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.