Holiday Gift Picks, Google Under Fire & Apps to Simplify Your Life

Netflix Buffers, Bluesky Soars & Bitcoin Breaks $90k

Rich On Tech 98 - November 16, 2024

Rich talked about the technical issues plaguing the Netflix livestream of the Jake Paul Mike Tyson fight.

Bluesky is suddenly a popular alternative to X. Find me here.

Bitcoin reached a new high of $90,000.

Marcello in Golita wants help recoving a forgotten Bitcoin account. Mentioned: CryptoAssetRecovery and KeyChainX

Google has a standalone Gemini AI app for iPhone.

Mark in Los Angeles is curious about iMac vs Mac Mini and what monitor to get. Episode mentioned.

Kent in Huntington Beach is trying to download iOS 18 but doesn’t have enough space.

Mentioned: Apple gives you temporary iCloud storage to move to a new phone.

For the fifth time in six years, the most common password is 123456.

Paul in Columbus, Ohio is wondering how to reset a computer to donate it. Windows 8, 10 & 11. Mentioned: shredOS, KillDisk, DBAN and Chrome OS Flex.

Bryan in San Diego is looking for an app that automatically edits video footage. Mentioned: Go Pro Quik, Magisto, CapCut and Splice.

Amazon Black Friday sales run November 21 to December 2.

Amazon Haul is the company’s answer to Temu, with all products under $20.

👨‍👦 Former USA TODAY tech columnist and current AARP Tech Editor Ed Baig shares solutions for helping aging parents resolve their technology challenges.

Mentioned: Windows Quick Assist.

Rich talked about how much he loves Aura frames, esp as a holiday gift.

The voice of “You’ve Got Mail” passed away at 74.

Julie in Downey wants to know about an iPad for the holidays. Mentioned: Google Shopping, Yahoo Shopping, PayPal Honey.

Mentioned for refurbished goods: Gizmogo, Back Market, TipTop

Rich talked about the apps for anxious fliers. Mentioned: Ask the Pilot book.

🎓 Turnitin CPO Annie Chechitelli discusses the impact of AI on education.

RichOnTech.tv Links may be affiliate.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meta Ray-Bans Review, Managing Photo Duplicates & Choosing Your Perfect Cell Plan

Rich talked about his new love for the Ray Ban Meta smart glasses. VIDEO

Russ in Grand Junction, CO is blind and loves his Ray Ban Meta glasses.

Julian in Woodland Hills says the Be My Eyes feature on the Meta glasses. Aria is another similar service.

You can now use chat.com to access ChatGPT.

Apple Notes gone on the iPhone? Here’s the fix.

Max is the latest streaming service to start cracking down on password sharing.

Pat wants to know if using an iPhone as a MacBook hotspot will damage it.

Malvin wants to know how to remove personal info from Google. Link: Google Results About You

Curtis in Fallbrook has a question about using a cell phone for international travel. Rich likes Airalo and you can find a discount on my referrals page.

You can get a 30% discount on a Pixel 9 phone if you know where to look.

Craig in Des Moines wants to know if his new headphones will really last 70 hours on the battery.

📱 Tech journalist Rob Pegoraro explains how to pick the best cell phone plan and carrier. Also mentioned: OpenSignal App.

Bitcoin hits new highs in the wake of the election.

Herbert in Rancho Santa Fe wants to use a de-dupe program and is wondering if it’s safe. Mentioned: Gemini 2, Remo and CleanMyPhone.

How-To Geek argues that you can skip paid antivirus software.

Michael in Duarte writes in and wonders if he can skip the upgrade to Windows 11.

Mark in Woodland Hills is looking for an app to consolidate and organize all of his files onto one hard drive. Suggestions?

PlayStation 5 Pro is now available for $700.

🤖 Dan Ackerman demonstrates how to create affordable AI video clones, exploring the technology's potential and implications.

Verizon is giving users an extra month to switch messaging apps.

Rich swapped out his Email Me app for Android thanks to listener Leo!

RichOnTech.tv Links may be affiliate.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apple AI, New Macs & Cybersecurity Tips

Rich talked about the new Apple Intelligence features on the iPhone. VIDEO

Dennis in Pasadena has audio distortion on his AirPods since doing the hearing test.

Microsoft announces paid security updates after Windows 10 support ends.

Rich attended TechCrunch Disrupt 2024. Startups mentioned: Remento, HiHello, Popl, MabLab, Astreas

Mike in Tuscon says web pages no longer load on Chrome. Try Reset all settings.

Tony in San Ysidro has issues with his Pixel and iPhone.

Bob in Oceanside needs to get past Bitlocker screen on laptop. Check here for your key.

Apple unveiled new iMacs, MacBook Pros and Mac Minis with M4 chips and 16 gigs RAM standard.

ChatGPT is taking on Google with launch of ChatGPT search.

David in Los Angeles wants to remove their personal information from the web. Mentioned: Google results about you and this Consumer Reports study.

🎧 Apple's Health & Watch Product Marketing director Deidre Caldbeck discusses the new AirPods Pro hearing health features, including hearing protection and FDA-approved hearing aid functionality.

How to identify your AirPods model.

Disney+ added a Top 10 list to the home screen.

Robert in Redondo Beach can’t get into his AOL email. Mentioned: Help Page

Steve in Tampa wants to know if he upgrades his graphics card will his VR headset look better.

Nintendo launched their own music app with video game songs.

Mint Mobile now has a $15 a month kid friendly wireless plan.

UnitedHealthcare confirms more details on their major hack attack.

🛡️ Caitlin Sarian, known as "Cybersecurity Girl," shares online safety tips.

Google now sells refurbished Pixel phones at a discount.

Samsung expands it’s device repair network to over 900 locations. store locator

Ex-Disney employee faces jail for hacking their menu system.

RichOnTech.tv Links may be affiliate.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To-Do Lists, Password Managers & A New AirPods Accessory

Rich discusses the answers to his questions:

Which phone are you using?

How do you keep track of your to-do list?

Rich’s current method: Whisper Memos on Apple Watch, Email Me on iOS, Email Yourself on Android, Notion for safekeeping, Microsoft To Do since it’s cross-platform and allows you to add files.

Toni in the Inland Empire wants a dash cam to keep her car safe.

👩‍⚖️ Clinical psychologist and attorney Dr. Lisa Strohman discusses strategies for protecting youth in the digital age. Mentioned: Digital Citizen Academy Free e-books here

Big companies are fighting the FTC’s new Click to Cancel Rule.

Amazon Prime members can now save 10 cents a gallon at 7,000 gas stations.

Rich mentioned he saves money with Upside.

Whitney wants to know what the catch is to “free phone” promotions.

Patrick in Colorado Springs wants to know where he can buy an iPod. Mentioned: Retrospekt.

eero Outdoor 7 blankets your backyard or patio with WiFi.

🎧 Jura Anchor creator Patrick O'Neill discusses his new 3D-printed USB-C AirPods accessory. Code RICHONTECH15 for 15% off.

Rich mentioned the Facades App to keep track of Apple Store visits.

Brian in Westport, WA inquires about intercepted insurance communications.

Verizon has a new Family Safety app for iOS and Android.

Jackie in San Dimas can’t use the letter x on her computer.

Facebook is testing video selfies to recover accounts.

A Bay Area woman found an interesting way to get back into her hacked Facebook.

US Mobile now supports Apple Watch and even has a standalone plan for $78 a year.

🔒 Bitwarden CEO Michael Crandell discusses password management.

Rich shared his Neakasa M1 automated kitty litter box review.

SimpliSafe has a new AI powered outdoor security camera with live agent monitoring.

You can use AirPods to hear better in noisy restaurants.

AT&T has a free 30 day network trial program.

Links may be affiliate.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First Color Kindle, New iPad Mini & Tracking Cats

Amazon refreshed it’s entire Kindle lineup including the first ever Kindle Colorsoft with color e-ink.

Stephanie in Los Angeles is a senior citizen and wants to be prepared for an emergency. Rich mentioned Blindshell, DumbWireless and Consumer Cellular phones.

Mike writes in about how to get help with installing Ring and Arlo around his house. Rich recommends searching Yelp for home network installation, home automation, TV mounting or security systems.

Lori from Canal Fulton, OH asks what the next best phone is after the iPhone 12 Mini. Rich mentioned MacRumors Buyers Guide.

Morgan from Thousand Oaks asks about how to track her indoor cats if they get out into her five acre ranch backyard. Mentioned: Tractive and Whistle, AirTag, Samsung SmartTag, Tile.

Oscar in Winchester, CA needs help with backing up his messages. Rich mentioned SMS Backup & Restore on Android and iMazing on iPhone.

Apple released a new iPad Mini.

Sarah in Studio City is worried that she clicked the link in a toll scam text.

🪙 Swan CEO Cory Klippsten shares insights on Bitcoin and the current state of the cryptocurrency market. Mentioned: Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery streaming on Max.

Diego in San Diego has an annoying “refresh” issue with his 2011 Mac computer. Mentioned: Reinstall macOS and CleanMyMac.

Google Flights has a new “cheapest” option for finding airfare on a tight budget.

Erik in Bismarck, ND needs a good USB-A to USB-C cable for CarPlay.

🛡️ Consumer Reports' Sukhi Gulati talks Permission Slip, a tool designed to help users automatically reduce their digital footprint and protect online privacy.

Enable the new theft protection feature on your Android phone today!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tesla's Robotaxi, Electronics Nostalgia & Ring's AI Search

Rich is home in NJ and recounted his Dad’s (successful) cancer journey and his love of electronics stores over the years.

Toni in the Inland Empire is having issues with one of her AirPods. Rich mentioned a factory reset, cleaning and check for software update. You can replace just one or buy the new AirPods 4.

Susan in Santa Monica has a question about replacing her old router and whether she should turn off her router at night.

Tesla unveiled the Cybercab robotaxi and more at an event in Los Angeles.

Dianne in Menifee is curious if there’s a way to have a FaceTime call with iPhone and Android.

Tubi is paying nearly $20 million in a privacy related settlement.

Ring has a new AI powered smart video search, but you’ll have to be on the $20 plan to get it.

Brady in Anaheim is curious what he can migrate Evernote to.

Amazon says customers saved more than $1 Billion during Prime Big Deal Days 2024.

📺 Tech journalist Christian de Looper explores the pros and cons of art-style TVs like Samsung's The Frame and Hisense's CanvasTV. Also mentioned: Roku Backdrops and Amazon Ambient.

Todd in Santa Monica called to tell us about an AI hackathon taking place in Santa Monica.

TikTok is getting sued by 14 states for harming kids and being addictive. Countdown to ban timer.

Jamie in Los Angeles wants a budget security camera that doesn’t have a subscription.

Jerry in Hatfield, PA wants to know if there’s way to “sniff out” streaming media URLs. Rich mentioned a Chrome extension called Bulk Media Downloader.

Google’s NotebookLM can basically create a podcast out of text source you upload.

🏃‍♂️ Former PR pro Scott Baldwin introduces Front Pack, his new social network designed to connect and motivate endurance athletes through shared experiences and goals.

Streaming TV platforms are tracking you big time. Here’s a guide to opt out.

Text messages scams are out of control.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unexplained Outages, Prime Day Tips & Spying Galore

Rich shared his tips and tricks for getting the best deals on Amazon Prime Day.

Linda in Seal Beach is worried her iPhone is hacked. Rich mentioned a Restore and iMazing Spyware scan.

China found a way to spy on our telecom systems using our own wiretapping backdoor.

Gary in Laguna Nigel is curious if he can run Verizon and T-Mobile on his phone.

Brian in Murietta wants to know if his friend’s data connection is being deprioritized.

Diane in Torrance wants to know how to cancel a Microsoft 365 subscription her dad mistakenly signed up for.

Verizon is shutting down it’s Message+ app and you should switch to Google Messages for RCS support.

Verizon suffered a major outage this week and still hasn’t said what caused it.

Bank of America had an outage this week that caused some customers to see a $0 balance.

Donna in Sequim, WA can’t get access to her Google Workspace account. Rich mentioned Google Account Recovery and ICANN lookup to see who manages the domain.

🕵️ Consumer Watchdog's Justin Kloczko discusses current tech-related privacy concerns and how consumers can better protect their personal information.

John in Murietta, CA wants to know the best mesh WiFi system. Rich likes Eero best, Netgear Orbi is also very good and TP Link is a great value.

A caller in Upland wants a good antenna. Rich recommends checking out Antennas Direct.

Amazon is adding more ads to Prime Video in 2025.

Craig in Woodland Hills wants a Chromebook recommendation. Rich likes ASUS and look for a Chromebook with the Plus designation.

Jeff in Murrietta wants to know where his wife can learn how to use her new Mac. Check Apple’s user guide online, YouTube videos and free sessions at the Apple Store.

🛍️ Shopping expert Trae Bodge from TrueTrae.com previews Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days, sharing tips for nabbing the best early holiday discounts. Mentioned: PayPal Honey, SlickDeals and Instagram.

Don’t get scammed on Ticketmaster! Be sure you have a unique, strong password on your account and your email account so you don’t lose your tickets.

MobileX added more data to their plans and have some compelling pricing, too.

Thomas wrote in to suggest TillerHQ for spreadsheet budgeting.

Links may be affiliate.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Social Media Issues, AR Glasses & Helpful Money Apps

Rich shared his story about how he tried to help out his Instagram followers and it backfired.

Arnold in Rancho Cucamonga is getting popups on his S24 smartphone.

🥽 CNET's Scott Stein compares Meta’s Orion AR prototype against Snap's Spectacles, and talks about advancements in augmented reality.

Dianne in Torrance uses Team Viewer for free but now it’s asking her to pay. Rich mentioned RustDesk and Chrome Remote Desktop as an alternative.

LG Smart TV’s are now showing ads before the screensaver starts.

Rich talked about a few features he likes on the new Google TV Streamer: the find my remote feature and the Freeplay with 150 channels you can flip through like cable.

Rich mentioned he’s testing a self cleaning cat little box by Neakasa.

If you had Kaspersky, it switched to UltraAV.

Robert in Alhambra wants a new phone with good accessibility features.

🚁 Joby Aviation's Chief Product Officer Eric Allison discusses the future of electric air taxis and their potential impact on urban transportation.

Jeff in Diamond Bar is trying to get his Yahoo email to sync.

Polly had a YouTube channel about Humming Bird feeders and it was taken down for spam content.

Rick in Thousand Oaks wants an app that can track his checking account balance. Rich uses an old school Excel spreadsheet but also mentioned Every Dollar and YNAB.

As for net worth apps, Rich likes Empower. There’s also Rocket Money, Fidelity Full View and Betterment.

Kevin in Malibu is losing his iCloud contacts.

Meta says you might see AI images of yourself show up in your newsfeed.

Disney+ has started it’s password sharing crackdown.

📱 Parent Collective founder Samuel Chapman discusses social media safety and fentanyl awareness.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

iOS 18 Deep Dive, Automation's Job Impact & iPhone 16 Review

Rich talked about new features in iOS 18 and mentioned Whisper Memos as a great way to use the Action Button.

Matthew in Sonora wants help building his dream invention of a smart Bott’s Dot to help cut down on cars hitting animals in the road.

🤖 Brian Merchant, author of Blood in the Machine discusses Chipotle's automation push and its wider impact on the workforce across industries.

Mike in Irvine wants to know if teenagers can hide apps and what parents can do about it.

Kevin in San Clemente wants to know if those services to remove your personal info are legit.

Toni in Inland Empire wants to know how to remove herself from a large texting group.

Amazon’s next Prime Day is happening October 8-9, 2024. Rich recommends Honey’s Droplist to keep track of price changes.

Instagram has new automatic protections for teen users.

California Driver’s Licenses and IDs can now be added to Apple Wallet. Google Wallet got the feature a few weeks back.

Bonnie in Charleston, SC wants to know if there is a way to avoid robocalls on her landline. Rich mentioned Nomorobo.

Kelly in Santa Clarita has an Echo Dot that won’t connect to her network. Rich recommends a factory reset.

Spectrum boosts internet speeds for existing customers and has new commitments for service, repairs and credits.

Jill emailed to ask if her existing Apple passwords will follow through to the new Passwords app in iOS 18.

Leslie in Coda De Caza can’t login to her Cox Yahoo email account on Outlook.

Karen in San Pedro got a message on her Samsung that wanted to install apps automatically.

📱 The Shortcut founder Matt Swider breaks down the iPhone 16's new features and how they compare to previous models.

Rich’s review of the iPhone 16 models.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.