AI Goes From Chatbot to Taking Control of Your Devices
A new wave of agentic AI tools can act autonomously, handling tasks such as scheduling meetings, drafting documents, and even controlling hardware. Leading platforms like Google Gemini’s agentic mode and Anthropic’s Claude Cowork illustrate the shift from passive chatbots to proactive assistants. The technology promises sizable productivity gains for enterprises, yet it also introduces privacy, accuracy and control challenges. Analysts argue that governance frameworks must evolve to manage AI‑driven actions on personal and corporate devices.
This New Game Console Gets Your Whole Family Off the Couch
Startup Nex Playground has launched an AI‑driven gaming system that transforms any TV into an active, controller‑free console. Using a built‑in camera, the platform tracks players’ movements and offers motion‑based games designed for all ages. The device aims to get...
Rich On Tech Episode 169 - April 11, 2026
In episode 169 of Rich on Tech, Doug Sutties, co‑creator of Speedtest, introduces Orb, a new tool that goes beyond raw bandwidth to pinpoint latency, jitter and congestion that slow internet connections. Ross Barbour of Sonos showcases the latest Play...
AI Voice Scams, Airline Fee Hacks and the Apps Keeping You Hooked
The Rich on Tech weekend show highlighted three pressing tech trends: AI‑generated voice scams are becoming more convincing as bots outnumber humans online, allowing fraudsters to clone personal voices from brief recordings. Airline travel costs are climbing, with checked‑bag fees...
How to Make Your Old Laptop Feel New Again
Replacing a new laptop can run into hundreds or thousands of dollars, but a few simple steps can make an existing machine feel brand‑new. The guide recommends backing up data, performing a clean OS install, and physically cleaning the hardware....
The Surprising Inspiration Behind These Popular Rugged Phone Cases
Urban Armor Gear (UAG) unveiled the design philosophy behind its rugged phone cases, drawing inspiration from military equipment and extreme‑sport gear. The company engineers each case with aerospace‑grade Kevlar and other high‑strength composites, then subjects them to 30‑foot drop tests...
How to Back up Your Phone, Photos and Computer without Overthinking It
The article demystifies data backup by urging readers to adopt a single, reliable copy rather than the complex 3‑2‑1 rule. It walks through practical solutions for home‑based NAS storage, photo archiving via Google Takeout or iCloud, and automated computer backups...
Rich On Tech Episode 168 - April 4, 2026
Rich on Tech Episode 168 features Helix CEO Alex Oberg discussing a privacy‑first digital ID layer designed to verify authenticity amid rising AI‑generated deepfakes. Travel expert Johnny Jet shares actionable advice on handling flight disruptions and optimizing booking strategies. Jefferson...
Sonos Says Its App Is Fixed and Unveils Two New Speakers for Home and on the Go
Sonos announced that its mobile app has been fully repaired after a series of outages that disrupted multi‑room playback and firmware updates. The fix coincides with the launch of two new speakers: the $299 Sonos Play, a portable Bluetooth unit...
This VR Treadmill Lets You Walk, Run & Jump Inside Virtual Worlds
Virtuix unveiled the Omni One, a VR treadmill that lets users walk, run, jump and crouch in virtual environments using a low‑friction base and specially designed shoes. The system translates real‑world foot movements into precise in‑game locomotion, eliminating the need...
Accessible Tech Is Getting Better than Ever
The CSUN Assistive Technology Conference highlighted a surge in mainstream accessibility solutions, from LG's Comfort Kit accessories and ThinQ On hearing‑impaired features to Amazon’s broader inclusive initiatives. Startups like Kapsys introduced a simplified phone for blind users, while 360 Direct...
Two High School Students Built an App to Keep Their Classmates Off Their Phones at School
Two Los Angeles high‑school friends, Noah Fakheri and Brian Ohebshalom, launched LockedIn, an app that disables distracting applications with a triple‑tap when students step onto campus. The tool debuted at Milken Community School and is already being piloted at other...
This Train Drives Itself and It’s Already on U.S. Tracks
Parallel Systems, an LA‑based startup, is piloting autonomous freight rail cars that operate without a traditional locomotive. The driverless units rely on a suite of cameras, lidar sensors and remote operators to navigate existing U.S. tracks. If the trials prove...
Rich On Tech Episode 166 - March 21, 2026
Rich on Tech episode 166 highlighted urgent mobile security updates amid the DarkSword exploit, urging users to install iVerify and enable iPhone Lockdown Mode. The show reported Aura's data breach affecting 900,000 records, while emphasizing new accessibility solutions such as...
AI Takes Center Stage at the 2026 CSUN Assistive Technology Conference
The 2026 CSUN Assistive Technology Conference highlighted AI as the catalyst behind a new generation of inclusive devices. Exhibitors showcased tactile displays, AI‑driven smart glasses, and real‑time captioning solutions that empower users with visual or hearing impairments. Companies such as...
Why some People Are “Bricking” Their Phones to Stop Social Media Scrolling
A small hardware gadget called Brick physically locks a smartphone, preventing access to social‑media apps with a single tap. Users say the tangible barrier outperforms software solutions such as Opal, BePresent, and Freedom when trying to curb screen time. The...
Dealerships Are Using AI Scanners to Inspect Cars in Seconds
Dealerships are deploying UVeye, an AI‑driven scanner that uses dozens of cameras to image a vehicle in seconds. The system automatically flags dents, fluid leaks, tire wear and other defects before a mechanic opens the hood. Results are sent directly...
Apple’s New $599 iPhone 17e Delivers Solid Performance at a Lower Price
Apple introduced the iPhone 17e at a $599 price point, positioning it as the company’s most affordable new model. The device is powered by the fast A19 processor, ships with 256GB of storage as standard, and adds MagSafe compatibility and...
AI, Space-Based Trackers and the New Scams You Need to Know About
Rich DeMuro’s latest post highlights how generative AI is reshaping entry‑level jobs and urges professionals to experiment with the technology. He cites AI expert Sharon Gai’s advice that even junior staff must adopt AI tools to stay productive. The piece...
Apple’s $599 MacBook Changes the Game
Apple introduced a $599 MacBook, the first low‑cost entry in its laptop line, alongside a budget iPhone and refreshed iPads. The new MacBook retains core Apple design and an M‑series chip, though with a lower‑tier processor, aiming to attract price‑sensitive...