Episode 90 - Innovation, or Something Like It

After taking a week off to galavant around Germany, Seth returned just in time for us to bring you this week's show. Battling through a serious case of jet-lag, and nostalgia for the land of beer and brats, Seth joined me to discuss a number of stories about smart home innovation, or at least something resembling it. 

A key story in this week's show is highly relevant to anyone with a vested interest in the evolution of home-technology-as-a-trade. A large integration firm in my neck of the woods (Denver, CO) has launched a new venture called HAUS (Home Automation University). It's an ambitious undertaking, and no doubt a novel approach, but will it succeed? At least half of the HomeTech team is bearish. Tune in for the full run down, then let us know what you think.  

We round out the episode with conversations about Amazon's (speculative) interest in gesture control, what NEEO is doing right when it comes to old-fashioned infrared, some patent grabbing by Apple, and a highly anticipated update from Sonos. 

As always we thank you for tuning in! If you find our show valuable please consider supporting our efforts by leaving us a review on iTunes, or by becoming a patron of HomeTech by visiting our Patreon page. 

We'll talk to you next week!
JG

Episode 89 - The Smart Home Holiday Gift Guide

With this episode releasing on Black Friday, 2015's holiday shopping season is officially upon us. It won't come as a surprise to fans of our show that this year brings no shortage of gift options for the home technology enthusiast in your life. Join us for this special episode as we dissect the best smart home gift ideas of the 2015 holiday season. 

Breaking the conversation down into a number of broad categories, we discuss home automation hubs, home theater, media players, lighting and shade control, as well as a few odds and ends for the tinkerers and makers out there. Complete with a comprehensive look at the comparisons between similar products, as well as a handful of special sales we've spotted on smart home gear, this episode is a can't miss as we head into what promises to be a busy 2015 holiday season! As always we hope you enjoy the show! 

PS - We are going to do our best to get an episode out next week, (12/4/15) but combined holiday travel may prove too much to overcome. In any event please know that Seth and I wish you and yours a fabulous Thanksgiving! And that in this season of saying "Thanks" we want to reiterate our endless gratitude for your ongoing support of the show! 

Sincerely!
Jason & Seth

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