Rich On Tech

• TVs returned after the Super Bowl: Returns management firm B‑Stock says TV returns jump more than 100% after the big game, a practice known as “wardrobing.” Vizio is the most-returned brand, highlighting how buyers prioritize size and price over long-term satisfaction.

• Wireless carriers customers like best: New rankings from J.D. Power show satisfaction is driven less by price and more by how easy it is to resolve problems. T-Mobile leads among major carriers, while Mint Mobile and Visible top prepaid and MVNO categories.

• Nancy Guthrie case raises major tech questions: Investigators are relying on timestamps from a doorbell camera, home security system, pacemaker app, and smartphone data to build a timeline. The case highlights how device connectivity, Bluetooth range, and cloud storage affect what evidence is available.

• Doorbell cameras and subscriptions matter: Many popular brands including Ring and Arlo lock video history behind paid plans. Local-storage options like Blink and subscription-free brands offer alternatives, but each comes with tradeoffs.

• VoIP burner numbers aren’t fully anonymous: A suspect sending fake ransom messages was traced through a VoIP texting service. Even burner numbers can be linked back to email accounts and IP addresses when providers respond to warrants.

• Could people be tracked like pets in the future?: A caller asked whether cases like Guthrie’s could push families toward implantable tracking tech. AirTags and wearables have limits, and implantable tracking raises serious privacy and ethical concerns.

• Super Bowl streaming isn’t always free: The game is available in 4K HDR on Peacock, but requires a paid subscription. That’s a shift from last year’s free streaming on Tubi, and something hosts should warn guests about before kickoff.

• Prediction markets blur the line with gambling: Platforms offering event contracts on sports, politics, and culture feel like sportsbooks but operate under different rules. Supporters say they’re federally regulated markets, while critics argue they normalize betting behavior.

• Apple Cash account lockouts frustrate users: A listener whose Apple Cash account was permanently closed was told there’s no appeal process. Alternatives like Venmo and Cash App offer similar features with debit cards and Apple Wallet support.

• Windows 10 holdouts face a deadline: Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates program offers one more year of patches after Windows 10 support ends. It reduces risk, but users running older systems still need to be cautious about phishing and malware.

• Siri settlement checks and safer payouts: Payments around $40 are going out, but claiming them requires entering bank details. Using routing numbers from PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App can add a layer of protection.

• Amazon’s delivery speed explained: Amazon says AI now predicts what people will buy and pre-positions items closer to customers, enabling same-day, next-day, and even 30-minute delivery for everyday essentials.

• CES 2026 computers focus on efficiency: Guest Dan Ackerman says new chips from Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm prioritize battery life and AI tasks. Rollable screens and expandable displays are moving from concept to store shelves.

• AI PCs still confuse buyers: “AI PC” branding refers to local processing for tasks like video effects and transcription, not cloud tools like ChatGPT. Most users don’t need to upgrade just for AI yet.

• Social media lawsuits compare to tobacco and opioids: Trial attorney James Rubinowitz says cases argue platforms were deliberately engineered to be addictive to children. Large verdicts could force design changes like limits on infinite scroll.

• Robot dog ads spark complaints: The Wuffy AI robot dog is drawing Better Business Bureau complaints after buyers receive a cheap toy that doesn’t match online ads. The case underscores the need to verify sellers and return policies before buying viral products.

• Tech support memberships compared: Geek Squad, Asurion, and HelloTech offer annual plans, but Rich notes local independent techs can be a better fit if you vet them carefully and avoid sponsored search results.

• Common scams growing more sophisticated: Listeners reported fake carrier notifications, remote-access malware disguised as documents, and bogus healthcare alerts. The key rule: never call numbers from texts or search results — use official sites or the back of your card.

• Crypto volatility wipes out paper millionaires: Bitcoin’s sharp drop pushed thousands below millionaire status, reinforcing that crypto remains highly speculative and tied more to sentiment than everyday utility.

• Computer Exorcist warns about modern PCs: Guest Mark Anthony Arena says antivirus software often misses today’s threats, and integrated storage in modern laptops makes data recovery harder without backups.

• Listeners push back on addictive tech culture: Callers raised concerns about kids’ games, gambling-style rewards, and constant gratification. The consensus: tech isn’t going backward, so families need better guardrails and awareness.

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