Rich On Tech

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 raising prices by $1 to $2 a month to “reflect the value” of the service. Individual plans are moving to $12.99, Duo to $18.99, and Family to $21.99. The new rates take effect for existing subscribers starting in February. Kathy in Los Angeles wants to add a CD player to her Tesla. Rich recommended ripping the CDs and uploading the files to the YouTube Music app, which allows you to store up to 100,000 personal songs in the cloud for free. Security researchers found serious flaws in Google Fast Pair affecting millions of audio devices. To fix this, download your device’s companion app and install any available firmware updates immediately. Jerry wants to change notification sounds for individual apps on a Samsung Galaxy S25. Rich explained that this feature is now hidden and must be enabled manually: Go to Settings > Notifications > Advanced settings. Toggle on Manage notification categories for each app. Go to Settings > Apps and select the app you want to change. Tap Notifications > Notification categories. Select a specific category (like “General” or “Messages”) and tap Sound to choose a new tone. Prof. Tim Spector, co-founder of ZOE, explains how their app uses AI and science to score foods from 1 to 100 based on ingredients, processing risk, and gut health impact. An app called Are You Dead is going viral in China. Apple has a new subscription called Apple Creator Studio, which includes popular programs like Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro for $13 a month. 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. 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.

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. Mary in Riverside wants to ditch the paid version of AOL. Rich mentioned a few more gadgets from CES including PlantPetz, Seattle Ultrasonics Chef’s Knife, Glyde Smart Hair Clipper, Iceplosion, Chamelo tint changing glasses. Linda in San Pedro wants to know what happens if she subscribes to a YouTube Channel. Will in Colorado Springs wants to know how to reconnect to the internet. Kate Rouch, Chief Marketing Officer at OpenAI, joins to explain the new ChatGPT Health experience. Rich mentioned wearing the Bee device, which listens to your life 24/7 to offer insights. Rich on Tech Weekly airs on KTLA+. You can download the app on Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, and Samsung smart TVs. 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. Follow Rich on Instagram. Subscribe to my free newsletter. Links may be affiliate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 $200 smartphone that will receive six years of software updates. Vivian in Menifee wants to know how to cut down on phishing emails. Rich suggested blocking the sender with filters, reporting the messages as spam, and turning off remote image loading in her email app. Melissa in Los Angeles wants to copy old photos from floppy disks to her computer. Rich recommended buying a USB floppy drive from Amazon for around $20, then using a site like vert.sh to convert the files into modern formats and upload them to the cloud. Darren asked if MissingMoney.com is legit. Yes, it’s a free, legitimate site backed by state governments and the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators to help people find unclaimed money. Ellison asked about the website with discount codes for shopping sites. Rich said it’s SimplyCodes.com. Sue wanted to know how to get photos from her computer onto her iPhone. Rich mentioned WALTR PRO for importing directly into the Photos app, plus apps like LocalSend and Blip. Ramesh Srinivasan, UCLA professor and director of the UC Digital Cultures Lab, explores the intersection of technology and privacy. There’s a hack that lets you chat with Google Gemini using only free in-flight Wi-Fi. You can also use an Android phone to share a Wi-Fi connection with other devices. Rich on Tech Weekly airs on KTLA+. You can download the app on Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, and Samsung smart TVs. 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. Follow Rich on Instagram. Subscribe to my free newsletter. Links may be affiliate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

• 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. • New self-driving rides in Las Vegas: Amazon's Zoox RoboTaxi service offers free rides in driverless vehicles without steering wheels or pedals, featuring face-to-face seating. Available via the Zoox app on iOS and Android, it operates as a beta test in Las Vegas streets. • iPhone 17 series highlights: The lineup introduces the thin, durable iPhone Air with Pro-level performance, ProMotion displays across models for smoother scrolling, and brighter, scratch-resistant screens. Storage starts at 256GB, with improved cameras and carrier trade-in deals up to $1,100. • Finding lost Android phones: Use android.com/find logged into the owner's Google account to locate devices with active battery and service, play sounds, or secure remotely. If offline or dead, last known location may not appear; third-party tracking services charging fees are often unreliable. • Reinstalling Windows 10 cleanly: Downloading a fresh Windows 10 ISO from Microsoft and installing via bootable drive provides a cleaner, more up-to-date setup than using older recovery partitions. This reduces post-install updates needed on aging systems. • Disabling Windows Recall feature: Microsoft's Recall takes periodic screenshots for searchability but raises privacy concerns; disable it via Settings > Privacy & Security > Recall & Snapshots by turning off "Save snapshots." Advanced users can use WinAero Tweaker for deeper system customizations. • Esports industry overview: Esports ranks as the third most-watched sport globally, with teams like Team Liquid competing in games such as League of Legends and Valorant. After a post-2014 investment bubble burst, consolidation has strengthened top organizations while fan growth continues due to younger demographics. • Cheaper Tesla Model Y and Model 3 options: New entry-level variants start under $40,000 with solid range but omit features like autopilot, rear screens, and panoramic roofs. The revived Chevy Bolt EV returns next year under $30,000 with Tesla supercharger compatibility but no CarPlay. • Windows XP-themed Crocs release: Microsoft-themed Crocs feature the classic Bliss wallpaper design and charms like Clippy and Internet Explorer, now available for purchase at $80 after high demand from an initial giveaway. 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 Get the podcast to via RSS, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere else you listen to audio. Follow Rich on X, Instagram and Facebook. Download the MP3 here (choose episode, then scroll to bottom of page and look for ”Download”) Paid newsletter subscribers get ad-free, HQ audio here. Referral links for services I like. Amazon storefront for products I like. RichOnTech.tv Links may be affiliate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 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 Get the podcast to via RSS, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere else you listen to audio. Follow Rich on X, Instagram and Facebook. Download the MP3 here (choose episode, then scroll to bottom of page and look for ”Download”) Paid newsletter subscribers get ad-free, HQ audio here. Referral links for services I like. Amazon storefront for products I like. RichOnTech.tv Links may be affiliate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.