Rich On Tech

Meta faces landmark teen safety trial: Twenty-nine states accuse Meta of designing Facebook and Instagram to hook young users while misleading parents about safety. Former Meta executive Arturo Behar testified that growth and engagement often took priority over child safety, while Meta denies wrongdoing.

Pixel 11’s Rambler speeds up replies: Rich says the Pixel 11 Pro’s Rambler voice-to-text feature has made it much faster to respond to emails by turning spoken thoughts into clean, formatted text.

I Like Movies app tracks what to watch: Rich recommends the clean, feature-packed movie tracking app, which is available on Android now with an iPhone version expected in September.

Watching KTLA without home internet: Marshall in Reseda wants to watch KTLA+ without home internet. KTLA+ is designed for supported smart TV platforms, but KTLA.com, YouTube and an over-the-air antenna provide other ways to watch KTLA programming.

Apple Passwords vs. Bitwarden: Silvanna asks whether Apple Passwords is secure enough for an all-Apple household. Rich says it is a solid choice, while Bitwarden remains useful for people who want a free password manager that works across multiple platforms.

Password managers and 2FA are essential: Rich recommends using unique passwords through a password manager and enabling two-factor authentication. Never give an authentication code to someone who unexpectedly calls or messages asking for it.

OpenAI vs. ChatGPT explained: Neon asks whether OpenAI will eventually replace ChatGPT. Rich explains that OpenAI is the company and ChatGPT is one of its products, similar to Google making Gemini and Anthropic making Claude.

Charter and Cox complete their merger: Former Cox customers do not need to take immediate action, but Spectrum products begin rolling out in Cox markets in mid-September. Changes include a free year of Spectrum Mobile for eligible internet customers, automatic credits for outages over two hours, expanded U.S.-based support and SportsNet LA for former Cox TV customers.

Peacock raises prices again: Peacock Premium with ads is increasing to $13 a month, Premium Plus to $20 and Peacock Select to $9. Existing subscribers will begin seeing the higher prices after September 17, depending on their billing date.

Protect your hearing at concerts: Joe asks about hearing protection after being seated near extremely loud speakers. Rich recommends high-fidelity concert earplugs such as Vibes or Loop to lower the volume while preserving sound quality.

ChatGPT adds protections for teens: ChatGPT is introducing a teen experience for ages 13 to 17 with stronger safety defaults, study-focused features, parental controls and protections designed to reduce emotional dependence on AI.

How scammers defeat two-factor authentication: Matt asks how criminals can get around 2FA. A common trick is to steal a password, trigger a legitimate authentication code and then impersonate the bank or service to convince the victim to read the code aloud.

Free VPN options: Mike in Ventura wants a good free VPN. Rich recommends Proton VPN and also points to VPN options from Firefox and Opera; for a paid service, Rich likes Surfshark, a newsletter sponsor.

Sticking with Windows 10: David dislikes Windows 11 and wants to keep using Windows 10. Rich warns that unsupported operating systems eventually lose security and software compatibility, but experienced users may still find Windows 10 hardware or reinstall it while accepting those risks.

Fake IRS crypto letters: Scammers are mailing official-looking letters claiming recipients need to enroll in an IRS digital asset compliance portal. The IRS has no such portal, and QR codes in the letters can lead to sites designed to steal personal or cryptocurrency information.

AI is making scams more convincing: Steve Weisman, founder of Scamicide, says AI is helping criminals create polished phishing messages, voice clones and highly personalized scams. His core advice is to distrust unexpected communications and independently verify requests before clicking, downloading or sharing information.

Secure your home router: Weisman recommends changing default router passwords, keeping router software updated and considering newer hardware that receives automatic security updates.

Beware fake customer service numbers: Scammers can manipulate search results or buy ads that display bogus support numbers. Instead of trusting the first search result, find customer service information directly from a company’s official website, app or bill.

Incogni plans compared: Alex asks which Incogni plan to choose. Rich says the higher-tier Unlimited plan adds broader removal coverage, custom removal requests and phone support, making it more comprehensive for people who want maximum data removal.

Building a smart tiki bar: Bob in Beaumont wants thunder, rain, lightning and rumbling effects on demand in his home tiki bar. Rich suggests combining smart lighting, audio automation and Flic buttons to trigger the scene, and also mentions LiquidView digital windows.

Recovering a locked Windows laptop: Milton has been locked out of a laptop for two years and no longer has access to the email address or phone number associated with it. Because the files are important, Rich recommends trying Microsoft account recovery first, then consulting a reputable repair or data-recovery service rather than wiping the computer.

Drone delivery expands rapidly: Amazon says Prime Air will expand from 11 locations to hundreds of cities and towns, while Uber Eats and Zipline are also preparing broader drone delivery. Both are betting that everyday items and food can eventually arrive within minutes.

Police drones become first responders: Flock is expanding beyond license plate cameras with drones that can automatically respond to 911 calls, reach scenes quickly and sometimes determine that an officer does not need to be dispatched.

Medicare phone scam warning: Kathy received an unsolicited call asking whether she had received a new Medicare card. Rich says the unexpected call and abrupt hang-up are warning signs and advises never giving Medicare or personal information to unsolicited callers.

FDA clears a blood-drawing robot: Aletta is a standalone robotic system that uses infrared and ultrasound to locate a vein, insert the needle, collect blood, dispose of the needle and apply a bandage. One professional can oversee multiple machines at once.

Pixel 11 focuses on useful AI: Myriam Joire, host of the Mobile Tech Podcast, joins Rich to discuss Google’s Pixel 11 lineup. Both highlight practical features such as Rambler voice-to-text and Magic Capture, which uses AI to find the best photos and clips from a captured moment.

Who should upgrade to Pixel 11: Joire says Pixel 10 owners probably do not need to upgrade, while Pixel 8 or 9 users have a stronger case. The standard Pixel 11 offers most of the important software features, while serious mobile gamers may prefer phones with faster processors.

Electronics stores still exist: Listeners recommend independent electronics shops including Marvac in Costa Mesa, JK Electronics in Westminster, Armies Electronics in Ohio and Elliott Electronic Supply in Tucson, along with amateur radio “hamfests” for components and equipment.

Fake CAPTCHA attacks can install malware: Kathleen encountered a bogus Cloudflare-style verification page that instructed her to type commands into her computer, resulting in a Trojan infection. Never follow unusual instructions from a CAPTCHA that ask you to run commands or paste code.

Windows Snipping Tool can copy stubborn text: Phil points out that Windows 11’s Snipping Tool can extract text from screenshots and other places where normal copy-and-paste does not work.

Update a full iPhone using a computer: Robert discovered that an iPhone without enough free storage for an iOS update may still be updated through a Mac or Windows PC, avoiding the need to offload apps that might no longer be available.

Hide trackers inside valuable items: Gary recommends concealing AirTags inside luggage, briefcases or shipped packages rather than leaving them somewhere a thief can easily spot and remove.

Leaving an Apple Podcasts review: Jane asks how to review Rich on Tech. On an iPhone, find the show in Apple Podcasts, scroll to Ratings & Reviews, tap “Write a Review” and submit it.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

• Scam protection: Slow down, stop the conversation, and independently verify requests before sending money, sharing codes, or installing software.
• Family code words: Set up a private family code word to help verify emergency calls that could use AI-cloned voices.
• Calendar spam: Fake PayPal charges can appear as calendar events, so restrict invitations from unknown senders.
• Saving old email: Use Gmail import or Thunderbird to save messages before an old email account is shut down.
• OnePay legitimacy: OnePay appears legitimate, but always research customer service, banking partners, and company details before moving money.
• Pixel 11 lineup: Google’s Pixel 11 phones bring upgraded cameras, more AI features, faster charging, and higher starting prices.
• Which Pixel to buy: Rich’s early pick is the Pixel 11 Pro XL with 512 GB of storage and 16 GB of RAM.
• Pixel Tag: Google’s $29 AirTag-style tracker arrives November 11.
• Microsoft Publisher replacement: Canva is an easy Publisher alternative, while Affinity Publisher offers a more traditional desktop experience.
• Verizon outage: If your phone suddenly says SOS, check DownDetector and your carrier’s status page before changing settings.
• Cheaper wireless plans: MVNOs like PureTalk can save money by using major carrier networks without the premium pricing.
• Instagram redesign: Instagram changed its in-app wordmark for the first time in 10 years.
• Trusting AI: AI can sound certain even when it is wrong, so verify important answers and use it to assist rather than replace your judgment.
• Flock privacy changes: Flock is reducing license plate data retention and adding tighter controls after reports of police misuse.
• Passport renewals: Start at the official State Department website to avoid unnecessary third-party passport renewal fees.
• Electronics parts stores: Micro Center remains one of the best places to buy individual computer and electronics components in person.
• Restaurant search trick: Try “best casual local institution near me” in Google Maps to find distinctive local restaurants instead of chains.
• AI watermarking: Claude plans to watermark AI-generated content, including text, but identifying partial AI use remains complicated.
• Better than fillable PDFs: Online forms like Jotform, Tally, and Typeform can be easier for users than fillable PDFs.
• AirTag alternatives: Pebblebee trackers add features like rechargeable batteries, built-in attachment loops, and two-way phone finding.
• Galaxy Buds hearing aids: Samsung is adding an FDA-cleared hearing aid feature for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss.
• Transaction alerts: Bank alerts can help you spot unauthorized withdrawals quickly and limit the damage.
• Sextortion emails: Ignore threatening emails claiming hackers recorded you, and change any exposed password that is still in use.
• Listener privacy tips: DuckDuckGo Email Protection and data-removal services can help reduce tracking and unwanted calls.
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.
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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.
Disclosure: I may earn a commission from purchases made through links in this post, at no additional cost to you.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

03:04 — Hotel Wi-Fi attacks target travelers: Hackers linked to Russia are targeting hotel and conference Wi-Fi login systems and redirecting users to convincing fake update or security pages. Rich says public Wi-Fi is still usable, but never install software or enter authentication codes because a captive portal tells you to. Use cellular or a hotspot for sensitive activity.
10:04 — Wendy in Yorba Linda gets unwanted Chrome pop-ups: Her OnePlus 11 keeps opening game websites even after clearing Chrome data. Rich recommends removing unfamiliar or unused apps, checking Chrome notification permissions for rogue websites, updating Android, and installing the latest Google Play system update before considering a factory reset.
15:12 — NFL Sunday Ticket discounts can cut the cost: Verizon customers, students, military members, veterans, first responders, teachers and healthcare workers may qualify for substantial discounts. Rich recommends checking eligibility before paying the roughly $500 full-season price.
17:31 — Cyberattacks expose weaknesses in U.S. water systems: Scott Edwards, CEO of Summit 7, says many small water utilities have internet-connected industrial controllers with weak security, including default passwords and exposed ports. Recent attacks have affected systems in multiple states, highlighting how limited cybersecurity resources can leave critical infrastructure vulnerable.
26:56 — Google Assistant is being replaced by Gemini: Google plans to begin removing the classic Assistant from Android phones September 4, with Gemini becoming the default and no option to switch back. Gemini handles conversations and complex requests better, but some traditional Assistant and smart-home functions may not work the same way.
29:09 — Rick in Torrance asks Chrome or Safari on a Mac: Rich prefers Chrome for its extensions, compatibility and Enhanced Safe Browsing protection, while Safari offers stronger privacy protections by default and is optimized for Apple hardware. The best choice ultimately depends on which features matter most.
35:08 — Google Maps and YouTube get smarter AI search: Ask Maps can handle highly specific searches for restaurants, hotels, transit and other recommendations, while Ask YouTube can surface information buried inside videos. Rich says these AI-powered searches make it much easier to find specific recommendations without manually sorting through countless results.
38:21 — Sarah in Northridge is overwhelmed by spam email: Rich recommends reporting junk as spam, avoiding unsubscribe links in suspicious messages, disabling automatic image loading and using email aliases such as alias.email or Apple’s Hide My Email. Gmail users can also use Manage Subscriptions to quickly find and remove unwanted legitimate mailing lists.
45:17 — Roger refuses to give up his OBiTALK adapter: Roger has used the discontinued OBiTALK device for years to turn Google Voice into a free home phone line. Despite no longer receiving support or firmware updates, his adapter continues to provide incoming and outgoing calls without a monthly phone bill.
48:13 — Benny shops for his first 3D printer: While shopping at Micro Center, Benny considers an Elegoo printer instead of a Bambu Lab model. Rich says modern 3D printers have become much easier to use, with Bambu helping push the category toward a more consumer-friendly experience.
51:55 — California's DROP privacy system begins deleting personal data: Tom Kemp of the California Privacy Protection Agency says more than 650 data brokers must periodically check DROP requests and delete matching information. The free service is for California residents, uses security measures including hashing, and can help reduce the amount of personal information circulating among data brokers.
55:37 — DROP goes beyond basic contact information: Californians can optionally provide identifiers tied to their phones, vehicles and connected TVs to reach brokers that track location, driving and viewing habits. Kemp says more than 400,000 Californians had signed up, with roughly 15,000 to 20,000 new registrations per day.
1:01:39 — ChatGPT expands free access: ChatGPT is lifting previous text-chat usage limits for free users, while limits still apply to more compute-intensive features such as images and files. Paid users continue to receive access to more capable models and features.
1:03:33 — Faith in Anaheim wants to stop a daily spam caller: Rich walks her through the iPhone settings to block the persistent number. Blocking it should prevent future calls, messages and FaceTime attempts from that contact.
1:09:30 — Samsung's latest foldables feel more mature: After testing the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra, Rich says Samsung has hit its stride with thinner, lighter and more practical designs, although prices remain high. The smaller Fold 8 stands out for its wider, more pocketable form factor.
1:11:58 — Rich settles on Evernote and Notion for notes: Evernote remains his choice for professional radio and TV work, while Notion is handling personal information because it works across iPhone, Android, Windows and Mac. Notion AI's ability to search across stored notes is a major advantage.
1:15:02 — Connected AI apps can become a productivity hub: Rich says one of ChatGPT's most useful capabilities is connecting it with services such as Gmail, Google Calendar, Notion, Spotify and other apps. That allows users to search information and complete tasks across multiple services from a single conversation.
1:17:10 — Yvonne in Lake Forest considers an Instagram MP3 player: Rich advises against buying a generic iPod-style player advertised on social media and suggests a genuine refurbished iPod from Retrospekt instead. Either way, existing CDs still need to be ripped to digital files before they can be loaded onto the device.
1:20:56 — Scott in Texas has a mysterious location problem: Multiple Windows computers at his home incorrectly place him at a specific address in Washington, even after changing internet providers and resetting devices. Rich suggests reviewing Windows location and privacy settings but says the unusual case remains unresolved.
1:28:19 — Meta AI glasses provide accessibility benefits: Rich highlights the positive side of Meta’s AI glasses for accessibility, including how blind and low-vision users at the Braille Institute use them to read mail and menus, describe surroundings, translate text and connect with Be My Eyes volunteers. The technology can provide greater independence despite broader privacy concerns surrounding camera-equipped glasses.
1:31:44 — Gig workers are getting paid to train robots: Aaron Bromberg, head of robotics at Instawork, explains that workers can record themselves performing everyday tasks such as folding laundry, washing dishes and mopping floors. Robotics companies use this first-person demonstration data to teach AI-powered robots physical tasks that cannot be learned simply by reading text or watching ordinary videos.
1:37:42 — Robots may reach workplaces before homes: Bromberg expects broader robot deployment to begin in commercial environments such as warehouses and manufacturing facilities, particularly for repetitive tasks. Consumer household robots are also being developed, but widespread adoption is likely further away.
1:39:12 — Bob Ross paintings are coming to LG TVs: LG is adding Bob Ross landscapes to its Gallery Plus art service, while nearly 400 episodes of The Joy of Painting are available through a free Bob Ross streaming channel on LG TVs.
1:40:16 — Listeners share ways to save on wireless and streaming: One listener suggests Connect by T-Mobile as a lower-cost option for customers facing plan increases, while another combines benefits from Amazon Prime, Walmart+, Comcast and T-Mobile to get several streaming services at little additional cost.
1:40:46 — Listeners debate Apple's iPhone leasing model: Some listeners point out that buying out a zero-interest lease can ultimately equal the phone's retail price, while others worry that device rentals push consumers further away from owning their technology outright.
1:42:07 — Voice assistants can accidentally connect callers with scammers: A listener says a senior asked Siri to call a bank, but the assistant dialed an unrelated number and connected them with someone pretending to be legitimate. Rich recommends using the number printed on a bank card or listed on the institution's official website rather than trusting search results or voice assistants for sensitive calls.
1:45:28 — Beware of look-alike apps: A listener thought she downloaded Google's Nano Banana photo tool but instead subscribed to an unrelated app with a similar name. Rich recommends following official links rather than searching an app store for a product name, where imitators can be easy to mistake for the real thing.
1:46:28 — A listener successfully cuts the cord: After switching from cable-style television to streaming, one listener liked the setup enough to help his 80-year-old parents make the same change. The family says the switch has been worthwhile even after upgrading their internet service.
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.
Disclosure: We may earn a commission from purchases made through links in this post, at no additional cost to you.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rich talked about the pros and cons of Apple’s new iPhone leasing program.
Rich ordered an Uber, and they charged him 66% more than the quote. All he did was ask them to review the root and fare calculation for accuracy and got a credit for the difference.
Mickey writes in to ask if wireless charging on airplanes and at public charging stations could be a security risk.
AI continues to hack real companies during security tests. The bottom line is you need to take cybersecurity seriously, no matter what, if it’s personal or for your small business.
Julie in Riverside is looking for a portable emergency radio with solar charging or a hand crank. Rich recommended this model from C. Crane or this less expensive option from Amazon.
Rich also mentioned portable power stations from Jackery and EcoFlow.
Karen in La Palma wants to remove her personal information from the internet. Rich recommended California’s DROP program, Google’s Results About You tool and show sponsor Incogni.
Brian Collins, Executive Director of Earth Fire Alliance, will explain how its FireSat satellite network is designed to spot wildfires earlier, track them from space and give firefighters better information to protect communities.
Adam in Orlando is looking for a motion sensor that can alert him when his father gets out of bed, helping him monitor for possible falls. Rich mentioned solutions from Bellman, Smart Caregiver and even a standard motion sensor or Wyze cam.
Carol in Huntington Beach says her mesh Wi-Fi system is not working as expected. Rich recommended placing the main router and access points in more central locations. She can also test signal strength using Samsung’s hidden Wi-Fi connectivity tool or Ubiquiti’s WiFiman app.
Andrea Smith, award-winning technology journalist, shares her top-tested Bluetooth earbuds and portable speakers, plus how to choose the right audio gear for your lifestyle.
Aviate is a Flighty-style app for Android that helps you track flights and receive real-time travel updates.
Spotify now has a smart running coach feature called Running Mode.
A developer is creating a messaging app that more closely resembles the classic Samsung Messages experience. It’s called Messages by OzarksMade.
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.
Disclosure: I may earn a commission from purchases made through links in this post, at no additional cost to you.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rich talked about Samsung’s new foldables finally being a place where they are really good and polished, of course, right before Apple introduces something very similar.
Carmen in Hollywood wants a cheaper alternative to her AT&T home phone line. Rich recommends Ooma, AT&T Home Phone Advanced, or checking with her cable provider for a lower-cost option.
LG is cracking down on shady smart TV apps that secretly use your internet connection for other purposes.
Andy Vaca, founder of GRYHAT Cybersecurity, explains OpenAI’s reported AI “hack” of Hugging Face may be better understood as an access-control failure, and what consumers can learn from the security basics companies still overlook.
Charlie wants to know why Amazon no longer includes purchase details in its emails. Rich explains it is meant to prevent third-party services from harvesting that information.
Sponsor: Incogni helps remove your personal information from data brokers. Get 60% off at incogni.com/rich.
A Verizon roaming outage briefly left international travelers without data, including Rich.
Bob in Dana Point wants to know why ShopBack no longer works with Firefox. Rich says Firefox’s built-in tracking protections probably don’t play nice with it.
Rich visited Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese in London, a centuries-old pub where he enjoyed fish and chips.
A caller wants to upgrade her computer’s RAM. Rich recommends Kingston’s PC scanner to check compatibility, plus enabling sleeping tabs in her browser to free up memory.
Rachel Roberts, Samsung’s Director of Smartphone Product Management, joins to discuss Samsung’s latest foldable phones.
Google is adding selfie video verification as an account recovery backup if you lose your password, phone or access to two-factor authentication.
Sheri in Irvine recommends the OneTab browser extension, which saves and organizes open tabs so they are easy to revisit without using as much memory.
John in Whittier keeps seeing price increases on his T-Mobile military plan. Rich recommends calling T-Mobile to ask about a better deal and comparing alternatives at BestPhonePlans.net.
Seats.aero and Points Path are Chrome extensions that display airline award pricing directly inside Google Flights alongside regular cash fares.
Jessica Ray from MotorWeek shares the latest car buying trends, standout vehicles across every category, and what consumers should know before their next purchase.
Jessica recommends the Rivian R2 for an EV. For hybrids, she likes the Toyota Grand Highlander and Hyundai Palisade.
Steven in Beaumont wants to delete old online accounts. Rich recommends JustDeleteMe.xyz, which links directly to the account-deletion pages for many popular services.
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.
Disclosure: I may earn a commission from purchases made through links in this post, at no additional cost to you.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.