Episode 312 - Goodbye, Amazon Wand

On this episode of HomeTech: CEDIA revives in-person training at its Fishers, IN headquarters. Google unveils its new Nest smart speaker aimed at taking on the Sonos One. Logitech is sunsetting support for the Harmony Express. New app from Caavo enables remote Netflix watch parties. And more…

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Show Notes

• HomeTech Headlines
  • CEDIA revives in-person education offerings - AVNation TV
  • CEDIA Brings Back In-Person Education Offerings - CEPRO
  • Google unveils new Nest smart speaker to battle Sonos One
  • Logitech pulls support for Harmony Express remote a year after launch
  • Important Announcement - Harmony Express
  • Watch With Friends brings remote Netflix watch parties to Apple TV and Roku devices
• Mailbag
  • Announcement | Changes to our Legacy SmartThings Platform
• Pick of the Week
  • Special Thanks to Robert Spivak for sending in an Amazon Wand for the Museum

Episode 311 - Nerding Out

On this episode of HomeTech: YouTube TV’s latest price hike; Sling TV’s retort; should you just stick with cable? And what does this all mean for the future of streaming? Reviewing the privacy (or lack thereof) of various DIY security cameras. Nerding out on note-taking apps. And more…

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Show Notes

• HomeTech Headlines
  • Google raises price of YouTube TV, its cable-like bundle, to $65 a month
  • YouTube TV is Still Worth It Despite the Price Increase | Digital Trends
  • Sling TV responds to streaming price hikes with a one-year 'guarantee'
  • Security Camera Scorecard: Which Takes Privacy Seriously? | Digital Trends
• Pick of the Week / Notes Discussion
  • Roam Research – A note taking tool for networked thought.
  • Drafts | Where Text Starts
  • GoodNotes Homepage | Leave Paper Behind
  • Penbook for iOS
  • Paperlike, the iPad Screen Protector: write and draw like on paper

Episode 310 - "Process Therapy" with Portal's Kirk Chisholm

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Kirk Chisholm, CEO and Founder of Portal. Our conversation starts with an exploration of Kirk’s industry background—a veritable case study entrepreneurial persistence, innovation, and flexibility.

We then shift to discussing Portal’s “Ultimate Dealer Study”. In this comprehensive survey, Kirk and his team have set out to uncover and analyze the 16 steps required to run a successful home technology business. Kirk shares why they undertook this ambitious effort and how they aim to inspire and empower integrators to run better businesses by sharing the results back with the industry. Finally, we dive into some of the specific processes, tools, and best practices their research has unveiled.

That, plus the latest home tech headlines, including: CEDIA releases a save-the-date for their three-day virtual event. A $100 billion “universal fiber” plan is being discussed in the House. Microsoft to close all of its physical stores. Sonos lays off 12% of its workforce. And more...

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Show Notes

• HomeTech Headlines
  • CEDIA Expo Virtual Event Announces Dates - TWICE
  • SnapAV to Launch Virtual and In-Store Event - Residential Systems
  • Crestron to Host ‘Crestron Next’ Virtual Event in September
  • Google will host a virtual 'Hey Google' smart home keynote on July 8th
  • $100 billion “universal fiber” plan proposed by Democrats in Congress
  • All physical Microsoft Stores will be permanently closed
  • Sonos lays off 12% of staff, closes New York City storefront – TechCrunch
• Interview - Portal's Kirk Chisolm, Portal
  • The Ultimate Dealer Study
  • Portal
• Pick of the Week
  • How to Watch 'Hamilton' on Disney Plus
  • Defending Jacob on Apple TV+

Episode 309 - WWDC20 Roundup

On this episode of HomeTech: Jason takes the week off but Seth is around to discuss what Home technologies Apple will be releasing in iOS14.

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Show Notes

• Apple WWDC20 Keynote
  • Summary: The major announcements during Apple’s WWDC20 keynote
  • ResiWeek 229: Miniature Offices - AVNation TV
• Pick of the Week
  • Speedtest CLI - Internet connection measurement for developers

Episode 308 - HBO Stew

On this episode of HomeTech: WWDC over-unders. CEDIA plans to resume regional Tech Summits this Fall. Google countersues Sonos. HBO makes a mess. Thoughts on SPLICE, a new project from the National Science Foundation designed to boost IoT security. A productivity Pic of the Week from Jason. And more…

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Show Notes

• WWDC 2020: Everything We Know | MacRumors
• HomeTech Headlines
  • CEDIA to Resume Regional Tech Summits in Fall - CEPRO
  • Google countersues Sonos for patent infringement
  • Google optimizes its WiFi routers for slow internet connections
  • Wi-Fi woes got you down? Google Nest is here to help
  • HBO Go Shuts Down, HBO Now Rebrands to HBO After Max Launch | Digital Trends
  • HBO Continues to Shoot Itself in the Foot | Digital Trends
  • HBO Max Is Playing Bait-and-Switch with DC Comics Movies | Digital Trends
  • Scientists want to fix our notoriously insecure smart home devices
• Pick of the Week
  • TextExpander – Productivity App | Text Expander
  • Keyboard Maestro 9.0.5: Work Faster with Macros for macOS