HomeTech.fm
405 episodes - English - Latest episode: 27 days ago - ★★★★★ - 66 ratingsThe 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
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Episodes
Episode 236 - Projects Project with James Ratcliffe of Homeplay
November 30, 2018 10:00 - 46 minutes - 21.3 MBOn 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!
Episode 235 - HomeTech's 2018 Black Friday Special
November 21, 2018 14:15 - 1 hour - 31.8 MBOn 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!
Episode 234 - Getting to Know Caavo with Ashish Aggarwal
November 16, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 29 MBOn 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!
Episode 233 - HBO Goes Dark
November 09, 2018 06:45 - 47 minutes - 22 MBOn this week’s episode of HomeTech: The Dish Network-HBO feud that hurts no one but consumers. Did you catch the first-even National #SmartHomeDay? Samsung opens Bixby to third-party developers. Sonos delays their Google Assistant integration. Ring pushes some significant app updates. Great 5G commentary from the HomeTech mailbag. And much more!
Episode 232 - Wires Matter
November 02, 2018 08:00 - 46 minutes - 32 MBOn this week’s episode of HomeTech: We wrap-up the biggest stories from Apple’s hardware event, share what’s on our current streaming watch list, ponder the oft-forgotten value of hardwired connections, discuss useless voice control capabilities, dispel some of the 5G-hype, and more… Fan of the show? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron!
Episode 231 - Bye Bye Buzzer
October 26, 2018 19:00 - 46 minutes - 32 MBOn this week’s episode of HomeTech: We say goodbye to the Alexa buzzer. Streaming TV services on pace to grab 25% of the market by 2022. Google Play lowers the price of 4K content and offers free upgrades. Amazon participates in a $50 million funding round for German smart thermostat maker Tado. Netflix to raise a staggering $2 in debt to fund original content and more. Apple’s long-awaited streaming TV subscription service rumored to be launching soon in more than 100 countries. And much more…
Episode 230 - Silver Linings
October 19, 2018 08:00 - 48 minutes - 33.2 MBOn this week's episode of HomeTech: Amazon plugs a big hole in Echo’s whole-house audio function. SimpliSafe releases a new doorbell cam. An interesting new B8ta-Google partnership. Is Mark Gurman’s startup, Essential Products, on the ropes? More great numbers from Netflix but are they invincible? And much more…
Episode 229 - Is RSM Dead?
October 12, 2018 09:00 - 59 minutes - 41.2 MBOn this week’s episode of HomeTech: The latest in home tech headlines including Google’s big October announcements, and a “non-hyperbolic” question gets definitively answered: “Is RSM Dead?”
Episode 228 - Billions in TP and Oreos
October 05, 2018 08:00 - 49 minutes - 34.2 MBOn this week’s episode of HomeTech: The latest in home tech headlines including; Speculation on Google’s big press event on Oct 9th The world’s most embarrassing new-product leak, courtesy of Best Buy SiriusXM acquires Pandora Comcast acquires Sky Roku unveils a $40 4k streaming device WiFi (finally) adopts version numbers Samsung reveals pricing on their 85” 8K display Thoughts on Amazon’s new Alexa Connect Kit A new and very compelling device from Caavo And more… Fan of the show...
Episode 227 - Stupid Microwaves
September 21, 2018 06:30 - 45 minutes - 31.3 MBOn this week’s episode of HomeTech: Join as we discuss a busy week in home tech headlines including: Leaked images of the new Google Home Hub Hulu bolsters their live TV lineup Plex shuts down its cloud service tvOS12 brings Dolby Atmos and more to Apple TV Apple’s HomePod gets voice calling features And Amazon flexes their muscles with a massive new product release event
Episode 226 - CEDIA 2018 Wrap-Up! #NerdsOnBirds
September 18, 2018 18:45 - 1 hour - 64.9 MBOn this week’s episode of HomeTech: Our annual, super-sized CEDIA wrap-up special! This year, we are joined by Richard Gunther of the Digital Media Zone’s Home:On podcast and Matt Scott from AV Nation’s ResiWeek for a very special episode! Join us as we take a deep dive into all of this year’s most important show takeaways. This is one you don’t want to miss!
Episode 225 - CEDIA 2018 Hot Take
September 09, 2018 10:33 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MBWe catch up on the CEDIA show floor for a quick show on what we've seen this year at the CEDIA Expo. Fan of the show? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron!
Episode 224 - HomeTech's CEDIA 2018 Preview
August 31, 2018 09:00 - 1 hour - 55.1 MBOn this week's episode of HomeTech: Join us as we discuss the most important trends and technologies you should be looking for at CEDIA 2018 in San Diego, including: The DIY/Pro convergence The latest at "Innovation Alley" New business opportunities for home tech pros The voice control/AI landscape TV technology Audio and video Luxury tech What the big control players are up to And much more... Fan of the show? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron!
Episode 223 - It's Complicated...
August 24, 2018 07:00 - 42 minutes - 29.6 MBOn this week's episode of HomeTech: the week's biggest home tech headlines, including: Netflix finalizes their purge of user reviews Netflix testing ads for binge-watchers New and surprising stats on streaming-TV adoption... Apple gaining a (small but important) foothold in the smart speaker market IKEA expands Tradfri line to include a $10 smart plug Amazon is working on a local DVR "bolt on" for Fire-TV Connected camera replays are coming to select Echo, Fire devices Cortana and Al...
Episode 222 - Swimming with iPhones
August 17, 2018 11:00 - 47 minutes - 32.6 MBOn this week's episode of HomeTech: Jason shares his (successful) covert mission to get himself a new iPhone X. Plus, the latest home tech headlines including: SmartThings and Plume partner up for a new mesh WiFi/smart home solution Samsung announces their new Bixby-powered Galaxy Home smart speaker Fibraro launches an aggressive new North American installer training program Marantz rolls out new AirPlay2 receivers A new smart device to ensure you never run out of coffee Crestron hacks...
Episode 221 - Meet Flo with Gabriel Halimi
August 10, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 46.1 MBOn this week's episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Gabe Halimi, CEO and co-founder of Flo. An intelligent leak detection and water shutoff system, Flo takes water-damage protection to the next level. Tune in to hear how Flo's proactive approach to water monitoring can increase your water-use efficiency and protect your home from one of the most common causes of catastrophic damage. That, plus the latest home tech headlines including: Apple gets into the clothing business...errr... Thread...
Episode 220 - Moist-P Technology
August 03, 2018 12:00 - 55 minutes - 38.6 MBOn this week's episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Joel Sellinger, co-founder of LifeDoor, for an installment of our startup showcase series. LifeDoor is compact device that automatically closes interior doors in your home in the event of a fire — a measure that could mean the difference between life and death. That, plus the latest home tech headlines including: Best Buy pulls the plug on Vivint Marwan Fawaz is out as CEO at Nest Another healthy earnings report from Control4 Control4...
Episode 219 - "Smart Home is a Tough Space"
July 13, 2018 16:30 - 34 minutes - 23.7 MBOn this week's episode of HomeTech: We share our thoughts on the recently announced Sonos IPO, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities ahead for the one time undisputed king of streaming audio in the home. That, plus the latest home tech headlines, including... BeON Home closes its doors Netflix kills user reviews, begins testing a higher-priced "Ultra" tier, and prepares to spend a whopping $13 billion on original content Samsung announces new range of 8K TVs (no, that's not a...
Episode 218 - Fireworks, Football, and Streaming Price Hikes
July 06, 2018 17:00 - 39 minutes - 26.9 MBOn this week's episode of HomeTech: We get together on the holiday week to catch up the latest. Jason has been shamed out of inaction on his slow quest to cut the cord. Seth has a bone to pick with the state of streaming media. A nod to the UK-based football (errr... soccer) fans in the audience. 4th of July festivities. And, oh yeah, what little news we could pull from the summer doldrums... A close look at Honeywell's new Smart Home security system AT&T's WatchTV is a new ultra-low price...
Episode 217 - Projects Project with Joe Albian
June 29, 2018 19:06 - 58 minutes - 40.5 MBOn this week's episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Joe Albian, a supporter of the show who shares his handy work on the latest installment of the "Projects Project". Joe hired professional help for portions of the home including wiring and landscape audio but has also done a great deal of professional-caliber work on his own. The results are a clean and robust installation with a few custom touches you won't want to miss (including one of the nicest AV head ends we've seen on the show)! T...
Episode 216 - Exploring Plex
June 22, 2018 15:45 - 57 minutes - 39.5 MBOn this week's episode of HomeTech: Jason and Seth take a deep dive into Plex, a market-leading media server solution. From exploring the Plex's origins as an answer to XBMC for Mac users to its rapidly expanding functionality as a live TV DVR solution with Plex Pass, this solution has clearly come a long way. For anyone considering alternatives for locally-stored, streaming, or live TV, this episode is a can't miss. That plus... LifeDoor, a Kickstarter project that could save lives TP-Li...
Episode 215 - Projects Project with Eric Hanes
June 15, 2018 13:50 - 42 minutes - 29 MBOn this week's episode of HomeTech Jason sits down to talk with Eric Hanes about the trials and tribulations it took to complete his home's technology and Atmos theater.
Episode 214 - WWDC 2018 Roundup
June 08, 2018 10:00 - 41 minutes - 29.3 MBOn this week's episode of HomeTech Adam Justice joins the show to review Apple's WWDC keynote and chat about what, if any, exciting HomeKit news came out of the conference.
Episode 213 - Josh Micro and the State of AI with Josh.ai's Alex Capecelatro
June 01, 2018 14:00 - 1 hour - 44.3 MBOn this week's episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Alex Capecelatro, CEO and co-founder of Josh.ai, to discuss the latest at both his company and in the world of AI as a whole. Alex introduces us to Josh Micro, their newest product. Way more than a microphone, this powerful little device packs processing, sensors, capacitive touch control, and more into a compact form factor. Even better, Josh Micro brings the company's uniquely powerful voice control and home automation platform to new, m...
Episode 212 - Updates to Our Privacy Policy
May 25, 2018 13:00 - 43 minutes - 30 MBOn this week's episode of HomeTech: In light of their pending IPO, Sonos decides to bury the hatchet with HEOS,,, and lay off 96 employees Insurance companies are hot under the collar for the smart home Comcast gets in the mesh WiFi game Someone is kickstarting smart Tupperware (as if you needed it) A nifty new app to scan for BlueTooth signal strength Amazon is quietly taking over the subscription video sales business Best Buy's new "Total Tech Support" offering might be perfect fo...
Episode 211 - Revoked Tokens
May 18, 2018 13:00 - 42 minutes - 29.3 MBOn this week's episode of HomeTech: Settling the all-important "Laurel vs Yanni" debate. Plus... More hints emerge about Apple's video subscription plans A new standard to make mesh WiFi systems play nice with each other. Will it work? Yelp is for smart homes, not just for restaurants Several major updates from DirecTV Now Rumors that Microsoft will build their own Cortana smart speaker Xiaomi unveils Google Assistant support Your ex might be watching your Ring doorbell feed Amazon ...
Episode 210 - Google IO 2018
May 11, 2018 15:25 - 48 minutes - 33.6 MBOn this week's episode of HomeTech: Join us as we dissect Google IO 2018. In a very strong showing for the company, this year's conference featured numerous announcements that home tech enthusiasts everywhere should be excited about. That, plus... Netgear releases a nice addition to their Orbi lineup Ring's new neighborhood safety app Proof from Hisense that feature-rich 4K TVs are now a commodity More intriguing clues about Sonos' new soundbar Alexa and Cortana join forces Facebook s...
Episode 209 - The Amazon and Sonos Show
May 04, 2018 12:00 - 49 minutes - 34.2 MBOn this week's episode of HomeTech: After a rare week off, we catch up on a busy couple of weeks in smart home news. Dominated mostly by Amazon and Sonos, this week's stories include: Apple kills off the Airport line Sonos files for an IPO valuing the company at $3 billion Sonos' newer speakers will support AirPlay2 (and Seth is still pissed) The latest on Sonos rumored new soundbar Amazon noses into the security installation business Alexa gets a memory Alexa will now teach your kids...
Episode 208 - Keeping Home Automation in the Home with Hubitat
April 20, 2018 13:30 - 48 minutes - 33.4 MBOn this week's episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Patrick Stuart of Hubitat for our first-ever installment of the "Startup Showcase". With a unique focus on removing cloud-dependence, and the inherent privacy and reliability issues that come with it, Hubitat is bringing a refreshingly "local" approach to making your home smarter. Smart home enthusiasts won't want to miss this one... That, plus the latest home technology headlines including: Comcast and Netflix offer a new bundle deal H...
Episode 207 - Fraudulent Photos
April 13, 2018 12:00 - 42 minutes - 29.5 MBOn this week's episode of HomeTech: Jason's voice comes back from the dead. A defense of physical media from the HomeTech mailbag. A pic-of-the-week scandal revealed! Jason's TV purchase debate continues. Plus, the latest home technology headlines, including: Spotify and Hulu team up with a new bundle A beefed-up free tier is coming from Spotify Amazon Key is going nationwide .... and adding support for more smart locks Sonos mulling an IPO Amazon disrupts the red-hot intercom market ...
Episode 206 - Projects Project with Keith Watson
April 06, 2018 13:00 - 1 hour - 42 MBprojects project. Keith, who is blind as a result of retinitis pigmentosa, shares his unique perspective on the smart home. From the challenges he has faced to the ways that technology assists him with his day-to-day life, Keith's resourcefulness and ingenuity will serve as an inspiration to anyone with a passion for home technology. That, plus... Facebook decides now is probably not the best time to release a connected speaker Amazon expands Alexa's video API to control DVRs Alexa r...
Episode 205 - Talkin' TV Tech
March 30, 2018 12:00 - 52 minutes - 36 MBOn this week's episode of HomeTech: Several major TV manufacturers just released pricing and ship dates on their 2018 displays. As it happens, Jason is in the market for a new TV. Join as we break down the different offerings and discuss the pros and cons of the technology behind them. That plus... August smart locks now work with HomePod A slick new way to set up scenes from the team at JoshAI We ring the hub bell in reverse for Leviton's new integration with Nest Foxconn purchases Be...
Episode 204 - The 'S' in 'IoT' Stands for 'Security'
March 23, 2018 12:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBOn this week's episode of HomeTech: Siri's journey has never been a smooth one. Alexa might be getting a little less wordy. Nest launches a remote temp sensor. Is Spotify inching closer to the smart-speaker game? A new and improved Rachio. IBM's Watson takes aim at the smart home. More proof, if you needed it, that changing your passwords is a good thing. And more... Fan of the show? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron!
Episode 203 - Ecobee and the Amazing, Wonderful, not Bad, Very Good Week
March 16, 2018 21:46 - 39 minutes - 26.9 MBOn this week's episode of HomeTech: Alexa acting like a creeper. Samsung's 2018 QLEDs put Bixby and SmartThings in the spotlight. An outdoor range for Philips Hue. A very, very good week for ecobee. The Apple-rumor-mill kicks into gear over a lower-priced HomePod. Some surprising follow-ups on last week's Mesh WiFi show. And much more... Fan of the show? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron!
Episode 202 - Comparing Mesh WiFi Systems
March 09, 2018 14:00 - 58 minutes - 39.9 MBOn this week's episode of HomeTech: Jason is in the market for a new WiFi system and he's been doing his research. Join us as we dissect the mesh WiFi landscape, discuss the different features you might consider if you're in the market, and directly compare some of today's top options including Eero, Google WiFI, Netgear's Orbi, Ubiquiti AmpliFi, and many more. That plus the latest headlines including: LG's premium 2018 OLEDs hit the market at compelling price points. Spotify's IPO is offi...
Episode 201 - Supercharging SmartThings with Gavin Campbell
March 02, 2018 13:00 - 51 minutes - 35.6 MBOn this week's episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Gavin Campbell, a member of the HomeTech community and DIY smart home enthusiast, for another installment of the Projects Project. Gavin shares many of the tips and tricks he has used to super charge his SmartThings-based home. Tune in to learn how Gavin has created a highly-sophisticated smart home using inexpensive, DIY products (and a whole lot of elbow grease). That plus... Google Assistant "Routines" will be available this spring. C...
Episode 200 - A Look Forward and a Look Back!
February 23, 2018 14:00 - 49 minutes - 40.6 MBOn this week's very special edition of HomeTech: Join us as we celebrate episode 200! Replete with brand new show music, we take advantage of this special occasion to introduce some new and exciting plans for the podcast. We also take a look back into the archives and discuss a handful of our favorite episodes from the past. Don't miss this! And, of course, the latest home tech headlines including: Spotify getting into the hardware game. A big software update from NEEO. Google Assistant be...
Episode 199 - The HomePod Verdict
February 16, 2018 13:00 - 58 minutes - 53 MBOn this week's episode of HomeTech: Some updates for the cord-cutters including 60 fps service from Hulu, new channels (and a slight price increase) for YouTube TV users, and a streaming device roundup. Thoughts on the Caavo box that has everyone talking. A 21st century take on "help, I've fallen and I can't get up". Seth's verdict from a week with the HomePod. And much more... Fan of the show? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron!
Episode 198 - End of an Era
February 09, 2018 14:00 - 49 minutes - 44.2 MBOn this week's episode of HomeTech: Catching up on a busy week in the connected home, including: Cord-cutting Super Bowl mishaps. Expanded YouTube TV app support. Streaming options for the Winter Olympics as well as DirecTV's 4K HDR/Dolby Atmos coverage. Arlo spins off of Netgear with their own IPO. Nest rejoins Google to consolidate the company's smart home efforts.Control4's new CA-1 looks like a winner. WeMo announces a new HomeKit Bridge. Best Buy to stop selling CD's. And much more... ...
Episode 197 - Home Tech Gallery with Stuart Burgess
February 02, 2018 14:00 - 51 minutes - 39.5 MBOn this week's episode of HomeTech: we are joined by Stuart Burgess, founding member of the Home Tech Gallery, a community for home technology professionals to highlight their work. Stuart shares the story behind this exciting new initiative designed to bring increased awareness to the world of professionally installed connected home. That plus... Jason dips his toes in the cut-the-cord water. Is a new voice coming for Alexa (or not)? Google Home is gaining ground on Alexa. The Sonos One ...
Episode 196 - HomePod... Where's the Beef?
January 26, 2018 14:00 - 40 minutes - 28.4 MBOn this week's episode of HomeTech: Seth and Jason discuss a big week in smart home news including: Silicon Labs' acquisition of Z-Wave tech from Sigma Designs falls apart but does it really matter? Ring and ADT bury the hatchet. Some major features will be missing when Apple HomePod finally begins shipping on February 9. The death of Sonos UPnP integrations. And more... Fan of the show? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron!
Episode 195 - AI Trolling with Richard Gunther
January 19, 2018 14:00 - 47 minutes - 32.7 MBOn this week's episode of HomeTech: Special guest host Richard Gunther of the Home: On Podcast fills Jason's seat and we discuss Google, Google, more Google and recap what CES was like on the show floor when the lights go out. Fan of the show? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron!
Episode 194 - CES 2018 Plus a Chat with Digital Delight's JJ Canon
January 12, 2018 14:00 - 1 hour - 62.8 MBOn this week's episode of HomeTech: We are joined by JJ Canon, owner of Digital Delight. Based in Houston, TX, this one-time "traditional" integration shop has adapted its business to embrace consumer brands such as Logitech, Sonos, and Nest. Leveraging well-known brands combined with an intense focus on service and the customer experience, Digital Delight is finding huge success where many others have failed. Tune in to hear how! That plus... a quick overview of CES including some mind pr...
Episode 193 - Control4's Ihiji Acquisition and More with Brad Hintze
January 05, 2018 14:14 - 1 hour - 45.1 MBOn this week's Happy New Year's episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Control4's Director of Product Marketing, Brad Hintze, to discuss the company's recent acquisition of leading RSM provider, Ihiji. Brad also shares several other updates that will excite home tech pros and end-users alike as we head into what will be a busy 2018! That plus... HomeTech is now on YouTube! Roku's new and unique approach to whole-house audio. Thoughts on Amazon's acquisition of connected camera maker, Blink. ...
Episode 192 - Happy 2018!
December 29, 2017 14:00 - 3 minutes - 2.58 MBThis week is just a quick update and announcement for our new YouTube channel. Thank you for a wonderful 2017! Fan of the show? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron!
Episode 191 - Tech for Tech's Sake
December 22, 2017 13:00 - 51 minutes - 35.4 MBOn this week's episode of HomeTech: A roundup of the week's biggest stories including: HomeKit locked the door but gave away the key. YouTube TV is covering ground but lagging on supported hardware. NFL hits the small screen. The moment of truth nears for Caavo. Sonos scores a legal victory over Denon. And more... Fan of the show? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron!
Episode 190 - The 3rd Annual Technology.fm Fireside Chat
December 15, 2017 14:30 - 1 hour - 52.8 MBOn this week's very special episode of HomeTech: We are joined by fellow podcasters Mike Wolf, of the Smart Home Show and the Smart Kitchen Podcast, and Richard Gunther, of Home: On, for the 3rd Annual Technology.fm Holiday Fireside Chat. Always one of our favorite episodes of the year, we gather to share our thoughts and perspectives on the biggest home technology stories of 2017, as well as our predictions about what to expect in the year ahead! Pour yourself a drink and join us for thi...
Episode 189 - Good Buttons and Bad Buttons
December 08, 2017 14:00 - 52 minutes - 36.2 MBOn this week's episode of HomeTech: We play catch up after the holiday and cover news stories from the past few weeks. Jim Beam gets smart with whiskey. Amazon and Google duke it out. Amazon Prime Video finally arrives on Apple TV. A "smart speaker mirage"? Crestron making big moves back in residential once again. And much more... Fan of the podcast? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron!
Episode 188 - No Siri for You!
November 24, 2017 12:59 - 57 minutes - 40.3 MBOn this week's episode of HomeTech: Jason joins us from the OneVision Resources HQ in Boston. Alongside him is Joey Kolchinsky, OneVision's CEO and third-time guest on the show. Jason, Joey, and Seth discuss this year's best Black Friday home tech deals. That, plus the latest news including: ecobee's Switch+ takes flight in beta mode. Apple HomePod on your holiday wish list? Too bad! No Siri for you! CBS pulls the plug on Dish customers. 4K over-the-air is one step closer to reality. And mo...
Episode 187 - #fakeHDR
November 17, 2017 14:00 - 50 minutes - 34.8 MBOn this week's episode of HomeTech: Nerd tips. Private dreamliners. A novel next-gen UI from Loxone. Logitech's about-face. Smart homes, and the PITA factor. Amazon's cable-bundle join Apple's in the scrap heap. Real news about #fakeHDR. And much more... Fan of the podcast? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron!