Stop Scam Calls Instantly, Must-Try Tax App & The Truth About Medical Misinformation
Digest
This podcast episode covers a wide range of tech topics and advice. Rich Demiro discusses Apple's new iPads and MacBook Air, highlighting features and whether upgrades are necessary. He also shares tips on deterring scam calls using call recording and addresses listener questions about playing local music files on Android. Matt Swider provides insights from Mobile World Congress 2024, showcasing innovative gadgets from Lenovo, Honor, and Realme. The episode also features announcements about a new Google store and Google Gemini lock screen widgets, along with further listener Q&A on Android music apps and transcription software. Rich offers advice on laptop repair, troubleshooting Sonos speaker issues, and recommends Flyfin AI tax software. Dr. Guida Nair discusses the dangers of healthcare misinformation, while Stephanie Humphrey addresses the challenges of digital citizenship for kids and teens. The podcast also covers expanding outdoor Wi-Fi networks, new Pixel phone features, and the latest scams. Discussions include AI-powered features in DuckDuckGo and the new cheaper YouTube Premium "Light" tier.
Outlines

Introductions, Ads & Clean California PSA
The episode begins with ads for Microsoft Security and Chumbacacino, followed by a Clean California PSA and a Chorax ad.

Apple Product Announcements & Early Listener Questions
Rich Demiro reviews Apple's new iPads and MacBook Air, discussing features and pricing. He also answers early listener questions and discusses the delayed implementation of Apple Intelligence (AI) features.

Scam Call Prevention, Android Music Apps & MWC 2024
Rich shares a tip on using call recording to deter scam callers and answers listener questions about playing locally stored music files on Android. Matt Swider then discusses highlights from Mobile World Congress 2024.

Google Store Opening, Gemini Widgets & Further Listener Questions
Rich announces the opening of a new Google store and discusses the new Google Gemini lock screen widgets. More listener questions regarding Android music apps are addressed.

Transcription Software, Google Store Comparison & Tax Software
Rich answers listener questions about transcription software and compares the new Google store to Apple's presence. He then recommends Flyfin AI tax software.

Listener Questions: Laptop Repair, Sonos Issues & Final Thoughts
Rich helps a listener troubleshoot a malfunctioning laptop and recommends the MacBook Air. He also addresses a listener's issue with playing KFI radio on a Sonos speaker.

Healthcare Misinformation & YouTube Premium Light
Dr. Guida Nair discusses the dangers of healthcare misinformation. A discussion on the new, cheaper YouTube Premium "Light" tier follows, along with advice on finding the cheapest subscription options.

Expanding Outdoor Wi-Fi & AI, Privacy, and Search
Advice is given on extending Wi-Fi outdoors, recommending Eero and TP-Link Deco systems. A discussion on DuckDuckGo's new AI features and search improvements follows.

New Pixel Phone Features, T-Mobile Perks & Digital Citizenship
New Pixel phone features are highlighted, including multi-lingual AI support and expanded Satellite SOS. T-Mobile Tuesdays' free Slurpee perk is mentioned. Stephanie Humphrey then discusses digital citizenship for kids and teens.

Biggest Scams of 2024 & Listener Feedback (Wrap-up)
The podcast concludes with a discussion on the biggest scams of 2024 and further listener feedback, including advice on outdoor mesh Wi-Fi systems.
Keywords
Apple Product Announcements
Discussion of new iPads (iPad Air, standard iPad) and MacBook Air, including features, pricing, and upgrade considerations.
Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024
Highlights from the Mobile World Congress, showcasing innovative gadgets from Lenovo, Honor, and Realme.
Google Gemini
Overview of the six new Google Gemini lock screen widgets for iPhones.
Call Recording
Using call recording to deter scam callers.
AI-powered Transcription Software
Discussion of various AI-powered transcription software options for meetings and other audio recordings.
Flyfin AI Tax Software
Review and comparison of Flyfin AI tax software to TurboTax.
Healthcare Misinformation
Discussion of the dangers of healthcare misinformation and how to identify reliable sources.
Digital Citizenship
Importance of teaching kids about responsible online behavior and the permanence of online content.
Outdoor Mesh Wi-Fi Systems
Recommendations for extending Wi-Fi coverage to outdoor areas using systems like Eero and TP-Link Deco.
AI-powered Scam Detection
New features in Pixel phones that use AI to detect scams.
Q&A
How can I easily play my own MP3 files on my Android phone without a subscription service?
Upload your MP3s to YouTube Music's free cloud service or use apps like DoubleTwist or Pulsar Music Player.
What's the best way to transcribe audio recordings of meetings for business purposes?
Use Whisper Web for quick, free transcription, or paid services like Descript or Otter.ai for more advanced features.
I'm having trouble playing KFI radio on my Sonos speaker with Alexa. What should I do?
Try accessing KFI through iHeartRadio or TuneIn within the Sonos app, restart your Sonos system, or reconnect the Alexa service.
What is a good, inexpensive laptop for college students?
The new MacBook Air with the M4 chip.
What are some key strategies for identifying reliable health information online?
Check the source, look for inflammatory language, remember individual bodies react differently, and consult your doctor.
How can parents best protect their children from online risks associated with social media?
Teach responsible online behavior, use monitoring tools like Bark, and foster open communication.
What are some effective solutions for expanding Wi-Fi coverage to outdoor areas of a property?
Consider outdoor mesh Wi-Fi systems like Eero or TP-Link Deco.
Show Notes
Apple’s latest product upgrades include the iPad Air M3, the 12th-gen iPad, and the MacBook Air M4 in a sleek new Sky Blue finish.
Tony asked about a good app for playing local files on his computer, with recommendations for reliable and feature-rich media players. Rich says YouTube Music cloud, Samsung Music, listeners recommend doubleTwist, Pulsar.
If you want to thwart phone call scams, try using the call recording feature on your device to deter scammers.
Matt Swider of The Shortcut joins to share the standout gadgets and biggest tech trends from Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.
Fernando asked for a good way to transfer music files to his iPhone. Rich recommends using WALTR Pro for a seamless experience.
Google Gemini has added a variety of iPhone lock screen widgets for instant access to AI features.
Ron in Norco asked how to transcribe recorded meetings on his phone. Rich recommended services like Whisper Memos, Descript, Otter.ai, MacWhisper, and Whisper Web, or using the built-in AI audio tools on iPhone, Pixel, and Samsung.
Reggie in South Carolina asked about a tax service. Rich recommends FlyFin. (referral link)
Shirley’s laptop won’t turn on due to a ruined battery. Rich discussed whether it’s worth repairing or if replacing the device is a better option.
Rich suggested visiting a uBreakiFix store to get a free repair estimate before deciding on a fix or replacement.
Tom in Woodland Hills said his Sonos will no longer play KFI, and Rich discussed possible fixes and alternatives.
🎙️ Dr. Geeta “Dr. G” Nayyar breaks down the growing crisis of healthcare misinformation and how it’s impacting public health.
Jim in Malibu has a large property and wants a recommendation on a mesh system to extend Wi-Fi to his front gate and back workshop.
Rich recommended checking out the Eero Outdoor 7 and the TP-Link Deco Outdoor for extending Wi-Fi coverage across large properties.
DuckDuckGo has introduced new AI-powered search and chat features with a focus on privacy.
Google’s latest Pixel drop introduces new features, including AI-powered scam detection, expanded satellite SOS availability, and more.
T-Mobile Tuesdays’ latest perk is one free Slurpee every month at 7-Eleven and Speedway locations.
📱 Stephanie Humphrey will talk digital citizenship, sharing expert advice on kids and social media!
The Better Business Bureau revealed the biggest and riskiest scams of the past year, highlighting trends and key warnings for consumers.
AI is driving faster smartphone upgrades as consumers look for devices with more advanced AI capabilities.
Daylight saving time disrupts sleep for weeks, according to a new study from Samsung.
Rich On Tech Episode 112 - March 8, 2025
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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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