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Rich reviews Apple’s $2,000 iPhone Duo after a week of use: Apple’s first foldable iPhone combines a 5.4-inch outer screen with a 7.6-inch inner display that Rich calls the best mini tablet he’s ever used. He loves the form factor, improved app support, MagSafe and water resistance, but finds the small outer screen, lack of Face ID, limited camera zoom and awkward selfie controls frustrating. His verdict: It’s a fantastic tablet that also happens to be a phone, but not necessarily a better iPhone.
Apple’s foldable could make Android foldables better: Rich says Apple has already convinced many developers to optimize their apps for the Duo, something Android foldables still struggle with after seven years. He believes Apple’s entry into the market will push Samsung, Google and other manufacturers to improve their hardware and software, benefiting everyone.
Jill in Orange County wants to make wired CarPlay wireless: Rich recommends the new $40 Twelve South AirFly Drive, a tiny USB adapter that converts wired Apple CarPlay or Android Auto into a wireless connection. It only works in vehicles that already support wired CarPlay or Android Auto. Rich likes its simple setup and compact design, but notes that Bluetooth calls may stay connected to the car briefly after you get out. Carlinkit is another option, although Rich hasn’t personally tested it.
Barney in San Pedro wants to FaceTime someone from his Android phone: Rich explains that Barney can use FaceTime on his iPad with an Apple Account, or have the other person send him a FaceTime link that opens on Android. WhatsApp is another free option for video calls between platforms. Rich also reminds listeners to watch for romance scams when communicating with someone they haven’t met in person.
Protect your phone number from SIM-swapping attacks: Criminals can hijack your phone number to intercept calls, text messages and security codes. Rich recommends enabling AT&T’s Wireless Account Lock, Verizon’s SIM Protection and Number Lock, or T-Mobile’s SIM Protection and Port-Out Protection. These free safeguards must be enabled separately for each phone line. He also recommends switching from text-message verification codes to an authenticator app like Proton Authenticator for better security.
Matt in Chino Hills wants resources for a friend who recently became blind: Rich recommends checking out his segment on the Braille Institute, which offers free classes and resources for people with vision loss. He also suggests exploring Meta’s accessibility features for Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, including integration with Be My Eyes, an app that connects blind and low-vision users with sighted volunteers for assistance. Another resource is the annual CSUN Assistive Technology Conference, which showcases technology designed to help people with disabilities.
Susan has second thoughts about buying an iMac: After 13 years using a Dell, Susan bought a new blue iMac but realized she’d rather stick with Windows. Rich says a $16 USB hub could solve her port concerns, but recommends returning the iMac within Apple’s 14-day return window and buying the Dell all-in-one she prefers. He suggests checking Costco for deals, transferring files using an external hard drive, checking Quicken compatibility and using Windows 10’s Reset This PC feature to erase personal data before getting rid of her old computer.
Banks are getting nervous about AI agents accessing customer accounts: JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citi and Morgan Stanley are reportedly restricting third-party AI agents over security concerns. Rich explains that these agents aren’t randomly breaking into accounts. Customers are voluntarily granting access. He distinguishes between read-only connections through services like Plaid, which typically allow financial analysis, and agents with full login credentials that can potentially move money or make account changes. His advice: Understand exactly what permissions you’re granting before connecting an AI agent to your finances.
Michael in Denver asks about gaming on the iPhone Duo: Rich hasn’t personally tested games on Apple’s new foldable, but notes that its powerful chip supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing for more realistic graphics.
Luke Westcott, security researcher at Sublime Security, explains how to stop calendar spam: Scammers are sending fake calendar invitations that appear alongside legitimate appointments, often containing phishing links, bogus charges or urgent requests to call a phone number. Luke recommends avoiding suspicious links, reporting unwanted invitations as junk, unsubscribing from unfamiliar calendars and limiting automatic invitations to known senders. In Google Calendar, look under Settings > Event settings > Add invitations to my calendar. He also warns that declining suspicious invitations can sometimes confirm your email address is active.
Patty in Van Nuys is confused by all the different phone PINs: Rich explains the difference between a phone unlock PIN, a one-time number transfer PIN and a SIM PIN. For protection against SIM-swapping attacks, he recommends enabling number lock or port-out protection through your carrier. Mint Mobile offers Number Lock, while US Mobile has additional safeguards including Never SIM Swap, No Port Out and Account Lockdown.
Apple’s October 28 event could bring the first touchscreen MacBook Pro: Apple is holding its “Pro and Tell” event in Los Angeles, where rumors point to thinner, lighter MacBook Pros with upgraded chips and potentially touchscreens for the first time. New iPads and iMacs are also possibilities. Rich will attend the event and report on the announcements.
Martin in Rolling Hills Heights has an ASUS laptop that won’t turn on: Rich suspects a failing battery or an underpowered USB-C charger, especially since Martin lost the original power adapter. He recommends buying a compatible GU501 power adapter for about $32, letting the laptop charge for a few hours and seeing if it starts. If it works, back up important business files immediately. Otherwise, try uBreakiFix for a diagnostic to determine whether the computer needs repairs.
Kelly in Crestline wants to keep using old scrapbooking software on Windows XP: Her aging laptop can no longer print after Frontier installed a new Eero router. Rich suggests trying a printer that connects directly via USB or using Eero’s compatibility settings to help older devices connect to the network. Running Windows XP in a virtual machine on a newer computer is another possibility, but Rich recommends keeping the existing setup working if possible and warns about the security risks of connecting an unsupported operating system to the internet.
Phil Swann, editor and publisher of TV for Seniors, shares ways to simplify streaming and save money: At TVforSeniors.com, Phil helps older adults navigate increasingly complicated smart TVs and streaming services. He recommends Roku for its simple interface, free services like Pluto TV, Tubi and The Roku Channel, and checking for promotional deals and carrier bundles before paying full price. Phil says he gets eight streaming services for just $31 a month. He also recommends enabling closed captions and increasing text size to make TV easier to enjoy.
More listener feedback and tips: Elroy canceled his iPhone Duo preorder over shipping delays. Rachel found Jitterbug too confusing for her father. Joanna avoided a fake party invitation scam. Paul loves his $35 Visible+ plan. Don used Meta Muse to find $290 in Medicare prescription plan savings, while Rich’s AI agent helped identify a mystery hotel charge. Other listeners recommend Community Phone for home phone service, NAPS2 for scanning and Rocket Money for canceling subscriptions.
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Getting so close to show 200, Rich! So exciting. I always look forward to spending my Saturday mornings with you. You do a great service. Keep up the good work 👍🏼