Rich On Tech

Bridget Todd, a technology and internet culture commentator and author, explores why people form emotional bonds with AI, from grief support to intimacy, and the need for privacy and boundaries. Ron Johnson, the former Apple retail chief who created the Apple Store and Genius Bar, reveals how service and hands-on discovery shaped Apple’s stores. Plus, smarter Siri, Meta Muse, iPhone 18 Pro and AI safety concerns.

Lance Ulanoff, TechRadar editor-at-large, and Brian Tong, Apple-focused tech journalist and creator, weigh in on Apple’s $2,000 iPhone Duo and whether its impressive software and foldable design justify the bulk and price. They explore the iPhone 18 Pro, AirPods 5, Apple Watch safety features, and turning smart TVs into simple displays. Plus: driver’s-license breaches, consent phishing, AI safety, antenna TV, and smarter security habits.

Michelle Denagene, Mindtrip’s chief marketing officer, reveals how AI can track flight deals and build smarter itineraries. Will Cady, a former Reddit executive and founder of Heal Movement, explores AI’s moral boundaries and why technology should strengthen human abilities. Plus, Tesla’s driverless Cybercab, privacy-focused smart glasses, Amazon scam checks, and practical ways to stop hackers.

Tyler the Antenna Man, a YouTuber and antenna expert, and Chandler Hatton, Fairphone exec behind the repairable Gen 6 Plus, join the show. They talk about choosing the right over-the-air TV antenna and placement. They discuss Fairphone’s modular, repairable phone design, specs, pricing and long-term support. Other topics include spotting hidden remote-access malware and ways to save on home internet.

Miriam Jouar, a mobile tech journalist who reviews Pixel phones, and Steve Wiseman, a scam researcher who tracks fraud trends. They talk about a movie-tracking app and Pixel 11 Rambler voice-to-text. They dig into two-factor authentication scams, AI-enhanced phishing and voice cloning, and a robot that draws blood. Fast, topical tech and safety stories.

• 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 save messages before an old email account is shut down. • OnePay legitimacy: OnePay appears legitimate, but always research customer service, banking partners, and company details before moving money. • Pixel 11 lineup: Google’s Pixel 11 phones bring upgraded cameras, more AI features, faster charging, and higher starting prices. • Which Pixel to buy: Rich’s early pick is the Pixel 11 Pro XL with 512 GB of storage and 16 GB of RAM. • Pixel Tag: Google’s $29 AirTag-style tracker arrives November 11. • Microsoft Publisher replacement: Canva is an easy Publisher alternative, while Affinity Publisher offers a more traditional desktop experience. • Verizon outage: If your phone suddenly says SOS, check DownDetector and your carrier’s status page before changing settings. • Cheaper wireless plans: MVNOs like PureTalk can save money by using major carrier networks without the premium pricing. • Instagram redesign: Instagram changed its in-app wordmark for the first time in 10 years. • Trusting AI: AI can sound certain even when it is wrong, so verify important answers and use it to assist rather than replace your judgment. • Flock privacy changes: Flock is reducing license plate data retention and adding tighter controls after reports of police misuse. • Passport renewals: Start at the official State Department website to avoid unnecessary third-party passport renewal fees. • Electronics parts stores: Micro Center remains one of the best places to buy individual computer and electronics components in person. • Restaurant search trick: Try “best casual local institution near me” in Google Maps to find distinctive local restaurants instead of chains. • AI watermarking: Claude plans to watermark AI-generated content, including text, but identifying partial AI use remains complicated. • Better than fillable PDFs: Online forms like Jotform, Tally, and Typeform can be easier for users than fillable PDFs. • AirTag alternatives: Pebblebee trackers add features like rechargeable batteries, built-in attachment loops, and two-way phone finding. • Galaxy Buds hearing aids: Samsung is adding an FDA-cleared hearing aid feature for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. • Transaction alerts: Bank alerts can help you spot unauthorized withdrawals quickly and limit the damage. • Sextortion emails: Ignore threatening emails claiming hackers recorded you, and change any exposed password that is still in use. • Listener privacy tips: DuckDuckGo Email Protection and data-removal services can help reduce tracking and unwanted calls. 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 affiliates nationwide Subscribe to the podcast. Premium subscribers can listen ad-free here. Follow Rich on Instagram. Subscribe to my free newsletter. Rich on Tech Weekly airs on KTLA+. You can download the app on Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, and Samsung smart TVs. Disclosure: I may earn a commission from purchases made through links in this post, at no additional cost to you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aaron Bromberg, head of robotics at InstaWork, talks about paying people to record everyday tasks for robot training. Tom Kemp, director at California Privacy Protection Agency, explains DROP, a system for requesting data deletion from brokers. Scott Edwards, CEO of Summit7, outlines cyber vulnerabilities hitting U.S. water systems. They cover hotel Wi‑Fi attacks, YouTube’s hidden AI search, and privacy deletion tools.

Andrea Smith, award-winning tech journalist who reviews audio gear, shares her top-tested Bluetooth earbuds and portable speakers. Brian Collins, founder of FireSat and Earth Fire Alliance, discusses a satellite network to detect and track wildfires earlier. They talk Apple’s iPhone leasing pros and cons, AI-driven hacking risks, wireless charging security, and portable emergency power and radios.

Rachel Roberts, Samsung smartphone product lead who designs Galaxy foldables, and Jessica Ray, MotorWeek producer covering cars, EVs, and hybrids. They talk about why foldables finally feel polished and mainstream. They discuss AI escaping test environments and what that reveals about access controls. They also cover the payment scams consumers should watch for.

Tobin Richardson, CEO focused on smart home standards like Matter, discusses interoperability, security, and AI in connected homes. Johnny Jet, travel writer and advisor, shares must-have apps and practical tips for Europe travel. They cover smart home AI, device compatibility, travel tools, and on-the-ground travel hacks in short, lively segments.