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584 episodes

Episode 324 · October 23, 2020 · 00:55:10

Bridging the DIFM Gap with Ring's Andrew Vloyanetes

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Andrew Vloyanetes, GM of installed solutions at Ring. Andrew leads the go-to-market strategy for professionally installed solutions at the company. The increasing crossover between “DIY” and pro solutions is a trend we’ve long been interested in here at HomeTech, so we were excited to have Andrew on. We discuss Ring’s focus on working backward from customers’ needs, the unique challenges and opportunities inherent in working in the professional channel, the new Ring X line and the strategy behind it, and much more. Having directed the installed solutions strategy at Sonos prior to joining Ring, Andrew brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to this important conversation. That, plus the latest home tech headlines including: Quibi calls it quits. LG’s rollable OLED goes on sale in Korea. The Nest Secure is being discontinued. Google unveils upgrades to its smart display UI. And more…

Episode 323 · October 16, 2020 · 01:25:56

SnApple Events

On this episode of HomeTech: we discuss the biggest announcements from SnapAV’s Snap Pro Live and Apple’s iPhone event. We dissect SnapAV’s grand strategy, their focus on services and OvrC, and a host of new Control4 products including updated touch panels, a limited edition NEEO remote, the new Chime Video Doorbell, and more. On the Apple front, we dive into the long-overdue release of a HomePod mini and the new iPhone 12.

Episode 322 · October 9, 2020 · 01:03:19

Growing the Right Way with Justin Worley of Audio Concepts

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Justin Worley, owner of Audio Concepts in Long Beach, CA, and Desert Valley Audio Video in Scottsdale, AZ. We dive into the lessons Justin has learned growing Desert Valley to a 30-person team and acquiring his second business. Justin shares his perspectives on recruiting, hiring, and team development, the decision to bring electrical work in-house, the importance of “getting your act together” as you grow, how to get out of owner-operator mode, and much more. Home tech pros won’t want to miss this one. That, plus the latest home tech headlines including: The numbers for CEDIA’s first virtual event are in. Apple pulls Sonos and other third party products from its stores. Disney movies are finally available in 4K on iTunes. And more…

Episode 321 · October 2, 2020 · 00:44:06

The Speaker Looks Like a ____

On this episode of HomeTech: We dissect the biggest announcements from the Amazon and Google events this week including: Google’s new Chromecast and Nest Audio speaker; New Echos, Fire TVs, Eero devices, and more from Amazon; and Ring’s entry into car security and… drones?! That, plus: Sonos sues Google for infringement (again). Info on SnapAV’s upcoming virtual event. And more...

Episode 320 · September 25, 2020 · 01:01:29

Making Dumb Appliances Smart with David Bambrick of Connected Life Labs

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by David Bambrick, CEO of Connected Life Labs. Our conversation explores the company’s mission to make dumb appliances smart. We explore SmartDry, their first product targeted at dryers. An engineer first, David takes us behind the scenes, sharing some of the unique challenges he and his team had to overcome to design an IoT product that functions reliability inside a giant metal box full of wet, tumbling clothes, high temperatures, and static electricity. We then zoom out to discuss the company’s partnerships with energy providers, future plans aimed at other appliances, and more. That, plus the latest home tech headlines including: ISE 2021 gets postponed until June. CEDIA cancels all in-person tech summits for 2020. Lutron announces its Connection 2020 series of virtual events. Wyze is practically giving away its new smart doorbell. Quibi looks for a buyer after a lackluster launch. Roku and NBCU bury the hatchet. And more…

Episode 319 · September 18, 2020 · 01:20:27

CEDIA 2020 Live Special

Join us for a special episode recorded live from HomeTech’s Virtual Happy Hour! We are joined by numerous supporters of the show for an in-depth review of CEDIA’s first-ever virtual Expo. A big thanks to everyone who attended our event, and especially to the diverse group of industry pros who joined us on-air to provide their unique perspectives including Eddie Shapiro of SmartTouch USA, Josh Christian of the Home Technology Association, Justin Rounsefell of the Stratus Group, and Robert Spivack of DoItForMe.solutions.

Episode 318 · September 11, 2020 · 00:50:03

Making Dumb Alarms Smart with Konnected's Nate Clark

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Nate Clark, Founder of Konnected.io. We discuss Konnected’s novel solution designed to bring antiquated home security systems into the connected home. Nate shares the product’s rapid journey from DIY project to open source offering to business. Our conversation also covers the importance of open source and Nate’s perspectives on the current landscape for smart home “prosumers”. That plus the latest home tech headlines including: A new Ring integration from Lutron. What (not) to expect at Apple’s September 15th event. YouTube TV adds NFL Network to its core offering. A new push into the renter market from Amazon. New indoor and outdoor cameras from Blink. And more…

Episode 317 · September 4, 2020 · 00:59:27

Designing from the Outside-In with Lutron's Melissa Andresko

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Lutron’s Chief Corporate Brand Ambassador, Melissa Andresko. Melissa—a 22-year industry veteran who has spent her entire career with Lutron—shares her unique perspective on the evolution of the company and the connected home at large. We discuss Lutron’s new Serena Smart Wood blinds, the importance of form and function in product design, how removing even small points of friction creates delighted users, why we need more women involved in the tech industry, and much more. That, plus the latest home tech headlines including: Apple plans augmented reality content to bolster Apple TV+. Spotify considers live virtual concerts, Samsung debuts its first ultra short throw projector. Best Buy shatters Q2 Sales expectations. New Lifx Clean bulb can sanitize surfaces. And more…

Episode 316 · August 21, 2020 · 00:38:09

CueCat

On this episode of HomeTech: Netflix takes aim at the paradox of choice with its new “Shuffle Play” button. FCC filing suggests Ring may have a new hub on the way. OneVision webinar to help home tech pros navigate change successfully. Jason finds a slick new productivity tool. The Smart Home museum receives a generous donation. And more…

Episode 315 · August 14, 2020 · 00:33:50

Make it a Blockbuster All-Nighter

On this episode of HomeTech: Xiaomi makes disappearing OLEDs. The last Blockbuster on earth is offering AirBnB sleepovers. New data shows the smart home is nowhere near “mainstream”. Google Play Music is shutting down. Jason tempts fate. And more…

Episode 314 · August 7, 2020 · 00:43:35

Moose Pi

On this episode of HomeTech: Nortek ends an era with their plans to shut down Niles. The CTA finally gives up its plans for an in-person CES 2021. Google makes a $450 million investment in ADT, who will now install Nest products as part of their smart home offering. Brilliant announces a new platform designed multi-family properties. Universal and AMC theaters strike a deal to bring theatrical releases to the home more quickly. And much more…

Episode 313 · July 24, 2020 · 01:16:39

Taking the Contrarian Position with Brilliant's Aaron Emigh

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Aaron Emigh, CEO and Founder of Brilliant. The conversation starts with an exploration of Aaron’s unique upbringing—growing up off the grid—and how it helped shape his perspective on the connected home. We then dive into Brilliant, discussing the company’s decision to eschew a phone-first approach and instead focus on integrating their technology into the infrastructure of the home. We then ask Aaron—an entrepreneur with multiple successful exits and a holder of over 100 patents—to share some practical tips on innovation and building successful companies (hint: if everyone thinks your idea is great, it probably isn’t). That plus the latest home tech headlines including: Signs that the construction industry may be poised for a strong recovery. Zoom unveils a new all-in-one home videoconferencing solution. Flo by Moen and Yonomi form an interesting partnership to help insurance companies better leverage smart home technology. NBC’s Peacock hides a cake recipe in their terms and conditions. BadPower attack targeting fast chargers could set your device on fire. And more…

Episode 312 · July 17, 2020 · 00:39:13

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…

Episode 311 · July 10, 2020 · 00:47:30

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…

Episode 310 · July 3, 2020 · 01:11:21

"Process Therapy" with Portal's Kirk Chisholm

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Kirk Chisolm, 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...

Episode 309 · June 26, 2020 · 00:31:10

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.

Episode 308 · June 19, 2020 · 00:54:37

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…

Episode 307 · June 12, 2020 · 01:01:23

Mastering the Business of Home Technology with Randy Stearns from D-Tools

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Randy Stearns, CEO of D-Tools. Randy joins us to share the latest from D-Tools, an industry-leading software provider in the systems integration space. We also dive into his perspectives on what it takes to succeed in the business of home tech. Randy shares lessons on leadership, driving profitability, building a high-performance culture, and more. Finally, we explore some of Randy’s key takeaways from serving as the CEO of Via Home, discussing the valuable lessons we can all learn from the disappointing fate of that venture. A long-time industry veteran, Randy brings a strong combination of business savvy and actionable insights to the conversation. Don’t miss it! That, plus the latest home tech headlines including—Cox slows upload speeds in entire neighbors due to “excessive usage.” Hulu scraps support for older Roku devices. Lutron release Triathlon and Serena Smart Wood Blinds. And more…

Episode 306 · June 6, 2020 · 00:40:34

CEDIA No-Go

On this episode of HomeTech: We discuss that sad but expected news that CEDIA 2020 has officially been canceled. What does it mean for the industry? For future events? And how might Emerald (and event companies in general) find new ways to use technology to provide an engaging virtual experience? That, plus the latest home tech headlines including: CEDIA launches new academy and revamped website. The role of solutions like Crestron’s HomeTime Smart Home Conferencing solution in today’s market. Josh.ai launches a new integration with Comcast Xfinity. HBO Max trips out of the gate, but don’t count them out. And more…

Episode 305 · May 29, 2020 · 00:54:04

The New OvrC with Kenny Kim

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by SnapAV’s vice president of connected products, Kenny Kim, for a deep dive into “the new OvrC.” Two years in the making, this release represents a major leap forward for the company’s remote monitoring and management platform. We discuss various improvements to the platform’s architecture and overall performance, enhancements to the mobile experience, increased integrations into various product lines, and the company’s migration plans for users of BakPak and Ihiji. Kenny also shares some of the unique backstories behind the new OvrC, including the people and processes which made it all possible. Finally, we explore some of the ways the team at SnapAV continues to evolve their product management and development practices in order to better serve their dealers. That, plus the latest home tech headlines including: Samsung releases a new outdoor TV. Thoughts on Savant’s acquisition of GE Lighting. Crestron and Lutron playing nice. And more…