How to spot and stop scams, Pixel 11 explained & my new restaurant search trick (187, August 15, 2026)
Summary
Rich DeMiro discusses the new Google Pixel 11 series, highlighting price hikes, camera upgrades, and AI features like Creator Suite. He provides critical advice on avoiding sophisticated scams, including AI voice cloning and calendar spam, recommending family code words and independent verification. The episode also covers the recent Verizon outage caused by vandalism, the discontinuation of Microsoft Publisher, and answers listener questions about email migration and financial apps.
Topics discussed
Intro, UnitedHealthcare ads, and EbGliss commercial
Rich on Tech intro and Verizon fiber outage news
Common scams: bank impersonation, tech support, and sextortion
Digital banking apps and verifying company legitimacy
Listener call: PayPal scam attempt and verification
Listener call: Switching to AT&T fiber and importing Gmail
Using family code words to prevent kidnapping scams
Using Starlink on flights for productivity
Microsoft Publisher sunset and Canva/ChatGPT alternatives
Verizon outage investigation and DownedDetector.com
EbGliss prescription medicine commercial
Google Pixel 11 series review and new AI features
Listener call: MVNOs vs major carriers and PureTalk
Instagram app redesign discussion
Interview: AI 'certainty theater' and chatbot relationships
Listener questions: Passport renewal and AAA benefits
License plate readers and privacy concerns
Nostalgia for local electronics stores like Micro Center
Show intro from Denver and local restaurant recommendations
Listener feedback on Orvac Electronics and email migration
Claude AI labeling and EU AI Act implications
Listener call: Better alternatives to fillable PDFs for landlords
More nostalgia for vintage electronics stores
AirTag alternatives: Pebblebee and two-way finding
Listener feedback: Keurig tips, show topics, and bumper music
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