Episode 182 - Amalgamation

On this week's episode of HomeTech: Seth and Jason dissect the biggest news in the smart home including - Google Home Mini gives new definition to "always listening". Why Google is the one to beat in smart home AI. Alexa gets an important multi-voice recognition upgrade. The secret weapon that will keep Sonos in the game. Kwikset says to hell with physical keys. The Channels app is one to watch for cord cutters. And much more. 

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Show Notes

• Google Donut Shop
• Google’s Home Mini needed a software patch to stop some of them from recording everything - The Verge
• October 4th - Google Event - YouTube
• Google Home Max, Nest Home Automation, Machine Learning: Can Anyone Beat Google? - CE Pro
• Amazon’s Alexa can now recognize different voices and give personalized responses - The Verge
• Sonos’s Secret Weapon In The Smart Speaker Wars: Becoming A Platform | Fast Company
• Kwikset goes digital with the Obsidian electronic lock
• Channels DVR — Your Whole Home DVR

Episode 181 - HomeKitty

On this week's episode of HomeTech: Seth and Jason recap one of the busiest home technology weeks in recent memory. New hardware and integrations from Sonos. New Google Home hardware. An ADT and SmartThings collaboration. Ring disrupts monitored security. Amazon and Google drop their 4K movies pricing. Exciting HomeKit(ty) developments. And more...

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Show Notes

• Sonos One with Alexa and Google Assistant, Plus ‘More Open’ API - CE Pro
• iPort xPress Wifi Keypad for Sonos -Sonos will add AirPlay 2 support for direct control in 2018
• The Pixel 2 XL, Home Mini, translating Pixel Buds and more: All Google just announced - CNET
• Key Home Automation Takeaways from Amazon Echo Plus & New Alexa Services - CE Pro
• Ring launches its own DIY home security system
• Get Whole-Home Security With the Ring Protect Security Kit | Ring
• Best of DIY and Pro: UL-Listed Security Hub with SmartThings Inside, Monitored by ADT, Built on 2GIG - CE Pro
• Amazon slashes prices on 4K content in response to Apple TV 4K’s launch - The Verge
• Google Play matches Apple’s $20 price for select 4K titles
• Comcast launches $18 streaming TV service, but only for its own broadband customers - The Verge
• Ikea’s smart lights are as stylish and breakable as its furniture - The Verge
• Ikea now offering HomeKit-compatible color smartbulbs as well as white ones | 9to5Mac
• Philips adds HomeKit support for Hue accessories - The Verge
• HomeKitty - Browse HomeKit Accessories
• Home Kitty - Nothing to do with HomeKit

Episode 180 - Amazon Echo Updates

This week is a quick and short show to cover the highlights from the surprise Amazon hardware event. New Echos, FireTV, Buttons, and more!

Show Notes

• ADT vs. Harris Trial Begins, with Ring and Zonoff in the IoT Mix - CE Pro
• HomeTech 34 - The Box Formerly known as Doorbot
• Amazon announces a smaller new Echo speaker for $99 - The Verge
• New Amazon Echo
• New Amazon Echo Plus
• New Fire TV
• The Apple TV, out, then in, then out on Amazon
• Amazon Echo Spot
• This might be our first look at the rumored Alexa-equipped Sonos speaker
• Echo Buttons
• Echo Connect

Episode 179 - CEDIA, Apple, and Nest. Oh my!

On this week's episode of HomeTech: We welcome Seth back after his battle with Hurricane Irma. We're happy to report that he, his family, and his home all came through the storm unharmed. We're also happy to report that this is a jam-packed episode, complete with our thoughts on three recent, major events: CEDIA, Apple, and Nest. Don't miss it! 

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

Show Notes

• Smart Home Lessons from Hurricane Irma
• Pics of the Week
• iHummingbird Interview
• Amazon to Put CEDIA-Certified Smart Home Installers on the Map - CE Pro
• Control4 Adds If/Then Engine to Home Automation, Lets End Users Tweak System - CE Pro
• The Aweful Sonos Booth at CEDIA
• Control4, Pakedge Launch Most Ambitious Network-Certification Program Yet - CE Pro
• CEDIA 2017 Best New Product Winners, Honors Alex Capecelatro as Young Professional of the Year - Technology Integrator - 1 of 8
• Lutron Unveils New Wireless Control, Thermostat, Lighting Fixtures, Exposed Shades - CE Pro
• Inside Lutron CEDIA 2017 Booth: RA2 Select Is ‘Total Gamechanger’ - CE Pro
• Apple unveils iPhone X with all-new design, OLED Super Retina Display, Face ID | 9to5Mac
• Apple TV 4K starts at $179, order from September 15 | 9to5Mac
• Apple TV's 4K movie pricing is exactly what the 4K world needs
• The new Apple TV 4K will be a much more powerful streaming box than its predecessor - The Verge
• Siri Remote for Apple TV updated with new Menu button and price | 9to5Mac
• Everything Apple Announced: iPhone X, iPhone 8, Face ID, Animoji, Apple Watch, Apple TV | WIRED
• Nest announces ‘Secure’ alarm system, ‘Hello’ video doorbell, & Nest Cam IQ Outdoor (still no HomeKit) | 9to5Mac
• Google Assistant is coming to Nest Cam IQ | TechCrunch
• Inside the Second Coming of Nest | WIRED
• Nest debuts Nest Secure home system and has a Thread router called Nest Connect | Stacey on IoT

Episode 178 - Hurricane CEDIA Update

This week a quick CEDIA update from Jason since Seth is still battling power and internet outages in the wake of Hurricane Irma. We'll be back soon with a CEDIA wrap up and commentary on the Apple Event as well as the week's news in HomeTech.