Robot Vacs, Better Cell Plans & the Magic of Screen Sharing

Explicit content warning

03/31/25 • 39 min

Summary:

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.

Timestamps:

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

Key Topics:

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

Resources:

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

Summary:

Timestamps:

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

Key Topics:

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

Resources:

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

Previous Episode

Short Breaks, Long Roads & Tech That Lasts (Or Not)

Episode Summary

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.

Timestamps & Key Topics:

⏳ 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

Resources & Mentions:

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.

Call to Action:

Got a tech or caregiving question? Send it our way at [email protected]
Looking for more details from this episode? Check out our expanded show notes & resource links https://bit.ly/caretechandtips13.
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Next Episode

Surgery Seniors and Springtime Setbacks - Caregiving from Afar Gets Real

Summary:
Barry and Bobby dive into the realities of caregiving from a distance—especially when surgeries, travel, and unpredictable tech snags get tossed into the mix. From planning shoulder surgery logistics for a solo senior living with pets, to tackling the emotional and logistical whiplash of funerals, they don’t shy away from the hard stuff. Plus, Barry’s MVNO switch for his dad hits an unexpected snag that’s a lesson for anyone buying used phones. And Bobby brings the practical goods with two top-5 checklists for senior-friendly travel and ride-sharing success.

Timestamps & Topics: