Rich On Tech

• Apple launches the $2,000 iPhone Duo, its first foldable with a 5.4-inch outer screen, 7.6-inch inner display, MagSafe and Apple Pencil support.
• iPhone Duo software could be its biggest advantage, with apps optimized for the foldable screen instead of simply being stretched larger.
• IDScan confirms a major driver’s license breach, prompting Rich to recommend free credit freezes with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
• Polit...

• Driver’s license scans exposed: More than 153 million U.S. and Canadian ID records were reportedly offered on the dark web. Freeze your credit and consider an IRS Identity Protection PIN.

• Make accounts harder to hack: Rich shared three simple ways to better protect your accounts, including unique passwords, two-factor authentication and Chrome Enhanced Protection.

• Translation tools for travel: Timekettle, AirPods an...

Rich talked about shopping around for high-speed internet and shared tools and tips to help you find a better plan, faster speeds or a lower price.

Apple has set September 9 for its next big event, where we’re expecting to see the new iPhone 18 Pro models and Apple’s first foldable iPhone.

Matthew is having issues with his Sonos speakers disappearing and not showing up in the Sonos app.

Mike in the S...

• Meta faces landmark teen safety trial: Twenty-nine states accuse Meta of designing Facebook and Instagram to hook young users while misleading parents about safety. Former Meta executive Arturo Behar testified that growth and engagement often took priority over child safety, while Meta denies wrongdoing.

• Pixel 11’s Rambler speeds up replies: Rich says the Pixel 11 Pro’s Rambler voice-to-text feature has made it ...

• Scam protection: Slow down, stop the conversation, and independently verify requests before sending money, sharing codes, or installing software.

• Family code words: Set up a private family code word to help verify emergency calls that could use AI-cloned voices.

• Calendar spam: Fake PayPal charges can appear as calendar events, so restrict invitations from unknown senders.

• Saving old email: Use Gmail import or Thunderbird to...

03:04 — Hotel Wi-Fi attacks target travelers: Hackers linked to Russia are targeting hotel and conference Wi-Fi login systems and redirecting users to convincing fake update or security pages. Rich says public Wi-Fi is still usable, but never install software or enter authentication codes because a captive portal tells you to. Use cellular or a hotspot for sensitive activity.

10:04 — Wendy in Yorba Linda gets unwanted C...

Rich talked about the pros and cons of Apple’s new iPhone leasing program.

Rich ordered an Uber, and they charged him 66% more than the quote. All he did was ask them to review the root and fare calculation for accuracy and got a credit for the difference.

Mickey writes in to ask if wireless charging on airplanes and at public charging stations could be a security risk.

AI continues to hack real companies durin...

Rich talked about Samsung’s new foldables finally being a place where they are really good and polished, of course, right before Apple introduces something very similar.

Carmen in Hollywood wants a cheaper alternative to her AT&T home phone line. Rich recommends Ooma, AT&T Home Phone Advanced, or checking with her cable provider for a lower-cost option.

LG is cracking down on shady smart TV apps th...

OnePlus is exiting the U.S. market.

Richard from New Jersey is having issues getting audio from his Roku to his soundbar. Rich says it is most certainly the audio output settings.

The iOS 27 public beta is here. Just be careful. I would not install on your primary phone. The final version will be out in September.

Rick emails and asks for a way to watch over-the-air Dodgers games on his Android phone. ...

• Meta pulls controversial AI likeness feature: Meta briefly allowed its Muse Image generator to create images based on any public Instagram user’s photos without requiring permission. After criticism over consent, deepfakes, scams and unauthorized use, Meta removed the Instagram reference feature.

• Samsung Messages users move to Google Messages: Samsung’s discontinued messaging app may remain on phones because it ...

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 da...

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 ...

Rich talked about his favorite apps he’s using right now.

Chris in Orange County is looking for the most reliable live broadcast connection for sports coverage. Should he use cellular bonding or Starlink?

Check out Rich’s Guide to Prime Day 2026!

Bryan Bishop, creator of the Hooray for Baldywood newsletter, reviews Toy Story 5 and tells us whether Pixar still has the magic.

E...

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Rich talked about the biggest changes coming to iOS 27 and beyond, including Apple’s long-awaited Siri overhaul and other new features announced at WWDC 2026.

Kim in Big Pine was having issues with a Samsung Galaxy A36 smartphone. Rich recommended making sure the phone is completely up to date, including Android system updates, Galaxy Store upd...

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Alex in Northridge wants to know: Can you mirror your phone to a TV while sending the audio to a Bluetooth speaker or headphones?

Dawn received a text about an Amazon product recall, but the link looked suspicious. Rich says Amazon has an official recalls page where you can check whether any items you’ve purchased have been recalled.

Melody wonders if sh...

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Rich talked about the big changes to the Roku home screen.

Rich mentioned to turn off Automatic Content Recognition: Settings > Privacy - Smart TV Experience > ACR Off

Chelsea in Beaumont wants to know why Samsung Messages is moving to Google Messages and how to individualize text sounds for contacts.

Rich says to enable Custom Notification Cat...

• Google’s biggest Search overhaul in 25 years: Google unveiled a major AI-powered redesign of Search and Gemini at Google I/O, turning the search box into a multimodal assistant that can understand text, photos, video, and voice. Rich explained how AI is becoming more proactive, helping users summarize emails, organize tasks, and even recommend products from a simple photo.

• AI avatars and deepfakes get eerily realistic: Ri...

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Rich talked about some of the best new features coming to Android 17.

Barbara asks about the app Rich mentioned for keeping track of TV shows. Rich recommends JustWatch, his personal go-to, with Reel Good as another solid option.

Kara in Fallbrook called in to report that she loves the Epson WorkForce WF-110mobile printer. Rich me...

Rich On Tech Episode 173 - May 9, 2026

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Google unveils the Fitbit Air screenless fitness tracker.

Rich helps Drew in Laguna Beach fix Chrome pop-ups by identifying them as notification spam and recommending you go to Chrome > Settings > Site settings > Notifications to remove any unrecognized sites

Mindtrip Flights offers a new way to search for t...