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This week, I crisscrossed the country to check out the latest from Roku. The streaming platform wants to predict what you might want to watch next. The question is whether you’ll find that helpful or annoying.

More on that in a second, but first a few observations from the trip.

One of my travel rules: always keep an eye on your seat assignment before a flight. You never know when a better seat will open up. Sure enough, about a day before takeoff, I was able to snag an aisle seat that was much more to my liking.

It was also my first trip with a new carry-on suitcase, which I splurged on. So far, I’m impressed. It has what feels like a million compartments and, most importantly, a built-in but removable garment bag. That’s key for the kinds of trips I take, where I usually need to pack a few pressed shirts. My previous carry-on was an Amazon Basics model that cost about $75 and somehow survived five years of heavy travel. It exceeded all my expectations.

Another travel rule: never rely on inflight Wi-Fi for anything important unless it’s powered by Starlink.

On my flight to New York, the connection was so bad I eventually gave up trying to work. On the flight home, I decided not to buy Wi-Fi at all, which turned out to be the right move. The system had issues throughout the flight and at one point the crew had to perform what they described as a “hard restart,” causing every screen on the plane to go blank, even for passengers in the middle of movies.

One thing that did impress me: the airline must have known how poor the service was on my outbound flight because they automatically refunded my Wi-Fi purchase without me even asking.

I also always download my own entertainment before every flight. This time I loaded up a handful of movies, including Marty Supreme, which I absolutely loved. Great performances, a unique story, funny dialogue, and just the right amount of absurdity.

While I was in New York, I stayed in Chinatown, an area I’d never stayed in before. That’s where one of my favorite newer Google Maps features came in handy.

If you haven’t tried Ask Maps yet, give it a shot. You’ll find it right below the search bar in Google Maps. Instead of searching for a specific business, you can ask for exactly what you’re looking for.

Best lunch under $10? Ask.

Best smash burger nearby? Ask.

A great old fashioned in a dimly lit bar? Ask.

So far, the recommendations have been spot on. It feels a bit like having a knowledgeable local guide in your pocket, and I’ve found myself using it all the time.

Your Roku home screen is about to look very different

Roku’s redesigned home screen is the biggest overhaul the company has made in more than 10 years.

That’s a big deal when you consider more than 100 million households use Roku. When a product is this popular, every change is risky. People tend to like Roku because it’s simple. Change too much and you risk upsetting your biggest fans.

So what’s actually different?

The first thing you’ll notice is that Roku no longer treats your apps as the star of the show.

Instead, the top of the screen is now dedicated to recommendations. Roku calls it “Top Picks For You,” and it’s designed to predict what you want to watch before you even open an app. It might be a live sporting event, the next episode of a series you’re watching, or a movie Roku thinks you’ll enjoy.

Below that is a new “Quick Access” section that adapts to your habits. Think favorite apps, frequently used shortcuts, and things Roku notices you use most often.

One feature I really like is the new Subscriptions section. Tell Roku which streaming services you pay for and it will surface shows and movies from those services in one place. If you’re tired of opening Netflix, then Disney+, then Max just to see what’s new, this could save some time.

The familiar app grid is still there. It’s just been pushed farther down the page.

And yes, there’s now a large ad on the home screen. You can tell Roku you don’t like a particular ad, but you can’t remove the ad space entirely.

The temptation for longtime Roku users might be to immediately turn everything off and go back to the old layout. You can do some of that. Roku lets you disable many of the recommendation rows and personalization features in Settings > Home screen.

My advice? Give it a week.

Roku told me its recommendation system gets noticeably better after learning your viewing habits. Whether that’s true will vary from person to person, but I think it’s worth living with before making a final judgment.

Personally, I spend way too much time scrolling through streaming services trying to decide what to watch. By the time we finally pick something, the pizza is cold and we’re nearly ready for bed.

That’s why I think Roku may be onto something.

Roku seems to understand that the biggest problem in streaming today isn’t finding content. It’s finding something worth watching among the various services we’re already paying for.

Of course, there’s another side to this story.

Roku isn’t just a streaming platform. It’s also an advertising company. The more time you spend on Roku, the more it can show you ads, collect viewing data, and recommend content that keeps you engaged.

During setup, I noticed Roku wanted to enable Automatic Content Recognition, or ACR. This technology can analyze what’s playing on your TV screen to help build a profile of your viewing habits.

If you’re privacy-conscious, I’d recommend turning that off.

Go to:

Settings → Privacy → Smart TV Experience → Automatic Content Recognition

Overall, I think Roku is trying to balance two competing goals: helping viewers navigate an increasingly confusing streaming landscape while also growing its advertising business.

For now, I think the redesign works.

It’s more ambitious than the old Roku experience, and definitely more opinionated. But if it can help people spend less time searching and more time watching, that’s a tradeoff many viewers will gladly make.

AI saved me $240 in minutes

My wife likes listening to satellite radio in her car. (When she’s not listening to my radio show, of course.)

Her subscription was up for renewal, and I got the typical notice: the price was jumping from $6.99 a month to $26.99 a month.

Sorry, but I’m not paying an extra $20 a month for the two or three channels she actually listens to.

So I logged into the website and found Harmony, the company’s AI chatbot for account support. Then I had an idea: What if I let AI negotiate with AI?

I opened ChatGPT and explained the situation: They wanted to raise the price from $6.99 to $26.99 a month. Then I started copying and pasting. Whatever Harmony said, I pasted into ChatGPT. Whatever ChatGPT suggested in response, I pasted back into Harmony.

A few rounds later, Harmony offered $9.99 a month. Not bad. I probably would have accepted it.

But ChatGPT told me to push a little further.

One more message later and they agreed to keep the service at $6.99 a month for another year.

That’s a savings of $240 over the next 12 months, and the whole process took less than two minutes.

I know there’s a lot of skepticism around AI, but this felt like a good example of how it can save you time and money. I’ve negotiated these kinds of subscription renewals with human agents before, and it usually takes much longer.

Of course, this won’t work everywhere. Some services don’t negotiate pricing at all. You’re probably not talking Netflix into a discount. But if a company already offers retention deals, and its chatbot has the authority to make changes to your account, AI might be an effective negotiating partner.

A new contender for cheapest unlimited plan

The wireless industry seems to be splitting into two camps.

On one side, you have premium plans loaded with extras like smartwatch connectivity, streaming services, and satellite features. On the other, you have people who couldn’t care less about the perks and just want the lowest monthly bill possible.

That’s where things are getting interesting.

I recently saw a post from friend of the show Stetson Doggett of BestPhonePlans.net, who said a new $25 unlimited plan from Total Wireless might be one of the best deals in wireless right now.

So I took a closer look.

The catch is that you need to bring your own unlocked phone and sign up for Auto Pay. If you can do that, the plan includes unlimited data, talk, text, hotspot access, international calling, and roaming. Not bad for $25 a month.

For perspective, Mint Mobile charges around $30 a month for their unlimited plan, while US Mobile has a $25 option and Visible is currently promoting unlimited service for $20 a month. The difference is that some carriers require you to pay for a full year upfront to get their lowest price.

The nice thing about Total Wireless (owned by Verizon) is that you don’t have to do that. Just bring your phone, turn on Auto Pay, and you’re good to go.

It’s another reminder that if you’ve been with the same wireless carrier for years, it might be worth shopping around. The savings can add up quickly.

Even a tech expert fell for this scam

I often talk about scams and you might wonder who actually falls for these things.

Well, a prominent tech YouTuber recently got scammed out of nearly $100,000. Fortunately, he eventually got the money back.

If it can happen to him, it can happen to anyone.

He was traveling in Japan, jet-lagged, and got a call that appeared to be from his bank. The caller claimed there were suspicious transactions on his account and offered to help secure it.

The story sounded legitimate. The caller knew personal details about him, including information about his accounts and the fact that he was traveling.

Over the next couple of hours, he followed what he thought were security instructions to protect his money. In reality, he was authorizing transactions that sent money directly to scammers.

The part that really got me was when his actual bank got involved. The real bank representative told him, “We would never call you.”

His response?

“Well, you’re calling me right now.”

I could relate.

A few years ago, I was traveling in Japan when my debit card suddenly stopped working. I had to call my bank, and I remember spending what felt like an hour on the phone while they walked me through a bunch of security questions and verification steps to reactivate the card.

At one point, I actually started wondering if I was being scammed. The whole thing felt suspicious. In my case, it was completely legitimate, but it reminded me how difficult it can be to tell the difference when you’re tired, stressed, traveling, or dealing with a financial issue.

That’s what makes modern scams so tricky. The advice sounds simple until you’re in the middle of a situation trying to figure out who’s real and who’s not.

Fortunately, the YouTuber’s bank ultimately refunded the money. But his experience is a reminder that scammers are incredibly sophisticated. They create urgency, keep you on the phone, and convince you that you’re solving a problem when you’re actually creating one.

My rule of thumb remains the same: if someone is asking you to move money, transfer funds, read security codes, act quickly, stay on the phone, or keep the conversation secret, stop and verify everything through official channels.

Hang up and call the number on the back of your card.

A legitimate company won’t mind if you double-check. A scammer will.

Sponsored: Take back your privacy

I get a lot of questions about personal data floating around online.

Your information can show up in two very different places.

There are legitimate data broker and people-finder sites that collect and publish details like your name, address, and phone number. That’s the information services like Incogni can help remove.

Then there’s the dark web, which usually involves data from breaches. Once it’s there, it’s very difficult to control or remove. These breach notifications seem to arrive regularly these days.

For the stuff you can control, I’ve been using Incogni. It automatically sends removal requests to data brokers on your behalf.

Since last May, it’s sent 660 takedown requests for me. In the past month alone, it got 227 data brokers to stop including my information. My dashboard shows that responses take about nine days on average.

You can add email addresses, phone numbers, and home addresses to cover different variations of your data.

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Are foldable phones finally worth it?

I got my first look at a foldable phone back in 2019 at Samsung’s Experience Store in Glendale. The concept was exciting, but the launch was rocky. Early review units had major issues, and many people wondered if foldables would ever catch on.

Fast forward seven years, and foldables have come a long way.

I’ve been testing Motorola’s new Razr Fold, and overall, I’m impressed. The screens are excellent, the hardware feels polished, and I actually prefer Motorola’s software to Samsung’s because it’s closer to stock Android. My biggest complaint is that it’s heavier than I’d like and the camera seems one software update away from being great.

The question I always get is: who wants a foldable phone?

For me, the answer is travelers. It gives you a smartphone and a small tablet in one device, making it easier to read, watch videos, or get work done without carrying extra gear.

The timing is interesting because Apple is expected to launch its own foldable iPhone soon. If that happens, it’s likely to bring a lot more attention to this category.

I put the Razr Fold through its paces in my latest TV review. Check it out and let me know if you think foldables are finally ready for the mainstream.

Tech Tidbits

• DIRECTV is the latest TV provider to raise prices. Many customers will see monthly bills increase by $5 to $10, depending on their plan.

• Samsung Gallery will stop syncing directly with OneDrive later this year. The good news: your existing photos are safe. If you want new photos to keep backing up to OneDrive, just install the standalone OneDrive app. (Microsoft Support)

• Google says it’s working to address complaints from Fitbit users during the transition to the new Google Health experience.

• Friend of the show Krista K has updated her recommendations for the best photo scanners if you’re finally ready to digitize those boxes of old family photos.

Q&A: Do you need an RFID-blocking wallet?

Jacinta L. asks: I keep hearing stories about scammers stealing your credit card information using RFID scanners. Do I need an RFID-blocking wallet or purse to protect myself?

My answer: Probably not.

RFID skimming is one of those things that gets a lot of attention, but real-world cases appear to be relatively rare. Most credit card fraud today happens online through phishing scams, data breaches, hacked accounts, fake websites, or stolen card numbers.

If an RFID-blocking wallet or sleeve gives you peace of mind, there’s nothing wrong with using one. Many are inexpensive. I just wouldn’t spend a lot of money on special wallets, purses, or subscriptions that promise protection from RFID theft.

My bigger recommendation is to turn on transaction alerts from your bank and credit card companies and review your accounts regularly. That’s far more likely to protect you from fraud than an RFID-blocking product.

In other words, I’d be much more concerned about clicking the wrong link in an email than someone secretly scanning your credit card through your wallet.

Feedbag

Nathan writes:

Hi Rich, thanks for all the tips and great help over the years. At first I whined when the show changed, but you’ve added a lot of excitement to my tech life. Even though my wife is a true technophobe and can’t appreciate this stuff the way we do!

Joni from Pennsylvania writes:

I just found your show on Memorial Day, and after hearing all the discussion about the ‘new’ Google, I’m ready to run to Goodwill and buy a dictionary and some home repair books! I think I’ve spent the last year Googling absolutely everything, but maybe it’s time to go back to the old-school way of doing things.

Laura, a newsletter subscriber, writes:

Just wanted to thank you for all the great information you provide. At 76 years old, I really rely on trustworthy sources, and you are definitely at the top of my list. I purchased my iPhone 17e, signed up for Incogni, and now Minternet because of your recommendations.

San asks:

Do you get money from Google? It feels like these tech companies are constantly collecting information from our phones, hiding permissions, and using AI assistants to get even more of our data. It would be nice if you were more on the side of your listeners.

Thanks for all the feedback. I really enjoy reading your emails.

And San, to answer your question: No, Google did not pay me for my recent coverage of its developer conference.

I try hard to explain both the benefits and the drawbacks of new technology. Most of the time, I’m excited about what’s possible. But I’m also sounding the alarm on scams, highlighting privacy concerns, and pointing out when companies get it wrong.

At the end of the day, my job is to help you make sense of technology and make informed decisions. If you ever feel like I’m missing the consumer perspective, that’s valuable feedback because I’m here to help you.

Don’t forget to tune in to Rich On Tech live Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pacific on KFI AM 640 in Los Angeles. If you miss it, catch the rebroadcast Sunday nights at 8 p.m. Eastern on 710 WOR in New York, or listen anytime on the podcast.

And one more plug: Rich On Tech Weekly airs Sundays at 11 a.m. on KTLA+. It’s a deeper dive into the stories and gadgets I cover throughout the week.

Have a great weekend. And if you have a tech question, call me at 1-888-RICH-101 during the show.

Rich

Be sure to subscribe to the Rich On Tech Newsletter!

Rich talked about the big changes to the Roku home screen.

Rich mentioned to turn off Automatic Content Recognition: Settings > Privacy - Smart TV Experience > ACR Off

Chelsea in Beaumont wants to know why Samsung Messages is moving to Google Messages and how to individualize text sounds for contacts.

Rich says to enable Custom Notification Categories on Android for more control over alerts. Open Settings, tap Notifications, select Advanced settings, then turn on Manage notification categories for each app. You can also customize alerts for individual contacts. Open the Contacts app, select a person, tap Edit, and change their ringtone so you know who’s calling without looking at your phone.

DIRECTV is raising prices on satellite and streaming starting June 25, most packages are going up from $5-8 a month.

Rich mentioned iVerify to scan your phone for signs of spyware. iOS and Android.

Verizon’s Total Wireless has a new $25 unlimited plan if you can bring your own unlocked phone.

Gini in Menifee wants a simple Android phone. Rich recommends the Pixel 10a for its clean software, great camera, and ease of use.

Meta has new Plus subscription plans for Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp starting at $3 a month.

Gary says his phone is asking him to install AI by Glance for his lock screen. Rich says to skip it.

Josie wants to know the difference between Guardio, LifeLock and Incogni. Rich also mentioned Chrome Enhanced Safe Browsing and AnnualCreditReport.com

Guests:
Amanda Caswell, AI Editor at Tom’s Guide, shares practical AI tips, tricks and tools that everyday consumers can actually use to save time and get more done.

Nick in Ohio wants to know if Starlink is good for work from home. Rich says to check all options at FCC Broadband Map and Ookla’s ISP Finder.

Google says it has heard consumer complaints about the Google Health app and is working to address some of the issues in future updates.

Apple has updated its trade-in values for select iPhones and other devices, potentially changing how much credit customers can receive toward a new purchase.

Samsung is changing how it syncs photos with OneDrive. Users who want to keep their synced photos should download the OneDrive app and sign in by July 31.

Meta is adding new AI-powered accessibility features to its smart glasses, helping people with disabilities better understand and interact with the world around them.

Brian Vecci of Varonis explains how plug-and-play scam kits are making phishing attacks harder to spot than ever.

Call 1-888-RICH-101 (1-888-742-4101) to join in! Email your question here.

How to Listen:

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If you use Roku every day, your TV may soon look very different.

The company is rolling out its biggest home screen redesign in more than 10 years, adding AI-powered recommendations, personalized shortcuts and a much bigger focus on helping you decide what to watch before you even open an app.

I got an early look at the update in New York City, and the biggest change is this: Roku is no longer just a simple grid of apps.

Now, the home screen tries to predict what you want to watch the moment you turn on the TV.

At the top of the screen, there’s a new “Top Picks For You” section that surfaces movies and shows based on your viewing habits. Roku says the recommendations improve over time the more you use the device.

There’s also a new “Quick Access” area that highlights the apps and shortcuts you use most often, plus recommendations tied to the streaming services you already subscribe to.

The classic app grid isn’t gone, but it’s been pushed further down the page.

Roku says the goal is to help people spend less time searching and more time watching. According to the company, most users told them they wanted the show they had in mind surfaced immediately when they turned on the TV.

And yes, there’s also a larger ad placement built into the redesign.

That’s important because the battle for your TV screen is getting more competitive. Amazon recently revamped Fire TV, Google is pushing Gemini AI into more devices, and every streaming platform wants to become the main gateway to entertainment in your home.

My takeaway after seeing the update is that Roku is trying to walk a very careful line.

People love Roku because it’s simple and fast. If the company adds too much clutter, longtime users may get frustrated. But if the recommendations actually help people find something to watch faster, many users probably won’t mind the extra personalization.

One interesting tip Roku shared with me: if you get the update, don’t immediately turn off all the new features. The company says the recommendations adapt over time and may improve after about a week of use.

The redesign is rolling out now to supported Roku devices.

Motorola’s first book-style foldable is the razr fold. It pairs a huge 8.1-inch screen with polished software, premium hardware, and thoughtful features. After testing it, I came away impressed by the design, multitasking, and overall experience.

read my full review at KTLA.COM

Read more

This week I was in Mountain View for Google I/O, Google’s big annual developer conference.

Yes, it’s aimed at developers, but the keynote is really for everyone: regular users, businesses, investors, employees and, of course, the people building all this stuff.

This year, there wasn’t necessarily one giant “wow” moment. Instead, the message was clear: Google is getting really good at AI, and they’re building it into just about every product they make.

For the average person, though, a lot of it can feel overwhelming. There were so many demos, features and AI buzzwords flying around that it’s easy for your eyes to glaze over.

But here are the things that stood out to me.

First off, Google says five of its products now have more than 3 billion users each: Search, Android, Chrome, YouTube and Gmail.

Google is turning Gemini into something that can generate just about anything from anything. Text to video. Video to text. Photos into music. Music into video. One demo even had someone rolling dice with random objects on each side, taking a picture and having Gemini turn it into a video clip. The editing tools are getting much better too, including the ability to restyle videos or swap backgrounds with a couple taps.

Google also says Search is changing in a big way for the first time in 25 years. The classic search box is evolving beyond simple text input. Now you can search with your voice, photos, video or basically whatever you want to throw at it.

The Gemini app itself also got a major redesign. It’s much brighter, more colorful and more welcoming, with a bunch of new tools tucked behind the plus button and menus.

One feature that caught my attention is something called Daily Brief. Gemini looks across your inbox, calendar and tasks to create a personalized rundown of what you should be thinking about that day: travel, meetings, projects, interviews and more. It feels like the beginning of a real AI assistant, even if it still gets things wrong sometimes.

Another new feature lets you create your own AI avatar. I tried it myself. You scan your face, record a few clips of yourself talking and Google creates a highly realistic digital version of you and your voice. Then you can insert yourself into AI-generated videos just by tagging your avatar’s name. Yes, this one is potentially dangerous if misused.

Google also showed off its answer to the growing trend of AI agents. The company is working on one called Spark, which is designed to run in the background 24/7 and complete tasks for you automatically. Think of it as Google’s version of OpenClaw, except it’s cloud-based instead of tied to a single computer. The catch? Access costs $100 a month, at least for now.

What makes Google’s AI strategy especially compelling is how much information already lives inside its ecosystem. Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Docs and more suddenly become a lot more useful when AI can actually understand and organize what’s inside them.

For example, Google is introducing Gmail Live, which basically lets you talk to your inbox and ask questions about your email like you would with a real assistant.

Another feature rolling out more widely is AI Inbox. It automatically groups your emails into topic-based summaries and to-do lists around things like vacations, kids, home projects and more.

On the AI safety side, Google is continuing to push SynthID, its watermarking system for AI-generated images, audio and video. The interesting part is they’re getting other major players on board, including OpenAI, Nvidia and ElevenLabs. At the same time, competing standards like C2PA, backed by Adobe, Microsoft and Sony, are also gaining traction. Cue the standards war!

I also got hands-on with Google’s new creative tools. Flow Music is like a mini music studio in your browser. You can start with your own music or create something completely from scratch using AI.

Then there’s Flow, Google’s AI moviemaking tool. This thing is wild. It can generate highly realistic video clips up to 10 seconds long, remix them, restyle them and stitch them together into longer scenes. You can even create reusable AI characters that stay consistent across clips.

And finally, there were the smart glasses.

Google says smart glasses with Gemini built in are launching this fall with partners including Samsung, Warby Parker and Gentle Monster. This is clearly Google’s answer to Meta’s Ray-Bans, but with much deeper integration into Google services.

The glasses include a camera, microphones and speakers, and future versions will even have a display built into the lens. The idea is that Gemini becomes an assistant that’s literally with you all day long, able to answer questions about what you’re seeing, play music, make calls and tap into your Gmail, Drive and other Google apps in real time.

The bigger theme I kept seeing throughout I/O was this shift away from typing, searching and digging through apps manually. Google wants AI to understand whatever you throw at it and respond however you need, whether that’s text, video, music, code or actions completed on your behalf.

We’re moving toward a world where you talk to your devices more like you’d talk to another person, and increasingly, they’ll just handle the task for you.

One final interesting note: Google has been known for free products and services for a very long time, but many of these new AI features, or at least the best versions of them, are now reserved for paying customers.

The company introduced several new AI subscription plans ranging from $8 a month all the way up to $200 a month, depending on how much access and computing power you want.

Apple’s AI moment is almost here

Not to be outdone, Apple made some news this week too.

The company officially announced that its annual Worldwide Developers Conference, the equivalent of Google I/O, kicks off June 8 with a keynote at 10 a.m. Pacific from Cupertino.

The stakes feel especially high this year because everyone is wondering the same thing: What is Apple going to do about AI?

Yes, Apple Intelligence exists, but so far it hasn’t come close to the capabilities people are seeing from ChatGPT, Gemini or Claude.

At WWDC, we’ll get our first look at iOS 27 and, more importantly, Apple’s next attempt at making Siri actually smart. Apple has already hinted at deeper AI integrations, including using Google Gemini for some features.

And of course, there’s always the hope for a surprise. Maybe we finally get a preview of the foldable iPhone that’s rumored for later this year.

Apple is also entering a major transition period. Tim Cook is going to retire, with longtime hardware executive John Ternus stepping into the CEO role later this year, right around the next iPhone launch. That’s a huge leadership shift for one of the world’s most valuable companies.

Even though Apple has moved slowly on AI, I still wouldn’t count them out.

With well over a billion active iPhones worldwide, Apple sits on an enormous amount of personal data stored directly on devices and in iCloud: messages, emails, phone calls, calendars, photos and more.

That’s where Apple could have a real advantage.

If the company can build an AI-powered Siri that actually understands natural language and can intelligently sort through all the information already on your phone, it could become incredibly useful very quickly.

It may not be happening fast, but when Apple finally gets this right, I think people are going to be very impressed. And knowing Apple, privacy will likely be one of its biggest selling points.

Sponsored: Get your personal data off the internet

Ever searched your name online and been surprised by how much personal information pops up?

Your address, phone number, age, relatives and more can end up on data broker and people-search websites that collect and sell your information, often without you realizing it. That data can fuel spam calls, scam texts, phishing emails and endless marketing.

One of the privacy services I’ve used myself is Incogni.

Instead of manually tracking down dozens or even hundreds of sites to opt out one by one, Incogni automates the process. They send removal requests to data brokers on your behalf and continue checking regularly so your information doesn’t just reappear later.

I checked my own dashboard this week and Incogni has already suppressed my information from 227 broker sites, while monitoring another 98 and processing removals from dozens more. The average resolution time has been about nine days.

If privacy has been on your mind lately, this is one of the easiest ways I’ve found to take action without spending hours doing it yourself.

🔗 Get 60% off Incogni annual plans with the code RICHONTECH and start removing your personal information from data broker sites.

Is 5G home internet finally good enough?

Recently on my radio show and via email, I’ve been getting a lot of questions about 5G home internet. You’ve probably seen the commercials on TV. T-Mobile offers it, Verizon has been pushing it hard and now even smaller carriers and MVNOs are getting into the game.

For years, the internet service available at your house was determined by whoever ran wires to your neighborhood. Cable, DSL or fiber. That was pretty much it.

But now wireless carriers have built such robust 5G networks that they can use those same cellular signals to deliver internet to your home. The box sits in your house, picks up a signal from a nearby tower and then rebroadcasts it as Wi-Fi throughout your home. Think of it like a giant hotspot for the whole house.

And right now, as carriers try to grow this business, the pricing is pretty compelling.

For instance, I’ve been testing Mint Mobile’s “Minternet” service. Mint’s bundle - including home internet and phone service - works out to $45 a month, but you pay $540 upfront for the year.

Whether you should switch really comes down to two things.

First, how you use the internet. If you mostly stream video, browse the web, scroll social media or do basic work-from-home tasks, you’ll probably be just fine. But if you’re a serious gamer or someone who needs ultra-low latency all the time, traditional cable or fiber is still the better option.

Second, the signal strength at your home. If you’ve got a strong 5G signal indoors, the experience should be good. If your signal is weak, it’s probably not going to work out very well.

One easy way to test things before switching? Invite friends or family over and ask what carrier they use. If they have T-Mobile or Verizon, run a speed test on their phone inside your house. Apps like Meteor (iOS, Android) make it easy to check upload and download speeds and can give you a pretty good idea of how 5G home internet might perform at your location.

🔗 Read my full blog post on 5G home internet

Tech Tidbits: Travel Edition

With Memorial Day weekend here and so many people hitting the road, I figured it was the perfect time to share some of my favorite personal travel bookmarks!

AutoSlash - A rental car price tracker that monitors your reservation and alerts you if it finds a cheaper rate later.

AwardWallet - Automatically organizes your flights, hotels, rental cars and restaurant reservations into one easy-to-follow travel timeline.

Bounce and LuggageHero - Handy services that let you store your luggage while exploring a city before check-in or after checkout.

Costco Travel - One of the best places to book vacation packages because they often bundle in perks you won’t get elsewhere, plus many trips come with a Costco Shop Card afterward is worth a percentage of what you spent.

Faye Travel Insurance – A great app-based option for tech-savvy travelers. They’re known for quick reimbursements and even give you a debit card, making it easy to get your cash fast when you’re stranded or on the go.

Google Flights - My favorite way to search for flights when I know where and when I want to travel. The calendar view makes it incredibly easy to spot the cheapest travel days, even if those dates never seem to line up with my schedule.

Google Hotels - One of my favorite hotel search tools because it pulls listings from across the web with powerful filters, though I still double-check prices directly with the hotel.

Mindtrip Flights - One of my newest favorite travel websites because it lets you search for flights using natural language and build itineraries simply by forwarding or pasting in your booking details.

pAIBack - Tracks your flights after booking for fare drops and automatically claims travel credits.

PointsYeah - Helps you search and maximize airline and hotel point redemptions with lots of useful filters and free tools.

Rooms.aero - A search engine for award travel that helps you find flights and hotel rooms you can book with points.

The Points Guy points vs. cash calculator - Helps you decide whether it’s smarter to use points or just pay cash for a trip.

Travel Weekly - A travel industry site that’s useful for checking when hotels were last renovated.

Turbli - Predicts turbulence on your flight route so nervous flyers know what to expect before takeoff.

If you have a favorite travel tool, let me know!

Q&A: Cheap Tablet Warning

A WOR listener in North Arlington, New Jersey asks:

I saw an ad for a Memorex 10.1-inch tablet bundle on HSN for about $70 with a keyboard and case. Is this actually a good deal for basic Wi-Fi use at places like the library?

My take: These ultra-cheap tablets often look better in pictures than they perform in real life.

They can get slow, laggy and frustrating pretty quickly, especially when multitasking or installing updates. If your expectations are very basic, things like web browsing, email and light streaming, it might be okay.

But personally, I’d spend a little more for something like an Amazon Fire HD or a Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+, which will give you a much smoother overall experience and likely last longer too.

I’d also take a look at Walmart’s new Android tablets that recently launched starting around $97. On paper, the specs actually look pretty solid. They run a recent version of Android and appear to offer a pretty clean software experience. I haven’t tested them yet, but based on what I’ve seen so far, I’d consider those before buying the Memorex.

But the gold standard for tablets is still the standard iPad. It offers the best overall mix of performance, battery life, accessories, long-term support and, of course, apps that are truly optimized for tablets. And if you want to save some money, buying a refurbished model is a great option.

Feedbag

Grant from Irvine, CA (who listens on ALT 98.7) wrote in to say:

Thanks for your info on The Woody Show. I’m always impressed with your appearances on the program. I finally checked out your website too.

Jay from Wapakoneta, OH sent an email saying

Hi Rich... love your show. Mainly listen while mowing the grass this time of year!!!! ... Thanks - keep kicking a**

Candice from Encinitas wrote…

I do try not to believe everything AI tells me because you taught me not to. 😄

Cathy writes..

You are awesome! I’ve been a fan for quite a while and always find value in your segments. I really appreciate your help. Thank you again!

Well, that’s going to do it for this edition of the newsletter.

As always, thanks for taking a look.

Don’t forget to tune in to my radio show Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pacific on KFI AM 640. I’ll be live in studio taking your calls and questions at 888-RICH-101.

You can also catch the replay Sunday nights from 8 to 11 p.m. Eastern on 710 WOR.

And don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you can listen anytime on demand.

Until next time,

Rich

Be sure to subscribe to the Rich On Tech Newsletter!

Rich talked about all the AI tech tools Google announced at this year’s Google I/O.

Visa says AI scams are getting way more convincing - their advice is to slow down any time money is involved.

Frank in Carlsbad recalled his story of calling a text message scammer that wanted him to install remote access software on his computer.

Harland in Greenbay needs a physical SIM for a trip to Canada. Rich says to check to see if Canada roaming is included in your plan or if you get travel day passes, look into Google FI physical SIM or prepaid SIMs on Amazon, plus eSIM providers like Airalo, Holafly or Saily. Plus, if you have a premium VISA card you can get a free GigSky eSIM.

Guests:

Connor Jewiss breaks down Google’s biggest Search overhaul in 25 years, what AI-powered search means for everyday users, and whether people will actually pay for Google’s new AI tools.

Dave Malkoff shares what communities can do now to recover from devastating wildfires, protect homes, and prepare for the next fire season after decades covering disasters across California and the U.S.

Clean up your Google storage by going to one.google.com

Get a quick, one time disposable email address at 10 Minute Mail.

Duplicate photo finder apps: Remo and Cisdem for iOS and Android

AT&T wants to end California landline service and they’re putting up a fight to do it.

T-Mobile launches live AI phone call translation - just dial *87* during a call to try it.

Larry Magid of ConnectSafely explains how families can navigate AI, social media, scams and online safety without panic, while helping kids build healthier digital habits.

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.

Google’s annual developer conference delivered its biggest Search redesign in 25 years alongside proactive, 24/7 AI features built directly into Workspace. From voice-searching your email with “Gmail Live” to the fall launch of Gemini-powered smart glasses, the tech giant is making everyday multitasking completely hands-free.

see my full post at KTLA.COM

Mentioned:

Gemini Spark

Gmail Live

AI Inbox and Data Privacy

Google Smart Glasses

Download Gemini App for iOS and Android

Here’s what I mentioned on The Woody Show on Tuesday, May 19, 2026!

• Instagram’s new Instants feature lets you send disappearing photos, but they may not be as private as you think.

• Mindtrip Flights uses AI to help you search for flights using plain English instead of rigid dates and airports.

• Orb is an app that constantly measures your internet quality in real time, not just your speed.

• Clove is a free app that saves and organizes recipes from TikTok, Instagram, and websites automatically.

• iPhone and Android messages are finally getting end-to-end encryption through RCS.

• A startup called Stamp can create an AI version of you using your photos, voice, and memories so future generations can interact with it.

Major carriers like T-Mobile, Verizon and AT&T are using their 5G networks to deliver home internet starting around $35 a month with no technician visit required. It’s not perfect for everyone, but for many households it could be faster and cheaper than traditional cable.

See my full post at KTLA.COM

Expert we spoke with: Stetson Doggett, cell phone plan expert and creator of BestPhonePlans.net - watch his YouTube channel at youtube.com/StetsonDoggett

• Run a speed test on your phone’s cellular connection. That will give you a good idea of what your home internet speeds will be.

• Check your address to see if service is available in your area.

• Move the receiver around your house, especially near windows, to find the best signal.

• Don’t cancel your current internet service until the new connection is up and running and you’re happy with the performance.

• Take advantage of the 14 to 30 day trial periods most companies offer. If it doesn’t work out, you can return it hassle free.

• If you do heavy uploading or online gaming, wireless home internet may not be the best fit. It was built primarily for download speeds.

Options mentioned in the piece:

• T-Mobile

• Verizon

• AT&T

• Mint Mobile (Minternet)

• Visible

• List of affordable options compiled by the City of LA

• FCC Broadband Map: See all the internet options available at your address at broadbandmap.fcc.gov

• Speedtest.net: Check your current internet speeds and compare providers in your area at speedtest.net/performance/united-states

• Android 17 previewed with major new features: Google’s Android Show revealed several upcoming upgrades, including an AI-powered voice keyboard called Rambler, a “Create My Widget” tool that builds custom widgets from plain-language prompts, and a wellness feature called Pause Point that forces a 10-second delay befor…

Read more

Hope you’re having a fantastic weekend!

This week I found myself at one of the more unique product launches I’ve been to in a while. Google invited me to a Malibu mansion overlooking the ocean to celebrate the launch of the Fitbit Air. The event had healthy finger foods, a workout class, fitness influencers, and plenty of hydration.

The guest of honor was four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry, who serves as a performance advisor to Google. He was there to show off the new Fitbit Air, which I’ve now been wearing for about a week, and to talk about the the Google Health coach.

The coach is a new AI-powered feature inside the Google Health app (yes, they renamed the Fitbit app) that knows your health stats, tracks your fitness trends over time, and lets you actually chat with it like an assistant.

During the chat, they started talking about heart rate variability, something I wasn’t very familiar with. So I asked the virtual coach about mine. It said everything looked great except for one particular weekend. Then it asked if I had done anything special that weekend. I checked my calendar and sure enough, I had been in Las Vegas. I told the coach that, and it said that explains it.

That got me thinking about the bigger idea here. Imagine an AI that understands your health over your entire lifetime. It won’t replace your doctor, but it can offer something your doctor rarely has - the full picture. Last night I told it what I had for dinner. I figure the more you feed it, the smarter it gets.

As for the Fitbit Air itself, my first impression is that it’s incredibly lightweight. You forget it’s there. I’m looking forward to digging into all the stats it tracks. The one adjustment I’m still making is that I keep glancing at my wrist for the time and finding, well, nothing, since there is no screen. The upside is that you can wear it alongside a smartwatch, a regular watch, or on its own. Stay tuned for my full review.

🔗 Check out the Fitbit Air

Android 17 is here, and it's packed

Google held its annual Android Show this week - a live-streamed event where it previews what’s coming to Android before the bigger Google I/O announcements. And there’s a lot to cover.

Android 17 is already in beta if you want to try it on a Pixel phone or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. Fair warning: I’d hold off on installing it on your daily driver. These betas can be unstable, and one bad update once left me without cell service for 24 hours. Not fun.

Here are the highlights worth knowing about.

Rambler is a new AI-powered voice-to-text feature built directly into the Gboard keyboard. Instead of precise dictation, you can just talk naturally and it cleans up what you said. It even handles multiple languages mid-sentence. People are paying $15 a month for this kind of thing with third-party apps. Having it built in is a big deal.

Create My Widget lets you generate a custom home screen widget just by describing what you want. A countdown to your vacation. The UV index outside. Whatever. Android builds it in seconds. If you’ve ever searched the app store for a widget that almost does what you need, this solves that problem.

Instagram on Android is getting a serious upgrade. Google worked directly with Meta to improve how the app performs on flagship Android devices. Expect better photo and video quality, faster-loading Reels and Stories, and new Android-exclusive editing features including Smart Enhance and background sound separation. If you use Instagram on an Android flagship, this is long overdue.

Pause Point is a new wellness feature that makes you wait 10 seconds before opening an app. It can even suggest alternatives, like looking at your photos or taking a breath. You can also lock it so it can’t be disabled without a full phone restart. If you find yourself mindlessly tapping into apps, this will be a nice addition.

A few updates are coming to Android Auto as well. You can now watch YouTube while parked. If you start driving mid-video, it automatically switches to audio only, which will be handy for video podcasts. Google Maps is also getting lane guidance that uses your car’s front-facing camera - but this one requires a car with Google built in, not just Android Auto via your phone.

And finally, Google previewed a new laptop called the Googlebook - essentially Android and ChromeOS merged, with AI layered throughout. The signature feature is a “magic pointer” that offers context-aware suggestions based on whatever’s on your screen. Several major manufacturers are on board, including HP, Dell, Lenovo, Acer, and Asus. No pricing or release date yet.

Android 17 feels like things are moving forward, especially in how it uses AI to anticipate what you need rather than making you hunt for it. Apple has its own big event coming in a few weeks, so we’ll see how they respond.

🔗 See what’s new on Android

Apple and Google are finally playing nice, and your texts are more private because of it

I have to say, Apple and Google have been playing quite well together lately.

Over the past year or so, these two companies have been actively making it easier for their platforms to work with each other. That is a win for consumers. Not everyone wants to switch platforms, and most people just want to send messages, videos, and files back and forth without any friction. Both companies are also making it easier to port your data if you ever do decide to switch, which I think is great.

But the big news is excellent for your privacy. End-to-end encryption has finally come to iPhone and Android texting.

To back up a little, these are not the classic green bubble SMS texts you grew up with. Those are very much out of style. The new standard is called RCS, which stands for Rich Communication Services. That is the upgrade that iPhone and Android texting got last year. It brought typing indicators, high-quality photo and video sharing, and a much better overall texting experience between the two platforms.

Now it has one more big feature. End-to-end encryption.

What does that mean in plain English? It means that when you send a text from an iPhone to an Android or vice versa, nobody can read it while it is in transit. Not Apple. Not Google. Not the government. Not Verizon. Not T-Mobile. Just you and the person you are texting.

Previously, iPhone to iPhone messages were already encrypted through iMessage, and Android to Android messages got encryption more recently. But iPhone to Android was the missing piece, and that gap is now finally closed.

The good news is you do not have to do anything to make this happen. It is on by default for new messages and will roll out to existing conversations over time. If you want to confirm it is working, just look for a small lock icon near your messages when you send them. That means encryption is active.

One thing to keep in mind. To get any of these benefits on Android, you need to be using Google Messages. On iPhone, you need to be running the latest version of iOS. If you want to double check that RCS is enabled, go into your messages settings and look for RCS and make sure it is toggled on.

🔗 Learn more about encrypted texting

Sponsored: How to stop getting ambushed by ads every time you go online

In the past, I wasn’t using a VPN all the time. I mostly saw it as something for when I traveled to foreign countries or when I was on a public Wi-Fi hotspot and wanted to protect my data. But my thinking has changed, and now I consider them essential. I have mine running on my phone 24/7.

Here’s why. We are up against so many things when we surf the web these days. Trackers, malicious advertising, phishing links, pop-ups, and malware. Having a VPN running with features that block all of that just makes me feel safer online. And that’s where Surfshark comes in.

One of my favorite features is called CleanWeb. You know that feeling when you just want to look up a quick recipe for dinner and suddenly you’re ambushed by ads that clearly know your entire search history, autoplay videos, and pop-ups coming at you from every direction? Most websites today are packed with third-party code that tracks your every click and scroll, often without your knowledge or consent.

CleanWeb blocks all of that before it even loads. Ads, trackers, malware, gone. Pages load faster, browsing feels cleaner, and you’re not constantly playing whack-a-mole with pop-ups.

It is easy to set up and as low as $1.89 a month, plus four extra months free.

🔗 Try Surfshark today

MagSafe has become an ecosystem of its own, and some of these accessories are pretty wild

MagSafe is one of those features that has become essential on the back of a phone.

Apple introduced it years ago, and what started as a simple way to keep a wireless charger in place has grown into an entire ecosystem of accessories. Android has been slower to adopt it. Right now the only mainstream Android models that have it are the latest Pixels, though hopefully Samsung will finally put some magnets on the back of their phones this year.

But the accessories are where things get really fun. This week on TV I took a look at some of the more unique MagSafe accessories out there, including a tiny backpack, earbuds, and yes, even a koozie.

🔗 See more on these MagSafe accessories

Instagram just launched its own version of Snapchat, and it’s called Instants

Instagram has a new feature that will feel very familiar if you have ever used Snapchat. It is called Instants, and it is a faster, more casual way to share disappearing photos with friends.

To find it, open your Instagram direct messages and look for a small stack of photos in the lower right corner. Tap it to see what your friends are posting. Once you look, you cannot look again. To add your own, tap the camera icon in the upper right corner. Just be warned: the moment you take a picture, it posts instantly. You do have a brief window to hit undo, and you can limit who sees your Instants by switching to close friends only.

Now about that word “disappearing.” A few things worth keeping in mind, especially if you have kids or grandkids using this. Screenshots are blocked, but anyone can just point another phone at their screen and record a video. Your Instants also go into a private archive you can access anytime. And since everything passes through Meta’s servers, this content is likely retained for some period of time for legal reasons.

If you want to turn Instants off completely, go into your Instagram settings, scroll down to Content Preferences, and toggle the option to hide Instants in your inbox. You can also sort of swipe the little stack away to the right to snooze it for a while.

I like the idea of quick fun sharing, but between feed posts, stories, Instants, channels, direct messages, and status updates, Instagram is starting to require a lot of thinking just to share a moment. Did I mention there’s also a standalone Instants App?

🔗 Learn more about Instagram Instants

Tech tidbits

Amazon is retiring its AI shopping assistant Rufus and replacing it with Alexa for Shopping. The functionality is similar but smarter, with the ability to remember your past searches, questions, and shopping history to give you more personalized recommendations.

FileFlan is a new free tool for sharing files privately between devices right in your browser. No login, no cookies, no account needed. Just open the site on both devices and transfer files up to 1 GB. It joins similar tools like Blip, PairDrop, and FilePizza.

Google’s popular free photo editing app Snapseed just got a major update. Version 4.0 is now out on both iPhone and Android, bringing new film-inspired camera tools. It had been years since a significant update, so this is a big deal for mobile photo editing fans.

The FCC has extended its deadline for foreign-made routers to receive security updates until at least January 2029. The agency had previously banned new imports of foreign-made routers over national security concerns, but recognized that cutting off security updates entirely would leave millions of devices vulnerable.

Q&A: How do I stop all these spam calls?

I got a flood of emails this week about spam calls, so let’s tackle this one together.

Cathy in Rancho Cucamonga is getting five to ten spam calls a day, all about a loan application, all from different numbers, and blocking them is not working. She suspects it started after signing up for a membership.

Meanwhile, GayLynn is looking for a free spam call blocker for her iPhone on Verizon and is feeling overwhelmed by all the options.

Here are my recommendations.

First, when you sign up for things, do not use your real phone number unless you absolutely have to. Your doctor’s office, sure. But a membership, a club card, a loyalty program? Use a secondary number instead. I use Google Voice for this. You can also ask your carrier about adding a virtual second line. A lot of carriers are offering those for around $10 a month these days. Newsletter sponsor Surfshark has a paid upgrade called Alternative ID that can generate an alternative number for you, and a service called Cloaked does something similar.

As for the calls themselves, spam tends to come in waves when spammers get their hands on a fresh batch of phone numbers. If you are suddenly getting a lot of calls about the same thing, the good news is it usually fades over time.

In the meantime, all the major carriers offer their own spam filtering tools. AT&T calls it Active Armor. T-Mobile calls it Scam Shield. Verizon has Call Filter. The basic versions are typically free, though they may try to get you to upgrade for more protection.

Your phone also has built-in tools you can turn on. On iPhone, go to Settings, then Apps, then Phone, and look for the option to screen unknown callers. I like to set mine to ask callers for the reason they are calling before it rings through. You can also turn on call filtering there.

On Samsung, open the Phone app, go to Settings, and look for Call Protection. Toggle on the option for caller ID and spam protection, and there should be a separate option to block spam and scam calls as well.

Do a few of those things and you should notice a difference. This is a real problem right now, but there are ways to fight back.

Eyelo and Bumpy

Feedbag: Mom’s Mother’s Day

David in Menifee, CA writes…

I wanted to thank you for the side-by-side photo idea you shared in the newsletter. I used it to make some really special pictures - one of me at about 6 or 7 years old next to a current black and white I’m planning to use as my profile picture soon. I even forwarded it to my younger brother, who made some with his own kids. Talk about that choked-up feeling.

But the best part was what I did for my mom for Mother’s Day. I cleaned up an old photo of her at around 14, another of her at about 20 with two young sons, and a more recent one of her sitting at a restaurant looking off into the distance.

Last November, my 78-year-old mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had surgery in February, won’t need chemo, and we just found out she only needs one week of radiation. Because of early detection, she’s doing great. We are so blessed to have her - and I’m not letting her go!

Thanks for making this a Mother’s Day to remember.

David, thank you so much for sharing this. I put a lot into these newsletters because it’s the kind of information I’d want to know myself. Hearing that it reaches people and makes their lives just a little bit better means the world to me. Wishing your mom a speedy recovery and many more Mother’s Days ahead.

That’s all, folks!

This newsletter is completely free every week. And if you ever want to dig into past issues, paid subscribers get access to the full archive on the web, plus a high-quality, ad-free version of my podcast.

That is going to do it for this week’s edition. Thanks so much for taking the time to read. I really do appreciate it.

And don’t forget to tune into my radio show this Saturday on KFI AM 640 in Los Angeles from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Catch the replay on 710 WOR out of New York City at 8 p.m. Eastern, or subscribe to the podcast and listen anytime.

Have a great rest of your weekend.

Rich

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 darren@talkforme.com.

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.

A Southern California city is partnering with tech companies to build its own citywide wireless network - and if it works, the model could expand to 50 cities across the U.S.

see my full post at KTLA.COM

As AI becomes part of everyday life, free training programs across Los Angeles and beyond are helping residents learn tools like ChatGPT, cybersecurity basics, and other digital skills. Some participants say the classes are helping them feel less intimidated by rapidly changing technology.

More info:

Delete the Divide

Free to low cost online tech courses

Use these searches to find a free class near you:

• “free digital skills training” + your city

• “free AI classes” + your city

• “digital literacy program” + your city

• “AI workshops” + your city

• “free computer classes” + your city

• “community tech training” + your city

• “cybersecurity classes for beginners” + your city

• “workforce technology training” + your city

• “library AI classes” + your city

• “community college AI classes” + your city

• “free ChatGPT classes” + your city

• “digital inclusion program” + your city

The next 8-hour LearnBasicTech training will be on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, held at:

East Los Angeles Library
4837 East 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90022
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Here is the sign-up link for that event:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-digital-skills-training-session-at-east-los-angeles-library-tickets-1986664400702?aff=oddtdtcreator

Those who register for this event by Monday, May 18, 2026, will receive a needs assessment form that may qualify them to receive a free laptop from Delete The Divide.

HOW TO QUALIFY FOR A FREE LAPTOP

Step 1: Residents must register for the training event.

Step 2: Residents who register will receive an invitation to complete the needs assessment form for a free laptop

Step 3: After completing the assessment, if they quality, the resident will receive a recipient ID number that they must show to pick up the free laptop at the end of the training event (must also have photo ID).

Step 4: After completing the 8-hour training, they present their recipient ID number and receive a laptop.

Please note, free laptop distribution is based on the needs assessment form and is intended for underserved residents. Not all residents will qualify and only residents who need a laptop (and cannot afford one) should apply. This is limited to one free laptop per household.

They can only apply for a laptop if they register for a LBT training session; at the last event 16 residents qualified for a free laptop. DTD has given away over 10,000 FREE laptops to underserved residents across LA county since 2023.

SEE MY FULL KTLA POST HERE

From magnetic earbuds and wallet stands to a mini backpack and even a drink holder, MagSafe accessories are getting more creative than ever. Here are a few unique gadgets that snap onto the back of your phone and make everyday life a little more convenient and fun.

(links may be affiliate)

• KOMUTR Earbuds
  MagSafe earbuds with noise cancellation, Apple Find My support and a case that doubles as a kickstand.
  $130

• UAG Metropolis Magnetic Wallet Stand
  MagSafe wallet with room for up to six cards, RFID blocking and a built-in stand.
  $60

• Spigen MagSafe Snap Zip
  A mini magnetic pouch that attaches to your phone and holds small essentials like earbuds, cash or lip balm.
  $55

• MagHugg
  A MagSafe-compatible drink holder that sticks to your phone or other metal surfaces to keep your drink nearby.
  Starts at $10

Read more

Hope you’re having a fantastic weekend!

It’s wild to think an AI-generated picture can give you the feels, but that’s exactly what happened when I saw this image of my current self looking directly into the eyes of my younger self.

This all started because ChatGPT recently upgraded its image generation tool. People immediately started testing out creative prompts, and one trend that took off was uploading two photos of yourself, one from childhood and one current, then having AI create an image of the two versions of you meeting face to face.

It makes you reflect on your life, the things you dreamed about when you were younger, the ambitions you had, and how that compares to where you are today. It’s nostalgia, personal growth, and reflection all wrapped into one image.

If you want to try it yourself, upload one current photo and one childhood photo into ChatGPT and use this prompt:

“Using the two uploaded photos, create a cinematic black-and-white birthday portrait: place the child (past) on the left facing right and the adult (present) on the right facing left, both clearly looking at each other, with a simple table and birthday cake in the center. Soft studio lighting, high contrast, clean background, ultra-realistic, editorial fashion style.”

Just be ready for all the feels.

My new favorite way to search for flights

I’m not ready to ditch Google Flights just yet, but I think I found my new favorite way to search for travel.

It’s a website called Mindtrip Flights, and instead of plugging in exact dates, airports, and airlines, you can search using natural language.

So instead of filling out a bunch of filters, you can type something like: “I’ve got a week off in March and want a direct flight from Los Angeles to somewhere with a beach.”

The site then uses AI and real-time flight data to sort through the options and explain why certain flights, dates, or destinations might work best for you.

What makes this different is that it’s not just matching dates and prices. It’s actually reasoning through your request and surfacing options based on what matters most to you, whether that’s cheaper fares, direct flights, lie-flat seats, shorter travel times, or simply the best overall value.

What I really like is that it expands your horizons a bit. Instead of forcing you to know exactly where and when you want to go, it helps you explore possibilities you may not have considered.

And for the record, Google Flights is still my go-to. Google acquired flight data company ITA Software years ago, which is a big reason its flight search tools are so good. Mindtrip Flights is powered by Sabre, another major travel technology company, so it also has access to deep, real-time airline information.

I’ve been testing this multiple times a day, and the extra context it provides is genuinely useful. There’s even a “Key Findings” section that explains trends, pricing insights, and why certain recommendations stand out.

Some fun searches to try: “Cheapest seven-day direct trips to Paris in October,” “Best lie-flat seat to London from LA area on a budget,” or “Best beach destinations with direct flights from Los Angeles for a four-day weekend in November”

🔗 Mindtrip Flights

Apple may owe some iPhone users money over delayed Siri features

If you bought an iPhone because you were excited about the more personalized Siri Apple showed off at WWDC 2024, you could soon be entitled to some cash.

Apple has agreed to a proposed $250 million settlement tied to claims that it misled customers about the rollout of its next-generation Siri features. If is approved, eligible users could receive somewhere between $25 and $95 per device, depending on how many people file claims.

The lawsuit centers around Apple heavily promoting a smarter, more personalized Siri experience that still hasn’t fully arrived.

The eligible devices reportedly include the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and the entire iPhone 16 lineup purchased in the U.S. between June 10, 2024 and March 29, 2025.

I do think Apple jumped the gun here.

At the time, Google, Samsung, OpenAI, and practically every other tech company were racing to show off new AI capabilities. Apple clearly felt pressure to prove it had a serious AI strategy too, even if many of the headline features weren’t actually ready.

To Apple’s credit, I think the company probably believed these features would ship much sooner. But nearly two years later, we still haven’t seen the fully upgraded Siri Apple originally promised.

What Apple really marketed wasn’t just writing tools or AI image generation. The bigger vision was a Siri that could understand the rich personal context already stored on your iPhone, including your emails, messages, photos, calendar, and more, then use that information to answer questions and complete tasks in a genuinely useful way.

Instead, what we’ve gotten so far are smaller Apple Intelligence features like writing tools, summaries, image generation, and live translation.

Meanwhile, Apple has signed a deal with Google to use Gemini models to help power future Apple Intelligence features, including the more personalized Siri expected later this year, while it continues developing more of its own AI technology internally.

🔗 Apple $250m settlement

Sponsored: Take your personal info off the internet

One of the easiest ways to cut down on spam calls, scam texts, junk mail, and creepy targeted ads is to stop your personal information from being sold online in the first place.

That’s where Incogni comes in.

People search sites and data brokers collect and sell your personal details, including your phone number, home address, email, age, relatives, and even past addresses. Incogni automatically contacts these companies on your behalf and demands they remove your information, then keeps checking back to make sure it stays gone.

I’ve used Incogni myself and it’s eye-opening to see how much of your information is floating around online. In my case, Incogni has sent hundreds of removal requests and saved me a ton of time compared to doing this manually.

The setup takes just a few minutes, then it runs quietly in the background and sends regular progress reports showing which sites removed your data and which requests are still pending.

If you want to try it, Incogni is offering Rich on Tech readers 60% off annual plans with the code RICHONTECH.

🔗 Protect your privacy with Incogni

Google’s new Fitbit Air ditches the screen

Google is launching a potentially compelling new wearable.

There’s a growing trend toward screenless fitness trackers. Whoop is probably the best-known example. It looks more like a simple band than a smartwatch, but it can still track things like heart rate, blood oxygen, workouts, sleep, recovery, and other health metrics.

Google’s new version is called the Fitbit Air, and while I haven’t gone hands-on with it yet, the concept makes a lot of sense. It’s designed to be lightweight and comfortable enough to wear all day and all night. There’s no screen constantly demanding your attention, and battery life is up to a week.

At the same time, Google is rebranding the Fitbit app as Google Health, which feels like a smart move. It lines up more directly with Apple Health and positions the app as a hub for wellness data, not just Fitbit devices. It will pull in information from multiple compatible wearables and use AI to help make sense of it all.

I’ve been testing some of the new AI-powered coaching features inside the Fitbit app, and they’re actually useful. After a workout, it will generate a summary explaining how your body is responding overall, whether you’re recovering well, pushing too hard, or building cardio fitness over time. It’s much more conversational and insightful than simply closing rings on a smartwatch.

What’s interesting is that you can actually chat with the system about your health data almost like you would with an AI assistant. There are already a few iPhone apps experimenting with this style of personalized health coaching. One of the better-known examples is Bevel.

For what it’s worth, I’ve been wearing the Pixel Watch for the past week or so. While I still think the Apple Watch is the better overall smartwatch because of its app ecosystem and extra features, I’ve realized something about myself: I do not sleep well when I’m wearing a sleep tracker.

Every time I wear one overnight, I start thinking about the score I’m going to get the next morning. If I wake up, toss and turn, or get restless, I feel like I’m somehow going to fail my sleep. That mindset just doesn’t work for me.

I’m curious whether the Fitbit Air changes that. Since it’s smaller, lighter, and screenless, maybe it fades into the background a bit more. We’ll see.

The Fitbit Air is available for pre-order now starting at $99.99 and launches May 26. It works with both iPhone and Android.

🔗 Fitbit Air

This student turned a personal struggle into an invention

I love doing TV segments involving students because they remind me how young people are ready to take on the world. It’s always so inspiring.

This week we profiled a 14-year-old Orange County student named Aaryan Balani who created a DIY device to help people with intermittent strabismus, an eye condition that can cause one eye to drift without the person even realizing it.

The idea came from his own experience. His parents said he was bullied because of the condition and teachers sometimes thought he was looking elsewhere or even cheating on tests. So instead of just accepting it, he built something.

His invention uses infrared cameras and AI to detect when the eyes drift apart, then alerts the wearer so they can bring them back into alignment. It’s still an early prototype, but it already won top honors at a local science fair and he’s now headed to nationals.

Anytime I do a story with young adults or teens, I’m reminded how easy it is for the rest of us to get set in our ways as we get older.

I read a quote this week that really stuck with me:

“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” — Socrates

And it’s true. So many times in life we instinctively resist anything unfamiliar simply because it’s different from what we’re used to. But if you stay open to new ideas and new ways of thinking, sometimes they really do make life better.

A spoofed call leads to a $25,000 scam

Here’s another reminder that the tech world can be tough to navigate.

An Orange County man in his 80s recently lost $25,000 in an elaborate scam involving a spoofed phone call that appeared to come from the Irvine Police Department.

The scammers convinced him he was involved in a money laundering investigation and needed to withdraw cash to “clear things up.” He ended up taking money out of two banks, putting it in a box, and handing it to a courier in a Kohl’s parking lot.

If you’re wondering how anyone could fall for this, remember: these scammers are experts at creating panic and isolation. They keep people on the phone, make everything sound urgent, and try to stop them from checking with anyone else.

My advice is always the same: slow down, hang up, verify independently, and never hand over cash to anyone… unless you’re actually buying something. ;)

And please share these stories with parents and grandparents.

🔗 Learn the signs of a scam at ScamSpotter.org

🔗 KTLA: Elderly man loses $25K in scam involving call from fake police chief

RIP Ask Jeeves

It’s the end of an era for one of the internet’s oldest search engines. Ask.com, also known as Ask Jeeves, shut down this week after nearly 30 years online.

I’m old enough to remember when Ask Jeeves launched, and at the time, it was hyped as revolutionary. Most search engines relied on keywords. Sites like AltaVista and Excite basically made you guess the right terms to type in.

Ask Jeeves was different because you could type in an actual question and get an answer back.

Of course, this was right before Google arrived and completely changed search forever.

The funny thing is, Ask Jeeves was probably ahead of its time. The results were never very good, but the core idea was.

Because now, this is exactly how we interact with technology. We ask questions in natural language. We talk to ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini the same way we once (tried to) talk to Jeeves.

The difference is that the technology finally caught up to the vision.

I don’t think many people are mourning the loss of Ask Jeeves, but it was a good run.

Tech Tidbits

Google Photos is shutting down a feature inside the Google Drive desktop app that automatically uploads new pictures from watched folders on your computer. You can still set up folder watching through the Google Photos website by clicking the plus sign and selecting “Back up folders,” but uploads will only happen when the Google Photos site is open in your browser, not continuously in the background.

Amazon Photos now lets you search your pictures using natural language instead of just keywords. For example, you can search things like “sunset at the beach” or “dog in the snow.” Also, if you’re a Prime member, Amazon Photos still includes unlimited full-resolution photo storage. Video storage is limited to 5 GB unless you pay for more, so if you’re using it as a secondary backup, it may be smart to disable video uploads in the app.

Spectrum Mobile now lets customers add a second phone number to the same smartphone for $10 a month. The extra line supports separate calling and texting while sharing data from your primary Spectrum Mobile line.

Q&A: Why your connected car won’t switch carriers

Fred in Lompoc, CA listening on KSMA Santa Maria asks:

“I bought a 2020 VW Golf that came with a Verizon connected car plan. I recently switched my phone service to Xfinity Mobile because of a great deal with unlimited data, and now I’m trying to move the car’s connection over too. The Xfinity store couldn’t figure it out. Since Xfinity uses Verizon’s network, I thought maybe I could just transfer the modem like another phone line. Is there any way to do this so I’m not still paying Verizon separately for the car?”

Connected car systems are often tied to a specific carrier partnership set up by the automaker, so even though Xfinity uses Verizon’s network, that doesn’t mean the car’s built-in modem can transfer over.

Your best bet is finding the IMEI for the car’s modem and asking Xfinity whether it’s compatible, but chances are slim.

A lot of these systems are designed to only work through the original carrier relationship with the automaker. It’s a good reminder that “same towers” does not always mean devices are interchangeable.

Eyelo & Bumpy

Feedbag

Dave W. writes…

“Hi Rich, I saw your report about Scamwise and used it to verify a suspicious email saying I was owed money. I uploaded a photo and it told me it was likely legitimate, and it was. I ended up getting some money back on a digital Visa card and used it to help pay for groceries this month.

Really appreciate what you do, not just highlighting cool gadgets but tools that can actually save people money.”

Dave P. writes…

“Hey Rich, I wanted to thank you for your info on Fubo carrying Dodgers games alongside Spectrum and DirecTV. You basically saved me $150 a month and I really appreciate it. Big fan…!”

As always, I love hearing from you. You can use this page to get in touch with me.

And be sure to listen to my radio show Saturdays on KFI AM 640 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pacific. If you have a question or need tech advice, give me a call at 888-RICH-101.

You can also listen to the replay Sunday nights from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern on 710 WOR or subscribe to the podcast and listen anytime.

Have a great weekend,

Rich

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.

Guests:

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.

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