Apple and Google upgrade their AI, DROP data removal site & Tesla CD player (157, January 17, 2026)
Rich On Tech
Verizon outage $20 credit instructions
Rich explains the Verizon outage, who qualifies, and how to claim the $20 credit via My Verizon text and app.
Rich discussed how Apple is integrating Google’s Gemini to make Siri smarter, while Google introduced its own enhanced Gemini AI featuring “Personal Intelligence.”
Susan in San Jose is looking for a simple flip phone for a friend. Rich recommended the Nokia 2780 and suggested checking out the website Dumbwireless.com.
If you were affected by the Verizon outage, you can claim a $20 credit. Watch for a text message to redeem it, as it is not applied automatically.
Sylvia in Moreno Valley is deciding between an Apple Watch and a Garmin for health and emergency features. Rich recommended the Apple Watch for its superior SOS and fall detection, while noting Garmin is better for advanced fitness metrics.
Tom Kemp, Executive Director of the California Privacy Protection Agency, explains DROP, the free new website that helps Californians remove their personal data from hundreds of data brokers.
Walter in Temecula is looking for a printer that doesn’t use cartridges. Rich recommended ink tank models like the HP Smart Tank 5100 or the Epson EcoTank ET-2800, which use refillable bottles for lower long-term costs.
Thurman in Winchester is looking for ways to remove objects from photos. Rich recommended using Google Gemini, a dedicated website called Cleanup.pictures, and Adobe Express, which offers a “Remove Object” tool powered by generative AI.
Alex in Ontario reminded listeners that if you don’t need color, Brother monochrome laser printers are excellent.
Dale in Oceanside is looking for a free, cross-platform way to share his location with friends and family. Rich recommended Life360, which works on both iOS and Android and offers real-time tracking.
YouTuber Kitboga joins Rich to break down how modern online scams work, why they are growing so fast, and what everyday people can do to protect themselves before scammers strike.
Bob in Pennsylvania asked if Rapid Radios work without cellular. Rich clarified they do need a network, then highlighted T-Mobile’s new satellite service that offers free texting to 911 on compatible phones, even without a signal.
Spotify is raising prices by $1 to $2 a month to “reflect the value” of the service. Individual plans are moving to $12.99, Duo to $18.99, and Family to $21.99. The new rates take effect for existing subscribers starting in February.
Kathy in Los Angeles wants to add a CD player to her Tesla. Rich recommended ripping the CDs and uploading the files to the YouTube Music app, which allows you to store up to 100,000 personal songs in the cloud for free.
Security researchers found serious flaws in Google Fast Pair affecting millions of audio devices. To fix this, download your device’s companion app and install any available firmware updates immediately.
Jerry wants to change notification sounds for individual apps on a Samsung Galaxy S25. Rich explained that this feature is now hidden and must be enabled manually:
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Go to Settings > Notifications > Advanced settings.
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Toggle on Manage notification categories for each app.
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Go to Settings > Apps and select the app you want to change.
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Tap Notifications > Notification categories.
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Select a specific category (like “General” or “Messages”) and tap Sound to choose a new tone.
Prof. Tim Spector, co-founder of ZOE, explains how their app uses AI and science to score foods from 1 to 100 based on ingredients, processing risk, and gut health impact.
An app called Are You Dead is going viral in China.
Apple has a new subscription called Apple Creator Studio, which includes popular programs like Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro for $13 a month.
Rich DeMuro brings you the latest tech news, helpful tips, gadget reviews, and more - plus interviews with industry experts - all in this weekly show.
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