Rich On Tech

Meta pulls controversial AI likeness feature: Meta briefly allowed its Muse Image generator to create images based on any public Instagram user’s photos without requiring permission. After criticism over consent, deepfakes, scams and unauthorized use, Meta removed the Instagram reference feature.

Samsung Messages users move to Google Messages: Samsung’s discontinued messaging app may remain on phones because it was installed as a system app. Before clearing its data and cache, users should back up their texts with a tool such as SMS Backup & Restore and confirm everything appears in Google Messages.

DuckDuckGo blocks most YouTube ads: DuckDuckGo’s browser now filters most ads on the YouTube website without requiring an additional extension. It does not block ads inside the YouTube app, and users may occasionally encounter buffering, playback problems or ads that slip through.

Consider testing AT&T Internet Air before switching: Susan in San Clemente is considering a $99 bundle replacing her cable internet, cellular service and landline. Because 5G home internet speeds vary by location and congestion, Rich recommends testing cellular speeds and taking advantage of any trial period before canceling existing service.

Speechify launches free AI voice typing: Speechify Voice Typing is available for iPhone, Mac and Windows and automatically cleans up punctuation, grammar and filler words. It offers an alternative to paid AI dictation services, although its iPhone workflow requires a few extra steps.

Use the correct film for printing transparencies: James in San Diego found that ink smeared when printing signs on transparent sheets. Inkjet and laser printers require transparency film specifically designed for that printer type, with inkjet film usually having a coated printable side.

Apple’s customer service and education discount stand out: Rich’s wife saved about $70 on an Apple Watch after an employee helped her verify eligibility through UNiDAYS. The experience was also a reminder that an older Apple device may be worth more when passed along to a family member than traded in.

Shopping around can lower telecom costs: A caller paying $142 monthly for internet, television and a landline may already have a competitive bundle, but should compare promotional expiration dates and alternatives. Low-cost carriers such as Mint Mobile can substantially reduce cellular bills for people who do not need premium data or hotspot features.

Keep the same Wi-Fi credentials when replacing a router: Meredith in Thousand Oaks lost connections to her printer and other devices after changing routers. Reusing the old network name and password can reconnect devices automatically; otherwise, the Epson printer can be reset and configured for the new network.

Samsung and Google schedule new device events: Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked is set for July 22, with new foldables expected, while Google’s Made by Google event is scheduled for August 12. Shoppers who can wait may want to compare those announcements with Apple’s expected September lineup before buying a new phone.

Travel apps can find deals, but verify AI recommendations: Travel blogger Marissa Strang recommends starting flight searches with Google Flights or Skyscanner and double-checking AI-generated travel advice. TripIt and Hopper can help organize itineraries and track fares, while XE provides current currency conversions.

AirTags and eSIMs make travel easier: AirTags can help locate checked luggage, while eSIM services can provide international data without changing physical SIM cards. Travelers should compare eSIM pricing with their carrier’s roaming plan because the best option varies by destination and trip length.

Flighty evaluates difficult connections: Flighty’s new Connection Assistant analyzes layovers and identifies terminal changes, security checks, passport control, baggage rechecks and other steps. It then rates the connection as relaxed, normal, tight or at risk, although Flighty remains limited to Apple devices.

Review statements to find recurring subscriptions: Gary in Indio is helping a recently widowed friend identify services her husband subscribed to. Rich recommends examining several months of bank and credit-card statements, then checking the subscription sections of the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Common household objects can weaken Wi-Fi: Microwaves can interfere with 2.4 GHz networks, while aquariums, mirrors, televisions, brick and concrete can obstruct or reflect signals. Place the router high, uncovered and near the center of the home, and consider a mesh system if one access point is not enough.

Some routers restrict network names: Cam in Buena Park wants a replacement router that can reuse an existing Wi-Fi name containing a period. That character is generally valid, but some router software blocks it, so a different router may be needed to preserve the exact network name and reconnect existing devices automatically.

Smart pepper spray can alert emergency contacts: Sabre’s connected pepper spray uses Bluetooth to send a text and live location when deployed. The phone must be nearby, powered on and connected to the app, and automatic 911 assistance requires a subscription.

The new ChatGPT desktop app is aimed at power users: The newer app adds computer control, browser automation, coding and agent-style capabilities, but may consume usage limits quickly. Most people who only need standard chats can continue using the classic app.

Assistive Access can simplify an old iPhone: Apple’s Assistive Access lets caregivers limit an iPhone to selected apps, contacts and features, making it useful for children, seniors and people with cognitive disabilities. A separate passcode prevents users from exiting the simplified interface, and web browsing can be removed entirely.

Handle unwanted email carefully: Irma in Northern California should unsubscribe only from legitimate companies she recognizes. Suspicious messages should be marked as spam without opening them, and disabling automatic image loading can prevent senders from confirming that an address is active.

Digital accessibility benefits everyone: Accessibility expert Christopher Kelly recommends making websites operable by keyboard, adding descriptive alternative text, labeling forms correctly and maintaining strong color contrast. Built-in tools include VoiceOver on Apple devices, TalkBack on Android and Narrator on Windows, while JAWS and NVDA offer additional Windows options.

Listener tips and follow-ups: US Mobile offers access to all three major carrier networks; a fake Facebook event invitation can disguise a PayPal invoice scam; and Amazon issued a refund after a buyer documented a disputed phone return with shipping weight, wipe confirmation and seller messages. Other listeners reported that a Mac factory reset solved persistent freezing and reminded users to know their Apple ID credentials before installing updates.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Supreme Court just handed down a major privacy ruling that affects the location data tech companies collect and store from your smartphone.
Sony says they will stop making physical discs for games starting in January 2028.
Rich mentioned the AP Stylebook.
Rich mentioned downloading the official National Park app if you are traveling to a national park.
Vince wants every website to appear in dark mode. Rich recommends the Dark Reader browser extension.
Gregory Wieber, creator of the Apple Vision Pro app Vibescape, will discuss how immersive technology can help people connect with nature and the conservation projects underway at his Oregon farm.
James wants to create an AI video avatar. Rich recommends using Google Gemini’s avatar feature.
Apple’s hide my email may not be as private as you think.
Petco has a lost and found pet service called Petco Love Lost.
Tandia’s Samsung Galaxy S23 won’t turn on, but it contains important recordings. Rich says a professional data recovery service may be able to retrieve the files. He says to check The Clone Store and DriveSavers.
Bob in San Diego wants a backup eSIM on a second carrier. Rich says you can add a low-cost plan and switch to it for calls and texts when needed. If you want automatic multi-network support, US Mobile offers a Multi-Network Add-on for $7.50 per month.
Rich explains that iPhone now includes built-in earthquake alerts. Check your settings to make sure they’re enabled, or turn them off if you don’t want them.
Dan Barbera of MacRumors shares his real-world experience with iOS 27, the WWDC announcements that matter most, and the Apple features consumers should be paying attention to next.
Scott in El Cajon asks when to buy a new Mac. Rich recommends the MacRumors Buyer’s Guide, which shows when each model was last updated and when the next version is expected.
WhatsApp is rolling out usernames, so you’ll no longer have to share your phone number to start a chat. Choose your username now in your account settings.
Elsa caller asks how to stop calendar spam on an iPhone. Rich explains how to remove the unwanted calendar and highlights a Google Calendar setting that helps prevent future spam.
Amazon Prime members can save 50 cents per gallon on gas over the holiday weekend. Rich also recommends Upside for cash back on fuel and notes that, according to GasBuddy, Sunday is the cheapest day to fill up in most states.
Another fake McAfee scam cost a California senior $84,000. Rich shares a video that breaks down the scammer’s playbook so you can spot the warning signs and avoid becoming a victim.
Jason Hiner, Editor-in-Chief of The Deep View, explains the biggest AI trends shaping business and consumer tech, from Apple’s AI strategy and AI agents to rising concerns over costs, privacy, and trust.
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
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Rich on Tech Weekly airs on KTLA+. You can download the app on Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, and Samsung smart TVs.
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Rich says prices on tech products are going up. Apple raised prices this week on pretty much every product except the iPhone, and so did Microsoft on the Xbox.
Rich talked about the new Slate electric pickup truck starting at $24,950. You customize it to make it your own.
Prime Day shattered prices. Shoppers spent a record $26.4 billion online during those four days, according to Adobe Analytics.
Rich has his list of recommended gadgets and the stuff you were actually buying from my links.
Gary wants to bring his iPad in for a repair since he cracked the screen and wants to know how to erase it. Rich says:
Go to General.

Go to Settings, General.

Scroll down to Transfer or Reset iPad and tap Erase All Content and Settings.

Kim wants to know why the photos in his Google Photos library are being saved at a lower resolution. Rich says he likely has Storage Saver enabled instead of Original quality.
To check:
Open Google Photos

Tap your profile picture in the upper right

Tap Google Photos settings

Tap Backup

Under Backup quality, make sure Original quality is selected if you don’t want your photos compressed.

Microsoft is giving Windows 10 users another year of security updates.
Alan in Cyprus is wondering why his ASUS computer has no audio after a Windows update.
Rich says to review Google’s new AI privacy setting. By default, Google may save images, videos, audio, and other media you upload while using Search to help improve its AI models.
To check it: myactivity.google.com → Data & privacy → My Activity → Search services history → Save media. From there, you can decide whether you want Google to save that content.
William in Kansas asks about Delivery Optimization, a Windows feature that can use your PC to help deliver Windows updates to other computers.
To adjust it: Settings → Windows Update → Advanced options → Delivery Optimization → Advanced options. There, you can limit upload bandwidth to 5% or turn the feature off.
Patrick Coughlin, author and co-founder of Scamwise, breaks down the rise of AI-powered scams and share practical ways consumers can protect themselves.
Barbara wants to scan her old printed photos. Rich says you have a few options: use a service like ScanMyPhotos if you want to send them out, or use apps like PhotoScan by Google or Photomyne if you want to scan them with your phone.
For larger projects, try an Epson FastFoto scanner to scan stacks quickly, or a Canon flatbed scanner if you prefer scanning photos one by one.
Dr. Ami Bhatt, a leading cardiologist and digital health expert, explains how AI and wearable devices are turning consumer gadgets into real medical tools, what health advice you can trust, and where the risks still are.
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 talked about his favorite apps he’s using right now.
Chris in Orange County is looking for the most reliable live broadcast connection for sports coverage. Should he use cellular bonding or Starlink?
Check out Rich’s Guide to Prime Day 2026!
Bryan Bishop, creator of the Hooray for Baldywood newsletter, reviews Toy Story 5 and tells us whether Pixar still has the magic.
Elaine wants to remove Google’s AI search summaries. Rich suggests adding -AI to searches or using the Bye Bye Google AI extension. Listener Jim recommends tapping the Web tab for traditional search results.
Valerie in North Carolina wants to save photos and videos from Google Photos to a flash drive for her granddaughter. Rich recommends creating an album first, downloading it to a computer, then copying the files to a flash drive for easy sharing.
Sherri in Lancaster wants to track her subscriptions. Rich recommends Rocket Money (free) or Monarch Money (paid), and checking for recurring charges through Amazon, Apple, and Google Play. Bobby is also popular, but the tracking process is more manual.
Henderson in Richmond, Virginia is wondering if he should use a hardwire for his doorbell with Wi-Fi or go PoE.
Rick Broida, senior tech writer at Yahoo⁠ and author of the Deal Secrets newsletter, shares smart ways to save on tech without sacrificing much. His picks include a 55-inch Vizio TV for $300, a 70-inch Insignia TV for $300, and Anker headphones for around $100.
Meta is giving free Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses to legally blind U.S. veterans. The AI-powered glasses can read text, describe surroundings, and assist with everyday tasks.
Andy in Baltimore is looking for a CCTV solution for his iPad. Rich recommends checking the American Foundation for the Blind’s guide to video magnifiers, along with iPad-compatible document cameras and magnifiers on Amazon. Also explore the iPad’s built-in accessibility features like Magnifier, Zoom, and Speak Screen.
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.

Be sure to subscribe to the Rich On Tech Newsletter!
Rich talked about the biggest changes coming to iOS 27 and beyond, including Apple’s long-awaited Siri overhaul and other new features announced at WWDC 2026.
Kim in Big Pine was having issues with a Samsung Galaxy A36 smartphone. Rich recommended making sure the phone is completely up to date, including Android system updates, Galaxy Store updates, app updates through the Google Play Store, and Google Play system updates. He also suggested resetting the phone’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings and using the Files by Google app to clean up unnecessary files and free up storage.
Paul in Columbus, Ohio, was having trouble signing up for a YouTube Family Plan. Rich suggested contacting YouTube support directly through the app. Open the YouTube app, tap your profile icon, then tap the Settings icon. Scroll to the bottom and select Help, then tap Contact Us to start a chat with a live support representative.
Meta will begin using your web browsing activity to influence the content you see on Facebook and Instagram, not just the ads you’re shown. [Instagram Post]
Kathy in Hemet wanted to give her old Samsung phone to her niece and asked how to reset it. Rich explained that on most Samsung phones, you can go to Settings, tap About Phone, scroll down to Reset, and then choose Factory Data Reset. If the phone uses an eSIM and you plan to keep your phone number, be sure to select the option that preserves the eSIM when prompted during the reset process.
John in Inglewood wants to erase an iPad that he forgot the password to. Rich says you can connect it to a computer or use iCloud.
Jim in Portland wants to know if he can move his ChatGPT memory to another AI. Rich says yes. Both Claude and Gemini offer prompts you can paste into ChatGPT to summarize what it knows about you, then import that information into their services. Here’s the link for Claude and Gemini.
Andrew O’Hara, editor at AppleInsider, will break down the biggest WWDC announcements.
A caller wanted to know the website for getting vanity phone number and parking numbers. It’s numberbarn.com
Watch Duty now covers flood alerts in addition to wildfires.
$68 million Google Assistant privacy settlement details.
Carol is trying to get a Facebook page removed, but she can’t log in. Rich says to go to Meta’s account recovery hub to try to regain access. Here’s a directory of direct links to delete online accounts, including Facebook.
David in Florida has some bogus Google reviews. Rich says to use Google’s review reporting tool to flag them for removal if they violate Google’s policies.
Mint Mobile increased data for customers without raising prices, and Instagram now lets you rearrange your profile grid.
AI professor at the University of Montreal David Krueger explains why communities across the country are pushing back against massive AI data centers and what the AI boom could mean for energy, water, and everyday consumers.
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.