I’m obsessed with this app that shows your internet quality in real time

Plus: Google’s new AI apps for your computer, Chrome’s hidden Reading Mode, and a smarter way to save links

Greetings and welcome to another edition of the Rich on Tech newsletter. One of the things I love most about my job is that it takes me to all kinds of places, not just around Southern California, but around the world.

This week I was in downtown LA, and the perspective from up there is pretty incredible. Looking out from those skyscrapers, you really get a sense of just how big and sprawling the world around us is.

There’s a lot to get to this week, so let’s dive in.

A smarter way to test your internet

I love when I have a guest on my radio show and immediately pick up something useful. This week, it was about internet speed tests.

If you’ve ever checked your connection, chances are you’ve used Speedtest.net. The founder of that site is now behind a free new tool called Orb, and it takes things a step further.

Instead of just measuring speed, Orb looks at how your internet actually performs in real life, things like responsiveness, reliability, and lag over time.

And here’s the big difference: it runs continuously in the background.

So instead of a one-time test, you get a live score that updates throughout the day. That means if your Zoom call starts glitching or your video buffers, you can actually see what’s going on in the moment.

It also keeps a history, so you can spot patterns, like your connection slowing down every afternoon, or figure out if the problem is your network or someone else’s.

My favorite feature is the live score on your desktop. It’s always visible, so you can quickly check how your connection is holding up. If it’s green, you’re good. If not, you’ve got something to investigate.

You can even install it on a family member’s computer and get alerts if their internet starts acting up.

Clean up Chrome and make it easier to read

Speaking of toolbars, did you know you can customize the toolbar in the desktop version of Chrome?

Google has added a ton of features to Chrome lately, including a handy new and improved Reading Mode that turns cluttered web pages into a clean, easy-to-read layout. This used to require an extension, but now it’s built right in. It can even read web pages out loud.

If your toolbar feels crowded, you can clean it up in seconds. Just right-click the row of icons in the upper-right corner and choose “Customize toolbar.”

From there, you can turn features on or off, including navigation buttons, bookmarks, reading list, history, downloads, tab search, and even tools like print and QR code creation.

My favorites are Reading Mode, tab search, and Google Lens. You can also add a quick button to copy the current link, and I especially like “Send to your devices.” Tap it and you’ll get a notification on your phone with the page you’re viewing (as long as Chrome is installed on your mobile device).

Stop losing links you meant to save

I’m a big fan of Raindrop.io. It’s where I save everything I come across online. Articles, tools, random finds. I tag everything so I can actually find it later.

But a similar new tool caught my attention. It’s called send/links, and the idea is simple. Save anything instantly, without thinking about it.

On your computer, you hit a keyboard shortcut or the extension and the link is saved, titled, and organized automatically.

On your phone, you can send a link through Telegram and it shows up in your account. It’s basically like texting yourself a reminder, but way more organized.

courtesy send/links

Once your links are in, it does the rest. It sorts them, shows you what you haven’t read yet, flags broken links, and makes everything easy to search.

If you’re someone who emails or texts yourself links just to keep track of them, this is worth a look.

Only catch: it’s brand new and built by a solo developer. It’s free right now, but we’ll see where it goes. Still, the idea of saving links this easily is pretty compelling.

Sponsored: Surfshark’s CleanWeb to the rescue

Ever try to read something online and get hit with a wall of ads, pop-ups, and trackers? It’s not just annoying, it can slow things down and compromise your privacy.

Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature helps fix that. It blocks ads, trackers, and cookie pop-ups before they load, so pages are cleaner and faster right from the start.

It’s part of Surfshark’s Starter plan, which also includes a VPN to secure your connection and an Alternative ID feature that lets you create a separate email and identity for signing up on websites.

The best part? You can use it across all your devices, so whether you’re on your phone, laptop, or tablet, you get the same cleaner browsing experience.

Plans start at $1.88 a month when you pay for 24 months, and there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee if you want to try it out.

Check it out here!

Google has two new apps for your computer

Google is busy this week, rolling out new apps for both Mac and Windows.

Let’s start with Mac. There’s now a native Gemini app, something ChatGPT and Claude users have had for a while. The idea is simple: AI is always within reach while you work.

You can keep it on the side of your screen, call it up instantly, and ask questions about whatever you’re doing. The big feature is screen awareness. If you allow it, Gemini can see what’s on your screen and help in real time, whether you’re working on a document, a presentation, or a photo.

What stands out to me is how well it taps into your existing Google data. Photos, files, emails, all of it. That makes it surprisingly good at finding things, even stuff you forgot existed.

For example, I asked if I could throw my suit in the dryer to freshen it up. It dug up the purchase receipt from my email, identified the item, and pulled the care instructions. Answer: don’t do it.

On Windows, Google is taking a different approach. It’s essentially a desktop version of Google Search, with AI built in.

You can search the web, ask questions about your screen, and even find things on your own computer, including files, apps, and Google Drive content. Think of it as a smarter, Google-powered version of the built-in Windows search bar.

Amazon’s slimmest Fire TV Stick yet

Amazon has a new Fire TV Stick, and this one is all about simplicity. It’s called the Fire TV Stick HD. It’s not their top-of-the-line model, but it is their slimmest and easiest to use.

The big difference is how it’s powered. You can plug it directly into your TV’s USB port, so there’s no need for a separate power adapter. Just HDMI for video and USB for power. That means fewer cables and a much cleaner setup behind your TV. It’s also great for travel. Plug it into a hotel or Airbnb TV and you’re up and running in seconds.

It runs Amazon’s updated Fire TV software, which I’ve been testing on the 4K version. The redesign looks nice, but it still feels cluttered. There’s a lot happening on the home screen, and oddly, your streaming app icons are super small compared to everything else they’re promoting. You can fit more of them now, though.

Performance is also a mixed bag. The main apps are fine, but some of the smaller streaming apps like Paramount+ and Peacock can be buggy. That’s been a recurring issue with Fire TV devices, which tend to be a bit underpowered.

That said, it’s still one of the easiest and most affordable ways to add smart features to any TV.

One feature I do like is Ambient Mode. It turns your TV into a digital art display when you’re not watching anything. It’s not quite the same as a Samsung Frame TV, but it’s a nice touch with plenty of free artwork to choose from.

The Fire TV Stick HD is $35 (be careful, don’t order the previous model for $20) and ships at end of April.

TV Segments

This week I tested the Nex Playground, a video game console that feels a lot like the Nintendo Wii or Xbox Kinect, but with no controllers. It’s a small box that sits under your TV with a built-in camera, and it tracks your body movements so you control the games just by moving around.

The games are simple, active, and easy to pick up for both kids and adults. My kids had an absolute blast playing titles like Fruit Ninja and bowling.

The downside is the price. It’s now $300 after a recent $50 increase. You get five games included, but if you want the full library, it’s another $90. It’s a fun system, but that price is going to be a hurdle for a lot of families, so I’d keep an eye out for a sale.

I also covered agentic AI this week. Most people are using AI to answer questions, but the next step is tools that act more like a personal assistant.

These can live on your computer, respond anytime, and actually take action. They can draft documents, send emails, text messages, and handle tasks for you.

It’s still early, but companies are moving quickly in this direction. The big name right now is OpenClaw, and you’ll start seeing more of these features across the major AI platforms soon. It’s definitely something to keep on your radar.

Tech tidbits

Booking.com was hacked, so watch for phishing emails tied to reservations asking for payment or personal info.

Mint Mobile is now offering home internet with a bundle: $540 a year for unlimited phone + wireless home internet, about $45 a month. Solid deal if T-Mobile is strong where you live.

YouTube Premium subscribers who also pay $10+ a month for Google One can get a year of Premium at 50% off. You’ll need to cancel and resubscribe through Google One.

Netgear is the first router brand cleared under new FCC cybersecurity rules, with select Nighthawk and Orbi models approved for sale.

Don’t forget this hidden Android update

If you have an Android phone, there’s another place to check for updates.

Google Play system updates are separate from regular OS updates and quietly patch security issues and add features behind the scenes.

You may need to restart your phone to install them.

Q&A - AppleCare Anxiety

Amy in Los Angeles writes…
I have an iPhone 16 that’s about to hit the one-year mark, and I’m trying to decide if it’s worth buying another year of AppleCare. I’m pretty gentle with my phone and use an OtterBox case, but I keep thinking the second it expires, something bad will happen. I usually don’t buy extended warranties, but I’m on the fence.

Hi Amy! It sounds like you’re already doing the right things. A good case and careful use go a long way.

These phones are built to last, so if you’re not rough on it, odds are you’ll be fine without coverage.

The real question is this: would you be okay paying out of pocket for a screen repair or replacement if something happens?

If the peace of mind is worth it to you, that’s really what AppleCare is selling.

There’s also a newer AppleCare One plan that bundles coverage for multiple devices, around $20 a month for up to three gadgets. That might be worth a look if you’ve got more Apple gear.

Feedbag

Jill writes… I really appreciate what you do!

Frank in CT listening on WOR 710 AM writes… Hi Rich, thank you and keep up the good work. I listen every Sunday here in Connecticut.

Becky says… I really enjoy your show on the radio and your emails. They’re actually ones I read all the way through.

That’s it for this issue. Thanks so much for reading, and Becky, I hope you spotted your name at the end. You’ll only catch that if you make it all the way through.

Be sure to catch my radio show this weekend. It’s live Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pacific on KFI AM 640. Got a tech question or need help? Give me a call at 1-888-RICH-101. You can also catch the rebroadcast Sunday at 5 p.m. Pacific on 710 WOR in New York, or listen anytime on the podcast.

Follow me on Instagram and Facebook and feel free to forward this to a friend.

Rich