Amazon is set to show off an AI inspired voice assistant. Apple takes on Evite with a new app, the web browser that wants you to take a break from the Internet. Plus your tech questions answered. What's going on. I'm rich Demiro and this is rich on Tech. This is the show where I talk about the tech stuff I think you should know about. It's also the place where I answer your questions about technology. I believe that tech should be interesting, useful, and fun. Let's open up those phone lines at triple A rich one oh one. That's eight eight eight seven four to two, four to one zero one. Once again, triple a rich one oh one eight eight eight seven four to two four one zero one. Give me a call. If you have a question about technology. Email is also an option. Just go to the website rich on Tech dot tv and hit contact. We've got some great guests this week. Joanna Stern, personal tech columnist at The Wall Street Journal, will join me to discuss the latest in technology, and later in the show, YouTuber Jimmy is promo. He's going to share his thoughts on the new Samsung Galaxy S twenty five series, plus give all Samsung users some tips and tricks Oh, and we've got a special guest, so stay tuned for that. Well, I've got some news to share about this very show. This is the last time we will be heard in Los Angeles without also being heard in New York City.

Amazon is set to show off an AI inspired voice assistant. Apple takes on Evite with a new app, the web browser that wants you to take a break from the Internet. Plus your tech questions answered. What's going on. I'm rich Demiro and this is rich on Tech. This is the show where I talk about the tech stuff I think you should know about. It's also the place where I answer your questions about technology. I believe that tech should be interesting, useful, and fun. Let's open up those phone lines at triple A rich one oh one. That's eight eight eight seven four to two, four to one zero one. Once again, triple a rich one oh one eight eight eight seven four to two four one zero one. Give me a call. If you have a question about technology. Email is also an option. Just go to the website rich on Tech dot tv and hit contact. We've got some great guests this week. Joanna Stern, personal tech columnist at The Wall Street Journal, will join me to discuss the latest in technology, and later in the show, YouTuber Jimmy is promo. He's going to share his thoughts on the new Samsung Galaxy S twenty five series, plus give all Samsung users some tips and tricks Oh, and we've got a special guest, so stay tuned for that. Well, I've got some news to share about this very show. This is the last time we will be heard in Los Angeles without also being heard in New York City.

That's right.

That's right.

Starting today, we are coast to coast, and I'd like to give you a warm welcome thank you if you're listening on our newest station seven to ten WOAR.

Starting today, we are coast to coast, and I'd like to give you a warm welcome thank you if you're listening on our newest station seven to ten WOAR.

In New York City.

In New York City.

Now, this is especially significant for me personally because I grew up in New Jersey exit one point fifty three for those of you wondering. And not only did I grow up on New York City radio stations, I've long loved every aspect of radio. In fact, you can even see the New York City skyline from the top of the street where I grew up. I have always loved New York City. I still do. I will share more about my journey throughout the show. We've been doing this show now for two years, originating from Los Angeles, and when I got this show, the very first question I asked the powers that be is will I be on in New York City? And they said no. So it took a few years, but we made it here we are now. You might be shocked as a new listener and even surprised at how simple this show is. Yeah, there's not much to it. It's just a tech show that helps people. That's it. It's not sensational. We're not filled with rumors and speculation. But I guarantee you it is informative, it's consumer focused, and it is approachable with practical advice, real reviews, helpful tips, and of course your questions. You are the best part of this show, day in, day out, So thank you for listening. Let's kick it off this week with Amazon. The company announced an event in New York City, happening on February twenty sixth, So fittingly, I thought that was pretty cool.

Now, this is especially significant for me personally because I grew up in New Jersey exit one point fifty three for those of you wondering. And not only did I grow up on New York City radio stations, I've long loved every aspect of radio. In fact, you can even see the New York City skyline from the top of the street where I grew up. I have always loved New York City. I still do. I will share more about my journey throughout the show. We've been doing this show now for two years, originating from Los Angeles, and when I got this show, the very first question I asked the powers that be is will I be on in New York City? And they said no. So it took a few years, but we made it here we are now. You might be shocked as a new listener and even surprised at how simple this show is. Yeah, there's not much to it. It's just a tech show that helps people. That's it. It's not sensational. We're not filled with rumors and speculation. But I guarantee you it is informative, it's consumer focused, and it is approachable with practical advice, real reviews, helpful tips, and of course your questions. You are the best part of this show, day in, day out, So thank you for listening. Let's kick it off this week with Amazon. The company announced an event in New York City, happening on February twenty sixth, So fittingly, I thought that was pretty cool.

The day we're on in New York City.

The day we're on in New York City.

So my invite says, join Amazon Devices on February twenty sixth in New York City and see what's next.

So my invite says, join Amazon Devices on February twenty sixth in New York City and see what's next.

So I thought that was pretty interesting. According to The Verge.

So I thought that was pretty interesting. According to The Verge.

Though the website The Verge, they saw that there were five different invite styles. They all said something a little bit different. But if you string them all together, they spell out Alexa.

Though the website The Verge, they saw that there were five different invite styles. They all said something a little bit different. But if you string them all together, they spell out Alexa.

Oops, I just said it. Whoops.

Oops, I just said it. Whoops.

Apologies, They spell out alex A in the background.

Apologies, They spell out alex A in the background.

So what does that mean.

So what does that mean.

That means that we are going to see smart home devices, the next generation of Amazon's smart home devices, and get a look at the next generation AI powered I'm gonna say, alex A just to not activate all of your speakers at home.

That means that we are going to see smart home devices, the next generation of Amazon's smart home devices, and get a look at the next generation AI powered I'm gonna say, alex A just to not activate all of your speakers at home.

But here's the thing.

But here's the thing.

This is a big moment for Amazon because they were super early to the voice assistant game, right like everyone, when they got one of those speakers, those echo speakers in their home. The magic of being able to just call something up, just saying, hey, play this song, or play this radio station, or turn on those lights or turn off that or answer this question.

This is a big moment for Amazon because they were super early to the voice assistant game, right like everyone, when they got one of those speakers, those echo speakers in their home. The magic of being able to just call something up, just saying, hey, play this song, or play this radio station, or turn on those lights or turn off that or answer this question.

It was incredible.

It was incredible.

I mean I remember, I literally remember the first time that I heard one of these echo speakers. Not to mention the sound, the audio quality was excellent as well. But this was a kind of a new moment in life. But since then, alex A has remained mostly the same. It still answers basic questions. It's mostly used to set timers and control smart home devices. Meanwhile, the likes of Chat, GBT and all these other assistants have really been taken to the next level. So Amazon needs to get this right. They've got millions of devices in people's homes, and they're kind of walking a fine line here. They still need those devices, even with the new AI to work properly and the way that people know and love. So they still need to be able to turn on and off the lights, but they need to have that added magic of AI that doesn't mess all of this up.

I mean I remember, I literally remember the first time that I heard one of these echo speakers. Not to mention the sound, the audio quality was excellent as well. But this was a kind of a new moment in life. But since then, alex A has remained mostly the same. It still answers basic questions. It's mostly used to set timers and control smart home devices. Meanwhile, the likes of Chat, GBT and all these other assistants have really been taken to the next level. So Amazon needs to get this right. They've got millions of devices in people's homes, and they're kind of walking a fine line here. They still need those devices, even with the new AI to work properly and the way that people know and love. So they still need to be able to turn on and off the lights, but they need to have that added magic of AI that doesn't mess all of this up.

Now.

Now.

Amazon actually first previewed the new ELECTSA there I go, I said it again, the New Voice in twenty twenty three, but it's been delayed and delayed and delayed ever since then because they've been figuring out how to make this work. Apparently it's not easy because AI has a mind of its own and you say, hey, turn off the lights in the backyard, it may have other things that it wants to do. So again, it has to ride this line of getting the core functionality right but also adding new functionality that people are going to love. Now, there are some rumors circulating out there that Amazon wants to charge ten dollars a month or up to ten dollars a month to use this new AI assistant.

Amazon actually first previewed the new ELECTSA there I go, I said it again, the New Voice in twenty twenty three, but it's been delayed and delayed and delayed ever since then because they've been figuring out how to make this work. Apparently it's not easy because AI has a mind of its own and you say, hey, turn off the lights in the backyard, it may have other things that it wants to do. So again, it has to ride this line of getting the core functionality right but also adding new functionality that people are going to love. Now, there are some rumors circulating out there that Amazon wants to charge ten dollars a month or up to ten dollars a month to use this new AI assistant.

We'll see.

We'll see.

So far, if history is our guide, every single AI company has given folks a standard level of service for free and then an added level of service for a paid cost. So if you go on chat GBT, you can use it as much as you want. You're getting maybe not the best model out there, maybe you're not getting the most usage that you can if you're paying for chat gibt. And by the way, they're paid plans or anywhere from twenty dollars to two hundred dollars a month. Same thing with Claude, same thing with if you look at Google, they've got Google Gemini. A lot of these AI companies are still figuring out what's that nice mix of paid and also free access. So again, February twenty sixth, big event in New York City with Amazon. I will be there and I will tell you all of the updates that you need to know. In other news this week, Apple taking on Evite. Can you believe that twenty five years into evite they are still the king of party invites? Like, when you get an invite to a party, chances are it's arriving on Evite. And this thing looks like it was locked in time, right, Like Evite still looks like nineteen ninety eight is calling. And that's fine because it does what you need, right, It gets you the information. What do you need on a party invite? The address and the date and an RSVP yes or no. That's about it. There's not much we need from invites. So evite you pick your little picture, you pick your little theme. You know, we send out our Halloween party invite, you know, through Evite. And the thing is, everyone has their information in evite already, so you've got your contacts in there. It's it's simple. You just put the names in and you send out the invite. But now Apple said, you know what, we see an opportunity here, so they came out with the new app this week called Apple Invites. Fittingly, it's very simple. You enter an event title, the date and time, the location, and that's about it, and you send it off. Now this looks much more modern, it's much more slick looking. Of course it's iPhone only because it's Apple. There's even a They did some smart thing so for instance, when you put the date and time in, it'll put the weather for that day. So if it's an outdoor party or whatever, some people just like to know what the weather is going to be, like how to dress for the party. So they've got that built in. There's even an option to create a shared album. This is actually pretty smart because you know, with every party there's always that issue of how do we share the party picks and videos with all the other guests. So now you can just upload them to this shared album and people will see them. So the app makes a lot of sense. You've already got your photos on your phone, You've got your contacts on your phone, so it's nice and easy to build an invite and send it through this new app. They also did something kind of fun. If your phone supports AI, you can use AI to generate backgrounds for your invites, so that's kind of cool. So it all works together, and Apple promises that this will work with non Apple users, but we know the process is not going to be perfect because they want everyone to have an iPhone, right. So I tried sending a link to myself and accessing it from a non Apple device, and at first I couldn't really figure it out. It kept like asking me to log in or verify my address, So it seems like you have to confirm your email address with a one time code before you can RSVP to the invite. The other catch is that you have to have a subscription. Yes, this is not just anyone with an iPhone. You have to have a subscription to iCloud Plus, which is basically if you're paying for any sort of storage on the iPhone that will get you access to this new app. And my pal Jefferson Graham, he figured out that your iCloud storage cannot be full or your invite won't go through, so that's another.

So far, if history is our guide, every single AI company has given folks a standard level of service for free and then an added level of service for a paid cost. So if you go on chat GBT, you can use it as much as you want. You're getting maybe not the best model out there, maybe you're not getting the most usage that you can if you're paying for chat gibt. And by the way, they're paid plans or anywhere from twenty dollars to two hundred dollars a month. Same thing with Claude, same thing with if you look at Google, they've got Google Gemini. A lot of these AI companies are still figuring out what's that nice mix of paid and also free access. So again, February twenty sixth, big event in New York City with Amazon. I will be there and I will tell you all of the updates that you need to know. In other news this week, Apple taking on Evite. Can you believe that twenty five years into evite they are still the king of party invites? Like, when you get an invite to a party, chances are it's arriving on Evite. And this thing looks like it was locked in time, right, Like Evite still looks like nineteen ninety eight is calling. And that's fine because it does what you need, right, It gets you the information. What do you need on a party invite? The address and the date and an RSVP yes or no. That's about it. There's not much we need from invites. So evite you pick your little picture, you pick your little theme. You know, we send out our Halloween party invite, you know, through Evite. And the thing is, everyone has their information in evite already, so you've got your contacts in there. It's it's simple. You just put the names in and you send out the invite. But now Apple said, you know what, we see an opportunity here, so they came out with the new app this week called Apple Invites. Fittingly, it's very simple. You enter an event title, the date and time, the location, and that's about it, and you send it off. Now this looks much more modern, it's much more slick looking. Of course it's iPhone only because it's Apple. There's even a They did some smart thing so for instance, when you put the date and time in, it'll put the weather for that day. So if it's an outdoor party or whatever, some people just like to know what the weather is going to be, like how to dress for the party. So they've got that built in. There's even an option to create a shared album. This is actually pretty smart because you know, with every party there's always that issue of how do we share the party picks and videos with all the other guests. So now you can just upload them to this shared album and people will see them. So the app makes a lot of sense. You've already got your photos on your phone, You've got your contacts on your phone, so it's nice and easy to build an invite and send it through this new app. They also did something kind of fun. If your phone supports AI, you can use AI to generate backgrounds for your invites, so that's kind of cool. So it all works together, and Apple promises that this will work with non Apple users, but we know the process is not going to be perfect because they want everyone to have an iPhone, right. So I tried sending a link to myself and accessing it from a non Apple device, and at first I couldn't really figure it out. It kept like asking me to log in or verify my address, So it seems like you have to confirm your email address with a one time code before you can RSVP to the invite. The other catch is that you have to have a subscription. Yes, this is not just anyone with an iPhone. You have to have a subscription to iCloud Plus, which is basically if you're paying for any sort of storage on the iPhone that will get you access to this new app. And my pal Jefferson Graham, he figured out that your iCloud storage cannot be full or your invite won't go through, so that's another.

Little catch there. Now.

Little catch there. Now.

I think the app is great, it's slick, it's nice to have an option outside of Evite, and I'm sure many folks who have an iPhone will use this. But Apple Invites breaks one of my general rules in life, and that is I prefer to use apps and services that work equally well across every platform and the two main platforms iPhone and Android. So for me personally, I like to download apps that work on iPhone and work on Android.

I think the app is great, it's slick, it's nice to have an option outside of Evite, and I'm sure many folks who have an iPhone will use this. But Apple Invites breaks one of my general rules in life, and that is I prefer to use apps and services that work equally well across every platform and the two main platforms iPhone and Android. So for me personally, I like to download apps that work on iPhone and work on Android.

I know we have this whole.

I know we have this whole.

Big divide between the blue bubble and the green bubble, and it's gotten better, but why contribute to that? Right? Like, this app is going to be used by so many people that have iPhones. All the Android people that get these invitations are going to feel like, ah, I'm a little bit left out because I'm Android. So there are alternatives. You can use something called party full. In fact, party full made a big, kind of a big deal about this online because they said that app will kind of rip them off a little bit. So party full works with green and blue bubbles, you've got punch bowl, you've got paperless posts, and of course if you want to use evite you still can. All right, Coming up on today's show, I'm gonna tell you about another app. This is a great app. You have to download this if you have a Windows PC. It's a little sluggish, a little weird. Download this free app. I'll tell you about that, But first it is your turn. Your calls coming up next at eight eight eight rich one oh one eight eight seven four to two four one zero one. Give me a call if you have a question about technology. My name is rich DeMuro and you are listening to rich on Tech.

Big divide between the blue bubble and the green bubble, and it's gotten better, but why contribute to that? Right? Like, this app is going to be used by so many people that have iPhones. All the Android people that get these invitations are going to feel like, ah, I'm a little bit left out because I'm Android. So there are alternatives. You can use something called party full. In fact, party full made a big, kind of a big deal about this online because they said that app will kind of rip them off a little bit. So party full works with green and blue bubbles, you've got punch bowl, you've got paperless posts, and of course if you want to use evite you still can. All right, Coming up on today's show, I'm gonna tell you about another app. This is a great app. You have to download this if you have a Windows PC. It's a little sluggish, a little weird. Download this free app. I'll tell you about that, But first it is your turn. Your calls coming up next at eight eight eight rich one oh one eight eight seven four to two four one zero one. Give me a call if you have a question about technology. My name is rich DeMuro and you are listening to rich on Tech.

Welcome back to rich on Tech.

Welcome back to rich on Tech.

Rich DeMuro here hanging out with you talking technology at triple A rich one oh one. That's eight eight eight seven four to two four one zero one. The website for the show richon Tech dot TV. If you want show notes, you can find them there. Just hit the light bulb at the top of the page. Let's go to Diana. Diana, you're on with Rich. Welcome to the show.

Rich DeMuro here hanging out with you talking technology at triple A rich one oh one. That's eight eight eight seven four to two four one zero one. The website for the show richon Tech dot TV. If you want show notes, you can find them there. Just hit the light bulb at the top of the page. Let's go to Diana. Diana, you're on with Rich. Welcome to the show.

Hi Rich, thank you for taking my call.

Hi Rich, thank you for taking my call.

Absolutely.

Absolutely.

The question is I'm very new to home security cams and I recently bought a b Link Mini and set it up, which was pretty simple, and so I guess I expected it to be able to continuously stream, but it seems like it streams for like five minutes and then goes up and you have to keep clicking this like a play button to have it stream five more minutes. And I guess, So my question is I'd like to have something that will just stream continuously that I don't have to pay a monthly fee for. So are any of the current popular home security cameras able to do that? And then also I was wondering if there's any iOS apps that will let you convert old iPhones into home like security cameras.

The question is I'm very new to home security cams and I recently bought a b Link Mini and set it up, which was pretty simple, and so I guess I expected it to be able to continuously stream, but it seems like it streams for like five minutes and then goes up and you have to keep clicking this like a play button to have it stream five more minutes. And I guess, So my question is I'd like to have something that will just stream continuously that I don't have to pay a monthly fee for. So are any of the current popular home security cameras able to do that? And then also I was wondering if there's any iOS apps that will let you convert old iPhones into home like security cameras.

Ooh there is, Oh gosh, I gotta get that. There is a there is an app that lets you do that. I got to find it here.

Ooh there is, Oh gosh, I gotta get that. There is a there is an app that lets you do that. I got to find it here.

Let's see.

Let's see.

So, okay, so your first question number one, the blink cameras, those are really not meant to live stream. Those are like out of all of the security cameras. Think of the name Blink, right, So those those were invented for quick clips. And the whole technology behind Blink is the battery life. And so with a couple of double A or triple A batteries whatever those little cameras take, those cameras can last up to like two years without changing the batteries.

So, okay, so your first question number one, the blink cameras, those are really not meant to live stream. Those are like out of all of the security cameras. Think of the name Blink, right, So those those were invented for quick clips. And the whole technology behind Blink is the battery life. And so with a couple of double A or triple A batteries whatever those little cameras take, those cameras can last up to like two years without changing the batteries.

Oh, the cameras that I have is plug in, so it's required.

Oh, the cameras that I have is plug in, so it's required.

Well so yeah, I mean and still but the but the idea behind Blink has always been it is not a live streaming camera.

Well so yeah, I mean and still but the but the idea behind Blink has always been it is not a live streaming camera.

It is a camera, okay.

It is a camera, okay.

And I'm not too concerned with recording capability or.

And I'm not too concerned with recording capability or.

You just want to watch the camera.

You just want to watch the camera.

Mainly, I'm looking for a home security that will just stream continuously that I can monitor.

Mainly, I'm looking for a home security that will just stream continuously that I can monitor.

Yeah, so I mean that's pretty much almost any camera I would take a look at, Diane. I think the Diane, I think the best one for you would be a UFI eu f Y eu F Y. And what people love about these cameras is that there's no monthly fees associated with them. So and you can also have local storage, so you can start with one. You can you know, live stream it as much as you want, and you can store stuff on a hard drive as well.

Yeah, so I mean that's pretty much almost any camera I would take a look at, Diane. I think the Diane, I think the best one for you would be a UFI eu f Y eu F Y. And what people love about these cameras is that there's no monthly fees associated with them. So and you can also have local storage, so you can start with one. You can you know, live stream it as much as you want, and you can store stuff on a hard drive as well.

They sell that.

They sell that.

The other camera, if you want something that's a little bit cheaper, is the Wysecam w y Z, Wisecam Wyze and those are great and you can live stream those as well. So now, some of these cameras sometimes will have a timeout depending on the device you're looking at them on, so it kind of depends on and also the setup, so like some of the Ring cameras may do that as well. But you know, I'm looking at my wise cam right now and basically, yeah, you just load it up and you can watch it now. There were some limitations at one point when we were trying to watch this through a Google Home device, But on my on my phone right here, I can watch it as much as I want. It's not it's not timing out. So that's Those are the two brands I'd recommend for that uf EU f Y and Wyse, and the Wyse is going to be a little bit cheaper. They're known for like pretty inexpensive cameras. Now, when it comes to converting an old phone into a security camera, the app that you want is called Alfred a l FR ed Alfred Camera, and this is available for both Android and iPhone. Now again, of course you want to you know, if you're going to do this, you want to wipe the phone clean, start over fresh, and then install just this app on the phone, because you do need to leave your phone plugged in and also on the whole time if it's going to work that way. But this is a popular app, it's got a lot going on. Let's see if it's when the last time they were updated. I always like, whenever I'm looking at an app to see if it's a good app, you want to check the last time it was updated. So if it was updated in the last six months or something like that, then great. Now this one was updated January sixteenth, twenty twenty five, so that one's going to be great on the androidd side, on the iPhone side January twenty third, twenty twenty five. So again, this is the website Alfred Alfried Dot Camera. The other thing I like to look at is if there are any in app purchases. So on Google they don't necessarily show you if there are in app purchases, but if you look up the app on the App Store and you scroll down, it will tell you if there are any in app purchases. And I'm looking at the Alfred it does say Alfred Premium five ninety nine twelve months twenty nine ninety nine. So that tells me that you'll get a free level of usage out of this app, and then you have to pay if you want something a little bit above and beyond that.

The other camera, if you want something that's a little bit cheaper, is the Wysecam w y Z, Wisecam Wyze and those are great and you can live stream those as well. So now, some of these cameras sometimes will have a timeout depending on the device you're looking at them on, so it kind of depends on and also the setup, so like some of the Ring cameras may do that as well. But you know, I'm looking at my wise cam right now and basically, yeah, you just load it up and you can watch it now. There were some limitations at one point when we were trying to watch this through a Google Home device, But on my on my phone right here, I can watch it as much as I want. It's not it's not timing out. So that's Those are the two brands I'd recommend for that uf EU f Y and Wyse, and the Wyse is going to be a little bit cheaper. They're known for like pretty inexpensive cameras. Now, when it comes to converting an old phone into a security camera, the app that you want is called Alfred a l FR ed Alfred Camera, and this is available for both Android and iPhone. Now again, of course you want to you know, if you're going to do this, you want to wipe the phone clean, start over fresh, and then install just this app on the phone, because you do need to leave your phone plugged in and also on the whole time if it's going to work that way. But this is a popular app, it's got a lot going on. Let's see if it's when the last time they were updated. I always like, whenever I'm looking at an app to see if it's a good app, you want to check the last time it was updated. So if it was updated in the last six months or something like that, then great. Now this one was updated January sixteenth, twenty twenty five, so that one's going to be great on the androidd side, on the iPhone side January twenty third, twenty twenty five. So again, this is the website Alfred Alfried Dot Camera. The other thing I like to look at is if there are any in app purchases. So on Google they don't necessarily show you if there are in app purchases, but if you look up the app on the App Store and you scroll down, it will tell you if there are any in app purchases. And I'm looking at the Alfred it does say Alfred Premium five ninety nine twelve months twenty nine ninety nine. So that tells me that you'll get a free level of usage out of this app, and then you have to pay if you want something a little bit above and beyond that.

So but yeah, this is super easy to use.

So but yeah, this is super easy to use.

It says you can set it up in three minutes and twenty four to seven livestream, watch the video from anywhere, and you can change. You can convert an old iPhone or an old Android phone into a security cam. This great question, Diana, Thanks for kicking off the show with that.

It says you can set it up in three minutes and twenty four to seven livestream, watch the video from anywhere, and you can change. You can convert an old iPhone or an old Android phone into a security cam. This great question, Diana, Thanks for kicking off the show with that.

Do appreciate it.

Do appreciate it.

Eight eight eight rich one O one eight eight eight seven four to two four one zero one. The website for the show richon Tech dot tv. If you want links to anything I mentioned, just go there and look up. This is show number one zero eight.

Eight eight eight rich one O one eight eight eight seven four to two four one zero one. The website for the show richon Tech dot tv. If you want links to anything I mentioned, just go there and look up. This is show number one zero eight.

Coming up, we will.

Coming up, we will.

Talk to a special guest, plus I'll tell you about the app you need to download if you have a Windows PC. Welcome back to rich on Tech. Rich Demiro here hanging out with you, talking technology at Triple A. Rich one O one. That's eight eight eight seven four to two four one zero one. The website for the show rich on Tech dot TV. You can send me an email there by hitting contact, And if you want to follow me on social media, I am at rich on Tech on Instagram.

Talk to a special guest, plus I'll tell you about the app you need to download if you have a Windows PC. Welcome back to rich on Tech. Rich Demiro here hanging out with you, talking technology at Triple A. Rich one O one. That's eight eight eight seven four to two four one zero one. The website for the show rich on Tech dot TV. You can send me an email there by hitting contact, And if you want to follow me on social media, I am at rich on Tech on Instagram.

So did you know that.

So did you know that.

Microsoft has a free PC optimization app? I downloaded this yesterday, and you know, if your system is running kind of messy or sluggish or whatever you think something's going on, download this app. It's called Microsoft PC Manager. Now, don't just go searching on Google for that, because if you do, it's going to lead you to one hundred different programs that may or may not be the right one. So the website Pcmanager dot Microsoft dot com. There's many imposters out there, but this basically is for Windows ten and eleven. It's a free utility and it offers all kinds of built in tools to improve the performance of your computer and free upspace and it's it's quite good, so you can boost PC performance. So there's like one click to clean up and free UPRAM and disk space. You can manage your storage by getting rid of big files. There's a health checkup feature so you can find and fix issues, scan for threats on your computer, and clear out junk files. There's a pop up management toggle so you can reduce ads and pop ups, and then there's a whole bunch of stuff. There's a Internet speed monitoring in the taskbar if you want to see how fast your internet is, and some widgets as well. But I installed this yesterday. It is free, it's simple, it's easy. It comes directly from Microsoft. And again it's called Microsoft PC Manager, So if your computer's acting a little wonky, you got Windows ten or Windows eleven, download this app. The alternative is called Sea Cleaner. That's been the one over the years that a lot of folks like I think that was just purchased by another company. But anyway, this one's right for Microsoft and super easy to install. So there you have it, rich on tech dot tv if you want to link to that. All right, let's bring on special guest. You know, I mentioned that this is the first show that we are broadcasting in New York City, so I figured i'd bring on a special guest who knows the Tri State.

Microsoft has a free PC optimization app? I downloaded this yesterday, and you know, if your system is running kind of messy or sluggish or whatever you think something's going on, download this app. It's called Microsoft PC Manager. Now, don't just go searching on Google for that, because if you do, it's going to lead you to one hundred different programs that may or may not be the right one. So the website Pcmanager dot Microsoft dot com. There's many imposters out there, but this basically is for Windows ten and eleven. It's a free utility and it offers all kinds of built in tools to improve the performance of your computer and free upspace and it's it's quite good, so you can boost PC performance. So there's like one click to clean up and free UPRAM and disk space. You can manage your storage by getting rid of big files. There's a health checkup feature so you can find and fix issues, scan for threats on your computer, and clear out junk files. There's a pop up management toggle so you can reduce ads and pop ups, and then there's a whole bunch of stuff. There's a Internet speed monitoring in the taskbar if you want to see how fast your internet is, and some widgets as well. But I installed this yesterday. It is free, it's simple, it's easy. It comes directly from Microsoft. And again it's called Microsoft PC Manager, So if your computer's acting a little wonky, you got Windows ten or Windows eleven, download this app. The alternative is called Sea Cleaner. That's been the one over the years that a lot of folks like I think that was just purchased by another company. But anyway, this one's right for Microsoft and super easy to install. So there you have it, rich on tech dot tv if you want to link to that. All right, let's bring on special guest. You know, I mentioned that this is the first show that we are broadcasting in New York City, so I figured i'd bring on a special guest who knows the Tri State.

Area well, and it is none other than my mom.

Area well, and it is none other than my mom.

Welcome to the show, Mom, Hi Richard, thank you.

Welcome to the show, Mom, Hi Richard, thank you.

My mom is the only one who calls me Richard.

My mom is the only one who calls me Richard.

By the way, after all these years, you are Jersey born and you've lived there forever. First off, are you excited that you can finally hear me on the airwaves in New York City?

By the way, after all these years, you are Jersey born and you've lived there forever. First off, are you excited that you can finally hear me on the airwaves in New York City?

Oh?

Oh?

Yes, I'm very excited. Yes, I really am.

Yes, I'm very excited. Yes, I really am.

Have you told any of your friends?

Have you told any of your friends?

I'm even more excited that because it was your dream. But what's your question?

I'm even more excited that because it was your dream. But what's your question?

Have you told any of your friends? More importantly, are you spreading the word?

Have you told any of your friends? More importantly, are you spreading the word?

Yes? Of course I did. I told a lot of my friends. Of course I was bragging.

Yes? Of course I did. I told a lot of my friends. Of course I was bragging.

Yes, okay, all.

Yes, okay, all.

Right, so I guess typically when I call you, I ask how your tech is doing?

Right, so I guess typically when I call you, I ask how your tech is doing?

So how is everything? Is everything working in your home?

So how is everything? Is everything working in your home?

Yeah?

Yeah?

Everything is? What once in a while my phone doesn't make a sound when I get a text or something.

Everything is? What once in a while my phone doesn't make a sound when I get a text or something.

So, oh, look at the time we got to go all right, Well, thank you mom for joining me. Appreciate that. No, well, you know that happens.

So, oh, look at the time we got to go all right, Well, thank you mom for joining me. Appreciate that. No, well, you know that happens.

That good.

That good.

But the good news is when I stilled an entire cup of coffee on my laptop that's working.

But the good news is when I stilled an entire cup of coffee on my laptop that's working.

Oh you know, go figure.

Oh you know, go figure.

I've dropped coffee on my computer several times, and you know you got to let it dry.

I've dropped coffee on my computer several times, and you know you got to let it dry.

Out.

Out.

My main advice is to let it dry out. So now here's the other thing. I know your cellular service because I help you with it. It costs like fifteen bucks a month. Does it really cost that much?

My main advice is to let it dry out. So now here's the other thing. I know your cellular service because I help you with it. It costs like fifteen bucks a month. Does it really cost that much?

I don't know. I pay for the whole year, so I don't really know what it costs a month.

I don't know. I pay for the whole year, so I don't really know what it costs a month.

But I mean, you have service that's pretty you know, it's like I think it's Mint Mobile, right, isn't that what it is? Yeah?

But I mean, you have service that's pretty you know, it's like I think it's Mint Mobile, right, isn't that what it is? Yeah?

And you tell your friends that I only pay this much, like under three hundred a year, and they don't believe you.

And you tell your friends that I only pay this much, like under three hundred a year, and they don't believe you.

Well, yeah, because they don't believe that I get everything for that cost.

Well, yeah, because they don't believe that I get everything for that cost.

Well, you don't get everything.

Well, you don't get everything.

I think you only had like four gigs of data, but you know, it's still only fifteen dollars a month.

I think you only had like four gigs of data, but you know, it's still only fifteen dollars a month.

I've never used all the gigs.

I've never used all the gigs.

I'm surprised with all that scrolling on Facebook and Instagram.

I'm surprised with all that scrolling on Facebook and Instagram.

No, I've never used them all, so go figure. But no, but I have everything. I mean, I have everything on my phone. Everybody else does and it's fine.

No, I've never used them all, so go figure. But no, but I have everything. I mean, I have everything on my phone. Everybody else does and it's fine.

Okay, here's my other question for you. Now, you were a Netflix kling on for many years, so you were you were in the sharing economy of your family member mainly me and maybe some other siblings.

Okay, here's my other question for you. Now, you were a Netflix kling on for many years, so you were you were in the sharing economy of your family member mainly me and maybe some other siblings.

Uh.

Uh.

Netflix broke that functionality. They said no more, no more sharing. So how long did you go without Netflix?

Netflix broke that functionality. They said no more, no more sharing. So how long did you go without Netflix?

And what was that like?

And what was that like?

I guess I won't about how it would be a year, maybe maybe more. But the weird thing is Netflix would would I would get Netflix every so often for about a week and then they.

I guess I won't about how it would be a year, maybe maybe more. But the weird thing is Netflix would would I would get Netflix every so often for about a week and then they.

Would take it away.

Would take it away.

Wow.

Wow.

Okay, so this kind of came and went, well, now you have Netflix for real.

Okay, so this kind of came and went, well, now you have Netflix for real.

Do you know why?

Do you know why?

Excuse me?

Excuse me?

Do you know why you have Netflix for real right now?

Do you know why you have Netflix for real right now?

Yes?

Yes?

Because you got it for me.

Because you got it for me.

Yes, that's right.

Yes, that's right.

I finally decided that my mom was worth nine dollars a month for the added account that you can add onto Netflix. So after all these months, I felt guilty and I said, you know what, I think. I think I could swing the nine dollars a month for my mom to have Netflix. And are you have you watched all of Netflix yet or what? Are you making your way through it?

I finally decided that my mom was worth nine dollars a month for the added account that you can add onto Netflix. So after all these months, I felt guilty and I said, you know what, I think. I think I could swing the nine dollars a month for my mom to have Netflix. And are you have you watched all of Netflix yet or what? Are you making your way through it?

I haven't watched all of it, No, but I mean I do put it on usually at night.

I haven't watched all of it, No, but I mean I do put it on usually at night.

Yes, okay, Well, don't let it get in the in the in the way of this show, all right, So before you go. I do have a couple of questions for you, like a little a little New York area quiz for you. Okay, you ready?

Yes, okay, Well, don't let it get in the in the in the way of this show, all right, So before you go. I do have a couple of questions for you, like a little a little New York area quiz for you. Okay, you ready?

Oh?

Oh?

I hope I have the answers.

I hope I have the answers.

Yeah, okay, first question?

Yeah, okay, first question?

What states are in the tri state area?

What states are in the tri state area?

New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut.

New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut.

That's right? Okay, you got that right.

That's right? Okay, you got that right.

Uh?

Uh?

Oh, I thank god?

Oh, I thank god?

Bagel buttered or cream cheese for me?

Bagel buttered or cream cheese for me?

Buttered?

Buttered?

Oh that's me too, okay. See, oh yeah, I.

Oh that's me too, okay. See, oh yeah, I.

Don't really like cream cheese.

Don't really like cream cheese.

I like butter.

I like butter.

Okay.

Okay.

As a Jersey in, what do you think of Jersey Mikes?

As a Jersey in, what do you think of Jersey Mikes?

Pretty good?

Pretty good?

Actually, I have a gift card to Jersey Mics that I won at work. I haven't used it yet because I keep forgetting.

Actually, I have a gift card to Jersey Mics that I won at work. I haven't used it yet because I keep forgetting.

We'll get that sub on.

We'll get that sub on.

It's pretty good, okay.

It's pretty good, okay.

Uh? And uh Bruce Springsteen or bon Jovi?

Uh? And uh Bruce Springsteen or bon Jovi?

I was always more a bon Jovi girl.

I was always more a bon Jovi girl.

That's putting it lightly. Mom.

That's putting it lightly. Mom.

Why Yeah, I.

Why Yeah, I.

Like bon Jovi better than Bruce Springsteen Okay, mainly because he's he's very good looking? Can I say that?

Like bon Jovi better than Bruce Springsteen Okay, mainly because he's he's very good looking? Can I say that?

And he Why couldn't you say that? You don't think anyone's ever thought that?

And he Why couldn't you say that? You don't think anyone's ever thought that?

Yeah?

Yeah?

And I preferred music more than Christein but I also like Bruce Springsteen, all.

And I preferred music more than Christein but I also like Bruce Springsteen, all.

Right, and favorite food from down the shore. That's what we call it. By the way, New Jersey. You go down the shore, up the lake, down the shore into the city. So what do you what's your favorite food growing up?

Right, and favorite food from down the shore. That's what we call it. By the way, New Jersey. You go down the shore, up the lake, down the shore into the city. So what do you what's your favorite food growing up?

My favorite food I don't know, maybe pizza and Core's ice cream.

My favorite food I don't know, maybe pizza and Core's ice cream.

I thought you're gonna say Core's light. I was like, whoa, mom is getting a little sloppy.

I thought you're gonna say Core's light. I was like, whoa, mom is getting a little sloppy.

Now, no, that would be no, that would be a martini.

Now, no, that would be no, that would be a martini.

But oha, oh, just going straight for the hard stuff. Okay, all right.

But oha, oh, just going straight for the hard stuff. Okay, all right.

Any advice for me as I embark on taking on New York City with this show.

Any advice for me as I embark on taking on New York City with this show.

Any advice I think, just be yourself because you're part Jersey, you're part California, and I think you have the best of world and I think you're going to do great.

Any advice I think, just be yourself because you're part Jersey, you're part California, and I think you have the best of world and I think you're going to do great.

Actually, all right, well, thank you mom, Love you have a good day.

Actually, all right, well, thank you mom, Love you have a good day.

Okay, love you.

Okay, love you.

I hope that internet continues to work. Thank you, appreciate it. Uh that is my mom. Thank you mom for joining me. All right, coming up, we're going to talk more more tech eight eight eight rich one O one eight eight eight seven four to two four one zero one.

I hope that internet continues to work. Thank you, appreciate it. Uh that is my mom. Thank you mom for joining me. All right, coming up, we're going to talk more more tech eight eight eight rich one O one eight eight eight seven four to two four one zero one.

I see your calls. I see on.

I see your calls. I see on.

Hold, we'll get to those in just a moment. Welcome back to Rich on Tech. Rich DeMuro here hanging out with you, talking technology at Triple eight. Rich one O one eight eight eight seven four to two four one zero one.

Hold, we'll get to those in just a moment. Welcome back to Rich on Tech. Rich DeMuro here hanging out with you, talking technology at Triple eight. Rich one O one eight eight eight seven four to two four one zero one.

Let's go to Mark. Mark, you're on with Rich. Welcome to the show.

Let's go to Mark. Mark, you're on with Rich. Welcome to the show.

Hello Rich. We're very sad you're leading La just when we really need you.

Hello Rich. We're very sad you're leading La just when we really need you.

I'm not leaving LA.

I'm not leaving LA.

Everyone's saying that, I'm just it's it's an expansion. I'm staying in LA. We are just now on in New York City.

Everyone's saying that, I'm just it's it's an expansion. I'm staying in LA. We are just now on in New York City.

So okay, just to be clear, Yeah, thank you. I know I missed that.

So okay, just to be clear, Yeah, thank you. I know I missed that.

People got a little upset. I got a bunch of emails. So no, I'm still here. What can I help you with?

People got a little upset. I got a bunch of emails. So no, I'm still here. What can I help you with?

So?

So?

I have an orb Mesh system which was not cheap, about two and a half years old, and I just added a new satellite to it and it does not connect. I called orb Tech support and they said that I need to renew this is the security subscription for three hundred and twenty nine dollars. Wow, So I did what and it's not working?

I have an orb Mesh system which was not cheap, about two and a half years old, and I just added a new satellite to it and it does not connect. I called orb Tech support and they said that I need to renew this is the security subscription for three hundred and twenty nine dollars. Wow, So I did what and it's not working?

Oh? Come on, no way, that sounds like a scam. Are you sure? You dialed the right phone number.

Oh? Come on, no way, that sounds like a scam. Are you sure? You dialed the right phone number.

Well, how did you get the number that you follow? I mean they had my account, they had you know, they they had access to the you know.

Well, how did you get the number that you follow? I mean they had my account, they had you know, they they had access to the you know.

Orb app and three nine dollars for what for five years? Okay? For five years? Okay?

Orb app and three nine dollars for what for five years? Okay? For five years? Okay?

Uh divided by five okay, sixty five dollars a year? What do you get for that?

Uh divided by five okay, sixty five dollars a year? What do you get for that?

You get?

You get?

You know?

You know?

It's I guess that they're saying that the system doesn't that MESH systems don't really work unless you actually have their security package and then you get the.

It's I guess that they're saying that the system doesn't that MESH systems don't really work unless you actually have their security package and then you get the.

Whole text from Now this sounds bogus. I would I would request a refund.

Whole text from Now this sounds bogus. I would I would request a refund.

Okay this, but the satellite's not working though.

Okay this, but the satellite's not working though.

Well, okay, so there's two things going on here. First off, I'm looking at the So is this like netgear armor? Is that what is called?

Well, okay, so there's two things going on here. First off, I'm looking at the So is this like netgear armor? Is that what is called?

Okay, No, it's not the armor. They said, that's something different.

Okay, No, it's not the armor. They said, that's something different.

Okay, So what what did you subscribe to?

Okay, So what what did you subscribe to?

They're calling it the security system that comes with it. You get two years when you buy it, and they're saying that it well, the whole system doesn't work unless you have the security on it.

They're calling it the security system that comes with it. You get two years when you buy it, and they're saying that it well, the whole system doesn't work unless you have the security on it.

M that's that sounds very I mean number one, I would not I would not even the fact that this little satellite is not working and connecting. That could be related to maybe the age of the system, like the because you have an older system that you're connecting a new satellite to.

M that's that sounds very I mean number one, I would not I would not even the fact that this little satellite is not working and connecting. That could be related to maybe the age of the system, like the because you have an older system that you're connecting a new satellite to.

But but it is the satellite that's made to connect to that system, which they told me, you know, this is the one if you buy it new, but it's definitely made to connect to your satellite, your system.

But but it is the satellite that's made to connect to that system, which they told me, you know, this is the one if you buy it new, but it's definitely made to connect to your satellite, your system.

Okay, well, there's no way that you need a subscription to connect this satellite. I just I don't believe that. I have to do some more research, but okay, I have So I have the eurosystem, and yes, they also sell a subscription yearly, and the subscription gives you some added things like extra security, you know, malware and that kind of stuff.

Okay, well, there's no way that you need a subscription to connect this satellite. I just I don't believe that. I have to do some more research, but okay, I have So I have the eurosystem, and yes, they also sell a subscription yearly, and the subscription gives you some added things like extra security, you know, malware and that kind of stuff.

Protection. It does all that. And I also do have an Eero system at another place, and when I asked them about it, they said, well, yeah, well the euro comes with five years when you buy it, then you have to add on years. You know, at that point it's absolute all right, So you're saying that that's.

Protection. It does all that. And I also do have an Eero system at another place, and when I asked them about it, they said, well, yeah, well the euro comes with five years when you buy it, then you have to add on years. You know, at that point it's absolute all right, So you're saying that that's.

I'm saying that this is all This all sounds bogus to me, Like I think they just sold you on this subscription that you I don't think you need it, Like, I'll be honest, the only reason why I do the subscription on my my ero is because it blocks ads across the network and it gives me some parental controls that I want for my kids.

I'm saying that this is all This all sounds bogus to me, Like I think they just sold you on this subscription that you I don't think you need it, Like, I'll be honest, the only reason why I do the subscription on my my ero is because it blocks ads across the network and it gives me some parental controls that I want for my kids.

So does it.

So does it.

Give me actual you know, security?

Give me actual you know, security?

It it does?

It it does?

I mean, it says it does. So, I mean it probably does scan the the URLs and things. But if you're using like a modern browser like Chrome, that's doing that anyway. So I mean I think that you know, look, it's one of these things. I think there's two things going on here. Do you want to pay the three twenty nine for the five years? I don't like the sales tactics that they gave you, that says, And I think you need to figure out why this this satellite device is not connecting to the network, Like why is it not adding it?

I mean, it says it does. So, I mean it probably does scan the the URLs and things. But if you're using like a modern browser like Chrome, that's doing that anyway. So I mean I think that you know, look, it's one of these things. I think there's two things going on here. Do you want to pay the three twenty nine for the five years? I don't like the sales tactics that they gave you, that says, And I think you need to figure out why this this satellite device is not connecting to the network, Like why is it not adding it?

What?

What?

What's the hold up? Like does it see it and then it doesn't connect or does it not even see it when you're trying to connect?

What's the hold up? Like does it see it and then it doesn't connect or does it not even see it when you're trying to connect?

You know on the uh what's it called the network chart? You know everything is green, that one is orange the network map. And so but now they're working on it. I mean, you know, they guy, they do call me and they have someone assigned to it from Bangalore. But I was suspicious when as soon as they did the network, as soon as I paid, and they said that's going to be it, and it didn't. And they said, well it takes forty eight hours.

You know on the uh what's it called the network chart? You know everything is green, that one is orange the network map. And so but now they're working on it. I mean, you know, they guy, they do call me and they have someone assigned to it from Bangalore. But I was suspicious when as soon as they did the network, as soon as I paid, and they said that's going to be it, and it didn't. And they said, well it takes forty eight hours.

Oh come on, eight hours, Mark, I think I think sold here. Did you check your credit card to see where the charge came from?

Oh come on, eight hours, Mark, I think I think sold here. Did you check your credit card to see where the charge came from?

Oh? Okay? And then and then the reason I'm doing is because I have an R Low doorbell camera and I have a house on lots of levels which is having image trouble. So I figured that it was having image trouble because of the distance between the R Low camera and this and this satellite I have on like a three or four story house.

Oh? Okay? And then and then the reason I'm doing is because I have an R Low doorbell camera and I have a house on lots of levels which is having image trouble. So I figured that it was having image trouble because of the distance between the R Low camera and this and this satellite I have on like a three or four story house.

That's probably true. Yeah, okay.

That's probably true. Yeah, okay.

You know when the when the ring doorbells first came out, everyone thought they were horrible because they thought they didn't work. But it really it's just a Wi Fi was not ready for that level of streaming outside the house.

You know when the when the ring doorbells first came out, everyone thought they were horrible because they thought they didn't work. But it really it's just a Wi Fi was not ready for that level of streaming outside the house.

Right.

Right.

So here's what I here's what I do, Mark. I mean, you've got a couple of things going on here. Number one, I would check to make sure that this charge was legitimate. It says that they saw your your account and all that stuff. They could have been making that up. It sounds a little suspicious to me. I'm trying to find and this is another issue with their with their subscription. It's like I can't even see on their website what this subscription costs. I mean, it's like it's so hidden that I don't even Okay, So Neckgear Armor and then Neckgear Pro Support, so there's a there are three different subscriptions they have here, and I'm looking at compare plans, and even when I look at the plan, it still doesn't tell me how much it is. So I don't like that. That is not very transparent, and you know I don't so I don't like that tactic. And then the thing not working I would do. I would do a factory. First off, here's here's the order in which I would do things. Number One, I confirm that you were actually talking to Orby and Neckgear and make sure that that charge came from them, So I check your credit card, make sure that it's a legitimate charge from that company. Number two, look at the services that you get for that subscription. If you feel like it's reasonable, keep it whatever. Number three, you got to figure out why this little satellite is not connecting to your network. And what I would do now that you have this subscription, I would make sure you update the software on that satellite. If you can't do that, disconnect it, factory reset it, update the software on your whole network, and then try to reconnect that little satellite and hopefully it should come back to life and be on your network. But this whole business of your your system won't work if you're not paying for this subscription. As far as I know, none of the Mesh networks work that way. But of course the way of the world right now, everything everyone wants a subscription, and so I understand that they're trying to sell you on that. I don't necessarily think you need that to make this work. But thanks for the call mark appreciate it. Eight A eight rich one O one eight eight eight seven four to two four one zero one. Well, speaking of free, the Windows Intelligence Newsletter had a good spot on free VPNs. So I know everyone's looking for a VPN and there's a whole bunch of them out there. I mean, there's so many paid and free. But Chris Hoffman writing in this newsletter, Windows Intelligence Newsletter said there's two that he recommends that he likes, and he says these are two solid free VPN options. Win Scribe wind Scribe, no speed throttling, full VPN experience, limited to ten gigs a month, so if you just need ten gigs, Winscribe is your is your VPN, and then Proton. Proton VPN has no data cap, but the free servers, he says, can be a little bit slower. So if you're looking for a VPN for your Windows computer or even your mobile device, these are two solid free options, Winscribe and Proton VPN. I'll put a link to this on the website rich on tech dot tv And if you like Windows tips like that, Chris does a great job and his Intelligence newsletter of highlighting that stuff. I mean, do you need a VPN? You know, My advice on the VPN typically is don't be checking your financial and secure accounts outside of the house if you're not using one, right, use a cellular connection on your home PC if you're at a hotel something like that.

So here's what I here's what I do, Mark. I mean, you've got a couple of things going on here. Number one, I would check to make sure that this charge was legitimate. It says that they saw your your account and all that stuff. They could have been making that up. It sounds a little suspicious to me. I'm trying to find and this is another issue with their with their subscription. It's like I can't even see on their website what this subscription costs. I mean, it's like it's so hidden that I don't even Okay, So Neckgear Armor and then Neckgear Pro Support, so there's a there are three different subscriptions they have here, and I'm looking at compare plans, and even when I look at the plan, it still doesn't tell me how much it is. So I don't like that. That is not very transparent, and you know I don't so I don't like that tactic. And then the thing not working I would do. I would do a factory. First off, here's here's the order in which I would do things. Number One, I confirm that you were actually talking to Orby and Neckgear and make sure that that charge came from them, So I check your credit card, make sure that it's a legitimate charge from that company. Number two, look at the services that you get for that subscription. If you feel like it's reasonable, keep it whatever. Number three, you got to figure out why this little satellite is not connecting to your network. And what I would do now that you have this subscription, I would make sure you update the software on that satellite. If you can't do that, disconnect it, factory reset it, update the software on your whole network, and then try to reconnect that little satellite and hopefully it should come back to life and be on your network. But this whole business of your your system won't work if you're not paying for this subscription. As far as I know, none of the Mesh networks work that way. But of course the way of the world right now, everything everyone wants a subscription, and so I understand that they're trying to sell you on that. I don't necessarily think you need that to make this work. But thanks for the call mark appreciate it. Eight A eight rich one O one eight eight eight seven four to two four one zero one. Well, speaking of free, the Windows Intelligence Newsletter had a good spot on free VPNs. So I know everyone's looking for a VPN and there's a whole bunch of them out there. I mean, there's so many paid and free. But Chris Hoffman writing in this newsletter, Windows Intelligence Newsletter said there's two that he recommends that he likes, and he says these are two solid free VPN options. Win Scribe wind Scribe, no speed throttling, full VPN experience, limited to ten gigs a month, so if you just need ten gigs, Winscribe is your is your VPN, and then Proton. Proton VPN has no data cap, but the free servers, he says, can be a little bit slower. So if you're looking for a VPN for your Windows computer or even your mobile device, these are two solid free options, Winscribe and Proton VPN. I'll put a link to this on the website rich on tech dot tv And if you like Windows tips like that, Chris does a great job and his Intelligence newsletter of highlighting that stuff. I mean, do you need a VPN? You know, My advice on the VPN typically is don't be checking your financial and secure accounts outside of the house if you're not using one, right, use a cellular connection on your home PC if you're at a hotel something like that.

You know, there are times when you might want to use a VPN.

You know, there are times when you might want to use a VPN.

Eight to eight Rich one O one eight eight eight seven four to two four one zero one. This is rich on Tech. Welcome back to rich On Tech. Rich DeMuro here hanging out with you, talking technology at Triple eight rich one oh one eight eight eight seven four to two four one zero one. Hope you're having a great day. The website for the show is rich john Tech dot tv. Go there, hit the light bulb, you can get the show notes, or you can hit contact to send me an email. Got a bunch of emails people saying I'm no longer gonna have this show in Los Angeles.

Eight to eight Rich one O one eight eight eight seven four to two four one zero one. This is rich on Tech. Welcome back to rich On Tech. Rich DeMuro here hanging out with you, talking technology at Triple eight rich one oh one eight eight eight seven four to two four one zero one. Hope you're having a great day. The website for the show is rich john Tech dot tv. Go there, hit the light bulb, you can get the show notes, or you can hit contact to send me an email. Got a bunch of emails people saying I'm no longer gonna have this show in Los Angeles.

That's not true.

That's not true.

I made a joke at the beginning of the show. I said it was the last time you're gonna be able to I said it was the last time you're going to be able to listen to me in Los Angeles, something like that, without it also being on in New York anyway. So now we're on in both places and other places as well. So but this is the first day of New York City. So thanks for listening if you're there, and if you're still with me in LA which you should be hopefully, thank you for listening there or anywhere else you might be.

I made a joke at the beginning of the show. I said it was the last time you're gonna be able to I said it was the last time you're going to be able to listen to me in Los Angeles, something like that, without it also being on in New York anyway. So now we're on in both places and other places as well. So but this is the first day of New York City. So thanks for listening if you're there, and if you're still with me in LA which you should be hopefully, thank you for listening there or anywhere else you might be.

Uh, let's see, let's go to the phones. Let's go to Katie. Let's go to Katie. You're on with Rich. Katie. Welcome to the show.

Uh, let's see, let's go to the phones. Let's go to Katie. Let's go to Katie. You're on with Rich. Katie. Welcome to the show.

Hi, Rich.

Hi, Rich.