Episode 88 - Redefining DIY with Colin Marshall of Oomi

When a startup raises over 3,000% of its crowdfunding goal it's safe to say that they've struck a chord. The Chicago based startup Oomi accomplished this feat, raising a staggering $1.7million in a campaign that set out to raise a mere $50k. Surpassing their initial goal in just 37 minutes, the team behind Oomi has clearly found a winning formula for standing out in the increasingly crowded DIY smart home space. Home technology enthusiasts are voting with their wallets, and the numbers don't lie. 

"What makes Oomi so unique?" you ask. Claims of sleek industrial design, ease of installation, and robust software are, after all, the order of the day. Join us for our conversation with Colin Marshall, VP of Oomi, as we discuss what makes them different. The interview covers many unique facets of the company including their willingness to take on AV & Entertainment control, the decision to manufacture their own touch panel complete with physical buttons (yes... actual physical buttons!), their clever approach to device pairing, and much more.

As always we hope you enjoy the show! If you'd like to support our efforts to bring you more episodes like this one you could leave us a review on iTunes, or consider becoming a patron of HomeTech by visiting our Patreon page. 

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Episode 87 - Joey Kolchinsky of OneVision

DIY and straight-to-consumer products are continuing their expansion in the smart home, and if you ask Joey Kolchinsky that's quite all right. Our guest on this week's episode, Joey is the founder of OneVision Resources. Unlike many other companies who purport to have a unique approach to home technology, it would be hard to question his claim thereof. Founded squarely on the principal that end-user experience trumps all, OneVision bases it's entire business model on charging fixed rates for service and technology management, while passing through hardware at no (that's right... zero) markup. 

It sounds deceptively simple: charge for your time, and charge adequately. Sadly many home technology pros who have tried can attest that it's easier said than done. Through a unique combination of early formative experiences and good old fashioned persistence Joey has put together a model that anyone operating in the home technology space should be paying attention to. Join us for this fascinating episode as we explore OneVision's unique approach to technology, including the benefits as well as challenges involved in positioning yourself on experience and service above all else.  

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Episode 86 - Unnatural Scrolling

In what's become emblematic of the CEDIA channel, this week's episode of HomeTech takes a decidedly split approach, focusing on equal parts pro and DIY technologies. After all, the differences between the two camps, at least from the casual observer's perspective, are becoming increasingly difficult to spot.

While our conversations cover a wide variety of topics, there is a theme that binds: companies and platforms will come and go, so choose your technology carefully. Amongst the topics covered are a few updates from the VIA Home closure, a great op-ed that reminds us when it comes to "custom" sometimes less is more, continued innovation from a bankrupt company, and much more. 

As always we hope you enjoy the show! If you'd like to support our efforts to bring you more episodes like this one you could leave us a review on iTunes, or consider becoming a patron of HomeTech by visiting our Patreon page. 

Show Notes

Episode 85 - CEDIA 2015 Wrap-Up Special - Part 2

This week we are proud to present the second, and final, part of our CEDIA 2015 Wrap-Up Special. With so much to talk about following this year's Expo we almost had to extend to part 3, but somehow we managed to fit it all into one doozy of show.

In a similar approach to both our CEDIA Preview Special and our CEDIA Wrap-Up Part 1, we take a macro-approach, focusing on the key broad themes we were paying attention to in Dallas. With these themes providing context we zoom in to give you the lowdown on all the specific products and services that we believe made 2015 another significant year for the CEDIA Expo. Packed with insights, analysis, and live audio from the show floor this episode, in conjunction last week's show, is the definitive summary for the CEDIA channel's most important annual event.  

As always we hope you enjoy! If you'd like to support our efforts to bring you more episodes like this one you could leave us a review on iTunes, or consider becoming a patron of HomeTech by visiting our Patreon page. 

 

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Episode 84 - CEDIA 2015 Wrap-Up Special - Part 1

The dust is settling in Dallas after another busy CEDIA Expo. With the housing market at its strongest in years, and exciting new technologies continuing to gain traction, the show floor was buzzing. Three solid days spent canvasing the exhibits turned up far more interesting news than we could cover in a single episode. So this year we have decided to break up our post-show special into two parts!

Part 1 includes conversations about the biggest CEDIA story that didn't even happen at CEDIA, the increasingly divergent strategies of the largest home control players, thoughts about the growing penetration of DIY technology into the CEDIA channel, and the expanding multi-room wireless audio category. This comprehensive episode also includes live audio interviews from the Savant and Sonos booths.

Much more CEDIA 2015 coverage to come on next week's show so be sure to tune in! As always we hope you enjoy! If you'd like to support our efforts to bring you more episodes like this one you could leave us a review on iTunes, or consider becoming a patron of HomeTech by visiting our Patreon page. 

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