Episode 210 - Google IO 2018

On this week's episode of HomeTech: Join us as we dissect Google IO 2018. In a very strong showing for the company, this year's conference featured numerous announcements that home tech enthusiasts everywhere should be excited about. 

That, plus...

• Netgear releases a nice addition to their Orbi lineup

• Ring's new neighborhood safety app

• Proof from Hisense that feature-rich 4K TVs are now a commodity

• More intriguing clues about Sonos' new soundbar

• Alexa and Cortana join forces

• Facebook sets its sights on an overseas smart speaker launch

• Control4 makes a big bet on local showrooms

• Beer kegs get smart

• And more...

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Show Notes

• Netgear put a cable modem in latest Orbi wifi router
• Ring launches the Neighbors app to keep your community safer
• Hisense’s latest 4K UHD Roku TV models are big on features, small on price
• Awesome picture for the price, and Roku TV seals the deal
• Sonos plans home theater event for June 6th
• JBL's next soundbar doubles as an Android TV box
• Alexa and Cortana finally team up in limited beta
• Facebook’s smart speakers will launch overseas before they hit the U.S.
• Control your SimpliSafe home security system with Amazon Alexa voice commands
• 140 Control4 ‘Certified’ Smart-Home Showrooms Spring up Overnight
• Control4 Q1 Revenues Up 18%; More Acquisitions to Come
• Beer kegs latest to join the smart device party with the Kegtron
• The 10 biggest announcements from Google I/O 2018
• All the new features coming to Google Assistant, including manners
• Google Assistant grows hookup list to over 5K smart home devices, appliances
• Pic of the Week

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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Show Notes

• Apple officially discontinues AirPort router line, no plans for future hardware
• Apple outlines key features to look for when upgrading from AirPort devices
• Sonos files for an IPO that may value the company at $3 billion
• Sonos confirms only newer speakers will support AirPlay 2
• Sonos Getting Ready to Introduce New Smart Home Theater Speaker With HDMI
• Alexa will soon have a memory
• Amazon to release new Alexa options for families and kids, including ‘magic word’ feature that gives positive reinforcement for saying ‘please’
• You may soon be able to control your home with a smart wall
• The Skinnier $15 OTT Bundle Has Arrived
• Friday was my last day at Amazon
• Honeywell 2019: Next-Gen Security & Home Automation is One Platform for Wired, Wireless, DIY, Pro
• Amazon is now selling home security services, including installations and no monthly fees
• Amazon Debuts Smart Home Services, Security Package Tiers
• That HUGE Story on Secretive ‘Amazon Home Security Services’
• Pic of the Week
• NodeSchool
• Computer Science Field Guide

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...

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

Show Notes

• CEDIA Expo | Home Tech Trade Show & Conference in San Diego
• 2018 Hurricane Season Expected to Be More Active Than Usual, CSU Forecasters Say
• Comcast will soon offer packages with Netflix bundled in
• Hulu discounts its HBO add-on to $5 per month
• ESPN+ is the sports-streaming cord-cutters have been waiting for
• Lutron to Acquire Natural Light Maker Ketra
• Google launches updated DIY kits for AI voice & vision w/ edu focus, available at Target
• Netflix subscriber count hits 125 million
• Budget TV service Philo now streams on Amazon and Apple devices
• Amazon and Best Buy, better together? Smart TV deal is online giant's latest move into physical retail
• China Times Echoes Poor HomePod Sales and Rumors About Possible Lower-Priced Version
• Chinese Report Says $150-$200 HomePod and $799-$899 MacBook Air to Launch This Year KGI: Apple could sell just 2 million HomePods across all of 2018, company ‘mulls’ low-cost model
• Apple’s Stumbling HomePod Isn’t the Hot Seller It Wanted
• Interview: Local Home Automation with Hubitat
• Pic of the Week
• Ring $40 off coupon code: DS40OFF

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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Show Notes

• Pockethernet - Smartphone connected Cable tester & Ethernet network analyser
• Spotify and Hulu team up for $13 subscription bundle
• Spotify Is Planning a New Version of Its Free Music Service
• Amazon Key expands nationwide, but controversial in-home package delivery does not | GeekWire
• Sonos Gets Ready for an IPO (EXCLUSIVE)
• Alexa Announcements will help you save your voice by serving as an intercom
• Watch your lawn mower cut your grass – while you sit on your front porch sipping a beer
• SimpliSafe and August Lock integrate smart locks with security systems
• Vizio’s 2018 4K TV lineup includes its brightest, most colorful set ever
• HomeTech Episode 205
• Pic of the Week
• New data shows Netflix's number of movies has gone down by thousands of titles since 2010 — but its TV catalog size has soared

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...

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

Show Notes

• Why is a data connection necessary for setting up my eero network?
• Facebook Delays Home-Speaker Unveil Amid Data Crisis
• Amazon’s Alexa can now set DVR recordings
• Alexa Routines can now include music and podcasts
• Tablo Slashes OTA DVR Pricing & Betas Cloud Storage
• Apple hires Google’s former AI boss to help improve Siri
• Google Executive Hints at Plans for Company’s Own Smart Display Device
• EXCLUSIVE: Lutron, SnapAV Team Up to Help Dealers Sell More Lighting Control
• Oppo Digital to End Production of DVD and Blu-ray Players, Promises Updates ‘from Time to Time’
• Facts About Retinitis Pigmentosa
• TDSR
• Home Assistant
• AppDaemon
• WeMo Maker
• Keyboard Maestro 8.2: Work Faster with Macros for macOS
• Pic of the Week