HomeTech.fm

By Gavin Campbell, TJ Huddleston, & Seth JohnsonTechnology

HomeTech.fm episodes

August 07, 2020Episode 314 - 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…
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Show Notes
HomeTech Headlines
Sources: Nortek Security & Control Shutting Down Niles and Sunfire Brands - Strata-gee.com
CES 2021 Goes All-Digital - CEPRO
Google invests in ADT, will integrate its Nest devices into smart home business
https://www.multifamilyexecutive.com/technology/brilliant-launches-smart-multifamily-platform_o
Home Theater Gets Big Boost with Universal, AMC Deal - CEPRO
Pick of the Week
Sensibo: Smart Air Conditioner | Control Your AC With Your Phone
44 min
July 24, 2020Episode 313 - 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…
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Show Notes
Ecobee Forces Customers To Enable New Eco+ Features | The DMZ
HomeTech Headlines
Builders Prepare for Post-Coronavirus Surge of New Homebuyers - CEPRO
Zoom introduces all-in-one home communications appliance for $599 – TechCrunch
Flo by Moen and Yonomi Announce a New Partnership to Provide Device Installation Verification for Insurers
NBC’s new streaming service Peacock hid a cake recipe in its terms and conditions
BadPower attack corrupts fast chargers to melt or set your device on fire | ZDNet
Interview - Brilliant Smart Home System
Pick of the Week
Grammarly's advanced features are coming to Google Docs
1 hr 17 min
July 17, 2020Episode 312 - 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…
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Show Notes
HomeTech Headlines
CEDIA revives in-person education offerings - AVNation TV
CEDIA Brings Back In-Person Education Offerings - CEPRO
Google unveils new Nest smart speaker to battle Sonos One
Logitech pulls support for Harmony Express remote a year after launch
Important Announcement - Harmony Express
Watch With Friends brings remote Netflix watch parties to Apple TV and Roku devices
Mailbag
Announcement | Changes to our Legacy SmartThings Platform
Pick of the Week
Special Thanks to Robert Spivak for sending in an Amazon Wand for the Museum
40 min
July 10, 2020Episode 311 - 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…
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Show Notes
HomeTech Headlines
Google raises price of YouTube TV, its cable-like bundle, to $65 a month
YouTube TV is Still Worth It Despite the Price Increase | Digital Trends
Sling TV responds to streaming price hikes with a one-year 'guarantee'
Security Camera Scorecard: Which Takes Privacy Seriously? | Digital Trends
Pick of the Week / Notes Discussion
Roam Research – A note taking tool for networked thought.
Drafts | Where Text Starts
GoodNotes Homepage | Leave Paper Behind
Penbook for iOS
Paperlike, the iPad Screen Protector: write and draw like on paper
48 min
July 03, 2020Episode 310 - "Process Therapy" with Portal's Kirk Chisholm
On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Kirk Chisholm, 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...
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Show Notes
HomeTech Headlines
CEDIA Expo Virtual Event Announces Dates - TWICE
SnapAV to Launch Virtual and In-Store Event - Residential Systems
Crestron to Host ‘Crestron Next’ Virtual Event in September
Google will host a virtual 'Hey Google' smart home keynote on July 8th
$100 billion “universal fiber” plan proposed by Democrats in Congress
All physical Microsoft Stores will be permanently closed
Sonos lays off 12% of staff, closes New York City storefront – TechCrunch
Interview - Portal's Kirk Chisolm, Portal
The Ultimate Dealer Study
Portal
Pick of the Week
How to Watch 'Hamilton' on Disney Plus
Defending Jacob on Apple TV+
1 hr 12 min
June 26, 2020Episode 309 - 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.
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Show Notes
Apple WWDC20 Keynote
Summary: The major announcements during Apple’s WWDC20 keynote
ResiWeek 229: Miniature Offices - AVNation TV
Pick of the Week
Speedtest CLI - Internet connection measurement for developers
32 min
June 19, 2020Episode 308 - 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…
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Show Notes
WWDC 2020: Everything We Know | MacRumors
HomeTech Headlines
CEDIA to Resume Regional Tech Summits in Fall - CEPRO
Google countersues Sonos for patent infringement
Google optimizes its WiFi routers for slow internet connections
Wi-Fi woes got you down? Google Nest is here to help
HBO Go Shuts Down, HBO Now Rebrands to HBO After Max Launch | Digital Trends
HBO Continues to Shoot Itself in the Foot | Digital Trends
HBO Max Is Playing Bait-and-Switch with DC Comics Movies | Digital Trends
Scientists want to fix our notoriously insecure smart home devices
Pick of the Week
TextExpander – Productivity App | Text Expander
Keyboard Maestro 9.0.5: Work Faster with Macros for macOS
55 min
June 12, 2020Episode 307 - 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…
Fan of the show? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron!
Show Notes
Sonos S2
HomeTech Headlines
Cox slows Internet speeds in entire neighborhoods to punish any heavy users
Hulu scraps support for older Roku devices
New Triathlon and Serena Smart Wood Blinds from Lutron - Residential Systems
Interview - Randy Stearns - D-Tools
Pick(s) of the Week
Wire S
WAGO LEVER-NUTS 32pc Compact Splicing Connector Assortment Kit.
1 hr 2 min
June 06, 2020Episode 306 - 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…
Fan of the show? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron!
Show Notes
CEDIA Expo 2020 Cancelled; Virtual Experience Planned - CEPRO
CES will go ahead as an in-person event next year
HomeTech Headlines
CEDIA Academy Online Learning Platform Debuts, Website Redesigned - CEPRO
IntegrationPros Forum
Crestron Debuts HomeTime Smart Home Conferencing Solution - Residential Systems
Josh.ai Announces Integration with Comcast’s Xfinity X1 - Residential Systems
One week after launch, HBO Max still missing from Roku, Amazon Fire TV
Pick of the Week
Satellite MLS: A Revolutionary Projection Technology Advancement from Digital Projection - Digital Projection
41 min
May 29, 2020Episode 305 - 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…
Fan of the show? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron!
Show Notes
HomeTech Headlines
Samsung lets you enjoy nature with its 2,000-nit outdoor QLED TV
Savant Systems, Inc. to Acquire GE Lighting
Crestron and Lutron Collaborate on Lighting, Shade Integration - CEPRO
Interview - Kenny Kim
SnapAV Unveils Major Enhancements to OvrC Platform - CEPRO
Pick of the Week
‎Airr - Highlight podcasts
55 min

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The HomeTech Podcast features news, opinions, insights, and advice on all things Smart Home | Co-Hosted by Home Automation Pros Gavin Campbell, TJ Huddleston, & Seth Johnson