Rich On Tech

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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 [email protected].
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.

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

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

• 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.

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