HomeTech.fm

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 the dreaded content decision fatigue. The product’s “Watch Together” service also offers users a slick new way to enjoy movies and shows with remotely-located friends and family. We discuss Balaji’s deep background in the streaming video space, what inspired him to develop this innovative product, and how they hope to redefine the TV experience. That, plus a busy week in home tech headlines including: A look at Josh.ai’s new Nano and Core products. Wyze gets into the vacuum game. Comcast launches a new DIY security system. ADT and Google accelerate their plans to launch a new smart home platform. Netflix tests a linear-style TV service in France. And more…

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 following the company’s famed departure from CEDIA Expo in 2015. We then do a deep dive into the company’s expanding portfolio including Crestron Home OS, the new 70-series touchpanels, its home conferencing solutions, their wellness partnership with Delos, and much more. If you’re interested in a peek behind the curtain at one of the world’s largest home technology companies, don’t miss this episode! That, plus the latest home tech headlines including: We speculate about JoshAI’s upcoming and much-hyped mystery release. Netflix raises prices again. Comcast and Walmart might make TVs together. Older Nest TStats can now monitor your HVAC system. And more…

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…

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 customers’ needs, the unique challenges and opportunities inherent in working in the professional channel, the new Ring X line and the strategy behind it, and much more. Having directed the installed solutions strategy at Sonos prior to joining Ring, Andrew brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to this important conversation. That, plus the latest home tech headlines including: Quibi calls it quits. LG’s rollable OLED goes on sale in Korea. The Nest Secure is being discontinued. Google unveils upgrades to its smart display UI. And more…

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 mini and the new iPhone 12.

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, the importance of “getting your act together” as you grow, how to get out of owner-operator mode, and much more. Home tech pros won’t want to miss this one. That, plus the latest home tech headlines including: The numbers for CEDIA’s first virtual event are in. Apple pulls Sonos and other third party products from its stores. Disney movies are finally available in 4K on iTunes. And more…

On this episode of HomeTech: We dissect the biggest 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...

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 reliability inside a giant metal box full of wet, tumbling clothes, high temperatures, and static electricity. We then zoom out to discuss the company’s partnerships with energy providers, future plans aimed at other appliances, and more. That, plus the latest home tech headlines including: ISE 2021 gets postponed until June. CEDIA cancels all in-person tech summits for 2020. Lutron announces its Connection 2020 series of virtual events. Wyze is practically giving away its new smart doorbell. Quibi looks for a buyer after a lackluster launch. Roku and NBCU bury the hatchet. And more…

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 Christian of the Home Technology Association, Justin Rounsefell of the Stratus Group, and Robert Spivack of DoItForMe.solutions.

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 for smart home “prosumers”. That plus the latest home tech headlines including: A new Ring integration from Lutron. What (not) to expect at Apple’s September 15th event. YouTube TV adds NFL Network to its core offering. A new push into the renter market from Amazon. New indoor and outdoor cameras from Blink. And more…

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 even small points of friction creates delighted users, why we need more women involved in the tech industry, and much more. That, plus the latest home tech headlines including: Apple plans augmented reality content to bolster Apple TV+. Spotify considers live virtual concerts, Samsung debuts its first ultra short throw projector. Best Buy shatters Q2 Sales expectations. New Lifx Clean bulb can sanitize surfaces. And more…

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…

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…

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 releases to the home more quickly. And much more…

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 the infrastructure of the home. We then ask Aaron—an entrepreneur with multiple successful exits and a holder of over 100 patents—to share some practical tips on innovation and building successful companies (hint: if everyone thinks your idea is great, it probably isn’t). That plus the latest home tech headlines including: Signs that the construction industry may be poised for a strong recovery. Zoom unveils a new all-in-one home videoconferencing solution. Flo by Moen and Yonomi form an interesting partnership to help insurance companies better leverage smart home technology. NBC’s Peacock hides a cake recipe in their terms and conditions. BadPower attack targeting fast chargers could set your device on fire. And more…

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…

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…

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Kirk Chisolm, 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 steps required to run a successful home technology business. Kirk shares why they undertook this ambitious effort and how they aim to inspire and empower integrators to run better businesses by sharing the results back with the industry. Finally, we dive into some of the specific processes, tools, and best practices their research has unveiled. That, plus the latest home tech headlines, including: CEDIA releases a save-the-date for their three-day virtual event. A $100 billion “universal fiber” plan is being discussed in the House. Microsoft to close all of its physical stores. Sonos lays off 12% of its workforce. And more...

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.

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…

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. Finally, we explore some of Randy’s key takeaways from serving as the CEO of Via Home, discussing the valuable lessons we can all learn from the disappointing fate of that venture. A long-time industry veteran, Randy brings a strong combination of business savvy and actionable insights to the conversation. Don’t miss it! That, plus the latest home tech headlines including—Cox slows upload speeds in entire neighbors due to “excessive usage.” Hulu scraps support for older Roku devices. Lutron release Triathlon and Serena Smart Wood Blinds. And more…

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. The role of solutions like Crestron’s HomeTime Smart Home Conferencing solution in today’s market. Josh.ai launches a new integration with Comcast Xfinity. HBO Max trips out of the gate, but don’t count them out. And more…

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by SnapAV’s vice president of connected products, Kenny Kim, for a deep dive into “the new OvrC.” Two years in the making, this release represents a major leap forward for the company’s remote monitoring and management platform. We discuss various improvements to the platform’s architecture and overall performance, enhancements to the mobile experience, increased integrations into various product lines, and the company’s migration plans for users of BakPak and Ihiji. Kenny also shares some of the unique backstories behind the new OvrC, including the people and processes which made it all possible. Finally, we explore some of the ways the team at SnapAV continues to evolve their product management and development practices in order to better serve their dealers. That, plus the latest home tech headlines including: Samsung releases a new outdoor TV. Thoughts on Savant’s acquisition of GE Lighting. Crestron and Lutron playing nice. And more…

On this episode of HomeTech: We’re joined by Kent Dickson, co-founder and CEO of Yonomi. Established in 2013, the company eschewed the approach of building a hub. Instead, they focused on building what amounts to a robust and highly-flexible middleware layer for the connected home. Their cloud-based platform empowers developers and end-users alike to create a better home technology experience. Our conversation with Kent covers the unique backstory that brought him from Aerospace to his current role at Yonomi, why we shouldn’t use the word “smart” to describe homes (and what we should call them instead), the challenges of tackling such a rapidly evolving market, what the future of the connected home looks like, the importance of building great teams, and more. Don’t miss it!

On this episode of HomeTech: Jason’s new Product gig. Learning from failures. Why projects are such a pain in the a** to finish. The difference between “day 0”, “day 1”, and “day 2”, and why you need to think of all three. Plus the latest home tech headlines including: Wink’s death throes? Emerald Expositions, COVID, and the future of trade shows. Folks in quarantine stream lots of music. Google’s whole-home Nest Aware now available. A more powerful Apple TV on the way? And more…

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Paulus Schoutsen, founder of Home Assistant, to discuss the company’s journey from a small, personal experiment to one of the most robust DIY home automation platforms on the market. Supported by a strong open source community, Home Assistant has more than enough horsepower for the dedicated enthusiast who really wants to roll up their sleeves. But the product has also evolved to become increasingly approachable for the less tech-savvy among us. Paulus shares the trials, tribulations, and successes that Home Assistant has seen as it has grown and evolved into its current form. That, plus the latest home tech headlines including: Crestron announces plans to return to CEDIA this year (assuming, of course, there is a CEDIA this year). Luxul prepares to release its new ProWatch remote management tool. Josh.ai raises $11 million. Google’s rumored new streaming device. Sonos debuts three new products. And more…

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Rob Martens, Senior Vice President, Chief Innovation & Design Officer at Allegion, PLC. You may not be familiar with the name Allegion, but its footprint is massive, spanning 30+ brands (including Schlage locks) in 130 countries with 11,000 employees. Rob serves as a futurist for the company and is also heavily involved in Allegion Ventures, which invests in various tech companies surrounding the internet of things. Our conversation covers the state of IoT (hint: it’s not all roses), how companies can and must do better by consumers, why you shouldn’t call it a “smart home”, and much more. Don’t miss it! That, plus the latest home tech headlines including: CEDIA puts together a task force to ensure attendee safety at this year’s show, but will it be enough? The government funds an additional $370 billion in COVID relief funds. Best Buy to open 200 locations using by appointment only. And more…

On this very special 300th episode of HomeTech: We celebrate our big milestone with a live group recording featuring some great friends of the show! Join us as we dive into the latest home tech headlines together. Also, be sure to hang out for the lighting round where we have some fun with a few (not so) serious home tech questions. Thank you for being a part of our journey to 300 episodes! We are so appreciative of your support!

On this episode of HomeTech: A homewrecker threatens Jason’s long marriage to Trello. (Un)wise ways to spend your stimulus check. The week-3 doldrums. And the latest home tech headlines, including: HBO does an about-face on their ill-timed move to stop supporting older Apple TVs. COVID studies using Oura smart rings highlight the potential of wearable tech. IKEA smart blinds now available online. Ecobee unveils a new camera and home security service called Haven. And more…

On this episode of HomeTech: Thoughts on the new short-form streaming app, Quibi. HBO Go and HBO Now will soon stop working on older Apple TVs. Sonos has a big sale on Beam, One, and One SL speakers. Amazon Business Eyes the CI channel. And more…

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Chris Williams, Director of People Operations at OneVision Resources. Our conversation breaks down the various governmental programs designed to help small businesses navigate the COVID-19 crisis. The government is providing a lot of assistance to businesses and employees. Gaining a deep understanding of the options is vital to ensuring you make the most of what’s available. Chris brings deep expertise to the table, along with an uncanny ability to distill complicated legislation down to simple, actionable insights. Whether you own a business, work in one, or have recently been furloughed/laid off, you do not want to miss this episode! That plus, home tech headlines including: AVNation launches a “Learn from Home” conference, taking place April 7 and 8. Sony restructures, creating the Electronics Products & Solutions Unit. JoshAI now enables a politically correct smart home. And more…

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Chad Nichols, principal of SimpTech Solutions in Cincinnati, OH. Chad joins us to share his perspectives on the impact COVID-19 is having on the integration landscape. Our discussion covers strategies for handling client relationships, keeping employees healthy, productive, and engaged, and doing all of this while dealing with an incredibly daunting economic landscape. It’s a delicate dance all too many home technology professionals will be grappling with in the weeks and months ahead. Tune in to hear Chad’s perspective on keeping it all together in these trying times. In addition to our conversation with Chad, we share a number of other stories related to the COVID-19 pandemic including: OneVision releases a “COVID-19 Data Room” with comprehensive resources to help integrators navigate the situation. Information on the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. CEDIA offering complimentary professional development resources. Tips for running a distributed workforce. And more…

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Mitch Klein, Executive Director of the Z-Wave Alliance. Mitch, a 2019 CEDIA Lifetime Achievement Recipient, shares his unique perspectives on the industry, shaped by decades of working in every facet of the business from crawl spaces to chip manufacturing. Our conversation explores the challenges and opportunities facing integrators in today’s evolving technology landscape and the continued evolution of the Z-Wave ecosystem. Don’t miss it! That, plus the latest home tech headlines including: Sonos confirms their new S2 OS will release in June. New research from Parks about which connected home platforms builders want. NBCUniversal will make theatrical movies available on-demand immediately. Fox acquires streaming service Tubi for $440 million. And more…

On this episode of HomeTech: Philips Hue Bridge gen 1 hub set to lose all internet connectivity. Some nifty new features coming to HomeKit with iOS 14. Ring reveals a new doorbell with a three-camera array. Sonos getting rid of Recycle Mode that needlessly bricked its older devices. Elon Musk reveals some surprising new facts about the forthcoming Starlink satellite internet service. Control4 announces new Essential Lighting line. And more…

On this episode of HomeTech: Take a break from your toilet paper hoarding, and join us the latest HomeTech headlines including: AT&T’s new streaming service essentially amounts to DirecTV without the satellite dish. A healthy (pardon the pun) debate about the viability of home wellness. Interesting takeaways from Best Buy’s ongoing success with Total Tech Support and in-home consultations. Assessing the potential impact of Coronavirus on the CE supply chain. And more…

On this episode of HomeTech: HBO and HBO Max are coming to YouTube TV. CBS to massively expand All Access’ streaming library in 2020. Comcast acquires little-known streaming service, Xumo. Comcast’s NBCUniversal enters advanced talks to buy Vudu. Failed server update takes down Nest cameras for 17 hours. New research reveals you can relax, your smart assistant is not always listening to you. And more…

On this episode of HomeTech: Dish CEO says merger with DirecTV is “inevitable'.” Redbox launches an ad-supported streaming TV service. HBO Max’s first trailer reminds you the service is not just HBO titles. Nest and Ring users will soon be required to use two-factor authentication. Arlo Pro 3 adds HomeKit support. Is the connected home an ecological boon, or an ecological disaster? And more…

On this episode of HomeTech: Samsung shows QLED 8K TVs, “The Wall” Improvements, and more at ISE. Crestron unveils its new MC4-R 4-Series control system and new Crestron Home features. Lumastream files for chapter 11 bankruptcy, seeks a buyer. Sonos testing new Flex rental service in the Netherlands. Sony’s new TV remote doubles as a speaker. ViacomCBS reportedly working on a new streaming service. And more…

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Lucas Haldeman, CEO and Founder of SmartRent, an enterprise home automation company taking a novel approach to the rental market. Join us to learn how Lucas and his team help renters and property managers/owners alike enjoy the benefits of the modern smart home with a comprehensive and flexible set of solutions. That, plus the latest home tech headlines including: Sonos CEO apologizes in response to backlash over their legacy product announcement. Nest thermostats can alert homeowners to problems with their HVAC systems. Google Fiber drops its TV package. Samsung accidentally announces its Galaxy Home Mini's release date. The home tech industry gets some tariff relief (or do they?). And more…

On this episode of HomeTech: Guest Co-Host and frequent guest Cody Crossland joins the show to chat about Frontier filing bankruptcy, Sonos messaging gone awry (again), and the big announcements from Savant at IBS in Las Vegas. And more…

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Andrei Gorbatiuc, an integrator out of the Vancouver, WA area, for an installment of the Projects Project. Andrei is the man behind what is reported to be the largest HomeKit-based technology installation in the world. With hundreds of lighting and shade devices, plus some audio and video as well, Andrei has tested the outer limits of what is possible with HomeKit. Join us to hear about the unique backstory, challenges, and successes behind this one-of-a-kind installation. That, plus the latest home tech headlines including: SpaceX’s plan to launch satellite-based broadband internet could come to fruition later this year. Spectrum’s exit from the security business leaves consumers holding the bag. Thoughts on the latest plan/pricing changes from Domotz. And more…

HDMI announces a new mandatory certification program, but will it make a difference? The 8K Association (8KA) is live with its new certification (and a terrible logo). NextGen TV for 4K TV broadcasting launches at CES 2020. Sonos sues Google, and it sounds juicy. Ring unveils numerous new products, including some pro-friendly options. Comcast introduces a WiFi 6 gateway. Sony, Samsung, and LG provide looks at their 2020 TV strategies. Plus a roundup of some cool (and downright silly) tech products from CES 2020. Don’t miss it!

On this episode of HomeTech: While Jason travels Seth takes the reins of the sleigh and drives the podcast into the next decade. Big news stories about internet outrage over recycling, Ring getting hit with a lawsuit over their security practices, a cool new idea to charge devices remotely and more…

On this very special episode of HomeTech: Join us as we look back on the biggest smart home stories of 2019 on our fifth annual Fireside Chat! We are joined by both Richard Gunther and Adam Justice of the Digital Media Zone’s Home:On Podcast. This jam-packed episode will provide you with a comprehensive look back at all the trends that defined the connected home this year, including predictions about what 2020 will bring. Don’t miss it!

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Bronson Gannon, Global Brand Manager for Sound United’s Polk Audio. Our discussion covers the company’s new Legend line of speakers. We also dive into many of the fundamentals of speaker design, providing information all of us can use in order to make more educated buying decisions. That, plus the latest home tech headlines including: Cyber Monday 2019 shatters records. Plex launches their ad-supported TV streaming service. Sony updates TVs to support AirPlay 2 and HomeKit. The FBI warns consumers about the cybersecurity risks of smart TVs. Wyze undercuts the competition once again with their $89 smart lock. Best Buy hits an impressive 2M+ subscribers to their Total Tech Support membership. And more…

On this episode of HomeTech: Now that you’ve recovered from your Thanksgiving food coma, we are joined by Kevin Brown, CEO and Co-founder of Innit. Innit is a leading platform for the connected kitchen. Acting as a unifying layer designed to simplify and enhance the home cooking experience, Innit works with a diverse set of industry partners including appliance makers, retailers, tech giants, and large food distributors. Tune in to learn more about their novel and comprehensive approach to the rapidly expanding connected kitchen market. That plus our annual Black Friday roundup. Join us to discover some of the best and most unique connected home deals available this holiday season!

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Charlie Kindel, SnapAV’s Chief Product Officer, and G. Paul Hess, SnapAV’s Chief Marketing Officer, to catch up on what has been a very busy year for the company. Our conversation covers the latest on the Control4 merger, the new NEEO remote, the latest on the OvrC remote management platform, Control4’s upcoming C4Yourself event, and much more. Don’t miss it! Plus the latest home tech headlines including: Netflix explains why certain older streaming devices will no longer be supported. Disney+ comes out of the gate swinging. Hikvision launches the most racist product feature of all time. Amazon patches a vulnerability found in Ring doorbells. and more.

On this episode of HomeTech: Tune in to learn all about the hottest new device in connected home security—the HomeTech Assistant Security Shield (ASS)™. Your worse fears have been realized. Hackers are taking to the streets armed with lasers capable of unleashing mayhem on your smart speaker. You feel vulnerable. Helpless. Ready to throw in the towel on your smart home dreams. But fret not. The HomeTech Assistant Security shield leverages Advanced Impenetrable Reflective Technology (AIRT)™ to keep you and your family safe. It’s security, at the speed of light. Tune in to learn more! That, plus the latest home tech headlines, including: Initial thoughts on Apple TV+. Insignia smart products are smart no more. Walmart reportedly looking to put Vudu on the selling block. Google buys Fitbit for $2.1B. Lutron dismisses lawsuit against Savant. Control4 launches new NEEO remote. And more…

On this episode of HomeTech: We are joined by Brad Russel, Parks Associates’ Research Director, Connected Home. A leading market research and consulting company, Parks Associates is a go-to resource for anyone looking for a data-driven understanding of the smart home market. Our conversation with Brad covers the current state of the industry along with the “cheers and fears” driving connected home adoption. Don’t miss it! That, plus a very busy week in home tech news including: Is Wink in its death throes? Apple pulls a HomePod update after reports of bricked devices. Sonos launches a trade-in program. Playstation Vue is shutting down. More details emerge regarding HBO’s forthcoming streaming service, HBO Max. The Apple TV app is officially available on Amazon Fire TV devices. Reports that Apple is ramping up its HomeKit efforts. And more…

On this episode of HomeTech: Researchers have found a way to extend WiFi (sort of) up to 200 ft. SpaceX plans to launch satellite-based low latency broadband service in 2020. Google Home update bricks some units. Homebuilders are ditching Nest. Voice assistants introduce a new kind of phishing attack. Best Buy takes on Amazon with free next-day deliveries for the holidays. Ikea’s long-awaited smart blinds are finally available in parts of the U.S. An interesting debate over Google’s decision to leave WiFi6 out of Google Nest WiFi. And more…