Google Maps gets big AI upgrade, Alexa gets a sassy adult voice & David Pogue on Apple’s first 50 years (Episode 165, March 14, 2026)

9 snips

Mar 15, 2026

Guest

David Pogue

Guest

Scott Combs

David Pogue, author and longtime tech journalist, shares behind‑the‑scenes Apple stories. Scott Combs, AT&T archivist, marks the 150th anniversary of the first phone call. They talk about Google Maps' Gemini AI overhaul, Alexa's new adult 'sassy' voice, AT&T's fiber history and investments, and Apple's first 50 years and product evolution.

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INSIGHT

Meta Uses AI To Preempt Social Media Scams

Meta is deploying AI tools across Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger to detect and warn about scam networks.
Examples: Messenger flags suspicious chats, WhatsApp warns about account-linking QR scams, and friend requests with foreign signals get alerts.

INSIGHT

Google Maps Finds Hyper Specific Places With Gemini

Google Maps now uses Gemini AI to answer very specific place queries inside the Maps app.
Ask Maps scans reviews, photos and location data to find things like "quiet coffee shop with good Wi‑Fi and an open restroom" nearby.

ADVICE

Fix iPhone Notes Scanner By Updating And Reindexing

If Notes asks to "Upgrade Notes" and scanning fails, update iOS, open Notes once to let it reindex, then restart the phone.
Use the built-in Preview app to scan immediately if Notes still won't scan or install Adobe Scan as a fallback.

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Meta is cracking down on scams with new AI detection systems in Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger.

Google just gave Google Maps it’s biggest overhaul in a decade - with new AI powered ways to find places using specific questions and immersive navigation.

Jim in Michigan can’t get the Notes app on his iPhone to scan documents. Rich mentioned he can also use the built-in Preview app.

Check out Rich’s review of the iPhone 17e.

Susan in Burbank can’t connect to her WiFi network because it’s too congested.

Debra is wondering if the vSeeBox is a good way to save on her cable bill. Rich says to read the article called Everyone is stealing TV.

Herbert in Rancho Santa Fe is looking to replace his aging iMac with a Mac Mini and a monitor. Rich mentioned this Dell model.

Zal in Brooklyn is wondering if he can run smartphone apps on his PC. Rich mentioned Phone Link on Windows and Home Assistant.

Joan in Falbrook wants a portable printer. Rich says to check out the Canon TR-160 and the Epson WF-110.

Scott Combs, AT&T Archivist, discusses the 150th anniversary of the first phone call.

Brian in Ventura is looking for a Chromebook. Rich likes the CX15 for $159 at Walmart, or the ASUS Zenbook and check Slickdeals for laptop deals.

Paul in Columbus suggests a Chromebox might be good for Brian in Ventura.

Bonnie in Charleston, South Carolina is looking for a printer Rich recommended the HP Smart Tank 5101 or the Epson EcoTank ET2400.

Amazon is raising prices for ad-free Prime Video from $3/month to $5/month

David Pogue, author of Apple: The First 50 Years, shares behind-the-scenes stories about Apple’s biggest products.

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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