Spooky good tech info inside!
from the desk of Rich on Tech
Happy Halloween!
Hope you’re having a fantastic weekend so far. It’s one of those rare Saturday night Halloweens and many of us won’t even be taking advantage of it. That’s OK. We’re staying home with the kiddos and having a movie night in the backyard. I’ll be curious if anyone comes to the door.
The new tech has been arriving at lightning speeds: new phones, new hardware, new everything it seems. I’ve been trying to keep up with all of it.
Let’s get to it, shall we?
iPhone 12 review
I’ve been using the iPhone 12 for the past few weeks and while it’s great overall, it’s a bit tough to feel the newness on a daily basis. Sure, the camera is still solid and it takes slightly better low light pictures, but the speed seems on par with last year’s model, and 5G, while potentially amazing, hasn’t really changed my life just yet.
I did stumble upon the fastest 5G signal (called 5G UW, or ultra-wideband) in downtown Los Angeles a few days ago and that was pretty incredible. I’m talking speeds close to 1,000 Mbps. That’s what I have at home. Can you imagine having that at your fingertips everywhere? Now that would be game-changing.
I do love the new square design of the iPhone 12. I feel like it’s much easier to hold comfortably. I haven’t really used the MagSafe feature much, I’m still charging the old way.
Here’s my full review of the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro.
Here is a look at some low light pictures I took at CityWalk.
I always joke that Apple never does interviews on camera. So when they asked if I’d be interested in doing an on-camera interview with their iPhone executive, of course, I said yes. Here’s a look at our conversation!
Pixel 5
Not everyone wants an iPhone, and I totally understand that. I actually like some aspects of Android software better, like the ability to fully customize your phone experience.
Unfortunately, Google’s phones this year are a bit of a letdown for power users. The company decided NOT to go the flagship route and is instead offering more budget-friendly phones.
Pixel 5 and 4a 5G have excellent cameras, perfect Android software and the price is right. Personally, I recommend taking a good look at the 4a 5G if you want all of those things for a price tag of under $500. I expect the 4a 5G to dip even cheaper over the holiday shopping season.
https://ktla.com/morning-news/technology/google-pixel-4a-5g-review-rich-on-tech/
Wyze Cam v3
The ever-popular Wyze cam has a new version, v3. The $20 camera now works indoors and outdoors, plus there are a bunch of little improvements, like better low light video, better baby camera functionality (no blaring red lights!) and there’s a siren on board.
The big difference between Wyze Cam v3 and the Wyze Cam Outdoor is that while v3 is outdoor-friendly, you still need to plug it in. However, it does not require the use of a separate wireless hub like the Wyze Cam Outdoor. Also, the Wyze Cam Outdoor is fully wireless and has a rechargeable battery inside.
I go through all of the features of the Wyze Cam v3 in the video below.
Looking for more of my recommendations? Check out Rich’s Favorite Things, an ongoing list of all of the stuff that I like in various categories.
Hummer EV
The Hummer is back and this time around it’s an all-electric vehicle! I got a look at the prototype, which is cool, but not very realistic for most people since the price tag starts at over $100,000. Still, it’s fun to check out.
https://ktla.com/morning-news/technology/hands-on-new-hummer-ev-electric-super-truck-2020/
Color changing kitty litter
Kitty litter might not seem too techy, but Pretty Litter is. It has little color-changing crystals inside that sort of act as a litmus test for your cat’s health. The litter looks great, has no smell, isn’t dusty and a small bag lasts an entire month. All you need to do is scoop out the solid waste.
I had my brother test it (he is a newly obsessed cat owner!) and he really liked it - the one downside is that he found the fine litter stuck to his cat’s fur and tracked around a bit. Pretty Litter says they make a larger crystal version and a mat under the box would help.
Watch the segment using the link below!
Rich on Tech Podcast
In my podcast, I talk about the tech stuff I think you should know about and answer the questions you send me!
In the latest episode:
Hands-on impressions of the iPhone 12, Pixel 5 and the Samsung S20 FE; Wyze Cam v3; Apple One subscription bundle plans launch; saving money by using the iHeartRadio Apple Watch app; iPhone 12 drop tests; Adobe Holiday Shopping predictions; an app to turn your iPhone into a webcam and the Hummer EV.
Listeners ask about Quibi shutting down, how to find learning tutorials online, the best ways to print pictures from a phone, websites that already have your credit card number, whether to get a new laptop or invest in Eero and if I'm still doing the newsletter.
Search “rich on tech” in your favorite audio app to listen and subscribe for free.
https://art19.com/shows/rich-on-tech/episodes/0ad719d1-a079-406a-ba47-8478ced53866
Tech Tidbits
I found a feature in the Verizon app that lets you “lock” your number so hackers can’t port it out to another device. Probably a good idea to turn it on and check to see if your carrier offers something similar.
Google has a way to add a ghost, pumpkins, black cat and more to your space with a cool augmented reality trick. I spent a bit playing with it and it’s fun. Be sure to show the kids.
A popular app to turn your iPhone into a webcam now has a new owner and they just relaunched the app with a slick makeover.
Halloween Fun
Jabberin Jack is an animated pumpkin I first spotted earlier this year at the Toy Fair. A tiny projector inside cycles through various spooky and fun faces. There’s also music and jokes, which you can turn off if you don’t want to hear them.
Tap the post below to get the full effect. You won’t get one in time for this Halloween, but something to keep in mind for next year. The technology reminds me of the Haunted Mansion.
That’s it for now!
Before I go, one movie recommendation: Knives Out. This was on my list for so long and for some reason I just kept avoiding it. I’m sorry I did because it was such a great movie! It’s a murder mystery filled with quirky characters, great set pieces, humor and lots of twists. Fantastic!
Have a great day and be sure to tap the heart below if you liked this issue of the newsletter.
Rich
P.S. If you’re not following me on Instagram, why not change that right now? ;)
Always informative and entertaining! Many thanks.
Thanks Rich!