Episode 295 - Catching up with Z-Wave's Mitch Klein

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Mitch Klein, Executive Director of the Z-Wave Alliance. Mitch, a 2019 CEDIA Lifetime Achievement Recipient, shares his unique perspectives on the industry, shaped by decades of working in every facet of the business from crawl spaces to chip manufacturing. Our conversation explores the challenges and opportunities facing integrators in today’s evolving technology landscape and the continued evolution of the Z-Wave ecosystem. Don’t miss it!

That, plus the latest home tech headlines including: Sonos confirms their new S2 OS will release in June. New research from Parks about which connected home platforms builders want. NBCUniversal will make theatrical movies available on-demand immediately. Fox acquires streaming service Tubi for $440 million. And more…

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

Show Notes

• Hometech Headlines
  • Sonos S2 OS Confirmed for June Release - CEPRO
  • Research: MDUs, Home Builders, and Smart Home Technology - Residential Systems
  • In a Potential Game-Changing Decision, NBCUniversal Will Make Theatrical Movies Available On Demand Immediately
  • Fox acquires San Francisco streaming service Tubi for $440 million
  • Quibi - Quick bites. Big stories.
• Interview - Mitch Klein Z-Wave Alliance
• Pick of the Week
  • Before and After - 24 Hour Emergency Veterinary Clinic

Episode 294 - Corona-Cones

On this episode of HomeTech: Philips Hue Bridge gen 1 hub set to lose all internet connectivity. Some nifty new features coming to HomeKit with iOS 14. Ring reveals a new doorbell with a three-camera array. Sonos getting rid of Recycle Mode that needlessly bricked its older devices. Elon Musk reveals some surprising new facts about the forthcoming Starlink satellite internet service. Control4 announces new Essential Lighting line. And more…

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

Show Notes

• Coronavirus Causes CEDIA to Cancel Vancouver Tech Summit - CEPRO
• ISC West 2020 Delayed Until July Due to Coronavirus - CEPRO
• Azione Unlimited Reschedules Spring Conference Until July - Residential Systems
• Attendee at Florida CEDIA Tech Summits Reportedly Tests Positive for Coronavirus - CEPRO
• HomeTech Headlines
  • The original Philips Hue Bridge hub is losing all internet connectivity on April 30th
  • HomeKit in iOS 14: Face recognition, Apple TV audio, Night Shift for lights - 9to5Mac
  • Ring's latest doorbells feature a three-camera array
  • Sonos is getting rid of the controversial Recycle Mode that needlessly bricked its older devices
  • Elon Musk: Starlink latency will be good enough for competitive gaming
  • Control4 Announces Essential Lighting - Residential Systems
• Pick of the Week
  • Custom AV News

Episode 293 - The Great TP Panic

On this episode of HomeTech: Take a break from your toilet paper hoarding, and join us the latest HomeTech headlines including: AT&T’s new streaming service essentially amounts to DirecTV without the satellite dish. A healthy (pardon the pun) debate about the viability of home wellness. Interesting takeaways from Best Buy’s ongoing success with Total Tech Support and in-home consultations. Assessing the potential impact of Coronavirus on the CE supply chain. And more…

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

Show Notes

• HomeTech Headlines
  • AT&T's cord-cutting TV streaming service rolls out across the US
  • Why Wellness Tech Is Poised for a Major Boost in Luxury Markets - CEPRO
  • Best Buy’s Strong Growth Driven by In-Home Service Success - CEPRO
  • Global CE Supply Chain Slows Due to Coronavirus Outbreak - CEPRO
• Pick of the Week
  • Ferrule Crimping Tool Kit - Sopoby Ferrule Crimper Plier (AWG 28-7) w/ 1800pcs Wire Ferrules Kit Wire Ends Terminals

Episode 292 - Crazy Walls

On this episode of HomeTech: HBO and HBO Max are coming to YouTube TV. CBS to massively expand All Access’ streaming library in 2020. Comcast acquires little-known streaming service, Xumo. Comcast’s NBCUniversal enters advanced talks to buy Vudu. Failed server update takes down Nest cameras for 17 hours. New research reveals you can relax, your smart assistant is not always listening to you. And more…

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

Show Notes

• HomeTech Headlines
  • HBO and HBO Max are coming to YouTube TV
  • CBS will massively expand All Access’ streaming library in 2020
  • Comcast just acquired a streaming service you’ve probably never heard of from the owner of Myspace
  • WSJ: Comcast's NBCUniversal is in advanced talks to acquire Vudu
  • Crazy Walls
  • Nest cameras were down for 17 hours because of failed server update
  • Is Alexa always listening? New study examines accidental triggers of digital assistants
• Pick of the Week
  • The Virtual Production of The Mandalorian, Season One

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…

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

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