HomeTech.fm

Episode 186 - Welcome to Planet NEEO with Raphael Oberholzer

On this week's episode of HomeTech: The NEEO remote is finally shipping, and we are joined by Raphael Oberholzer, the company's founder, to discuss the product's long-awaited release! Way back on episode 55, we spoke with Raphael following their wildly successful Kickstarter campaign. Since then, the home tech world has been anxiously awaiting the product. Raphael offers his perspectives on the winding road of a smart home startup, discusses the current state of the NEEO ecosystem, and shares...

Episode 185 - A Certification that Matters with Josh Christian of HTA

On this week's episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Josh Christian, Director of Certification at the Home Technology Association.  The HTA is a new initiative aimed at helping homeowners, as well as design and building professionals, find a qualified and vetted home technology firm for their project. Given the lack of any real barriers to entry, many unqualified companies have given the home technology profession more than its share of black eyes. This, at the expense of consumers who have...

Episode 184 - Amazon in da House!

On this week's episode of HomeTech: No need to knock, Amazon, just c'mon in. What the August acquisition could mean for the smart lock market. Wink jumps on the DIY home security bandwagon. Microsoft looks to stay in the smart home conversation with a Cortana/Insteon partnership. Don't mess with Lutron's patent attorneys. Smart home adoption is up, but the market is more confusing than ever... or is it?? And much more... Fan of the podcast? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becomi...

Episode 183 - Internet of Landfill

On this week's episode of HomeTech: KRACK... no, you shouldn't panic. Details on Amazon's "Custom Home Services" program, why they can't be trusted, and why that doesn't matter. Thoughts on Movies Anywhere, a killer new app for cord cutters. Netflix reaching new highs. And much more... Fan of the podcast? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron! 

Episode 182 - Amalgamation

On this week's episode of HomeTech: Seth and Jason dissect the biggest news in the smart home including - Google Home Mini gives new definition to "always listening". Why Google is the one to beat in smart home AI. Alexa gets an important multi-voice recognition upgrade. The secret weapon that will keep Sonos in the game. Kwikset says to hell with physical keys. The Channels app is one to watch for cord cutters. And much more.  Fan of the podcast? Want to support our efforts? Please consider...

Episode 181 - HomeKitty

On this week's episode of HomeTech: Seth and Jason recap one of the busiest home technology weeks in recent memory. New hardware and integrations from Sonos. New Google Home hardware. An ADT and SmartThings collaboration. Ring disrupts monitored security. Amazon and Google drop their 4K movies pricing. Exciting HomeKit(ty) developments. And more... Fan of the podcast? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron! 

Episode 180 - Amazon Echo Updates

This week is a quick and short show to cover the highlights from the surprise Amazon hardware event. New Echos, FireTV, Buttons, and more!

Episode 179 - CEDIA, Apple, and Nest. Oh my!

On this week's episode of HomeTech: We welcome Seth back after his battle with Hurricane Irma. We're happy to report that he, his family, and his home all came through the storm unharmed. We're also happy to report that this is a jam-packed episode, complete with our thoughts on three recent, major events: CEDIA, Apple, and Nest. Don't miss it!  Fan of the podcast? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron! 

Episode 178 - Hurricane CEDIA Update

This week a quick CEDIA update from Jason since Seth is still battling power and internet outages in the wake of Hurricane Irma. We'll be back soon with a CEDIA wrap up and commentary on the Apple Event as well as the week's news in HomeTech.

Episode 177 - HomeTech's CEDIA 2017 Preview Special

On this week's episode of HomeTech: Jason provides a glimpse at OneVision's new ebook "The Insider's Guide to Remote Systems Management" — a free, comprehensive, and fully manufacturer-approved analysis of the RSM space including comparisons of BakPak, Domotz, Ihiji, and OvrC Pro.  Plus... our annual CEDIA preview! Seth and Jason predict the biggest and most important themes you can expect to see emerge from San Diego including analysis of many new product announcements that have come out le...

Episode 176 - "The Year of HDR Confusion" with PixelGen's Jack MacDougall

On this week's episode of HomeTech: We are joined Jack MacDougall, President of Pixelgen, for a deep dive into today's ultra-confusing video landscape. From resolutions and bit rates, to color spaces and dynamic ranges, it's enough to make your head spin. Jack brings to the show a unique combination of deep expertise and an ability to make these concepts relatable. While our conversation covers numerous facets of video technology, a good portion of our chat focuses on dissecting today's compe...

Episode 175 - The "Projects Project" with Nathaniel Gori

On this week's super-sized episode of HomeTech: In another installment of the "Projects Project", we welcome Nathaniel Gori to the show to discuss his unique smart home install. Figuring out a technology plan in a 100-year old home presented Nathaniel with more than his share of challenges. But, with good planning, thorough research, a bit of elbow grease, he was able to install a system that fits his needs and leaves room for expansion. Perhaps most importantly, his system also meets the req...

Episode 174 - HDR Alphabet Soup

On this week's episode of HomeTech: Further hints of 4K / HDR support from Apple. TiVo's Mini 4K looks to ship this Fall. Chamberlain's HomeKit compatible MyQ Home Bridge finally launches... better late than never. Amazon reportedly looking to add multiroom audio to the Echo line. Thoughts on Savant's acquisition of Artison. Comcast unveils new features for their xFi platform. And much more... Fan of the podcast? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron! 

Episode 173 - Meet Kirio, with CEO Rob Green

On this week's episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Rob Green, CEO of the smart home startup Kiriō. This Seattle-based company is coming at the connected home from a very unique angle that you'll want to hear all about. Forgoing the pure DIY approach so common today, Kiriō is targeting the builder market with a product designed to add intelligence to the core systems of the home. With a turnkey approach to installation and programming, and an innovative distribution model, Kiriō just might b...

Episode 172 - The "Projects Project" with David Millsaps

On this week's episode of HomeTech: Our second installment of the "Projects Project", featuring David Millsaps. David recently performed a home renovation which included some substantial technology upgrades. From lighting control, to house audio, to home automation, and more, David clearly did his homework before forging ahead. By making well-researched product decisions, David's goal was to avoid flash-in-the-pan products and technologies. He also managed to balance his technology wants with...

Episode 171 - Alexa, We'll Fix it in Post

On this week’s episode of HomeTech: BlueTooth mesh is finally a reality, but what will it mean for the smart home? Thoughts on the URC’s substantial new update — Total Control 2.0. OpenHAB now integrates with IKEA TRÅFRI smart lighting, as well as connected lawn mowers (lawnmowers??). Loxone has nifty looking new weather station. New and improved Alexa integrations from Savant and Logitech, respectively. Important details emerge about Lennar’s Amazon-powered smart home strategy. And much more...

Episode 170 - It's All Wireless Now Anyway

On this week's episode of HomeTech: Is that a Minion? Amazon takes a page from the Geek Squad playbook. Apple steps up their retail smart home game. Will the original Echo get an overdue facelift? We don't need no stinkin' wires. A chat (dissertation?) about the great Net Neutrality debate. And much more... Fan of the podcast? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron! 

Episode 169 - Yay, Florida!

On this week's episode of HomeTech: The joy of summertime in Florida. Have we reached the voice-enabled speaker tipping point? Samsung wants to compete with Echo and HomePod, if only Bixby could speak English. An OTT video comparison worth 7 minutes of your time. Hulu lands a carriage deal with HBO. Another large builder dabbling in the smart home. An (unlikely?) marriage of convenience between Sonos and Crestron. Savant and Ihiji finally play nice. And more... Fan of the podcast? Want to su...

Episode 168 - The Hackintosh

On this week's episode of HomeTech: Seth gets a new computer (with a side of buyer's remorse). Ring's new Elite model now for sale, and a welcome addition to the line up. Amazon's Echo Show now integrates with most popular smart home cams. Sharp jumps into the OLED game. LG's 77" wallpaper TV will set you back a cool $20K. Yet more dire prediction for PayTV providers. And much more... Fan of the podcast? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron! 

Episode 167 - Brown the Bear? Or Sally the Chick?

On this week's episode of HomeTech: Seth and Jason indulge in some Apple HomePod speculation. Japan's answer the Echo comes in Chicken or Bear. Lennar and Toll Brothers get hands-on with the smart home.  New hardware from Ring. Vivint kicks open the door to the smart-home-for-renters market. Zigbee PRO 2017 - don't call it a comeback. And Insteon acquired, but where will it lead?   Fan of the podcast? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron! 

Episode 166 - Getting to Know Loxone with Florian Woess

On this week's episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Florian Woess, CEO of Loxone US. Florian provides a great overview of the company's unique approach to professionally-installed home automation. Comparable to the most established brands here in the states, Loxone's US operations are just getting started. But if their widespread popularity overseas, and rapid growth to over 250 worldwide employees is any indication, they are poised to gain significant market share in the years to come. With...

Episode 165 - Apple WWDC17 Wrap-Up Special

On this week's episode of HomeTech: Richard Gunther, long-time friend of the show and host of the Home: On Podcast, joins us for a comprehensive wrap-up of Apple's recent WWDC. From significant (if a bit under-the- radar) HomeKit updates, to a spirited discussion about Apple's new HomePod product, and everything in between, this episode covers all you need to know about Apple's latest event.   Fan of the podcast? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron! 

Episode 164 - The Turtle

On this week's episode of HomeTech: Seth welcomes an uninvited show guest into his garage.....er, studio. #SiriInACan looks more like a reality than ever, but we're still not holding our breath. Details emerge on Nest's new "Cam IQ". Essential Home - the next big thing, or just vaporware? An over-the-top link for for over-the-top video. And much more...  Fan of the podcast? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron! 

Episode 163 - Unveiling the "Projects Project" with Rob Lombardo

On this week's episode of HomeTech: We proudly unveil the world premier of the HomeTech "Projects Project" (yes, still working on that name). Featuring an installation by Rob Lombardo. Rob utilized all DIY tech to add some really neat flare to his outdoor living space including under-rail LED lighting, pool and lighting control by INSTEON, and of course some audio via Sonos.  That plus... Amazon releases a new Echo targeted at the Greatest Generation. Ikea's smart lighting solutions just got...

Episode 162 - Mixing it up with Kris Gamble of #LiveInstall

On this week's episode of HomeTech: We catch up with Kris Gamble, founder of the UK-based Customised and creator of the now-legendary #LiveInstall hashtag. Never one to color inside the lines, Kris shares a number of updates surrounding his latest efforts to mix it up in the smart home. From a new-found focus on social media platforms beyond of his Twitter wheelhouse, to an installation marketing campaign aimed at disrupting traditional business models, Kris is living up to his reputation for...

Episode 161 - Smart Home Tech for the Rental Market with PointCentral's Sean Miller

On this week's episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Sean Miller, President of PointCentral, to discuss the company's unique approach to the smart home market. PointCentral leverages popular home technology products to drive value in both the long term and short term rental markets. Selling into a variety of verticals, PointCentral offers an attractive solution for property managers and renters alike.  That plus... The Echo Show breaks Amazon's mould, but will it catch on? And will the team ...

Episode 160 - Having a GAFASM with Bruno Napoli

On this week's episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Bruno Napoli, Founder of Krika and long time friend of the show. Bruno joins us to discuss a recent blog post of his that has home technology professionals all over the world engaged in a raging debate about the future of the industry.  Bruno's post outlines his strong opinions about what the efforts of GAFA (Google, Apple, Facebook, and Amazon) in the smart home mean to traditional home technology companies. And our interview with him is e...

Episode 159 - How's My Butt Look?

On this week's episode of HomeTech: Amazon Echo just became your personal stylist. Vizio didn't succeed in killing the hard-button remote after all. A Smart home that wants to kill you. Chemotherapy for the the IoT. New research reveals surprising data on media device adoption. Is Home Automation as a profession dead? And much more... Fan of the podcast? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron!

Episode 158 - Ok Google, Listen to HomeTech

On this week's episode of HomeTech: What "OK Google" hacks show us about the challenge of wake words. Lutron continues their consumer market penetration with a new Caseta integration. Amazon takes their Echo integrations to a whole new level. Bose on the receiving end of a ludicrous lawsuit. Logitech Pop buttons get a HomeKit integration. The significance of embedded Sling TV in LG's displays. The staggering amounts of money being spent on original video content by OTT providers. And much mor...

Episode 157 - Your Projects

A very quick show this week to launch an initiate we've been dreaming up for a few months. If you have a home technology project of any size at any stage head on over to hometech.fm/projects and let us know about it!

Episode 156 - Bleeping Alexa

On this week's episode of HomeTech: Petlexa, Google Gnome, and the Hub may have been April Fools' jokes, but the Control4 Emojis were not. Alexa makes her way into a thermostat (?) and a touchscreen speaker that looks like a football. A glimpse at TiVo's rumored cloud DVR. Verizon looks to launch a streaming TV service this summer. Yet another entrant in the sub-$500 Mesh WiFi space. And much more... Fan of the podcast? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron!

Episode 155 - The Finale

On this week's episode of HomeTech: Seth and Jason discuss the latest in home tech news including: a amazing new release from the team at Josh.AI. Ikea makes a surprising, if totally logical, step into the smart home. FetchItGo give users physical buttons... and dry erase markers? Google Home releases a handful of new integrations. Samsung gets into the mesh WiFi game with a compelling offering. Proof, if you needed it, that cable companies suck at customer service. And much, much more... Fa...

Episode 154 - Chat Bots and Ocarinas

On this week's episode of HomeTech: Seth and Jason sit down to discuss another busy week in the smart home including: Is your IT guy trying to kill you? The smart home landscape for renters. A fantastic new resource for comparing DIY home tech products. Is Leviton inviting electricians into the connected home? A conversation about next-gen UI's including chat bots and... ocarinas?? And much more... Fan of the podcast? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron!

Episode 153 - Breaking the Mold with Richard Berrie of iHummingbird

On this week's episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Richard Berrie, CEO and President of iHummingbird. Berrie and his team take a unique approach, leveraging low-cost solutions such as Nest, Sonos, and Lutron Caseta to generate business and build relationships. Proving the theory that these consumer-focused products present up-selling opportunities to savvy professionals, iHummingbird is doing a booming business - with an average installation price of $35,000. Tune in to hear how exactly how...

Episode 152 - Unplug That TV!

On this week's episode of HomeTech: Seth and Jason sit down to dissect the biggest stories of the week including: Just a bunch of spies doing their job. Apple puts out some shiny HomeKit marketing. Rumors of a new indoor camera from Amazon. Thoughts on Crestron's new (not-so) easy-to-setup lighting control system. And what Sonos' efforts to fend off the disrupters shows us about the smart home. Fan of the podcast? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron!

Episode 151 - Discussing Z-Wave with Executive Director Mitch Klein

On this week's episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Mitch Klein, Executive Director of the Z-Wave Alliance for an in-depth conversation about the technology and what is new with the alliance. Long a stalwart in the connected home, Mitch discusses what makes the technology so appealing to end-users, installers, and service providers alike. Additionally we explore some recent developments, particularly in the area of cybersecurity, that the alliance is focused on as they look to maintain their...

Episode 150 - Stuck in the Middle

On this week's episode of HomeTech: Seth and Jason sit down for some spirited discussion about the forces at play in the middle market for home technology. Established companies like Savant, Crestron, and Control4 have formed a consensus and are "racing to the top" with their collective focus on luxury solutions. Meanwhile, inexpensive DIY platforms such as HomeKit are maturing at a steady pace. So, where does this leave the traditional CEDIA integrator? Tune in to hear our thoughts... That ...

Episode 149 - ISE 2017 Wrap-Up Part 2

On this all interview episode we present Jason's extended coverage of the show floor of ISE 2017 in Amsterdam.

Episode 148 - ISE 2017 Wrap-Up Part 1

On this week's episode of HomeTech: Join us for a super-sized episode as we wrap-up ISE 2017! Jason was busy all week gathering sound bites on the show floor. This show features a handful of our favorite interviews from Amsterdam, plus some commentary from Jason and Seth. Once again, a big thanks to our sponsors, Krika, Zappiti, and the Z-Wave Alliance for making the trip possible! Fan of the podcast? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron!

Episode 147 - ISE 2017 Live!

Episode 146 - The HDBaseT Apocalypse

On this week's episode of HomeTech: Jason announces his upcoming trip to ISE in Amsterdam (big thanks to our sponsors for making this possible - Krika and Zappiti!). That plus... Rumors of an HDBaseT apocalypse prove far less dire than originally thought. CEDIA gets out of the trade show management business. A look behind the curtain at Crestron. What Apple's recent high-profile hire could mean for their smart home efforts. A few important updates in the ongoing IoT-cyber security. conversa...

Episode 145 - RIP 3D TV

On this week's episode of HomeTech: We dissect the big news from the recently held Savant Dealer Summit. Does a new CEO at Sonos mean the company will finally start playing nice with others? Why we're really at the tip of the voice-control-iceberg. And the nail in the coffin for 3D TV... Fan of the podcast? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron!

Episode 144 - A Robot for Grandma

On this week's episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Rammohan Malasani, CEO of Securifi, to discuss the company's innovate new security offering. Aimed at protecting your network from falling victim to attacks, such as the recent, high-profile Mirai botnet, this subscription-based service is a first of its kind in the consumer router market. That plus... Are streaming TV services headed in the wrong direction? Big builders doubling down on voice control. Can an AI-powered robot take care ...

Episode 143 - HomeTech's CES2017 Wrap Up

On this week's episode of HomeTech: We sit down for a not-to-be-missed wrap up for CES 2017. The consumer electronic industry's annual smorgasbord, CES consistently serves up an array of home technology stories ranging from the significant to the absurd. 2017 was no exception. Join us as we dissect another crazy year in Vegas including: Alexa domination. Sony's "if you can't beat 'em join 'em" approach to OLED. HomeKit making a (quiet) splash. Proof that the home-automation-hub category is ...

Episode 142 - Looking Forward to CES 2017

On this week's episode of HomeTech: Seth and Jason sit down for a chat on the eve of CES 2017. They discuss a number of the stories surfacing early in the week that give a good indication as to the what we can expect from Vegas this year. Topics include... Flying (attack?) drones. Smart Garbage Cans. Samsung doubling down on the Family Hub 'fridge. Pregnancy wearables. And much, much more. All that plus... Seth latest work project integrating the Ring doorbell with Control4. And a must-see ...

Episode 141 - Baby Watch Part 3 Concludes!

On this week's episode of HomeTech: Seth is a new dad! He takes a brief break from changing diapers to join Jason for a chat, and to share some thoughts about becoming a father! That plus... a few thoughts on what to expect from CES2017. Sony dips their toes in the OLED pool. Samsung is bringing back the Quantum dots. Ransomware finds a new target in (not-so-smart) TV's. The Wynn Las Vegas bets big on voice control. And Facebook's recent intrigues in the AI game. Fan of the podcast? Want t...

Episode 140 - The 2nd Annual Technology.fm Fireside Chat

On this week's super-sized episode of HomeTech: We are joined by fellow podcasters Mike Wolf, of the Smart Home Show, and Richard Gunther, of Home: On, for the 2nd Annual Technology.fm Holiday Fireside Chat. Easily one of our most substantial episodes of the year, the four of us share our unique thoughts and perspectives on the biggest home technology stories of 2016, as well as our predictions about what to expect in the year ahead! Happy Holidays! We hope you enjoy this very special episo...

Episode 139 - Exploring OVRC Pro with Product Manager Kenny Kim

On this week's episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Kenny Kim, Product Manager for SnapAV's RSM platform known as OVRC Pro. In addition to providing a great overview of the product we discuss what makes OVRC unique in an increasingly competitive RSM landscape, and the general importance of remote monitoring and management tools in the future of the home technology industry. That plus... We touch on a few of the biggest home technology stories of 2016 (more on that next week, be sure to tun...

Episode 138 - The HomeTech Black Friday Special

Jason and Seth sit down to discuss the kickoff of the 2016 holiday shopping season, known here in the states as Black Friday. Covering a number of bargains available this year, as well as a few of their own personal wishes, this episode is a great gift guide for the smart home enthusiast on your list... Fan of the podcast? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron!

Episode 137 - Introducing HomeTech Academy

On this week's episode of HomeTech: We are thrilled to unveil HomeTech Academy! Offering vendor-specific education, software training, and product reviews, HomeTech Academy is a first of its kind e-learning site designed for home technology professionals. At launch we are pleased to offer a select group of free software training video courses. We are actively pursuing additional partner companies, and look forward to further developing our course catalog in the weeks and months ahead. It is...