Smart Tech Today (Audio)

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Smart Tech Today (Audio) episodes

August 31, 2020STT 44: Amazon Halo? Heck No - Amazon's fitness wearable, Level's stealthy smart lock, Fitbit's new smartwatches.
Matthew and Mikah share their complicated feelings regarding Amazon's new Halo fitness wearable, praise Level's new smart lock that blends in with a user's existing setup, and discuss Fitbit's new Google-Assistant-supporting smartwatches.
SMART TECH
Sunu Band – The Smart Wearable Helping Blind People Maintain Social Distance | Forbes: https://bit.ly/3hRXAjW
iRobot's Cheapest Roombas Might Finally Be Worth Buying | Gizmodo: https://bit.ly/3gGZXo1
The Level Touch is a stealthy smart lock with hidden capacitive touch | Inputmag: https://bit.ly/2EIw0XU
Smart blinds are an expensive upgrade to your smart home | The Verge: https://bit.ly/2Gjhq9T
AMAZON
Amazon's Alexa has learned hundreds of regional British words and phrases | The Sun: https://bit.ly/2ERQtt7
Amazon announces Halo, a fitness band and app that scans your body and voice | The Verge: https://bit.ly/2YRBFSk
GOOGLE
Google launches Nest Hub for hotels to close the gap with Amazon | Venturebeat: https://bit.ly/32OCyMO
Fitbit unveils Sense and Versa 3 smartwatches with Google Assistant | Venturebeat: https://bit.ly/32G6ASB
Lenovo unveils new Google Assistant-powered smart clock | The Verge: https://bit.ly/3bpYP7z
Google Assistant's daily snapshot feature gets birthday reminders and recipe recommendations | The Verge: https://bit.ly/3hLni9J
SIRI
Interact with Siri and apps at the same time in iPadOS 14 | 9to5Mac: https://bit.ly/2YQXD7Y
Broadlink RM4 Mini Universal IR Remote Control | Amazon: https://amzn.to/3hNh9cP
PICKS OF THE WEEK
Mikah: Deliveries: a package tracker | App Store: https://apple.co/3lua4jI
Matthew: Restore by Hatch | Hatch: https://www.hatch.co/restore

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Matthew Cassinelli
Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/smart-tech-today
Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/smart-tech-today/episodes/44
Sponsor:
eero.com/twit code TWIT
1 hr 29 min
August 24, 2020STT 43: Air Quality Smarts - AQI, Google Maps, air purifiers, and more.
AQI, Google Maps, air purifiers, and more.
Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Matthew Cassinelli
For full show notes on this episode, visit https://twit.tv/shows/smart-tech-today/episodes/43
Sponsor:
BUYRAYCON.com/stt
1 hr 19 min
August 17, 2020STT 42: Installing a Smart Thermostat - ecobee, Alexa voice bugs, and Android sleep tracking.
Mikah describes the installation of his smart thermostat (including the frustrations that abounded therein). Amazon's Alexa voice service included a bug that could cough up a user's voice history to hackers. Google rolls out its Bedtime Mode to all Android devices via the Google Clock app.
ALEXA
An Alexa bug could have exposed your voice history to hackers | Ars Technica: https://bit.ly/3h1fzUt
Exclusive: Amazon Accessibility Boss Peter Korn Talks Text Banner's Fire TV Debut And Assistive Technologies At Amazon | Forbes: https://bit.ly/320lOSj
Woman fools gift card scammer by pretending to be Alexa and a senior citizen ... at the same time | Newsweek: https://bit.ly/3ayMrBp
GOOGLE
5 Google Assistant features you should turn off today | CNET: https://cnet.co/2E1Fw8a
Solve Complex Equations By Scanning Them With These Google Apps | Lifehacker: https://bit.ly/3iO9b3q
Google to invest $450M in smart home security solutions provider ADT | TechCrunch: https://tcrn.ch/323zRq2
Compact Google Assistant on Android sees wider beta rollout - 9to5Google | 9to5Google: https://bit.ly/3kSADPp
SLEEP TRACKING
All Androids can now use Google Clock's Bedtime Mode - 9to5Google | 9to5Google: https://bit.ly/3aAiXDp
The Sleep app for watchOS 7 is a superb way to get into a bedtime routine | iMore: https://bit.ly/2YrwsR9
WEARABLES
Google's Planned Updates for Wear OS Are Underwhelming | Gizmodo: https://bit.ly/3kRD9oZ
Google remembers Wear OS exists, announces update with handwashing timer | InputMag: https://bit.ly/3139rFK
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 review: time for a change | The Verge: https://bit.ly/2FzBVP6
ecobee Smart Thermostat | Amazon: https://amzn.to/3aApGgp
PICKS OF THE WEEK
Mikah: Wayre Black High Tech Washable Mask | Wayre: https://bit.ly/2Q2VfpW
Matthew: Planta | App Store: https://apple.co/3241Dmb

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Matthew Cassinelli
Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/smart-tech-today
Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/smart-tech-today/episodes/42
Sponsors:
mintmobile.com/stt
expressvpn.com/stt
1 hr 37 min
August 10, 2020STT 41: Pavlov's School Children - Google Assistant homeschooling features, UCLA & Apple study, listener questions
The Google Assistant has added some new homeschooling features to its smart displays and speakers, including a school bell and random facts delivered throughout the day. Apple and UCLA are working together on a depression study. Mikah and Matthew answer and share a whole host of listener questions and feedback, respectively.
GOOGLE
Google Maps comes to Apple's watchOS and CarPlay dashboard | TechCrunch: https://tcrn.ch/30Ldfve
Google is adding new homeschooling features to Assistant smart displays and speakers | The Verge: https://bit.ly/2FcnOz3
Google resumes human review of Assistant audio 'recordings' | 9to5Google: https://bit.ly/2DxpcvP
WEARABLES
UCLA Researchers Will Use Apple Gadgets in Study to Detect and Treat Depression | Gizmodo: https://bit.ly/3iqSoDl
How a Smartwatch Helped Me Take Care of Myself Again | GQ: https://bit.ly/2PIGOqI
SMART HOME
Amazon's Echo Flex is getting a new smart clock accessory | The Verge: https://bit.ly/2DWc9U8
Bosch Smart Home update adds support for Apple's HomeKit | iMore: https://bit.ly/33NBvhV
In a blow to Bixby, Siri co-founder Adam Cheyer departs Samsung | Venturebeat: https://bit.ly/3fMW5kS
RECOMMENDED CAMERAS FOR ZEKE
eufy Security 2K Indoor Cam Pan & Tilt | Amazon: https://amzn.to/3kxd8ex
Logitech Circle 2 | Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Dw9n8E
PICKS OF THE WEEK
Thwip for Apple Watch: https://apple.co/2DMAvjk

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Matthew Cassinelli
Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/smart-tech-today
Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/smart-tech-today/episodes/41
Sponsor:
casper.com/stt promo code STT
1 hr 37 min
August 03, 2020STT 40: Hey Cortana, Goodbye! - CES 2021 online, Cortana's future, Google's AR insects
It's official: CES 2021 will be an online-only event. Microsoft has decided to end Cortana support on iOS, Android, and more, as the company turns Cortana into a productivity-focused assistant. Google's AR Core insects offer an up-close look at 23 different beetles, cicadas, butterflies, and more.
INDUSTRY NEWS
CES 2021 in-person show canceled, will be held online | Android Police: https://bit.ly/3k99BTu
Belkin has a new WeMo plug | Macrumors: https://bit.ly/2Dgju13
Mellow made its 'smart' sous vide machine dumb unless you pay a monthly fee | The Verge: https://bit.ly/30nIU5u
MICROSOFT
Microsoft is shutting down Cortana on multiple devices, including iOS and Android | The Verge: https://bit.ly/2XoEsBI
Microsoft's new Family Safety app offers parental controls across phones, PCs and Xbox | TechCrunch: https://tcrn.ch/3gqFbtF
GOOGLE
Google Smart Display Games Go Live | Forbes: https://bit.ly/30nItIs
Google AR animals now include 23 beetles, butterflies, cicadas, and other insects | Android Police: https://bit.ly/3k8RFZ5
YouTube is doing away with community-driven captions and translations | Android Police: https://bit.ly/2Pm9QfM
AMAZON
Amazon doesn't sell Echo speakers at a loss, says Bezos — unless they're on sale | The Verge: https://bit.ly/3frg608
Amazon bought Ring for market position, not technology, emails suggest | The Verge: https://bit.ly/2DhORIr
AUTOMATED HEALTH TRACKING
DEPSTECH Otoscope | Amazon: https://amzn.to/31gxXlx
Zacurate Pulse Oximeter | Amazon: https://amzn.to/3i5anPz
Timeskey NFC tags | Amazon: https://amzn.to/3gqUaUd
PICKS OF THE WEEK
Mikah: iProven Digital Ear and Temporal Thermometer | Amazon: https://amzn.to/2BT5xFw
Matthew: GTA V | Microsoft Xbox: https://bit.ly/3k64gfD

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Matthew Cassinelli
Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/smart-tech-today
Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/smart-tech-today/episodes/40
1 hr 28 min
July 27, 2020STT 39: Alexa Live 2020 - Amazon Alexa updates, HomeKit additions, Netflix on Nest
New HomeKit-enabled panel lights from LifeSmart, Amazon's Alexa Live event brings with it a bunch of new Alexa improvements, and Netflix finally comes to the Google Nest Hub line.

Wink's subscription plan kicks off July 27 | CNET: https://cnet.co/2OXNSiW
Wyze has learned what Wink didn't | Stacey on IoT: https://bit.ly/2DeXEdL
Jibo, the social robot that was supposed to die, is getting a second life | The Verge: https://bit.ly/2WWFwN1

HOMEKIT, APPLE
The HomeKit-enabled LifeSmart Cololight Plus light panel system hits Amazon | iMore: https://bit.ly/307u7Mp
All the cameras that support the HomeKit Secure Video feature | iMore: https://bit.ly/3f4VkUe
HomeKit support arrives for the multi-functional Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera | 9to5Mac: https://bit.ly/3f3lian
Here's what I'm loving about automation in Shortcuts in iOS 14 | iMore: https://bit.ly/2P3Eavz

AMAZON
Amazon is launching a new Alexa app — here's what's changing | CNBC: https://cnb.cx/30UUMuS
Amazon's Alexa event makes Alexa smarter, chattier and puts it in more places | Stacey on IoT: https://bit.ly/39zQeOy

GOOGLE
Netflix is now available on Google's Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max | The Verge: https://bit.ly/32WL2TH
Ride easy with new biking features in Google Maps | Google: https://bit.ly/305YCSY

MATTHEW'S BACKYARD PROJECT
Sun Shade | Amazon: https://amzn.to/302ddyu
Meross Smart Outdoor Plug | Amazon: https://amzn.to/39CnvIP
AmazonBasics Outdoor String Lights | Amazon: https://amzn.to/2OYn6aj

PICKS OF THE WEEK
Wyze Cam Outdoor | Wyze: https://bit.ly/3eFQ7CK
Access Dots | Google Play: https://bit.ly/30S9zXh
Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Matthew Cassinelli

Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/smart-tech-today
Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/smart-tech-today/episodes/39
Sponsor:
BUYRAYCON.com/stt
1 hr 28 min
July 20, 2020STT 38: Update Your Echo Buds - Echo Buds firmware, COVID-19 walkie talkies, iPhone webcam app.
Your Echo Buds could overheat without a new firmware update, one company is using its LTE walkie talkies for COVID-19 patients, and Matthew Cassinelli shares an app that lets you use your iPhone as a webcam — in full HD quality.
Echo Buds need this update | The Verge: https://bit.ly/3hhGZoM
POSITIVE CHANGE
Apple leaving behind coding's racist terms | Input: https://bit.ly/2WEQDtM
Walkie talkies for COVID communication | Fast Company: https://bit.ly/3eKGCkX
Google voice to text app for masks | Mashable: https://bit.ly/2WW1sYL
CAMERAS
Reincubate Camo for iPhone webcam | 9to5Mac: https://bit.ly/2DX8Mwk
Don't close MacBook with cover | Michael Tsai: https://bit.ly/2OIYNNj

Building DIY LED strips | A Whole Lotta Nothing: https://bit.ly/2ZJRmvy

PICKS OF THE WEEK
Mikah: Eve Cam - HomeKit Secure Video | Amazon: https://amzn.to/3jkVH06
Matthew: Fabricius | Google: https://bit.ly/3fNtVqY
Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Matthew Cassinelli

Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/smart-tech-today
Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/smart-tech-today/episodes/38
Sponsor:
mintmobile.com/stt
1 hr 19 min
July 13, 2020STT 37: Seriously: Wink Officially Requires Subscription - "Hey Google" event, Siri app suggestions, Wink Hub subscription
Wink says it's really, truly, seriously going to start charging a subscription fee now; Siri Suggestions work wonders for app selection in iOS 14; Google's "Hey Google" Smart Home Virtual Summit provided a road map for the Google smart home.
SMART HOME
27 WFH Products People Are Swearing By In Quarantine | BuzzFeed: https://bzfd.it/3j0Q5Ig
The Smart-Home Devices Our Expert Actually Uses at Home | The Wirecutter: https://nyti.ms/2ZpUHjr
Home automation firm Wink to enforce subscription program on July 27 | Appleinsider: https://bit.ly/30bum7K
APPLE
Siri Suggestions might just be iOS 14's greatest widget | iMore: https://bit.ly/3fuokWc
Alexa iPhone app can operate hands-free – with help from Siri | 9to5Mac: https://bit.ly/2CA2mCx
GOOGLE
Google Plus is officially gone after its mobile apps are rebranded as Google Currents | The Verge: https://bit.ly/2Omm0EX
Google Store's 'something special' is 'Daily Special' deals | 9to5Google: https://bit.ly/2ZoS3Kz
PICKS OF THE WEEK
Scosche BaseLynx Modular Charging Station | Amazon: https://amzn.to/2ATyqAW
Mmhmm: https://www.mmhmm.app
Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Matthew Cassinelli

Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/smart-tech-today
Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/smart-tech-today/episodes/37
Sponsor:
casper.com/stt promo code STT
1 hr 15 min
July 06, 2020STT 36: Google Heads North - Google acquires North, Apple Watch sleep tracking, eufy security.
Google has acquired smart-glasses-maker North, Apple says it doesn't want users stressing about sleep tracking, and Mikah shows off his new eufy security system.
FOLLOW-UP
Sound Recognition is a powerful new Accessibility feature in iOS/iPadOS 14 | iMore: https://bit.ly/2BnIrqf
Apple began work on the Watch's handwashing feature years before COVID-19 | TechCrunch: https://tcrn.ch/2O0AWs7
APPLE & SLEEP
Apple doesn't want Watch users to stress out about their sleep, so it's focusing on goals, not data | CNBC: https://cnb.cx/2DhJvwD
Beautyrest Sleeptracker | Amazon: https://amzn.to/3iAa3td
GOOGLE
Our focus on helpful devices: Google acquires North | Google: https://bit.ly/2NYXjOv
After a year with North's smart glasses, here's why I'm all-in on Focals 2.0 | SlashGear: https://bit.ly/2ZLSIVk
Actions Project - Actions Builder & Actions SDK | YouTube: https://bit.ly/3gAMhv4
Announcing New Smart Home SHED Types and Traits | Google: https://bit.ly/2VSGyck
PROJECT
eufy Security 5-Piece Home Alarm Kit | Amazon: https://amzn.to/2NYg9FJ
PICKS OF THE WEEK
Mikah: CalDigit Tuff Nano | Amazon: https://amzn.to/3f6fBt3
Matthew: Laundry Lens | Apple App Store: https://apple.co/2Z2iXYK
Laundry Pro | Google Play Store: https://bit.ly/3f3Yo3K
Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Matthew Cassinelli

Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/smart-tech-today
Show notes and links for this episode are available here: https://twit.tv/shows/smart-tech-today/episodes/36
Sponsor:
expressvpn.com/stt
1 hr 10 min
June 29, 2020STT 35: NASA Says, "Don't Touch Your Face" - NASA's new smart necklace, Anker's new security system, and Apple's new features.
NASA's new smart necklace, Anker's new security system, and Apple's new features.

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Matthew Cassinelli

For full show notes on this episode, visit https://twit.tv/shows/smart-tech-today/episodes/35
Sponsor:
mintmobile.com/stt
1 hr 4 min

About Smart Tech Today (Audio)

From the publisher's feed

Smart Tech Today explains the exciting, dynamic, and sometimes-confusing subject that is the Internet of Things. Mikah Sargent and Matthew Cassinelli guide you through smart switches, lights, thermostats, speakers, and other connected tech. Every week, learn how to make the most of your smart tech.