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On this episode of HomeTech: Seth proposes new gift-giving legislation. Disney’s latest investor update highlights big plans for Disney+. The results of HBO Max’s day-and-date release of “Wonder Woman 1984”. Sony Pictures Studios reports seeing increased interest from Hollywood’s theatrical-release loyalists. Sony announces major factory closures as part of its strategic move away from A/V. Dissecting CEDIA’s latest State of the Association report, including a deep dive into the topic of standardization. And more…

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Show Notes

Obi-Wan, She-Hulk and a new Pinocchio: Disney+ is about to get a lot bigger, and more expensive HBO Max's 'Wonder Woman 1984' audience helps fast-track a sequel Sony says it’s already seeing some benefits from WarnerMedia’s big HBO Max bet Sony to Close Major Malaysia Audio Factory; Begins Refocus Away from A/V - Strata-gee.com Annual CEDIA State of the Association Report Includes Some Drama - Strata-gee.com CEDIA Annual Report 2020 | YouTube

• Pick of the Week
  • HomeKit Helper - Networking
  • Scenecuts Adds Effortless Access to HomeKit Scenes in Your Mac’s Menu Bar

On this episode of HomeTech: Join us for the 2020 edition of the Holiday Fireside chat! This year, we are joined again by two special guests, Richard Gunther from the Home: On podcast and the Smart Home Show, and Adam Justice, Founder and CEO at ConnectSense and Richard’s co-host on the Smart Home Show. We share our perspectives on the biggest connected home trends of 2020 and make some predictions about the year ahead. Don’t miss it!

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Show Notes

• ConnectSense - Smart Outlets For A Smarter, More Efficient Home
  • ConnectSense Smart In-Wall Outlet Pro
• HomePod mini
• Project Connected Home over IP
• The Mandalorian
• Orro: The Home Lighting System
• Wyze | Making Great Technology Accessible | Smart Home Devices
• U by Moen Smart Faucet | Smart Home | Moen
• Ted Lasso on Apple TV+
• Insteon
• Stream Deck | elgato.com

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Alex Capecelatro, CEO of Josh.ai. Our first three-time guest on the podcast, Alex joins us to discuss the company’s upcoming product releases—the Nano and Core. At just over the size of a quarter, the Nano is billed as the world’s first architectural voice-control microphone. Backing up the Nano is the Core, a processor designed specifically to meet the AI and voice-control needs of the most demanding clients. We discuss some of the unique design challenges associated with bringing these products to market, how Josh.ai has continued to evolve based on dealer and client feedback, Alex’s thoughts on the overall AI landscape, and much more.

That, plus the latest home tech headlines, including: Logitech releases a new HomeKit-enabled video doorbell. Hulu’s watch party functionality is now available to all users. Warner Bros. unveils a day and date strategy for all of its 2021 theatrical releases. Google adds Apple Music support to its smart speakers. Samsung adds Google Nest integration to its SmartThings platform. Wyze unveils a new security system that’s shockingly cheap, even by Wyze standards. And more…

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Show Notes

• HomeTech Headlines
  • Logitech’s new Circle View Wired Doorbell is the first to support HomeKit Secure Video
  • Hulu's Watch Parties are now available to all subscribers
  • Warner Bros. to Debut 2021 Movies in Theaters, HBO Max Simultaneously - CEPRO
  • Google adds Apple Music support to Assistant smart speakers and displays
  • Samsung SmartThings Platform Adds Google Nest Integration - CEPRO
  • Wyze’s new DIY home security system is dirt cheap
• Interview: Josh.ai | Voice Control - Artificial Intelligence - Smart Home Automation
• Pick of the Week
  • Around this time of year, people who strung their Christmas lights the wrong way start wandering into hardware stores looking for what they later find out is often called a "suicide cable." - @kobunheat

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Eric Hines, CEO of Inovelli. Eric shares how he merged his passion for connected home technology with his professional marketing background to form his smart lighting company. In addition to exploring their current lineup of Z-Wave lighting products, we discuss the company’s uniquely transparent approach to engaging with its users. Eric also shares numerous insights about what it’s like to launch a connected home product company from scratch.

That, plus the latest home tech headlines including: A quick recap of this year’s Cyber Monday numbers. CEDIA announces interim co-CEOs. Comcast to cap internet usage in some areas. The Quibi shutdown is complete. Wyze comes out with a $20 smartwatch. And more…

Fan of the show? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron!

Show Notes

• HomeTech Headlines
  • These Were the Most Popular Tech Items During Cyber Monday | Digital Trends
  • CEDIA announces interim Co-CEOs
  • Comcast to Cap Internet Usage of Customers in More Than a Dozen U.S. States - CEPRO
  • Quibi Will Cease Service Around Dec. 1, Says It Doesn’t Know Whether Any Content Will Be Available Elsewhere Afterward
  • Wyze announces $20 smartwatch with nine-day battery life
• Interview - Eric Hines - Inovelli
  • Fan & Light Switch (Project Hurricane)
• Pick of the Week
  • The Onion’s Guide To Streaming Services
  • A Brief Compendium of When Buttons Ruled the Earth

On this episode of HomeTech: Join us for a special Thanksgiving edition. We discuss some of the best home tech Black Friday deals including bargains on mesh WiFi products, smart speakers and displays, TVs, security systems, and more. That, plus we share a few things we’re grateful for as we enter the home stretch of a very bumpy 2020. Thank you for supporting the show! We wish you and yours a happy and healthy Thanksgiving weekend!

Fan of the show? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron!

Show Notes

• Black Friday Deals
  • Batteries!
  • Best Black Friday deals on smart home tech
  • Amcrest Doorbell $79 (coupon checkbox)
  • Twinkly
  • Twinkly Pro
• Pick of the Week
  • Email a dumpster fire

On this episode of HomeTech: Big personnel moves at SnapAV including the departure of Charlie Kindel. Kaleidescape brings on a new CEO and VP of Marketing. Wyze continues its run of new product launches with a smart sprinkler controller. Hulu raises the price of its live TV service. Sonos introduces a paid tier of its Sonos Radio service. And more…

Fan of the show? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron!

Show Notes

• HomePod Mini
• Unifi Protect G4 Doorbell
• HomeTech Headlines
  • SnapAV Adds Greg Simmons in Exec Role; Charlie Kindel to Depart - CEPRO
  • Kaleidescape Names Software Exec as New CEO - CEPRO
  • Wyze continues flood of new products, releasing smart sprinkler controller for yard care
  • Hulu with Live TV increasing its price to $65 a month
  • Hulu with Live TV increasing its price to $65 a month
  • Sonos Introduces Sonos Radio HD - Residential Systems
• Pick of the Week
  • Channels App - Custom Raspberry Pi Image

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Balaji Krishnan, Founder and CEO of Dabkick. Balaji joins us to discuss his company’s new streaming device, Dabby. This device takes a unique approach to the TV experience by eliminating many of the friction points common in today’s streaming-first environment including user fatigue around managing multiple subscriptions, navigating multiple apps, and the dreaded content decision fatigue. The product’s “Watch Together” service also offers users a slick new way to enjoy movies and shows with remotely-located friends and family. We discuss Balaji’s deep background in the streaming video space, what inspired him to develop this innovative product, and how they hope to redefine the TV experience.

That, plus a busy week in home tech headlines including: A look at Josh.ai’s new Nano and Core products. Wyze gets into the vacuum game. Comcast launches a new DIY security system. ADT and Google accelerate their plans to launch a new smart home platform. Netflix tests a linear-style TV service in France. And more…

Fan of the show? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron!

Show Notes

• HomeTech Headlines
  • Josh.ai Keynote
  • The Invisible Josh Nano - Residential Systems
  • Wyze’s $199 robot vacuum will start cleaning carpets in 2021
  • Comcast takes on Ring with its own DIY home security system
  • New ADT + Google Platform to Hit Market in Late 2021 - CEPRO
  • Slingbox server shutdown will kill every box in two years
  • Netflix is testing a linear-style TV channel in France
  • CEDIA Propel Affinity Program Targets Emerging Suppliers - CEPRO
• Interview - Dabby - Ultimate streaming device (Promo code: JPOD2020)
• Pick of the Week
  • Ring Doorbells Are Being Recalled for This Frightening Reason
  • The "New Instructions"

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Crestron’s VP of Residential, John Clancy. A long-time channel vet, we explore John’s rise through the industry from Crestron Programmer, to part-owner of one of the country’s largest integrators, to his current post at the helm of Crestron’s global residential efforts. John shares the interesting backstory behind his joining the team at Crestron following the company’s famed departure from CEDIA Expo in 2015. We then do a deep dive into the company’s expanding portfolio including Crestron Home OS, the new 70-series touchpanels, its home conferencing solutions, their wellness partnership with Delos, and much more. If you’re interested in a peek behind the curtain at one of the world’s largest home technology companies, don’t miss this episode!

That, plus the latest home tech headlines including: We speculate about JoshAI’s upcoming and much-hyped mystery release. Netflix raises prices again. Comcast and Walmart might make TVs together. Older Nest TStats can now monitor your HVAC system. And more…

Fan of the show? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron!

Show Notes

• Josh.ai Keynote
• HomeTech Headlines
  • Netflix is raising the price of standard and premium plans in the US
  • Comcast and Walmart might make smart TVs together
  • Nest thermostats in the US and Canada can now monitor your HVAC system
• Interview - John Clancy - Crestron
• Pick of the Week
  • BioVYZR 1.0 - Personal Air Purifying Shield

On this episode of HomeTech: Results are in for the CEDIA board. Crestron delivers new 70 series touch screens. Amazon Business unveils a new portal for home tech pros. FuboTV now lets you watch four shows at once on Apple TV. AVNation unveils AVN² virtual event. CE Pro mid-year market report shows strong growth in the channel. And more…

Fan of the show? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron!

Show Notes

• HomeTech Headlines
  • Results are in for 2021-2022 Elected Director Positions on CEDIA Board
  • Crestron Delivers Next Generation 70 Series Touch Screens
  • Amazon Business Ups the Ante for Integrators with New Pro Portal - CEPRO
  • FuboTV now lets Apple TV users watch four channels at once
  • AVN2 - December 10th
• Pick of the Week
  • SwitchBot Smart Switch Button Pusher

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…

Fan of the show? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron!

Show Notes

• Apple Launches ‘Apple Music TV,’ a 24-Hour Music Video Livestream — The Loop
• HomeTech Headlines
  • Quibi Is Shutting Down Barely Six Months After Going Live
  • LG's rollable OLED TV goes on sale for $87,000
  • Google confirms the Nest Secure has been discontinued
  • Google is giving its smart displays new touch controls
• Interview
  • Ring X Line
  • Control4 Ring Events Driver – Blackwire
  • URC Ring Events Module – Blackwire
  • Lutron Ring Integration
  • Savant First to Integrate with Ring X
  • 2021 Ring New Product Announcements
• Pick of the Week
  • Cam-o-Frogged