Sure, we're no longer the TEConnect Podcast, but TEC Bytes--our occasional round-up of interesting articles, lists, rankings, research, tech topics, and more--lives on! Here's what we're discussing:

On Our Radar

Dean - Workdays are ending earlier

John - Music makes us move, even when we don't like it

Keep in Touch!

Email – [email protected]

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star

Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe 

Sponsored by:

Elo's 70-Series Promo (ends June 30th, 2025)

Finding new opportunities in retail isn't easy. There is a lot of market saturation, a lot of competition, and a lot of technology options. But, it’s also a lucrative industry when you win business, so we want to give you an edge by equipping you with end-user data—actual insights from retailers about their tech in use, wishlist items, and support preferences. Then, we analyze those insights, compile the most relevant data, and give you some suggestions for interpreting it. Thanks to our friends at Elo for sponsoring this survey!

Read the full article at BlueStar Nation!

Around the Nation: Take advantage of BlueStar's Custom Configuration Services!

#VARValue - What would you do with this data as a VAR? Are there any immediate conversations/actions to take?

On Our Radar

Dean - Is chewing wood good for you?

John - The new movie trend? VHS!

Keep in Touch!

Email – [email protected]

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star

Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe 

Sponsored by:

Elo Pay M100 POS Tablet

Facial recognition has become common for personal mobile devices, relying on our unique biological features for security and access control. However, the technology is still somewhat controversial in the broader business world. Terry Schulenburg with CyberLink, makers of FaceMe, will help us understand the technology, how the controversy is mainly manufactured by film/TV, and the opportunity for solution providers. What industries are embracing it? What is the liability for those who sell it? 

Learn More about FaceMe during Terry's appearance on ISVs on Tap!

Around the Nation: Watch the TSC RFID Encoding Webinar

#VARValue - How does facial recognition technology fit alongside the solutions VARs are already selling? When should they engage the CyberLink team, and how will they help you win opportunities?

On Our Radar

Terry - AI in Hollywood

Dean - Bluetooth security issues

John - Who is your doctor taking money from?

Keep in Touch!

Email – [email protected]

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star

Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe 

Sponsored by:

Elo Outdoor Kiosk Solutions

Supply chain jobs in warehouses, manufacturing, and delivery are still facing a challenging labor market. At the same time, costs remain high, and consumer demands create more pressure to make, distribute, and deliver products quickly. That’s where automation technology has come in to help, but it’s not a total replacement for people, which makes it essential to understand the human element as well. Today, Newcastle’s Kevin Ledversis & Honeywell’s Kelley Wood are sharing their thoughts on the topic. What’s changed about labor post-pandemic? What are supply chain businesses saying about automating their workforce? Is AI a game-changer or a new complication in balancing workforce efficiency and productivity?

Around the Nation: Explore Industries & Technologies at BlueStarInc.com

#VARValue - Newcastle & Honeywell put a lot of thought into how technology helps and augments people, even as they also lean into automation and AI. How has that helped you grow, and what lessons can VARs take away from your approach?

On Our Radar

Kevin - Future shopping experiences at NRF

Kelley - The ARK robo-kitchen

Dean - 2025 predictions...from 100 years ago

John - Mining the moon

Keep in Touch!

Email – [email protected]

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star

Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe 

Sponsored by:

Elo's Quick Ship Program

Like many industries, automation & AI are finding a place in restaurants, adding to accelerated trends during the pandemic. This week's guest, Sean McCaughan of Truffle Systems, finds it easier than ever to make the case for innovation, but what solutions actually make a difference? How does "reading bus pans" make the case for AI and analytics to reduce costs and minimize food waste? How is Truffle solving the "last three feet problem" in places like hospital cafeterias? It's the episode with 25% less mashed potatoes!

#VARValue - Learn about Truffle's GoBox solution and how it can help VARs address a problem that few look to solve.

On Our Radar

Sean - Quantum computing

Dean - Vehicle-launched drones?

John - Scientists discover the heaviest antimatter particle

Keep in Touch!

Email – [email protected]

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star

Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe 

Sponsored by:

Elo Pay 10" Integrated Payment Solution

Mobile computing, IoT, AI, RFID, robotics, mPOS…the future of enterprise technology is exciting, to be sure. Still, it’s only as good as the networks connecting these devices and transmitting all that data for analysis and action. Networking and connectivity solutions may not currently be part of your portfolio, but if you desire to be THE trusted provider for your customers, they should be. Today, we’re talking to iONLINE’s Dave Farquharson & industry vet (now a BlueStar colleague) Jim Hilton to help you understand the connectivity landscape, the importance of multi-carrier interoperability, how to approach selling network solutions, and how to find and win opportunities.

Check out our new Connectivity Services site!

#VARValue - What is iONLINE looking for in the channel, and how do they help resellers find opportunities, win business, and overcome networking hurdles?

Around the Nation: The 2U Tour is coming to a city near you!

On Our Radar

Dave - Waymo and AI

Jim - Robotics

Dean - AI couples therapy?

John - The "city-killer" asteroid (that's no longer a concern?)

Keep in Touch!

Email – [email protected]

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star

Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe 

Sponsored by:

Elo M51 Rugged Mobile Computer

Not long ago, retailers held most of the power in how consumers found, purchased, and knew about products and services. The internet age, social media, and always-on-hand mobile devices shifted that dynamic in favor of the consumer. Will technology restore the balance of power or allow SMB retailers to compete against the big box & e-commerce giants? Honeywell's Tony Boncore returns to the show to explain. What did he see at NRF? How do AI and mobility tools empower associates to create better customer experiences? 

Around the Nation: Check out the latest RSPA Retail IT Channel Study and catch Dean on an episode of the Trusted Advisor Podcast to discuss the findings!

#VARValue - How is Honeywell leveraging AI for its retail devices?

On Our Radar

Tony - AI lie detectors

Dean - What is a topological cubit?

John - An all-AI school curriculum?

Keep in Touch!

Email – [email protected]

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star

Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe 

Sponsored by:

Elo Pay M100

The podcast returns with a new name but is committed to the same great topics, guests, and education! This week, we begin with a brief explainer for the name change before reviewing the content topics that had the most attention in 2024. Dean gives us his thoughts on #NRF2025, and we discuss what's been "On Our Radar" since our last recording.

Check out ISVs on Tap!

On Our Radar

Dean - How often should you wash your towels

John - Apple settles Siri lawsuit and video games for mental health

Keep in Touch!

Email – [email protected]

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star

Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe 

Sponsored by:

Elo 70-Series Instant Rebate - Available thru June 2025!

The TEConnect Podcast is now BlueStar Nation! It has the same great content, the same hosts, and new packaging! Each week, John Martin & Dean Reverman explore the hottest trends, emerging technologies, new opportunities, and sales & marketing tips for the specialty IT reseller channel. Hear from experts in AI, RFID, robotics, barcoding, point-of-sale, AIDC, edge computing, automation, digital signage, and so much more.

You can watch on YouTube (@BlueStarInc), subscribe anywhere you get podcasts, and tell us what you want to hear about on the show!

Email - [email protected]

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star

Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe 

We’re wrapping up the year (and this podcast iteration?) with another deep dive into Star Wars news, recent projects, and our thoughts on the franchise. We’re talking “Bad Batch” season 3, “Tales of the Empire,” and the now-canceled “The Acolyte.” What’s next for Star Wars? Will we get a new movie in 2026? What do hardcore fans really want? Is Star Wars still fun?

We're rebranding as the BlueStar Nation Podcast in 2025!! Let us know what you want to see and hear on the show.

Keep in Touch!

Email - [email protected]

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star

Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/en-us/about-the-company/bluestar-teconnect-podcast

Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe 

Sponsored by:

Elo M100 & the Elo Pay 22"