Rich On Tech

Listener Debbie shares how scammers posing as Citibank’s fraud department tricked her into authorizing $7,000 in transactions. Rich breaks down the biggest holiday scams to watch for, according to Visa’s 2026 Holiday Threats Report, and how to avoid them. Listener Greg asks where to buy reliable refurbished phones. Rich recommends Back Market, Angie’s Green Go Surplus on eBay, Amazon Renewed, Samsung Certified Re-Newed, Apple Certified Refurbished, Google Store refurbished Pixels, and Best Buy. Rich explains T-Mobile’s new T-Mix wireless plans, which let customers choose their own perks and change them every 90 days, with insights from T-Mobile CMO Allan Samson. Rich tries Bryan Cranston’s Dos Hombres tequila at the T-Mobile party and gives it a thumbs-up. Tom in San Clemente asks how to safely recycle old laptops without exposing personal data. Rich recommends professional hard drive shredding or Staples recycling at staples.com/recycling. Rich shares his experience taking a driverless Waymo ride in Los Angeles and why he thinks robotaxis have a bright future. Ron in San Diego asks whether he needs to notify his bank before switching computers. Rich explains what to expect and recommends Costco and Slickdeals.net for laptop deals, including an ASUS Vivobook 16 on sale at Best Buy for $350. Beth in San Diego asks about the vSeeBox V6 Plus, an Android TV box promising thousands of channels without subscriptions. Rich recommends returning it and using Roku or Fire TV instead, with TheStreamable.com/matchmaker to compare TV services and Tubi or Pluto TV for free streaming. Pete Tenereillo of PathSense explains how apps track your location, the difference between precise and approximate location, and why you should check your location permissions and turn off data selling in app settings. Cindy in Long Beach reports fraudulent charges on her Visa card and asks about suspicious Gmail addresses. Rich explains Gmail’s plus-addressing feature and recommends credit cards, virtual card numbers from Privacy.com, and Apple Pay or Google Pay for safer purchases. Amazon is offering a complete Thanksgiving dinner for $25, including turkey and sides, at Amazon.com/ThanksgivingMeal. John in Fallbrook asks how to display scenic photos on his Hisense Fire TV. Rich recommends customizing the screensaver or using a Fire TV Stick with Ambient Experience. Rich reviews Amazon’s new 10-inch Alexa digital photo frame, which automatically displays pictures from Amazon Photos. He recommends buying it at $150 or less. Melody in Carlsbad asks why her archived Gmail messages disappeared from Apple Mail on her Mac. Rich explains how Gmail archives work and recommends checking All Mail and labels at Gmail.com. Larry Yang of Netgear explains how mesh Wi-Fi systems like Orbi improve home coverage and why Wi-Fi 8 will focus on reliability instead of speed. Wi-Fi tips: Use a mesh system for larger or multi-story homes, keep the same network name and password when upgrading routers, and make sure your router gets security updates. When buying a router, consider how many people and devices are connected, your home’s layout, and built-in security features. Rich shares tips for reducing spam calls using built-in phone screening and carrier spam protection tools. Spectrum is offering a temporary free internet speed boost through November 30, available in the My Spectrum app. Amazon Prime members can get $0 Uber Eats delivery fees and $20 off each of their first two qualifying orders by ordering through Amazon. Listener feedback: Rich returns to Evernote, readers share success stories about SIM swap protection and discovering unauthorized Verizon charges, and listeners weigh in on Android, Apple’s touchscreen MacBook, the iPhone Duo, smart locks, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hackers steal $6.3 billion in Binance crypto hack: Rich explains how hackers reportedly targeted the exchange’s digital wallets and why keeping cryptocurrency on an exchange carries risks. Jeff in California loses $21,000 in SIM swap scam: Thieves intercepted his text verification codes to access his bank account, highlighting why authenticator apps are safer than SMS codes. How to protect your phone number from hackers: AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile offer free settings to prevent SIM swaps and unauthorized number transfers. Rideshare horror stories raise safety concerns: Rich shares unsettling rideshare experiences, including a driver asking a passenger about the last day of her life, another using someone else’s account and one relying on Tesla self-driving. Rich explains when to report a driver and what to do if you feel unsafe. Apple unveils its first touchscreen MacBook Pro: Rich goes hands-on with Apple’s new 14-inch and 16-inch laptops, featuring OLED displays, touch controls and a Dynamic Island. Prices start at $2,900, with high-end configurations exceeding $14,000. More rideshare horror stories and safety tips: Listeners share experiences with reckless drivers and misleading driver profiles. Rich recommends booking through official rideshare apps rather than paying drivers directly, which could leave passengers without proper insurance coverage. Tracy in Los Angeles asks whether T-Mobile is better than Verizon: Rich says T-Mobile’s coverage has improved dramatically, but recommends testing its network before switching, especially if reliable navigation is essential. T-Mobile’s Starlink satellite service offers backup coverage: Rich explains how satellite connectivity can provide limited data access, including Google Maps, when regular cellular service is unavailable. How to use two cellular carriers on one phone: Rich suggests adding an inexpensive secondary eSIM to improve coverage without changing your primary number, using automatic cellular data switching on supported phones. iPhone / Pixel Angel in San Bernardino County shares a wild rideshare story: His driver impersonated an undercover police officer and pulled someone over, only to be arrested by real police officers investigating him. Angel asks how to improve weak cellular coverage: Rich recommends Wi-Fi calling at home and checking out weBoost for signal boosters that work with multiple carriers, though they can cost hundreds of dollars. Why you should set up a guest Wi-Fi network: Rich recommends keeping visitors on a separate network to help protect your personal devices and smart home equipment. Jay in Manassas Park, Virginia can’t watch Disney Channel through his receiver: Rich suspects an HDMI copyright protection issue called HDCP and recommends restarting the equipment, checking cables and connecting the Xfinity box directly to the TV to isolate the problem. Gordon in Costa Mesa asks about LifeLock versus Incogni: Rich explains that Incogni removes personal information from data brokers, while LifeLock focuses on identity theft monitoring and recovery. He also recommends freezing your credit, using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication and avoiding phishing scams. Rich goes hands-on with Apple’s new iPad mini: The $699 tablet features a larger 8.5-inch OLED display, thinner design, water resistance and optional matte glass that’s great for reading. Rich loves the upgrades but questions the price, especially with the screen still limited to a 60Hz refresh rate. Available November 6. Jamie Siminoff, founder of Ring, will discuss the new Ring Smart Lock, its hand-powered backup system, and why Amazon Sidewalk is becoming a bigger part of the smart home. Rich tests Capacities, a different kind of note-taking app: Instead of folders, Capacities organizes notes as objects with tags, collections and AI-powered search. Rich likes the ability to text notes into the app, connect ideas and export everything as Markdown. David in Woodland Hills wants Windows 10 back on his new laptop: Rich explains how Rufus can create a bootable Windows installation drive but recommends Start11 to restore the familiar Windows 10 look without replacing Windows 11. Granola adds free AI voice dictation for Mac: Rich tests the new feature, which offers unlimited voice-to-text dictation at no cost, making it an interesting alternative to paid competitor Wispr Flow. Tony in San Diego is locked out of his Hotmail and Yahoo accounts: Each email service wants to send a verification code to the other, leaving him stuck. Rich recommends using the official account recovery tools, setting up passkeys and avoiding fake tech support phone numbers. How to hide sensitive apps on your iPhone: Rich explains how to require Face ID for banking and other private apps, or hide them entirely in the App Library. Just remember that hidden apps won’t send notifications. Amazon’s new Alexa photo frame uses AI to pick your best pictures: The $200 frame features a 10-inch matte touchscreen, automatic photo selection, voice recordings and no ads. Rich recommends waiting for a $150 deal. Amazon Prime includes unlimited full-resolution photo storage: Rich reminds Prime members they can back up unlimited photos using Amazon Photos, with 5GB of video storage included. It’s also how Amazon’s new photo frame automatically displays your latest pictures. AI can negotiate your next car purchase for you: Ray Shefska, co-founder of CarEdge, explains how its AI agents negotiate anonymously with dealerships, compare pricing transparency and help buyers secure a deal before ever setting foot in a showroom. Don’t overlook the extras when buying a car: Ray says warranties and other products offered in the dealership’s finance office are negotiable. Always ask for the total price rather than just how much they’ll add to your monthly payment. TikTok launches Must Eat restaurant recommendations: The new feature uses more than 40 million posts, reviews and comments to highlight popular restaurants in Los Angeles, New York City and the Bay Area. Find it by tapping your city in TikTok and selecting Must Eat. iHeartRadio introduces Light Mode: A simpler interface for iPhone and Android puts favorite stations, presets, recently played content and local radio front and center. Max recommends the Status Pro X earbuds: These $199 wireless earbuds feature three drivers per earbud, high-resolution audio, LDAC support and noise cancellation. Tony asks why deleting iPhone apps doesn’t erase their data: Rich explains that some information may remain in iCloud, allowing apps to restore settings and data when reinstalled. Dawn wants to learn how to use AI: Rich recommends downloading the official ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini app and simply asking questions, including asking the AI what it can do. Tom warns about a misleading subscription offer: A $2 introductory offer from JustAnswer turned into a $65 monthly membership. Rich reminds listeners to check the fine print before entering payment information. Sam recommends Wispr Flow and Skullcandy headphones: Sam uses Wispr Flow for voice dictation and suggests Rich check out Skullcandy’s premium headphones developed with Bose. Listeners respond to Rich’s SIM swap protection advice: Candy in Florida successfully enabled Spectrum’s security settings, while other listeners thanked Rich for helping them protect their phone numbers. How to Listen: 🎙️ Live on KFI AM 640 - Los Angeles, Saturdays from 11 AM - 2 PM PT 🎙️ Rebroadcast on 710 WOR - New York City, Sundays from 8 PM - 11 PM ET 📻 Syndicated on affiliates nationwide Subscribe to the podcast. Premium subscribers can listen ad-free here. Follow Rich on Instagram. Subscribe to my free newsletter. Rich on Tech Weekly airs on KTLA+. You can download the app on Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, and Samsung smart TVs. Disclosure: I may earn a commission from purchases made through links in this post, at no additional cost to you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rich On Tech Episode 197 - October 24, 2026 Call 1-888-RICH-101 (1-888-742-4101) with your tech questions. Rich reviews Apple's $2,000 iPhone Duo after a week of use. He loves the tablet-sized screen but finds the lack of Face ID, smaller outer screen and camera compromises frustrating. Jill wants wireless CarPlay. Rich recommends the $40 Twelve South AirFly Drive, which makes existing wired CarPlay or Android Auto wireless. Barney asks how to FaceTime from Android. An iPhone user can send a FaceTime link, or both people can use WhatsApp. Protect your phone number from hackers: Enable number lock or SIM protection through AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile or your carrier. Use an authenticator app instead of texted security codes. Eric asks about smart glasses for someone with vision loss. Rich recommends the Braille Institute, Ray-Ban Meta accessibility features and Be My Eyes. Spotify is cracking down on family plan sharing, requiring some users to verify they're in the same household. Susan has second thoughts about switching from Windows to Mac. Rich suggests returning the iMac and sticking with the Dell she prefers. Banks are restricting AI agents over concerns about account access. Rich explains the difference between read-only financial connections and agents that can take action. Security researcher Luke Westcott explains how scammers use fake calendar invitations and how to stop them. Patty asks about phone PINs and how to prevent SIM-swapping attacks. Apple's October 28 event could bring the first touchscreen MacBook Pro. Martin's ASUS laptop won't turn on. Rich suggests checking the power adapter before assuming the computer is broken. Kelly wants to keep using Windows XP scrapbooking software. Rich suggests a wired printer or Eero compatibility settings. Phil Swann of TV for Seniors shares ways to simplify streaming and save money, including Roku, free streaming apps and subscription discounts. Listener feedback: AI agents saving money, Rocket Money for subscriptions, NAPS2 for scanning, Community Phone for home phone service and a warning about Jitterbug phones. How to Listen Live on KFI AM 640, Saturdays 11 AM to 2 PM PT Rebroadcast on 710 WOR, Sundays 8 PM to 11 PM ET Syndicated nationwide Full show notes: https://richontech.tv/197 Follow Rich on Instagram @RichOnTech and subscribe to the free newsletter at https://richontech.tv. Rich On Tech Weekly airs on KTLA+. Disclosure: I may earn a commission from purchases made through links in this post, at no additional cost to you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

iPhone Duo preorders are selling out: Apple’s first foldable iPhone starts at $2,000, with some deliveries reportedly slipping into January. Rich recommends waiting for reviews, especially given the expensive repair costs. AI agents can do more than answer questions: Rich compares Meta Muse, ChatGPT Dots, Grok Bot, Gemini Spark and OpenClaw, explaining how they can navigate websites, use apps and complete tasks on your behalf. Rich puts his AI agent to work: His ChatGPT agent, Glitchy, tracks expenses, manages calendar events, organizes travel plans, checks flights and flags important emails. Rich says these tools are powerful but warns users to be careful about the permissions they grant. Jack in Anaheim can’t turn off his Roku’s talking voice: Rich explains how to find the Screen Reader setting under Settings > Accessibility or try pressing the remote’s star button four times quickly. The issue wasn’t resolved on air, and Rich suggests checking the Sony TV’s accessibility settings or restarting the Roku; or toggling the Screen Reader setting on and off again if disabling it doesn’t stop the voice narration. Apple HomeView brings Siri to your smart home: Apple’s $299 smart home display features a 7-inch touchscreen, FaceTime, smart home controls and personalized information for family members. Rich questions the price compared with Google Nest and Amazon Echo Show devices. Susie in West Covina needs simpler phones: For her mother, Rich suggests Lively’s Jitterbug, RAZ Memory Cell Phone or an internet-based home phone using Ooma, magicJack or Pinwheel. For Susie’s outdated Moto G Stylus running Android 11, he recommends a Pixel 10a or Pixel 11 for longer software support. Cleta in Brea can’t access Facebook notifications: After a Facebook update moved the notification bell, Rich recommends enabling Touch Sensitivity in Samsung’s display settings or waiting for another Facebook app update to fix the issue. Mint Mobile celebrates 10 years with $10 unlimited service: New customers can get six months of unlimited service for $60 upfront, plus taxes and fees. After the promotion, the standard annual-plan rate is $30 monthly. Mint runs on T-Mobile’s network but doesn’t support cellular Apple Watches. David in Wisconsin asks what he’s missing by switching from Verizon to Visible: Rich explains that prepaid carriers can save customers $20 to $40 a month, but premium postpaid plans may offer faster hotspot speeds and better customer support. Rich is sticking with Verizon because he regularly uploads large video files on the road and needs maximum hotspot performance. ChatGPT can now see your Chrome tabs: Rich explains how ChatGPT can compare products and hotels across open tabs, summarize articles and answer questions about YouTube videos without copying and pasting information. Julie in Riverside asks if an antenna works with Roku: Rich explains that an antenna connects directly to the TV, not a Roku stick. For a more integrated experience, devices like Tablo and HDHomeRun can bring over-the-air channels into Roku through their apps. Phillip Shoemaker, founding director of Apple’s App Store Review team and author of Unbreakable, will share how he was SIM-swapped despite a career fighting fraud, and the simple steps consumers can take to better protect their digital lives. Ed in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania wants to email a 5 GB video: Rich recommends uploading it to a cloud service and sharing a link instead. Options include Proton Drive, Wormhole, Google Drive and pCloud. Wormhole supports transfers up to 10 GB without an account, but files expire after 24 hours. Roku audio descriptions may explain the mystery voice: Listener Greg suggests checking whether Audio Description is enabled in the TV or streaming app’s accessibility settings. Steve in Fullerton asks about Google Assistant switching to Gemini: Rich explains that Gemini understands natural language and handles complex questions better, but some basic commands may be slower or less reliable than the original Google Assistant. Allen in Simi Valley says his iPhone camera keeps opening unexpectedly: Rich recommends disabling the Camera Control button under Settings > Camera > Camera Control or removing the camera shortcut from the Lock Screen. Amazon Bee introduces two new wearable recording devices: The $75 Bee Frontier and $100 Bee Eclipse can record conversations, create summaries, track reminders and integrate with Alexa+. Rich highlights their usefulness but warns about privacy concerns and recording consent laws. Christopher Mutch, developer of Speaking Access, will explain how his $30 Windows voice-control program helps people control their computer by voice and why he built it as an affordable accessibility tool. Listeners agree phones should stay off the dinner table: Bob and Brian share why putting phones away during meals makes conversations and family time more meaningful. Wyze makes rechargeable motion-sensing night lights: Jeremy recommends a $25 three-pack that wirelessly links together, so motion detected by one light can activate the others. A listener saves $1,600 using Meta Muse: Fred uses the free AI agent to track airfare, organize travel, monitor stocks and make restaurant reservations. Listeners share more free TV antenna tips: Don recommends GE and Philips antennas, while John suggests ZapperBox for recording over-the-air TV. Mario says switching from cable to an antenna, streaming and home internet cut his monthly bill from $400 to $145. More listener feedback: Candy praises Spectrum’s international roaming, Neil raises concerns about AI agent security, and James spots Proto hologram technology on Netflix’s Wonka: The Golden Ticket.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pixel 11 Rambler speeds up replies: Rich says Google’s voice-to-text feature is accurate enough to dictate and format quick email responses on the fly. Meta faces landmark child-safety case: States accuse Meta of designing Instagram and Facebook to keep young users engaged while failing to adequately protect kids. Drone delivery is expanding fast: Amazon plans to bring Prime Air to 500 cities and towns, while Uber Eats and Zipline are also expanding drone delivery. Flock is sending drones to 911 calls: The company’s police drones can reach scenes before officers and may help resolve some calls without dispatching police. Beware Medicare card scams: A caller received a suspicious call asking whether she received a new Medicare card, a reminder to never give personal information to unsolicited callers. Antenna Man explains free TV: A good antenna can deliver dozens of local channels for free, but choosing the right antenna and placement for your location is critical. Check reception before buying an antenna: RabbitEars.info can estimate available stations, signal strength and the type of antenna you may need. International calling requires planning: Check your carrier for an international roaming pass or consider an unlocked-phone eSIM that supports actual voice calls, not just data. Prepare for power outages: A hand-crank emergency radio is an inexpensive backup, while portable power stations from brands like Jackery and EcoFlow can keep larger devices running. YouTube Premium is adding Peacock: YouTube Premium subscribers are expected to get the ad-supported Peacock Premium plan in early 2027. California DROP removes broker data: California residents can use the state’s free DROP system to request removal of their personal information from registered data brokers. Google can remove personal info from search: Results About You alerts you when Google finds your phone number, address or other personal information and lets you request removal from search results. Scammers are getting better with AI: Scamicide founder Steve Weisman says AI is improving phishing messages, voice clones and other scams, making independent verification more important than ever. Secure your home router: Change default passwords, install firmware updates and consider replacing older routers that no longer receive automatic security patches. Don’t trust customer-service numbers from search: Scammers can buy ads or manipulate search results, so get support numbers from a company’s official website, app or bill. Instagram is adding major teen restrictions: Meta’s teen-safety changes include daily time limits, overnight restrictions, muted school-hour notifications and hidden like counts. Samsung satellite service depends on phone and plan: Satellite connectivity requires compatible hardware and carrier support, so not every Galaxy phone or T-Mobile plan will qualify. Don’t hide your Wi-Fi router: Putting a router or mesh node inside a cabinet can weaken the signal and undermine the benefits of a mesh system. WiFiman can diagnose weak Wi-Fi: Ubiquiti’s WiFiman app can help visualize signal strength around the house and identify dead zones. Spotify adds coached running workouts: Running Mode creates personalized workouts with music, cadence targets and coaching prompts for Premium subscribers on iPhone. Aviate brings Flighty-style tracking to Android: The app tracks flights, boarding information and trip progress with live updates for Android users. Ask T-Mobile for an outage credit: Customers affected by the recent outage may be able to get a bill credit by contacting customer service. Samsung Messages has an unofficial replacement: Messages by Ozark’s Made recreates the Samsung Messages experience, though users should be cautious about trusting third-party messaging apps with sensitive data. Accessibility features can help everyone: Shelly Brisbin highlighted tools including Live Listen, Dark Mode, AssistiveTouch and voice controls that can make phones easier to use. Fake CAPTCHA attacks can install malware: If a “prove you’re human” page asks you to run commands or type codes into your computer, stop because it may be a ClickFix attack. Windows Snipping Tool can copy stubborn text: Its text extraction feature can grab words from images or places where normal copy-and-paste doesn’t work. Update a full iPhone using a computer: If there isn’t enough storage for an iOS update, connecting the phone to a Mac or PC may let you update without offloading apps. Hide AirTags inside valuables: Trackers placed out of sight in luggage or shipped packages are harder for a thief to quickly find and remove. Older Publisher versions may keep working: Users who rely on Microsoft Publisher can continue using a legitimately licensed older standalone version rather than switching immediately. Apple Podcast reviews are easiest on iPhone: Find the show in Apple Podcasts, scroll to Ratings & Reviews, tap Write a Review and submit it. Pasted text See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rich explains why he’s finally sold on AI agents after using ChatGPT Dots to order pizza, check in for a flight, research trips and handle everyday tasks. Six major AI companies signed a voluntary safety agreement with the White House, but there are no penalties, deadlines or real enforcement. Eduardo in Tampa is looking for an affordable new phone, but a free Metro deal won’t work if he’s switching from T-Mobile. Consumer Reports found that many connected-car apps share information with advertising and analytics companies, including potentially sensitive personal data. Samsung raised Galaxy S26 prices by $100, while Google raised the Pixel 10a price as tech products continue getting more expensive. Dan in Moss Landing can’t connect his Chromebook to his iPhone hotspot, and Rich recommends turning on Maximize Compatibility. Todd in Goodyear wants a phone with a microSD card slot, and Rich recommends the Fairphone, Moto G series and SMS Backup & Restore. McDonald’s is using AI to help restaurants determine menu prices, but that doesn’t mean it’s setting a different price for each individual customer. Rich says phones should stay away during meals so we can actually pay attention to the people we’re with. Richie in Sherman Oaks wants to use an external camera with his Pixel as a dash cam, but Rich recommends keeping things simple with a dedicated dash cam. Holiday shoppers expect to spend less on tech this year even as gadget prices rise, and Rich recommends CamelCamelCamel, Keepa and ShopSavvy to check whether a deal is real. Rich explains how to do a quick privacy audit on iPhone and Android to stop unnecessary apps from constantly tracking your location. Mark Anthony Arena, the Computer Exorcist, explains why he dislikes automatic cloud storage, photo sticks and third-party antivirus software. LaShawn in Los Angeles keeps getting a Norton security warning on a friend’s Wi-Fi, but the problem appears to be a false alarm involving the network rather than an infected laptop. Rich confirms those RFID hotel towel trackers are real after getting charged $25 for leaving a towel in his room. Amazon Now can deliver groceries, gadgets and everyday essentials in about 30 minutes in supported areas. Samsung’s new SmartTag 3 is smaller and lighter, lasts up to 550 days and can alert you when an item is moved. Amazon updated its Kindle lineup, moved the Paperwhite power button and added new options for physical and remote page turning. Rich says Face ID on the iPhone 18 Pro has been less reliable since Apple moved some of its hardware under the display. Pluto TV added more than 200 free, ad-supported horror movies for Halloween. Rich answers listener questions about cellular dead zones, converting audio files, flip phones and transferring iPhone photos to a PC. Tony Gebhard, author of No Sight Required, explains how AI tools are giving blind and low-vision users more independence. Listener feedback includes Google Photos headaches, hotel towel trackers, Flighty, California’s DROP privacy program and the green camera indicator on a Mac. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Snapdragon focuses on AI: Qualcomm’s new chips aim to run more AI directly on phones, improving speed and reducing reliance on the cloud. Google Book preview: Android-based laptops bring native apps and built-in AI tools, starting around $900. New hardware demos: Rich tries a haptic mouse, robotic phone camera and augmented reality glasses, with mixed impressions of their everyday usefulness. Meta Muse gets proactive: The assistant connects to personal services and completes browser tasks, raising questions about privacy and data access. Meta expands wearables: New products include updated Ray-Ban glasses, a camera-free option and a lightweight VR headset with a separate computing pack. Beats360 review: Swappable cushions make the $350 headphones versatile, but wired listening and automatic pause are missing. Streaming prices climb: Disney and Hulu raise prices again; Rich suggests comparing bundles and canceling rarely used services. Premiere comes to Android: Adobe’s editor offers free core tools without ads or watermarks, alongside paid AI features. DIY karaoke: Rich suggests Ultimate Vocal Remover for separating vocals, then Audacity or GarageBand to record and mix your own. iPhone Duo’s trade-offs: Apple’s foldable combines phone and small-tablet functions for roughly $2,000, with camera and portability compromises. Apple’s foldable plans: Kaiann Drance discusses durability, multitasking and upcoming Apple Pencil support, with availability announced for October 23. Avoid fake tech support: Use official support websites and be cautious of unfamiliar apps, cleaner utilities and phone numbers in search ads. AI and personal finances: Rich discusses using connected accounts for budgeting while limiting access and reviewing privacy settings. Fix Apple Watch weather: Restart the watch and iPhone, check location permissions and re-add the weather complication if needed. Password manager options: Built-in tools offer convenience; independent services offer broader flexibility. Compare features and enable two-factor authentication. Stop accidental 911 calls: Check for case or button interference and review Emergency SOS confirmation settings. Verify Facebook security emails: Open Facebook directly and check recent security messages instead of following unexpected email links. Upgrade an unsupported phone: Rich suggests recent refurbished models with remaining software support over unofficial Android installations. Track luggage with AirTags: AirTags can work overseas through nearby Apple devices, with location sharing available for supported airlines. Recover a Word document: Check the Recycle Bin, Word recovery tools and cloud copies before restoring a backup. Find your next book: Reading trackers can organize your history, which AI can use to personalize recommendations. Sonos expands audio controls: Sonos 27 adds new listening options and more natural voice commands through a gradual rollout. Sonos volume shortcut: Rotate two fingers on the app’s screen to reveal a virtual volume knob. Test a new carrier first: A second phone line lets you evaluate coverage before transferring your number. Manage phone storage: Review storage settings and remove unused downloads after large software updates. AI helps explain errors: Screen-aware search tools can interpret phone error messages and suggest fixes. Listener feedback: Topics include human help with insurance claims, AI support, aging TiVo systems and finding TVs without smart features. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI gets more useful and more concerning: Rich says to use AI and understand it, but question its answers rather than blindly trusting it. AI can provide emotional support: Caller Bonnie used ChatGPT to help process the loss of her dog, while Bridget Todd explained why emotional connections with AI are becoming more common. Meta Muse is a personal AI assistant: Rich likes Meta’s new Muse app, which can connect to email, calendars, reminders and tasks to help get things done. iPhone 18 Pro is great, but not a must-upgrade: Better battery life, cooler operation and a variable-aperture camera stand out, but recent iPhone owners can probably wait. Siri finally gets much smarter: Siri can privately index messages, emails, photos and other personal information so you can ask questions about your own life. Spectrum Mobile could save a caller $1,500: Rich says the free-year offer could be worthwhile, but check Verizon coverage where you live and work before switching. Watch for government impersonation scams: If someone claiming to be with the government or law enforcement demands immediate payment, hang up and independently verify the claim. Restart first when an app stops working: A caller with Gmail trouble was reminded that a simple phone restart should be the first troubleshooting step. Stop Samsung Wi-Fi from turning itself back on: Disable "Turn Wi-Fi on automatically" under Intelligent Wi-Fi if you want full control over the connection. Facebook lockout workaround: If normal account recovery fails, a paid Meta support plan may provide access to a real person who can help. How the Apple Store was created: Former Apple retail chief Ron Johnson shared how he and Steve Jobs built the stores around service, hands-on experiences and the Genius Bar. You can completely turn off Siri: iOS 27 adds an option under Settings > Siri to disable Siri entirely. You can't remove data from the dark web: After a breach, focus on protecting yourself by limiting shared personal information and freezing your credit when appropriate. Amazon Prime Big Deal Days are October 6 and 7: Add items you want to your cart ahead of time so it's easier to spot real price drops. Fix missing email on an iPhone: Go to Settings > Apps > Mail > Mail Accounts and try reconnecting, or remove and re-add the affected account. Apple Watch finally shows steps on the watch face: Series 12 and Ultra 4 can display near-real-time step counts without a third-party app. Portable hotspots won't work at sea: Cellular hotspots need a cellular signal, so they won't replace cruise ship Wi-Fi when you're offshore. AirPods microphone acting up? Clean them first: Carefully clean the earbuds and microphone areas before assuming the hardware needs replacing. Chrome pop-ups may come from rogue extensions: Remove extensions you don't recognize, check notification permissions and clear browser data. Skip questionable streaming black boxes: Rich recommends legitimate streaming services over devices that can bring legal, privacy, security and reliability concerns. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apple launches the $2,000 iPhone Duo, its first foldable with a 5.4-inch outer screen, 7.6-inch inner display, MagSafe and Apple Pencil support. iPhone Duo software could be its biggest advantage, with apps optimized for the foldable screen instead of simply being stretched larger. IDScan confirms a major driver’s license breach, prompting Rich to recommend free credit freezes with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Political spam texts are best filtered, not answered, since replying can confirm your number is active and lead to even more messages. iPhone 18 Pro gets a $100 price hike, starting at $1,200 with variable aperture photography, improved cooling and longer battery life. A cellular Apple Watch can help after a fall, with fall detection and the ability to call for help even when your iPhone isn’t nearby. Smart TVs can become “dumb” TVs, simply by leaving them offline and using an Apple TV, Roku or Fire TV for streaming. Infinite Fi’s $49 unlimited internet claim doesn’t add up, because any hotspot still needs cellular, satellite or another real internet connection. Rich recommends Mayday on Apple TV for family movie night, calling the Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh movie a fun crowd-pleaser. Flaky Windows Wi-Fi may be a driver issue, so update Windows, reconnect to your network and make sure an old router isn’t still broadcasting. Consent phishing can bypass passwords and 2FA, by tricking you into granting a malicious app legitimate access to your account. Changing your password may not stop consent phishing, so also check connected apps and revoke anything you don’t recognize. Tablo and ZapperBox make antenna TV easier, with options for watching or recording free over-the-air channels. Brian Tong calls iPhone Duo an impressive first-gen foldable, but says its price, weight and thickness remain real compromises. AirPods 5 may be Apple’s sleeper upgrade, bringing noise cancellation to the open-fit design for $149. An AI researcher quit Anthropic over safety concerns, warning that future self-improving systems could become difficult for humans to control. NormalTools.com is a handy free utility site, with nearly 200 browser-based tools for PDFs, images, QR codes, calculations and more. Apple Watch Series 12 improves health tracking, with more frequent measurements, a readiness score and new sound recognition alerts. Apple Watch Live Rewind can show what was just said, using an opt-in feature that displays a transcript of roughly the last 15 seconds. NordVPN says people remain the cybersecurity weak link, as AI makes phishing scams cheaper, faster and more convincing. Privacy.com can help stop unwanted free-trial renewals, by using virtual cards that can be limited or shut off after signup. Lance Ulanoff says Duo’s matte display helps hide the crease, making it much less noticeable during normal use. Apple Pencil support makes Duo more tablet-like, especially for drawing, writing and creative apps such as Procreate. Pixel’s Now Playing identifies songs automatically, displaying nearby music on the lock screen without requiring a search. Ooma cut one listener’s landline bill from $127 to about $20 a month, while letting him keep the same longtime phone number. Libby offers free audiobooks and ebooks with a library card, although popular titles may have waitlists and borrowing deadlines. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driver’s license scans exposed: More than 153 million U.S. and Canadian ID records were reportedly offered on the dark web. Freeze your credit and consider an IRS Identity Protection PIN. Make accounts harder to hack: Rich shared three simple ways to better protect your accounts, including unique passwords, two-factor authentication and Chrome Enhanced Protection. Translation tools for travel: Timekettle, AirPods and Pixel Buds can translate conversations, but a phone translation app may be easier in important situations. Tesla Cybercab goes driverless: David Moss rode Tesla’s steering-wheel-free Cybercab in Austin and discussed how autonomous vehicles could improve mobility for blind, disabled and elderly passengers. International calling while traveling: Check your carrier for a roaming pass or use a travel eSIM. Simbye is one option that can include a real phone number. Amazon scam checker: Alexa for Shopping can check whether a suspicious Amazon email, text or call is legitimate. You can also forward suspicious emails to [email protected]. Daily spelling game: Beeswax gives players five words a day to spell by listening to their pronunciation. iPhone blocked-number limits: Apple appears to limit how many numbers can be blocked, and removing thousands of old entries can be tedious. DVRs for antenna TV: Tablo and ZapperBox can record free over-the-air TV. Rich found the $15 Philips rabbit ears delivered consistent reception for his main channels. Sonos 27 gets smarter: Sonos is adding more natural voice control, AI features, lock-screen controls and easier volume adjustments. New Sonos gear: The Beam Ultra soundbar can use portable Sonos speakers as surrounds, while Ace Ultra headphones add improved noise cancellation and 35-hour battery life. Setting boundaries for AI: Will Cady says AI should expand human abilities rather than become a crutch that weakens them. Charging driverless cars: Autonomous EV fleets still need charging infrastructure, although modern fast charging can dramatically reduce downtime. Cleaning up Gmail: Use All Mail for bulk deletion or filter by sender to quickly remove large batches of unwanted messages. Free California data removal: California residents can use DROP to request deletion from registered data brokers, while paid services such as Incogni offer broader removal tools. Top laptops for 2026: Consumer Reports highlighted models from LG, Asus, Apple and Acer for Windows, travel, creative work, budget buyers and Chromebook users. HTC privacy-focused smart glasses: The $500 HTC Vive Eagle combines cameras, audio and AI with local encrypted storage and safeguards against covert recording. ChatGPT Finances: ChatGPT Finances can connect financial accounts for questions about balances, transactions and spending. Rich still prefers Monarch Money for a traditional dashboard. Mindtrip flight alerts: Mindtrip monitors airfare based on dates, destinations, budget and preferences, then alerts travelers to meaningful price drops. Save money on flights: Start tracking early and stay flexible on dates, airports and destinations. The cheapest flight is not always the best overall value. Google Guided Vision: Gemini Live can describe what a phone camera sees and guide blind or low-vision users to aim the camera correctly. Job scam warning: Fake recruiters impersonate real companies, offer jobs without legitimate interviews and eventually ask victims to buy equipment with fraudulent checks. Better antenna reception: Moving an antenna near a window can help, while larger antennas generally perform better when mounted higher and clear of obstructions. Internet during outages: A UPS battery backup can keep your modem and router running if your provider’s network still has power. Keep fighting fraud disputes: One listener recovered thousands in unauthorized PayPal transactions after repeatedly disputing the charges and securing his accounts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.