Wirecutter Best New Picks: Process and Highlights

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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Rich said it’s important to keep your iPhone and Android updated with the latest security updates, especially in light of exploits like DarkSword.

Download iVerify Basic to check iPhone (and Android) for signs of spyware.

Enable Lockdown Mode on iPhone if you’re really worried about your security.

Aura confirmed a data breach affecting 900,000 records, but not financial.

Gary in Indio is trying to connect a printer to an Eero network using WPS, which is no longer supported. In the Eero app, go to Settings > Troubleshooting > “My device won’t connect” to temporarily enable 2.4 GHz for about 10 minutes.

WordPress CEO Matt Mullenweg almost fell for an Apple scam.

Rich shares highlights from the 41st Annual CSUN Assistive Tech Conference.

Featured technology and companies:

• Be My Eyes – A free app connecting blind and low-vision users with volunteers through live video. The service now supports over 1 million users, 10 million volunteers, and 185+ languages. The company also introduced Be My Eyes Workplace, which helps employees navigate inaccessible documents and tasks on the job.

• Luna – Smart glasses designed for people with night blindness, using a light-sensitive camera to brighten surroundings and restore independence in low-light environments.

• Mesmo Technologies – Their Bridge Captioning solution provides real-time captions for phone calls on desk phones and computers, helping people with hearing loss stay connected at work. A free companion app is also available on iOS and Android.

• LG Electronics – Showcasing accessibility-focused innovations including their LG ThinQ smart home platform, appliance “Comfort Kit” accessories for easier use, and TVs with built-in accessibility features like real-time AI captions, adjustable audio descriptions, and customizable viewing options.

Jack in Riverside is wondering how to consolidate all of his tech into one easy to use system.

Here are instructions on how to hide your home from Google Maps, Apple Maps, Redfin, Zillow, and more.

Rich mentioned the Files by Google app for cleaning up your Android phone.

Rich mentioned that he’s watching The Madison on Paramount Plus and to check the big list of streaming deals before you sign up for any streaming service.

Leta Shy, supervising editor at Wirecutter, will reveal the standout tech from Wirecutter’s new “Best New Picks” list and explain how their team tests products to find the smartest buys for consumers.

Laura in Youngstown is trying to get her old computer to work past 5 minutes. Rich mentioned Microsoft PC Manager and should I remove it as well as MSConfig.

Rich mentioned Amazon’s new Ultra Fast one-hour or three-hour delivery. You can find a link at amazon.com/getitfast.

Rich told his story about the car rental scam that actually wasn’t.

Mary in Huntington Beach wants a good subscription tracking app. Rich mentioned Bobby and Rocket Money and Monarch Money.

Wilmer is having trouble getting access to his old Apple ID.

Tony in New Jersey says his Samsung fingerprint unlock won’t work with a screen protector. Rich can relate. Try pressing firmly when registering, but he ultimately had to remove the protector.

GUESTS:

Patricia Egger, Head of Security at Proton, explains the new “Born Private” initiative and what parents need to know about protecting their child’s digital identity from day one.

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