Rich On Tech

Matt Swider, Editor in Chief of TheShortcut.com, shares his hands-on experience with the Nintendo Switch 2, discussing its new features and whether it lives up to the hype. Meanwhile, Arjun Bhatnagar, Co-founder of Cloaked, provides valuable insights on online privacy, including tips for protecting personal information and tools to remove your data from the internet. The hosts also delve into travel tech, offering practical tips to avoid roaming charges and enhancing in-flight entertainment with Bluetooth devices.

Collin Walke, a cybersecurity expert, shares how even professionals can fall for phishing scams, highlighting the importance of vigilance. Mark Vena, CEO at SmartTech Research, dives into modern tech trends, revealing tips for booking flights and using points strategically. They discuss Facebook's new friends-only feed, the latest updates from ChatGPT, and essential advice for international phone usage. Plus, they unravel the complexities of smartphone battery management and data privacy, emphasizing the ever-evolving landscape of technology.

Marc-Anthony Arena, known as the Computer Exorcist, shares his expertise on modern tech threats, highlighting the inadequacies of traditional antivirus software. He emphasizes the necessity of staying alert to sophisticated scams. Meanwhile, Brent Franson, founder of the Death Clock app, discusses how AI can predict life expectancy and promote personalized health strategies, sparking engaging conversations about the implications of knowing one's lifespan. Both guests weave technology and personal health into a captivating narrative that resonates with listeners.

Rich discusses how transcription tools powered by AI are making it simple to turn speech into text, whether in real-time or from recorded audio. Products & Services Mentioned: Pixel Recorder, Samsung Voice Recorder, iPhone Voice Memos, MacWhisper, Vibe Transcribe, Whisper Web, Voice Notes, Whisper Memos, PLAUD Note, PLAUD Pin, Wispr Flow Dave in Long Beach says his iTunes music library has disappeared and wants to know how to get it back. Ray in Chicago says his Google Chromecast has been buggy this week and wants to know if there are any updates on the issue. Dave in Long Beach says YouTube on Roku is buffering. Rich mentioned a cache-clearing hack he can try. Larry in San Pedro wonders if it’s safe to enter his credit card number into his smartphone when calling his bank. Victor in Santa Barbara says his Epson printer prints out pages of gibberish at random times, and Rich suggests restarting the spooler. The smartwatch market declined for the first time in 2024. Graham says his iPhone 7 Plus is no longer supported and wants advice on upgrading to a new iPhone 16e and switching to Mint Mobile. Niantic, the creators of Pokémon Go, have sold the game to Scopely for $3.5 billion. AT&T has a new “landline” service called AT&T Phone Advanced, which uses cellular or broadband and includes a backup battery. Kimber Streams has been covering laptops and tech at Wirecutter for over a decade and will share expert tips on how to spring clean your PC and keep it running smoothly. Kimber recommended a great laptop—the ASUS VivoBook 14 Q423SA, on sale for $500 at Best Buy. Dee Dee in West Covina wants a TV with good contrast, and Rich recommends Samsung models with Relumino Mode. Rich mentioned a handy file transfer website called FilePizza. Bob in Lake Forest says his Mint Mobile service sometimes drops, and Rich suggests checking APN settings and doing a network settings reset if that doesn’t work. Rick in Orange County uses Defender for PC antivirus and wonders if there’s a free alternative Rich would recommend. Rich says he can use Windows Security (built in) or check ratings at AV-TEST. Jared Newman of Advisorator joins the show to discuss the best ad blocker alternatives now that uBlock Origin is out, how to stop those annoying “Sign in with Google” pop-ups, and his quest for the perfect web browser. Google Wallet now allows you to add your passport for convenient digital identification. Nintendo is opening a new store in San Francisco’s Union Square on May 15, 2025, and is holding a contest to win a trip there. Rich On Tech Episode 113 - March 15, 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode features Matt Swider, a technology journalist from The Shortcut, who shares standout gadgets from Mobile World Congress, including innovations from Lenovo. Dr. Geeta "Dr. G" Nayyar discusses the alarming rise of healthcare misinformation on social media, emphasizing the need for credible medical advice. Expert Stephanie Humphrey offers valuable advice on digital citizenship for kids and teens, underlining the importance of mindfulness in navigating online interactions. Plus, learn about the handy tax app, FlyFin, simplifying tax preparation for freelancers!

In this engaging discussion, Mike Prospero, U.S. Editor-in-Chief at Tom's Guide, offers insights into the recent Alexa+ upgrades and evaluates its new features, exploring how it stacks up against competitors. Chris Guld, from Geeks on Tour, shares expert tips for maximizing Google Photos, emphasizing photo organization and backup strategies. The conversation also touches on Google's simplified processes for erasing personal information from search results and best practices for managing spam emails effectively.

Titania Jordan is an online safety expert and author with a focus on helping parents navigate digital dangers. She discusses the importance of securing children's online activities and practical tips from her book, Parental Control. Brandon Butch dives into the new iPhone 16e, exploring its features, and whether it's worth the upgrade. Facundo Holzmeister shares insights on unique Android apps that enhance user experience. Together, they also touch on tech scams, the risks of social media, and photography tricks for better smartphone photos.

Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy, shares savvy travel tips from his new book, revealing how to maximize rewards and find the best deals. J.D. Biersdorfer from The New York Times discusses digital estate planning, offering essential strategies for managing online assets after death. Bruce Peckman, the Muscleman of Technology, explores innovative fitness gadgets that enhance home workouts. The guests dive into satellite phone connectivity advancements, and tackle social media account management challenges, offering practical solutions for listeners.

Joanna Stern, a Personal Tech Columnist at The Wall Street Journal, and YouTuber Jimmy Is Promo dive into the latest tech trends. They discuss Amazon's upcoming AI-powered Alexa and explore Apple's new invite app requiring iCloud+. The conversation shifts to Microsoft’s free PC Manager tool for optimizing performance. Tips for repurposing old phones and the best headphones for flying also make an appearance, along with insight on privacy concerns regarding security vulnerabilities in apps. It's a tech-savvy ride filled with practical advice!

Stetson Doggett, an expert in cell phone plans, discusses how to navigate the maze of affordable mobile options, recommending carriers like US Mobile and Visible. Phillip Swann, the 'TV Answer Man,' shares his insights on streaming the Super Bowl, including the best platforms for 4K viewing. The conversation also touches on the innovative DeepSeek AI, its impact on the tech landscape, and the competition in the smart ring market. Together, they explore tech trends while offering tips on saving money without sacrificing service.