Merge App Bridges Watches and Phones

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Rich talked about Google Gemini and how it can now make music with AI.

Rich also discussed the popularity of the tiny Kodak Charmera camera.

Samsung phones are finally getting Google Play updates again. You should do it right now: Go to Settings > Security and Privacy > Updates > Google Play System Update

Mike in Encino is looking for a way to get into a user’s computer who forgot their password. Try the steps here.

James is wondering if he can store his passwords using AI. Rich recommends against that. Also, do not use AI to generate passwords, as research shows they typically follow patterns.

Alex Haro, CEO of Hubble Network and co-founder of Life360, explains how satellite-powered Bluetooth could transform search and rescue by detecting everyday devices from space.

Carter in Monterey wants to know how to find his Samsung phone when it’s lost somewhere in his house and no one is around to call it. Rich recommends using Samsung SmartThings Find, Android’s Find Hub (you can ask Google to locate it), or, for iPhone users, going to iCloud.com/find.

Laura asks, “Can you recommend an antivirus for iPhone?” Rich says it’s not necessary. The bigger risk today is phishing. To stay protected, keep your phone updated, use a browser like Chrome with Enhanced Safe Browsing turned on, and consider a VPN that blocks malicious sites.

Fern bought a $300 Windows 11 laptop she doesn’t like. Rich suggested two options: stick with it and mainly use the web browser to simplify things, or ask the seller to install ChromeOS Flex to turn it into a quasi-Chromebook.

Karl in Summerlin is looking for an alternative to Pocket and Instapaper that can read articles aloud. Rich recommends Readwise Reader, Google’s Reading Mode for Android, Speechify, ElevenReader, and ListenLater.net.

Merge Watch is a new app that claims to let you use an Android watch with an iPhone or an Apple Watch with an Android phone.

Google launched the Pixel 10a, a modest refresh for a solid everyday smartphone starting at around $499.

Jeremy Watkin from NumberBarn breaks down when people switch mobile carriers, which networks they’re leaving, and how shoppers can save big by looking beyond the Big 3.

Judy in Ithaca is looking for ways to cut down her cable bill. Rich recommends checking The Streamable for streaming options, the FCC’s Broadband Map to see available providers, and Speedtest’s ISP Finder to compare internet choices.

Apple is holding a special experience event where it’s rumored the company will introduce a new iPhone 17e, updated iPads, and a new low-cost MacBook. Rich mentioned MacRumors Buyers Guide.

Samsung is holding its Galaxy Unpacked event on February 25 in San Francisco, where we expect to see the new Galaxy S26 series smartphones.

Rich mentioned how he used the Splitwise app to help split expenses on group trips.

Maryann wants to recover her lost iPhone contacts. Rich says to first check where your contacts are currently stored by going to Settings > Apps > Contacts > Default Account and selecting your preferred account.

Cybersecurity expert JP Castellanos explains the biggest tech threats hitting consumers right now and how to stay protected.

Rich installed Linux Mint on an old laptop and couldn’t believe how easy the process was and how it made the old computer new again.

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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