Episode 291 - More K's and 2FA's

On this episode of HomeTech: Dish CEO says merger with DirecTV is “inevitable'.” Redbox launches an ad-supported streaming TV service. HBO Max’s first trailer reminds you the service is not just HBO titles. Nest and Ring users will soon be required to use two-factor authentication. Arlo Pro 3 adds HomeKit support. Is the connected home an ecological boon, or an ecological disaster? And more…

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Show Notes

• HomeTech Headlines
  • Staples is opening podcast studios in six Boston stores
  • Dish Chairman Says Potential Merger With DirecTV Is "Inevitable"
  • Redbox launches an ad-supported streaming TV service
  • HBO Max's first trailer reminds you it has non-HBO titles, too
  • Nest Users Will Soon Be Required to Enable Two-Factor Authentication - CEPRO
  • Ring now requires two-factor sign-ins for its home security devices
  • Arlo adds HomeKit support to Arlo Pro 3 smart home camera system
  • Smart Homes: An ecological disaster?
• Pick of the Week
  • Working magic clock inspired by Harry Potter

Episode 290 - Jitterbug Remote

On this episode of HomeTech: Samsung shows QLED 8K TVs, “The Wall” Improvements, and more at ISE. Crestron unveils its new MC4-R 4-Series control system and new Crestron Home features. Lumastream files for chapter 11 bankruptcy, seeks a buyer. Sonos testing new Flex rental service in the Netherlands. Sony’s new TV remote doubles as a speaker. ViacomCBS reportedly working on a new streaming service. And more…

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Show Notes

• HomeTech Headlines
  • Samsung Makes Waves at ISE 2020: QLED 8K TVs, The Wall Improvements & More - CEPRO
  • Crestron debuts new Crestron Home features at ISE 2020 - AVNation
  • LumaStream Files Chapter 11, Seeks Buyer for Low-Voltage Lighting Biz - CEPRO
  • It Sued Google. It Infuriated Customers. Here's what's next for Sonos.
  • Sony's new TV remote doubles as a portable speaker
  • ViacomCBS is working on yet another streaming service
• Pick(s) of the Week
  • How do I turn autoplay on or off?
  • Counterpart - Amazon
  • Better Call Saul | Netflix
  • Little America on Apple TV+
  • The Great British Baking Show | Netflix Official Site
  • You | Netflix Official Site

Episode 289 - SmartRent's Lucas Haldeman

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Lucas Haldeman, CEO and Founder of SmartRent, an enterprise home automation company taking a novel approach to the rental market. Join us to learn how Lucas and his team help renters and property managers/owners alike enjoy the benefits of the modern smart home with a comprehensive and flexible set of solutions.

That, plus the latest home tech headlines including: Sonos CEO apologizes in response to backlash over their legacy product announcement. Nest thermostats can alert homeowners to problems with their HVAC systems. Google Fiber drops its TV package. Samsung accidentally announces their Galaxy Home Mini's release date. The home tech industry gets some tariff relief (or do they?). And more…

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Show Notes

• HomeTech Headlines
  • Roku And Fox Channels Settle Carriage Flap Before Super Bowl LIV – Update
  • Sonos CEO apologizes for confusion, says legacy products will work for "as long as possible"
  • Google Fiber is dropping its TV package to focus solely on high-speed internet service
  • Samsung accidentally announced the Galaxy Home Mini's release date
  • Industry Gets Long-Awaited Tariff Relief - CEPRO
• Interview - SmartRent | Smart Apartment Solutions for Multifamily
• Pick of the Week
  • HomeTech.fm Podcast on Spotify

Episode 288 - Savant Brings Sexy Back

On this episode of HomeTech: Guest co-host Cody Crossland joins the show to chat about Frontier filing bankruptcy, Sonos messaging gone awry (again), and the big announcements from Savant at IBS in Las Vegas. And more…

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Show Notes

• HomeTech Headlines
  • Frontier, an ISP in 29 states, plans to file for bankruptcy
  • Sonos Ending Support for 'Oldest' Products - CEPRO
  • Savant First to Integrate with Ring X; Expands Netgear Partnership - CEPRO
  • Savant Enhances Strategic Partnership with NETGEAR - Residential Systems
  • Why Racepoint/Savant Home Automation Acquired Noon Smart Lighting - CEPRO
• Pick of the Week
  • That one time a company flew me halfway across the country because they were having intermittent telco issues that no one could figure out... 🤦‍♂️ - @mdoering on Twitter

Episode 287 - Projects Project with Andrei Gorbatiuc

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Andrei Gorbatiuc, an integrator out of the Vancouver, WA area, for an installment of the Projects Project. Andrei is the man behind what is reported to be the largest HomeKit-based technology installation in the world. With hundreds of lighting and shade devices, plus some audio and video as well, Andrei has tested the outer limits of what is possible with HomeKit. Join us to hear about the unique backstory, challenges, and successes behind this one-of-a-kind installation.

That, plus the latest home tech headlines including: SpaceX’s plan to launch satellite-based broadband internet could come to fruition later this year. Spectrum’s exit from the security business leaves consumers holding the bag. Thoughts on the latest plan/pricing changes from Domotz. And more…

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

Show Notes

• HomeTech Headlines
  • Before 2020 Is Over, SpaceX Will Offer Satellite Broadband Internet | The Motley Fool
  • Spectrum's exit from home security leaves people with useless tech
• Interview - Andrei Gorbatiuc (info@nokang.net)
  • New Office Building in Vancouver, WA and Crazy Overkill UniFi Equipment in it. | Ubiquiti Community
• Pick of the Week
  • The Apple TV remote is so bad that a Swiss TV company developed a normal replacement