Podcast
Rich On Tech
Hosted by iHeartPodcasts · EN
TV Tech Guy Rich DeMuro offers tech news, gadget reviews, helpful apps and answers your questions.
richontech.tv
31episodes
Episodes
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Roku’s new home screen, Meta subscriptions & AI phishing scams (176, May 30, 2026)
4d ago01:50:42Tap to summarizeBe 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 and is working to address some of the issues in future updates. Apple has updated its trade-in values for select iPhones and other devices, potentially changing how much credit customers can receive toward a new purchase. Samsung is changing how it syncs photos with OneDrive. Users who want to keep their synced photos should download the OneDrive app and sign in by July 31. Meta is adding new AI-powered accessibility features to its smart glasses, helping people with disabilities better understand and interact with the world around them. Brian Vecci of Varonis explains how plug-and-play scam kits are making phishing attacks harder to spot than ever.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Google’s massive AI search overhaul, $845K spoofing scam & duplicate photo tools (175, May 23, 2026)
2w ago01:47:05Tap to summarize• 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 Premium, cloud storage, and AI-powered research assistants. Rich and Connor discussed whether consumers will pay monthly fees for AI tools that automate shopping, apartment hunting, and other tasks. • Cruise internet and international travel connectivity tips: Rich explained how cruise ship Wi-Fi pricing works and why travelers often need to rely on ship internet packages at sea. He also recommended eSIM services like Airalo, Saily, and GigSky for international travel, along with checking whether carriers already include roaming benefits. • T-Mobile launches live AI phone call translation: T-Mobile introduced a beta feature that translates phone calls in real time across more than 50 languages without requiring a separate app. Only one person on the call needs to be a T-Mobile customer for the translation to work. • Samsung phone troubleshooting and phantom touch issues: Rich helped a listener troubleshoot a jumpy Samsung Galaxy A26 screen and failed software updates. He recommended running Samsung diagnostics, reviewing touch sensitivity settings, removing unnecessary apps, and performing a factory reset before pursuing a warranty claim. • Smartwatch glucose monitoring claims remain misleading: Rich clarified that no mainstream smartwatch can currently monitor blood glucose levels non-invasively without a separate sensor like a Dexcom device. He warned listeners to be skeptical of ads claiming otherwise. • Wildfire technology and preparedness: Reporter Dave Malkoff discussed how hotter temperatures are making wildfires burn more intensely and how firefighting technology has evolved. He highlighted tools like aircraft retardant drops, drone detection systems, and rapid-response logistics networks used during disasters. • Digitizing family photos and protecting memories: Rich and Dave emphasized the importance of scanning and backing up family photos before disasters strike. They recommended multiple backups, including cloud storage, and discussed compatibility issues between Windows and Mac external hard drives. • Managing duplicate photos and cloud storage overload: Rich shared apps that help identify duplicate photos on Android and explained how cloud storage management is becoming a growing frustration for many users. He joked that cleaning up cloud storage may become his “retirement project.” • Landlines may disappear in California: AT&T is suing California regulators in an effort to phase out traditional copper landline service. Rich explained the debate between maintaining legacy phone infrastructure for emergencies versus transitioning customers to wireless and fiber-based services. • Apple sets date for WWDC 2026: Apple announced WWDC will begin June 8, where the company is expected to unveil smarter AI-powered Siri features and updates across the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch lineup. • Online safety and AI literacy with Larry Magid: Tech journalist Larry Magid discussed the importance of verifying AI-generated information before sharing or acting on it. He also described how younger users are beginning to push back against social media overuse and corporate control of online experiences. • T-Mobile Scam Shield and anti-spam tools: Rich highlighted built-in scam blocking tools available to T-Mobile customers, including dial codes that activate spam call filtering directly through the carrier. • AI voice cloning scams are getting more personal: One listener described how scammers used AI-generated voice cloning to impersonate a family member in distress. Rich recommended establishing family safe words and verification questions to prevent future impersonation scams. • Cruise internet hacks and Android hotspot sharing: Listeners shared tips for reducing cruise Wi-Fi costs, including using Android phones to rebroadcast purchased Wi-Fi connections as personal hotspots for multiple devices. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Android 17's coolest new tricks, your texts just got way more private & is AI really your friend? (174, May 16, 2026)
3w ago01:49:27Tap to summarizeBe 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 him whenever he creates a note, and a similar workflow with Google Tasks through Gemini. Laura writes in ahead of a trip to the Dominican Republic asking which apps to download before she goes. Rich recommends enabling Wi-Fi calling and texting, downloading Google Maps with offline maps, grabbing Google Translate with the offline Spanish language pack, and using WhatsApp or Telegram for staying in touch over Wi-Fi. The FCC says foreign routers will be allowed to receive security updates until 2029. Instagram has launched a new feature called Instants -- disappearing photos that are completely unfiltered. AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile have announced a joint venture to use satellite technology to eliminate wireless dead zones. Linda in Burbank called in after accidentally deleting an icon from her home screen. Rich says to swipe up to the app drawer, find the app, and drag it back to the home screen. Once it’s back in place, long-press on the home screen, look for Home Screen Settings, and toggle on the option to lock the home screen layout so nothing gets accidentally moved or removed again in the future. Amazon is merging its Rufus shopping chatbot with Alexa+ to create Alexa for Shopping -- a smarter assistant that’s better at finding what you want and now includes memory. San Francisco State University philosophy chair and AI ethics expert Carlos Montemayor explains how to use AI safely. His book is The Prospect of a Humanitarian Artificial Intelligence and you can download it free. Darren created an app called Talk for Me -- a text-to-speech app -- and if you email him mentioning Rich on Tech, he’ll send you a free promo code. Reach him at darren@talkforme.com. Mentioned in the Feedbag: ElevenReader, Speechify, Madman Phone Volume Amplifier Sound Booster, and Mindtrip Flights. Call 1-888-RICH-101 (1-888-742-4101) to join in! Email your question here. 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. Links may be affiliate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →The AI travel site I can’t stop using, scammers spoof police numbers & ChatGPT emergency contacts (173, May 9, 2026)
4w ago01:49:38Tap to summarizeRich 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 download Google Messages and turn on spam filtering and don’t engage with the messages. Energizer has launched safer coin batteries with child safety features. T-Mobile now lets you satellite text in Canada and New Zealand, and you can sign up online instantly, even if your carrier is not T-Mobile Avneesh Kohli, founder of Savewise, explains how to stack coupons, cash back, and credit card offers to save real money on everyday purchases. Call 1-888-RICH-101 (1-888-742-4101) to join in! Email your question here. 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. Links may be affiliate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Razr is back, promo code hacks that work & Windows security gets a boost (172, May 2, 2026)
May 201:50:29Tap to summarizeRich 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 checking out StaffPad, Fender Notion, and forScore. Jimmy Dohenny from SimplyCodes reveals how to find the best online deals, avoid bad coupon codes, and shop smarter year-round. Rich mentioned the Hooray for Baldywood newsletter as a great resource for movie suggestions. Microsoft says you may not need third-party antivirus anymore. What’s already built into Windows is probably enough to keep you protected. Debbie in Wisconsin wants to know if she can retrieve deleted or expired voicemails. Rich recommends opening the Visual Voicemail app to see if they’re still there, and using the share icon to save them to yourself before they disappear. If you want longer retention going forward, consider signing up for a third-party service like YouMail or Google Voice. Rich mentioned some helpful new apps and websites: Dual Shot Recorder, Gradient Weather, Memo AI, Alpenglow, US National Parkfinder, Clove, NASA Your Name in Landsat, and Blank Page. JubileeTV CEO Ashish Aggarwal explains how your TV can become a simple, powerful tool to monitor, connect with, and care for aging loved ones at home. Call 1-888-RICH-101 (1-888-742-4101) to join in! Email your question here. 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. Links may be affiliate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Best apps to organize bookmarks, iPhone accessibility tools & risks of grey market streaming boxes (Episode 171, April 25, 2026 - Best of)
Apr 2601:43:38Tap to summarize• 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 “film development” for a nostalgic effect. • Electric vehicle recall warning: Volvo is recalling thousands of EX30 EVs over potential battery fire risks, advising owners to limit charging and avoid parking near structures until fixed. • Bookmarking and link-saving tools: Apps like Raindrop.io and Plinky help organize saved websites with tags and cross-device syncing, offering better alternatives to traditional browser bookmarks. • Smart printer recommendations: Brother printers, especially ink tank models, are praised for reliability and low ink costs. Ink tanks are becoming more popular as a cost-effective alternative to cartridges. • Android luggage tracking update: Google’s Find Hub lets users share a tracker’s live location with airlines, similar to Apple AirTag sharing, helping recover lost bags more efficiently. • AI photo editing gets powerful: Tools like Google Gemini can now realistically add or remove people from photos with simple prompts, making advanced edits accessible to anyone. • AI personal productivity tools: Gemini can generate custom tools like link organizers or image resizers on demand, showing how AI is moving toward personalized software creation. • Deep personality AI test trend: A new app generates detailed psychological profiles and even lets users create a chatbot based on their personality. It’s insightful but raises privacy considerations. • Free iPhone cleanup app tip: Clever Cleaner is recommended for removing duplicate photos and freeing storage without ads or subscriptions, unlike many competing apps.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Seniors outsmarting smartphones, a new way to organize your links & the truth about AI audio recorders (Episode 170, April 18, 2026)
Apr 1901:50:20Tap to summarizeRich 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 connect his 25-year-old computer to the internet Paul in Orange, California, who is visually impaired, is looking for mobile options beyond the iPhone. Rich suggested exploring Agentic AI features on Android, Gemini Live as well as dedicated hardware like the BlindShell Classic and Kapsys SmartVision phones, which offer tactile keypads and specialized interfaces. Rich mentioned in his newsletter how much he loves the Orb app, which provides a live internet quality score on your computer’s desktop at all times. Kim in Santa Cruz is looking to switch from Verizon to Pure Talk, and Rich notes that he will need his account number, phone number, and a port-out PIN to complete the transfer. Eric in Mexico is looking for a way to connect a portable SiriusXM radio to a car with only Bluetooth and USB, and Rich suggests using an AirFly transmitter to bridge the gap. Mint Mobile has a new home internet and wireless bundle for $45 a month. You do have to prepay for the whole year, $540. Netgear is the first router company to get FCC conditional approval under their new rules. Residential technology designer Carley Knobloch will share practical tips for choosing and using smart home tech that actually makes everyday life easier. Call 1-888-RICH-101 (1-888-742-4101) to join in! Email your question here. 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. Links may be affiliate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Samsung Messages getting retired, new tool reveals what’s slowing your internet & Sonos makes a comeback (Episode 169, April 11, 2026)
Apr 1101:38:56Tap to summarizeAmericans 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. Rich recommends Proton VPN and Windscribe as solid options. Just know they come with limitations. You won’t get all the premium features, but they’ll get the job done. Doug Suttles, co-creator of Speedtest, explains why your internet speed isn’t the full story and how his new tool called Orb reveals what’s actually slowing your connection. Martino called in to say he loves MagicJack and recommends it as a solid alternative to a traditional landline. Spectrum is finally launching a Fire TV app, arriving April 15. Mark in Torrance is looking for a way to organize and preserve 40 years of photography. Rich recommends options like Google Photos albums, Dropbox, or a dedicated service such as SmugMug. Waymo cars are now scanning roads for potholes and reporting that to both cities and ways. Rich mentioned how to turn on voice isolation on the iPhone. Robert says when he texts himself on his Android phone, it doesn’t come through. Clearing the cache for the Messaging app might help - just be careful not to clear the data, that will delete your messages. Rich mentioned Email me apps for iPhone and Android. Ross Barbour of Sonos explains how the latest Sonos speakers make whole-home audio more flexible, portable, and easier to expand. Mentioned: Sonos Play and Sonos Era 100 SL. 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. 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. Links may be affiliate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Best ways to back up your digital life, ChatGPT comes to your car & Samsung adds blood pressure tracking (Episode 168, April 4, 2026)
Apr 401:49:11Tap to summarizeRich 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 photos on the road. 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. 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. Links may be affiliate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Stop AI training on your data, Samsung gets AirDrop & live captions for your phone (Episode 167, March 28, 2026)
Mar 2801:48:47Tap to summarizeThe 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 media apps are designed to keep you hooked and simple ways people can take back control of their screen time using tools like the Opal. Patricia from Huntington Beach is developing an app and wants to add new features, and Rich recommends AI coding tools ranging from Gemini Canvas and Claude Code to the more advanced Cursor. Virginia from New York has a new computer and monitor with no audio, and Rich says the simple fix is picking up a pair of inexpensive computer speakers. Rob in Yorba Linda wants to wipe a Samsung phone his mom forgot the passcode on. Rich suggests trying recovery mode - hold down the right button combination at startup to boot into recovery, then select the option to wipe the device. On iPhone, there’s a similar feature called Restore - plug the phone into a computer with iTunes or Finder, put it in recovery mode, and you can wipe and restore it from there without needing the passcode. Pablo in Gardena says his phone has been stuck on SOS mode. Rich suggests starting simple - reseat the SIM card. If that doesn’t work, sign up for a cheap plan through Tello and try downloading an eSIM to help narrow down whether it’s a phone problem or a carrier issue. Worst case, a factory reset may be the fix. Fire TV is getting its first major interface overhaul since 2020. Amazon is rolling out a big upgrade to the home screen and overall experience — keep an eye out if you have a supported device, as it should arrive automatically. Dark Sword is now available for free online. Make sure your iPhone is updated to the latest version to protect yourself from the latest security vulnerabilities. Bob in Charlotte wants links to open directly in Gmail instead of the browser. Here’s how to make it happen: go to Gmail.com in Chrome, then click the settings icon next to the URL bar and look for the option that says “Open supported links” — select Gmail from there and email links will open in the app going forward. Steve in Placentia wants to know how to automatically start up programs on his Windows computer. Rich mentioned two helpful travel websites: Flighty’s Airport Disruptions page and Terminal Watch. Nintendo Switch games are going to cost more if you want the physical cartridge. SEV recommends HWiNFO as a great free program for checking the temperature of your CPU, motherboard, and drives. Maggie wrote in and said she loves the Amazon UnSponsor Chrome Extension I mentioned. 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. 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. Links may be affiliate. Rich on Tech Weekly airs on KTLA+. You can download the app on Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, and Samsung smart TVs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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