On this episode of HomeTech: Join us for a very special installment of the “Projects Project”! We are pleased to welcome Matthew G, who Reddit users might better recognize as VMU_kiss. Matthew, who is a moderator on the popular r/homeautomation subreddit, shares his creative process for coming up with some of the most unique DIY smart home hacks we’ve ever seen! From an umbrella holder that lights up when it’s going to rain, to a toothbrush holder that automatically triggers a timer, and much, m...
Jun 21, 2019•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 263
On this episode of HomeTech: Jason takes a rare solo flight as Seth enjoys hard-earned vacation. He dives into the latest home tech headlines including: A look at Crestron’s expanded DM Lite product being shown at InfoComm. CEDIA Expo 2019 extends early bird registration deadline. CEDIA Unveils Home Technology Professional Award Finalists. AT&T's DirecTV reportedly considering a merger with Dish satellite. AT&T's streaming bundle with HBO could start at $16. Amazon offers some good Fathe...
Jun 15, 2019•15 min•Ep. 262
On this episode of HomeTech: WWDC 2019 is in the books and Apple wildly exceeded our (admittedly low) expectations. Tune in as we dissect all of the biggest stories from the event. We discuss HomeKit’s new Secure Video offering, HomeKit-enabled routers, significant updates to the Home App, new HomePod functionality, and much more. You don’t want to miss this one! That plus the latest home tech headlines including: AT&T set to launch a new IP- based version of the full DirecTV product. SnapAV...
Jun 07, 2019•48 min•Ep. 261
On this episode of HomeTech: We welcome Chris Carney, CEO and co-founder of abode systems, onto the show. Chris joins us to discuss abode’s robust and highly customer-centric approach to DIY home security. We cover everything from abode’s flexible pricing options and smart home integrations, to the exploding popularity of DIY security and the challenges faced by consumers in today’s evolving connected home market. Don’t miss it! That, plus the latest home tech headlines including: Control4 lifts...
May 31, 2019•53 min•Ep. 260
On this episode of HomeTech: We explore the current state of remote systems management (RSM). Not long ago, four major players existed in the market—BakPak (Control4), Domotz, Ihiji, and OvrC (SnapAV). Control4, who acquired Ihiji back in 2018, has now merged with SnapAV, potentially bringing a market of four RSM platforms down to two. What will this consolidation mean for the future of remote tech support? What can be done to take this category to the next level? Tune in to get our take. That p...
May 24, 2019•56 min•Ep. 259
On this episode of HomeTech: Guest co-host Richard Guther joins Seth and discusses the weeks news including the Control4/SnapAV merger, Alexa getting a new Guard feature to watch your home, and some interesting news about a few other voice control assistants not named Alexa.
May 17, 2019•38 min•Ep. 258
On this episode of HomeTech: We take a deep dive into Alphabet’s decision to bring Google Home, Nest, Chromecast, and Google WiFi all under a new unified brand, Google Nest. Additionally, we discuss the controversial decision made as part of this merger to kill off the Works with Nest program, bringing an end to many popular third-party integrations. What do these moves mean for the company, consumers, and for home tech pros alike? That, plus: Echo and Google Home Mother’s Day deals. Amazon and ...
May 10, 2019•38 min•Ep. 257
On this episode of HomeTech: The CE Pro 100 list for 2019 is out. A look at Savant’s new architectural POE speakers. Wyze releases their new (insanely cheap) Wyze Sense kit. Amazon may be working on a new hi-fidelity streaming service. A team at Harvard thinks they know how the streaming TV war will be won. The once-hot robotics startup, Anki, has crashed and burned. August halts sales of their new View doorbell camera after widely reported issues by early users. UniFi’s interesting new Dream Ma...
May 03, 2019•38 min•Ep. 256
On this episode of HomeTech: Jason goes solo to cover the week’s news and a Projects Project interview with long time listener and supporter of the show Anthony Raynor.
Apr 26, 2019•52 min•Ep. 255
On this episode of HomeTech: SnapAV throws their hat in the security ring. Who is Logitech’s new remote really for? Amazon rumored to be working on a new free streaming music service. People are listening to your Alexa recordings (PS - it doesn’t matter). Plus, we take a deep dive into Disney’s new streaming video service, Disney+. And more…
Apr 19, 2019•42 min•Ep. 254
On this episode of HomeTech: Popular automation app, Stringify, announces imminent shutdown. Is the Wink Hub on life support? The truth behind Amazon’s Eero acquisition. YouTube TV becomes the latest streaming service to hike prices. T-Mobile launches TVision cable TV offering. The IKEA-Sonos speaker-lamp lovechild. First-run movies now streaming in the home (if you can afford it). Netflix abruptly kills AirPlay. And more…
Apr 12, 2019•38 min•Ep. 253
On this episode of HomeTech: Google accidentally leaks the forthcoming Nest Hub Max smart display. Resideo acquires water monitoring solution provider Buoy Labs. YouTube TV hits a major milestone in an unexpected place. FuboTV becomes the latest OTT provider to raise prices. HDHomeRun shows us how not to launch a streaming service. Lowes Iris code released as an open source project called “Arcus.” And much more…
Apr 05, 2019•28 min•Ep. 252
On this episode of HomeTech: Join us as we dissect Apple’s long-awaited streaming TV service, Apple TV+, as well as their updated Apple TV app and new “Channels” feature. That, plus the latest home tech headlines including: New streaming subscriptions overtook cable in 2018. Comcast launches a $5 streaming aggregation service for those who kinda-sorta want to cut the cord. YouTube rumored to be bowing out of the “Hollywood arms race”. Dish enhances its Custom Integration program with a new RMR o...
Mar 29, 2019•40 min•Ep. 251
On this very special 250th episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Control4’s CEO, Martin Plaehn. As the CEO of one of the largest companies in the professional channel and the only “pure play” publicly traded smart home company, Martin brings a very unique perspective to the show. We discuss Martin’s take on the evolving smart home landscape, Control4’s recent hiring of Charlie Kindel and acquisition of NEEO, the company’s ongoing expansion into new markets and categories, their steadfast commitm...
Mar 22, 2019•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 250
On this episode of HomeTech: Guest co-host Cody Crossland joins the show to chat about Apple Music becoming more ubiquitous, how crime does in fact pay, how your TVs really can’t wait to spy on you, heading to the theater from the comfort of your own bathroom, and much more…
Mar 15, 2019•24 min•Ep. 249
On this episode of HomeTech: Amazon pulls the plug on Dash Buttons. Thoughts on Apple’s quietly-acquired patents from failed smart home startup, Lighthouse AI. Lutron’s fan switch with HomeKit now shipping. Cable providers are getting pummeled, but do they really care? What can we glean from the early success of Best Buy’s Total Tech Support memberships? Do social robots go to heaven? And much more…
Mar 08, 2019•36 min•Ep. 248
On this episode of HomeTech: the latest home tech headlines including: A look at SnapAV’s new partnership with Clare Controls and Alula. The Home Technology Association ends their first year on a high note. Sony releases pricing on their new premium TVs. Charter to release a new $15/month channel package. Cord cutting hits another record high. Speculation on how Apple is aiming to disrupt television. And more…
Mar 01, 2019•38 min•Ep. 247
On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Tony Ostrom, President of the WiSA Association. Tony shares everything you need to know about this exciting standard for high-definition, ultra-low latency, multichannel, wireless audio. Designed specifically for high-performance theater and media room applications, WiSA may be the answer you’ve been looking for to simplify your next surround sound setup. That plus the latest home tech headlines including: A new Savant integration from JoshAI. Samsun...
Feb 22, 2019•54 min•Ep. 246
On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Giles Sutton, CEDIA’s SVP of Industry Engagement. We discuss the organization’s new “Member of Excellence” program, their sharpened focus on increasing awareness within the design and building communities, new efforts in workforce development, observations from ISE 2019, and much more! That plus the latest home tech headlines including: Why Amazon acquired Eero. Details on Samsung’s new 2019 QLED lineup. Do we finally have a date for Apple’s new stre...
Feb 15, 2019•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 245
On this episode of HomeTech: We discuss Control4’s recent acquisition of NEEO including what’s in it for both companies, the end of the road for the DIY product, and what else the future may hold. That plus the latest headlines including: Nest, Justin Bieber, and the case for unique passwords. UltraViolet’s inevitable demise is upon us. Aereo got sued out of existence but Locast won’t let that deter them. JoshAI’s sleek new multizone control arrives. Roku in talks to add AirPlay 2 support. And m...
Feb 08, 2019•41 min•Ep. 244
On this episode of HomeTech: Kick off your Super Bowl weekend us as we cover the latest headlines in the smart home including: Sonos lowers prices and announces new accessories. More news surfaces about AT&T’s forthcoming streaming service. DirecTV Now drops 267,000 subscribers as promotional pricing ends. Roku enables premium subscriptions through it’s Roku Channel. Samsung’s new 8K chip and the end of ugly bezels. Crestron rebrands Pyng technology to “Crestron Home”. A peek inside OneVisio...
Feb 01, 2019•36 min•Ep. 243
On this episode of HomeTech: Seth and Jason sit down to discuss the latest home tech headlines including: Abode adds HomeKit to its new hub. Atlona gets acquired by Panduit. YouTube TV now available nationwide. Walmart pulls the plug on its rumored streaming service. Hulu drops price on its base streaming service but raises the price of its live offering. And does Netflix’s latest price increase herald the end of streaming’s golden age? Or just the beginning?
Jan 25, 2019•26 min•Ep. 242
On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Adam Justice, CEO and Founder of ConnectSense. We discuss the company’s new Smart Outlet 2, as well as how ConnectSense helps other product manufacturers and OEMs implement their own connected solutions. Adam also shares his perspectives on developing products for all of the major DIY platforms (Alexa, HomeKit, and Google), as well as some of his takeaways from CES 2019. That, plus the latest home tech headlines including: how to turn any speaker int...
Jan 18, 2019•51 min•Ep. 241
On this episode of HomeTech: Join us as we discuss all the biggest stories from CES 2019! This year’s event was jam-packed with big releases and emerging trends from across the world of home technology. We’ve combed through all the biggest stories so you don’t have to. Don’t miss this special episode!
Jan 11, 2019•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 240
On this episode of HomeTech: Seth and guest co-host Cody Crossland chat about the week’s sparse headlines and chat about the technology in Cody’s new home. Cody also needs help figuring out where to install a TV in his Family Room. Submit your ideas through our feedback form or by emailing feedback at hometech.fm. There’s a picture at the bottom of the show notes.
Jan 04, 2019•55 min•Ep. 239
Dec 21, 2018•30 min•Ep. 238
On this very special episode of HomeTech: Join us as we look back on the biggest smart home stories of 2018 on our fourth annual “Fireside Chat”! As in year’s past, we are joined by Mike Wolf, founder of the Smart Kitchen Summit and publisher of The Spoon, and Richard Gunther, host of the Digital Media Zone’s Home:On Podcast. This year, we are also joined for the first time by Rose Thibodeaux, founder of the excellent smart-home product review YouTube channel, “It’s Rose”, and author at the Home...
Dec 14, 2018•1 hr 53 min•Ep. 237
On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by James Ratcliffe, owner of Homeplay, for a special edition of our “Projects Project”. A custom integration company based in the UK, Homeplay just wrapped up construction on a stunning new showroom. James join us to discuss their beautiful new facility which features the latest in high-end home technology solutions. Tune in to hear about this unique and challenging project!
Nov 30, 2018•46 min•Ep. 236
On this week’s episode of HomeTech: the latest home tech headlines plus our annual Black Friday roundup! There are great some really great deals on home tech this year. Don’t waste your time scouring the internet. We’ve done the hard work for you!
Nov 21, 2018•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 235
On this week’s episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Ashish Aggarwal, Co-Founder of Caavo. Ashish discusses the company’s novel approach to simplifying the TV-viewing experience. Caavo is an innovative and affordable product which solves a growing challenge for viewers today—the cumbersome and complicated experience of accessing content across multiple apps and disparate devices. Tune in to learn more!
Nov 16, 2018•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 234
