Podcasts about Home automation

A MacVoices Live! discussion covers another major recall—this time ESR's HaloLock power banks over fire risks—and explores why power bank failures remain common despite reputable brands. Chuck Joiner, Dave Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jim Rea, Marty Jencius, and Norbert Frassa also react to Logitech's sudden shutdown of its Pop Smart Button, raising questions about product obsolescence, support lifespans, and smart home stability.  MacVoices is supported by SurfShark. "Go to https://surfshark.com/macvoices or use code macvoices at checkout to get 4extra months of Surfshark VPN!” Show Notes: Chapters: [0:00] Opening banter and introductions [3:58] Baseball, SpongeBob, and background fun [10:42] PowerBank recall alert — ESR HaloLock safety hazard [12:35] Why power banks fail and lithium battery risks [16:05] Airline safety and lithium battery transport rules [17:47] Manufacturing quality concerns and recall logic [17:48] Logitech's Pop Smart Button shutdown explained [21:56] Product lifespan, customer frustration, and costs [23:47] Smart home reliability and Apple HomeKit discussion [25:34] Logitech Harmony remote worries and alternatives [27:23] Closing notes and credits Links: ESR recalls over 50,000 HaloLock wireless power banks due to fire and burn hazards https://9to5mac.com/2025/10/10/esr-recalls-over-50000-halolock-magsafe-power-banks/ Logitech will brick its $100 Pop smart home buttons on October 15 https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/10/logitech-will-brick-its-100-pop-smart-home-buttons-on-october-15/ Flic  Guests: Brian Flanigan-Arthurs is an educator with a passion for providing results-driven, innovative learning strategies for all students, but particularly those who are at-risk. He is also a tech enthusiast who has a particular affinity for Apple since he first used the Apple IIGS as a student. You can contact Brian on twitter as @brian8944. He also recently opened a Mastodon account at @brian8944@mastodon.cloud. Norbert Frassa is a technology “man about town”. Follow him on Twitter and see what he's up to. David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast In Touch With iOS where he discusses all things iOS, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Watch, and related technologies. He is an IT professional supporting Mac, iOS and Windows users. Visit his YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/daveg65 and find and follow him on Twitter @daveg65 and on Mastodon at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud. Dr. Marty Jencius has been an Associate Professor of Counseling at Kent State University since 2000. He has over 120 publications in books, chapters, journal articles, and others, along with 200 podcasts related to counseling, counselor education, and faculty life. His technology interest led him to develop the counseling profession ‘firsts,' including listservs, a web-based peer-reviewed journal, The Journal of Technology in Counseling, teaching and conferencing in virtual worlds as the founder of Counselor Education in Second Life, and podcast founder/producer of CounselorAudioSource.net and ThePodTalk.net. Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the Circular Firing Squad, and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of The Vision ProFiles podcast. Generally, Marty is chasing the newest tech trends, which explains his interest in A.I. for teaching, research, and productivity. Marty is an active presenter and past president of the NorthEast Ohio Apple Corp (NEOAC). Jim Rea built his own computer from scratch in 1975, started programming in 1977, and has been an independent Mac developer continuously since 1984. He is the founder of ProVUE Development, and the author of Panorama X, ProVUE's ultra fast RAM based database software for the macOS platform. He's been a speaker at MacTech, MacWorld Expo and other industry conferences. Follow Jim at provue.com and via @provuejim@techhub.social on Mastodon. Support:      Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon      http://patreon.com/macvoices      Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect:      Web:      http://macvoices.com      Twitter:      http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner      http://www.twitter.com/macvoices      Mastodon:      https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner      Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner      MacVoices Page on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/      MacVoices Group on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice      LinkedIn:      https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/      Instagram:      https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe:      Audio in iTunes      Video in iTunes      Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher:      Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss      Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

The biggest failure in seven years, right before a trip. What broke, how Chris pulled it back together, and how Wes would fix it right.Sponsored By:Managed Nebula: Meet Managed Nebula from Defined Networking. A decentralized VPN built on the open-source Nebula platform that we love. 1Password Extended Access Management: 1Password Extended Access Management is a device trust solution for companies with Okta, and they ensure that if a device isn't trusted and secure, it can't log into your cloud apps. CrowdHealth: This open enrollment, take your power back. Join CrowdHealth to get started today for $99 for your first three months using code UNPLUGGED. Support LINUX UnpluggedLinks:

Doug Adams of Doug's AppleScripts was a guest on the very first episode of MacVoices and he's back to help celebrate the 20th anniversary of the show. Doug looks at AppleScript's enduring legacy, automation on the Mac, and his inventive “bathroom music” project. Doug and Chuck discuss the evolution from CDs to streaming, Apple Music's scripting roots, and the changing ways people collect and experience music. Later, Chuck talks about the genesis of MacVoices, how his other shows (MacNotables, The MacJury, and MacVoicesTV) eventually merged into MacVoices, and answers some frequently asked questions.  Show Notes: Chapters: [0:00] Celebrating 20 years and welcoming Doug Adams [1:54] The early days of AppleScript and Mac automation [3:10] New automation tools vs. AppleScript's staying power [6:42] AppleScript inside Apple Music [9:02] Music app evolution and metadata management [13:43] Metadata obsession and smart playlists [15:35] Doug's “bathroom music” automation experiment [21:13] Home automation frustrations and AppleScript limits [28:09] Most popular Doug's Scripts and Apple Music quirks [31:11] Apple Music vs. local libraries [36:12] Collecting CDs in the streaming era [38:55] Generational shifts in music perception [42:10] How music has (and hasn't) evolved since the 1960s [45:25] Doug's “Next Track” pick: Lucinda Williams [48:29] A look back at 20 years of podcast history and evolution Links: MacVoices Legacy Channel on YouTube Guests: Doug Adams is an AppleScript developer and, since 2001, the proprietor of Doug's AppleScript. Doug is an audio and voice-over producer by trade and formerly worked in radio broadcasting as—at various times—disc jockey, announcer, production director, and program director. He is a musician, a life-long music lover, and all-around audio geek who also co-hosts The Next Track podcast with Kirk McElhearn. Support:      Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon      http://patreon.com/macvoices      Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect:      Web:      http://macvoices.com      Twitter:      http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner      http://www.twitter.com/macvoices      Mastodon:      https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner      Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner      MacVoices Page on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/      MacVoices Group on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice      LinkedIn:      https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/      Instagram:      https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe:      Audio in iTunes      Video in iTunes      Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher:      Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss      Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

Jennifer Pattison Tuohy of The Verge is on Tech News Weekly with Mikah Sargent this week! Jennifer is excited about the new iPad Pro. California passed a law requiring warning labels on social media. Apple announced the new iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, and Vision Pro with the M5 chip. Meta launched new PG-13 Guidelines for teen users on Instagram. The iPad Pro got an M5 update! But Jennifer is more excited about how the iPad got the chip needed to be a smart home controller that officially supports the Thread protocol. Mikah talks about California passing a new law that requires social media companies to disclose the health risks of using social media. Dan Moren of Six Colors stops by to talk about, besides the iPad Pro getting an upgrade to M5, the MacBook Pro and Vision Pro getting updated with the M5 chips. And Mikah shares Meta's new PG-13 guidelines for Instagram Teen accounts. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jennifer Pattison Tuohy Guest: Dan Moren Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: zapier.com/tnw veeam.com ventionteams.com/twit outsystems.com/twit

Jennifer Pattison Tuohy of The Verge is on Tech News Weekly with Mikah Sargent this week! Jennifer is excited about the new iPad Pro. California passed a law requiring warning labels on social media. Apple announced the new iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, and Vision Pro with the M5 chip. Meta launched new PG-13 Guidelines for teen users on Instagram. The iPad Pro got an M5 update! But Jennifer is more excited about how the iPad got the chip needed to be a smart home controller that officially supports the Thread protocol. Mikah talks about California passing a new law that requires social media companies to disclose the health risks of using social media. Dan Moren of Six Colors stops by to talk about, besides the iPad Pro getting an upgrade to M5, the MacBook Pro and Vision Pro getting updated with the M5 chips. And Mikah shares Meta's new PG-13 guidelines for Instagram Teen accounts. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jennifer Pattison Tuohy Guest: Dan Moren Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: zapier.com/tnw veeam.com ventionteams.com/twit outsystems.com/twit

Jennifer Pattison Tuohy of The Verge is on Tech News Weekly with Mikah Sargent this week! Jennifer is excited about the new iPad Pro. California passed a law requiring warning labels on social media. Apple announced the new iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, and Vision Pro with the M5 chip. Meta launched new PG-13 Guidelines for teen users on Instagram. The iPad Pro got an M5 update! But Jennifer is more excited about how the iPad got the chip needed to be a smart home controller that officially supports the Thread protocol. Mikah talks about California passing a new law that requires social media companies to disclose the health risks of using social media. Dan Moren of Six Colors stops by to talk about, besides the iPad Pro getting an upgrade to M5, the MacBook Pro and Vision Pro getting updated with the M5 chips. And Mikah shares Meta's new PG-13 guidelines for Instagram Teen accounts. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jennifer Pattison Tuohy Guest: Dan Moren Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: zapier.com/tnw veeam.com ventionteams.com/twit outsystems.com/twit

Jennifer Pattison Tuohy of The Verge is on Tech News Weekly with Mikah Sargent this week! Jennifer is excited about the new iPad Pro. California passed a law requiring warning labels on social media. Apple announced the new iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, and Vision Pro with the M5 chip. Meta launched new PG-13 Guidelines for teen users on Instagram. The iPad Pro got an M5 update! But Jennifer is more excited about how the iPad got the chip needed to be a smart home controller that officially supports the Thread protocol. Mikah talks about California passing a new law that requires social media companies to disclose the health risks of using social media. Dan Moren of Six Colors stops by to talk about, besides the iPad Pro getting an upgrade to M5, the MacBook Pro and Vision Pro getting updated with the M5 chips. And Mikah shares Meta's new PG-13 guidelines for Instagram Teen accounts. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jennifer Pattison Tuohy Guest: Dan Moren Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: zapier.com/tnw veeam.com ventionteams.com/twit outsystems.com/twit

OpenAI hat seinen App Store Moment, aber wird die Blase trotzdem platzen?

Ini saya dibelikan bermacam-macam "mainan" IoT untuk home automation. Bisa diulik habis-habisan ini. Kayaknya harus buat semacam demo di ruang kerja saya ya.#IoT #homeautomation

On this week's show we look at three gadgets that we think are responsible for the year of home automation. We also discuss Dolby Vision 2. All that plus your emails and the week's news on episode 1220 of the HDTV and Home Theater Podcast! News: Live TV streamers leave viewers more satisfied than cable ‘The Paper' to premiere on NBC after Peacock success Samsung's $2,000 Smart Fridges Now Serve Ads, Owners Are Furious Other: Panasonic Blu-ray & DVD John's Streaming Cost Spreadsheet These Gadgets Are Responsible for the Year of Home Automation We have been involved with home automation for a long time and have seen a lot of gadgets come and go. The category was mostly for DIYers or for people with deep pockets. It wasn't until these  three products came out that the year/decade/century of automation was officially upon us.  Philips Hue Smart Bulb - Philips essentially defined smart lighting and is used in 50M+ homes for ambiance/security the world over. Many have copied Philips but for us nothing beats these lights. Nest Learning Thermostat - The Nest Learning Thermostat revolutionized home climate control as the first smart thermostat, pioneering the category with its innovative self-learning technology and sleek design in 2011. Although we use the ecobee and recommend it, the category would not be where it is without the Nest Thermostat.  Ring Video Doorbell - The Ring Video Doorbell revolutionized home security by pioneering the smart doorbell category, introducing remote video monitoring and two-way communication in 2014.  What is Dolby Vision 2 Dolby Vision 2 is a next-generation HDR format announced by Dolby Laboratories on September 2, 2025, at IFA 2025. It builds on the original Dolby Vision by introducing AI-driven tools, enhanced creator controls, and features that extend beyond traditional HDR, such as improved motion handling. The format is designed to deliver more accurate, director-intended visuals across a range of TVs, adapting to content, viewing environments, and display capabilities. It comes in two tiers: Tier Target TVs Key Focus Dolby Vision 2 Mainstream TVs Core upgrades via new image engine and Content Intelligence for improved picture quality. Dolby Vision 2 Max High-performance TVs (e.g., premium Mini-LED) All core features plus premium extras like Authentic Motion for maximum brightness, contrast, and cinematic fidelity.   Main Features Here are the primary features of Dolby Vision 2: 1. Dolby Image Engine A more powerful processing engine that enhances overall image rendering, enabling higher brightness, sharper contrast, and more saturated colors while preserving artistic intent. Supports bi-directional tone mapping, allowing creators to optimize content for specific TV capabilities (e.g., brighter displays) without losing fidelity. 2. Content Intelligence (AI-Powered Optimization) An AI suite that automatically adjusts picture settings based on content type, viewing environment (e.g., room lighting), and device. Light Sense: Upgraded ambient light detection combined with reference data from the source material to dynamically tweak brightness and visibility. Precision Black: Improves shadow detail and clarity in dark scenes, addressing complaints about HDR appearing too dark; creators can embed room/bias lighting info and black-level sliders for precise control. 3. Authentic Motion (Premium Motion Handling) Available only in Dolby Vision 2 Max: The world's first creator-driven motion control tool, enabling shot-by-shot adjustments to reduce judder (stutter) while avoiding the "soap opera effect." Makes 24fps cinematic content feel more fluid and authentic, ideal for movies, sports, and fast-action scenes. These features aim to make Dolby Vision 2 backward-compatible with existing Dolby Vision content (with some improvements), but full benefits require new TVs and mastered content.  Industry Adoption: Hisense will be the first TV brand to introduce Dolby Vision 2 to its lineup. These TVs will be powered by MediaTek Pentonic 800 with “MiraVision™ Pro” PQ Engine, the first silicon chip to integrate Dolby Vision 2. Timing and availability will be announced at a later date. Joining Hisense, CANAL+ is the first media and entertainment group to commit to enhance its lineup – from movies and TV shows to live sport – in Dolby Vision, leveraging the latest innovation to enrich the viewing experience for its subscribers.  

Arch is under fire, two weeks and counting. We'll break down the mess, and share a quick fix. Plus, the killer new apps we've just added to our homelabs.Sponsored By:Managed Nebula: Meet Managed Nebula from Defined Networking. A decentralized VPN built on the open-source Nebula platform that we love. 1Password Extended Access Management: 1Password Extended Access Management is a device trust solution for companies with Okta, and they ensure that if a device isn't trusted and secure, it can't log into your cloud apps. Unraid: A powerful, easy operating system for servers and storage. Maximize your hardware with unmatched flexibility. Support LINUX UnpluggedLinks:

AI Scalability, Market Speculation, and The Future of Tech Integration In this episode of Project Synapse, the hosts delve into the recent discussions around AI consciousness, the limits of AI capabilities, and how businesses are grappling with AI adoption. They critique the MIT report that claims only 5% of AI projects yield financial benefits, attributing market reactions to emotional responses and lack of in-depth understanding. The script touches on historical patterns of technology adoption, the importance of strategic AI infrastructure, and the potential for a burst in the AI-tech stock market bubble. Discussions also cover the role of open-source AI models, security in AI implementation, and the need for tailored AI solutions in business settings. The episode wraps up with thoughts on the future of AI and its implications for economic and societal structures. Additionally, there's a teaser for the next episode featuring an interview with the head of Zoho Canada. 00:00 Introduction and Recap 00:52 MIT Report on AI Projects 01:31 Stock Market Reactions 02:01 Challenges in AI Implementation 03:56 AI in Customer Service 04:41 Historical Context and IT Projects 05:21 Overvalued Tech Stocks 07:05 AI's Long-Term Impact 20:26 The Hype Curve and Technology Adoption 30:39 Canada's Position in AI 35:43 The Future of Home Automation 36:45 Open Source AI: Democratizing Technology 37:46 The Role of China in Open Source AI 39:47 Economic Sovereignty and AI 46:56 Security Concerns in AI 52:57 The Elon Musk Factor 56:27 The Scalability of AI 01:08:08 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Episodes

Crazy Wisdom Key Takeaways  FarmBot is a robotic farmer for your garden, designed to take care of your garden by performing functions such as planting seeds, watering, weeding, and monitoringSimply being open source is not enough. For a project to be genuinely useful, it must also have extensive, clear documentation and use open, affordable file formatsToday, the vast majority of food that people eat is grown very far away and in ways that is not great for the food or environment We have very little control over the food production system, which is vital to our existence  Let us get back to the smaller scale, more diverse polycrop system of food production; many follow-on benefits will result Building a resilient alternative to industrial food systems (which often rely on single-crop farming) reduces single points of failure along vulnerable supply chains The more that we can distribute the food system and bring it closer to the end-eater, the more robust our overall food system becomes Read the full notes @ podcastnotes.orgOn this episode of Crazy Wisdom, Stewart Alsop speaks with Rory Aronson, CEO of FarmBot, about how his open-source hardware project is transforming home gardening into a more automated and accessible practice. Rory explains how FarmBot works—essentially as a CNC machine for your garden—covering its evolution from Arduino-based electronics to custom boards, the challenges of integrating hardware and software, and the role of closed-loop feedback systems to prevent errors. They explore solarpunk visions of distributed food systems, discuss the importance of “useful source” documentation in open-source hardware, and imagine a future where growing food is as easy as running a dishwasher. For more on Rory and FarmBot, check out farm.bot and the open-source resources at docs.farm.bot.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversationTimestamps00:00 Rory explains FarmBot as a CNC machine for gardens, using Arduino and Raspberry Pi, automating planting, watering, and weeding.05:00 Discussion on the hardware stack evolution, open-source electronics roots, and moving to custom boards for better integration.10:00 Stewart shares his Raspberry Pi experiments, Rory breaks down the software layers from cloud apps to firmware, emphasizing complexity.15:00 Conversation shifts to closed-loop feedback with rotary encoders, avoiding 3D printer-style “spaghetti” errors in outdoor environments.20:00 Rory explores open-source challenges, highlighting “useful source” documentation and hardware accessibility for modifications.25:00 Solarpunk vision emerges: distributed food systems, automation enabling home-grown fresh food without expert knowledge.30:00 Raised bed setup, energy efficiency, and FarmBot as a home appliance concept for urban and suburban gardens.35:00 Small-scale versus industrial farming, niche commercial uses like seedling automation, and user creativity with custom tools.40:00 AI potential with vision systems, LLMs for garden planning, and enhancing FarmBot intelligence for real-time adaptation.45:00 Sensors, soil monitoring, image analysis for plant health, and empowering users to integrate FarmBot into smart homes.50:00 Rory describes community innovations, auxiliary hardware, and open documentation supporting experimentation.55:00 Final reflections on solarpunk futures, automation as empowerment, and how to access FarmBot's resources online.Key InsightsRory Aronson shares how FarmBot began as a DIY project built on Arduino and Raspberry Pi, leveraging the open-source 3D printing ecosystem to prototype quickly. Over time, they transitioned to custom circuit boards to meet the specific demands of automating gardening tasks like seed planting, watering, and weeding, highlighting the tradeoffs between speed to market and long-term hardware optimization.The conversation unpacks the complexity of FarmBot's “stack,” which integrates cloud-based software, a web app, a message broker, a Raspberry Pi running a custom OS, and firmware on both Arduino and auxiliary chips for real-time feedback. This layered approach is crucial for precision in an unpredictable outdoor environment where mechanical errors could damage growing plants.Aronson emphasizes that being open source isn't enough; to be genuinely useful, projects must provide extensive, accessible documentation and export files in open, affordable formats. Without this, open source risks being a hollow promise for most users, especially in hardware where barriers to modification are higher.They explore the solarpunk potential of FarmBot, imagining a future where growing food at home is as effortless as using a washing machine. By turning gardening into an automated process, FarmBot enables people to produce fresh vegetables without needing expertise, offering resilience against industrial food systems reliant on monoculture and long supply chains.Aronson points out that while FarmBot isn't designed for industrial agriculture, its modularity allows it to support niche commercial use cases, like automating seedling production in cleanroom environments. This adaptability reflects the broader vision of empowering both individuals and small operations with accessible automation tools.The episode highlights user creativity enabled by FarmBot's open hardware, including custom tools like side-mounted mirrors for alternative camera angles and pneumatic grippers for harvesting. These community-driven innovations showcase the platform's flexibility and the value of encouraging experimentation.Finally, Aronson sees great potential for integrating AI, particularly vision systems and multimodal LLMs, to make FarmBot smarter—detecting pests, diagnosing plant health, and even planning gardens tailored to user goals like nutrient needs or event timelines, moving closer to a truly intelligent gardening companion.

Crazy Wisdom Key Takeaways  FarmBot is a robotic farmer for your garden, designed to take care of your garden by performing functions such as planting seeds, watering, weeding, and monitoringSimply being open source is not enough. For a project to be genuinely useful, it must also have extensive, clear documentation and use open, affordable file formatsToday, the vast majority of food that people eat is grown very far away and in ways that is not great for the food or environment We have very little control over the food production system, which is vital to our existence  Let us get back to the smaller scale, more diverse polycrop system of food production; many follow-on benefits will result Building a resilient alternative to industrial food systems (which often rely on single-crop farming) reduces single points of failure along vulnerable supply chains The more that we can distribute the food system and bring it closer to the end-eater, the more robust our overall food system becomes Read the full notes @ podcastnotes.orgOn this episode of Crazy Wisdom, Stewart Alsop speaks with Rory Aronson, CEO of FarmBot, about how his open-source hardware project is transforming home gardening into a more automated and accessible practice. Rory explains how FarmBot works—essentially as a CNC machine for your garden—covering its evolution from Arduino-based electronics to custom boards, the challenges of integrating hardware and software, and the role of closed-loop feedback systems to prevent errors. They explore solarpunk visions of distributed food systems, discuss the importance of “useful source” documentation in open-source hardware, and imagine a future where growing food is as easy as running a dishwasher. For more on Rory and FarmBot, check out farm.bot and the open-source resources at docs.farm.bot.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversationTimestamps00:00 Rory explains FarmBot as a CNC machine for gardens, using Arduino and Raspberry Pi, automating planting, watering, and weeding.05:00 Discussion on the hardware stack evolution, open-source electronics roots, and moving to custom boards for better integration.10:00 Stewart shares his Raspberry Pi experiments, Rory breaks down the software layers from cloud apps to firmware, emphasizing complexity.15:00 Conversation shifts to closed-loop feedback with rotary encoders, avoiding 3D printer-style “spaghetti” errors in outdoor environments.20:00 Rory explores open-source challenges, highlighting “useful source” documentation and hardware accessibility for modifications.25:00 Solarpunk vision emerges: distributed food systems, automation enabling home-grown fresh food without expert knowledge.30:00 Raised bed setup, energy efficiency, and FarmBot as a home appliance concept for urban and suburban gardens.35:00 Small-scale versus industrial farming, niche commercial uses like seedling automation, and user creativity with custom tools.40:00 AI potential with vision systems, LLMs for garden planning, and enhancing FarmBot intelligence for real-time adaptation.45:00 Sensors, soil monitoring, image analysis for plant health, and empowering users to integrate FarmBot into smart homes.50:00 Rory describes community innovations, auxiliary hardware, and open documentation supporting experimentation.55:00 Final reflections on solarpunk futures, automation as empowerment, and how to access FarmBot's resources online.Key InsightsRory Aronson shares how FarmBot began as a DIY project built on Arduino and Raspberry Pi, leveraging the open-source 3D printing ecosystem to prototype quickly. Over time, they transitioned to custom circuit boards to meet the specific demands of automating gardening tasks like seed planting, watering, and weeding, highlighting the tradeoffs between speed to market and long-term hardware optimization.The conversation unpacks the complexity of FarmBot's “stack,” which integrates cloud-based software, a web app, a message broker, a Raspberry Pi running a custom OS, and firmware on both Arduino and auxiliary chips for real-time feedback. This layered approach is crucial for precision in an unpredictable outdoor environment where mechanical errors could damage growing plants.Aronson emphasizes that being open source isn't enough; to be genuinely useful, projects must provide extensive, accessible documentation and export files in open, affordable formats. Without this, open source risks being a hollow promise for most users, especially in hardware where barriers to modification are higher.They explore the solarpunk potential of FarmBot, imagining a future where growing food at home is as effortless as using a washing machine. By turning gardening into an automated process, FarmBot enables people to produce fresh vegetables without needing expertise, offering resilience against industrial food systems reliant on monoculture and long supply chains.Aronson points out that while FarmBot isn't designed for industrial agriculture, its modularity allows it to support niche commercial use cases, like automating seedling production in cleanroom environments. This adaptability reflects the broader vision of empowering both individuals and small operations with accessible automation tools.The episode highlights user creativity enabled by FarmBot's open hardware, including custom tools like side-mounted mirrors for alternative camera angles and pneumatic grippers for harvesting. These community-driven innovations showcase the platform's flexibility and the value of encouraging experimentation.Finally, Aronson sees great potential for integrating AI, particularly vision systems and multimodal LLMs, to make FarmBot smarter—detecting pests, diagnosing plant health, and even planning gardens tailored to user goals like nutrient needs or event timelines, moving closer to a truly intelligent gardening companion.

During a break at Macstock Conference and Expo, we had a chance to chat with Blair Mah and his daughter Jasmine about their first-time Macstock experiences. They highlight the diversity of attendees and presentation topics, the strong sense of community, and the high educational value of the sessions. From in-depth technical talks to practical tips, both found the event enriching and inspiring, and had one request for next year. This edition of MacVoices is brought to you by the MacVoices Dispatch, our weekly newsletter that keeps you up-to-date on any and all MacVoices-related information. Subscribe today and don't miss a thing. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:10 Welcome to MacStock Conference 01:58 Father-Daughter Perspectives on MacStock 03:13 Learning and Value from Presentations 04:28 Insights on Conference Diversity 06:01 Social Media and Community Projects 08:10 Closing Thoughts and Future Engagements Links: AlbertaLoop.com Support:      Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon      http://patreon.com/macvoices      Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect:      Web:      http://macvoices.com      Twitter:      http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner      http://www.twitter.com/macvoices      Mastodon:      https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner      Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner      MacVoices Page on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/      MacVoices Group on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice      LinkedIn:      https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/      Instagram:      https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe:      Audio in iTunes      Video in iTunes      Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher:      Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss      Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

Belkin's abrupt shutdown of Wemo smart plugs has left users frustrated and reconsidering future smart home purchases. The MacVoices Live! panel of David Ginsburg, Mike Potter, Jim Rea, Marty Jencius, Eric Bolden, Chuck Joiner, Jeff Gamet, and Web Bixby discuss the broader issue of trusting closed platforms, the limitations of HomeKit, and the need for open-source solutions like Matter and Thread. The conversation highlights concerns about long-term device viability and their (and your) smart home ecosystem's fragility.  http://traffic.libsyn.com/maclevelten/MV25197.mp3 Today's MacVoices is supported by Bzigo. Don't want until the next bite - protect your home with Bzigo. Go to bzigo.com/discount/BUZZ10 to save 10% off. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:10 Belkin's Wemo Shutdown 02:27 User Reactions and Home Automation 05:35 HomeKit's Limitations 11:11 The Problem of Closed Systems 19:48 The Future of Smart Home Devices 22:51 Health Tips and Listener Engagement 29:10 Closing Thoughts and Social Connections Links: Belkin ending support for most of its Wemo smart home accessories https://9to5mac.com/2025/07/10/belkin-ending-support-for-most-of-its-wemo-smart-home-accessories/ HomeKit may keep some Wemo devices alive after shutdown in 2026 https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/07/10/homekit-may-keep-some-wemo-devices-alive-after-shutdown-in-2026 Guests: Web Bixby has been in the insurance business for 40 years and has been an Apple user for longer than that.You can catch up with him on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on Twitter, by email at embolden@mac.com, on Mastodon at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, Trending At Work, and as co-host on The Vision ProFiles podcast. Jeff Gamet is a technology blogger, podcaster, author, and public speaker. Previously, he was The Mac Observer's Managing Editor, and the TextExpander Evangelist for Smile. He has presented at Macworld Expo, RSA Conference, several WordCamp events, along with many other conferences. You can find him on several podcasts such as The Mac Show, The Big Show, MacVoices, Mac OS Ken, This Week in iOS, and more. Jeff is easy to find on social media as @jgamet on Twitter and Instagram, jeffgamet on LinkedIn., @jgamet@mastodon.social on Mastodon, and on his YouTube Channel at YouTube.com/jgamet. David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast In Touch With iOS where he discusses all things iOS, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Watch, and related technologies. He is an IT professional supporting Mac, iOS and Windows users. Visit his YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/daveg65 and find and follow him on Twitter @daveg65 and on Mastodon at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud. Dr. Marty Jencius has been an Associate Professor of Counseling at Kent State University since 2000. He has over 120 publications in books, chapters, journal articles, and others, along with 200 podcasts related to counseling, counselor education, and faculty life. His technology interest led him to develop the counseling profession ‘firsts,' including listservs, a web-based peer-reviewed journal, The Journal of Technology in Counseling, teaching and conferencing in virtual worlds as the founder of Counselor Education in Second Life, and podcast founder/producer of CounselorAudioSource.net and ThePodTalk.net. Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the Circular Firing Squad, and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of The Vision ProFiles podcast. Generally, Marty is chasing the newest tech trends, which explains his interest in A.I. for teaching, research, and productivity. Marty is an active presenter and past president of the NorthEast Ohio Apple Corp (NEOAC). Michael Potter  is the Executive Producer of For Mac Eyes Only, and the organizer of the annual Macstock Conference and Expo. Mike's love-affair for all things Apple began in his Junior High's Library playing Lemonade Stand on a pair of brand new Apple ][+ computers. His penchant for Apple gear continued to be nurtured by the public school system when, in High School, he was hired as a lab supervisor to help run the Apple ][e lab for his fellow students and their Print Shop needs. Then, further still, in college he often opted to help a friend with her Computer Graphics coursework instead of focusing on his own studies, but only because it helped get him closer to the Mac-lab. Jim Rea built his own computer from scratch in 1975, started programming in 1977, and has been an independent Mac developer continuously since 1984. He is the founder of ProVUE Development, and the author of Panorama X, ProVUE's ultra fast RAM based database software for the macOS platform. He's been a speaker at MacTech, MacWorld Expo and other industry conferences. Follow Jim at provue.com and via @provuejim@techhub.social on Mastodon. Support:      Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon      http://patreon.com/macvoices      Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect:      Web:      http://macvoices.com      Twitter:      http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner      http://www.twitter.com/macvoices      Mastodon:      https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner      Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner      MacVoices Page on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/      MacVoices Group on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice      LinkedIn:      https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/      Instagram:      https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe:      Audio in iTunes      Video in iTunes      Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher:      Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss      Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

On this episode of Crazy Wisdom, Stewart Alsop speaks with Rory Aronson, CEO of FarmBot, about how his open-source hardware project is transforming home gardening into a more automated and accessible practice. Rory explains how FarmBot works—essentially as a CNC machine for your garden—covering its evolution from Arduino-based electronics to custom boards, the challenges of integrating hardware and software, and the role of closed-loop feedback systems to prevent errors. They explore solarpunk visions of distributed food systems, discuss the importance of “useful source” documentation in open-source hardware, and imagine a future where growing food is as easy as running a dishwasher. For more on Rory and FarmBot, check out farm.bot and the open-source resources at docs.farm.bot.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversationTimestamps00:00 Rory explains FarmBot as a CNC machine for gardens, using Arduino and Raspberry Pi, automating planting, watering, and weeding.05:00 Discussion on the hardware stack evolution, open-source electronics roots, and moving to custom boards for better integration.10:00 Stewart shares his Raspberry Pi experiments, Rory breaks down the software layers from cloud apps to firmware, emphasizing complexity.15:00 Conversation shifts to closed-loop feedback with rotary encoders, avoiding 3D printer-style “spaghetti” errors in outdoor environments.20:00 Rory explores open-source challenges, highlighting “useful source” documentation and hardware accessibility for modifications.25:00 Solarpunk vision emerges: distributed food systems, automation enabling home-grown fresh food without expert knowledge.30:00 Raised bed setup, energy efficiency, and FarmBot as a home appliance concept for urban and suburban gardens.35:00 Small-scale versus industrial farming, niche commercial uses like seedling automation, and user creativity with custom tools.40:00 AI potential with vision systems, LLMs for garden planning, and enhancing FarmBot intelligence for real-time adaptation.45:00 Sensors, soil monitoring, image analysis for plant health, and empowering users to integrate FarmBot into smart homes.50:00 Rory describes community innovations, auxiliary hardware, and open documentation supporting experimentation.55:00 Final reflections on solarpunk futures, automation as empowerment, and how to access FarmBot's resources online.Key InsightsRory Aronson shares how FarmBot began as a DIY project built on Arduino and Raspberry Pi, leveraging the open-source 3D printing ecosystem to prototype quickly. Over time, they transitioned to custom circuit boards to meet the specific demands of automating gardening tasks like seed planting, watering, and weeding, highlighting the tradeoffs between speed to market and long-term hardware optimization.The conversation unpacks the complexity of FarmBot's “stack,” which integrates cloud-based software, a web app, a message broker, a Raspberry Pi running a custom OS, and firmware on both Arduino and auxiliary chips for real-time feedback. This layered approach is crucial for precision in an unpredictable outdoor environment where mechanical errors could damage growing plants.Aronson emphasizes that being open source isn't enough; to be genuinely useful, projects must provide extensive, accessible documentation and export files in open, affordable formats. Without this, open source risks being a hollow promise for most users, especially in hardware where barriers to modification are higher.They explore the solarpunk potential of FarmBot, imagining a future where growing food at home is as effortless as using a washing machine. By turning gardening into an automated process, FarmBot enables people to produce fresh vegetables without needing expertise, offering resilience against industrial food systems reliant on monoculture and long supply chains.Aronson points out that while FarmBot isn't designed for industrial agriculture, its modularity allows it to support niche commercial use cases, like automating seedling production in cleanroom environments. This adaptability reflects the broader vision of empowering both individuals and small operations with accessible automation tools.The episode highlights user creativity enabled by FarmBot's open hardware, including custom tools like side-mounted mirrors for alternative camera angles and pneumatic grippers for harvesting. These community-driven innovations showcase the platform's flexibility and the value of encouraging experimentation.Finally, Aronson sees great potential for integrating AI, particularly vision systems and multimodal LLMs, to make FarmBot smarter—detecting pests, diagnosing plant health, and even planning gardens tailored to user goals like nutrient needs or event timelines, moving closer to a truly intelligent gardening companion.

In dieser Episode nehmen wir dich mit auf eine Reise hinter die Kulissen von Home Assistant – dem Open-Source-Giganten für Home Automation, der den Smart-Home-Markt im Sturm erobert hat. Es geht um eine Frage, die (fast) jede Tech-Community irgendwann beschäftigt: Ab welchem Punkt reicht Ehrenamt nicht mehr aus, und wie schafft man Strukturen, die weltweit Wirkung entfalten?Zusammen mit Pascal Vizeli – Co-Founder und CFO von Nabu Casa und Gründungsvorstand der Open Home Foundation – tauchen wir tief ein: Wie wächst ein Open-Source-Projekt von einer Freizeitidee zum internationalen Backbone für Smart Homes? Warum braucht es eine Schweizer Stiftung, um Kommerzialisierung zu verhindern? Und was hat es mit Works With Home Assistant, lizenzierten Produkten, Hardware-Innovationen und politischen Ambitionen auf sich?Spannend wird's, wenn Pascal erzählt, wie es gelingt, aus Community-Engagement professionelle Jobs zu machen, warum Datenschutz und Nachhaltigkeit zentrale Werte sind und wie Open Source endlich auch die großen Hersteller in die Pflicht nimmt. Dazu gibt's jede Menge Insights aus der Welt des Home Assistant, von Cloud-Diensten und Lizenzmodellen bis hin zum Kampf für offene Standards, Transparenz und das Recht an den eigenen Daten.Eine Folge, die nicht nur Smart-Home-Fans elektrisiert, sondern zeigt, wie Open Source zu echtem gesellschaftlichen Impact wird. Jetzt reinhören und Open Source mit ganz neuen Augen sehen!Bonus: Wer immer schon wissen wollte, warum Vereinsbuchhaltung manchmal wichtiger ist als Programmieren und wie man mit einer Non-Profit-Stiftung weltweit Standards definiert – hier kommt die Antwort.Unsere aktuellen Werbepartner findest du auf https://engineeringkiosk.dev/partnersDas schnelle Feedback zur Episode:

Off-the-shelf didn't cut it, so we built what we needed using open hardware and open source.Sponsored By:Tailscale: Tailscale is a programmable networking software that is private and secure by default - get it free on up to 100 devices! 1Password Extended Access Management: 1Password Extended Access Management is a device trust solution for companies with Okta, and they ensure that if a device isn't trusted and secure, it can't log into your cloud apps. Unraid: A powerful, easy operating system for servers and storage. Maximize your hardware with unmatched flexibility. Support LINUX UnpluggedLinks:

In this episode of Archispeak, we explore the evolving frontier of home automation with Jeff Thomas of Control4 and Michael Smith of Bromic Heating. Together, we unpack the layered relationship between architecture and integrated technology—why it's critical to bring smart home specialists in early, how lighting, heating, and sound are blending into seamless user experiences, and where the real opportunities lie for residential architects.We dig into the nitty-gritty: from the difference between Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Wi-Fi protocols, to the challenges of retrofitting systems in older homes. Along the way, we highlight how smart tech isn't just about gadgets—it's about extending comfort, enhancing ambiance, and making homes safer, more energy-efficient, and more enjoyable to live in.If you've ever felt out of your depth when a client asks about smart thermostats, color-tunable lighting, or voice-controlled heating, this one's for you. We're asking the questions you didn't know you needed to ask—so you can deliver better outcomes and stay ahead of what's coming next.This episode has been made possible with the generous support of Bromic Heating.Episode Links:Jeff Thomas on LinkedInMichael Smith on LinkedInControl4 websiteBromic websiteEclipse heatersBromic heater Revit and CAD filesDesign service with a heating expert-----Have a question for the hosts? Ask it at AskArchispeak.comThank you for listening to Archispeak. For more episodes please visit https://archispeakpodcast.com.Support Archispeak by making a donation.

The Road to Macstock Conference & Expo finds its way to Brian Flanagan-Arthurs, who will present “Automate, But Don't Take Shortcuts,” focusing on accessible, time-saving automation tools built into Apple devices. He will focus on simple automations, routines, and smart device usage that reclaim time and support better learning, productivity, and health—without overwhelming complexity. The session will also explore how automation and AI shape education and the future workplace.  Show Notes: Chapters: 00:08 Introduction to Macstock 00:39 Brian's Return to Macstock 02:04 The Shift to Automation 04:08 Overcoming Automation Fears 07:50 Home Automation Basics 11:11 The Convenience of Automation 12:52 Rethinking Smart Devices 15:07 Health Monitoring as Automation 17:42 Evaluating Technology's Impact 22:15 The Educator's Perspective 24:38 Making Automation Part of Life 26:26 Conclusion and Invitation Guests: Brian Flanigan-Arthurs is an educator with a passion for providing results-driven, innovative learning strategies for all students, but particularly those who are at-risk. He is also a tech enthusiast who has a particular affinity for Apple since he first used the Apple IIGS as a student. You can contact Brian on twitter as @brian8944. He also recently opened a Mastodon account at @brian8944@mastodon.cloud. Support:      Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon      http://patreon.com/macvoices      Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect:      Web:      http://macvoices.com      Twitter:      http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner      http://www.twitter.com/macvoices      Mastodon:      https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner      Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner      MacVoices Page on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/      MacVoices Group on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice      LinkedIn:      https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/      Instagram:      https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe:      Audio in iTunes      Video in iTunes      Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher:      Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss      Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

Title Revolutionizing Home Inventory with AI  Summary In this episode of the Be a Smarter Homeowner podcast, hosts Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic explore the intersection of home inventory management and AI technology. They discuss the importance of understanding fixed assets versus personal property, the significance of photo composition for accurate inventory, and the balance between speed and accuracy in documenting home contents. The conversation also highlights real-life applications of HomeZada's AI features, demonstrating how homeowners can efficiently create detailed inventories for insurance and estate planning purposes. In this conversation, Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic explore the innovative features of Home Inventory AI, focusing on how it simplifies the process of managing home assets. They discuss the importance of photo composition for accurate inventory tracking, the power of AI in recognizing items and tracking warranties, and the convenience of finding manuals and managing documents. The conversation emphasizes the significance of keeping receipts and educating homeowners about their assets, ultimately showcasing how technology can streamline home management. Takeaways Home inventory is essential for managing home details. AI technology can simplify the home inventory process. Understanding fixed assets versus personal property is crucial. Photo composition affects AI's ability to recognize items. Speed and accuracy are both important in inventory management. Involving family can make inventory tasks more enjoyable. AI can process photos quickly and accurately. Detailed inventories aid in insurance claims and estate planning. HomeZada's AI features enhance the inventory experience. Creating an inventory can prevent duplicate purchases.  Home Inventory AI can identify items in seconds. Photo composition is crucial for accurate inventory. AI helps track warranties and replacement dates. Finding manuals is simplified with AI technology. Keeping receipts is essential for warranty claims. Homeowners can manage assets more efficiently. AI can educate homeowners about their properties. Document management is streamlined with Home Inventory AI. The importance of being prepared for home emergencies. Technology can significantly reduce time spent on home management. Sound Bites "Where do I start?" "Speed versus accuracy." "You brought up a good point." "The power continues." "I can't believe it. Like 10 seconds." "Amazing! Again, in less than 10 seconds." "This just makes my life so easy." "You need to know all that information."   Chapters 00:40 Introduction to Home Inventory and AI 03:35 Understanding Fixed Assets vs Personal Property 06:42 The Importance of Photo Composition 09:41 Speed vs Accuracy in Home Inventory 12:51 Real-Life Applications of Home Inventory AI 15:40 Demonstrating HomeZada's AI Features 18:44 Maximizing Detail in Home Inventory 21:35 Estate Planning and Long-Term Benefits of Inventory 22:50 Introduction to Home Inventory AI 25:32 Understanding Photo Composition for Inventory 27:35 AI Recognition and Warranty Tracking 30:40 Finding Manuals and Document Management 34:50 The Importance of Keeping Receipts 38:33 Educating Homeowners on Their Assets

On this week's show look at five trends that are shaping home theaters in 2025 and we look at what will drive home automation into the next decade. Pulse we read your emails and take a look at the week's news. News: Kaleidescape Introduces the New Strato M Movie Player Police shut down Minecraft movie screening after audience trashes theater SVS 5000 R|Evolution Series Subwoofer Other: When Google Assistant is phased out, what happens to our smart speakers? Here are Five Trends Shaping Home Theater Experiences in 2025: 1. Immersive Audio Systems: Dolby Atmos and DTS:X continue to dominate, with more homes adopting multi-dimensional sound setups. Ceiling speakers and soundbars with upward-firing drivers are increasingly popular, creating a cinema-like audio bubble. 2. 8K Resolution Adoption: While 4K remains standard, 8K TVs and projectors are gaining traction as prices drop and content becomes more available. Upscaling tech also enhances older media, making the jump to 8K more appealing. 3. Smart Integration: Home theaters are syncing up with smart home ecosystems—think voice-controlled lighting, motorized screens, and AI-driven content recommendations. Systems like Google Home or Alexa are seamlessly tied to AV receivers and streaming devices. 4. Modular and Compact Designs: Space-saving solutions are on the rise. All-in-one projectors with built-in streaming, or modular furniture with hidden speakers, cater to smaller living spaces without sacrificing quality.   5. Gaming-Centric Features: With next-gen consoles and PCs pushing boundaries, low-latency displays (120Hz+ refresh rates) and variable refresh rate (VRR) support are must-haves. Home theaters are doubling as gaming hubs, blending entertainment modes. Will AI Drive Home Automation into the Next Decade? One of the biggest advancements in home automation technology in recent years is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning into smart home systems. This has taken home automation beyond simple remote control and scheduling to a level where devices can learn from user habits, adapt to preferences, and make intelligent decisions autonomously. Those who are fans of AI point to smart thermostats like the Nest or Ecobee and claim that these devices don't just follow a preset schedule anymore—they analyze your temperature preferences, daily routines, and even local weather patterns to optimize heating and cooling. Over time, they adjust themselves to save energy while keeping you comfortable, often without any manual input.  But this isn't really asking Ai to do much. Once you set a thermostat with your preferences it just needs to determine whether you are home or away and go into the appropriate mode. There is nothing revolutionary or even AI about it.  However, AI-powered hubs like Amazon's Alexa, Google Home, or Apple's HomeKit have gotten smarter with natural language processing and interoperability. They c an now coordinate multiple devices—lights, locks, cameras, appliances—through a single voice command or trigger complex routines based on contextual cues like, “I'm home” could unlock the door, turn on lights, and start the coffee maker. The latest advancements also include predictive behavior, where systems anticipate needs—like dimming lights when it's movie time or locking doors when you leave—based on historical data. What's making this possible is the combination of faster processors, cheaper sensors, and cloud computing, alongside AI models that can crunch data in real time. Add in 5G and Matter (the new universal smart home standard), and you've got faster, more reliable communication between devices, even across different brands.  But a real game-changer is edge AI—processing data locally on devices rather than in the cloud. This boosts speed, privacy, and reliability, even if your internet drops. Picture a security camera that instantly recognizes a package delivery and unlocks the door for the courier, all without checking with the cloud first. So what do you think will drive home automation in the future? 

The joys and headaches of self-hosting, a new Zigbee routing trick, and the ongoing BcacheFS vs. Debian showdown. Plus, why we're liking Open WebUI.

In today's Double Tap, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece are joined by co-host of RNIB Tech Talk on RNIB Connect Radio, Callum Stoneman, to explore the world of Google smart homes and whether Google Assistant is better than Lady A (Amazon Alexa) at smart home tasks. Callum shares his unconventional smart home setup, featuring Google Nest devices without Google speakers, running everything through Sonos instead.We dive into the Nest vs. Ring debate, discussing why more users are moving away from Amazon's Ring ecosystem and into Google's Nest cameras and doorbells. Plus, we explore the Google Home app's accessibility, the challenges of smart home integration, and why Sonos' accessibility debacle left many blind users frustrated.

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In an era characterized by rapid technological advancements, the concept of home automation has gained significant traction. One of the most fundamental yet often overlooked components of this transformation is the light switch. Traditionally, light switches have served a simple purpose: to turn lights on and off. However, with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) … Continue reading Tewke's Tap Light Switch Brings Energy Efficiency and Home Automation → The post Tewke's Tap Light Switch Brings Energy Efficiency and Home Automation appeared first on Tech Podcast Network.

In an era characterized by rapid technological advancements, the concept of home automation has gained significant traction. One of the most fundamental yet often overlooked components of this transformation is the light switch. Traditionally, light switches have served a simple purpose: to turn lights on and off. However, with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced sensor technology, companies like Tewke are redefining what a light switch can do, paving the way for smarter, more efficient homes.The Concept of the Smart Light SwitchThe smart light switch, as envisioned by Tewke, is not merely a device for controlling lighting; it is a comprehensive home automation hub. The company's flagship product, Tap, exemplifies this vision. Tap is a full touchscreen light switch that replaces traditional switches and integrates seamlessly with existing electrical systems. Unlike conventional switches, Tap features a beautiful OLED screen that provides users with an interactive experience. This innovation allows homeowners to control not only their lighting but also other aspects of their home environment, such as temperature and air quality.Harnessing AI for Energy ManagementOne of the most compelling features of Tewke's Tap is its ability to optimize energy consumption through AI automation. By utilizing advanced algorithms and data from multiple sensors, Tap can learn user behaviors and preferences, making real-time adjustments to improve energy efficiency. For instance, the device can automatically turn off lights in unoccupied rooms or adjust heating settings when no one is home. Such capabilities are not only convenient but also contribute to significant energy savings. Reports from the UK indicate that users can save nearly 50% on their energy consumption simply by allowing Tap to manage their home environment.Tap goes beyond basic lighting control by incorporating a suite of sensors that monitor various environmental factors. These include Doppler radar for presence detection, microphones for voice commands, temperature sensors, and volatile organic compound (VOC) sensors. By analyzing this data, Tap can provide insights into the overall health of the home environment. For example, if elevated VOC levels are detected, the device can suggest practical actions, such as opening a window or using an exhaust fan. This proactive approach to home management empowers users to maintain a healthier living space without needing to sift through complex data.User-Centric Design and AccessibilityThe design philosophy behind Tap emphasizes user experience and accessibility. The touchscreen interface allows for intuitive interaction, making it easy for anyone in the household to engage with the device. Moreover, Tewke is exploring subscription models that would enable continuous software updates, ensuring that users benefit from new features and improvements over time. This approach not only enhances the longevity of the product but also fosters a sense of community among users who can share insights and experiences.Addressing Practical ConcernsWhile the technological advancements presented by Tap are impressive, practical considerations also play a crucial role in its adoption. The initial cost of approximately $300 per unit may be a barrier for some consumers. However, the potential for long-term savings on energy bills and the convenience of enhanced home automation may justify the investment. Additionally, Tewke is developing more affordable versions of its product, such as capacitive touch modules without screens, to cater to various needs and budgets.ConclusionThe reinvention of the light switch through AI technology represents a significant leap forward in home automation. By transforming a simple device into a smart home hub, companies like Tewke are not only enhancing user experience but also promoting energy efficiency and environmental health. As the demand for smart home solutions continues to grow, the integration of AI in everyday devices like light switches will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our living spaces. The journey toward smarter homes has just begun, and innovations like Tap are leading the way.Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.Sponsored by: Get $5 to protect your credit card information online with Privacy. Amazon Prime gives you more than just free shipping. Get free music, TV shows, movies, videogames and more. The most flexible tools for podcasting. Get a 30 day free trial of storage and statistics.

Welcome back to Manufacturing Hub. In this episode, we sit down with Kent Melville, Director of Sales Engineering at Inductive Automation, to explore career growth, sales engineering, and the evolving landscape of industrial automation.Kent shares his fascinating journey, starting as a computer science graduate with a background in web development, ERP systems, and industrial automation before making his way into Inductive Automation. He takes us through the challenges and opportunities he encountered as he transitioned from technical roles into sales engineering, growing from one of the first hires in his division to leading a 30-plus-person team today.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeKent explains the role of a sales engineer and how it differs from traditional technical sales. He breaks down how sales engineers bridge technical expertise and customer engagement, ensuring that solutions meet real-world manufacturing challenges. He also discusses the growth of Inductive Automation, the company culture that has fueled his success, and how the Ignition platform has shaped the industrial automation industry.Another key topic in this discussion is the Ignition Community Conference (ICC), which has become a central event for the Ignition ecosystem. Kent shares how the Build-a-Thon, a live competition where integrators showcase their automation skills, became a major attraction and why it highlights the true power of rapid development with Ignition.Insights on Future Industry TrendsKent provides his perspective on where the industry is heading, especially in terms of IT-OT convergence. He discusses how containerization and DevOps principles are making their way into manufacturing and why version control and structured deployments will become the norm. He also shares insights on how Ignition's flexibility enables organizations to modernize their operations and prepare for the future.Career Lessons and Key TakeawaysThis episode is filled with valuable career advice for engineers and professionals looking to move into sales or leadership roles. Kent emphasizes the importance of working for a company that aligns with your goals rather than constantly chasing small pay increases. He discusses the need for clear communication, initiative, and the ability to adapt to different work styles.For those considering a transition from technical roles to sales engineering, Kent breaks down the key skills required, the training process, and how Inductive Automation prepares its team members for success. He also highlights the importance of building a reputation within an organization, taking on new challenges, and creating opportunities through proactive engagement.Behind-the-Scenes Stories and Fun MomentsBeyond the technical and career discussions, Kent shares some of the most entertaining moments from his time at Inductive Automation. He talks about how an impromptu on-stage rap performance during an Ignition product launch unexpectedly boosted his visibility within the company. He also gives a behind-the-scenes look at how Inductive Automation uses its own software for internal processes, from CRM and training to office automation.Who Should Watch This Episode?This conversation is ideal for industrial professionals looking to understand the role of sales engineering, engineers considering a move into customer-facing roles, and manufacturing leaders exploring Ignition's capabilities. It also offers practical career insights for anyone looking to grow within their organization and stand out in the industry.If you have any questions or thoughts, feel free to share them in the comments. Make sure to like, subscribe, and follow Manufacturing Hub for weekly conversations on manufacturing, automation, and technology.******Connect with UsVlad RomanovDave GriffithManufacturing HubSolisPLCJoltekReferences1. Inductive Automation & Ignition SCADAInductive Automation - Official Websitehttps://inductiveautomation.com/Ignition SCADA - Overview & Featureshttps://inductiveautomation.com/scada/Download Ignition (Free Trial & Maker Edition for Personal Use)https://inductiveautomation.com/downloads/Ignition Exchange (Free Industrial Automation Templates & Modules)https://inductiveautomation.com/exchange/Ignition Community Conference (ICC) – Annual Conferencehttps://inductiveautomation.com/resources/icc/Inductive Automation's YouTube Channel (Webinars, Case Studies, Training)https://www.youtube.com/@InductiveAutomation2. Sales Engineering & Career DevelopmentThe Sales Engineer Handbook: A Guide to Sales Engineering & Technical Sales (Patrick Pissang)https://www.amazon.com/Sales-Engineer-Handbook-Technical-Engineering/dp/3982171402Mastering Technical Sales: The Sales Engineer's Handbook (John Care, Aron Bohlig)https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Technical-Sales-Engineers-Handbook/dp/1608324262Harvard Business Review - What Makes a Great Sales Engineer?https://hbr.org/2019/04/what-makes-a-great-sales-engineerLinkedIn Sales Engineering Community – Discussions, Networking, and Career Advicehttps://www.linkedin.com/groups/8948750/3. IT-OT Convergence & Industrial Automation TrendsISA (International Society of Automation) – IT-OT Convergence Resourceshttps://www.isa.org/topics/it-ot-convergenceIndustrial DevOps and Containerization in Manufacturing (Inductive Automation Blog)https://inductiveautomation.com/resources/article/modernizing-scada-with-devops/Understanding Unified Namespace (UNS) and MQTT for Industrial Automationhttps://cirrus-link.com/what-is-unified-namespace/ISA-95 Standard – Best Practices for IT and OT Integrationhttps://www.isa.org/standards-and-publications/isa-standards/isa-954. Home Automation & Ignition for Personal UseIgnition Maker Edition (Free Version for Personal & Home Automation Projects)https://inductiveautomation.com/ignition/maker-edition/Home Automation with Ignition - Community Projects & Discussionshttps://forum.inductiveautomation.com/tags/home-automationTravis Cox on Using Ignition for Smart Home Automation (Podcast)https://www.theautomatorpodcast.com/episodes/travis-cox-home-automation-ignition5. Kent Melville & Inductive Automation SocialsKent Melville on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kentmelville/Inductive Automation on LinkedIn

601: Siri vs. Sonos: Who's Winning This Dysfunctional Family Feud   In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts catch up and discuss various tech-related issues and solutions. They talk about frustrations with recording time and system speed, debates about show recommendations, and experiences with Siri's unreliable commands. They also delve into issues with Amazon Prime's fast-forwarding function and Sonos speaker system glitches. Topics shift to technical support anecdotes involving Synology power supply failures, the challenges of maintaining home networks, and recommendations for power control devices like watt boxes. The episode wraps up with a discussion about the shrinking market for FireWire 800 to Thunderbolt adapters.   00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter 00:41 TV Show Discussions and Opinions 01:43 Frustrations with Amazon Prime and Siri 04:37 Sonos and Home Automation Challenges 06:08 Client Network Setup and Coordination 10:01 Sonos Reboot Issues and Networking Behavior 13:55 HomePod and Sonos Comparisons 19:06 WiFi Networks and Home Automation 23:38 Alexa Switches and IOT Network Segregation 24:22 Optimizing IOT Device Connectivity 24:41 Ring Cameras and Network Configuration 27:40 Synology and SonicWall Power Supply Issues 34:38 Remote Control Solutions for Network Devices 42:09 The Value of Legacy Adapters 43:54 Conclusion and Patreon Invitation

PBS Tidbit 11 Part 2: A PowerShell Teaser Clockwise #588: Neither, But Sorta CES 2025: Lili Display and Lamp Help Dyslexics Read More Easily CES 2025: Flic Smart Buttons for Home Automation Flic Button, Hub LR, and Twist are the Least Fiddly Devices I've Ever Tested CES 2025: 10minds AI Motion Pillow CES 2025: Magic Shields Impact Absorbent Flooring Support the Show Security Bits — 29 January 2025 Transcript of NC_2025_01_19 Join the Conversation: allison@podfeet.com podfeet.com/slack Support the Show: Patreon Donation Apple Pay or Credit Card one-time donation PayPal one-time donation Podfeet Podcasts Mugs at Zazzle Podfeet 15-Year Anniversary Shirts Referral Links: Parallels Toolbox - 3 months free for you and me Learn through MacSparky Field Guides - 15% off for you and me Backblaze - One free month for me and you Eufy - $40 for me if you spend $200. Sadly nothing in it for you. PIA VPN - One month added to Paid Accounts for both of us CleanShot X - Earns me $25%, sorry nothing in it for you but my gratitude

Alex dives into the perils of upgrading and migrating critical infrastructure—uncovering embarrassing pitfalls and hard-won lessons along the way. Meanwhile, Chris takes his audiobook obsession to the next level, showcasing a couple self-hosted projects that are very ambitious.

In this podcast Walt Zerbe, Sr. Director of Technology and Standards at CEDIA and host of the CEDIA podcast talks with Mitch Klein, VP of Business Strategy at CEDIA, Rich Green, owner of Rich Green Design, and Gordon Van Zuiden, Daisy branch partner in Silicon Valley and a Daisy ambassador where we talk about what we saw and experienced during the first day of the 2025 CES show.  SPOILER ALERT:  This show is VERY different than the last few years! Here are the mentions with timestamps arranged by topics: Tools and Products NVIDIA RTX Blackwell Series of Chips**: "00:06:36" NVIDIA Nemo**: "00:07:45" Intuition Robotics**: "00:13:35" Tom Bot**: "00:14:06" Uber**: "00:15:07" DoorDash**: "00:15:07" LG's AI Technology**: "00:15:51" Swan Cameras**: "00:21:05" BMW AI**: "00:22:27" Withings Smart Mirror**: "00:24:14" SmartThings by Samsung**: "00:26:09" Homey**: "00:27:25" Facial Recognition Technology**: "00:39:06" Palm Vein Technology**: "00:40:12" Liquid View Windows**: "00:38:14" Events and Presentations CES (Consumer Electronics Show)**: "00:00:07" Jensen Huang Keynote**: "00:05:15" CES (Consumer Electronics Show)**: "00:39:05" Concepts and Ideas AI and Autonomous Driving**: "00:10:52" Ambient Intelligence**: "00:18:15" TCR (Technology Crap Removal)**: "00:37:46" Augmented Reality**: "00:42:44" IoT (Internet of Things)**: "00:42:44" 5G**: "00:42:44" Edge Data Communications**: "00:42:44" AI (Artificial Intelligence)**: "00:42:44" General Insights Warranties**: "00:32:13"   Timestamps CES 2025 (00:00:07)   Walt Zerbe introduces the podcast and the significance of the CES event. Mitch Klein's Introduction (00:00:52)   Mitch Klein discusses his lifetime achievement award and his passion for the industry. Rich Green's Achievement (00:01:48)   Rich Green shares his experience receiving a lifetime achievement award in London. Gordon Van Zuiden't Background (00:02:59)   Gordon introduces himself and reflects on his journey in the industry since 2001. General Impressions of CES 2023 (00:04:20)   Walt expresses excitement about the advancements in AI showcased at CES compared to previous years. Nvidia Keynote Overview (00:05:15)   Rich shares insights from Jensen Huang's keynote, highlighting advancements in AI and graphics technology. Nemo Project Discussion (00:07:45)   Rich discusses Nvidia's Nemo project, which develops AI agents for digital workforce integration. Humanoid Robots and AI (00:09:21)   The speakers discuss the future of humanoid robots powered by advanced AI technology. Accelerated Growth of Robotics (00:10:52)   Gordon explains how AI is accelerating the development of robotics beyond traditional timelines. Software Defined Reality (00:11:52)   Rich mentions the concept of software-defined reality and its implications for technology. ChatGPT Moment for Robotics (00:12:43)   The speakers predict an explosive growth phase for robotics, similar to the rise of ChatGPT. Real-Life Product Example (00:13:35)   Mitch introduces Intuition Robotics, showcasing a product designed for aging in place. Tom Bot Companion (00:14:06)   Walt discusses the Tom Bot, an animatronic dog designed to assist those with cognitive impairments. AI and Elderly Assistance (00:15:07)   Discusses how AI can help the elderly with tasks like ordering food or viewing photos. LG's AI Integration (00:15:51)   Highlights LG's presentation on seamless integration of AI in daily life and home management. Adaptive Learning Control (00:17:01)   Explores the future of control systems with adaptive learning and open standards in technology. Humanoid Robots and Ambient Intelligence (00:17:22)   Imagines homes as robots, enhancing family support through intelligent systems and occupancy sensors. AI's Role in Customer Experience (00:18:42)   Summarizes LG's human-centered AI approach focusing on operational efficiency and personalized experiences. The Normalization of AI (00:19:33)   AI is becoming a standard part of technology, moving beyond novelty to practical applications. Proactive Technology in Relationships (00:19:55)   Discusses the importance of proactive technology in creating trust and seamless interactions. Swan's AI Cameras (00:21:05)   Introduces Swan's AI cameras that communicate proactively with visitors, enhancing home security. Automotive Innovations at CES (00:22:15)   Describes advanced automotive technology at CES, including AI integration in BMW vehicles. Health Monitoring Technologies (00:24:55)   Mentions health monitoring technologies, including smart toilets and mirrors analyzing user health. Samsung's SmartThings Development (00:26:09)   Explains Samsung's SmartThings and its potential to enhance home automation and interoperability. Interoperability Across Devices (00:27:25)   Discusses the need for interoperability among smart devices for better home automation experiences. The Future of Home Automation (00:28:06)   Questions the necessity of human involvement as automation technology evolves and adapts. Discussion on Network Security (00:28:49)   The need for robust network security in smart homes is emphasized due to various attack vectors. Corporate Advertisement and Market Opportunities (00:29:10)   The speakers discuss the growing market for home technology maintenance and support services. Importance of Trusted Relationships (00:31:02)   Trust between service providers and homeowners is vital for long-term technology maintenance. Value of Warranties (00:32:13)   The concept of warranties in home technology is questioned; ongoing relationships are deemed more important. Technology Integration Challenges (00:36:17)   Integrating various technologies from different eras in homes presents significant challenges and opportunities. Innovative Window Technology (00:38:14)   A new type of window that enhances wellness through simulated views is discussed. Facial Recognition Advancements (00:39:06)   The use of facial recognition for home security is explored, highlighting its potential benefits. Wrap-Up and Show Impressions (00:40:35)   The speakers express renewed excitement about the CES, noting a resurgence in innovative technology. Exploring Technology's Evolution (00:41:05)   Discussion on the necessity of engaging deeply to uncover interesting technological advancements. Historical Context of Breakthroughs (00:41:21)   Speaker reflects on past technological breakthroughs like microcomputers and the internet, leading to current AI advancements. The Formula for Technological Integration (00:42:29)   Discussion of a formula combining augmented reality, IoT, 5G, AI, and imagination for accelerated technology growth. Human Connection Amidst Technology (00:43:44)   Speaker shares experiences of deeper human connections at CES, emphasizing meaningful conversations. Understanding Humanity in a Tech World (00:44:43)   Exploration of how technology challenges our understanding of what it means to be human. The Importance of Emotional Interaction (00:45:53)   Discussion on the unique aspects of human interaction that robots cannot replicate, such as empathy and tactile sensations. Enhancing Human Qualities in the AI Age (00:46:31)   Anticipation of magical moments as we embrace AI while enhancing our human qualities. Closing Thoughts and Future Topics (00:47:25)   Wrap-up of the discussion with a promise to delve into product specifics in future episodes.

The Home Assistant Voice Preview Edition is out, and Paulus Schoutsen, the founder of Home Assistant, joins us to get into the details. Then, Alex and a special guest get into docker-compose vs. nix to manage your home lab. Special Guest: Paulus Schoutsen.

In this episode of The Real Build, I sat down with Jason Lemay, owner of CITE Solutions. Jason has 25+ years of experience in custom home lighting control, home automation, and residential electrical systems. Jason Specializes in Lutron and Crestron systems. He is experienced with all home automation and lighting platforms. Jason and I touched on a few different topics like: Listening to your clients so you can deliver a top notch product. The best home attomation system for your home. Advancements in home automation What to look for when hiring an automation company. Guest Info: Jason Lemay Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://cite-solutions.com/ Linkedin: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-lemay-0b0b572b/ Host Info: Email: Bill@rkreiman.com CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: ▶︎ YOUTUBE | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxAdSxHN0dIXZPhA-6p1HYA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ▶︎ INSTAGRAM | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/imbillreiman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ▶︎FACEBOOK| ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/billy.reiman ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ▶︎ LINKEDIN | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-reim...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ▶︎ TWITTER | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/ImBillReiman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ▶︎ WEBSITE | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.rkreiman.com⁠

Joe Taps Out, Jerry and Sam Command Control Power Through   In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts navigate through a mix of tech support comedy and genuine tips. Starting off with playful banter, they discuss personal anecdotes about parenting moments and work-life balance, leading to shout-outs for their Patreon supporters. They emphasize the importance of maintaining good relationships within the tech community and share experiences of dealing with challenging clients. Highlights include a disastrous printer ink spill at a friend's house during a firmware update, a complex data migration issue resolved with Carbon Copy Cloner, and amusing stories involving kids and tech. They wrap up with a light-hearted discussion on recent TV shows and personal achievements, setting the stage for their upcoming holiday message.   00:00 Introduction and Showbiz Banter 01:43 Patreon Shoutouts and Community Support 03:30 Consultancy Collaboration and Client Stories 06:56 Tech Purchases and Personal Updates 09:00 Mac Mini and Home Automation 16:10 Migration Assistant Troubles 27:47 Printer Password Predicament 28:34 Ink Spill Disaster 29:27 Cleaning Up the Mess 32:57 Firmware Update Success 36:03 Tech Troubles and Solutions 49:23 TV Show Recommendations

Dave McCabe joins me this week as we talk about the fascinating realm of home tech gadgets, exploring his custom 3D-printed creations and the journey of running an Etsy store. We discuss the impact of modern 3D printers, particularly the Bamboo Labs models, and share tips on sourcing materials and designs from the community. The conversation shifts to the advancements in woodworking tools and the upgrades in Dave’s shop, emphasizing the role of organization and precision in crafting. We also touch on home automation and security systems, along with the sentimental value of historical tech in our lives. This episode

Dave McCabe joins me this week as we talk about the fascinating realm of home tech gadgets, exploring his custom 3D-printed creations and the journey of running an Etsy store. We discuss the impact of modern 3D printers, particularly the Bamboo Labs models, and share tips on sourcing materials and designs from the community. The conversation shifts to the advancements in woodworking tools and the upgrades in Dave's shop, emphasizing the role of organization and precision in crafting. We also touch on home automation and security systems, along with the sentimental value of historical tech in our lives. This episode

In Linux Out Loud episode 103, the hosts dive into backups and archiving, sharing tips on keeping your data safe with tools like Deja-Dup and rsync. From data security and printer repairs to smart tech and a Thunderbolt 4 dock debate, this episode is packed with practical advice, humor, and techy tales. Find the rest of the show notes at https://tuxdigital.com/podcasts/linux-out-loud/lol-103/ Contact info Matt (Twitter @MattTDN (https://twitter.com/MattTDN)) Wendy (Mastodon @WendyDLN (https://mastodon.online/@WendyDLN)) Nate (Website CubicleNate.com (https://cubiclenate.com/)) Bill (Discord: ctlinux, Mastodon @ctlinux) Special Guest: Bill.

In this Blind Abilities episode, CEO Dhaval Patel introduces the innovative Lotus Ring, featured at the Vista Center's Ignite Accessibility Entrepreneur Pitch Competition.   The Lotus Ring, an accessible infrared-operated home control system, enables users to point and manage appliances, lights, and switches without internet or apps.   With magnetic attachable switch covers, it simplifies home automation, offering portability for owners, renters, and travelers. Available November 2024, the starting kit includes one ring and three switch plates for $349.   You can find out more about the Lotus ring at GetLotus.com. Join Vista Center for lively events and activities that benefit and educate. Check out the Vista Center's upcoming events.

In this podcast, Walt Zerbe, Sr. Director of Technology and Standards at CEDIA and host of the CEDIA podcast, talks with Jake Fuller, owner of Automated Audio Visual, Brendon Reid, Managing Director of Automation Associates, and Christian Lambros, General Manager of Len Wallis Audio Video about their experience at the 2024 CEDIA Tech Summit in Newcastle Australia.   Introduction to the Podcast (00:00:00) The speakers introduce themselves and the podcast as "CDS." Event Overview (00:00:54) Walter Zerbe welcomes listeners and discusses the successful Tech Summit in Newcastle, Australia. Networking Experiences (00:02:32) Speakers share insights on the value of networking and in-person conversations at the event. Educational Sessions Highlights (00:04:15) Jake discusses the educational sessions and their importance for industry learning and collaboration. Ethics and Technology Discussion (00:05:15) Walter highlights a session on ethics, technology design, and the industry's visibility. Education Pathways Development (00:06:10) Kristian shares insights from a meeting on establishing educational pathways in home automation. Volunteering Recognition (00:08:17) Speakers commend the efforts of volunteers and recognize award winners from Australia. Personal Experiences and Insights (00:09:28) Speakers discuss the personal connections and professional development gained through volunteering. Find of the Show (00:11:01) Brendan shares his transformative experience from a session on leveraging major tech companies in the industry. Future of Home Automation (00:12:40) Speakers discuss the transition in home automation and the role of community-driven software solutions. Understanding Smart Home Technology (00:13:33) Discussion on the term "smart home" and its implications for awareness and product integration. The Evolution of Product Integration (00:13:51) Exploring how product integration has evolved, allowing for diverse choices and budget-friendly solutions. Challenges with DIY Products (00:14:56) Addressing the difficulties users face with DIY products and the need for professional guidance. Liability Concerns in Networking (00:16:37) Revelation about liability for network breaches and the importance of proactive client communication. Ethical Design and Client Education (00:17:41) Discussing ethical design and the concept of "positive duty" in client relationships. Privacy Issues with Smart Devices (00:18:46) Concerns regarding the data collection practices of smart TVs and potential breaches of privacy. Awareness of Online Risks (00:19:30) Highlighting the growing public understanding of online risks and identity theft. Learning About CEDIA Standards (00:20:18) Experience in learning about RP23 standards and the importance of industry knowledge. Need for Performance Data (00:21:12) Discussion on the necessity of comprehensive performance data for informed engineering decisions. Standardization in Product Specifications (00:22:26) Emphasis on the need for standardized testing and data reporting among manufacturers. The Importance of Networking Events (00:23:38) Benefits of attending networking events for inspiration and new ideas in business. Reinvigorating Business Focus (00:24:53) The importance of stepping back from daily operations to focus on business growth and strategy. Strategic Location of Tech Summits (00:25:05) Discussion on the strategic choice of smaller towns for tech summits to enhance participation. Commitment to Business Development (00:26:09) The value of commitment to learning and collaboration among peers in the industry. Networking Insights (00:26:10) Discussion on the value of networking and relaxed conversations at the awards event. Closing Remarks (00:26:39) Thanks to participants for sharing experiences and supporting the organization. Acknowledgments (00:26:59) Speaker expresses gratitude towards Paul and the Australian CEDIA team. Final Thoughts (00:27:12) Encouragement to continue learning, volunteering, and networking in the industry. CEDIA Information (00:27:33) Invitation to visit the CEDIA website for more information.

We welcome back Dennis and Ken from AVAS Automation for a deep dive into the cutting-edge world of home automation, security, and entertainment systems. With decades of experience, Dennis and Ken share their insights on how modern technology is shaping homes while emphasizing the importance of doing things the right way amidst a market where too many are cutting corners. From dealing with demanding clients to navigating an unpredictable economy, the duo highlights the challenges of maintaining high standards in an industry where shortcuts often lead to disaster. Tune in for an honest discussion on how AVAS Automation delivers excellence, while others falter, and why understanding the core of your craft is the only way to succeed in today's ever-evolving construction landscape.Find our guest@avas_concepts “First And Last Impressions Are Everything”

Sponsors:• ◦ Visit Buildertrend to get a 60-day money-back guarantee on your Buildertrend account!• ◦ Pella Windows & Doors• ◦ Sub-Zero Wolf Cove Showroom PhoenixConnect with Jon Summer:https://www.garazadesign.comConnect with Brad Leavitt:Website | Instagram | Facebook | Houzz | Pinterest | YouTube

Dan Quigley, N7HQ,   is a true veteran in the world of ham radio and technology. Like many of us, Dan's passion for radio began early, with a crystal radio, and earned his license while delivering newspapers to pay for his new hobby.  Dan's professional career evolved based on the specific needs of clients and customers, creating long and successful stints through Microsoft and Amazon before joining FlexRadio as their Director of Strategic Solutions.  N7HQ is a kindred spirit, perhaps to many of us, and tells his ham radio story in this QSO Today.   

Join Johnny as he dives into the world of home automation with Ricardo Gerardi & Mike Riley, two tinkerers who've taken the plunge with Go. We explore the challenges (and the fun) they encounter along the way. If you're interested in automating your home (or working with micro controllers) come learn how to get started!

T.J. Huddleston from HomeTech.fm returns to discuss his latest home automation projects. He shares insights on adaptive lighting systems that enhance comfort and energy efficiency and explores smart irrigation techniques using the Aquaflower device. T.J. highlights the importance of outdoor automation, including smart outdoor fans, and addresses ongoing electrical upgrades with Emporia Energy for monitoring electricity use. He also teases future episodes focused on home theater technology and shares DIY projects that balance ambiance and security. This engaging conversation offers practical advice for homeowners looking to elevate their smart living experiences. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on

In this episode of the Building HVAC Science Podcast, hosts Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser engage in a lively "duo cast" discussing the various measurements they take in their homes and the reasons behind them. They start the conversation by reflecting on their recent episode with Gary Klein, which inspired Eric to set up a data logging system to monitor hot water temperatures in his home. This leads to a broader discussion about the different tools and devices they use to track energy consumption and efficiency, such as the Emporia Vue energy monitor, which helped Bill identify a faulty installation in his heat pump system. The hosts delve into their personal experiences with various smart home devices, including air quality monitors from Airthings, radon monitors, and even an innovative weather station called Tempest. They share insights on how these devices have provided valuable data, helping them make informed decisions about their home's energy use and indoor air quality. Bill highlights his use of an ERV system that runs based on CO2 levels. At the same time, Eric discusses his plans to upgrade his home's ventilation and dehumidification systems using the Haven air quality monitor. Toward the end of the episode, Bill and Eric discuss their use of fitness trackers, discussing the metrics they monitor for personal health. Bill also mentions his latest acquisition, a Bluetooth meat probe, which he plans to use to perfect his grilling techniques. The episode wraps up with the hosts emphasizing the importance of integrating monitoring tools into everyday life to enhance comfort, efficiency, and well-being and inviting listeners to reach out for more information on the products discussed. Contact us at bill@trutechtools.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billspohn/ ekaiser@trutechtools.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-kaiser-323a1563/ The spray foam attic ping pong effect: https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/high-humidity-in-a-spray-foam-attic-part-2/ Products we mention in this podcast: HAVEN IAQ monitors: https://trutechtools.com/haven Airthings Radon CO2 and more: https://trutechtools.com/Airthings Emporia Circuit Power Monitors and EV Chargers: https://www.emporiaenergy.com/ CERV2: Bill's Conditioning ERV that uses a CO2 sensor to decide when to run: https://buildequinox.com/ Home weather station: https://shop.tempest.earth/products/tempest Security cameras: Eric's:  https://www.eufy.com/eufycam#navimenu_4_copy Bill's: https://www.wyze.com/products/wyze-cam EcoQube Radon: https://ecosense.io/products/ecoqube Aranet COs monitor: https://aranet.com/products/aranet4-home Meater Bluetooth cooking thermometer: https://store-us.meater.com/products/meater-plus Kardia portable 6 lead EKG: https://store.kardia.com/products/kardiamobile Apple watch for fitness: https://www.apple.com/watch/ Home Automation: https://www.home-assistant.io/   This episode was recorded in July 2024.

Guy is away and Gaz has to Pod on his Jack Jones, or does he, of course not no one would want that, so Karl kindly stepped in to assist Gaz on this weeks show. They have a short chat about Apple's HomeKit and Home Automation.

On this week's show we look at the best movie scenes to test your home cinema according to Denon and we examine Potential ways AI can enhance home automation. As usual, we read your email and take a look at the week's news. News: Over Half of the Top 10 Most-Watched TV Networks Are Now Free with an Antenna AppleTV Improvements Apple Home App Improvements Hisense's VIDAA Is Now the No. 2 Smart TV OS Globally Behind Samsung Tizen Best Movie Scenes to Test Your Home Cinema According to Denon What's the purpose of a decent AV Receiver and surround speaker setup? To bring real cinema feeling to your home, with all the room-shaking bass, stuff flying all around and the feeling you are pulled directly into the action. Here are three outstanding movie scenes to really test your home theater's ability to suspend disbelief. Full article here… Potential Ways AI Can Enhance Home Automation AI can significantly enhance home automation by enabling smarter and more intuitive control of various devices, leading to increased convenience, energy efficiency, and security. Here are several ways AI can help in home automation: Voice Programming  AI-powered virtual assistants like Amazon's Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple's Siri can enable voice commands to program automations. Instead of using the GUI to select lights that you want to turn on at sunset. You will be able to just say something like: A-Lady set a routine turn on the family room lamp and the kitchen lights and the living room lamp fifteen minutes after sunset. And turn them off at 11:30 every day of the week. Or once it learns your routines you may just have to say: S-Lady turn on the appropriate lights fifteen minutes after sunset and off at 11:30 every day of the week.  Intelligent Automation AI algorithms can learn household routines and preferences over time to automate tasks like adjusting the thermostat based on weather forecasts, turning off lights when rooms are unoccupied, or setting the coffee maker to start brewing when you wake up. This takes what our thermostats do today but applies it across all your devices. AI algorithms can further optimize energy usage by intelligently controlling heating, cooling, and lighting based on factors like electricity rates, thereby reducing energy consumption and utility bills. Predictive Maintenance  AI can monitor the performance of smart home devices and predict potential failures before they occur, allowing for proactive maintenance and potentially avoiding costly repairs. Especially handy for stuff like water heaters and air conditioners. Enhanced Security AI-powered cameras and sensors can analyze activity patterns to detect suspicious behavior, alert homeowners of potential threats, and even differentiate between familiar and unfamiliar faces to prevent false alarms. Personalized Experiences  AI can tailor home environments to individual preferences, such as adjusting lighting, music playlists, or room temperatures based on the occupants' habits, schedules, and comfort levels. Remote Monitoring and Control AI enables homeowners to remotely access and control smart devices from anywhere using smartphones or other connected devices, offering peace of mind and flexibility. You can already do this with the big three with little to no networking skills required. But we envision a day when you don't need Homekit or Google Home to get this type of functionally without any knowledge of networking Data Insights  AI can analyze data from various sensors and devices to provide insights into home usage patterns, energy consumption, and potential areas for improvement. By integrating AI technologies into home automation systems, homeowners can enjoy a more comfortable, convenient, and efficient living environment while also potentially saving time, energy, and money.  

Jeff Sweenor discusses his custom home-building business, sharing details about projects, marketing strategies, and lessons learned from his Builder 20 group. He also talks about balancing growth and quality when managing a large team.   Find our guest.  https://sweenorbuilders.com/our-team/   Modern Craftsman Partnerships   Andersen Windows Buildertrend The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media Tyler's Top Blogs: How I Started My Business Books that Build Site Protection Principles My Preconstruction Process: Part 1 Becoming Proficient in Multiple Trades