phone to function more like a Pixel. Rich recommended the Lawn Chair Launcher. Estefani in San Diego wants a good way to save useful links. Rich recommends Raindrop.io and also check out Plinky. Trish is wondering what the best app is to clean up her iPhone storage. Rich likes the app called Clever Cleaner because it’s free and ad-free. Mary Ann called in from Los Angeles to tell us that she loves her brother’s printer. It is the MFC-T980DW ink tank model. Rich says if you just need black and white, the HL-L2460DW is excellent. Android’s Find Hub can now help you locate your lost luggage, similar to what Apple has done with AirTags. Randy is trying to figure out how to swipe between recent apps on the Samsung. Andrew O’Hara from AppleInsider breaks down Apple’s latest announcements including refreshed MacBooks and iPads, the new iPhone 17e, and Apple’s surprisingly affordable MacBook Neo. Doug in Temecula wants to do a “clean install” of Windows on his laptop. Pixel 10a reviews are in. Formula 1 is now streaming on Apple TV. Here’s a <a href="https

Rich gave his early impressions of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. Watch Rich’s TV segment on the Samsung Galaxy S26 series. See camera samples from the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Susan in Northridge is trying to move photos, texts, and contacts from an old Samsung phone to an iPhone. Rich mentioned SMS Backup and Restore and Move to iOS. 1Password is raising prices by about $1 a month. Vincent is on a Lifeline plan. He’s wondering if he should take advantage of their offer of giving him an iPhone 11 versus the Android 4G phone he has. Michelle got an email from LG saying she can’t log in with her Amazon account anymore. Is that phishing? Debbie is wondering if using banking apps on her phone are safe. Dave in Colorado is wondering if there is tech that will call the authorities if he dies alone in his house. Rich mentioned the Pixel’s Loss of Pulse Detection. Rich mentioned the Counting Crows documentary “Have you seen me lately” on HBO Max. The creators of Dark Sky are back with a new forecast app called Acme Weather. Rich mentioned a fun retro iPhone app called Dispo. Volvo is recalling more than 40,000 electric SUVs over battery fire risk. Craig in Iowa wants to know how to control his iPhone with his voice. Rich says to check out the accessiblity options under Vision and also VoiceOver. Tech journalist Lexy Savvides breaks down what’s new with Samsung’s latest phones and what actually matters for everyday users. Jerry in Pennsylvania wants folks to know about NextGenTV or ATSC 3.0. Rich mentioned that he likes the Casetify Impact Ring Stand case. William in Santa Clarita asked about a good VPN. Rich mentioned NordVPN, SurfShark and <a hre

Premium subscribers, listen to the ad-free version of the show here. Rich talked about Google Gemini and how it can now make music with AI. Rich also discussed the popularity of the tiny Kodak Charmera camera. Samsung phones are finally getting Google Play updates again. You should do it right now: Go to Settings > Security and Privacy > Updates > Google Play System Update Mike in Encino is looking for a way to get into a user’s computer who forgot their password. Try the steps here. James is wondering if he can store his passwords using AI. Rich recommends against that. Also, do not use AI to generate passwords, as research shows they typically follow patterns. Alex Haro, CEO of Hubble Network and co-founder of Life360, explains how satellite-powered Bluetooth could transform search and rescue by detecting everyday devices from space. Carter in Monterey wants to know how to find his Samsung phone when it’s lost somewhere in his house and no one is around to call it. Rich recommends using Samsung SmartThings Find, Android’s Find Hub (you can ask Google to locate it), or, for iPhone users, going to iCloud.com/find. Laura asks, “Can you recommend an antivirus for iPhone?” Rich says it’s not necessary. The bigger risk today is phishing. To stay protected, keep your phone updated, use a browser like Chrome with Enhanced Safe Browsing turned on, and consider a VPN that blocks malicious sites. Fern bought a $300 Windows 11 laptop she doesn’t like. Rich suggested two options: stick with it and mainly use the web browser to simplify things, or ask the seller to install ChromeOS Flex to turn it into a quasi-Chromebook. Karl in Summerlin is looking for an alternative to Pocket and Instapaper that can read articles aloud. Rich recommends Readwise Reader, Google’s Reading Mode for Android, <a href="https://share.speechify.com/m

Ads are now appearing in ChatGPT. Google updated its free results about you tool to remove search results that contain ID numbers like your passport, driver’s license, or Social Security number. Want something more heavy duty to remove your personal information from the web? Check out newsletter sponsor Incogni. Deleted doesn’t always mean it’s gone, as we found out with the Nancy Guthrie case. If you really want to protect your security camera footage, you have to go local or end-to-end encrypted. Samsung has set a date for the next Galaxy Unpacked to unveil the S26 lineup on February 25th in San Francisco. Tech and finance strategist Igor Pejic breaks down Bitcoin’s sharp selloff and what it reveals about where tech investing is headed next, separating hype from real fundamentals. Gordon in Costa Mesa wants to know if he should buy a new laptop. Rich said to clean up his old one and, at the very worst, reset his PC. John and Rosemead want a new email provider for his business. Rich said to take a look at StartMail, ProtonMail, and FastMail. Deborah in Tennessee wants to know the difference between a MacBook Air and a MacBook Pro, and whether I’d recommend buying a refurbished MacBook. I said if you go refurbished, make sure it’s from a reputable source like Apple’s official refurbished store, Back Market, or Amazon Renewed. TikTok’s local feed is genius. It shows you stuff nearby, but it might want your precise GPS location for best results. T-Mobile has a new feature called Live Translation, which will translate phone calls in 50 different languages with no special phone or app necessary $5.5 billion worth of settlement checks are going out now related to a credit card l

• TVs returned after the Super Bowl: Returns management firm B‑Stock says TV returns jump more than 100% after the big game, a practice known as “wardrobing.” Vizio is the most-returned brand, highlighting how buyers prioritize size and price over long-term satisfaction. • Wireless carriers customers like best: New rankings from J.D. Power show satisfaction is driven less by price and more by how easy it is to resolve problems. T-Mobile leads among major carriers, while Mint Mobile and Visible top prepaid and MVNO categories. • Nancy Guthrie case raises major tech questions: Investigators are relying on timestamps from a doorbell camera, home security system, pacemaker app, and smartphone data to build a timeline. The case highlights how device connectivity, Bluetooth range, and cloud storage affect what evidence is available. • Doorbell cameras and subscriptions matter: Many popular brands including Ring and Arlo lock video history behind paid plans. Local-storage options like Blink and subscription-free brands offer alternatives, but each comes with tradeoffs. • VoIP burner numbers aren’t fully anonymous: A suspect sending fake ransom messages was traced through a VoIP texting service. Even burner numbers can be linked back to email accounts and IP addresses when providers respond to warrants. • Could people be tracked like pets in the future?: A caller asked whether cases like Guthrie’s could push families toward implantable tracking tech. AirTags and wearables have limits, and implantable tracking raises serious privacy and ethical concerns. • Super Bowl streaming isn’t always free: The game is available in 4K HDR on Peacock, but requires a paid subscription. That’s a shift from last year’s free streaming on Tubi, and something hosts should warn guests about before kickoff. • Prediction markets blur the line with gambling: Platforms offering event contracts on sports, politics, and culture feel like sportsbooks but operate under different rules. Supporters say they’re federally regulated markets, while critics argue they normalize betting behavior. • Apple Cash account lockouts frustrate users: A listener whose Apple Cash account was permanently closed was told there’s no appeal process. Alternatives like Venmo and Cash App offer similar features with debit cards and Apple Wallet support. • Windows 10 holdouts face a deadline: Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates program offers one more year of patches after Windows 10 support ends. It reduces risk, but users running older systems still need to be cautious about phishing and malware. • Siri settlement checks and safer payouts: Payments around $40 are going out, but claiming them requires entering bank details. Using routing numbers from PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App can add a layer of protection. • Amazon’s delivery speed explained: Amazon says AI now predicts what people will buy and pre-positions items closer to c

Midge in Atlanta, Georgia is trying to add her Gmail address to iCloud, and it’s saying it’s already in use. Rich says to try recovering the Gmail Apple account here, then migrate the old account to the new one. Al in Inglewood is getting pop-ups telling him to clear out his cloud. Rich says to make sure the alerts are legitimate, clear your browser cache, and see if the messages continue. Caleb Denison breaks down what actually matters when buying a TV for the Super Bowl and shares the TV tech from CES that genuinely impressed him this year. Top TV Picks: Under $500 is the 65-inch TCL QM5K, Under $1000 is the 85 inch TCL QM6K or the HiSense U6, and the splurge is the Sony Bravia 8 Mark II. David asks why his Gmail is still giving him cloud storage full, even though he’s cleared out so much stuff. Rich says to go to one.google.com and see what’s taking up space. It’s probably other Google services. Samsung’s Galaxy Z tri-fold is officially on sale for $2,900. Yahoo is back with a new AI search tool called Yahoo Scout. Apple has a new AirTag with longer range and a louder speaker. Beth in Cyprus is wondering how to unfreeze her credit report. Richard in Connecticut is seeing ads for a device that promises unlimited entertainment with no fees and is wondering if it’s legit. Sharon Gai, an AI expert and former Alibaba strategist, shares simple, practical ways everyday workers can use AI to stay relevant, work smarter, and worry less about the future of their jobs. There’s a new voice dictation app for Windows called Willow Voice. The Samsung Galaxy S26 is going to have a privacy display feature. Candy Crush has a new daily game called Crushable available on Yahoo Games. Rich mentioned Speedtest’s ISP site as a way to check for internet service providers in your area. Strava <a href="https://stories.strava.com/articles/what

Rich talked about how it’s the end of an era for Sony TVs. They will soon be manufactured by TCL under the Bravia name. Rich talked about how TikTok has a new lease on life with a deal to stay in the U.S. Rich discussed the privacy policy and terms of conditions for the new TikTok US. Verizon shared some tips for keeping your tech working in a major winter storm. Turns out Microsoft can share your BitLocker encryption key if it gets a valid warrant from the U.S. and you store it in their cloud. Windows 11 updates are causing widespread problems. You could be overpaying for ride shares. A new study says you should open up both the Lyft and Uber app to compare prices. Cesar in San Diego asked for some TV recommendations. Rich found the 75-inch TCL QM7K on sale at Best Buy for under a $1000. If you live in an area that has Frontier internet and it’s becoming Verizon internet, you should call Verizon and see what kind of deals they can give you. They’ve got aggressive mobile and home bundles now. Scott is wondering if he should sign up for every free offer for identity theft protection he gets in the mail. Rich actually likes freezing your credit. Connie is wondering how to have her husband listen to the TV through the speaker and she listens through earbuds. Rich recommended Bluetooth headphones if your TV supports both audio outputs at the same time or check out solutions from Avantree. Mary wants to keep her Samsung Android safe from malware and viruses. Rich recommends turning on Auto Blocker in Settings under Security and Privacy, enabling Enhanced Safe Browsing in Chrome, and considering the free Sophos Intercept X app for extra protection. Jim in San Diego says the keys o

Rich discussed how Apple is integrating Google’s Gemini to make Siri smarter, while Google introduced its own enhanced Gemini AI featuring “Personal Intelligence.” Susan in San Jose is looking for a simple flip phone for a friend. Rich recommended the Nokia 2780 and suggested checking out the website Dumbwireless.com. If you were affected by the Verizon outage, you can claim a $20 credit. Watch for a text message to redeem it, as it is not applied automatically. Sylvia in Moreno Valley is deciding between an Apple Watch and a Garmin for health and emergency features. Rich recommended the Apple Watch for its superior SOS and fall detection, while noting Garmin is better for advanced fitness metrics. Tom Kemp, Executive Director of the California Privacy Protection Agency, explains DROP, the free new website that helps Californians remove their personal data from hundreds of data brokers. Walter in Temecula is looking for a printer that doesn’t use cartridges. Rich recommended ink tank models like the HP Smart Tank 5100 or the Epson EcoTank ET-2800, which use refillable bottles for lower long-term costs. Thurman in Winchester is looking for ways to remove objects from photos. Rich recommended using Google Gemini, a dedicated website called Cleanup.pictures, and Adobe Express, which offers a “Remove Object” tool powered by generative AI. Alex in Ontario reminded listeners that if you don’t need color, Brother monochrome laser printers are excellent. Dale in Oceanside is looking for a free, cross-platform way to share his location with friends and family. Rich recommended Life360, which works on both iOS and Android and offers real-time tracking. YouTuber Kitboga joins Rich to break down how modern online scams work, why they are growing so fast, and what everyday people can do to protect themselves before scammers strike. Bob in Pennsylvania asked if Rapid Radios work without cellular. Rich clarified they do need a network, then highlighted T-Mobile’s new satellite service that offers free texting to 911 on compatible phones, even without a signal. Spotify is <a href="h

Rich talked about attending CES 2026 in Las Vegas and some of the trends he saw, including robots, AI, and wacky gadgets. Rich mentioned using the WiFi sharing feature on Android phones. If you got an email about an Instagram Password Reset request, ignore it for now, but be sure you have a strong, unique password and two-factor authentication turned on. Arnold from Rancho Cucamonga is wondering why his cloud storage isn’t saving files. Rich mentioned free versions of Office apps here. Rich mentioned the Lollipop Star, which plays music in your mouth as you suck it. Rich mentioned how TCL released its 2026 flagship TV, the X11L, the same time as they announced it at CES, which is rare. Rich mentioned the ChocoStar vending machine that 3D prints a chocolate figurine on demand. Rich mentioned a startup that’s making a digital doorlock for public restrooms so you pay for access. Flush Locks USA. Mark in Seattle wants a digital door lock and a thermostat to manage his VRBO. Rich mentioned digital locks from Schlage, Yale and Lockly, along with Nest Thermostat and Ecobee. Vanessa in Pahrump Nevada wants to know how to move from Lastpass to Bitwarden. Rich mentioned iPolish, which is a startup making digital color-changing nails. He also referenced Lee Press on Nails. WATCH Gmail is giving users AI features for free, which were previously paid. A caller asks why her iPhone plays the same song each time she gets in the car. Rich says to set a silent MP3 to fix this. Matt Swider from The Shortcut joins to break down the biggest trends at CES and explain which products earned this year’s Shortcut CES Awards and why they matter to consumers. Rich mentioned laptop screen extenders from a company named XEBEC. <p

Rich talked about helping his dad with his tech set up while home on Christmas vacation. Mike in Minneapolis asked about performing a factory reset on his Netgear router, but he couldn’t see the serial number because he’s visually impaired. Rich suggested using the Be My Eyes app to get visual help from a volunteer. Rich also mentioned the free password manager called Bitwarden. LG is unveiling the Gallery TV at CES which shows artwork when not in use. Jamie in Tampa wanted to watch his local CBS affiliate but wasn’t sure where to aim his antenna. Rich recommended the free Antenna Point app to show exactly which direction to point it. Debra in Los Angeles wants to remove her ex from old wedding photos. Rich suggested scanning the prints with the free Google PhotoScan app, then uploading them to Google’s Gemini AI and asking it to remove the person. Jamie in San Dimas wants to cut down on butt dialing from his phone. Rich says you should lock your phone before putting it in your pocket or purse and turn off features like Raise to Wake and Return Missed Calls while Unlocked. Clicks, the company known for physical smartphone keyboards, is now making a BlackBerry-style device called the Clicks Communicator. Brian in Eau Claire, Wisconsin wants to know if there’s a way to run TurboTax desktop software on Windows 10. Rich mentioned FlyFin. Samsung is bringing Google Photos to its 2026 lineup of TVs and some previous models eventually. Mark Manson, bestselling author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck*, will explain why so many people are turning to AI for personal advice and how his new app Purpose aims to do it more safely and responsibly. Samsung is launching the Galaxy A17, a

• Wizard of Oz immersive experience at the Sphere: The Las Vegas Sphere premiered a reimagined 1939 Wizard of Oz film using AI to enhance resolution, expand backgrounds, and add crowds for its massive 16K wraparound screen. Physical effects like wind, rumbling seats, falling apples, snow, and fire created intense immersion, making it a standout tech-driven entertainment event despite higher ticket prices. • Securing phones against unauthorized access: Repeated phone issues may stem from compromised accounts rather than direct hacking, as iOS and Android are highly secure against remote control. Users should change passwords on Apple ID, Google, and social media accounts, enable two-factor authentication, and log out of all devices via security settings for protection. • Recommended power banks for iPhone and iPad: The Belkin Boost Charge 20K power bank offers 20,000 mAh capacity with USB-C and USB-A ports for reliable charging of Apple devices. Anker models provide similar performance at potentially lower prices, though recent recalls note caution with the brand. • Projectors as TV replacements: Lifestyle and ultra-short-throw projectors are gaining popularity for large-screen viewing in homes, backyards, or small spaces, offering brighter images and better sound than flat panels. Key considerations include brightness for ambient light, smart features, and specialized screens; premium options start around $2,500. • Projector recommendations and trends: High-end models like the Epson QL7000 provide extreme brightness for lit rooms, while budget options under $500, such as the Yaber V12 or Epson EpiqVision, deliver solid performance. Gaming and sports viewing benefit from low input lag and large projected sizes. • Clever Cleaner app for iPhone storage: This free, ad-free AI app scans for similar photos, large videos, screenshots, and Live Photos to help reclaim storage locally on the device. Deletions sync to iCloud if enabled, so users must confirm they no longer need files; Android alternatives include Files by Google or Remo. • Understanding passkeys for logins: Passkeys replace passwords with device-based tokens for more secure, phishing-resistant authentication across Windows, iOS, and password managers like Bitwarden. They can coexist with traditional passwords and work seamlessly when set up on low-stakes sites, though two-factor authentication may add steps. • Fixing Android software update issues: Pixel phones prefer Wi-Fi for updates; failed downloads often result from incorrect saved network passwords. Users should forget and reconnect to Wi-Fi, reset network settings, or check Google Play system updates separately from main OS updates for new features. <p dir="a

Rich went through his list of favorite apps for 2025. Mark wants to know how to get audio from his TV speakers and Bluetooth headphones simultaneously. Patricia in Massachusetts is getting too many political texts. How does she stop that? Larry in San Clemente says Avantree has great TV audio solutions. Rich says the Ray Ban Metas are the gadget of the year. Joe in Los Angeles wants to separate audio on his Samsung phone. Rich says to take a look at a feature called Separate app sound under Settings > Sounds and vibration. Tristen in Sylmar says his PC is struggling to edit on CapCut for Windows. Yvonne in Santa Monica wants to scan photos with her all-in-one printer. Rich says to download the app that the manufacturer makes to her PC or try VueScan. Kate Ross, Meta spokesperson, will explain Facebook and Instagram’s new centralized support hub and how users can recover hacked accounts and keep their profiles secure. Instagram has a new app for Fire TV so you can sit back and watch Reels on the big screen. RIP Lamarr Wilson. ChatGPT just got a whole lot better at making images Alexa+ can now answer your Ring doorbell, but it has to be a wired model right now. CloudFlare says Internet traffic surged by 19% this year. Starlink traffic more than doubled. And Google and Facebook are still number one and number two most popular sites. Traffic from AI bots are rivaling human traffic. William in Michigan wants to know how to send and receive faxes without a fax machine. Rich recommended Ooma, or an online service like eFax or Fax.Plus. Karen in Stockton wants to know how to print out text messages from her Samsung. Rich recommends screenshots for one or two of the Android app SMS Backup & Restore. On iPhone, you can try to download the desktop apps iMazing or Alt Tunes. Mike in California wants to know how to find and remove duplicate photos on Windows 10. Rich mentioned Duplicate Photos Fixer Pro and software called. Remo Duplicate Photos Remover. Matt Mizenko, General Manager at Nomorobo, will explain the surge in holiday package scams and how listeners can spot and avoid fake delivery alerts.   Rich DeMuro brings you the latest tech news, helpful tips, gadget rev

Rich talked about how he set up an instant surround-sound home theater system using Amazon Echo speakers and shared a tip on how to turn off autoplay ads on Fire TV devcies. Brian in Atlanta is wondering why his old iPads don’t connect to his new Wi-Fi router. Rich suggested deleting the old wifi network or doing a network settings reset. Instagram adds a new feature called “Your Algorithm” that lets you fine-tune what shows up in your reels. Peter Kafka, chief correspondent at Business Insider, will break down the latest in the mega streaming deal between Neflix and Warner Bros. Lewis in Riverside is wondering why his phone won’t schedule text messages. Rich mentioned downloading Google Messages. Gadget of the week is the Pebble Index 01. It turns your finger into an instant voice notes button. Gadget of the week is sponsored by Shopback. Use code RichOnTech for a $20 bonus. Android adds live video to 911 calls. Beverly is wondering why information on her Google Calendar disappears after a few years. Rich says to adjust the sync setting in on her app. Devin in Las Vegas wants to mount four screens, four TVs, and turn them into one giant screen. Rich mentioned a 2x2 HDMI controller. Rich also mentioned LiquidView, which makes digital windows. Mark in St. Petersburg wonders if there’s a good app to help clean up his iPhone. Rich mentioned the free Clever Cleaner app. You can also go into iPhone settings, General, iPhone Storage, and tap Show All next to Recommendations to clean things up. Stephen Hawthorne wants to use Apple’s Live Translate but has an older model iPhone. The Aura Digital photo frame now lets you text pictures to it. Nick Merrill will explain how his new privacy-first carrier Phreeli works. Joy in San Diego wants to know how to learn the very basics of the iP

Rich shared his holiday shopping cheat sheet, packed with money-saving tips! Bonnie in Charleston asks for a good transcription app. Rich mentioned Wispr Flow, Willow Voice, Super Whisper, Monologue, Aqua Voice, Talktastic, Whisper Memos. Jeff Jablansky, with the startup Slate, will talk about their bare-bones EV that starts in the mid-20’s and lets buyers add only the accessories they actually want. [instagram] Robert in Ridgecrest is looking for a way to fax. Rich recommended eFax, Fax.Plus, Dropbox Fax. If you want to use a real fax machine, you can get an ooma box. Pat in Apple Valley wants to know the best antenna for his RV. Matthew in Murierra wants to know about the nationwide Frontier outage. Rich says to check Frontier’s service page and sites, including Down Detector and DownForEveryOneOrJustMe.com Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Z Trifold and it will come to the US in Q1. Netflix is buying Warner Bros. in a 80 billion dollar deal. Tonya in Orange County is asking about a quiet laptop for her husband. Rich mentioned Asus Zenbook or any laptop with a Snapdragon processor. For deals, check out Slickdeals. Want to make your own retro Santa Mall picture? You can use Google’s Nano Banana AI. Here are the instructions and prompt to use. Gadget of the week: OnePlus 15 smartphone. Blazing fast and incredible battery life, camera can be hit or miss, especially in low light. Sponsored by Shopback. Get cashback at your favorite online stores, use code RICHONTECH at signup for a $20 bonus. Eli Singer, of Offline.now will explain confidence-based strategies to cut screen time and build healthier digital habits. [book] Howard in Fullerton wants to connect his old school sound system to his computer full of music. Rich mentioned the <a href="https://www.wiimh

We’re off for the holiday weekend, so we’ve pulled together some of our favorite segments from past shows. Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving! • Microsoft unveils Majorana 1 quantum chip: Microsoft introduced a groundbreaking quantum computing chip using a new material called topoconductor, a novel state of matter theorized for 100 years. The chip promises faster problem-solving in fields like healthcare and energy, with improved error resistance and potential to accelerate quantum development from decades to years. • Arlo app update frustrates users: Callers reported the new Arlo Secure app is overly complicated, making it hard to manage multiple camera systems, set schedules, and access alerts. Issues mirror Sonos app complaints; some users unable to revert to old app or resolve via support, with speculation the changes push additional subscriptions. • Google brings screen search to iPhone: Google added “Search this screen” with Lens in the Chrome and Google apps for iOS, allowing users to analyze on-screen content without screenshots. It’s not as seamless as Android’s Circle to Search but improves text, image, and link extraction inside supported apps. • Career Dreamer AI tool launched: Google’s free Grow with Google tool uses AI to suggest career paths based on skills, interests, and job market data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It also generates resumes and cover letters; access at grow.google/careerdreamer. • Connecting third-party cameras to Wyze: Wyze systems generally require Wyze-brand cameras for full app integration; third-party cams may work in Google Home for basic viewing but lose advanced features and typically need separate apps. • iPhone 16e unveiled at $599: Apple launched the budget-friendly iPhone 16e with Apple-designed C1 5G modem (no mmWave ultra-fast speeds), Action button, Apple Intelligence, OLED display, and strong battery life. Lacks MagSafe and has Face ID instead of Touch ID; positioned as a modern XR-style value model. • UK loses Advanced Data Protection: Apple removed end-to-end encrypted iCloud backups in the UK after government pressure for potential law-enforcement access. Feature remains available elsewhere; Face ID data stays on-device and secure. • Radiant Photo app perfects images instantly: Free mobile app (iOS/Android) uses AI to automatically enhance photos with one tap, ideal for social media posting. Works without subscription; also recommended Adobe Lightroom Mobile (dehaze tool) and Halide/Zero Cam for non-AI photography. • Recovering a deleted video after one year: Videos deleted over a year ago are permanently gone from iPhone with no reliable recovery app. Check Recently Deleted (30-day window), iCloud/full backups, or services like Google Photos/Amazon Photos for future protection

Pixel 10 phones can now share files with iPhones using AirDrop Roblox is now requiring facial ID checks so users can chat with people of similar ages. Ray in the San Fernando Valley wanted to know what makes a solid dash cam. Rich said to look for 4K video, a wide field of view, night vision, loop recording, and a G sensor. He pointed to Veo, VanTrue, Garmin, and Nextbase as trusted picks. Gadget of the week, sponsored by ShopBack. Mill is a high-tech food recycler for your kitchen that turns scraps into a dry, bag-ready material you can use for pickup or compost. David in Costa Mesa wants to know the best place to buy an iPhone and whether his stuff, especially his settings, will transfer. Erica in Corona asked why her iPhone reminds her to follow up on certain emails. Rich said the feature is called Follow Up Suggestions and you can turn it off in Mail settings. If you use Gmail, it’s called Nudges and you’ll find it in Settings. Nord Pass has revealed the most common passwords of 2025, and number one is ‘admin.’ Phil wrote in asking how to scan and email a document on the iPhone easily. Rich recommends using the built-in Preview app to scan and share in a couple taps. Rich’s first Amazon auto-buy order was a success. Here’s the power strip I bought. Richard in Malibu wants to know why turning off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on his iPhone doesn’t really turn them off. Rich explained that the Control Center only disconnects temporarily and iOS turns both back on automatically unless you disable them in Settings. Mitch in Littleton wants to know how to access the computers belonging to a deceased relative. Nathan Burrow, senior deals editor at Wirecutter, will share the best-tested tech gifts for 2025 and smart ways to save during the holiday shopping season. Wayne in Yorba Linda asks how to transfer his data from a OnePlus 11 to a OnePlus 13. Savewise has a free new tool that automatically clips digital grocery store coupons. ChatGPT has a teacher version that’s free through 2027. Rich shared the top 10 tech gifts of 2025, including: <p

• Tesla testing CarPlay support Bloomberg reports Tesla is experimenting with CarPlay in a windowed mode on its infotainment screen. If it ships, owners would finally get wireless CarPlay for Siri, maps, and music apps that Tesla’s system doesn’t offer today.   • Apple introduces digital ID for travel iPhone and Apple Watch users can now add a digital ID using their passport inside Apple Wallet. It works at more than 250 TSA checkpoints for domestic flights, though travelers should still bring a physical passport as backup.   • Amazon debuts Auto Buy price-drop shopping Amazon’s new Auto Buy tool lets shoppers set a price threshold and have the AI auto-purchase the item when it drops. It checks prices every 30 minutes, uses your default payment method, and you have 24 hours to cancel.   • Apple’s knitted iPhone Pocket becomes a surprise hit A collaboration with Issey Miyake created a 3D-knit sling pouch for iPhones costing $149 to $229. It sold out quickly despite essentially being an elongated knitted pocket for carrying your phone and small items.   • LA atmospheric river jokes land with listeners Rich opened the show with a series of LA rain one-liners, reflecting how rare storms can disrupt the city. It set the tone for a lighter start before diving into the week’s tech news.   • Projector shopping advice for indoor and outdoor use For better brightness and clarity, Rich recommends using a real projector screen rather than a tarp. XGIMI models, Epson’s Epic Vision Flex, and Yaber V12 offer good performance and typically go on sale during Black Friday.   • Reviewers praise OnePlus 15 battery life Allison Johnson of The Verge says the phone’s massive 7300 mAh silicon-carbon battery can comfortably last two full days, sometimes more. The tradeoffs: camera quality steps back from the previous model and lacks safety features like satellite messaging.   • Why the OnePlus 15 isn’t yet on sale in the US The government shutdown delayed FCC approvals, leaving the phone stuck in limbo even though it’s already shipping internationally. OnePlus says the filings are complete and it’s waiting for certification.   • New Netflix party games on TV Netflix expanded its TV gaming lineup with Pictionary, Tetris, Boggle, and other family-friendly titles. Games use your phone as the controller after scanning a QR code.   • Fingerprint padlock gets viewer attention Rich highlighted the Benji Lock Outdoor Fingerprint Padlock, a weatherpro

Rich talked about the viral warning that Meta will soon read your DM’s. Shelton in Covina is wondering if he should log out of websites after doing financial transactions. WhatsApp has launched a full Apple Watch app. Henry in Glendora is looking for some software to help manage MP3 ripping. Rich recommended Exact Audio Copy, MP3Tag, and MP3Gain. Listener Tim shared his headphone recommendations. After much testing, he found that the Apple AirPods Pro 3. And the standard Bose QuietComfort topped his list. Pro tip: If you buy at Costco, the AirPods Pro 3 come with two years of Apple Care. Gadget of the Week: Life360 Pet GPS Tracker. Join ShopBack.com using code RICHONTECH for a $20 cash back bonus. Gary in Redondo Beach is wondering if he should keep both Apple One and his iCloud storage plan for an additional $30 a month. Mark in Woodland Hills asked about traveling internationally. Rich recommended tools like Google Translate, Apple Translate, and Google Gemini Live Mode. And his foolproof method for finding a great restaurant within walking distance from your hotel. Go to Google Maps on a desktop search for your hotel. Tap the icon that says “Restaurants.” Choose 15 minutes for walking and then set the rating to 4.5. Look for a restaurant that has a lot of reviews. Here is the ramen place that Rich found in Tokyo (AFURI) that happens to also have locations in the U.S. T-Mobile is offering its satellite text to 911 service to anyone for free. Sign up here. Bobo mentioned his two favorite songs are Stevie Wonder’s “As” and “Just Like Music.” Anne in Orange County asks if it’s safe to put her bills on automatic payments. Katelyn Chedraoui, AI reporter at CNET, will break down the rise of AI video generators like Sora—why it’s going viral, how to spot deepfakes, and which AI tools are worth trying. Mark in Florida wants to know if there is a good price comparison website for online shopping. Former Meta engineers introduce a $250 Stream Ring that lets you take voice notes on your finger. IOS 26.1 adds new Liquid Glass <

AI used to create fake receipts: Expense-report fraud is rising as employees use AI to generate realistic receipts. Companies report millions in fake submissions. Glasses that block facial recognition: Zenni Optical’s new ID Guard coating reflects infrared light, preventing facial recognition systems from identifying wearers. It also disables phone Face ID and Windows Hello while worn. NVIDIA hits $5 trillion valuation: The AI chipmaker briefly became the world’s most valuable company, surpassing Apple and Microsoft. Analysts warn valuations may be inflated by investor speculation around AI demand. Microsoft cloud outage causes global issues: A configuration error in Microsoft’s Azure cloud service caused an 8-hour outage affecting airlines, banks, and governments. Rich explains why reliance on a few cloud providers remains a risk. Humanoid robot for home chores: 1X's Neo robot can load dishwashers, fold laundry, and wipe counters—but only with a remote human operator wearing a VR headset. Deliveries are expected in 2026 for $20K or $500/month. Caller question – best portable phone chargers: Belkin’s 20,000 mAh power bank with USB-C charging was recommended as a reliable, travel-friendly option.  Gadget of the week – Santa’s Magic Telephone: This $100 Wi-Fi-connected rotary phone from Mr. Christmas lets kids talk to an AI Santa that remembers their name and wish list. Rich calls it “surprisingly good and fast.” iPhone software update confusion: A caller saw iOS 26 listed alongside iOS 18.7.1; Rich clarified Apple now separates full updates from security-only versions, letting users choose stability or new features. Outlook email frustration: A listener struggled sorting by subject in the new Outlook. Rich confirmed the option is missing compared with Classic Outlook and suggested checking IT restrictions or reverting temporarily. Samsung’s tri-fold phone prototype: Unveiled in South Korea, the device folds twice to expand into a 10-inch screen. Expected to cost over $2,000 and compete with future foldables from Apple. YouTube TV vs Disney dispute: Disney channels including ESPN, FX, and ABC are dark as the companies negotiate fees. Rich suggests trying short free trials from competing services or DirecTV Stream’s 5-day pass. Fixing Google Contacts on Chrome: A caller’s contacts wouldn’t open after search. Rich advised clearing Chrome cache and cookies, updating the browser, disabling extensions, or testing in Edge. Samsung notification bubbles fix: For Galaxy users annoye

Rich talked about GM’s Forward event in New York City where they announced their eyes-off driving. Jim in Sherman Oaks wants to know the best way to send Mast texts to folks and also put the information in their calendar. Rich mentioned Simple Texting and Textedly, along with Substack and Calendly. Amazon revealed it’s a software bug that caused that massive AWS outage, not a cybersecurity incident. Meta’s Kate Ross will explain new safety tools and simple ways older adults can protect themselves from online scams. Mentioned: instagram.com/help and facebook.com/help Jason in San Diego is trying to replace missing album artwork in Apple Music. Rich also mentioned the app MP3Tag Kevin in San Clemente wants to know how to unsubscribe safely from spam mail. Google has added a feature called “Trusted Contacts” to help you recover and get back into your account if you’re ever locked out. Set it up today by going here. Listener GW in Pasadena notes TurboTax Desktop 2025 won’t run on Windows 10 — you’ll need Windows 11 or TurboTax Online. Tom in Los Alamitos wonders how a game like Royal Kingdom can be advertised as having no ads inside the app. How does it make money? Gadget of the week is the Aluratek e-paper Wi-Fi digital photo frame. OpenAI launches its ChatGPT Atlas browser with AI built-in. Scott Stein, Editor at Large at CNET, will discuss Samsung’s new Galaxy XR headset and what it means for the future of mixed reality. Kristen in Arcadia wants to de-dupe her photo library. Rich suggested Duplicate Photos Fixer Pro, <a href="https://macpaw.com/gemini"

Rich talked about what he saw at CEATEC 2025. Watch my segments here and here. Here’s the Honda Uni-One that’s going viral. Plaud AI note recorder here. Apple launched an M5-powered 14-inch MacBook Pro. Amazon is hiring 250,000 workers for the holidays. Julia Storm, Digital Wellness Educator and founder of ReConnect, will help parents understand California’s new social media warning label law and Instagram’s PG-13 teen content rules — and what both mean for kids online. Gadget of the week is Logitech’s new solar keyboard that lasts up to four months on a charge. Sponsored by ShopBack. Charlene in Hawaiian Gardens is having trouble getting her mic to work on Zoom. Rich says to go into Settings, Audio and choose the right mic on your system. You can also test your setup at a website like webcammictest.com Donna asks how to share photos that she’s scanned with friends and family. Rich recommended Amazon Photos. Kathy in Los Angeles wants to know if she should keep an old Compaq keyboard and mouse. Rich recommends just buying one on Amazon when you need it. You can recycle used electronics at places like Staples, Best Buy and the Apple Store. Apple TV+ is changing its name to just Apple TV, and F1, the hit movie, will stream on December 12th. Phil in San Diego is trying to help a friend who wants to get access to their child’s iPhone that passed away. Rich says this is not easy. It might require a court order. For everyone else, please set up a legacy contact on Apple, Google, and Facebook. Nancy wants to sell stuff on Facebook Marketplace but doesn’t want to use her real phone number. She wants to know some apps to add a second line. Rich mentioned <a href="https:/

Rich talked about his Amazon Prime Day mishap and the products that you wanted the most. Rich also talked about his list of gadgets to keep an eye on this holiday season. Rich explained who’s eligible for the FTC’s Amazon Prime refund and warned listeners to watch out for scammers trying to take advantage of it. Nas in Los Angeles is wondering why his apps are no longer streaming after he switched from Spectrum to T-Mobile home internet. Rich mentioned doing a speed test with Fast.com. Rich explained that if you’re trying to remove an older Nest Thermostat from the Google Home app, you’ll need to delete it from the Nest app instead for it to fully disappear. He also noted that Google is ending support for the first-generation Nest Learning Thermostats from 2011 and 2012 — so if you still have one of those, it’s time to upgrade. Gadget of the Week: HP FilmScan 5-inch touchscreen film scanner that digitizes old negatives and slides—perfect for reviving memories before the holidays. [video] Sponsored by Shopback - get cash back at your favorite online stores. Be cautious when downloading Sora—there are many fake apps. Make sure the developer listed is OpenAI, not anyone else. Lisa is wondering if she should keep her HP laptop that she just got the extended security updates on or keep the MacBook that she just purchased. Debby asked what to upgrade to from her iPhone 7. Rich recommended the iPhone 16e — affordable, simple, and a solid upgrade. Kevin in San Clemente said Google is asking for lots of personal info to keep using his account. Rich mentioned using Cloaked and Privacy.com to help protect your identity and keep personal details private. Ashton Bingham and Art Kulik, founders of Trilogy Media and stars of FOX Nation’s Scammed: Getting Even, will share how to spot fraud, fight back, and protect yourself from today’s biggest scams. Rich explained that you can now chat directly with apps inside ChatGPT — the first partners include Spotify,

Rich talked about Amazon’s smart home announcements. Google is ending support for early Nest Thermostats. Daniel asks about using Apple Photos and Google Photos at the same time on his iPhone. Sue wants to track blood pressure on the iPhone. Trae Bodge, smart shopping expert at TrueTrae.com, will share how to score the best deals on Amazon Prime Big Deal Days. Rich’s Prime Day Shopping Tips. Hank in Southeast Michigan is wondering what the best way is to move his files from his old computer to his new computer. Tim writes in — he usually goes with OtterBox but wanted to know if I have any other recommendations for his new iPhone 17 Pro Max. I told him I still like the OtterBox Symmetry series, but also check out UAG cases for extra protection and the Spigen Ultra Hybrid if you want something slim and simple. Gear of the week, thanks to ShopBack.com — featuring two great picks for your setup: the Belkin 3-in-1 Q2 wireless charger, perfect for powering your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all at once, and the UGREEN 45-watt plug-in charger, a compact powerhouse for keeping your gear charged fast wherever you go. Debby in Murrieta is trying to stop Gemini from launching when she holds the power button. Go to Settings → Advanced features → Side button → Press  download. Meta will start using your chats with its AI to personalize ads on Facebook and Instagram. No opt-out option. Stephen Robles, tech journalist and content creator, will join to share insights on Apple and smart home technology. Mentioned: Stolen shortcut, Recipe shortcut, create.beard.fm, make.com and Downie. Cheryl in Phoenix is wondering if a data removal service is worth it. Rich mentioned this <a href="https://www.consumerreports.org/electronics/personal-information/services-that-delete-data-from-people-search-sites-review-a2705

Rich mentioned you should take photos of your rental car from all four sides to avoid disputes over damage. Rich mentioned his scanner project that sends files straight to Google Drive—convenient, but keep privacy in mind. Rich mentioned TikTok will keep operating in the U.S. under new ownership and tighter security rules. Rich mentioned Amazon Prime customers may be eligible for up to $51 back from an FTC settlement. Rich mentioned Windows 10 support is ending, so users need to plan for an upgrade. Dan Ackerman, Editor-in-Chief at Micro Center, will discuss Windows 10’s end of life, how to extend updates for another year, and when it makes sense to buy a new PC. Mentioned the PC Health Check App. Disney+ streaming prices are going up starting October 21, with increases of $2 to $3 per month. Charles in the San Fernando Valley says he’s wondering if his iPhone 11 is still feasible to use. Rich mentioned yes, it can support iOS 26, though you might need to clear out some storage. He also recommended the Clever Cleaner app. Kirk in Upland is wondering how to access an iPhone 8 he got from his late mom. Rich mentioned contacting Apple to remove the activation lock, and urged everyone to set up a legacy contact on Google, Facebook, or Apple. ChatGPT is adding a new proactive feature called Pulse which delivers personalized updates each morning based on your past chats and data. Rich got access to Alexa Plus and says the AI-enhanced assistant is much more helpful. Lisa Jackson, Apple’s VP of Environment, will discuss Apple’s sustainability efforts. Kirk in Upland is trying to download a photo stored on an old Nokia phone. Christina in Monterey is wondering why Google is trying to <a href="https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/13339

Rich shared his review of the new iPhone 17 models and talked about notable new features in iOS 26. Dave in Long Beach wants to rip music from his CD’s and listen to them via a flash drive in his car. Rich recommended Exact Audio Copy and YouTube Music. Victoria Song, senior reviewer for The Verge and author of the Optimizer newsletter, will talk about the Meta Ray Ban Display Glasses. Connie in Idaho says she deletes emails on her iPad and then they come back. Anker is recalling nearly half a million power banks due to fire risks—check yours to see if it’s affected. Aaron in Missouri is locked out of his Google account after losing his two-factor phone number—Rich suggests using a trusted device or Google’s recovery process and reminds everyone to save backup codes. Regarding the caller asking about ripping CDs, Dave suggests using MP3Tag to label songs so car systems display names, albums, and artists correctly. Amazon Prime Day returns on October 7th and 8th. Andy in Los Angeles wants to transfer photos from his iPad to his computer—Rich suggests using localsend, or resetting location and privacy settings to trust the device if it’s not showing up. Caleb Denison, veteran tech journalist and founder of the YouTube channel CalebRated, will share his expertise on home entertainment and consumer tech. He recommends the TCL QM7K and Hisense U8 for high-end TVs, says TCL and Hisense both shine under $500, and points to Mini LED as the best overall technology for most people. His favorite streaming interfaces: Apple TV and Google TV. Dell in Oceanside is trying to update his Samsung Galaxy S24 to One UI 8, but Rich explains the update is rolling out first to the S25 series this week, with the S24 scheduled to get it later this year. You can also force an update with Sm

Rich shares his thoughts on the new iPhone 17 lineup. Caller Carmen in Hollywood can’t save her Google Docs. The issue is likely full storage. Head to one.google.com to check and free up space. Brian Tong, YouTube tech creator, will help break down Apple’s big iPhone 17 announcements. Rich shared an update on his recent accident. Jim in Northern Arizona asks about using passkeys. Rich mentioned the Passkeys directory and Proton Authenticator. Watch Rich’s TV segments going hands-on with the new iPhones and reactions. Zoox launches robotaxi rides in Las Vegas and they’re free right now. Kaiann Drance, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing, will join us to talk about the big iPhone 17 announcements. Jay in San Diego called in wondering if it’s worth paying $100 to upgrade from the iPhone 16 Pro to the iPhone 17 Pro. Rebecca is trying to help her friend find his lost Android phone. Rich says to go to android.com/find. Jerry in Mission Viejo is trying to recover her WhatsApp account on a tablet, but she doesn't have access to the phone number anymore. The American Customer Satisfaction Index has a new study on household appliances and electronics. Steve in Mission Viejo is wondering what might be the best smartphone camera for capturing videos of birds flying away. Gmail is adding a new purchases filter, so you can see all your receipts and purchases in one place. Spotify is adding higher-quality lossless audio. Daniel Green, Faye Travel Insurance, will explain how tech is transforming travel insurance with app-based claims, instant reimbursements, and AI-powered 24/7 support. Aura frames are now Calm Tech certified. The Pixel

Rich shares highlights from CEDIA 2025 in Denver, a major home tech show featuring the latest in smart TVs, pro-grade audio, outdoor gear, and futuristic home automation. Rich also talked about his visit to Denver, mentioning how much he enjoyed the city and a memorable dinner at Guard and Grace, where he had one of the best steaks he’s ever tasted. Rich talked about how Amazon is ending the Prime Invitee program that let you share free shipping outside your household. Rich answered a listener question about subscription trackers, noting Rocket Money helps cancel subscriptions but he now prefers Monarch Money for tracking all accounts in one place, even though it’s a paid service. Tim in Huntington Beach asked if his old Windows 10 PC could handle Windows 11, and Rich said to use Microsoft’s PC Health Check app, try forcing the upgrade, or sign up for one more year of security updates. Drew in Orange County asked if a Samsung A-Line tablet or FE tablet is better, and Rich said to go with the FE. Samsung launched the Galaxy S25 FE with premium AI features starting at $650. Gary in Laguna Niguel asked about satellite connectivity on smartphones, and Rich explained there are two levels — support built into phones like iPhones and Pixels, and service provided by carriers. Google’s latest Gemini Nano update can restore old family photos and even remove fences from pictures. Otto asked about organizing MP3s in Windows, and Rich recommended using the tagging program MP3Tag. Auto asked how to manage groups of bookmarks in Chrome, and Rich suggested using <a href="https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/188842?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop"

Rich reviewed The Wizard of Oz at the Sphere in Las Vegas and explained how AI was used to reimagine the classic film. Tim called in about a friend whose phone was allegedly hacked multiple times. Rich explained that’s unlikely, but advised changing major account passwords and enabling two-factor authentication for Apple, Google, and social media. Mentioned: Proton Authenticator Philip Jones, Technical Editor & Lead Reviewer at Projector Reviews, will explain what to look for when buying a projector. He also mentioned premium models like the Epson QL7000, JVC DLA-NZ900, and Sony Bravia Projector 9, along with budget picks such as the Yaber V12 and Epson EpiqVision CO-W01. Rich highlighted Clever Cleaner, a free app that helps clear iPhone storage by removing similar photos, large videos, and other clutter. For cleaning up photo clutter, Rich suggested Files by Google for Android, Gemini for Mac, and Duplicate Photos Fixer for Windows/Mac. For Google Cloud, go to one.google.com Apple announced a September 9 “Awe Dropping” event, where it’s expected to unveil the iPhone 17 lineup, including a new thin and light model likely called the Air. Jefferson Graham, host of the Photowalks travel photography show, will share his favorite tips for capturing better shots on the go — plus his latest tech advice for travelers. Jeff recommended knowing iCloud.com/find and android.com/find for lost phones, and said Graeter’s in Cincinnati is the best ice cream he’s had out of 120 spots worldwide. Margie in Fullerton asked about free tools for animation and AI, and Rich suggested Adobe Express, Animaker</a

Rich recapped his experience in Brooklyn for the Google Pixel event and discussed what's new with the Pixel 10 series. Rich talked about visiting Chuck's Arcade, a new retro-inspired arcade from Chuck E. Cheese. Jason Lucking, co-founder of PAiback, will explain how their app helps travelers automatically get money back when airfare prices drop. Hal in Simi Valley is asking how to change the size of the icons and text on his Windows computer. Rich covered the Pixel Watch 4’s biggest upgrades, including standalone Satellite SOS, a new AI Health Coach, and Raise-to-Talk with Gemini for instant AI help. Karen in Bakersfield asked for antivirus suggestions. Rich explained that Windows Security is already strong, with options like Malwarebytes, Sophos, Chrome’s Enhanced Safe Browsing, and AV-Test results helping you stay protected without all the upsell clutter. Mark in Woodland Hills is asking if there is a home show where he can see all the security options on display. Rich mentioned CEDIA in Denver, which is where you can see a lot of the professional electronics equipment. C. Scott Brown, senior editor at Android Authority, will share key takeaways from Google’s Pixel event in Brooklyn. Apple TV+ is raising prices from $10/month to $13/month. David writes in from Oregon asking if he can turn off the 4-digit passcode to his phone so he can just swipe to unlock it. Rich says yes, but he does not recommend it. Reggie in Charleston, South Carolina wants to know about trackers for his car. Rich mentioned the AirTag, Chipolo, Tile and Tracki. Jo Carrasqueira, senior editor at XDA, will share simple steps to deep clean your Windows PC so it runs faster and smoother. A Seattle start-up named Tin Can is bringing back the landline, but just for kids. Amazon Autos adds Hertz used cars to its online marketplace. Alaska Airlines and T-Mobile are <a href="https://www.t-mobil

Rich mentioned how going to the DMV for his real ID was a smooth process. AOL is discontinuing dial-up, and Rich reminisced about the old days of the internet. Dale in Oceanside says his Samsung keyboard layout mysteriously changed. Rich says to tap the gear icon above your keyboard, tap "Languages & types" under English, and set it back to QWERTY. Apple brought blood oxygen monitoring back to Apple Watches, but the difference is you have to look at the results on the iPhone screen. Kodak says, contrary to rumors, it is not going out of business. John in Los Angeles asked where he can continue his education. Rich mentioned Coursera, edX, LinkedIn Learning, Google Cloud Skills Boost, Microsoft Learn, IBM SkillsBuild, and ClassCentral.com. Better Business Bureau warns of fake passport renewal websites that might charge you a fee or capture your personal information. Rich mentioned how much he loves Nord's excellent threat protection feature, which also blocks ads as you surf the web. Leesa emails to say she's gotten two class action lawsuit notices and wants to know if how to verify if they're legitimate. Rich says to check them at TopClassActions.com. Rich says he’s loving Ring’s new AI feature that gives clearer notifications about what’s happening at home. Rich has been testing the Epson EcoTank printer. Mark in Woodland Hills says his Roku 4 is making whirring and grinding sounds. Rich mentioned that Yahoo is cutting its free storage from 1 TB to 20 GB. Richard in Calabasas wants to know how to delete Gmail emails faster in bulk. Rich says you have <a href="https://support.google.com/mail/community-guide/24235

Rich talked about flying kites with his kids and selling stuff on OfferUp. Rich also mentioned buying discounted gift cards on CardCash.com. Rich explained the new Instagram map feature that potentially shares your location if you choose to. Jim writes in about gift cards. He recommends a website called CardBear.com, which aggregates the best discounts available for a wide range of gift cards. Marilyn from Chula Vista called in about issues with the Watch TCM app. ChatGPT just rolled out a major update to version 5, bringing faster performance, improved writing and coding skills, and new personality options. Hulu’s standalone app will be fully merged into Disney+ in 2026. Frank in Port Chester wants more details on using Gemini to keep notes. Rich suggested checking Google’s recommended prompts for ideas. Doreen in Irvine asked how to back up text messages and contacts on a Samsung. Rich recommended using SMS Backup & Restore for messages, and for contacts, opening the Contacts app, going to Settings, and choosing Export. On iPhone, open Contacts, tap Lists, press and hold a list, then tap Export. Jay from Los Angeles says he uses Wirecutter and Consumer Reports for reviews. Rich suggested also trying Vetted.AI, Google’s AI Mode, and ChatGPT for product comparisons. Barb wants to know how to back up her phone locally to her Windows computer. Rich says you can still use iTunes—just plug in your phone and click the little phone icon under the menu bar, next to where it says Music. Mark in Woodland Hills asked about smart luggage or brand recommendations. Rich said he’s currently using Amazon Basics, also likes Away Luggage, and thinks Props Luggage is pretty cool with its built-in feet. College students can get a free year of Google Gemini Advanced, which includes the Pro models and 2TB of cloud storage. Roku has launched a new ad-free streaming service called Howdy, priced at $3 a month, with a selection of movies and TV shows. Adam Doud