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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.

How to Listen:

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Rich DeMuro goes behind the scenes with UCLA engineering students as they transform an old off-road race car into a wild downhill soapbox racer for the Red Bull Soapbox Race in Los Angeles.

The team is one of just 32 selected to compete, with judges looking at creativity, engineering, speed and style as the cars race through a Hollywood-themed course downtown.

Mindtrip Flights lets you search for flights using natural language instead of endless filters and tabs.

You can ask for things like the cheapest beach getaway or the best long weekend trip, and it explains the reasoning behind its recommendations.

read my full post on KTLA.COM

A 14-year-old Southern California student named Aaryan Balani created a wearable device that alerts users when their eyes drift out of alignment in real time.

His prototype offers a more affordable alternative to costly treatments and could help millions with strabismus.

From an app that turns your day into a podcast to one that records vertical and horizontal video at the same time, these are simple tools that solve real everyday problems. Plus, a smarter way to track your Wi-Fi and an app that tells you exactly when the sky will look its best.

Apps mentioned:

• Huxe

• Clove

• DualShot Recorder

• Orb

• Alpenglow

• Motorola’s Hollywood-style foldable launch: Motorola debuted new Razr flip phones and a premium foldabl…

Read more

Hope you’re having a fantastic week. Last week I was in New Jersey for my brother’s wedding. Not only were we there to celebrate, I was also the officiant. That was a first. I wasn’t necessarily nervous, but I definitely didn’t want to mess up his big day.

I wrote out the entire ceremony and put it in a binder. That turned out to be the trickiest part. Since my brother didn’t want me using the podium, I had to hold the binder in one hand and the mic in the other. That left exactly zero hands to flip pages, and of course, it was windy.

Somehow, it all worked out. The ceremony went off without a hitch. The only casualty was my hand, which was sore afterward. Turns out I was gripping that binder for dear life.

Best of all, my brother is now married to an amazing bride, and they lucked out with perfect weather. I called it California weather, sunny and comfortable, while the rest of the week was cloudy or rainy. Not bad for an outdoor wedding, and a pretty great start to married life.

Travel tips: battery rules and a credit card hack that actually works

Speaking of travel, I’ve got two quick notes worth knowing.

First up: lithium batteries. I’m getting a lot of questions about what’s allowed and what’s not. If you’ve flown recently, you’ve probably heard the question about lithium batteries in your checked luggage. A lot of people are wondering if that includes things like AirTags.

Here’s the deal: airlines are mainly concerned about spare lithium-ion batteries, like power banks or loose laptop batteries. An AirTag or similar tracker is OK.

For carry-ons, airlines are getting more cautious as portable chargers become more common. Most limit you to one or two batteries per person, typically under 100 watt-hours. In plain terms, that means a standard 20,000 mAh battery pack should be fine.

That said, policies can vary, so it’s always smart to check with your airline. Major carriers like American, Delta, United, and Southwest all spell out their rules online.

The second tip is a simple credit card hack. A lot of cards now offer monthly perks that work more like coupons than one-time credits. Instead of giving you a lump sum, they spread the benefit out to encourage regular use.

On Threads, tech creator Shannon Morse shared a smart workaround: if your card offers a monthly rideshare credit, try adding funds to your rideshare wallet. That can trigger the credit without needing to take a ride right away.

I tested this with my own card. I get a $12 rideshare credit each month, something I hadn’t even noticed since I usually pay with debit. I added $20 to my Uber wallet, and sure enough, the $12 credit kicked in.

Easy PINs aren’t safe. Here’s a quick reminder why

While I’m sharing hot tips, here’s another one: don’t use your birthday as your PIN. It’s just too easy to guess, especially with all the data breaches out there.

Case in point: my kid likes using my YouTube account on our TV because it’s less restricted than his locked-down kids account. I’m not too worried about what he’s watching, mostly game videos, though some of those Shorts are pure nonsense. But I was getting annoyed that his viewing history was completely taking over my recommendations. Suddenly, everything was Roblox and Minecraft.

So I dug into the settings and found a parental PIN option. Problem solved, right? I set it… to my birthday. Then I waited for the surprise when he got home from school.

He was calm, cool, and collected about it. Didn’t say much.

Then I noticed he was watching again. He must have cracked it in just a few tries.

Whoops. Back to the drawing board with a stronger PIN.

Think it’s a scam? This free tool can tell you in seconds

Scams are everywhere right now. In fact, the FTC says Americans lost a staggering $2.1 billion in 2025, with a big chunk of that tied to social media. The most common scams involve investments, romance, and bogus online shopping deals. And they’re coming at you from all directions, email, text, social media, and even old-fashioned mail.

I recently spoke with the founders of a website designed to help you quickly figure out if something is legit or a scam. They were inspired to build it after their own mom was targeted by an AI voice cloning scam. Thankfully, she didn’t fall for it.

The site is Scamwise.com, and it’s simple to use. You can paste in a suspicious text, forward an email, upload a screenshot, or even snap a photo of a letter. It scans the content for common scam signals and gives you a verdict in seconds.

What I like most is that it doesn’t just label something as a scam or safe. It explains the reasoning and gives you clear next steps on what to do.

Of course, no tool is perfect, so use it as a second opinion, not your only line of defense.

Sponsored: Surfshark

The internet is cluttered. Ads, pop-ups, trackers, and sometimes even malicious links hiding in plain sight.

That’s where Surfshark comes in. It’s a VPN, but it also includes a feature called CleanWeb that blocks ads, trackers, and known harmful sites before they load.

What I like is that this goes beyond your browser. Traditional ad blockers only clean up web pages, but this works at the network level, helping protect apps and other devices too.

A few benefits you’ll notice right away:

• Fewer ads and interruptions

• Faster page loads

• Lower data usage

• Added protection against phishing and malware

It’s one of those tools you don’t think about much, but once it’s on, the difference is noticeable.

If you travel a lot or use public Wi-Fi, the VPN side adds another layer by encrypting your connection and helping keep your data private.

Bottom line: if you want a cleaner, safer, and more private internet experience across your devices, Surfshark is worth a look.

The razr is back and this time it’s smart

Did you ever have a Motorola phone? I definitely did. One of my first phones was the StarTAC, and while I don’t think I ever owned a razr myself, they were everywhere. I remember helping my mom and sister pick one out. I also loved my Moto Q, Motorola’s answer to the BlackBerry, and the last phone I used before switching to the iPhone.

Anyway, Motorola is back with a new lineup of razr flip phones. The big difference this time is they’re full-fledged smartphones running Android. There’s also a razr fold, which opens like a book.

I went to the launch event in Hollywood, and Motorola really did things differently. It felt more like a movie premiere and fashion show than a typical tech event, complete with celebrities like Paris Hilton. And it all worked.

As for the phones, pricing starts around $800 for the flip models, with several tiers, and goes up to about $1,900 for the fold. I haven’t spent enough time with them yet to give a full recommendation, but based on the emails and calls I get on my radio show, there’s still a lot of love for Motorola. They also run a relatively clean version of Android, which I appreciate. The tradeoff is that software updates typically don’t last as long as what you’ll get from Pixel or Samsung.

The new phones go on sale May 21.

Tech Tidbits

• For those of you in LA, Fubo now carries Spectrum SportsNet LA, making it one of the few ways to watch Dodgers games without Spectrum or DIRECTV.

• YouTube TV finally lets you build your own custom multiview with nearly any channel, not just the preset options.

• Spotify has added a limited selection of Peloton classes. They’re available to Spotify Premium subscribers, no Peloton membership required.

• Uber now lets you book hotel rooms. If you’re an Uber One member, you can get up to 20% off select rates and earn an extra 10% back in Uber credits.

Bookmark or download these!

I’m always saving interesting websites and useful apps. Here are a few worth checking out:

• DualShot Recorder: Record vertical and horizontal video at the same time with one tap, perfect for social and YouTube. ($10, iOS only)

• Gradient Weather: A beautiful, ad-free weather app with accurate forecasts and visuals that match real conditions. (Basics are free, Android only)

• Memo AI: Turns voice recordings into organized notes with summaries, action items, and key takeaways. ($10 a month, iOS only)

• Alpenglow: Predicts how good a sunrise or sunset will be and shows exact golden hour timing. (Basics are free, iOS and Android)

• US National Park Finder: Helps you pick the best national park based on distance, timing, and stargazing potential. (free)

• Huxe: Creates a personalized audio “podcast” from your email, calendar, and interests. (free, iOS and Android)

• Clove: Saves recipes from anywhere and turns them into a weekly meal plan and grocery list. (free, iOS and Android)

• Your Name in Landsat: Spells your name using real satellite images of Earth. (free)

• Blank Page: A distraction-free writing tool with nothing but a blank screen. (Basics are free)

You can probably cancel your antivirus. Here’s why

Microsoft is now saying what I’ve been recommending for a while: the built-in antivirus on Windows is good enough for most people. So yes, you can likely cancel that extra subscription.

There are a few caveats. This mainly applies to Windows 11. Windows 10 is on its way out and doesn’t have quite the same level of built-in protection, so if you’re still using it, you may want to stick with your current antivirus for now.

It’s also important to make sure these protections are actually turned on. Here’s what Microsoft says to check:

• Virus & threat protection: Make sure Real-time protection is on so files are scanned when opened or run.

• Virus & threat protection settings: Turn on Cloud-delivered protection to get the latest threat intelligence.

• App & browser control: Enable Reputation-based protection (SmartScreen) to flag risky sites, downloads, and apps.

• Ransomware protection: Consider turning on Controlled folder access to protect important files in Documents, Desktop, or OneDrive.

I’d also add this: consider your own comfort level. If you’re not sure how these settings work or don’t want to manage them, sticking with what you have is reasonable.

And remember, the biggest threats today aren’t traditional viruses, they’re phishing emails and fake websites. That’s why it’s smart to use a browser with stronger protections, like Chrome with Enhanced Safe Browsing.

Q&A: Microsoft Publisher is going away. What should you do?

I’ve been getting a lot of messages about the sunset of Microsoft Publisher:

Betty from Upland writes: “I’m 88 and use Publisher to make my HOA newsletter each month. How do I move everything into Word?”

Linda asks: “I have hundreds of Publisher files. Can I keep using the program or do I need to convert everything?”

HT in San Diego says: “I design newsletters for two organizations. Alternatives like Canva and Affinity feel harder to use. What should I do?”

Terry in Redondo Beach writes: “Can Microsoft keep Publisher available, even without updates, for long-time users?”

Microsoft is officially retiring Publisher in October 2026. After that, it will no longer be supported or included in Microsoft 365, and subscribers will no longer be able to open or edit Publisher files in the app.

The good news: you can keep using it as-is until then. But after that date, access depends on your version, and there will be no updates or support.

If you rely on Publisher, don’t wait. Start transitioning now.

• Move to Microsoft Word or PowerPoint: Microsoft says most common Publisher tasks, like newsletters, flyers, labels, and cards, can now be handled in Word or PowerPoint.

• Explore alternatives: Canva is a simple web-based option with templates, while Affinity Publisher offers a more traditional desktop publishing experience.

• Preserve your files now: Microsoft strongly recommends converting your .pub files before the deadline. Save them as PDFs for archiving, and if you need to edit later, you can convert those PDFs into Word documents (just know the layout may change).

• Got a lot of files? Microsoft even suggests using automation tools like PowerShell scripts to bulk-convert large libraries.

Feedbag

Dan in Livonia, MI (910 AM listener)
“I’m always amazed when I catch your Saturday show on 910 AM. Technology has advanced so much, it feels like there’s an app or icon for just about everything. Thanks for taking the time to read my emails.”

Jerry in Denver, CO (KOA)
“Thank you, thank you, thank you! PS: Love your radio show on KOA.”

Wendy in New York City (WOR 710)
“Thank you for empowering me in this baffling tech world. I feel more informed and prepared to make safe, economical, and wise technology decisions.”

Deb in Oshkosh, WI (WHBY)
“Hello Rich, I love your Rich on Tech radio show. I listen every week here in Oshkosh.”

Alan
“Hello Rich, I love listening to your show. It’s both educational and fun. Thanks for doing what you do.”

Well, that’s going to do it for this issue. Hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed putting it together.

Don’t forget to tune in to the radio show this weekend. It’s live on Saturday from 11 AM to 2 PM PT on KFI AM 640. Call in with your questions at 1-888-RICH-101. You can also catch the replay at 8 PM ET Sunday on 710 WOR in New York, or subscribe to the podcast and listen anytime.

If you found this newsletter helpful, the best thing you can do is share it with a friend. It helps keep everyone one step ahead in this fast-changing tech world.

Share Rich on Tech

Have a great week.

Rich

Instead of a typical tech event, Motorola debuted its new razr lineup with a Hollywood-style premiere complete with a fashion show and celebrity appearances.
Alongside the spectacle, the company unveiled colorful new flip phones and its first book-style foldable, starting at $800 and going up to $1,900.

read my full post at KTLA.COM

See the new razr flip phones

See the new razr fold phone

Rich talked about motorola’s launch event in Hollywood for new razr flip and foldable phones.

Here’s the latest edition of the Rich On Tech Newsletter!

Bill in Los Angeles is worried about a virus on his iPhone. Rich explains it’s most likely notification spam, not an actual virus. To clean things up: clear your browser history, delete any apps you don’t recognize or no longer use, and head into Settings > Privacy & Security to review which apps have access to your location, camera, microphone, and more.

Rich mentioned the app iVerify Basic, which can scan your iPhone or Android for any signs of spyware.

Cathy in Chicago wants to know Rich’s favorite to-do app on Android. Rich’s pick is Microsoft To Do, because it gives you a fresh start each day.

Dennis in Marina Del Rey wants a backup battery for power outages, specifically one that runs on regular AA batteries. Rich found an option on Amazon that fits the bill, and also recommends stepping up to a portable power station from brands like EcoFlow, Jackery, or Goal Zero, which can also be paired with solar panels for off-grid charging.

Uber now lets you book hotels directly in the app, and Uber One members can score some solid discounts and credits when they do.

Chime in Sherman Oaks is blind and voices his concern that not every streaming app has strong accessibility features built in.

Rich DeMuro brings you the latest tech news, helpful tips, gadget reviews, and more - plus interviews with industry experts - all in this weekly show.

Bill in Little Rock wants to know if it’s safe to click links in text messages.

Fubo has added Spectrum SportsNet LA for the 2026 season, meaning subscribers can now watch Dodgers games through the service.

Airlines are cracking down on portable chargers. Here’s what you need to know.

Barbara in Topanga is looking for music software that lets her write with an Apple Pencil. Rich recommends checking out StaffPad, Fender Notion, and forScore.

Jimmy Dohenny from SimplyCodes reveals how to find the best online deals, avoid bad coupon codes, and shop smarter year-round.

Rich mentioned the Hooray for Baldywood newsletter as a great resource for movie suggestions.

Microsoft says you may not need third-party antivirus anymore. What’s already built into Windows is probably enough to keep you protected.

Debbie in Wisconsin wants to know if she can retrieve deleted or expired voicemails. Rich recommends opening the Visual Voicemail app to see if they’re still there, and using the share icon to save them to yourself before they disappear. If you want longer retention going forward, consider signing up for a third-party service like YouMail or Google Voice.

Rich mentioned some helpful new apps and websites: Dual Shot Recorder, Gradient Weather, Memo AI, Alpenglow, US National Parkfinder, Clove, NASA Your Name in Landsat, and Blank Page.

Guests:

JubileeTV CEO Ashish Aggarwal explains how your TV can become a simple, powerful tool to monitor, connect with, and care for aging loved ones at home. Want to try it? Use code RICHONTECH for $39 off 1 month.

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.

Rich DeMuro brings you the latest tech news, helpful tips, gadget reviews, and more - plus interviews with industry experts - all in this weekly show.

• Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra hands-on: what’s new with AI features, camera upgrades, and the new privacy display

• T-Mobile Live Translation: real-time phone call translation in 50+ languages, no app required

• Credit card settlement payouts: how businesses may receive money from the $5.5B Visa/Mastercard case

• Smart payment tips: when to use credit vs debit and why tap-to-pay is safer

• YouTube TV cheaper plans: new sports, news, and entertainment bundles explained

• Streaming TV changes: how to save money and navigate today’s confusing subscription landscape

• How to watch local MLB games: team-specific streaming options vs MLB.TV

• “Black box” streaming devices: why those cheap all-in-one TV boxes are risky and often illegal

• Pixel phone bug: how to stop accidental voice dialing from background audio

• Fix for PDFs opening in Word: how to set a proper default PDF app in Windows 11

• Waymo robotaxis in San Francisco: what driverless cars mean for travel and human interaction

• Acme Weather app: hyperlocal forecasts, rain alerts, and even rainbow notifications

• Dispo camera app: retro-style photos that “develop” later for a film-like effect

• Volvo EX30 recall: what owners need to know about battery fire risks

• iPhone accessibility features: tools like VoiceOver and Speak Screen for vision loss

• Raindrop.io and Plinky: better ways to save and organize links for later

• Clever Cleaner app: free way to clean up iPhone storage without subscriptions

• Android Find Hub: new way to share your luggage location directly with airlines

• Using AI to edit photos: how to add or remove people with Google Gemini

• Deep Personality AI test: detailed personality report and how to use it with chatbots

• Portable battery packs: what to buy for USB-C phones like the Galaxy S25 Ultra

• Brother printers: why ink tank models are faster, cheaper, and more reliable long-term

• NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0): what it is, what’s changing, and future of over-the-air TV

• Scam awareness tools: how to quickly check suspicious messages and emails

• Lost luggage tracking: using AirTags or Android trackers to share location with airlines

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.

Bookmark this!

A free tool called Scamwise analyzes suspicious texts, emails, and physical mail to provide an instant verdict on potential fraud. It identifies specific red flags and offers clear instructions on how to protect yourself before you make a mistake.

read the full post at KTLA.COM

At Canva Create, the company unveiled powerful AI tools that can generate full designs from a simple prompt while keeping everything fully editable.

New features like style memory, Gmail and Slack integrations, and offline mode aim to make creating faster, easier and more personal.

Type “Activate superpowers” in Canva to try it now. Keep in mind, Canva basics are free to everyone, but educators and students can get Canva’s premium features for free. Paid plans start around $15 a month.

• AI-powered phone features expand: Samsung leans heavily…

Read more

This one’s a little different. I thought I’d share some of the emails I get from you, so you know I’m not joking when I say how much you love to write in. I read a ton of messages every week, and many of them give me story ideas and help me understand the real tech issues you’re dealing with.

So without further ado, here are some recent questions and answers from your fellow readers. Enjoy!

Adam writes:
I’ve had an iPhone 14 for a few years and it’s starting to get glitchy. I’m ready to upgrade, but I’m torn. Should I go with the iPhone 17 now or wait for the iPhone 18? I can probably hold out until the next release this fall, but is it expected to be worth the wait?

Great question, and a common dilemma. The iPhone 17 is already a very solid, polished upgrade, so you really can’t go wrong buying now. But if your current phone is still usable and you can hang on until September or October, it’s usually smart to wait and see what Apple announces. Either way, coming from an iPhone 14, you’ll notice a huge improvement, especially in the camera and battery life.

Frank writes:
I just bought a new iMac to replace my old one, which is 11 years old. The problem is I don’t have enough storage to transfer all my data to the new machine. What’s the best way to handle this?

There are a few good options here. You can upload important files to iCloud or another cloud storage service from your old iMac and then download them onto the new one. You can also use an external hard drive to move files over manually. Another option is a full Time Machine backup, which lets you keep everything. Personally, I recommend bringing over only the files you actually need. It keeps your new machine cleaner and helps you avoid carrying over years of clutter.

Deborah writes:
I use Outlook 365 and have a strange email that won’t delete, even from my deleted folder. There’s a weird icon next to it, and every time I try to remove it, I get an error message. I’m worried it might be dangerous and don’t even want to click on it. Any ideas?

I don’t think that having an email sitting in your deleted folder will harm your computer. My first recommendation is to log into your email through the web version of Outlook or Office 365 and try deleting it there. For whatever reason, messages that won’t delete in the desktop app can often be removed through webmail. That’s typically the quickest fix.

Donna from Mentor, Ohio writes:
It feels like every store, gas station, and restaurant now requires its own app for deals and rewards. How are you supposed to download and store all of these when your iPhone only has so much space?

It definitely feels that way, but the good news is most of those store and rewards apps take up very little space. They’re usually not the main issue when your phone is full. In most cases, deleting a single video or a batch of photos will free up more space than dozens of apps. If you want to see what’s really using your storage, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. That will show you a list sorted by size, and you’ll likely find photos, videos, or messages at the top, not those shopping apps.

Sponsored: Something readers ask me all the time!
I’m starting to get more concerned about how much of my personal information is out there online. Every time I search my name, I see my address and phone number on these random websites. Is there an easy way to remove this information?

You’re not imagining it, your personal information is likely all over these data broker sites.

You can go through and request removal manually, but it’s time-consuming and those sites often repost your info later. A service like Incogni automates that process for you. It goes out and submits removal requests on your behalf to dozens of these data broker sites and keeps doing it over time.

I’ve been testing it myself, and it’s pretty eye-opening. So far, it’s completed about 600 removal requests and saved me an estimated 470+ hours of doing this manually. I also like the feature that lets you submit a URL with your personal information and have them work to get it removed.

It’s one of the easier ways to cut down on the amount of your personal data floating around online.

If you want to try it, you can sign up for Incogni using my code RICHONTECH to get 60% off.

A concerned mom writes:
I recently ordered a random AirTag-like tracking device, but the whole experience started to feel like a bait and switch. The review I saw looked legitimate, but now I can’t even find it again, and the company hasn’t provided any real shipping details.

I’m especially concerned because I need something reliable for safety reasons. My son has mental health challenges and sometimes drives until he runs out of gas. I need a way to track his location and find his car. Have I been duped, and what should I use instead?

That’s not a brand I’m familiar with, which raises some red flags. I see this a lot. Some sellers create websites that look like independent reviews, but they’re really just ads. That’s likely what you came across. I would initiate a refund through your credit card company immediately. Even if you get the product, it likely won’t work as advertised.

For your situation, an AirTag might not be the best fit. It depends on nearby Apple devices to update location, so it’s not reliable for real-time tracking, especially if someone is driving or in less populated areas. A dedicated GPS tracker (LandAirSea is one brand) is a better option. These devices offer real-time location tracking and don’t rely on nearby phones. Look for something designed for vehicles with good battery life and consistent connectivity. Keep in mind there might be a monthly fee.

Garry writes:
I’m getting nonstop notifications on my Pixel 9a, some from “Norton” and some that look like they’re from Google, all warning about viruses. The thing is, I don’t even have Norton installed. One alert claimed I have 18 high-risk viruses. I now have about 40 of these notifications and they keep coming. Is any of this legit, and how do I stop it?

This sounds like notification spam, and the good news is it’s very common and not a real virus.

What likely happened is that a website asked permission to send notifications and it was accidentally approved. Once that happens, those sites can keep sending scary alerts even when you’re not visiting them.

Here’s how to fix it on your Android phone:

• Open Chrome

• Tap the three-dot menu in the top right

• Tap Settings

• Tap Site settings

• Tap Notifications

• From here, remove any sites you don’t recognize or turn notifications off entirely

Once you revoke those permissions, the alerts should stop.

Yvonne writes:
With so many streaming services these days, I keep forgetting what I’m watching and where it’s available. Are there any apps that can help organize my shows across platforms like Hulu, Apple TV, and Peacock?

Keeping track of everything really is a challenge now. My go-to app for this is JustWatch. It might not have the best design, but it works really well for creating a watchlist and seeing exactly which services your shows are on.

A close second is Reelgood, which offers a very similar experience. Both do a great job of helping you organize what to watch next and where to find it.

Kathleen writes:
I heard you on the radio talking about Bitwarden, so I decided to try it. Now I’m wondering… should I turn on autofill? I added the browser extension, but I’m not sure if that’s the best idea. What do you think?

Short answer: I use autofill, and it’s very convenient.

There is a small tradeoff here. You’re giving up a tiny bit of security in exchange for a lot of ease of use. On your own personal device, it’s generally fine to keep autofill turned on, especially if your computer or phone is locked down with a passcode, Face ID, or fingerprint.

If you want to be extra cautious, you can turn autofill off and fill passwords manually instead. It’s a bit more work, but it gives you an extra layer of control.

Geralene from Connecticut writes:
My Android phone is acting up and won’t stay on. It flashes the home screen, then goes black, and repeats. I’m even getting a message that Android may be corrupt and suggesting a factory reset. Before I do that, I really want to back up my text messages. Is there a way to do this, maybe with Google, or anything else you recommend?

Your best option here is an app called SMS Backup & Restore. It’s specifically designed to save your text messages so you can restore them later. If you can keep your phone on long enough, try installing it from the Google Play Store and quickly running a backup. You can save that backup to Google Drive for easy access later.

If the phone won’t stay on long enough to do that, your options become more limited. Android doesn’t offer an easy way to extract texts without access to the device. So if you can get even a few minutes of stability, I’d try that app first before going through with a factory reset.

Monica writes:
I think my Instagram account has been hacked. I can’t log into it anymore, and even when I tried creating a new account, I couldn’t access that either. I’ve already had to change my bank and Amazon accounts just to be safe. I’m really upset because Instagram is how I stay connected with friends and family. Is there any way to recover my account?

The best and safest way to try to recover your account is through Meta’s official account recovery page. Follow the steps carefully, they may ask you to verify your identity or confirm details about your account.

Also, be very cautious of anyone offering to recover your account for a fee. Those services are almost always scams and can make things worse.

Stick with Meta’s official process, even though it can take some time. And please, turn on two factor authentication!

Shirley writes:
After updating my iPhone SE, I’m now seeing a “slow charging” message when I plug it in. I’m using the charger that came with the phone in 2020. Is something wrong, and do I need a new charger or phone?

Nothing is wrong with your phone, this is all about the charger you’re using.

Your iPhone SE supports fast charging (up to about 50% in 30 minutes), but only with a higher-powered adapter of 18W or more, which was sold separately. If a charger came in the box, it is likely a slower 5W adapter, so your phone is now correctly labeling that as “slow charging.”

Newer versions of iOS show more detailed charging info, so you’re just seeing something that was always happening.

If you want faster charging, you can upgrade to a faster USB-C wall adapter. There are good budget options from UGREEN and Amazon Basics for about $12. Otherwise, if your phone is working fine, there’s no need to replace it just yet.

Keep in mind, there’s a chance this SE might not support iOS 27 in the future, so you might want to plan for an upgrade in the near future.

Steve writes:
I’ve been looking for recommendations on “cleanup” tools for iPhones and iPads, but it’s hard to know what to trust, especially with all the pop-ups out there. Do you have any recommendations?

You’re right to be cautious, a lot of those “cleanup” apps and pop-ups simply can’t be trusted.

The reality is there aren’t many true cleaner apps for iPhone or iPad because of how iOS is designed. Apple doesn’t allow apps to access the system in a way that would let them deeply clean or optimize your device.

That said, one app I do like is Clever Cleaner. It can help with things like organizing photos and clearing out duplicates and there are fees or in app purchases.

Beyond that, the best cleanup tools are already built into your device. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage to see what’s taking up space, then review large apps, photos, and messages. Deleting unused apps or old videos is usually the most effective way to free up space and keep things running smoothly.

Before I go, reader Mark suggested adding comics to the newsletter, so we gave it a shot. My kid drew the characters, I came up with the names and the idea, and AI helped bring it all together. Hope it gives you a laugh!

That’s going to do it for this edition of the Rich on Tech newsletter. Thanks so much for reading.

If you have a question, you can send it here. Otherwise, follow me on Facebook or Instagram, tell a friend, and subscribe to the podcast.

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Have a great weekend.

Rich

I got an look at a early demo model of Snap’s upcoming augmented reality glasses and spoke with CEO Evan Spiegel about the vision behind them.

These (eventually) lightweight Specs aim to bring a shared, real-world computing experience to your eyes, blending fun, AI, and more.

• Travel site hack raises scam risk: A major booking platform breach means you should be extra skeptical of travel emails and messages. Always verify reservations directly through official apps or websites instead of clicking links.

• Encrypted messages aren’t always safe: Authorities were able to recover Signal messages from an iPhone, showing that “encrypt…

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Rich DeMuro brings you the latest tech news, helpful tips, gadget reviews, and more - plus interviews with industry experts - all in this weekly show.

Booking.com breach exposes traveler data. Watch out for phishing emails related to travel.

The FBI figured out a way to access signal messages on an iPhone. If you want to keep your messages super secure, turn off message preview notifications.

Google now has new apps for both Windows and Mac computers.

Keith in Kansas is wondering if he should invest in a dedicated AI audio recorder like Plaud or Pocket. Rich mentioned he’s a fan of Whisper Memos, which works seamlessly with both the Apple Watch and iPhone.

Peter in Massachusetts just got a new Samsung A16, but if his Mint Mobile service isn’t working, he likely needs to manually update his Access Point Name (APN) settings to get his data and messaging up and running.

A website called send/links helps you save, organize, and find your links in one place, with the added convenience of being able to send them via Telegram.

Steve in Murietta wants to reduce his digital footprint and stop spam calls, so Rich recommends using Google’s "Results about you" tool to remove personal info from search results and check out this Consumer Reports article.

Don in New Hampshire wants sleep apnea detection. There is a sleep apnea feature on both the Apple Watches and the Galaxy Watches.

You can finally turn off YouTube Shorts, sort of.

A 73-year-old Anne Goldberg, author of Take This Phone and Shove It!, shares simple, real-world tips to help seniors outsmart scams, avoid AI-driven tricks, and feel confident using their smartphones.

Ed in Pennsylvania is wondering if he should try to connect his 25-year-old computer to the internet

Paul in Orange, California, who is visually impaired, is looking for mobile options beyond the iPhone. Rich suggested exploring Agentic AI features on Android, Gemini Live as well as dedicated hardware like the BlindShell Classic and Kapsys SmartVision phones, which offer tactile keypads and specialized interfaces.

Rich mentioned in his newsletter how much he loves the Orb app, which provides a live internet quality score on your computer’s desktop at all times.

Kim in Santa Cruz is looking to switch from Verizon to Pure Talk, and Rich notes that he will need his account number, phone number, and a port-out PIN to complete the transfer.

Eric in Mexico is looking for a way to connect a portable SiriusXM radio to a car with only Bluetooth and USB, and Rich suggests using an AirFly transmitter to bridge the gap.

Mint Mobile has a new home internet and wireless bundle for $45 a month. You do have to prepay for the whole year, $540.

Netgear is the first router company to get FCC conditional approval under their new rules.

Residential technology designer Carley Knobloch will share practical tips for choosing and using smart home tech that actually makes everyday life easier.

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.