Rich On Tech Episode 119 - May 3, 2025

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

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 450+ affiliates nationwide

Get the podcast to via RSS, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Follow Rich on X, Instagram and Facebook.

Download the MP3 here (choose episode, then scroll to bottom of page and look for ”Download”)

Paid newsletter subscribers get ad-free, HQ audio here.

Referral links for services I like. Amazon storefront for products I like.

RichOnTech.tv Links may be affiliate.

Rich discusses how a major court ruling forces Apple to allow outside payment links in apps, changing how developers charge and how users pay.

Mark in San Diego says the GPS on his Pixel 4a has stopped working and wants to know what he can do to fix it.

Microsoft is going passwordless for new accounts, using passkeys and other secure sign-in methods.

Paul in Columbus, Ohio says one of the backlights on his Hisense TV is busted and wants to know what his options are.

Google is ending support for 1st and 2nd gen Nest Learning Thermostats—check your email for a discount offer on a replacement.

Matthew in Huntington Beach wants to use both an iPhone and a flip phone and wants to know his options for managing calls and texts across both. Rich mentioned DumbWireless, Camp Snap Camera and Number Sync or Number Share.

Rich talked about the viral success of Steve’s Lava Chicken, a Minecraft song by Jack Black that’s now the shortest track ever to hit the Billboard Hot 100.

Madonna in Michigan says her iPhone is randomly calling people on its own—what could be causing it?

If you get an email about the Avast settlement, it’s legit—real payouts are being issued.

Sylvia in Murrieta has terrible cell reception—Rich suggests turning on Wi-Fi calling, asking your carrier about a signal booster, or checking out products from WeBoost.

Steven Johnson, Editorial Director at Google Labs, talks about the latest updates to NotebookLM — Google’s AI-powered research and writing tool that helps you organize and understand information faster.

Google is launching iOS and Android apps for its popular Notebook LM. You can now pre-order them—once they’re live on May 20, they’ll automatically download to your phone.

Joey in Orange County says she’s getting tons of political texts—what can she do to stop them?

Microsoft is raising Xbox prices, citing market conditions as the reason for the increase.

Google Gemini app now lets you edit photos with AI.

Meta has launched a stand-alone Meta AI app.

ChatGPT now has shopping features built in.

Mark in Montana wants to stream local channels—Rich mentioned checking out TV Garden, along with free apps like Tubi, Pluto, and Peacock.

Kermer in Sun City is having trouble getting his Verizon Wi-Fi to connect to his phones—what can he do to fix it?

Harry Campbell, founder of The Rideshare Guy, joins us to break down the latest in the gig economy — from Uber and Lyft to delivery apps, robotaxis and beyond. Sign up for The Driverless Digest newsletter here.

Sam Altman’s latest startup, World, is scanning irises to create digital IDs—now expanding across the U.S. with new storefronts and mobile devices.

Starbucks has opened its first 3D-printed store—a drive-thru-only location in Brownsville, Texas—constructed using layered concrete and robotic printing technology.