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578 episodes

Episode 298 · April 10, 2020 · 00:30:47

Quarantini

On this episode of HomeTech: Thoughts on the new short-form streaming app, Quibi. HBO Go and HBO Now will soon stop working on older Apple TVs. Sonos has a big sale on Beam, One, and One SL speakers. Amazon Business Eyes the CI channel. And more…

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Episode 297 · April 3, 2020 · 01:03:35

COVID-19 Government Assistance Deep Dive with Chris Williams of OneVision Resources

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Chris Williams, Director of People Operations at OneVision Resources. Our conversation breaks down the various governmental programs designed to help small businesses navigate the COVID-19 crisis. The government is providing a lot of assistance to businesses and employees. Gaining a deep understanding of the options is vital to ensuring you make the most of what’s available. Chris brings deep expertise to the table, along with an uncanny ability to distill complicated legislation down to simple, actionable insights. Whether you own a business, work in one, or have recently been furloughed/laid off, you do not want to miss this episode! That plus, home tech headlines including: AVNation launches a “Learn from Home” conference, taking place April 7 and 8. Sony restructures, creating the Electronics Products & Solutions Unit. JoshAI now enables a politically correct smart home. And more…

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Episode 296 · March 27, 2020 · 01:06:35

Navigating COVID-19 with SimpTech Solution's Chad Nichols

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Chad Nichols, principal of SimpTech Solutions in Cincinnati, OH. Chad joins us to share his perspectives on the impact COVID-19 is having on the integration landscape. Our discussion covers strategies for handling client relationships, keeping employees healthy, productive, and engaged, and doing all of this while dealing with an incredibly daunting economic landscape. It’s a delicate dance all too many home technology professionals will be grappling with in the weeks and months ahead. Tune in to hear Chad’s perspective on keeping it all together in these trying times. In addition to our conversation with Chad, we share a number of other stories related to the COVID-19 pandemic including: OneVision releases a “COVID-19 Data Room” with comprehensive resources to help integrators navigate the situation. Information on the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. CEDIA offering complimentary professional development resources. Tips for running a distributed workforce. And more…

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Episode 295 · March 20, 2020 · 01:06:08

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…

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Episode 294 · March 13, 2020 · 00:35:38

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…

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Episode 293 · March 6, 2020 · 00:39:05

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…

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Episode 292 · February 28, 2020 · 00:35:37

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…

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Episode 291 · February 21, 2020 · 00:41:04

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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Episode 290 · February 14, 2020 · 00:45:42

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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Episode 289 · February 7, 2020 · 01:03:05

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 its Galaxy Home Mini's release date. The home tech industry gets some tariff relief (or do they?). And more…

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Episode 288 · January 24, 2020 · 00:35:35

Savant Brings Sexy Back

On this episode of HomeTech: Guest Co-Host and frequent guest 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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Episode 287 · January 17, 2020 · 00:48:13

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…

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Episode 286 · January 10, 2020 · 00:59:59

The CESpool

HDMI announces a new mandatory certification program, but will it make a difference? The 8K Association (8KA) is live with its new certification (and a terrible logo). NextGen TV for 4K TV broadcasting launches at CES 2020. Sonos sues Google, and it sounds juicy. Ring unveils numerous new products, including some pro-friendly options. Comcast introduces a WiFi 6 gateway. Sony, Samsung, and LG provide looks at their 2020 TV strategies. Plus a roundup of some cool (and downright silly) tech products from CES 2020. Don’t miss it!

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Episode 285 · January 3, 2020 · 00:20:12

A New Decade

On this episode of HomeTech: While Jason travels Seth takes the reins of the sleigh and drives the podcast into the next decade. Big news stories about internet outrage over recycling, Ring getting hit with a lawsuit over their security practices, a cool new idea to charge devices remotely and more…

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Episode 284 · December 23, 2019 · 01:22:03

The 5th Annual Fireside Chat Special

On this very special episode of HomeTech: Join us as we look back on the biggest smart home stories of 2019 on our fifth annual Fireside Chat! We are joined by both Richard Gunther and Adam Justice of the Digital Media Zone’s Home:On Podcast. This jam-packed episode will provide you with a comprehensive look back at all the trends that defined the connected home this year, including predictions about what 2020 will bring. Don’t miss it!

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Episode 283 · December 6, 2019 · 01:05:11

Polk Audio's Bronson Gannon

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Bronson Gannon, Global Brand Manager for Sound United’s Polk Audio. Our discussion covers the company’s new Legend line of speakers. We also dive into many of the fundamentals of speaker design, providing information all of us can use in order to make more educated buying decisions. That, plus the latest home tech headlines including: Cyber Monday 2019 shatters records. Plex launches their ad-supported TV streaming service. Sony updates TVs to support AirPlay 2 and HomeKit. The FBI warns consumers about the cybersecurity risks of smart TVs. Wyze undercuts the competition once again with their $89 smart lock. Best Buy hits an impressive 2M+ subscribers to their Total Tech Support membership. And more…

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Episode 282 · November 29, 2019 · 01:02:35

Black Friday Roundup, plus a Conversation with the Smart Kitchen Platform Innit

On this episode of HomeTech: Now that you’ve recovered from your Thanksgiving food coma, we are joined by Kevin Brown, CEO and Co-founder of Innit. Innit is a leading platform for the connected kitchen. Acting as a unifying layer designed to simplify and enhance the home cooking experience, Innit works with a diverse set of industry partners including appliance makers, retailers, tech giants, and large food distributors. Tune in to learn more about their novel and comprehensive approach to the rapidly expanding connected kitchen market. That plus our annual Black Friday roundup. Join us to discover some of the best and most unique connected home deals available this holiday season!

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Episode 281 · November 15, 2019 · 00:52:36

Catching up with SnapAV featuring Charlie Kindel and G. Paul Hess

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Charlie Kindel, SnapAV’s Chief Product Officer, and G. Paul Hess, SnapAV’s Chief Marketing Officer, to catch up on what has been a very busy year for the company. Our conversation covers the latest on the Control4 merger, the new NEEO remote, the latest on the OvrC remote management platform, Control4’s upcoming C4Yourself event, and much more. Don’t miss it! Plus the latest home tech headlines including: Netflix explains why certain older streaming devices will no longer be supported. Disney+ comes out of the gate swinging. Hikvision launches the most racist product feature of all time. Amazon patches a vulnerability found in Ring doorbells. and more.

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Episode 280 · November 8, 2019 · 00:40:08

Meet the all new Assistant Security Shield

On this episode of HomeTech: Tune in to learn all about the hottest new device in connected home security—the HomeTech Assistant Security Shield (ASS)™. Your worse fears have been realized. Hackers are taking to the streets armed with lasers capable of unleashing mayhem on your smart speaker. You feel vulnerable. Helpless. Ready to throw in the towel on your smart home dreams. But fret not. The HomeTech Assistant Security shield leverages Advanced Impenetrable Reflective Technology (AIRT)™ to keep you and your family safe. It’s security, at the speed of light. Tune in to learn more! That, plus the latest home tech headlines, including: Initial thoughts on Apple TV+. Insignia smart products are smart no more. Walmart reportedly looking to put Vudu on the selling block. Google buys Fitbit for $2.1B. Lutron dismisses lawsuit against Savant. Control4 launches new NEEO remote. And more…

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Episode 279 · November 1, 2019 · 00:58:16

Smart-Home Cheers and Consumer Fears with Brad Russell of Parks Associates

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Brad Russel, Parks Associates’ Research Director, Connected Home. A leading market research and consulting company, Parks Associates is a go-to resource for anyone looking for a data-driven understanding of the smart home market. Our conversation with Brad covers the current state of the industry along with the “cheers and fears” driving connected home adoption. Don’t miss it! That, plus a very busy week in home tech news including: Is Wink in its death throes? Apple pulls a HomePod update after reports of bricked devices. Sonos launches a trade-in program. Playstation Vue is shutting down. More details emerge regarding HBO’s forthcoming streaming service, HBO Max. The Apple TV app is officially available on Amazon Fire TV devices. Reports that Apple is ramping up its HomeKit efforts. And more…

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