Rich On Tech

Meta is cracking down on scams with new AI detection systems in Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger.
Google just gave Google Maps it’s biggest overhaul in a decade - with new AI powered ways to find places using specific questions and immersive navigation.
Jim in Michigan can’t get the Notes app on his iPhone to scan documents. Rich mentioned he can also use the built-in Preview app.
Check out Rich’s review of the iPhone 17e.
Susan in Burbank can’t connect to her WiFi network because it’s too congested.
Debra is wondering if the vSeeBox is a good way to save on her cable bill. Rich says to read the article called Everyone is stealing TV.
Herbert in Rancho Santa Fe is looking to replace his aging iMac with a Mac Mini and a monitor. Rich mentioned this Dell model.
Zal in Brooklyn is wondering if he can run smartphone apps on his PC. Rich mentioned Phone Link on Windows and Home Assistant.
Joan in Falbrook wants a portable printer. Rich says to check out the Canon TR-160 and the Epson WF-110.
Scott Combs, AT&T Archivist, discusses the 150th anniversary of the first phone call.
Brian in Ventura is looking for a Chromebook. Rich likes the CX15 for $159 at Walmart, or the ASUS Zenbook and check Slickdeals for laptop deals.
Paul in Columbus suggests a Chromebox might be good for Brian in Ventura.
Bonnie in Charleston, South Carolina is looking for a printer Rich recommended the HP Smart Tank 5101 or the Epson EcoTank ET2400.
Amazon is raising prices for ad-free Prime Video from $3/month to $5/month
David Pogue, author of Apple: The First 50 Years, shares behind-the-scenes stories about Apple’s biggest products.
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.

Rich talks about going to the Apple NYC event and how the $599 MacBook Neo is a gamechanger for basic laptops.
Mike in Austin can’t get his printer to connect to his WiFi network.
A new online personality test uses a series of questions to generate a massive report about you - and you can export it’s findings to AI.
Steve wants to add someone to a photo and is wondering how to do it. Rich says to upload both photos to Google Gemini and say, “Add this person to the other picture.”
Marsha in Northridge wants a portable battery pack for her Galaxy S25 Ultra. Rich recommends this model from Belkin. If your phone supports MagSafe, this EcoFlow model is great. Want something under $30, try this Belkin power bank!
Stephanie in Glendora wants her Samsung phone to function more like a Pixel. Rich recommended the Lawn Chair Launcher.
Estefani in San Diego wants a good way to save useful links. Rich recommends Raindrop.io and also check out Plinky.
Trish is wondering what the best app is to clean up her iPhone storage. Rich likes the app called Clever Cleaner because it’s free and ad-free.
Mary Ann called in from Los Angeles to tell us that she loves her brother’s printer. It is the MFC-T980DW ink tank model. Rich says if you just need black and white, the HL-L2460DW is excellent.
Android’s Find Hub can now help you locate your lost luggage, similar to what Apple has done with AirTags.
Randy is trying to figure out how to swipe between recent apps on the Samsung.
Andrew O’Hara from AppleInsider breaks down Apple’s latest announcements including refreshed MacBooks and iPads, the new iPhone 17e, and Apple’s surprisingly affordable MacBook Neo.
Doug in Temecula wants to do a “clean install” of Windows on his laptop.
Pixel 10a reviews are in.
Formula 1 is now streaming on Apple TV. Here’s a link for a 30 day free trial.
Check out The Big List of Streaming Deals for up to date streaming offers.
Bill in Burbank says AirTalk offers a good selection of free government phones.
Iyaz Akhtar, Mobile Analyst at PCMag, joins us from Mobile World Congress to explain the biggest tech trends from the show including foldable phones, AI-powered gadgets, smart glasses, and some wild concept devices.
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.
Check out the Rich On Tech GPT!
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 gave his early impressions of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Watch Rich’s TV segment on the Samsung Galaxy S26 series.
See camera samples from the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Susan in Northridge is trying to move photos, texts, and contacts from an old Samsung phone to an iPhone. Rich mentioned SMS Backup and Restore and Move to iOS.
1Password is raising prices by about $1 a month.
Vincent is on a Lifeline plan. He’s wondering if he should take advantage of their offer of giving him an iPhone 11 versus the Android 4G phone he has.
Michelle got an email from LG saying she can’t log in with her Amazon account anymore. Is that phishing?
Debbie is wondering if using banking apps on her phone are safe.
Dave in Colorado is wondering if there is tech that will call the authorities if he dies alone in his house. Rich mentioned the Pixel’s Loss of Pulse Detection.
Rich mentioned the Counting Crows documentary “Have you seen me lately” on HBO Max.
The creators of Dark Sky are back with a new forecast app called Acme Weather.
Rich mentioned a fun retro iPhone app called Dispo.
Volvo is recalling more than 40,000 electric SUVs over battery fire risk.
Craig in Iowa wants to know how to control his iPhone with his voice. Rich says to check out the accessiblity options under Vision and also VoiceOver.
Tech journalist Lexy Savvides breaks down what’s new with Samsung’s latest phones and what actually matters for everyday users.
Jerry in Pennsylvania wants folks to know about NextGenTV or ATSC 3.0.
Rich mentioned that he likes the Casetify Impact Ring Stand case.
William in Santa Clarita asked about a good VPN. Rich mentioned NordVPN, SurfShark and Mullvad.
Rich mentioned he’s been coding using Gemini Canvas. If there’s a small app you’ve always wanted but never knew how to build, now’s the time to try. You describe what you want, and AI handles most of the work.
YouTube Premium Lite adds background play and downloads.
A new app called Nearby Glasses warns you if someone nearby is wearing smart glasses.
Kim Cavallo from Global Day of Unplugging joins us to explain how a 24-hour digital detox on March 6-7 can boost connection, reduce loneliness, and help you reset your relationship with tech.
Textnow launches eSIMs so you can now sign up for free calling, texting and even essential data on the iPhone instantly (Android soon)
Premium subscribers, listen to the ad-free version of the show here.
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.
Check out the Rich On Tech GPT!
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.

Premium subscribers, listen to the ad-free version of the show here.
Rich talked about Google Gemini and how it can now make music with AI.
Rich also discussed the popularity of the tiny Kodak Charmera camera.
Samsung phones are finally getting Google Play updates again. You should do it right now: Go to Settings > Security and Privacy > Updates > Google Play System Update
Mike in Encino is looking for a way to get into a user’s computer who forgot their password. Try the steps here.
James is wondering if he can store his passwords using AI. Rich recommends against that. Also, do not use AI to generate passwords, as research shows they typically follow patterns.
Alex Haro, CEO of Hubble Network and co-founder of Life360, explains how satellite-powered Bluetooth could transform search and rescue by detecting everyday devices from space.
Carter in Monterey wants to know how to find his Samsung phone when it’s lost somewhere in his house and no one is around to call it. Rich recommends using Samsung SmartThings Find, Android’s Find Hub (you can ask Google to locate it), or, for iPhone users, going to iCloud.com/find.
Laura asks, “Can you recommend an antivirus for iPhone?” Rich says it’s not necessary. The bigger risk today is phishing. To stay protected, keep your phone updated, use a browser like Chrome with Enhanced Safe Browsing turned on, and consider a VPN that blocks malicious sites.
Fern bought a $300 Windows 11 laptop she doesn’t like. Rich suggested two options: stick with it and mainly use the web browser to simplify things, or ask the seller to install ChromeOS Flex to turn it into a quasi-Chromebook.
Karl in Summerlin is looking for an alternative to Pocket and Instapaper that can read articles aloud. Rich recommends Readwise Reader, Google’s Reading Mode for Android, Speechify, ElevenReader, and ListenLater.net.
Merge Watch is a new app that claims to let you use an Android watch with an iPhone or an Apple Watch with an Android phone.
Google launched the Pixel 10a, a modest refresh for a solid everyday smartphone starting at around $499.
Jeremy Watkin from NumberBarn breaks down when people switch mobile carriers, which networks they’re leaving, and how shoppers can save big by looking beyond the Big 3.
Judy in Ithaca is looking for ways to cut down her cable bill. Rich recommends checking The Streamable for streaming options, the FCC’s Broadband Map to see available providers, and Speedtest’s ISP Finder to compare internet choices.
Apple is holding a special experience event where it’s rumored the company will introduce a new iPhone 17e, updated iPads, and a new low-cost MacBook. Rich mentioned MacRumors Buyers Guide.
Samsung is holding its Galaxy Unpacked event on February 25 in San Francisco, where we expect to see the new Galaxy S26 series smartphones.
Rich mentioned how he used the Splitwise app to help split expenses on group trips.
Maryann wants to recover her lost iPhone contacts. Rich says to first check where your contacts are currently stored by going to Settings > Apps > Contacts > Default Account and selecting your preferred account.
Cybersecurity expert JP Castellanos explains the biggest tech threats hitting consumers right now and how to stay protected.
Rich installed Linux Mint on an old laptop and couldn’t believe how easy the process was and how it made the old computer new again.
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.
Check out the Rich On Tech GPT!
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.

Ads are now appearing in ChatGPT.
Google updated its free results about you tool to remove search results that contain ID numbers like your passport, driver’s license, or Social Security number.
Want something more heavy duty to remove your personal information from the web? Check out newsletter sponsor Incogni.
Deleted doesn’t always mean it’s gone, as we found out with the Nancy Guthrie case.
If you really want to protect your security camera footage, you have to go local or end-to-end encrypted.
Samsung has set a date for the next Galaxy Unpacked to unveil the S26 lineup on February 25th in San Francisco.
Tech and finance strategist Igor Pejic breaks down Bitcoin’s sharp selloff and what it reveals about where tech investing is headed next, separating hype from real fundamentals.
Gordon in Costa Mesa wants to know if he should buy a new laptop. Rich said to clean up his old one and, at the very worst, reset his PC.
John and Rosemead want a new email provider for his business. Rich said to take a look at StartMail, ProtonMail, and FastMail.
Deborah in Tennessee wants to know the difference between a MacBook Air and a MacBook Pro, and whether I’d recommend buying a refurbished MacBook. I said if you go refurbished, make sure it’s from a reputable source like Apple’s official refurbished store, Back Market, or Amazon Renewed.
TikTok’s local feed is genius. It shows you stuff nearby, but it might want your precise GPS location for best results.
T-Mobile has a new feature called Live Translation, which will translate phone calls in 50 different languages with no special phone or app necessary
$5.5 billion worth of settlement checks are going out now related to a credit card lawsuit over swipe fees
Tech journalist Jared Newman talks about some of the latest tech tips and tricks from his Cord Cutter Weekly newsletter.
Check out the article Everyone is stealing TV, which explains the proliferation of so-called black boxes.
Greg in Canada is blind and says his Pixel phone will sometimes dial numbers without him asking. Rich says to go into Gemini settings, Gemini unlock screen, and toggle off the option where it says “Make calls and send messages without unlocking”
Clark says every time he opens a PDF, it opens in Word. He wants it to open in a PDF reader. Rich says to change the default program.
The Verge’s Installer newsletter had a great piece this week on alternative products that can help you ditch Big Tech.
Sam is worried about his Time Capsule going away and wants to know what he can use to back up his computer instead. Rich mentioned using Time Machine on a Mac, FreeFileSync, cloud services like Carbonite or iDrive, or a network-attached storage device from companies like Synology or QNAP.
Ethical hacker Dave Chronister, founder of Parameter Security, breaks down what AI personal assistants like OpenClaw really do and the privacy and security risks.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.