591 episodes
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…
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...
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.
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…
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…
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…
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…
On this episode of HomeTech: We’re joined by Kent Dickson, co-founder and CEO of Yonomi. Established in 2013, the company eschewed the approach of building a hub. Instead, they focused on building what amounts to a robust and highly-flexible middleware layer for the connected home. Their cloud-based platform empowers developers and end-users alike to create a better home technology experience. Our conversation with Kent covers the unique backstory that brought him from Aerospace to his current role at Yonomi, why we shouldn’t use the word “smart” to describe homes (and what we should call them instead), the challenges of tackling such a rapidly evolving market, what the future of the connected home looks like, the importance of building great teams, and more. Don’t miss it!
On this episode of HomeTech: Jason’s new Product gig. Learning from failures. Why projects are such a pain in the a** to finish. The difference between “day 0”, “day 1”, and “day 2”, and why you need to think of all three. Plus the latest home tech headlines including: Wink’s death throes? Emerald Expositions, COVID, and the future of trade shows. Folks in quarantine stream lots of music. Google’s whole-home Nest Aware now available. A more powerful Apple TV on the way? And more…
On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Paulus Schoutsen, founder of Home Assistant, to discuss the company’s journey from a small, personal experiment to one of the most robust DIY home automation platforms on the market. Supported by a strong open source community, Home Assistant has more than enough horsepower for the dedicated enthusiast who really wants to roll up their sleeves. But the product has also evolved to become increasingly approachable for the less tech-savvy among us. Paulus shares the trials, tribulations, and successes that Home Assistant has seen as it has grown and evolved into its current form. That, plus the latest home tech headlines including: Crestron announces plans to return to CEDIA this year (assuming, of course, there is a CEDIA this year). Luxul prepares to release its new ProWatch remote management tool. Josh.ai raises $11 million. Google’s rumored new streaming device. Sonos debuts three new products. And more…
On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Rob Martens, Senior Vice President, Chief Innovation & Design Officer at Allegion, PLC. You may not be familiar with the name Allegion, but its footprint is massive, spanning 30+ brands (including Schlage locks) in 130 countries with 11,000 employees. Rob serves as a futurist for the company and is also heavily involved in Allegion Ventures, which invests in various tech companies surrounding the internet of things. Our conversation covers the state of IoT (hint: it’s not all roses), how companies can and must do better by consumers, why you shouldn’t call it a “smart home”, and much more. Don’t miss it! That, plus the latest home tech headlines including: CEDIA puts together a task force to ensure attendee safety at this year’s show, but will it be enough? The government funds an additional $370 billion in COVID relief funds. Best Buy to open 200 locations using by appointment only. And more…
On this very special 300th episode of HomeTech: We celebrate our big milestone with a live group recording featuring some great friends of the show! Join us as we dive into the latest home tech headlines together. Also, be sure to hang out for the lighting round where we have some fun with a few (not so) serious home tech questions. Thank you for being a part of our journey to 300 episodes! We are so appreciative of your support!
On this episode of HomeTech: A homewrecker threatens Jason’s long marriage to Trello. (Un)wise ways to spend your stimulus check. The week-3 doldrums. And the latest home tech headlines, including: HBO does an about-face on their ill-timed move to stop supporting older Apple TVs. COVID studies using Oura smart rings highlight the potential of wearable tech. IKEA smart blinds now available online. Ecobee unveils a new camera and home security service called Haven. And more…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
