Episode 241 - Meet ConnectSense with Adam Justice

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Adam Justice, CEO and Founder of ConnectSense. We discuss the company’s new Smart Outlet 2, as well as how ConnectSense helps other product manufacturers and OEMs implement their own connected solutions. Adam also shares his perspectives on developing products for all of the major DIY platforms (Alexa, HomeKit, and Google), as well as some of his takeaways from CES 2019.

That, plus the latest home tech headlines including: how to turn any speaker into an Alexa speaker, a new partnership between Sonos and IKEA, NBC to launch a new streaming service, a truly novel approach to privacy in the connected home, and much more…

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Show Notes

• This is the first truly great Amazon Alexa and Google Home hack
• HomeTech Headlines
  • Turn any speaker into an Alexa smart speaker for only $19.99
  • Sweet sound of SYMFONISK - IKEA Today
  • LG sale slashes OLED TV prices by up to $1,000
  • NBC finally jumps in the streaming wars — announces a new service to compete with Netflix and others
  • Amazon's Updated Base Model Fire TV Stick Now Comes With Alexa Remote | Digital Trends
  • Do Ring Employees Have Access to Customer Surveillance Feeds?
  • For Owners of Amazon’s Ring Security Cameras, Strangers May Have Been Watching Too
• Interview: Adam Justice of ConnectSense
  • ConnectSense
• Pic of the Week
  • Security Camera Caught Man Licking Doorbell for Three Hours

Episode 240 - CES 2019 Wrap-Up!

On this episode of HomeTech: Join us as we discuss all the biggest stories from CES 2019! This year’s event was jam-packed with big releases and emerging trends from across the world of home technology. We’ve combed through all the biggest stories so you don’t have to. Don’t miss this special episode!

Fan of the show? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron!

Show Notes

• HomeTech Headlines
  • Smart home camera maker Wyze Labs raises $20M after startup finds success with low-cost WyzeCam
  • Roku tops 27M accounts & 24B hours streamed by end of 2018, announces more TV partners
  • Amazon reveals number of Alexa devices sold as smart speaker competition heats up
  • ZigBee, Thread Complete Dotdot 1.0 Home Automation Spec for CES 2019

• CES 2019

  • 8K Video
    • LG’s 2019 TV lineup includes Alexa, HDMI 2.1, and an 88-inch 8K OLED
    • Samsung's imposing 98-inch 8K TV defines CES opulence
    • Sony announces giant-sized 8K and 4K TVs at CES 2019
    • Roku Partners With TCL to Develop 8K TVs
  • Airplay2 Built In
    • Here are all of the TVs getting AirPlay 2 in 2019
    • AirPlay
    • Samsung's 2019 smart TVs will support iTunes and AirPlay 2
    • Sony announces AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support coming to its Android-powered TVs
    • Vizio returns to CES with its most advanced 4K TV ever and support for Apple’s AirPlay 2
    • VIDEO: TiVo as an app
  • Other TV Tech
    • LG's rollable OLED TV is real, and you can buy it this year
    • Samsung’s 75-inch MicroLED 4K TV is a huge step into the future
    • Samsung will support Alexa and Google Assistant on 2019 TVs
  • General TV News
    • Hisense announces Sonic One TV alongside its new 2019 4K TV lineup
    • CES 2019: Hisense RGB Three-Laser TV Is Blisteringly Bright and Colorful | Digital Trends
    • TCL announces its first soundbars and a 75-inch version of the excellent 6-Series 4K Roku TV
    • VIZIO Debuts 2019 TV Lineup at CES
  • Apple HomeKit
    • Apple shows off new smart home products from HomeKit partners
    • CES 2019: Belkin's Wemo Brand Debuts New HomeKit-Compatible Light Switches Set to Launch in 2019
    • Brilliant smart home hub now supports Apple HomeKit
    • Eve Systems Introduces Light Strip and Energy Strip at CES 2019 | Digital Trends
    • Netatmo’s smart doorbell is the first that’s compatible with Apple HomeKit
    • Arlo unveils a home security system with Apple HomeKit support
    • Kohler unveils new hands-free Sensate faucet with HomeKit integration
    • U by Moen smart shower system adds Alexa Routines and more, HomeKit promised this quarter
  • Amazon / Ring
    • Everything Amazon Announced at CES
    • Ring’s latest smart doorbell installs on your door’s peephole and detects knocks
    • Ring introduces peephole front door security camera, new line of smart lighting offerings
  • Google
    • Everything Google Announced For Google Assistant at CES 2019 | Digital Trends
    • Google Assistant goes big at CES 2019
    • Dish Says at CES 2019 it's Building Google Assistant Into Its Hopper DVRs | Digital Trends
    • Lenovo’s new Smart Clock brings Google Assistant to your nightstand

  • Lighting Control at CES

    • Lutron Electronics Brings a New Caseta Fan Remote Control to CES 2019 | Digital Trends
    • Lutron introducing Alexa-compatible fan speed controller that works with existing fans, no HomeKit at launch
    • Philips Hue Expands Outdoor Lighting Range at CES 2019 | Digital Trends
    • Philips Hue Outdoor line expands with motion sensor, new wall fixtures
    • This smart light switch does it all — voice assistant, motion sensor, night light, intercom
    • Leviton Announces Decora Voice Dimmer With Amazon Alexa at CES 2019
    • Practical Voice Dimmers
  • Security at CES
    • Deep Sentinel Brings Predictive Security Cameras to CES 2019 | Digital Trends
    • ADT's Big News at CES 2019 is a Redesigned Smart Home Security System | Digital Trends
    • Comcast Announces a New Digital Security Service at CES 2019 | Digital Trends
    • Xfinity is using AI to keep your home network secure
  • Smart Home
    • Moen Takes Smart Water Design to the Next Level With Flo Technologies Partnership
    • Arlo’s ambitious 2019 plans include home security devices, and HomeKit, Zigbee, and Z-Wave support
    • Arlo Launches New Security, Home Automation Hub with Proprietary ArloRF
    • LG ProActive Customer Care Program Uses AI to Reduce Service Calls
    • Mui's wooden smart display is an elegant way to control your home
    • Bluetooth Takes Next Big Step in Becoming a Home-Automation ‘Standard’
    • Kohler unveils new hands-free Sensate faucet with HomeKit integration
    • Kohler’s smart toilet promises a ‘fully-immersive experience’
    • U by Moen smart shower system adds Alexa Routines and more, HomeKit promised this quarter
    • Moen's showers get smarter with Google Assistant
    • Kohler's new bathroom suite has automated, voice-controlled lights
  • For Fun
    • LavvieBot Self-Cleaning IoT Cat Litter Box Debuts at CES 2019 | Digital Trends
    • Petcube 2 lets you use Alexa to fling treats at your pets
    • Willow is back with an easier-to-use version of its smart breast pump
• Pic of the Week
  • Automated Sprinkler vs. Deer

Episode 239 - Projects Project with Cody Crossland

On this episode of HomeTech: Seth and guest co-host Cody Crossland chat about the week’s sparse headlines and chat about the technology in Cody’s new home. Cody also needs help figuring out where to install a TV in his Family Room. Submit your ideas through our feedback form or by emailing feedback at hometech.fm. There’s a picture at the bottom of the show notes.

Fan of the show? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron!

Show Notes

• BlackWire – Wholesale CE Distributor | Automation Software | Support
• HomeTech Headlines
  • New Sonos Satellite Speaker Pops Up in FCC Filing
  • August’s sleek new ‘View’ doorbell cam and Ring’s upcoming security lights leak ahead of CES 2019
  • Black Mirror Bandersnatch: How to Watch Endings
  • The Reddit detectives have decoded Black Mirror: Bandersnatch
  • How to Watch 'Black Mirror: Bandersnatch' on Apple TV or Chromecast
• Pic of the Week
  • Dimplex Opti-Myst Pro 1000 Electric Fireplace | WoodlandDirect.com: Indoor Fireplaces: Electric
• Cody's Living Room - Help Cody figure out where to hang his TV. Submit ideas to feedback at hometech.fm

Episode 238 - To Inifi-K and Beyond!

On this episode of HomeTech: Jason and Seth sit down for the last episode if the year and catch up on all the news stories. They also talk about a really, really, ugly theater and an ingenious way to use Pico remotes in HomeKit.

Fan of the show? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron!

Show Notes

• Tom Cruise PSA
• HomeTech Headlines
  • Smart security camera maker Lighthouse AI shuts down
  • Lowe’s Ditches Iris, Looks to Exit Smart Home Business
  • Office Depot Launches Smart Home Installation Service
  • Apple Music arrives on Amazon’s Echo speakers starting December 17
  • The first 8K satellite TV broadcasts launched today in Japan
  • SENIC works with Sonos
  • Philips finally fixes the single most annoying thing about Hue lights
  • Canary Home Security Company Sued Over $10 Monitoring Fee | Digital Trends
  • Peak TV Update: Scripted Originals Hit Yet Another High in 2018
• Pic of the Week
  • Financier sues architect over ‘ugly’ floating cinema
  • How To Use a Lutron Pico Remote with HomeKit | The Digital Media Zone

Episode 237 - The 4th Annual Fireside Chat Special

On this very special episode of HomeTech: Join us as we look back on the biggest smart home stories of 2018 on our fourth annual Fireside Chat! As in year’s past, we are joined by Mike Wolf, founder of the Smart Kitchen Summit and publisher of The Spoon, and Richard Gunther, host of the Digital Media Zone’s Home:On Podcast. This year, we are also joined for the first time by Rose Thibodeaux, founder of the excellent smart-home product review YouTube channel, “It’s Rose”, and author at the Home Alarm Report.

This jam-packed episode will provide you with a comprehensive look back at all the trends that defined the connected home this year, including predictions about what 2019 will bring. Don’t miss it!

Fan of the show? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron!

Show Notes

• 2018 Fireside Chatters
  • Rose Thibodeaux
    • H.A.Report
    • it's Rose – YouTube
  • Richard Gunther
    • The Digital Media Zone
    • Home: On - a DIY home automation podcast from The Digital Media Zone
  • Mike Wolf
    • The Spoon
    • Smart Kitchen Summit
  • Jason Griffing and Seth Johnson
• Discussion Notes
  • June Oven
  • BSH Home Appliances Corporation
  • LG SmartThinQ Kitchen: Smart Refrigerators, Ranges, & Dishwashers | LG USA
  • Amazon Home Services
  • Portal from Facebook: Voice Enabled Hands-Free Video Calling
  • Deal alert: Apple's HomePod speaker is $100 off for the holidays | ZDNet
  • Lighthouse Smart Camera
  • Amazon Microwave with Alexa
  • Amazon's new Echo Wall Clock puts a smart timer on your wall for $30
  • Introducing the Alexa Connect Kit: Connect Devices to Alexa without Managing Cloud Services, Writing an Alexa Skill, or Developing Complex Networking and Security Firmware
  • How Ring went from Shark Tank reject to Amazon’s $1B acquisition
  • Ring Becomes IoT Powerhouse Overnight, Hires Entire Zonoff Smart-Home Team
  • Amazon Blink Camera
  • Wyze | Making Great Technology Accessible
  • Third-party remote platform support for Siri in iOS 12, tvOS 12 will be a game changer
  • Noonlight - Connecting your apps and devices to save your life
  • Ring Alarm Security System
  • Caavo Control Center Home Theater Hub + Universal Remote Control
  • How Trump’s tariffs will hurt US tech companies