Episode 167 - Brown the Bear? Or Sally the Chick?

On this week's episode of HomeTech: Seth and Jason indulge in some Apple HomePod speculation. Japan's answer the Echo comes in Chicken or Bear. Lennar and Toll Brothers get hands-on with the smart home.  New hardware from Ring. Vivint kicks open the door to the smart-home-for-renters market. Zigbee PRO 2017 - don't call it a comeback. And Insteon acquired, but where will it lead? 

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Show Notes

• Observation: Sphero needs to make a smart hub - Spiderman meets Echo
• Japan’s answer to the Amazon Echo comes in ‘bear’ or ‘chicken
• Amazon surpassed Sonos to become leader in Wi-Fi speaker sales ahead of Apple’s HomePod
• Wi-Fi Certified Smart Home Designs Offered by Lennar Homes: Assurance of Strong, Reliable Home Wi-Fi - Electronic House
• Toll Brothers Builds Smart Home Appeal in New Construction Market
• Smart home startup Kirio’s first product works with pretty much any device, including the kitchen sink
• Ring announces second-generation video doorbell, available today
• Nest is considering Apple HomeKit as iOS 11 makes supporting existing products easier
• Vivint Launches Smart Home Platform for Rental Properties
• ZigBee PRO 2017 Spec Operates in Simultaneous Multi-Band Mesh Networks - CE Pro
• Seattle startup vet Rob Lilleness acquires Smartlabs, investing $7.3M in the home automation company

Episode 166 - Getting to Know Loxone with Florian Woess

On this week's episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Florian Woess, CEO of Loxone US. Florian provides a great overview of the company's unique approach to professionally-installed home automation. Comparable to the most established brands here in the states, Loxone's US operations are just getting started. But if their widespread popularity overseas, and rapid growth to over 250 worldwide employees is any indication, they are poised to gain significant market share in the years to come. With a huge array of hardware options. a thoughtful approach to software, and highly competitive price points, Loxone is clearly one to watch. Tune in to our conversation with Florian to learn more about the company's compelling story!

That plus... New hardware and service offerings from Eero. Thoughts on Logitech's new Circle 2 indoor / outdoor camera. Savant's "Wally" line up - What's old is new again. CEDIA's (crazy expensive) new digs. Netflix subscriber numbers surpass Cable. And more...

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Show Notes

• Eero’s new router is twice as powerful and twice as fast as before
• Logitech Circle 2 In/Outdoor HD Home Security Camera
• Logitech’s Circle 2 security camera can transform to fit in different places
• Savant Intros Wall-Mounted Touch Screens
• Why CEDIA is Building New HQ in Fishers, IN: Crunching the Real-Estate Numbers - CE Pro
• Netflix now bigger than US cable market
• Interview: Loxone

Episode 165 - Apple WWDC17 Wrap-Up Special

On this week's episode of HomeTech: Richard Gunther, long-time friend of the show and host of the Home: On Podcast, joins us for a comprehensive wrap-up of Apple's recent WWDC. From significant (if a bit under-the- radar) HomeKit updates, to a spirited discussion about Apple's new HomePod product, and everything in between, this episode covers all you need to know about Apple's latest event. 

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Show Notes

• WWDC 2017 Keynote
• HomeKit in iOS 11: Sprinklers & faucets, QR code & NFC setup, improved latency, software authentication & more | 9to5Mac

Episode 164 - The Turtle 🐢💦

On this week's episode of HomeTech: Seth welcomes an uninvited show guest into his garage.....er, studio. #SiriInACan looks more like a reality than ever, but we're still not holding our breath. Details emerge on Nest's new Cam IQ. Essential Home - the next big thing, or just vaporware? An over-the-top link for for over-the-top video. And much more...

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Show Notes

• Apple Is Manufacturing a Siri Speaker to Outdo Google and Amazon - Bloomberg

• Apple Is Reportedly Working On A Dedicated Ai Processor For Its Devices

• Nest cams back from the dead with new home monitoring device

• Essential Home is an Amazon Echo competitor that puts privacy first

• The Father of Android Is Back, and He’s Built the Anti-iPhone - WIRED

• Essential Home | My Home is Essential

• Home now has an OS Blog Post

• WayOverThe.Top

• Tablo’s Next Gen DVR Is Here

• TiVo Mavrik Is Dead (and all of retail is in jeopardy)

• Registration Open for CEDIA 2017

Episode 163 - Unveiling the "Projects Project" with Rob Lombardo

On this week's episode of HomeTech: We proudly unveil the world premier of the HomeTech "Projects Project" (yes, still working on that name). Featuring an installation by Rob Lombardo. Rob utilized all DIY tech to add some really neat flare to his outdoor living space including under-rail LED lighting, pool and lighting control by INSTEON, and of course some audio via Sonos. 

That plus... Amazon releases a new Echo targeted at the Greatest Generation. Ikea's smart lighting solutions just got a lot smarter. Verizon throws their hat into an increasingly competitive streaming TV market. And Nest is working on a 4K camera... sort of. 

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

Show Notes

• Amazon Echo Silver
• Alarm.com gets Google Home integration
• Dish DVRs get Amazon Alexa integration for TV voice control via Echo devices
• Ikea's cheap smart lighting will be Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa compatible
• HomeKit light bulbs to start from $12 as Ikea announces smart lighting compatibility
• Verizon CEO Confirms It Is Preparing Its Own Live-TV Streaming Service
• Which cord cutting service should you get? | iMore
• Apple Will Announce Amazon Prime Video Coming To Apple TV At WWDC
• Channels app for AppleTv
• Nest working on a 4K camera
• Nest's Next-generation Security Camera Could Shoot in 4K Resolution
• ISY994
• Insteon DIN Rail Dimmer
• Insteon DIN Rail Switch
• Insteon Mini Remotes
• Wireless Tags