Rich On Tech

• 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.

Be 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 [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.