Apple's latest update brings fun features
Plus: Amazon gift card hack and how to save on YouTube TV
Thanks for taking a moment to check out my newsletter—I really appreciate it. Can you believe the year is almost over? I’m already looking ahead to 2025, with CES planning in full swing. But before we get too far ahead, let’s talk about this past week.
I took a road trip to the San Francisco Bay Area to check out some exciting new technology. I can’t spill the beans just yet, but trust me—it’s good. On the drive, I hit some of the thickest fog I’ve ever seen. I could barely see in front of my car and had to crawl along with my flashers on. It turns out that it’s called tule fog, and according to your comments, it’s a regular thing in Central California. You learn something new every day…
iOS 18.2 Is Here
The latest iPhone update, iOS 18.2, brings some seriously cool features. Here’s what’s new and how to use them:
Image Playground: Apple’s AI-powered image creation tool.
How to access: Look for the new Image Playground app on your home screen after updating. Start with a theme like "adventure" or "summer," or modify your own photos with costumes, accessories, and more.
Here’s me in space for the winter holidays, wearing a beanie.
Genmoji: Create custom emojis tailored to your imagination.
How to access: Open the emoji keyboard (tap the smiley face icon), and you’ll see a new option to "Describe an emoji." Type something like "a cat with sunglasses," and it’ll generate it instantly. Swipe for variations or refine your idea.
Image Wand: Turn sketches or handwritten notes into polished text or images.
How to access: Open the Notes app and sketch or write something. Tap the new "magic wand" icon at the bottom, circle what you want to change, and describe how it should transform.
Visual Intelligence: Apple’s version of Google Lens, letting you identify objects, landmarks, and more using your camera.
How to access: Press and hold the new camera control button (available on iPhone 16 models). Snap a photo, then ask a question about the image or search for more info.
Siri + ChatGPT Integration: Siri gets smarter with ChatGPT.
How to access: Say, “Hey Siri, ask ChatGPT…” followed by your question (e.g., “What’s the best itinerary for 3 days in Honolulu?”). To skip confirmation prompts, go to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri > Extensions > ChatGPT and toggle off "Confirm ChatGPT requests."
These features are only available on newer iPhones (iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, or iPhone 16 models). If you have one of those models, this update is worth checking out!
Cool Tech at TechCrunch Disrupt
This week, I revisited TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 to highlight some startups doing fascinating things:
Plaud: An AI-powered note recorder.
Yuv Beauty: Think of it as an inkjet printer for hair color—designed for salons to mix the perfect shade every time. No more guessing.
SGLab: Out of South Korea, they’ve developed a golf club handle packed with sensors to help perfect your swing.
Micro Center Adventures
If you’re a gadget fan, you have to visit Micro Center. I stopped by the one in Tustin (about an hour outside LA), and it’s basically tech heaven. The selection is incredible. While I was there, I chatted with a sales rep about how to choose the perfect laptop.
Highlights from the LA Auto Show
The LA Auto Show never disappoints, and this year I checked out Kia WKNDR, a concept vehicle with wheels that can generate electricity using wind or water. I also caught up with John Faulkner from Clean Fleet Report, who always has great insights.
A Handy iPhone Contacts Fix
My father-in-law recently asked me, “Why don’t my iPhone contacts show up in Outlook?” Turns out, the default location for new contacts on his iPhone was set to iCloud instead of Outlook. Here’s how to make sure your contacts are saved in the right place:
Open Settings.
Tap Apps.
Scroll to Contacts.
Tap Default Account and select where you want new contacts to go (e.g., Outlook).
Problem solved, and now his contacts sync seamlessly. Give it a try if you’ve run into the same issue!
Holiday Hacks for Gift Cards
Got one of those tricky Visa gift cards with an awkward leftover balance? Here’s a hack:
Enter the exact remaining balance on your Visa gift card and hit Buy Now.
Add the VISA card as a payment method, complete your purchase and this will “transfer” its balance to your Amazon gift card balance.
Once the balance is in your Amazon account, delete the card to avoid confusion later. It’s an easy way to turn a hard-to-use gift card into something more useful.
This has worked most of the time for me with various VISA gift cards. Try it!
Streaming Smarts
YouTube TV Price Hike: It’s jumping to $83/month. If that’s too steep, try this: start the cancellation process, and they might offer you $10 off for six months. It worked for me!
Not sure which service fits your needs? Check out https://thestreamable.com/matchmaker
Enter your favorite channels and sports teams, and it’ll show you the best streaming options.
Spectrum TV Adds Streaming Perks
If you’re a Spectrum TV Select customer, here’s a little holiday bonus: Spectrum now includes Max (with ads) in your subscription—a $10/month value.
Here are all the streaming services (ad-supported versions) that Spectrum bundles with its Spectrum TV Select plan:
Disney+
ESPN+
Paramount+
Vix
Tennis Channel+
It’s clear the streaming wars are leading us right back to bundles—just like cable, but with a twist.
Fun Finds
DoNothingForAMinute.com: This site literally counts down 60 seconds of nothing. Oddly relaxing.
Whisper Memos: My favorite voice memo app is on sale. Use promo code THX24 for 20% off. It’s great for recording thoughts on the go, and the AI transcription is top-notch. Game changing on the Apple Watch since it also emails you the transcription of what you said.
iHeartRadio’s Big Update
The iHeartRadio app just got a major refresh, and it’s packed with new features that bring the best of live radio to your phone. Here’s what’s new:
Presets: Save up to 15 favorites at the top of your screen.
These can be radio stations, playlists, or podcasts. (Pro tip: Add Rich On Tech, KFI, and KTLA to your presets for easy access!)
Scan Button: Just like old-school car radios, this feature lets you scan through live stations to see what’s playing.
Live Radio Dial: Shows nearby radio stations based on your location.
It’s great for discovering new stations when traveling or just browsing what’s available in your area.
What’s Trending: Find out what’s hot across stations, playlists, and podcasts.
Lyrics: Sing along with live radio! Lyrics are now displayed for many songs.
I love the iHeart Country Workout Radio station for runs—and think their iHeart Christmas station is one of the best this time of the year. Both are commercial-free.
Odds and Ends
LG is exiting the Blu-ray player market.
Apple Music launched three new live stations: Apple Música Uno, Apple Music Club, and Apple Music Chill (my personal fave).
Feedbag
Donna writes in:
Thank you for your time; I really enjoy your segments and learn a lot from them. Keep doing the great work you’re doing! You’re very good at your job, and I admire you. Wishing you and the KTLA family a safe and wonderful holiday season. 😊
Thanks Donna!
That’s a Wrap
Thanks for reading! Be sure to catch me on KTLA weekday mornings, tune into my Rich on Tech radio show on Saturdays, or watch Rich on Tech Weekly streaming on KTLA+ Sundays at 11 a.m.
I hope you’re having an enjoyable holiday season.
Until next time,
Rich
