In this episode, Barry and Bobby dive deep into three hot topics: robot vacuums that don’t suck (or, rather, do), cellular plans that make financial and practical sense for caregivers and loved ones, and remote screen sharing tools that can save hours of phone-based tech support. Plus, Barry drops a crisp iPhone tip that can instantly improve call quality, especially for family members with sketchy reception.

• 00:00 – Smoky South Carolina skies: Wildfires close to home

• 00:50 – Listener Q: Best robot vacuums for caregivers and seniors

• 02:15 – Top 5 robot vacuum picks + features for ease of use

• 07:21 – Key buying advice for robot vacuums

• 07:30 – Barry’s deep dive: Budget-friendly MVNO cell plans

• 08:41 – Big 3 vs. the rest: Understanding MVNOs

• 10:17 – Mint Mobile, Spectrum Mobile, Google Fi, Cricket Wireless

• 19:06 – Free trials & eSIM tips for testing coverage

• 21:46 – Hidden pitfalls: smartwatches & plan compatibility

• 23:29 – Bobby’s screen sharing survival guide

• 26:14 – AnyDesk vs TeamViewer and remote access tips

• 31:11 – FaceTime Audio: Barry’s sneaky-good iPhone hack

• 34:15 – Making FaceTime Audio the default for key contacts

• 36:09 – Bobby’s hotel insight and Google vs. Apple Maps on road trips

• 37:57 – Wrap-up & global shout-outs

• Choosing robot vacuums with ease-of-use in mind

• MVNO carriers: pros, cons, and who they’re right for

• Using eSIMs to test new cell providers

• Screen sharing tools (TeamViewer, AnyDesk, Chrome Remote Desktop)

• FaceTime Audio for crystal-clear calls

• Navigating with Apple Maps vs Google Maps on road trips

• Listener engagement & geographic shout-outs

Find our detailed info and resources for this episode on the shownotes page at: https://bit.ly/caretechandtips-ep14

Barry and Bobby are back from their “short break” and dive into a packed episode covering everything from nostalgic road trips and family travel logistics to the ever-changing landscape of tech upgrades. They discuss helping aging parents with taxes, cooking tips, and the importance of knowing when to upgrade your devices—whether it’s a phone, laptop, or even a whole operating system. Plus, they preview an upcoming discussion on screen sharing for seniors.

⏳ 00:01 - Karate, Short Breaks & Kill Bill Soundtracks
03:10 - Road Trips Before GPS: The Art of Paper Maps & Dead Reckoning
⚰️ 05:19 - Funeral Travel & Role Reversals in Aging
07:00 - Taxes & AI: How to Use AI to Simplify IRS Instructions
09:38 - Dad’s Cooking Adventures: Steaming, Sous Vide & Slow Cooker Potatoes
13:09 - iPhone 16E: Worth It or Skip It?
18:55 - When & Why to Upgrade Your Aging Tech
24:53 - Chrome OS, Windows Updates & Keeping Devices Secure
30:50 - Do You Even Need a Laptop? The Case for Tablets & Phones
31:37 - The Real Issue with Digital Inclusion: Devices, Not Just Internet Access
️ 35:01 - Sneak Peek: Next Episode’s Screen Sharing Saga

• AI for Taxes: Use ChatGPT (or similar) to simplify tax instructions by uploading IRS forms.
• Chrome OS Flex: A way to breathe new life into old laptops by turning them into Chromebooks.
• Tech Upgrade Chart & Additional Resources: Full details on OS end-of-life dates and other key episode mentions are available here: https://bit.ly/caretechandtips13
• Best iPhone for Caregivers: Barry & Bobby break down the pros and cons of the iPhone 16E vs. the regular 16.

Got a tech or caregiving question? Send it our way at caretechandtips@gmail.com
Looking for more details from this episode? Check out our expanded show notes & resource links https://bit.ly/caretechandtips13.
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We'll be back on Monday March 17th