Episode 209 - The Amazon and Sonos Show

On this week's episode of HomeTech: After a rare week off, we catch up on a busy couple of weeks in smart home news. Dominated mostly by Amazon and Sonos, this week's stories include:

  • Apple kills off the Airport line

  • Sonos files for an IPO valuing the company at $3 billion

  • Sonos' newer speakers will support AirPlay2 (and Seth is still pissed)

  • The latest on Sonos rumored new soundbar

  • Amazon noses into the security installation business

  • Alexa gets a memory

  • Alexa will now teach your kids some manners

  • A huge talent departure for Alexa's smart home efforts

  • Honeywell revamps their security offerings

  • And much more...

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Episode 208 - Keeping Home Automation in the Home with Hubitat

On this week's episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Patrick Stuart of Hubitat for our first-ever installment of the "Startup Showcase". With a unique focus on removing cloud-dependence, and the inherent privacy and reliability issues that come with it, Hubitat is bringing a refreshingly "local" approach to making your home smarter. Smart home enthusiasts won't want to miss this one...

That, plus the latest home technology headlines including:

  • Comcast and Netflix offer a new bundle deal

  • Hulu's steep (limited time) discount on its HBO add-on

  • ESPN+ released for cord-cutting sports fans

  • Lutron acquires Ketra

  • Google brings DIY to AI

  • Netflix Q1 report shows the company is red hot

  • Budget TV streaming app Philo making a name for itself

  • Amazon and Best Buy playing nicely

  • What supply chain reports say about HomePod sales

  • And more...

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Episode 207 - Fraudulent Photos

On this week's episode of HomeTech: Jason's voice comes back from the dead. A defense of physical media from the HomeTech mailbag. A pic-of-the-week scandal revealed! Jason's TV purchase debate continues. Plus, the latest home technology headlines, including:

  • Spotify and Hulu team up with a new bundle

  • A beefed-up free tier is coming from Spotify

  • Amazon Key is going nationwide

  • .... and adding support for more smart locks

  • Sonos mulling an IPO

  • Amazon disrupts the red-hot intercom market

  • Drink a beer while a robot mows your lawn

  • SimpliSafe and August Smart Locks now work together

  • And more...

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Episode 206 - Projects Project with Keith Watson

On this week's episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Keith Watson for a very special installment of the projects project. Keith, who is blind as a result of retinitis pigmentosa, shares his unique perspective on the smart home. From the challenges he has faced to the ways that technology assists him with his day-to-day life, Keith's resourcefulness and ingenuity will serve as an inspiration to anyone with a passion for home technology.    

That, plus...

  • Facebook decides now is probably not the best time to release a connected speaker

  • Amazon expands Alexa's video API to control DVRs

  • Alexa routines can now launch music and podcasts

  • A new and compelling hardware offering from Tablo

  • A big AI hire for Apple

  • Google hints at plans for their own smart display device a la the Echo Show

  • Lutron and SnapAV partner up

  • Oppo exits the BluRay business

  • and more...

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Episode 205 - Talkin' TV Tech

On this week's episode of HomeTech: Several major TV manufacturers just released pricing and ship dates on their 2018 displays. As it happens, Jason is in the market for a new TV. Join as we break down the different offerings and discuss the pros and cons of the technology behind them. 

That plus...

  • August smart locks now work with HomePod

  • A slick new way to set up scenes from the team at JoshAI

  • We ring the hub bell in reverse for Leviton's new integration with Nest

  • Foxconn purchases Belkin for a load of cash

  • A new universal search feature for Google Play

  • Apple's original content rumored to be launching in the spring of next year

  • Google Home can now play through other Bluetooth speakers

  • OneVision unveils a new live-streaming video app

  • And more...

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