My new favorite AI assistant, tech support scams & Apple’s foldable (193, September 26, 2026)

• Snapdragon focuses on AI: Qualcomm’s new chips aim to run more AI directly on phones, improving speed and reducing reliance on the cloud.

• Google Book preview: Android-based laptops bring native apps and built-in AI tools, starting around $900.

• New hardware demos: Rich tries a haptic mouse, robotic phone camera and augmented reality glasses, with mixed impressions of their everyday usefulness.

• Meta Muse gets proactive: The assistant connects to personal services and completes browser tasks, raising questions about privacy and data access.

• Meta expands wearables: New products include updated Ray-Ban glasses, a camera-free option and a lightweight VR headset with a separate computing pack.

• Beats360 review: Swappable cushions make the $350 headphones versatile, but wired listening and automatic pause are missing.

• Streaming prices climb: Disney and Hulu raise prices again; Rich suggests comparing bundles and canceling rarely used services.

• Premiere comes to Android: Adobe’s editor offers free core tools without ads or watermarks, alongside paid AI features.

• DIY karaoke: Rich suggests Ultimate Vocal Remover for separating vocals, then Audacity or GarageBand to record and mix your own.

• iPhone Duo’s trade-offs: Apple’s foldable combines phone and small-tablet functions for roughly $2,000, with camera and portability compromises.

• Apple’s foldable plans: Kaiann Drance discusses durability, multitasking and upcoming Apple Pencil support, with availability announced for October 23.

• Avoid fake tech support: Use official support websites and be cautious of unfamiliar apps, cleaner utilities and phone numbers in search ads.

• AI and personal finances: Rich discusses using connected accounts for budgeting while limiting access and reviewing privacy settings.

• Fix Apple Watch weather: Restart the watch and iPhone, check location permissions and re-add the weather complication if needed.

• Password manager options: Built-in tools offer convenience; independent services offer broader flexibility. Compare features and enable two-factor authentication.

• Stop accidental 911 calls: Check for case or button interference and review Emergency SOS confirmation settings.

• Verify Facebook security emails: Open Facebook directly and check recent security messages instead of following unexpected email links.

• Upgrade an unsupported phone: Rich suggests recent refurbished models with remaining software support over unofficial Android installations.

• Track luggage with AirTags: AirTags can work overseas through nearby Apple devices, with location sharing available for supported airlines.

• Recover a Word document: Check the Recycle Bin, Word recovery tools and cloud copies before restoring a backup.

• Find your next book: Reading trackers can organize your history, which AI can use to personalize recommendations.

• Sonos expands audio controls: Sonos 27 adds new listening options and more natural voice commands through a gradual rollout.

• Sonos volume shortcut: Rotate two fingers on the app’s screen to reveal a virtual volume knob.

• Test a new carrier first: A second phone line lets you evaluate coverage before transferring your number.

• Manage phone storage: Review storage settings and remove unused downloads after large software updates.

• AI helps explain errors: Screen-aware search tools can interpret phone error messages and suggest fixes.

• Listener feedback: Topics include human help with insurance claims, AI support, aging TiVo systems and finding TVs without smart features.

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