Rich On Tech

The 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.

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. Rich said it’s important to keep your iPhone and Android updated with the latest security updates, especially in light of exploits like DarkSword. Download iVerify Basic to check iPhone (and Android) for signs of spyware. Enable Lockdown Mode on iPhone if you’re really worried about your security. Aura confirmed a data breach affecting 900,000 records, but not financial. Gary in Indio is trying to connect a printer to an Eero network using WPS, which is no longer supported. In the Eero app, go to Settings > Troubleshooting > “My device won’t connect” to temporarily enable 2.4 GHz for about 10 minutes. WordPress CEO Matt Mullenweg almost fell for an Apple scam. Rich shares highlights from the 41st Annual CSUN Assistive Tech Conference. Featured technology and companies: • Be My Eyes – A free app connecting blind and low-vision users with volunteers through live video. The service now supports over 1 million users, 10 million volunteers, and 185+ languages. The company also introduced Be My Eyes Workplace, which helps employees navigate inaccessible documents and tasks on the job. • Luna – Smart glasses designed for people with night blindness, using a light-sensitive camera to brighten surroundings and restore independence in low-light environments. • Mesmo Technologies – Their Bridge Captioning solution provides real-time captions for phone calls on desk phones and computers, helping people with hearing loss stay connected at work. A free companion app is also available on iOS and Android. • LG Electronics – Showcasing accessibility-focused innovations including their LG ThinQ smart home platform, appliance “Comfort Kit” accessories for easier use, and TVs with built-in accessibility features like real-time AI captions, adjustable audio descriptions, and customizable viewing options. Jack in Riverside is wondering how to consolidate all of his tech into one easy to use system. Here are instructions on how to hide your home from Google Maps, Apple Maps, Redfin, Zillow, and more. Rich mentioned the Files by Google app for cleaning up your Android phone. Rich mentioned that he’s watching The Madison on Paramount Plus and to check the big list of streaming deals before you sign up for any streaming service. Leta Shy, supervising editor at Wirecutter, will reveal the standout tech from Wirecutter’s new “Best New Picks” list and explain how their team tests products to find the smartest buys for consumers. Laura in Youngstown is trying to get her old computer to work past 5 minutes. Rich mentioned Microsoft PC Manager and should I remove it as well as MSConfig. Rich mentioned Amazon’s new Ultra Fast one-hour or three-hour delivery. You can find a link at amazon.com/getitfast. Rich told his story about the car rental scam that actually wasn’t. Mary in Huntington Beach wants a good subscription tracking app. Rich mentioned Bobby and Rocket Money and Monarch Money. Wilmer is having trouble getting access to his old Apple ID. Tony in New Jersey says his Samsung fingerprint unlock won’t work with a screen protector. Rich can relate. Try pressing firmly when registering, but he ultimately had to remove the protector. GUESTS: Patricia Egger, Head of Security at Proton, explains the new “Born Private” initiative and what parents need to know about protecting their child’s digital identity from day one.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.