HomeTech.fm

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Eric Hines, CEO of Inovelli. Eric shares how he merged his passion for connected home technology with his professional marketing background to form his smart lighting company. In addition to exploring their current lineup of Z-Wave lighting products, we discuss the company’s uniquely transparent approach to engaging with its users. Eric also shares num...

On this episode of HomeTech: Join us for a special Thanksgiving edition. We discuss some of the best home tech Black Friday deals including bargains on mesh WiFi products, smart speakers and displays, TVs, security systems, and more. That, plus we share a few things we’re grateful for as we enter the home stretch of a very bumpy 2020. Thank you for supporting the show! We wish you and yours a happ...

On this episode of HomeTech: Big personnel moves at SnapAV including the departure of Charlie Kindel. Kaleidescape brings on a new CEO and VP of Marketing. Wyze continues its run of new product launches with a smart sprinkler controller. Hulu raises the price of its live TV service. Sonos introduces a paid tier of its Sonos Radio service. And more… Fan of the show? Want to support our efforts? Ple...

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Balaji Krishnan, Founder and CEO of Dabkick. Balaji joins us to discuss his company’s new streaming device, Dabby. This device takes a unique approach to the TV experience by eliminating many of the friction points common in today’s streaming-first environment including user fatigue around managing multiple subscriptions, navigating multiple apps, and...

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Crestron’s VP of Residential, John Clancy. A long-time channel vet, we explore John’s rise through the industry from Crestron Programmer, to part-owner of one of the country’s largest integrators, to his current post at the helm of Crestron’s global residential efforts. John shares the interesting backstory behind his joining the team at Crestron follo...

On this episode of HomeTech: Results are in for the CEDIA board. Crestron delivers new 70 series touch screens. Amazon Business unveils a new portal for home tech pros. FuboTV now lets you watch four shows at once on Apple TV. AVNation unveils AVN² virtual event. CE Pro mid-year market report shows strong growth in the channel. And more… Fan of the show? Want to support our efforts? Please conside...

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Andrew Vloyanetes, GM of installed solutions at Ring. Andrew leads the go-to-market strategy for professionally installed solutions at the company. The increasing crossover between “DIY” and pro solutions is a trend we’ve long been interested in here at HomeTech, so we were excited to have Andrew on. We discuss Ring’s focus on working backward from cus...

On this episode of HomeTech: we discuss the biggest announcements from SnapAV’s Snap Pro Live and Apple’s iPhone event. We dissect SnapAV’s grand strategy, their focus on services and OvrC, and a host of new Control4 products including updated touch panels, a limited edition NEEO remote, the new Chime Video Doorbell, and more. On the Apple front, we dive into the long-overdue release of a HomePod...

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Justin Worley, owner of Audio Concepts in Long Beach, CA, and Desert Valley Audio Video in Scottsdale, AZ. We dive into the lessons Justin has learned growing Desert Valley to a 30-person team and acquiring his second business. Justin shares his perspectives on recruiting, hiring, and team development, the decision to bring electrical work in-house, th...

On this episode of HomeTech: We dissect the biggest home tech announcements from the Amazon and Google events this week including: Google’s new Chromecast and Nest Audio speaker; New Echos, Fire TVs, Eero devices, and more from Amazon; and Ring’s entry into car security and… drones?! That, plus: Sonos sues Google for infringement (again). Info on SnapAV’s upcoming virtual event. And more... Fan of...

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by David Bambrick, CEO of Connected Life Labs. Our conversation explores the company’s mission to make dumb appliances smart. We explore SmartDry, their first product targeted at dryers. An engineer first, David takes us behind the scenes, sharing some of the unique challenges he and his team had to overcome to design an IoT product that functions reliabi...

Join us for a special episode recorded live from HomeTech’s Virtual Happy Hour! We are joined by numerous supporters of the show for an in-depth review of CEDIA’s first-ever virtual Expo. A big thanks to everyone who attended our event, and especially to the diverse group of industry pros who joined us on-air to provide their unique perspectives including Eddie Shapiro of SmartTouch USA, Josh Chri...

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Nate Clark, Founder of Konnected.io. We discuss Konnected’s novel solution designed to bring antiquated home security systems into the connected home. Nate shares the product’s rapid journey from DIY project to open source offering to business. Our conversation also covers the importance of open source and Nate’s perspectives on the current landscape f...

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Lutron’s Chief Corporate Brand Ambassador, Melissa Andresko. Melissa—a 22-year industry veteran who has spent her entire career with Lutron—shares her unique perspective on the evolution of the company and the connected home at large. We discuss Lutron’s new Serena Smart Wood blinds, the importance of form and function in product design, how removing e...

On this episode of HomeTech: Netflix takes aim at the paradox of choice with its new “Shuffle Play” button. FCC filing suggests Ring may have a new hub on the way. OneVision webinar to help home tech pros navigate change successfully. Jason finds a slick new productivity tool. The Smart Home museum receives a generous donation. And more… Fan of the show? Want to support our efforts? Please conside...

On this episode of HomeTech: Xiaomi makes disappearing OLEDs. The last Blockbuster on earth is offering AirBnB sleepovers. New data shows the smart home is nowhere near “mainstream”. Google Play Music is shutting down. Jason tempts fate. And more… Fan of the show? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron! HomeTech Headlines Xiaomi unveils a ridiculous see-through TV The Last...

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 rel...

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...

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… Fan of the show? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron! Show Notes HomeTech Headl...

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… Fan of the show? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron! Show Notes HomeTech Headlines Go...

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 st...

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. Fan of the show? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron! 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 - Inte...

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… Fan of the show? Want to support our efforts? Please consider becoming a Patron! Show Notes WWDC 2...

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. Fin...

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....