Accessibility expert Christopher Kelly explains the simple design choices and built-in tools that make websites, apps, TVs, and devices easier for everyone to use, especially as we age.

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A lot of the best inventions start with a simple problem. In this case, it was a teenager who kept having close calls with cars while walking through his neighborhood because there weren’t enough sidewalks.

I recently visited Polytechnic School in Pasadena to meet 17-year-old student inventor Cavon Hajamiri and see his invention in action. It’s called Hindsight, a wearable device designed to alert pedestrians when a vehicle, cyclist, or even another person is approaching from behind.

The idea first came to him when he was 13. Four years later, it’s evolved into a patented prototype.

The device uses a custom radar system and machine learning to identify what’s approaching from behind and determine whether it poses a potential hazard. If it does, the wearer gets an alert through a built-in speaker, a vibration on their phone, or audio in their headphones if they’re listening to music.

Watching the demonstration on a busy street, it was easy to understand the appeal. Most of us naturally look ahead while walking, not behind us. Hindsight is designed to add another layer of awareness without requiring you to constantly check over your shoulder.

Cavon worked with his math teacher, Jack Prater, a former NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory engineer to help him tackle the complex signal processing needed to make the radar more accurate. Prater told me what impressed him most wasn’t just the idea, but Cavon’s willingness to teach himself new skills every time he hit a roadblock.

Cavon believes each module could eventually cost about $10 to manufacture, which could help keep the retail price affordable if the product reaches the market. He’s especially hopeful it could benefit older adults, people who are hard of hearing, and anyone who wants a little extra awareness while walking.

When I asked what advice he’d give other inventors, he said the key is accepting that failure isn’t a possibility, it’s a certainty. What matters is learning from it and moving forward.

The next step for Hindsight is a real-world pilot program. It’ll be interesting to see how the device performs outside the lab and whether this student project can become a product that helps make everyday walks a little safer.

KTLA.COM

Some of the links below may be affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services I use myself or genuinely believe are worth your consideration.

I’ll update this page regularly as I discover new favorites.

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00:00 The apps I’m using right now

16:55 Tech news roundup: Apple price hikes, Google Wallet TSA ID, Slate EV, AI in schools, Minecraft speedrunning

22:35 Apple’s new Siri AI and iOS 27

29:50 Roku’s redesigned home screen

Watch Rich on Tech Weekly streaming Sundays at 11 a.m. on the free KTLA+ app, also available on demand on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV and Samsung smart TVs.

Subscribe to the Rich On Tech podcast to hear my full weekly radio show monologue, plus listener calls, interviews and tech tips.

Over the years I’ve tested a lot of travel gadgets, and the best ones solve multiple problems without taking up extra space. Here are four useful charging accessories.

The first is the Scosche GoBat 5K. It’s a wall charger, power bank, and charging cable all in one device. Fold-out prongs let you plug it directly into an outlet to recharge, and the built-in USB-C cable means you don’t have to remember to pack an extra cord. The 5,000 mAh battery isn’t meant to fully recharge your phone several times, but it’s perfect for giving it a much-needed boost before boarding a flight or heading out for the day.

If you want something even smaller, the Twelve South PowerClip is about as portable as it gets. It clips onto your keys, backpack, or purse, so it’s always with you. Because of its tiny size, you’re only getting about 25 to 30 percent of a phone charge, but that’s often all you need to pull up a boarding pass, request a rideshare, or navigate home.

I also like Statik’s USB-C rechargeable batteries. Instead of digging out a separate battery charger, you plug a USB-C cable directly into the top of each AA or AAA battery. They’re rated for more than 1,200 recharge cycles, so one set can replace a surprising number of disposable batteries over time.

Finally, if your travel bag is overflowing with charging bricks, the Ceptics 100-watt travel adapter can simplify things. It has a retractable USB-C cable, multiple USB ports, a built-in AC outlet, and works in more than 200 countries. Just remember that it’s a plug adapter, not a voltage converter.

One thing I always remind people before an international trip is that most modern electronics, including phones, tablets, laptops, and camera chargers, automatically handle different voltages. Devices with heating elements or motors, like hair dryers, travel irons, or electric kettles, are the ones that may require a voltage converter.

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Happy Fourth of July weekend!

As America celebrates its 250th birthday, I got curious and looked up how many newsletters I’ve written. The answer? 123. Not quite 250, but we’re getting there. Thanks for being part of this journey.

Some of my favorite Fourth of July memories are from growing up, when my family would head to the lake for the holiday. We’d spend the day swimming, grilling, and hanging out on the dock before my dad and his brothers put on a fireworks show that was always the highlight of the night.

I hope you’re celebrating in your own meaningful way this weekend.

I think I just saw the future of computing

This week I had a bit of a breakthrough in my AI journey.

I realized I was constantly bouncing between Gemini, ChatGPT, and Siri AI. Then it hit me: what if I stopped treating ChatGPT like just another chatbot and started using it as my main starting point for getting things done?

So I took a closer look at ChatGPT’s apps. (Claude calls them connectors.) I’d mostly ignored this feature until now, but I discovered I could connect my Gmail, calendar, contacts, Apple Music, travel apps, and Todoist.

I figured, why not connect everything? If ChatGPT can understand what I want and take action, it makes sense for it to be my first stop instead of opening a dozen different apps.

Now, if I need to add something to my calendar, I just ask ChatGPT. If I want to create a playlist, I ask ChatGPT. If I’m planning a trip, I can compare hotels without jumping between websites.

The biggest game changer has been Todoist. I can paste an entire email into ChatGPT and simply say, “Add this to Todoist.” It pulls out the important tasks and adds them to my list in seconds.

That’s when the bigger picture clicked for me.

The real breakthrough isn’t that AI can answer questions. It’s that we’re getting closer to interacting with computers through natural language. Instead of learning how software works, we’ll simply tell it what we want, and it’ll figure out the rest.

The more I use these tools, the more I think AI is becoming the new interface for computing. Instead of opening an app first, we’ll start with AI.

Imagine ordering a pizza. You won’t browse a menu or open DoorDash. You’ll simply say, “Order my usual from my favorite pizza place,” and AI will take care of everything until the final confirmation screen.

I’ll admit, I was skeptical when people started talking about AI agents that could do things on our behalf. Now I’m beginning to think they were onto something.

I never thought computing might become voice-first, but I think we're getting closer to that reality. That's why so many companies are experimenting with AI wearables and other new devices. They may not replace the smartphone, but I can see a future where our phones become the place we consume and view information, while AI becomes the way we get things done.

I switched my test line to Google Fi

I always keep a secondary phone line for the smartphones I’m testing. For the past few years, that’s been Mint Mobile, and it’s still one of the best values around. Right now you can get a full year of unlimited service for $180 if you pay upfront. If you’d rather not pay for a full year, three- and six-month plans are also available.

I’ve recommended Mint to friends and family because it runs on T-Mobile’s network, includes 20GB of hotspot data, and has been consistently reliable. My only real complaint is that it doesn’t support cellular Apple Watches, which is a feature I use all the time when I go for a run.

This week I decided to try something different and signed up for Google Fi. They’re currently offering 50% off for a year when you bring a compatible Pixel phone, so it was the perfect excuse to give it a shot. If you decide to sign up, here’s my referral code: 8DU5XE.

What caught my attention are a couple of features I haven’t seen elsewhere. First, Google Fi includes cellular connectivity for your smartwatch at no extra cost. It also lets you add data-only SIM cards to up to four additional devices, like tablets or laptops, so they can share your plan without paying for separate data service. If you travel internationally, that’s another area where Google Fi really stands out since it works seamlessly in many countries.

Google Fi originally launched with an ambitious idea: your phone would automatically connect to whichever carrier had the strongest signal, so you’d never have to think about the network. While that vision has evolved, and in the U.S. it now primarily uses T-Mobile’s network, it’s still one of the more interesting and flexible wireless services available.

Check your earthquake alerts

Google shared new details this week about how its Android Earthquake Alerts System works, and it’s pretty fascinating.

Instead of relying solely on traditional seismic sensors, the system uses the accelerometers inside millions of Android phones to detect shaking. When enough phones in the same area detect movement, Google can quickly estimate an earthquake and send alerts to nearby users.

There are two types of alerts. A “Be Aware” alert notifies you of light shaking, while a “Take Action” alert is reserved for stronger shaking. Those urgent alerts override your phone, play a loud sound, and display full-screen instructions.

It’s worth taking a minute to make sure these alerts are enabled.

On Android, go to Settings > Safety & emergency > Earthquake alerts, where you can also run a demo to see what the alert looks like.

I also learned something new: earthquake alerts are no longer just for Android. On an iPhone, go to Settings > Notifications > scroll to the bottom and tap Enhanced Safety Alerts. and make sure they’re turned on there as well.

If you’d rather use a dedicated app, MyShake is the official earthquake early warning app for both iPhone and Android.

The cheapest day of the week to buy gas

Gas prices have come down a bit in recent weeks, but there are still a few easy ways to save at the pump.

If you’re an Amazon Prime member and live near a participating station, you can save 50 cents per gallon on one fill-up through July 5.

Another favorite of mine is the Upside app. It offers cash back at participating gas stations, grocery stores and more. Most gas rewards are just a few cents per gallon, but they add up over time. One of the best ways to maximize your savings is by referring friends. When someone signs up with your referral link, your cash back rewards can increase.

Finally, GasBuddy analyzed a full year of gas prices and found that Sunday is the cheapest day of the week to fill up nationwide, with Monday close behind. The worst days? Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, when demand tends to be higher and stations have often adjusted prices for the weekend.

If your tank can wait, try filling up on Sunday. It won’t always make a huge difference, but over the course of a year, those savings can add up.

WhatsApp finally lets you hide your phone number

WhatsApp made one of its most requested changes this week, and it’s a big win for privacy. You can now reserve a username, which means you’ll eventually be able to share that instead of your phone number.

This is especially useful when you’re joining a group, chatting with someone you just met, or connecting with parents from your kid’s school. Since your phone number is tied to so many of your accounts, keeping it private is always a smart move.

I also like this because WhatsApp is so widely used around the world. Instead of figuring out international phone numbers, you’ll simply be able to share a username.

You can reserve your username today under Settings > Account > Username. The ability to contact people by username will roll out later this year.

One nice bonus: if you already use the same username on Instagram or Facebook, you may be able to claim it on WhatsApp too.

Usernames are private. There’s no public directory, and people will need to know your exact username to contact you. You can even add an optional PIN for an extra layer of protection.

I’m excited about this for two reasons. First, it makes it much easier to share a way to reach you without exposing your phone number. Second, I may start sharing my WhatsApp username on the radio so listeners can message me instantly from anywhere in the world.

A scam reminder worth sharing

Once again, scammers have convinced an older adult to withdraw a large sum of money, this time $84,000, by posing as representatives from an antivirus company.

They told the victim his bank account had been compromised and instructed him to withdraw the cash. A courier then met him in person to collect the money. By the time he realized it was a scam, the money was gone. The good news is that police tracked down the suspected middleman who picked up the cash.

You can read the full story here, but here’s the part that really stood out to me.

We recently had a guest on my radio show who explained that while AI is helping scammers work faster and sound more convincing, their playbook hasn’t really changed. It almost always starts with an unexpected phone call, email, or text. Next comes a sense of urgency, pushing you to act immediately. Finally, they’ll try to isolate you by discouraging you from talking to family, friends, or your bank.

The best defense is recognizing that pattern before you get pulled in.

Watch the short video below, and if you find it helpful, please share it with someone who could benefit from seeing it.

SPONSORED: Your identity is cooked. Now what?

If someone stole your identity today, would you know what to do next?

Most people wouldn’t. That’s why I’ve been testing Coveron, an identity protection service from the makers of NordVPN.

The feature I found most interesting is the dark web monitoring. Once you've secured your account, Coveron shows you exactly what personal information has turned up in known data breaches. In my case, I found old passwords, phone numbers, addresses, and other personal details connected to past breaches. It's one thing to hear your information is "out there." It's another to actually see it.

Thankfully, I already use strong, unique passwords, but if you're still reusing old passwords, it's a good reminder that it's time to change them.

Coveron also monitors for suspicious activity and sends alerts if something looks wrong. And if identity theft does happen, you can be connected with a dedicated recovery specialist to help you through the process. Depending on your plan, it also includes up to $2 million in identity theft insurance, plus coverage for things like cyber extortion and online fraud.

Right now, my readers can save up to 70%, with plans starting at $2.99 per month.

Hopefully you’ll never need it. But if you do, you’ll be glad you planned ahead.

The journaling app that calls you every night

I’ve been testing a new iPhone app called June and I just love the idea.

It’s a journaling app, but instead of staring at a blank page, June actually calls you each evening. It asks about your day, follows up on things you’ve shared before, and remembers the people, events, and challenges you’ve talked about over time. When the conversation ends, it turns everything into a polished journal entry.

You can also call June whenever you want to talk through an idea, vent about your day, or simply capture a memory. It’s one of the neatest uses of AI I’ve come across because it removes the hardest part of journaling: getting started.

Of course, the first thing I wondered about was privacy. The developer says he intentionally designed the app so your journal lives in your own iCloud account, not on June’s servers. There’s no account to create, no ads, and no database of your life stored by the company. Your conversations are sent to Google’s Gemini AI to generate the journal entry, but the developer says they’re not stored afterward or used to train Google’s AI models.

I also asked about pricing because voice AI isn’t cheap. Right now every feature is free, though the developer says he plans to introduce an optional subscription in the future to help cover the cost of the real-time AI conversations.

I think this is one of the smartest and most approachable uses of AI I’ve seen. If you’ve ever wanted to keep a journal but couldn’t stick with the habit, this might finally make it easy.

I think Siri AI is going to be a hit

Speaking of AI, I’ve been using the new Siri AI, and I think Apple got this one right.

What impresses me most is the balance. Siri combines personal context from your phone, knowledge about the world, and a strong focus on privacy, all in a way that feels natural and incredibly easy to use. If Apple can deliver a fast, reliable experience when it launches later this year, I think it’s going to be a huge hit.

If you’re curious what the new Siri AI can do, check out my TV segment below. I’ve been testing the developer beta ahead of its expected launch with iOS 27 later this year.

Better fireworks photos with one simple trick

Every year, someone says you should put your phone away and just enjoy the fireworks. That’s great advice... but let’s be honest, most of us are still going to take a few photos or videos.

The problem is that fireworks are difficult to capture well on a smartphone. That’s why I love this tip from my friend Jefferson Graham. With one simple trick, you can record great video and capture sharp photos at the exact same time.

Check out my TV segment below to see how it works before the fireworks begin.

One more Fourth of July tip for pet owners

Fireworks may be fun for us, but they’re one of the biggest reasons pets go missing. I learned this week that the days around the Fourth of July are among the busiest of the year for animal shelters as frightened dogs and cats bolt from yards and homes.

One free resource I hadn’t heard of is Petco Love Lost. Before your pet ever goes missing, you upload a few photos while they’re safe at home. If they do get lost, the service uses AI to compare more than 500 unique physical characteristics, like facial features, markings, and ear shape, against pets reported by thousands of shelters and neighbors across the country.

It’s not a replacement for a microchip or ID tags, but it’s another layer of protection. More than 250,000 pets have already been reunited with their families through the service.

It only takes a few minutes to register your pet, and hopefully you’ll never need it. But if you do, you’ll be glad it’s there.

Tech Tidbits

Google published a list of 100 voice commands you can try with the new Gemini assistant on Google Home speakers. It’s a great way to see just how much more capable voice assistants have become.

Sony will stop producing new physical PlayStation games beginning in January 2028. It really does feel like the end of an era.

Google is also celebrating the 100th anniversary of Route 66 with a fun maps list featuring iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and can’t-miss restaurants from Santa Monica to Chicago.

Q&A: Chrome switched my search engine

Richard in Oceanside writes:

My Chrome browser suddenly switched from Google to Yahoo as the default search engine, and Google isn’t even listed as an option anymore. I didn’t change anything. How do I get Google back?

By the way, I love listening to your podcast while I’m out walking. It definitely makes the miles go by faster!

First off, thanks for listening to the podcast on your walks…

Your issue is usually caused by a browser extension or other software that changes your search settings.

First, check your Chrome extensions and remove anything you don’t recognize or no longer use.

If that doesn’t solve it, reset Chrome by going to Settings → Reset settings → Restore settings to their original defaults.

This will reset your search engine, startup page, and disable extensions, but it won’t delete your bookmarks, browsing history, or saved passwords.

Once you’ve done that, Google should reappear as an available search engine.

Feedbag

Vanessa in Great Falls, Montana writes:

You talked about the Photomyne app on the show, and I just wanted to second that recommendation. It worked great for scanning my old military photo albums. You don’t have to remove the photos from the album, which can damage them if they’ve been there for years. I also used a phone arm and a Bluetooth remote shutter from Amazon to keep everything steady while scanning.

John writes:

I drive for a medical courier company, and your show keeps me company every weekend. I really appreciate all the tech advice and the humor you bring to it. I have a couple of laptop questions I’ll send in another time, but I mainly wanted to say thanks.

Thanks, John. I really appreciate the kind words. And Vanessa, thanks for the Photomyne tip. I actually used the app this weekend to scan some old family photos my in-laws brought over.

That’s it for this week. Thanks, as always, for reading.

If you have a tech question, don't forget my radio show is live every Saturday from 11 AM to 2 PM Pacific on KFI AM 640. Give me a call at 1-888-RICH-101 (1-888-742-4101).

Can’t listen live? You can catch the replay Sunday evenings on 710 WOR in New York, subscribe to the podcast, or listen anytime on demand.

Have a fantastic Fourth of July weekend, stay safe, and I’ll see you back here next week.

Rich

The Supreme Court just handed down a major privacy ruling that affects the location data tech companies collect and store from your smartphone.

Sony says they will stop making physical discs for games starting in January 2028.

Rich mentioned the AP Stylebook.

Rich mentioned downloading the official National Park app if you are traveling to a national park.

Vince wants every website to appear in dark mode. Rich recommends the Dark Reader browser extension.

Gregory Wieber, creator of the Apple Vision Pro app Vibescape, will discuss how immersive technology can help people connect with nature and the conservation projects underway at his Oregon farm.

James wants to create an AI video avatar. Rich recommends using Google Gemini’s avatar feature.

Apple’s hide my email may not be as private as you think.

Petco has a lost and found pet service called Petco Love Lost.

Tandia’s Samsung Galaxy S23 won’t turn on, but it contains important recordings. Rich says a professional data recovery service may be able to retrieve the files. He says to check The Clone Store and DriveSavers.

Bob in San Diego wants a backup eSIM on a second carrier. Rich says you can add a low-cost plan and switch to it for calls and texts when needed. If you want automatic multi-network support, US Mobile offers a Multi-Network Add-on for $7.50 per month.

Rich explains that iPhone now includes built-in earthquake alerts. Check your settings to make sure they’re enabled, or turn them off if you don’t want them.

Dan Barbera of MacRumors shares his real-world experience with iOS 27, the WWDC announcements that matter most, and the Apple features consumers should be paying attention to next.

Scott in El Cajon asks when to buy a new Mac. Rich recommends the MacRumors Buyer’s Guide, which shows when each model was last updated and when the next version is expected.

WhatsApp is rolling out usernames, so you’ll no longer have to share your phone number to start a chat. Choose your username now in your account settings.

Elsa caller asks how to stop calendar spam on an iPhone. Rich explains how to remove the unwanted calendar and highlights a Google Calendar setting that helps prevent future spam.

Amazon Prime members can save 50 cents per gallon on gas over the holiday weekend. Rich also recommends Upside for cash back on fuel and notes that, according to GasBuddy, Sunday is the cheapest day to fill up in most states.

Another fake McAfee scam cost a California senior $84,000. Rich shares a video that breaks down the scammer’s playbook so you can spot the warning signs and avoid becoming a victim.

Jason Hiner, Editor-in-Chief of The Deep View, explains the biggest AI trends shaping business and consumer tech, from Apple’s AI strategy and AI agents to rising concerns over costs, privacy, and trust.

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

How to Listen:

🎙️ Live on KFI AM 640 - Los Angeles, Saturdays from 11 AM - 2 PM PT

🎙️ Rebroadcast on 710 WOR - New York City, Sundays from 8 PM - 11 PM ET

📻 Syndicated on affiliates nationwide

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.

The Fourth of July is one of those holidays where your phone can actually make the day better. Whether you’re heading to a fireworks show, grilling in the backyard, or trying to keep an eye on your dog during all the noise, there are a few simple tech tricks worth knowing.

This year is an especially big celebration as the U.S. marks its 250th birthday, and there are events happening all over the country. If you’re still looking for something to do, the America 250 app has an interactive map of official celebrations, along with livestreams if you’d rather celebrate from home.

One question I get every year is how to take better fireworks photos. The biggest mistake people make is pinching to zoom. Instead, stick with your phone’s main 1x camera, which almost always delivers the best image quality. Before the show starts, turn off Night Mode if your phone enables it automatically. Tap and hold on the screen to lock focus and exposure, then lower the exposure just a bit to keep the bright bursts from blowing out.

Here’s another trick courtesy of Jefferson Graham, host of Photowalks TV: record video instead of trying to time individual photos. On both iPhone and many Android phones, you can snap full resolution photos while recording video by tapping the white shutter button that appears on screen. That way you get the excitement of the show on video and still walk away with great pictures. And don’t forget to include the people you’re with, nearby buildings, or local landmarks. Those often make for much more memorable photos than fireworks alone.

If you’re on grill duty, a wireless meat thermometer like the Meater can make life a lot easier. It connects to your phone and lets you monitor the internal temperature from wherever you’re hanging out, so you’re not constantly lifting the lid or hovering over the grill while everyone else is having fun.

One last reminder if you have pets. The Fourth of July is one of the busiest days of the year for lost animals because so many are frightened by fireworks. A tag with a QR code, like the ones from FidoAlert, lets anyone who finds your pet quickly contact you by scanning it with their phone. The service can also send an alert to nearby users to help spread the word.

If you’re planning a road trip, here’s one more tip: Google Maps now makes it easier than ever to explore the full historic Route 66. Just search for “U.S. Route 66” to see the entire iconic route, along with famous landmarks, local favorites, quirky roadside attractions, and hidden gems worth stopping for along the way.

When Siri first launched, it changed how we used our phones. But as AI moved forward, Siri started to feel stuck in the past.

Apple is hoping to change that later this year with a new version of Siri AI, and I’ve been testing an early beta for the past few weeks.

It’s still rough around the edges, but the direction is clear: Siri is becoming much more helpful.

The biggest change is that Siri can now understand more of the information on your phone. That includes things like your messages, emails, notes, photos, calendar, and more. So instead of digging through apps, you can ask Siri questions based on your own information.

It can also understand what’s on your screen. That means if you’re looking at an event, a message, a photo, or a webpage, you don’t have to explain everything from scratch. Siri can use that context to help you take the next step.

Another major upgrade is that Siri can take actions across apps. For example, you can ask it to draft a note, add something to your calendar, or help organize information without jumping between apps yourself.

And finally, Siri can now handle more open-ended questions, similar to the way people use ChatGPT. You can ask for travel ideas, help learning something new, or even brainstorm a plan.

There’s also a new Siri mode inside the camera. You can point your phone at something to identify it, ask follow-up questions, or take action based on what you’re seeing.

A new Siri app saves your conversations so you can pick up where you left off across Apple devices. You can search old chats, pin important ones, or set them to delete automatically.

Of course, the big question with any AI assistant is privacy. Apple says most of this runs directly on your device. When Siri needs more power, it uses Apple’s Private Cloud Compute system, which the company says does not store your data or use it to train its AI models.

Apple says the new Siri AI will arrive later this year as part of iOS 27. You’ll need an iPhone 15 Pro or newer to use it.

Most new vehicles are adding bigger screens and more technology, but the new Slate electric truck takes a different approach. Starting at $24,950, it comes with two seats, standard safety features, a backup camera, a small driver display, a phone mount instead of a touchscreen, and even hand-crank windows.

The idea is to let owners add only the features they want. More than 200 accessories and over 100 wrap colors will be available at launch, with options to upgrade the truck into an SUV or a more rugged model. While some automotive experts question whether there’s a large market for such a basic vehicle, others say there’s nothing else quite like it.

I wasn’t allowed to drive the Slate myself, only ride along, but I came away impressed. The cabin felt roomier than I expected, and the truck was smooth, quick, and fun. Pre-orders are open now with a $300 non-refundable deposit, and the first deliveries are expected later this year.

What do you think? Comment on my Facebook page!

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What a wild week. Prime Day came and went, and this year there were actually a lot of really good deals.

According to my data, your top five purchases were this Anker power bank that also charges an Apple Watch, this Kodak film and slide digitizer, the Ring Doorbell, the Amazon Echo,…

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Rich says prices on tech products are going up. Apple raised prices this week on pretty much every product except the iPhone, and so did Microsoft on the Xbox.

Rich talked about the new Slate electric pickup truck starting at $24,950. You customize it to make it your own.

Prime Day shattered prices. Shoppers spent a record $26.4 billion online during those four days, according to Adobe Analytics.

Rich has his list of recommended gadgets and the stuff you were actually buying from my links.

Gary wants to bring his iPad in for a repair since he cracked the screen and wants to know how to erase it. Rich says:

1. Go to General.

2. Go to Settings, General.

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

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

To check:

• Open Google Photos

• Tap your profile picture in the upper right

• Tap Google Photos settings

• Tap Backup

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

Microsoft is giving Windows 10 users another year of security updates.

Alan in Cyprus is wondering why his ASUS computer has no audio after a Windows update.

Rich says to review Google’s new AI privacy setting. By default, Google may save images, videos, audio, and other media you upload while using Search to help improve its AI models.

To check it: myactivity.google.com → Data & privacy → My Activity → Search services history → Save media. From there, you can decide whether you want Google to save that content.

William in Kansas asks about Delivery Optimization, a Windows feature that can use your PC to help deliver Windows updates to other computers.

To turn this off completely, go to Settings → Windows Update → Advanced options → Delivery Optimization. There, look for the toggle that says Allow downloads from other PCs and switch it to Off.

Once disabled, your computer will stop uploading and downloading update pieces from other devices entirely, and will safely pull all future updates straight from Microsoft’s official servers.

Patrick Coughlin, author and co-founder of Scamwise, breaks down the rise of AI-powered scams and share practical ways consumers can protect themselves.

Barbara wants to scan her old printed photos. Rich says you have a few options: use a service like ScanMyPhotos if you want to send them out, or use apps like PhotoScan by Google or Photomyne if you want to scan them with your phone.

For larger projects, try an Epson FastFoto scanner to scan stacks quickly, or a Canon flatbed scanner if you prefer scanning photos one by one.

Dr. Ami Bhatt, a leading cardiologist and digital health expert, explains how AI and wearable devices are turning consumer gadgets into real medical tools, what health advice you can trust, and where the risks still are.

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

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It started with a tweet.

At the airport, I noticed several water bottle filling stations with red filter warning lights, while others had no filter status lights at all. I wondered how often those filters actually get changed, and whether people should avoid using a station showing a red light.

That caught the attention of Zurn Elkay, one of the biggest manufacturers of water bottle filling stations. They invited me to Cal Poly Pomona to show me how the latest generation of bottle fillers is solving that problem.

The biggest change? They’re connected to the cloud.

Instead of waiting for someone to notice a red warning light or report a problem, the newest stations can automatically notify maintenance crews when a filter is nearing the end of its life. Staff can monitor every station remotely and know exactly which one needs attention, whether it’s down the hall or across campus.

The goal is simple: no more red lights and no more guessing.

The new Pro Filtration system also features filters rated for more than 10,000 gallons, up to seven times longer than many standard filters. They’re designed to be replaced in about 30 seconds without tools, making routine maintenance much easier.

At Cal Poly Pomona, where there are more than 200 buildings, facilities staff say remote monitoring helps them stay ahead of maintenance instead of waiting for complaints from students.

One final tip: don’t assume every bottle filling station filters the water. If you don’t see filter status lights anywhere on the unit, there’s a good chance it doesn’t have a filter installed at all.

Whether it’s scam texts, robocalls, phishing emails, fake bank alerts, identity theft, or even AI tools surfacing personal details, these problems often start with data brokers collecting and selling information about us.

I hear from readers all the time who are shocked by how easy it is to find their phone number, home address, age, relatives, and other personal details online. And once that information is out there, scammers can use it to make their attacks far more convincing.

That’s why I use Incogni.

Incogni works on your behalf to contact data brokers and people-search sites and request the removal of your personal information. Instead of manually tracking down hundreds of sites yourself, Incogni automates the process and continues monitoring for new exposures over time.

One thing I like is that it isn’t a one-and-done cleanup. Data has a way of reappearing, so Incogni keeps sending removal requests and monitoring for new listings.

According to the company, it has processed more than 245 million removal requests and covers hundreds of data brokers, helping reduce your digital footprint and making it harder for scammers and marketers to find your information.

If you’re tired of spam calls, junk emails, and wondering how much of your personal information is floating around online, this is one of the easiest ways to start taking some of that control back.

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

00:00 - Apple WWDC 2026: Siri AI, iOS 27, and new Apple features

09:18 - Tech news roundup: Screen Time, Watch Duty, Meta, Amazon, Saily, and Photos

14:35 - Selling used tech on eBay

18:46 - Tech news roundup: Instagram security, Oura Ring 5, Disney+ scam, Gemini avatars, and cat keyboard apps

Watch Rich on Tech Weekly streaming Sundays at 11 a.m. on the free KTLA+ app, also available on demand on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV and Samsung smart TVs.

Subscribe to the Rich On Tech podcast to hear my full weekly radio show monologue, plus listener calls, interviews and tech tips.

Adobe says U.S. shoppers spent $8.3 billion online on the first day alone, making it the biggest e-commerce day of the year so far. Electronics were up 105% compared to an average day in June, appliances were up 95%, and even everyday essentials like personal care and household goods saw big jumps.

The takeaway: people are shopping. A lot.

So I took a look at the products Rich on Tech readers and listeners have been most interested in this month. These are the items getting the most clicks, purchases, and attention during Prime Day, which runs through Friday, June 26, 2026.

Before we dive in, my usual reminder: don’t buy something just because it’s on sale. Buy it because you already wanted it, the price is good and it solves a real problem. And always check the price history.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.

Here are the top 25.

1. Anker MagGo Power Bank for Apple Watch, $50 (list $90)

Travel must-have. It charges your Apple Watch on the go and doubles as a bedside nightstand charger with support for Nightstand Mode. The built-in USB-C cable can also charge your phone and other gadgets, which means one less cable to pack.

2. Ring Wired Doorbell Pro, $180 (list $250)

A more advanced option if you already have doorbell wiring. You get higher-end features like enhanced video quality and better zoom capabilities.

3. Ring Battery Doorbell Plus, $100 (list $180)

Keep an eye on your front door without wiring. The latest version offers sharp video, better views of visitors and package detection.

4. Eero 6+ mesh Wi-Fi system, $195 (list $300)

If you want a better internet signal in every corner of your home, consider a mesh network. Eero is my favorite. Go with Eero 6 if your internet speed is under 1 gig.

5. Trtl travel pillow, $40 (list $60)

My favorite travel pillow, hands down. Helps me sleep like a baby, even in the worst airplane seat.

6. Echo Show 11, $150 (list $219)

This 11-inch smart display makes a great centerpiece for your smart home, with a big touchscreen for controlling devices, checking cameras, recipes, calendars and more.

7. Aura Carver digital photo frame, $143 (list $179)

Hands down one of the best things you can buy on Prime Day. Wirelessly send your favorite photos straight from your phone and even share pictures to friends’ and family members’ frames. It’s a perfect gift and a total crowd-pleaser. Plus, you can now sync a Google Photos album automatically.

8. Anker Nano Portable Charger, $42 (list $60)

A must-have for your bag. Charge up your phone and other gadgets on the go with a built-in retractable cable and extra USB ports.

9. SanDisk 256GB phone drive, $90

Running out of storage? This drive plugs directly into USB-C iPhones, iPads and Macs, making it easy to offload photos and videos, back up memories and free up space.

10. WHOOSH! Screen Shine Duo, $17 (list $20)

My favorite cleaning spray for gadgets. It keeps screens shiny and helps repel fingerprints. Rumor has it Apple Stores have used this stuff for years.

11. Refurbished Apple iPad, $129

Just need a simple tablet for streaming, web browsing and reading? This refurbished iPad is showing its age, but around this price it’s tough to beat. The iPad is still the best tablet for most people, and this is one of the cheapest ways to get one.

12. Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3X, $545

A great laptop for basic needs with plenty of memory and storage, plus a Snapdragon processor for lightweight performance and long battery life.

13. Kindle Paperwhite, $124 (list $160)

If it’s time for a new Kindle, this remains the gold standard for e-readers. It’s waterproof, the battery lasts for weeks and the screen looks like paper.

14. Travelpro Platinum Elite carry-on, $390

A premium carry-on suitcase from a brand frequent travelers love. This one has spinner wheels, an expandable design and a built-in USB port.

15. AirPods Pro 3, $179 (list $249)

My favorite all-around noise-cancelling earbuds for iPhone users. They’re excellent for travel, calls, workouts and everyday listening.

16. Kodak Slide N Scan, $160 (list $190)

Turn old film strips and slides digital in seconds.

17. USB-C cable 3-pack, $8

An essential travel accessory. You never know what kind of USB port you’ll encounter in a hotel room, airport, rental car or airplane seat.

18. Echo Spot, $45 (list $80)

Great for a desk or nightstand with a bright little display that shows the time, weather and more at a glance.

19. AUVON rechargeable motion-sensor night lights, $18

A travel must-have. Hotel rooms are notoriously dark at night, and these small rechargeable motion-sensing lights automatically illuminate your path. I keep one in my dopp kit.

20. Kiehl’s Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream, $25 (list $35)

THE BEST shaving cream. It’s so good it makes even an old razor glide like new.

21. Echo Dot Max, $65 (list $100)

I have these speakers in my living room. You can pair two for better stereo sound, or use them with compatible Fire TV devices for a home theater setup.

22. CordBrick cord holders 2 pack, $17 (list $30)

One of my favorite desk accessories. It’s a weighted, rubbery cord organizer that keeps cables from sliding behind your desk when they’re unplugged. One of those small things that makes daily life easier.

23. Magnetic phone ring, $16 (list $20)

This magnetic accessory is perfect for propping up your smartphone on a plane to watch videos hands-free. I never travel without one.

24. Superdanny surge protector, $20

The ultimate way to plug in as many gadgets as possible. It has 22 outlets, USB-C, USB-A and surge protection.

25. La Roche-Posay Double Repair Matte Moisturizer, $25

My favorite everyday moisturizer when I don’t need SPF. Lightweight and doesn’t leave my face shiny.

A few trends stand out.

Portable chargers dominate the list, which makes sense with summer travel in full swing. Smart home gear is also popular, especially Ring, Eero and Echo devices. And despite all the flashy gadgets, practical products like screen cleaner, charging cables, cord holders and storage drives continue to be reader favorites.

One more interesting trend: Adobe says AI shopping traffic is up a lot this year. Shoppers coming from AI tools are also converting better than regular traffic, which suggests people are using AI to compare prices, research products and find deals faster.

Happy shopping,

Rich

Before robots can wash dishes, fold laundry, or mop floors, they need humans to show them how.

I recently met up with Salvador Arciga, who picks up flexible gigs through Instawork training AI-powered robots. Wearing a head-mounted camera, he records himself performing everyday tasks while robotics companies use the footage to teach machines how humans move and interact with objects.

The company says more than 20,000 workers have already been certified for robotics-related tasks, making it one of its fastest-growing categories.

It’s a new type of gig work that didn’t exist a few years ago, and one example of how the rise of AI and robotics is creating jobs even as it aims to automate them.

0:00 - Are We Moving Too Fast With AI? (Monterey Park data center ban, Anthropic warnings, AI regulation, White House executive order)

7:39 - Fitbit Air Review (Google’s new screenless fitness tracker with AI Health Coach)

11:56 - Motorola Razr Fold Review (Motorola’s first book-style foldable smartphone)

15:43 - 5G Home Internet Explained (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, Mint Internet and wireless home internet options)

18:48 - Free AI & Digital Skills Training (Delete the Divide program helping people learn AI and cybersecurity skills)

Watch Rich on Tech Weekly streaming Sundays at 11 a.m. on the free KTLA+ app, also available on demand on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV and Samsung smart TVs.

Subscribe to the Rich On Tech podcast to hear my full weekly radio show monologue, plus listener calls, interviews and tech tips.