The Average Guy Network: Recent Episodes
The Average Guy Network
Phil Hawthorne joins Jim to explore Home Assistant Blueprints, area-based automations, ESPHome Bluetooth proxies, e-ink dashboards, AI integration and the Open Home Foundation.
OpenClaw had accurate data, but its Solar Manager still raised the wrong status. Here is what that defect, a workspace reconstruction, and runtime model verification taught me about operational intelligence.
T.J. Huddleston joins me to talk pollinator gardens, smart irrigation, a solar-powered shed, and using Hermes to build safer Home Assistant tools.
I originally treated AI model routing as a cost and capacity decision: use a smaller local model for routine work and reserve GPT for harder tasks. A scheduled security audit showed me why that was incomplete. Even read-only models can make consequential mistakes when their judgment influences what happens next. In this eighth OpenClaw post, I explain how permission, model trust, deterministic checks and guarded execution now work together.
Christian Johnson joins Jim Collison for Home Gadget Geeks 684 to talk about passkeys, Bitwarden, Vaultwarden, managed container hosting through Maple Grove Partners and the guardrails needed when AI agents begin doing real operational work.
HGG682 was the first time my AI operations model started to feel less like an experiment and more like a production workflow. ChatGPT helped shape the writing, OpenClaw handled the guarded WordPress work, Hermes managed the YouTube side, and I stayed in the approval and publishing seat. It was not one AI assistant doing everything. It was a set of narrower managers working in clearer lanes.
Jim revisits the LEPRO permanent outdoor lights after six months, then walks through two OpenClaw projects in depth: a DIY Home Assistant Storm Guard for EcoFlow and BLUETTI batteries — tested during a real severe-weather event — and an Amazon Affiliate Manager for TheAverageGuy.tv. He shares what he has learned about AI agent authority, batch size, observable state, gold-standard workflows and conversational memory, along with notes on AI costs, hardware and adapting the OpenClaw series for Medium.
Giving an AI manager access to real systems is not one decision. It is a series of smaller decisions about scope, risk, validation, and trust. In my OpenClaw setup, write access had to be earned one step at a time. Before OpenClaw could change WordPress, patch a Home Assistant dashboard, repair operational state, or prepare anything for publishing, it had to prove that it could inspect, explain, dry-run, validate, report, and stop when the evidence was not clear.
Erin Lawrence joins HGG682 to compare Ring 4K cameras, robot mowers, coffee gear, travel cameras, smart lighting and review workflows.
After defining OpenClaw and Hermes as AI managers, I realized the next step was not more autonomy. It was operational memory: tracking recommendations, outcomes and accountability before trusting the system with more authority.
Operating OpenClaw changed how I thought about AI work. I started by building assistants to help with tasks, but the real shift came when I began assigning responsibilities. Daily Ops, Hermes, Content Manager and fallback model testing all taught the same lesson: the role matters more than the model, and managers need supervision.
Mike Wieger joins me for HGG681 — AI at work in a regulated M&A environment, OpenClaw and Hermes at home, new fiber internet, mountain e-bikes, and a real update on MeshCore and Meshtastic in the Omaha/Lincoln mesh community.
The first few weeks were messy, but useful. OpenClaw did not become valuable because everything worked cleanly. It became valuable because it exposed false alarms, missing context, provider limits and the approval boundaries I still needed.
How I used a separate Linux machine, a fresh user account, read-only workflows and observable access to evaluate OpenClaw before allowing its first state-changing operations.
Before giving OpenClaw access to files, credentials, APIs or local services, I treated it like operational software. Here is how I staged the environment, defined the authority boundary and started with observation before autonomy.
Jim Collison and Gavin Campbell compare OpenClaw, Hermes, Home Assistant agents, local LLMs, Docker isolation, and safe approval workflows for home-lab automation.
Jim Collison and Marv Bee discuss AI in managed services, including virtual agents, automation, memory across conversations and where human experience still matters. They also cover soundbar buying advice, RingConn health and sleep tracking, USB-C cable testers, surge protectors and practical power gear for everyday tech setups.
What happens when technology troubleshooting meets backyard cooking, meal planning, and a growing obsession with grills? This week, Mark Robson returns to Home Gadget Geeks for a relaxed conversation that blends home tech, networking stories, pellet grills, Blackstone cooking, pizza ovens, and the routines that make outdoor cooking such an addictive hobby. From fixing a broken cable that disrupted a mesh network to experimenting with dry brining, reverse searing, and maple syrup in savory dishes, this episode covers the overlap between gadgets, workflow, and food culture. If you enjoy cooking, grilling, home labs, or simply building better systems around hobbies,
What happens when AI stops being just a chatbot and starts to reason, plan, and actually do useful work? This week, Dewain Robinson joins me for a conversation on Copilot Studio, AI agents, reasoning models, vibe coding, and the future of software development. We go beyond the usual AI hype and into the practical side, how these tools are already changing workflows, helping with real tasks, and forcing all of us to rethink what productive work looks like. From Microsoft’s internal shift after ChatGPT to real-world examples like managing email, building demo data, handling calendars, and guiding software creation, this
What happens when a practical conversation about AI tools turns into a deeper discussion about autonomy, cybersecurity, local models, and the future of the internet? This week, Christian Johnson joins me to talk about OpenClaw, the rapid rise of open-source AI agents, and why this new generation of tools feels very different from traditional chat-based AI. From local LLMs and hardware choices to plugin trust, sandboxing, and the risks of giving agents access to real systems, this episode explores both the promise and the danger of the current AI moment. Thanks for listening! Why This Episode Matters A lot of
Is the AI future helpful or just plain dangerous? This week, Gavin Campbell from HomeTech.fm and I take a hard look at OpenClaw, “vibe coding,” and what it really takes to run autonomous AI agents safely in your home lab. I’m trying to find out if you can actually let AI do the work without losing control of your network… or getting roasted by your own creations. Thanks for listening! In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, Jim Collison is joined by Gavin Campbell from HomeTech.fm to take a hard look at one of the fastest-moving areas in technology today:
Paul Braren from TinkerTry.com joins me this week to discuss energy-efficient home technology, including heat pumps, air sealing, and upgrading older homes for modern HVAC systems. They explore the real-world costs of improving home energy efficiency, the role of smart electrical panels and lithium-ion battery backups, and how modern monitoring tools help homeowners better understand their energy usage. The conversation also covers robotics, network upgrades, and the growing role of AI in everyday technology troubleshooting. Thanks for listening! In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, Jim Collison welcomes Paul Braren, founder of TinkerTry.com and a long-time advocate for energy-efficient home
Jay Franze joins me to talk about how AI is showing up in real songwriting workflows, not just as a toy, but as a tool people are actually using. We unpack how we built the new Home Gadget Geeks theme, what’s happening in Nashville studios, and whether AI makes music more creative or more predictable. Along the way, we hit crypto regret, bourbon country, and the bigger question: what happens when anyone can make a full song in minutes? Thanks for listening! Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Home Gadget Geeks #673 – AI, Songwriting & the Music Industry What is Home
Erin Lawrence from https://www.techgadgetscanada.com/ joins me this week to break down Ring’s new 4K doorbell, the real impact of AI in consumer tech after CES 2026, Amazon’s move into the Art TV market, and Alexa+ early access. We separate meaningful upgrades from marketing hype and talk through where smart home tech is actually headed. Thanks for listening! In Home Gadget Geeks 672, I’m joined by Erin Lawrence to unpack the biggest smart home trends emerging after CES 2026. While artificial intelligence dominated the headlines, our focus is on what’s actually improving products versus what may simply be driving up costs.
Andrew Morris returns to Home Gadget Geeks this week. We revisit the early days of HGG, catch up on his move from Melbourne to Brisbane, and dive deep into solar upgrades, NAS decisions, hardware pricing, Unifi networking, broadband realities, Garmin health tech, and the growing temptation of a Bambu Lab 3D printer. Thanks for listening!
This week I am joined by TJ Huddleston for a wide-ranging conversation that blends real-world winter weather, practical home technology, and insights from CES 2026. From navigating a rare Level 3 snow emergency in Ohio to installing a solar-powered backyard shed using an EcoFlow battery, the discussion stays focused on what actually works. Along the way, Jim and TJ dig into smart irrigation, weather stations, automation strategies, and why CES continues to be more about people and perspective than breakthrough products. Thanks for listening! In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, Jim Collison is joined by TJ Huddleston for a
Marv Bee returns this week for a practical conversation about unified home networking and modern tech habits. The discussion provides a closer look at Ubiquiti’s UniFi ecosystem and why it’s becoming more approachable for home users, along with strategies for simplifying complex networks, utilizing VLANs to enhance security, and managing the constant pressure to upgrade. Along the way, the episode also explores smart home automation, Amazon shopping behaviors, and Marv’s ongoing gadget detox—offering a thoughtful balance between embracing new technology and keeping it under control. Thanks for listening! In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, the conversation explores the real-world
In this episode, I speak with Oscar Hedaya, founder of Space, about how smart safes are redefining home security through modern technology. We explore Oscar’s entrepreneurial journey and how his experiences led to rethinking a traditionally overlooked household product for today’s connected lifestyles. Our conversation highlights the innovative features of the Space smart safe, including a touchscreen interface, motion detection, app connectivity, and the PanicPin emergency alert system. Oscar explains why consumer expectations have shifted toward app-integrated devices and why usability must remain front and center, even as products become more advanced. We also discuss the realities of building and
Christian Johnson joins me this week to celebrate the 15-year anniversary of the show while exploring today’s evolving tech landscape. They discuss AI hardware trends, rising consumer component costs, and NVIDIA’s latest enterprise advancements, along with a hands-on look at programmable outdoor LED lighting. We also look into cryptocurrency, comparing Ethereum and Bitcoin, before wrapping up with immersive tech and Microsoft Flight Simulator. Thanks for listening! In Episode 667 of Home Gadget Geeks, Jim Collison is joined by long-time friend and technologist Christian Johnson for a wide-ranging conversation that blends reflection, hands-on experience, and forward-looking analysis. The episode opens with
In this episode, I’m joined by Jay Franze, a seasoned music producer, to explore how AI is transforming music creation. Jay shares his experiment using AI as a virtual studio—producing songs that rival human-recorded tracks and often sound indistinguishable from traditional productions. We compare AI and studio recordings, discuss songwriting, ethics, and ownership, and explore how these tools can empower musicians and podcasters alike. The episode closes with a look toward future collaborations and the potential for AI-crafted theme music. Thanks for listening! In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I’m joined by Jay Franze, a music industry veteran with
Every year on Black Friday, Home Gadget Geeks pauses the tech talk just long enough to look at where life and technology intersect, and this year’s episode with Sammie Collison might be the most grounded one yet. From returning to college as a full-time library para to managing finances, mental bandwidth, and school in the age of cloud tools and tactile hobbies, Sammie gives us a real-world look at what it takes to navigate modern adulthood with limited time and limited money — and still find room for creativity, connection, and growth. Technology is in the mix, but seldom the
Dave McCabe joins me this week to reminisce about 17 years of podcasting, dive into smart home gadgets, and explore Dave’s woodworking journey with Warped Boards. From CNC upgrades and handcrafted cutting boards to candid talk on men’s health, this episode blends tech, creativity, and community. Thanks for listening! Chapters:[0:00] Weather, Lawn Talk and Show Opening[3:00] Podcasting Since 2007[4:42] Blogging, Social Media and Changing Tech[7:15] Phones, MacBooks and Home Servers[10:01] Home Assistant, Smart Plugs and DIY Tech[17:25] CNC Machines, Materials and Woodworking[33:15] Etsy, Cutting Boards and Product Ideas[1:04:42] Health, Checkups and Men’s Health[1:07:55] CNC Upgrades and Future Plans[1:08:10] Black Friday
I am joined this week by Erin Lawrence and Mike Wieger to explore tech innovations that enhance daily living. They review the Mydea One Touch Autofill Refrigerator, the Ecovacs WinBot W2 window-cleaning robot, and dive into golf simulator technology. The episode wraps with Black Friday deals, hard drive upgrades, battery backup solutions, and camping tech innovations—all with humor and practical insights for the average gadget enthusiast. Thanks for listening! I am joined by Erin Lawrence and Mike Wieger to explore the latest technological innovations and gadgets that can enhance our daily living experiences. Recorded on November 13th, 2025, we dive
In this week’s episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I’m joined by Kevin Schoonover for a packed discussion that jumps from health and fitness to EV trucks, from Windows 10’s sunset to ARM’s rise, and all the way down to the small stuff — batteries, smart home gear, and the realities of modern tech maintenance. Thanks for listening! Episode Summary We open the show by talking about the weather rolling into Omaha and catching up on the World Series, before Kevin dives into something a little different — his personal health journey. Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes a few years ago,
Gavin Campbell joins me to discuss his Segway Navimow robotic mower, the Echo Dot Max, Unraid 7.2 and practical ways local AI is improving Home Assistant notifications, coding and home-lab automation.
In this episode, we discuss the latest with my solar setup (EcoFlow battery, Eco-Worthy panels) and take a deep dive into local AI — exploring LLMs you can run at home, privacy implications, and practical use cases. We also field live chat questions, talk about Ollama, LM Studio, voice cloning, and more. Thanks for listening! In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I share the latest updates from my ongoing solar power experiment — including new insights from my EcoFlow Delta 3 battery system and a fresh set of Eco-Worthy 100-watt solar panels mounted to the front porch. I break
In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I spent some time diving into a few recent tech updates and sharing a bit of what’s been going on with me. I started with a look at the Lutron PD-150UTB-BL smart outdoor plug — it’s built like a tank and performs great outdoors, but at $85, it’s hard to call it a good value. From there, I talked about Apple’s new AirPods Pro 3, which I recently picked up. The upgraded noise cancellation is noticeably better, and the new translation features are surprisingly effective for multilingual conversations. I also shared a few
In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I’m joined by Christian Johnson. We start with a discussion about the new Apple AirPods Pro 3, which I’ve purchased and am waiting to try once they arrive. From there, Christian shares updates on life as a new father and his progress toward earning a pilot’s license. The second half of the conversation focuses on cryptocurrency and blockchain, with Christian explaining his changing perspective on the space, especially the role of Ethereum and its connection to the growth of AI technologies. Thanks for listening! n this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I’m joined
I’ve been using a pair of Eco-Worthy 100W 18V bifacial solar panels with my Bluetti AC180, and the setup has been consistently reliable and efficient. Beyond just plugging them in, there are several ways to optimize output — including tilt, placement, and taking full advantage of the bifacial design. Also See: https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/08/31/bluetti-ac180-vs-ecoflow-delta-3-real-world-review-and-why-i-favor-the-ecoflow/ Why These Panels Are Great Each Eco-Worthy 100W panel offers: The bifacial feature allows the panels to pick up light reflected from surfaces beneath them — concrete, gravel, or even snow — providing a noticeable boost in overall output. Connecting to the Bluetti AC180 The Bluetti AC180 features
On this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I had the chance to sit down with Dr. Brian Friedlander to talk about how AI is changing the landscape of assistive technology. We covered everything from tools like AOA, Brisk, and Magic School AI that support students in the classroom, to innovations in note-taking, E Ink devices, and even brain-computer interfaces. It was a fascinating conversation about where accessibility meets technology, and how sometimes the simplest solutions end up being the most powerful. Thanks for listening! In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Brian Friedlander, an expert in assistive technology and
If you’re researching the best portable power stations in 2025, two names keep coming up: the Bluetti AC180 and the EcoFlow Delta 3. Both are highly capable solar generators designed for backup power, camping, and off-grid use. I’ve been testing both side by side in real-world conditions — charging, running appliances, and using them during actual outages. In this EcoFlow vs Bluetti review, I’ll break down where each one shines, but more importantly, why I consistently reach for the EcoFlow Delta 3 when reliability and speed matter most. First Impressions App Experience: Where EcoFlow Pulls Ahead One of the biggest
When it comes to smart home gadgets, I’m always on the lookout for gear that not only works well but also holds up in real-world conditions. The Lutron Smart Outdoor Plug (PD-15OUT-BL) for Caseta Smart Lighting checks both boxes and then some. After putting it through its paces in my backyard setup this summer, I can confidently say this is one of the most sturdy, reliable, and well-built outdoor plugs I’ve tested. Looks good too! Rugged Design for the Outdoors Let’s start with the build quality. So many “outdoor-rated” plugs feel flimsy and give you that “hope it lasts the
Jay Franze is back, and we talk about his new book, Stand Out or Fade Out. Jay considers upgrading his Mac Mini and shares updates on home projects and a new service dog for his daughter. Jim updates his solar setup, switching to an EcoFlow Delta 3, and they discuss solar power for camping, home use, and RVs, covering costs, efficiency, and practical uses. Thanks for listening! In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I reconnect with Jay Franze, an accomplished podcaster and author, to explore the intersection of technology and personal interests. Our conversation kicks off with a playful
Erin Lawrence joins me this week for a wide-ranging conversation on home, lawn, and automotive gadgets. We dig into the future of lawn care with the Segway Navimow robot lawn mower, discuss battery brand ecosystems in power tools, and explore must-have car tech like portable jump starters and tire inflators. Erin shares her innovative smart blinds laundry room makeover, reviews fun kitchen gadgets like the Ninja Creami soft serve maker and slushy machines, and talks about her Mazda CX-50 Hybrid test drive. The duo also cover solar power considerations for RVs, portable power stations for off-grid camping, and what’s next
Gavin Campbell joins me this week for a deep dive into smart home automation, solar experimentation, and the latest in robotic lawn care. Jim shares updates and lessons learned from his Bluetti solar setup and how he’s trying to integrate it with Home Assistant for smarter energy use. Gavin brings insights on millimeter wave technology in light switches, POE-powered Zigbee/Z-Wave hubs, and the benefits of RTF grass and robotic mowers. The two also explore smart watering systems, the rise of LiDAR in lawn robotics, and cap things off with a candid chat on Sonos headphones and the ongoing power tool
I recently kicked off a solar power project at home to test the efficiency of two 100-watt, 18-volt bi-facial panels I picked up for $99 each during Prime week. The goal is to see how they perform in different areas of my property and learn how to optimize small-scale solar setups. I’ve added some essential tools to my kit—crimping tools, wire strippers, and connectors—and I’m running everything through a Bluetti AC180 inverter with a 500-watt MPPT controller. I chose to wire the panels in parallel to ensure that shading on one doesn’t compromise the output of the other. To monitor
Dave Hamilton joins me this week. After a quick Mac lightning round, Dave shares how he uses ChatGPT for long-form conversations while driving and discusses his Eufy Robot Lawn Mower E15, which navigates with onboard cameras and mows daily for a consistently clean lawn. They also review the Ampace Andes 1500 portable power station and the Boost Hero jump starter—both handy tools for outages and emergencies. The episode wraps with reflections on our long-running podcasts and how tech continues to shape our shows. Thanks for listening! In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, Jim Collison welcomes Dave Hamilton for a
This week, I experiment with integrating AI into podcasting by introducing Microsoft’s Co-Pilot, Mick, as a co-host. I dive into the real-world challenges of blending AI with human conversation. Covering everything from audio quality quirks to the absence of non-verbal cues that shape natural dialogue, we unpack the strengths of AI, like consistency, speed, and on-demand knowledge, while also exploring its limitations in emotional nuance, spontaneity, and authentic connection. This episode is a candid look at the evolving relationship between humans and AI in creative spaces and a commitment to shaping that partnership thoughtfully in episodes to come. Thanks for
Mike Wieger joins me to talk through the latest in home tech and personal gadgets. We cover his switch from Cox to MetroNet fiber and compare Omaha’s evolving internet options, including T-Mobile and Great Plains. Mike shares his 2.5 and 10 Gbps networking upgrades, covers DIY repairs, and explores self-hosting with Oracle VPS and VPNs via Tailscale. We also break down his experience with the WHOOP fitness tracker, from sleep and recovery data to hardware upgrades. Thanks for listening! In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, we dive into a range of captivating topics with Mike Wieger, exploring innovations in
Kevin Schoonover is my guest this week as we look into the growing “fix-it” movement, exploring how repairing everyday items—like lamps, sewing machines, and coffee makers—can save money and reduce waste. Kevin shares his experience with local fix-it clinics in Minnesota and the rise of repair culture amid economic pressures. We also discuss 3D printing for custom parts, the power of community involvement, and the impact of donating and repurposing through organizations like Buy Nothing and Bridging. Thanks for listening! Jim Collison and Kevin Schoonover discussed the FIX IT market, emphasizing the importance of repairing items to save costs amidst
This week, I am joined by T.J. Huddleston, a home automation pro from HomeTech.fm. We discuss how smart home gear has become significantly more affordable and easier to use, especially compared to the clunky systems of the past. T.J. shares how he’s using smart irrigation in his garden to save time and water, pretty cool stuff for anyone with a green thumb. We also get into the latest in home security with smarter surveillance cameras and how AI is making all of it more useful and less of a hassle. T.J. gives us the inside scoop on organizing the Home
Doug Milburn, co-founder of 45 Drives, joins me as we talk about the evolving storage server industry. We discuss the shift towards efficient data management solutions for both enterprises and home lab enthusiasts. Doug shares insights from his journey in computing, highlights the demand for high-reliability storage systems, and explains the advantages of using enterprise-grade components. We look at the current trends, including the move back to on-premises storage and the importance of RAID configurations. Finally, Doug previews upcoming innovations from 45 Drives aimed at enhancing performance for developers and video editors. Thanks for listening! Doug Milburn, co-founder of 45
Mark Robson joins me this week to explore the world of grilling and smoking food. We discuss the excitement of grilling season, advancements in pellet grill technology, and share our personal grilling journeys since 2016. Mark highlights his Yoder pellet grill, Rectech, and Komodo Joe Big Joe, focusing on their unique cooking capabilities. Our conversation touches on smoked meats, jerky-making tips, and the importance of grill maintenance. We also reflect on the communal joy of grilling and speculate on future technologies, including AI integration. This episode is packed with insights for grill enthusiasts looking to enhance their skills. Thanks for
Gavin Campbell from HomeTech.fm joins me this week to explore the latest innovations in home technology. From robotic lawn care with the Segway Navimow to smarter energy management through electrical upgrades and real-time monitoring with Emporia Vue. He shares practical insights on enhancing home security with reliable camera systems and highlights the growing momentum behind Home Assistant Community Days. It’s always great to have Gavin on the program. Thanks for listening! In this episode, we sit down with Gavin Campbell for an insightful discussion on emerging technologies transforming the modern home. From smart lawn care solutions to comprehensive energy management
Ed Sullivan is my guest this week. We discuss Ed’s new 2025 Cadillac Lyric EV, which he has driven 3,500 miles without major issues. Ed shares his experience with Paintless Dent Removal and a recall related to the car’s manual. They also talk about Slate’s upcoming $20,000 EV with a 150-mile range, manufactured in the USA. Ed mentions various car accessories he uses, including a screen protector, retractable cargo cover, and a USB-rechargeable vacuum. They also discuss the importance of maintaining proper tire pressure and the benefits of using a ceramic coating for car protection. Thanks for listening! In this
Erin Lawrence from Tech Gadgets Canada joined me this week to look at the latest tech trends, and not even stormy weather could slow us down. We started with highlighting the Ecovacs A2500 RTK with satellite mapping and obstacle avoidance. Erin also shared her thoughts on the sleek Urtopia Carbon 1 Se-bike, packed with GPS and app integration for both commuters and riders on the go. On the audio front, she reviewed the new Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds, perfect for workouts and everyday use. We wrapped up with Rocketbook’s reusable Post-it notes, a smart, sustainable twist on note-taking. Thanks
Marv Bee joins me this week to talk tech, podcasting, and the wild world of the Florida Man Games. We kick things off with some seasonal banter, then dive into his take on electric vs. gas vehicles, his new RODECaster Video setup, and the Anker C300 portable power station. Marv also shares what’s next, including a new local business podcast. Thanks for listening! In this episode, I chat with Marv B. about the latest tech trends enhancing our home experiences. We begin with a lighthearted exchange on seasonal changes before diving into Marv’s podcasting initiatives and insights on electric vs.
Ed Sullivan joins me this week to talk about his move from Tesla to the Cadillac Lyriq. A long-time Tesla owner, Ed shares what prompted the switch, including service challenges and what ultimately drew him to the Lyriq’s luxury and tech. We also cover the other EVs he considered—like the Rivian, Lucid Air, and BMW iX, and how the EV market is shifting as more players enter the space. Thanks for listening! Jim Collison and Ed Sullivan discuss Ed’s transition from a Tesla Model 3 to a Cadillac Lyriq. Ed cites high maintenance costs and long service waits as reasons
Gavin Campbell, co-host of HomeTech.fm joins me this week. We discuss how unpredictable weather affects tech and the importance of automation for preparedness. Gavin shares his latest upgrades, including a Wi-Fi-enabled water heater, a smart electric lawnmower, and plans for a major electrical panel upgrade to support future automation and EV charging. We also explore the pros and cons of self-hosting and using local AI models for smarter home monitoring. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg640 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #640 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you
Jeff Sieh joins me this week. This week we explore the impact of AI on content creation. Jeff and I share our experiences with AI tools like Descript and LM Studio, while we ponder ethical questions around AI-generated content. We conclude by discussing hardware for gaming and AI processing, with Jeff reflecting on building a custom PC. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg639 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #639 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the
Jay Franze from joins me this week as we talk about the latest tech gadgets and trends in the automotive world. We discuss Jay’s podcast, which focused on behind-the-scenes stories from musicians and his decision to buy a 2025 Honda Accord Sport Hybrid, highlighting the comfort and reliability of transporting artists. We explore hybrid technology, its modern integrations, and the future of automotive AI. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg638 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #638 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT
Mike Wieger joins me this week. We explore tech gadgets and personal experiences together, starting with a light-hearted chat about Nebraska’s cold weather. Mike shares updates on his board game development challenges and growing passion for ice fishing, discussing how technology enhances the experience. We catch up on setting up home servers, focusing on Unraid and TrueNAS, before exploring current and future artificial intelligence applications. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg637 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #637 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network.
Christian Johnson joins me this week as we talk about several tech topics, starting with our unusual winter weather and community snow clearing efforts. We discuss his transformational experience with bladeless LASIK eye surgery for Christian and its impact on his vision and hobbies. The conversation shifts to the disruptive AI model DeepSeek and its implications for the semiconductor market. We also examine ethical considerations in AI development and its role in software productivity. Join us as we unpack these insights and their influence on everyday life. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video
Mike Wieger joins me this week as we talk about the latest in home technology, focusing on 3D printing and virtual reality (VR). We start with Mike’s transition from printing random objects to creating a board game inspired by his father’s inventions. He shares insights into their collaborative journey through prototyping and CAD design. We then delve into VR, with Mike discussing his newfound enthusiasm for technologies like the Oculus Quest 3, highlighting the immersive social experiences they offer. Additionally, we touch on Mike’s home lab upgrades and the complexities of setting up home generators for backup power. This episode
Erin Lawrence from TechGadgetsCanada.com joins me this week as we discuss her review of the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, focusing on their comfortable design and unique sound quality, although noting some battery life limitations. Our discussion then shifts to Erin’s new car reviews, highlighting the intersection of technology and automotive innovations, including infotainment systems and autonomous features. We also explore the Plantaform Rejuvenate, a cutting-edge indoor gardening device utilizing NASA technology, as well as her top picks for cordless stick vacuums. Erin wraps up by sharing her upcoming review schedule, emphasizing the joy of finding gadgets that enhance daily life.
Jon Biggs joins me this week as we talk about enhancing daily life through tech gadgets and healthier living. He shares his experiences with MeshTastic, a local mesh networking technology, and his efforts in building solar-powered communication nodes. Jon discusses the benefits of improved sleep and using a continuous glucose monitor to optimize his diet post-retirement. We also touch on community service with the Lions Club and his fitness journey into strength training, emphasizing heart health. The episode wraps up with insights into the Tesla Owners Club and the evolution of electric vehicles, offering listeners a blend of technology and
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
Christian Johnson joins me this week. After looking back at 14 years of Home Gadget Geeks, we focus on security and privacy concerns, particularly around using SMS and RCS messaging protocols. The FBI and CISA have warned about vulnerabilities in these protocols, leading Christian to advise using more secure messaging apps like Signal, WhatsApp, and Telegram. We also discuss the importance of using secure password management and two-factor authentication practices, highlighting the risks of SMS-based MFA. Christian recommends using tools like Bit Warden and the security features in iCloud+. Christian predicts that the growth and development of AI technologies will
Sammie joins me this week to reflect on her eventful year. We discuss her recent car accident and lessons learned from navigating the car-buying process, focusing on reliable options like Honda Civics and Subarus. Sammie also shares her experiences as a high school library paraprofessional, offering insights into working with teens and the role of technology in education. We delve into online job hunting, using tools like Indeed and ChatGPT for resume building, and explore the blend of Mac and PC technology in schools. Join us for a conversation about growth, career development, and the evolving role of tech in
Just me this week! I explore the latest home tech gadgets while reflecting on my daughter’s recent car accident (she is okay) and our vehicle search to replace the 2006 Honda. I share my experience with the Mac Mini M4, discussing its setup and design changes. I also detail my outdoor lighting enhancement projects and essential tools for home maintenance. Finally, I provide insights on Black Friday tech pricing and encourage listeners to share their finds in our Discord community. Join me next week for updates and a special discussion with Sammie. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available
Gavin Campbell joins me this week to discuss home automation, focusing on the Home Assistant platform. We explore seasonal impacts on automation, the importance of using entity IDs for easy device replacements and share personal experiences with smart technology. Gavin introduces innovative AI applications for improved security and highlights user-friendly solutions like Zooz smart switches. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg628 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #628 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live
Bob Buskirk and Ryan Kerschner from ThinkComputers.org join this week as we discuss the latest consumer technology. We review Intel’s new Core Ultra processors and their efficiency compared to AMD, while addressing the challenges of ARM technology in enterprise computing. We explore consumer preferences, noting the divide between hardcore gamers and everyday users. Bob also highlight the MSI Datamag portable SSD for content creators, and we wrap up discussing the Shure MV6 Gaming Mic as well as Black Friday sales and expectations for CES. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg627 Join
Mike Wieger is my guest this week! Mike shares his experience with MeshTastic, a mesh networking system, noting a significant increase in nodes in Omaha and their use for local communication. He also discusses running a local instance of ChatGPT using Ollama and Open Web UI, highlighting its benefits for privacy and local processing. Additionally, Mike talks about using Frigate, a Docker container for security cameras, and its integration with Home Assistant. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg626 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #626 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought
Dan LeFebvre from the Based on a True Story podcast about the benefits of using teleprompters, specifically the Elgato model. Dan shares insights on technology’s evolution in video production, the significance of eye contact, and the potential role of AI in content creation. We also reflect on the art of storytelling in podcasts. To wrap up, Dan invites listeners to check out his upcoming episode featuring Lou Vero, offering behind-the-scenes stories from the “Miracle on Ice” in sports history. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg625 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for
This week, I share my journey in questioning my personal data management, spurred by an unexpected failure of my Morrow Data Box. This experience pushed me to prioritize valuable data and confront the issue of digital hoarding, leading to the deletion of outdated files and a streamlined approach to storage as well as some price and plan updates at Unraid. I also discuss some advancements in voice cloning technology via Eleven Labs, exploring its potential and ethical implications for content creation. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg624 Join Jim Collison /
Marv Bee joined me this week as we discussed backup solutions, with Jim considering using a Synology box to access data on Backblaze B2. Marv recommends Synology for its performance and ease of use. We also compare earbuds, with Marv finding Apple’s wired earbuds as good as Bose’s wireless ones. Finally, we discussed the cost-effectiveness of Apple’s earbuds and the benefits of having multiple sets for different locations. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg623 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #623 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the
Christian Johnson joins me this week as we talk about home technology trends, starting with seasonal changes and their effects on our gardens. We discuss AI’s role in enhancing podcast show notes and dive into cybersecurity, highlighting a recent CrowdStrike incident that underscores software reliability issues. As Christian prepares for fatherhood, we look forward to ‘baby tech’ innovations for new parents and debate operating system security vulnerabilities among Windows, Mac, and Linux. We conclude by reflecting on the human elements of technology and celebrate Christian’s upcoming role as a parent and principal engineer. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions
Jay Franze is my guest this week. We talk about smart home technology and the benefits of energy-efficient gadgets, particularly in air conditioning. We share personal experiences with DIY home wiring, weighing the pros and cons of tackling electrical projects. We dive into the latest trends in streaming services, discussing the recent StreamYard acquisition and comparing alternatives like Riverside and Zoom. Our conversation also touches on the evolution of content consumption, highlighting our preferences for engaging with media. We wrap the show with some updates on cryptocurrency, including insights on NiceHash’s new fee structure. Thanks for listening! Full show notes,
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
Everyone and their mother has a personal AI assistant these days. Even if you don’t use yours, it’s there—sitting on your smartphone, just waiting for you to ask it something. These AI assistants could be your best friend or your worst enemy—it all depends on how you use them. Here’s what you need to know about them and how they’re changing the way we live life! What are AI Assistants? AI assistants are software programs that use artificial intelligence to help you complete tasks or find information. Personal AI assistants use modern technologies like machine learning and natural language processing
Mike Wieger is my guest this week. Mike shares his experience installing a generator outlet and interlock kit for backup power, detailing the wiring and safety measures. He also talks about using a Jackery portable battery for minor power outages. Jim plans to upgrade his generator to 50 amps and discusses the cost and benefits of different power solutions. They also explore the Mesh Tastic project, a DIY off-grid communication system using LoRa radios, which can create a mesh network for communication during power outages or emergencies. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video
It’s a solo show this week. Last week’s show was canceled due to a 100-hour power outage at theAverageGuy.tv studios. What did I do? What gadgets did we use? How did it go and how did we stay cool? All that and plenty of links in the show notes. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg618 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #618 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live
Mark Robson is my guest this week. We discussed various topics, including extreme weather patterns in Canada, grilling and cast iron cooking techniques, barbecue techniques and ingredients, and culinary creativity and experimentation. Mark shared his experiences and insights on using high-quality charcoal, proper airflow, and experimentation to find the right cooking methods for individual preferences. Mark emphasized the importance of trying new things and experimenting with different techniques to improve one’s skills in these areas. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg616 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #616 of Home
Gavin Campbell from HomeTech.fm podcast is my guest this week. We discussed various topics, including severe weather preparedness, home automation, tech updates, data storage, and 3D printing. Gavin shared his experiences and recommendations, highlighting the importance of being prepared for severe weather events, investing in reliable backup power sources, and upgrading to high-end 3D printers for improved print quality and faster print speeds. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg615 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #615 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE?
Jay Mattison is my guest this week. Jay discussed the latest gadgets, smart home automation, laptops, and processing power. He also talked about camera technology, including wireless microphones and road pros, and the limitations of wireless data transfer. He shared his preferences for audio equipment and home automation, and discussed the potential of large language models like ChatGPT. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg614 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #614 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for
Ed Sullivan joins me this week! We discussed his collection of Apple devices, including an iMac Pro, 16” MacBook Pro, iPhone 12 Pro, and Apple Watch Series 8. We discuss his decision to purchase his first iPad, a 13” 1TB model with nano-texture glass and a Magic Keyboard. We cover the accessories and apps he bought for the iPad, enhancing its streaming and productivity functionality at home and on the road. Ed also predicts Jim’s next Mac, can you guess what it is? Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg613 Join Jim
Dr. Adam Hickman is my guest this week. Adam is the Vice President of Org Development and Cast Members at Partners, a Walt Disney Company, and a former co-worker of mine at Gallup. We catch up over drinks and then dive into the show. We discuss The X3 Bar, a highly effective strength-training device using variable resistance to build muscle faster than traditional weights and other home exercise equipment. We also explore ionbottles®, advanced hydrogen water generating bottles designed in Oregon for better hydration and healthier living. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video
Erin Lawrence from Tech Gadgets Canada joined me this week. We delved into a variety of tech topics, starting with the Birdfy Hum Feeder, where Erin shared her mixed experiences, praising the seed feeder but expressing disappointment with the Hum feeder’s performance. Moving on to the Kamado Connected Joe smart charcoal grill, Erin’s review highlighted its impressive capabilities, transforming her into a confident cook despite her initial reservations about charcoal grilling. Lastly, we explored the automotive tech landscape with Erin’s exhilarating two-day test drive of the 2024 Chevy Traverse, demonstrating how advancements in auto tech are rapidly converging with smart home
In one of my favorite episodes yet this year, we catch up with Rich Hay. Rich talks about his decision to purchase a VW EV and all that he has loved about it (that was in preshow, now at the end). In the show, we catch up with Rich and talk about what he has been up to over the last 2 years. He talks about his purchase of the Vaonis Vespera Passengers and how much it has made looking at the stars so much easier. We also talk about how Jim found his idea of a pop-up drone security
My guest this week is Gretchen Schoenstein, a half marathon enthusiast who has completed more than one hundred half marathons. With unwavering dedication and passion, Gretchen has conquered diverse courses, inspiring countless others with her determination. Join us as we delve into Gretchen’s remarkable journey, celebrating her as a light in the running community and those she serves who are suffering! Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg609 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #609 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe
Marv Bee from ITBusinessPodcast.com joins me this week as we open the show with listener email. Some thoughts on routers, printers, Subaru upgrades and home server storage. We wrap the show with the question, “Is the PC dead?” Marv is not too sure, and Jim says yes. What say you? Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg608 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #608 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live
This week I have Gavin Campell, TJ Huddleston and Seth Johnson, hosts of the HomeTech Podcast at HomeTech.fm and we discuss the current state of the home tech market, including challenges and strategies for hiding technology in home theater installations, integrating various smart home devices and systems, and the benefits and drawbacks of robot lawn mowers. They also shared their experiences with USB power and cable management, highlighting the need for longer cables and the potential of battery-powered millimeter wave sensors. They emphasized the importance of standardization, seamless control, and user-friendly interfaces, while acknowledging the challenges of keeping up with
Christian Johnson from MapleGrovePartners.com joins me this week. We open the show with some talk of the current state of hard drives and ask Christian what NAS he would buy in 2024. We talk about the current state of Wifi as well as some of the benefits of private 5G. We wrap it with a little AI discussion. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg606 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #606 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the
Jay Fraze from https://jayfranze.com/ is my guest. In this episode, cover listener feedback from last week. Jay has purchased a new Rode Wireless Pro mic set and a Zoom H6 and we get an update on Jay’s fire pit. Also, Jim is looking at a new Gazebo. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg605 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #605 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live Find Us! Join us in the Facebook
I’m back in action after a much-needed Spring Break, and let me tell you, it’s been a whirlwind! With April 15th looming over our heads, I’ll dish out some insights into how I tackled my taxes and how it threw a wrench into my productivity. Plus, I’ve got some great news on the health front post-surgery—yep, December 5th feels like a lifetime ago, but I’m happy to report that all is well. And hey, we’ll also take a quick dive into the Hum Feeder from Birdfy because, you know me, always on the lookout for the latest gadgets. It’s a
Erin Lawrence from https://www.techgadgetscanada.com. is my guest this week. In this episode, we explore a range of innovative products, from the NextBase 4K iQ Dash Camera’s impressive features to Erin’s candid experiences with the Bird Buddy smart Bird Feeder, offering a cautionary tale about high-priced disappointments. But fear not, as we uncover a worthy contender in Birdfy. Additionally, we discuss the L’OR Barista pod coffee machine and the Moen Smart Sprinkler Controller and Wireless Soil Sensors, providing insightful commentary on their performance and practicality. Join us for an engaging discussion on the pros and cons of these cutting-edge gadgets, as
Jeff Sieh from http://socialmedianewslive.com/ and http://jeffsieh.com/ joins me this week as we get to know Jeff for the first time and spend some time talking about the new Apple Vision Pro. There’s lots of conversation, a hands-on review, and lots of commentary. Thanks for listening. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg602 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #602 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live Find Us! Join us in the Facebook
Gavin Campbell from HomeTech.fm joins me this week and after a short catch-up, we ask the question, in home automation, does Matter really Matter? The standard has picked up a lot of support in the last few years, but is it ready for primetime? Gavin has installed a new garage door opener control and lives to tell the tale. We chat about Logitech Harmoney remotes, and clothes dryer automation and wrap the show with some fun conversation that you will not want to miss. My face still hurts from laughing so much during this episode. Thanks for listening! Full show
Long-time listener Tony Raynor joins me this week as we talk about his new DGI Pocket 3 and he even uses it as a webcam for the show. We also discuss his love for photography and why he submits so many pictures to Google Maps. We also discuss his trip to Vegas and the U2 concert in the new Sphere. It’s always great to have Tony and thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg600 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #600 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average
Marv Bee from the IT Business Podcast is my guest this week. Marv and I discuss the question, “Are we getting too gadgetry in our lives?” We also look at Marv’s new StreamDeck, discuss his recent purchase of the Logitech Mevo 3 Camera System and talk about why he is returning his Hero Pro 11. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg599 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #599 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live
Bob and Ryan from ThinkComputers.org join me as my guests. They are both off a successful CES 2024 and live to tell! Lots on monitors, memory and a new wearable from ASUS! Great to catch up with them and I am sure you will enjoy the show. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg598 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #597 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live Find Us!
Christian Johnson is back this week and catch up with him and his quest to complete his pilot’s license. We also get an update on his thoughts on LastPass and Bitwarden and wrap the show with some updates on AI. Bonus: Christian was recently in the news, but not for what you think. Check it all out and thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg597 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #597 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for
In the latest Home Gadget Geeks episode, I had the pleasure of hosting Titania Jordan the CPO (Chief Parent Officer) from Bark.us —a leading digital safety company. Titania delved into Bark’s cutting-edge solutions, discussing AI-driven content monitoring and advanced threat detection. This episode unveils the synergy of technology and security, offering a glimpse into digital safety’s future. Tune in for a tech-savvy discussion that matters! Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg596 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #596 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network.
This week I am joined by TJ Huddleston from HomeTech.fm. We kick off the conversation by delving into the intricacies of TJ’s background, gaining valuable insights into the technological landscape that has shaped his journey. We look at the dynamic realm of Maker Spaces, exploring the symbiotic relationship between innovation and community through entities like Friends of the Library. Stepping into the realm of home automation, TJ shares his technical prowess in optimizing household tasks, highlighting experiences with advanced technologies such as the Litter Robot. Get ready for a preview of TJ’s upcoming venture—automating the intricacies of home watering systems.
A very special Home Gadget Geeks episode! Celebrating 13 years with Mike Wieger. Mike shares his home lab insights. Using a self-hosted git repo for documentation, he’s into Proxmox clusters alongside Unraid. He explores the merits of multiple servers, tried a Ceph storage cluster for high availability, and is diving into ZFS. Stay tuned at the end for a brief update on my recent surgery. Join us for a tech-packed episode with Mike Wieger, marking 13 years of Home Gadget Geeks! Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg594 Join Jim Collison /
Jay Franze is my guest this week. Jay continues to use ChatGPT and finds it helpful for drafting documents from bullet points. We talk about some limitations of ChatGPT and how prompt engineering could help improve it. The discussion then shifted to failed gadgets of 2023. I regret buying an Oculus VR headset that I rarely use. Jay discussed gadgets like a baby monitor that emails photos when motion is detected. Other topics included car remote start apps disconnecting, solar generators, and a mass air flow sensor. Toward the end, Jay and I debated internal home surveillance cameras. Monitors were
In this week’s podcast, I had the Sammie Collison. We delved into the exciting developments surrounding her new role at the library, providing listeners with an update on various aspects. From the progress on the new building to the intriguing addition of a new fish tank, we covered it all. Moreover, Sammie shared insights into fresh meeting spaces and offered some compelling recommendations for seasonal reads. See the show notes for a curated list of Sammie’s recommendations. Additionally, I’m thrilled to announce that I recently established a new affiliate account at Amazon, ensuring that our audience can easily support the
This week we have Erin Lawrence from https://www.techgadgetscanada.com/. I’ve got the inside scoop on her Temu experiment—providing a comprehensive update and addressing the burning question: Is Temu a scam? Join me as we explore the innovative Google Chromebook PLUS, a Chromebook in a league of its own with AI assistance, and the Google Pixel Watch 2, an irresistible timepiece that Erin will not give back. We’ll also dive into the festive world of Govee Curtain Lights and Floor Lamps—adding both fun and practicality to your holiday setup. And if you’re in the market for a top-tier vacuum, discover Erin’s insights
Ed Sullivan is my guest this week and he shared insights into his advanced mobile podcast setup, centered around the 2021 16” MacBook Pro M1 Max 32 GB as the processing hub. The audio setup features the Mackie ProFX12v3 mixer, Mackie HM-800 headphone amplifier, and Dbx 266xs compressor/gate for precise control. Visuals are captured through the PTZOptics Camera and Insta360 Link, ensuring high-quality video content. Power considerations are met with Jackery and FlashFish portable solutions, alongside the Furman power conditioner for stability. This comprehensive setup reflects a commitment to professional, on-the-go podcasting with an emphasis on both audio and visual
In this episode I am solo. I have a few personal updates for you. We look at some health gadgets that we have turned into dinner time family games. I ask a question to you about a new type of format for the show and we talk about a few things you might consider as we approach the end of the year. All that and more this week on Home Gadget Geeks. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg589 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #589 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought
Gavin Campbell joins me this week as we talk about how Home Assistant introduces a local voice assistant with wake words. Gavin is enthusiastic about mmWave sensors, Aqara FP2, which can detect people, even when stationary. Zigbee vs. Z-Wave gets a mention as Gavin upgrades to the Zooz ZST39 Z-Wave 800 controller. 3D printing is a recent interest, used for creating smart shutter controllers. Gavin’s year-long experiment with smart lawn watering is summarized, along with enhancements to his pool using temperature and water level sensors. All that and a quick update on CEDIA. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions
Dave McCabe joins me this week. We’ll be discussing his recent woodworking projects, including items he’s crafted for his office. Dave has also recently acquired a 3D printer, and you’ll be intrigued by the unique uses he’s found for it. Towards the end of the show, we’ll take a trip down memory lane and explore the history of the Home Server Show. It’s a fascinating look at our podcast’s roots. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg587 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #587 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average
Bob and Ryan from ThinkComputers.org are joining me, and we’re going to discuss the economic outlook for 2024 and how it might impact tech purchases. We’ll also dedicate some time to talking about the leaked Intel 14th Gen chips and what’s on the horizon. Additionally, we’ll share our thoughts on what ASUS might do now that they own the NUC. Finally, we’ll wrap up with a closer look at the new Mountain DisplayPad and engage in some conversation about Case Mod Friday. If you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe to their podcast at ThinkComputers.org. Thanks for listening. Full show
This week, I’m joined by Christian Johnson for an exciting update on his pilot’s license journey and the tech that played a pivotal role in his progress. We’ll also dive into the intriguing developments surrounding the MGM/Caesars breach and how each party handled it in their own unique way. Plus, in a nod to the original “Christian’s Corner,” we’ll have an in-depth conversation about Windows 11 and what to expect in the near future. Thanks for listening. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg585 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #585 of Home Gadget
Paul Braren from TinkerTry.com joins me this week and we catch up with him. It’s been a busy time for Paul. Both moving and changing jobs has kept him on his toes when it comes to technology. We talk about everything solar, updating an older house for solar, EVs and the challenges and benefits of managing your own power—that and lots more. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg584 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #584 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE?
In this episode, I’m joined by Marv Bee. We dive into the NetAlly CyberScope and the Bose SoundSport earbuds. We also discuss AI based on an Engadget article and learn about Marv’s new podcast that might be right up your alley! Check it out at unhealthypodcast.com Thanks for listening and your support! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg583 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #583 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live
Joining us this week is a visionary leader who has been instrumental in revolutionizing the irrigation landscape – CEO Shawn Dyer of Irrigreen. Get ready to gain some invaluable insights into the future of precision irrigation, the role of technology in sustainable landscaping, and the challenges and triumphs of steering the industry toward a greener tomorrow. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg582 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #582 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show
Jay Franze joins us this week!. We caught up with Jay and asked about some new equipment he is using for his podcast as well as an update on the fire pit he mentioned the last time he was on. Jim mentioned that he thought the economy was going to be challenged in 2024 and it might be a good time to think about tightening up the budget a bit and looking for some sweet deals ahead. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg581 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #581
This week we sit down with Randy Walker to dive into the world of WordPress and ask the question, why is WordPress still important? Before we start in on WordPress, Randy has a new podcasting mic to talk about, the M2 MicTrak from Zoom. We then discuss staging for upgrades and development work, focusing on transitioning to full-site editing on WordPress. Along the way, we’ll explore some indispensable plugins such as Redirection, Podcast Importer, and the dynamic duo of Contact Form 7 + Flamingo. So, grab your headphones and join us as we unravel the mysteries of staging, upgrades, and all
Christian Johnson is back and we spend some time catching up on Maple Grove Partners. We have a discussion on the benefits of cold storage is how to make the most of it. We then discuss the increasing accessibility and affordability of language learning models (LLMs) for both enterprises and individuals. Is the future where everyone will have their own language learning model, with some being cloud-hosted and others privately hosted? Christian predicts that the availability of LLMs will further accelerate their impact on daily life. They anticipate that LLMs will become more mainstream and affordable, fueling an already growing
Marv Bee joins me this week and we catch up with him and the latest on the IT Business Podcast. We spend a few minutes at the beginning of the show talking about smart grills and outdoor cooking. We then talk about some new, rack mounted Synology servers that Marv is installing for a client on site. They are a beast! Link below. Then we discuss the insanity that has become car navigation and entertainment centers. For this first time in 28 years, people are not satisfied with the technology. Thanks for listening! Links and show notes below. Full
There has never been a greater need for effective security measures to safeguard these assets than there is now in the digital age, where the value of cryptocurrencies and other digital assets has skyrocketed. People need dependable solutions to protect their digital goods given the significant danger that theft and hackers pose. Trezor satisfies this demand by providing investors and cryptocurrency enthusiasts with improved security and comfort of mind. Key Takeaways In the era of escalating online dangers, protecting your digital assets is crucial. Your bitcoins and other digital assets are more secure with Trezor, a reputable hardware wallet. Trezor
Erin Lawrence joins this week. After and update from Erin, we look at the latest reviews from https://techgadgetscanada.com, including an update on smart vacuum cleaners, but traditional and robot, a new coffee maker from Ninja, some conversation about Temu and a look at Bluetti, now a sponsor of Tech Gadgets Canada. I spend some time in the post-show updating everyone on my Unraid build as well as a few new gadgets that I picked up this week! Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg577 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show
Gavin Campbell from HomeTech.fm is my guest this week. Gavin has a new Meater temperature probe and it’s changing the way he does grilling, and for the better! We talk a bunch about some new soil moisture Sensors by Ecowitt that he has been trying out and I want some for sure!. We discuss what is going on with Matter and Thread and talk about the Aqara FP2 air quality sensor that detected the fires that are happening in Canada right now. We talk some about the new release with Unraid 6.12.2 and how ZFS support is finally there! We
Nathaniel Lindley is my guest this week! We catch up with Nathaniel and his work since COVID and have a chat about his outdoor sound setup and new patio that he installed this spring. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg575 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #575 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live Popular Tags: Podcast, Home Gadget Geeks, Jim Collison, Nathaniel Lindley, sonos, home, gadget, geeks,
One of the most well-known blockchain systems in recent years is Ethereum, which provides a large selection of decentralized apps (dApps) and fosters the development of decentralized finance (DeFi). For consumers who want to participate in DeFi and use other Ethereum-based apps, having an Ethereum wallet is becoming more and more important as Ethereum gains traction and acceptance. The value of owning an Ethereum wallet and how it enables people to engage in the decentralized economy will be discussed in this article. Also See: Why I Continue to Mine CHIA in 2023 Ethereum wallet: An overview Understanding what Ethereum wallets
Bob and Ryan from ThinkComputers.org join me for the show. In this episode, we explore the buzz surrounding PCI Express 5.0 storage, the standout highlights from Computex, the future of storage, the differences between various hard drives, and the latest updates in the GPU market. Additionally, we discuss the current state of the supply chain, the opportune time to build your own PC, the importance of keeping your drivers up to date, and the ongoing debate between flat and curved monitors. Stay tuned as we also share exciting updates on upcoming episodes and what’s happening on the ThinkComputers website. Thanks
Dan LeFebvre from Based on a True Story Podcast joins me this week! We cover some audio and video editing topics and how AI is starting to influence this process. Dan also moved recently and we talked about slimming down on tech and cable management in the new place. Finally, Jim has an update on his choice for the new UPS. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg573 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #573 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE?
Marv Bee from the IT Business Podcast joins me today. In this episode, we discuss the issues behind using Chat GPT and AI, covering things like attribution and sources, and how AI is missing the ability to have an opinion. We’ll also be talking about me replacing my UPS after a power outage, the importance of having a backup power source and how to choose the right one for your needs. This paragraph was AI assisted (You are welcome Rich). Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg572 Join Jim Collison /
This week, we are excited to have Jay Franze join us to talk about building backyard fire pits. In this episode, we will cover everything you need to know about building a fire pit, including the materials you’ll need, safety considerations, and design options. But we won’t stop there. We’ll also discuss how technology can enhance your fire pit experience, from sound systems and outdoor speakers to televisions and smart home automation. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg571 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #571 of Home Gadget Geeks
Text summarization is a powerful tool for maximizing productivity and managing information overload. With the help of Chat GPT, a cutting-edge language model based on artificial intelligence, you can easily summarize lengthy articles and documents into shorter, more concise versions. By doing so, you can quickly review a large amount of information and extract the most important points without having to read through the entire text. This not only saves time but also helps you make better decisions and stay informed on the latest trends and developments in your field. However, it's important to review the summarized text carefully to ensure it captures the essence of the original text. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of text summarization and how Chat GPT is revolutionizing the way we process and analyze text data.
Summer is a time for outdoor activities, and one of the best ways to enjoy the warm weather is to fire up the grill. For many, grilling is an essential part of the summer season, providing a delicious way to cook food and to bring friends and family together.
Investing in one of the best golf GPS systems can improve your game if you use it correctly. Here are the ones we recommend if you’re shopping.
Chia is a relatively new cryptocurrency that has gained a lot of attention in the last year. Founded in 2017 by Bram Cohen, the creator of the BitTorrent protocol, Chia aims to offer a more environmentally friendly and decentralized alternative to Bitcoin. Chia is unique in that it uses a different consensus algorithm than Bitcoin. Instead of the energy-intensive Proof of Work (PoW) algorithm used by Bitcoin, Chia uses a Proof of Space and Time (PoST) algorithm. This means that instead of using computational power to solve complex mathematical equations, Chia miners use unused storage space on their hard drives
Conversational AI has come a long way in recent years, and at the forefront of this progress is Chat GPT. OpenAI’s powerful language model has been making headlines since its inception, and the latest version – Chat GPT Version 4 – is no exception. In this blog post, we’ll explore the latest advances in Chat GPT Version 4, and what they mean for the future of conversational AI. Here are some of the key features of the latest version: Enhanced Training Process: The training process for Chat GPT Version 4 has been greatly improved, with faster and more efficient training
Dr. Brian Freelander joins us this week. Brian shares information about his work with students with cognitive disabilities during the pandemic and the development of new software and hardware. He talks about his experience teaching remotely, offering strategies to help students with disabilities. We also discuss the development of new applications that help with audio transcriptions. Throughout this discussion, it is clear that technology has the potential to significantly aid in the learning process for students, with advancements in AI and OCR technology leading to improvements in assistive technology, translation accuracy, and accessibility for disabled individuals. Additionally, the power of
Use the link https://theAverageGuy.tv/meater and shop all the latest deals on the future of smart cooking! Looking to take your cooking to the next level? Meet MEATER, the ultimate tool for smart cooking! With MEATER, you can say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked meats. This innovative cooking tool connects to your smartphone and guides you through the cooking process with real-time temperature readings and alerts. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or smoking, MEATER makes it easy to achieve perfect results every time. Plus, with its sleek and compact design, MEATER is easy to use and store. You can take it with
Technology has revolutionized the way education is delivered and received. With electronic gadgets and platforms like Facebook groups, Google classroom, and Schoology, students and teachers no longer have to disseminate information through text messages or emails individually. These platforms allow for easier and more efficient sharing of necessary school-related information, as well as collaboration between students and teachers. Here are some ways to make the most of these technologies in the classroom. Also See: 10 Benefits and Uses of Electronic Gadgets in Learning Use Learning Management Systems Learning management systems (LMS) like Schoology are powerful tools that enable teachers to
As an advanced user of Chat GPT, you have access to one of the most powerful language models in the world. Chat GPT is an artificial intelligence-powered chatbot that can generate human-like responses to natural language queries. It is based on the GPT-3.5 architecture and has been trained on a massive corpus of text data, making it capable of generating high-quality responses on a wide range of topics. In this blog post, we will discuss how to use Chat GPT for advanced users and provide tips and tricks to maximize its effectiveness. Also see: How to Make the Most of
Use the code MQU328 and get $40 off any machine purchase and a free capsule dispenser. If you are drinking bad coffee – STOP. Great coffee, one cup at a time from people who really know coffee. Check them out at https://Nespresso.com and use code MQU328 and get $40 off your first machine! Looking for a delicious and convenient way to start your day? Look no further than Nespresso! Our premium coffee machines use state-of-the-art technology to bring you the perfect cup of coffee every time. With a range of flavors and strengths to choose from, you can enjoy a
Save as much as $110 on your first 5 boxes of HelloFresh HelloFresh is a meal kit delivery service that provides everything you need to create delicious, healthy meals in the comfort of your own home. With a wide variety of recipes to choose from and fresh, high-quality ingredients delivered straight to your door, HelloFresh makes cooking easy, fun, and stress-free. If you’re tired of the same old meals and looking for a way to mix things up in the kitchen, HelloFresh is the perfect solution. Our chefs create exciting new recipes every week, inspired by cuisines from around the
The concept of a virtual classroom has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic that forced educational institutions to switch to remote learning. A virtual classroom is an online platform where learning is conducted through digital means, such as video conferencing, online whiteboards, and chat boxes. This allows students to attend classes from anywhere in the world, at any time, as long as they have access to the internet. In this article, we will explore the advantages of virtual classrooms, highlight the research conducted in this area, and provide three actionable steps that institutions can
The Solo Stove and the Outland Living Stove are two popular brands of outdoor fire pits that offer unique features and benefits to users. In this comparison, we will take a closer look at the similarities and differences between these two brands. Also see: 5 Benefits of a Solo Stove and Why I Still Might Get One! Design and Build Quality: Both the Solo Stove and the Outland Living Stove are built to be durable and long-lasting. The Solo Stove features a double-wall stainless steel construction that is rust-resistant and can withstand high temperatures, while the Outland Living Stove has
In the past, students had to physically go to libraries to browse hardcopy books for simple research or homework. It could take hours to find the right information and even longer to compile it into a cohesive report. Today, thanks to the widespread use of gadgets in the classroom, students have instant access to an endless amount of information at their fingertips. The use of gadgets such as tablets, laptops, and smartphones has revolutionized the way we learn and has made the process of researching and completing homework much easier and more efficient. This is particularly true when it comes
The advent of technology has revolutionized the education sector, making learning more engaging and accessible. One of the significant impacts of technology in education is the use of gadgets, such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones, in the classroom. The integration of gadgets in the classroom setting has resulted in personalized and multiple functions, which, in turn, increase collaboration among students. The use of gadgets in the classroom has made learning more flexible, allowing students to access information at their convenience. Gadgets provide students with the ability to learn at their own pace and in their preferred style, which increases their
First, let’s start with some background. ChatGPT is a large language model developed by OpenAI, based on the GPT-3.5 architecture. It is designed to generate human-like responses to text-based prompts, and it has been used for a variety of applications, including chatbots, question-answering systems, and language translation. Now, the latest version, ChatGPT v4, builds upon the foundation of v3.5 and includes a number of improvements and upgrades. One of the most significant changes is the increase in the number of parameters, from 175 billion in v3.5 to 6 trillion in v4. This increase in parameters allows ChatGPT v4 to generate
Erin Lawrence joins this week (Don’t forget to visit https://TechGadgetsCanada.com for all the reviews). First, we look at the Withings Smart Scale, which Erin found to be problematic despite having a poor experience with a previous smart scale. Next, we looked at the Alexa Smart Kettle, which they found to be surprisingly helpful due to its voice control feature. The GE Smart Stand Mixer was also reviewed, which features a built-in scale and can be controlled through a cell phone or voice, with automated recipes. The Echo Frames 2nd Gen, which are sunglasses that double as headphones and can be
Mike Wieger is back for this week! In the show, we talk about some new golf tech that Mike has been using. I ask Mike about his opinion about upgrading my iPhone 12 and Apple Watch 4. Is now the time? We wrap the show with some old tech, for a new job! Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg567 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #567 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each
Chat GPT has the added capability of being able to perform language translation. Its language translation feature supports a range of languages such as English, Spanish, French, German, and Chinese. To use this feature, simply input a phrase or sentence in one language, and Chat GPT will generate a translation in your desired language. Although the translation quality may not always be perfect, Chat GPT’s language translation feature can provide helpful results. It is recommended that you review the translated output thoroughly to ensure that it is accurate and appropriate for your specific needs. Here is how you use it.
This week we have Kevin Schoonover and in this episode, we’ll be discussing Kevin’s plans for two PC builds – one using Intel and the other using AMD. We’ll dive deep into the specifics of each build, including all the parts and components that Kevin is considering. We’ll talk about the pros and cons of each option, as well as the potential performance differences between the two builds. A complete list of all the parts he is considering are listed below or are in the show notes. Thanks of listening Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and
In the past, classroom content was primarily presented through traditional methods like chalkboards, overhead projectors, and textbooks. However, with the rise of electronic gadgets in the classroom, content delivery has become much more dynamic and interactive. Teachers can now use audio-visual and media presentations to bring the material to life, making it easier for students to engage with and understand. Also See: 10 Benefits and Uses of Electronic Gadgets in Learning Portability The portability of electronic gadgets in the classroom is one of the most significant advantages that technology has brought to education. Traditionally, when multimedia content such as videos,
This week I’m joined by fellow tech enthusiast, Jay Franze and we have a lot to talk about. We’ll be discussing one of my favorite topics – Chat GPT – and exploring its potential uses and impact on the tech world. We delve into the world of Chat GPT and its capabilities, discussing its potential to transform the way we interact with technology. Thanks of listening Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg565 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #565 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT
In the world of education, the ultimate goal is for students to successfully learn and retain knowledge that they can apply in their lives. But how can we ensure that students are retaining what they’re learning in class? One way is through the use of electronic gadgets in the classroom. Research has shown that the activation of students’ multiple senses while using electronic gadgets in class can aid in their knowledge retention. When students use electronic gadgets like tablets or smartphones, they’re not just processing information visually, but also through touch and sound. This multi-sensory experience helps to create more
In this episode, we delve into the power of local public libraries and what they have to offer in 2023. Sammie Collison, shares her experience working at the Bellevue Nebraska Public Library and highlights the various resources and programs available to patrons. We explore topics such as computer safety and security, the library’s digital collection, and the interlibrary loan system. Sammie also shares her own journey and how her background in journalism prepared her for her current role. Join us for an enlightening conversation about the innovative and valuable services provided by public libraries. Thanks of listening Full show
The study conducted by Nah, Lim, and Yih in 2012 investigated the impact of electronic gadgets, specifically tablet computers, on student-centered learning in a university classroom setting. The study aimed to explore the extent to which these gadgets could be used to facilitate student-centered learning, and to identify the benefits and challenges associated with their use. The study involved a sample of 144 students from a variety of majors, and it used a mixed-methods approach to collect data, including surveys, interviews, and classroom observations. The results of the study indicated that the use of electronic gadgets in the classroom had
Randy Walker joins us this week as a first-time guest and long-time listener. We get to know Randy and discover he is a contributor to two different Podcasts, The Daily Detroit Podcast and IT in the D Podcast. We spend some time working thru his home automation plan and ask if you can even do HA in an apartment effectively? Lots of great conversation and great to have Randy on the program! Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg563 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #563 of Home Gadget Geeks
Chat GPT is an AI-based language model that can help you with a wide range of tasks, from answering questions to generating text and language translation. As a user, it’s important to know how to make the most of Chat GPT to optimize your experience and get the most accurate results. In this article, we’ll share tips and tricks for using Chat GPT effectively and maximizing its capabilities. Also See Streamlining Blog Writing with ChatGPT: The Pros and Cons of Using AI to Generate Text What is Chat GPT? Chat GPT, or Generative Pre-trained Transformer 3, is a large-scale language
In today’s digital age, electronic gadgets such as tablets and smartphones have become ubiquitous in many aspects of our lives, including education. These devices have transformed the traditional classroom setup and created new opportunities for both teachers and students. A study conducted by Behnke, Gilliland, Schneider and Singer in 2005 found that using gadgets such as tablets in class can contribute to improved student performance. The study showed that the use of electronic devices can help increase student engagement, promote active learning, and enåçhance the learning experience. This can lead to improved academic achievement and a decrease in the number
Have you ever found yourself struggling to come up with new, exciting dinner ideas? Do you find that you don’t have the time to go grocery shopping or the energy to cook a healthy, balanced meal? If so, you’re not alone and we were there! Many people today lead busy lives, and finding the time and energy to cook can be a real challenge. That’s where HelloFresh comes in. HelloFresh is a meal delivery service that delivers pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes straight to your doorstep. With HelloFresh, you don’t have to worry about planning meals, grocery shopping, or even
Are you tired of settling for subpar coffee from your local café or instant coffee that just doesn’t live up to your expectations? If so, a Nespresso machine may be the solution you’ve been searching for. These machines offer a wide range of benefits, from their convenient design to their commitment to quality. In this blog post, we’ll explore what makes Nespresso machines such a valuable addition to any home or office. Right now, if you use the code MQU328 you get $40 off any machine purchase and a free capsule dispenser. Check them out at Nespresso.com and use code
Gavin Campbell from HomeTech.fm joins this week and it’s mostly Home Assistant conversation. We open with a new bar gadget from Dave McCabe that I picked up at Dave’s new site, https://www.warpedboards.com/ Then, Gavin talks about why he moved away from Hubitat and is now using Home Assistant full-time. However, there still might be some good uses for that Hubitat box yet! Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg562 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #562 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO
The Jim Beam distillery, also known as the James B. Beam Distilling Company, has a rich history dating back to 1795. The distillery was founded by Jacob Beam, a farmer and distiller who began selling his own bourbon whiskey in the late 1700s. The distillery was passed down through several generations of the Beam family, with each generation building upon the legacy of their ancestors. In the early 1800s, the distillery was run by David Beam, Jacob’s son, who expanded the business and increased production. Under his leadership, the distillery became one of the most successful in the region, producing
Join me this week as I sit down with Marv Bee, the host of the IT Business Podcast, for an insightful conversation. We delve into the latest updates from Marv and discuss the exciting advancements in DIO Speakers, the go-to choice for seamless audio streaming. Marv shares his thoughts on Synology NAS devices and their role in revolutionizing data storage and backup. I ask the question, do we really need local storage in 2023? I also get a chance to pick Marv’s brain on my current UPS project and the challenges I’m facing. Finally, we tackle the often-overlooked topic of
We catch up with Bob and Ryan from ThinkComputers.org and their experience from CES 2023. During the show we talk about the newest monitors on the market (hint: everything is curved now), the latest in sound bars for your computer (not just for the entertainment center) and dual screen laptops from Lenovo. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg560 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #560 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday
There are several apps available for iPhone that can be used as a dashcam. Some popular options include: AutoGuard Dash Cam: This app allows you to record videos of your drive and includes features such as automatic recording when you start your car, loop recording, and a built-in speedometer. Pros: High-definition video recording: The AutoGuard Dash cam boasts 1080p HD video recording, which provides clear and detailed footage of any incidents that occur on the road. Loop recording: This feature ensures that the oldest footage is automatically overwritten when the memory card becomes full. G-sensor: This built-in sensor automatically saves
This week on Home Gadget Geeks Jim and Christian catch up on the Last Pass Data Breach. We talk about why the security industry had a field day and introduce foundational concepts to password managers along the way. We also walk through some other password managers with similar bumps in the road over the years and what are some of the characteristics that stand out for password managers that can earn consumer trust. We then explore Christian’s migration to Bitwarden and what makes it a stand-out option amongst some of the preferred options for password management. It’s 2023 and we
ChatGPT is a powerful language model developed by OpenAI that can be used to generate human-like text. One potential use for this technology is to assist with writing blog posts. In this post, we will explore how ChatGPT can be used to write blog posts, and the potential benefits and drawbacks of using this tool. Find more at https://chat.openai.com/ One benefit of using ChatGPT to write blog posts is that it can save a significant amount of time. Instead of having to come up with ideas and write the entire post yourself, ChatGPT can generate text based on
Kitchen gadgets are a must-have for any home cook looking to make their meal prep a little bit easier. From the trusty immersion blender to the ever-popular Instant Pot, these gadgets have become essential in many kitchens across the world. But with so many options available, it can be hard to know which ones are worth investing in. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular kitchen gadgets on the market today and explain why they’re worth adding to your kitchen arsenal. From time-saving devices to tools that make cooking more fun, these gadgets
Jon Maddox from Channels (https://getchannels.com) joins this week on the podcast. We have lots of follow-up from our October 2021 show as Jon talks about the most important things added to Channels DVR and what we can look forward to in 2023. Even a little VR conversation at the end. He has a surprise recommendation as well. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg558 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #558 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for
I have 10 monitors on my desk. 6 for play and 4 for work. They are not all powered by one PC, I have 2 PC, one Mac Mini and one with a dedicated Amazon Fire Stick for play, and a laptop driving 3 external monitors for work. Some say it’s too many. I could never have enough! There are several benefits to having multiple monitors on your desk at home: Increased productivity: With multiple monitors, you can easily view and work on multiple applications or documents simultaneously, which can save you time and effort when referencing or comparing information
There are many good options for watches that can track your sleep. Some of the best ones include the Fitbit Sense, the Apple Watch, and the Oura Ring. These devices can track not only the amount of time you spend asleep, but also the quality of your sleep by monitoring factors such as your heart rate, restlessness, and sleep stages. Some of these devices also have features like sleep schedules and bedtime reminders to help you get a consistent amount of rest. Ultimately, the best sleep tracking watch for you will depend on your personal preferences and budget. The Fitbit
Jay Franze joins this week as we talk about Tech Tools on your Desk that increase your productivity. Lots of great gadgets in the conversation. But first, we chat again about the Solo Stove. I recently wrote a post about it at https://theaverageguy.tv/2023/01/02/5-benefits-of-a-solo-stove-and-why-i-still-might-get-one/ and would love your feedback. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg557 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #557 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live Podcast,
MyRadar is a weather forecasting app that provides users with real-time weather information, including current conditions, forecasts, radar maps, and alerts for severe weather. It is available for iOS and Android devices, as well as for desktop computers. One of the key features of MyRadar is its interactive radar map, which shows users a live view of weather patterns in their area. The map can be zoomed in or out to see more or less detail, and users can see what type of weather is coming their way by checking the colors on the map. In addition to the radar
CHIA is a cryptocurrency that uses proof of space and time to secure its network and validate transactions. One reason someone might want to mine CHIA is to earn rewards for their contribution to the network. Another reason might be to support the decentralization of the CHIA network by participating in the consensus process. Additionally, some people might be attracted to the environmental sustainability of proof of space and time compared to proof of work, which requires a lot of energy to power specialized mining hardware. CHIA Rewards Mining Chia is one way to earn rewards for contributing to the
Over the holidays, I looked long and hard at a Solo Stove. There were lots of awesome deals on them and on Black Friday, they even offered free shipping on just about any purchase. While I didn’t pull the trigger this time, I will continue to look at them in 2023 as an outdoor option for family gatherings. I really like what Solo is doing here. You can find more information about Solo at https://www.solostove.com/ Why a Solo stove you might ask? Here are the 5 things I like about them. Efficiency: Solo stoves are designed to be highly efficient,
As we close out 2022 and look ahead to 2023, it’s time to look at the Top 10 posts from theAverageGuy.tv for 2022. Not all of them were published in 2022, and many of them are niche products that still have a following today. Its fun to take a short look back and see what was hot during the year. 10 Benefits and Uses of Electronic Gadgets in Learning Install the Old Version of Windows Live Essentials on XP Alesis MultiMix 4 4 Channel USB Mixer Hands On Review 5 Best Gadgets to Reduce Your Household’s Carbon Footprint Buying a
The famous Erin Lawrence from TechGadgetsCanada.com is back this week with 4 product reviews and some information about Jim that might alarm you. We cover the Ember Mug 2, Breville Barista Express, Fire TV Cube Review and the Samsung portable projector! Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg556 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #556 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live Podcast, Home Gadget Geeks Find Us! Join us
Dave McCabe from the old Home Server Show and Reset Podcast joins this week. Dave has a very nice gift for Jim that he made on his CNC machine. You will have to watch the video to see it. We talk about using that CNC to cut lots of wood projects as well as Dave selling the plans. Dave announces that on December 15, Home Server Show Forums will be closing down and we finish the show with some friendly chat about the community. Thanks for your Patreon Support! Thanks for listening. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio
Mike Wieger is back for the week! Need I say more? Lots of PC build conversation and we catch up with what is happening in Mike’s world. Thanks for your Patreon Support! Thanks for listening. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg554 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #554 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live Podcast, Home Gadget Geeks Find Us! Join us in the Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaverageguy/ On Discord at
Sammie was out sick tonight, so my oldest Phil joins me. We start the show with some talk about some cherry-infused whiskey that we made back in June and drank over Thanksgiving celebrations. We also look at 5 or 6 bourbons that you can try or give as gifts for under $50. On Thursday I put the Weber iGrill up against the Meater Wireless Smart Meat Thermometer while cooking two turkeys on Thursday and I have some thoughts about both. I also have been splitting a lot of wood lately and we talk about some of the tools that might
Dave Hamilton from the Mac Geek Gab Podcast joins me for this episode. Lots of great gadget conversation that goes well beyond Apple. We also have an extended conversation on VR. Make sure you visit https://www.macgeekgab.com/ and if you like it, subscribe to the podcast. Thanks for listening. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg552 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #552 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live Podcast, Home Gadget Geeks
Marv Bee joins this week from the IT Business Podcast and we chat some about Cyber Security Month, a bit about upcoming tech conferences, my upcoming PC build and even some home automation conversation at the very end. It is always fun to have Uncle Marv on the show. Thanks for listening. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg551 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #551 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live
Christian Johnson is back for episode 550 with an update on Maple Grove Partners, his take on the current crypto space and markets. We wrap the show with a good hard look at some motherboards, memory and hard drives for Jim’s new build. Always good to have Christian in the house! Thanks for listening. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg550 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #550 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC
I have Edward Weniger, President, Alpha Bitcoin and local to Omaha. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of mining Bitcoin at home and on a commercial scale. We note that while commercial mining operations have higher overhead costs, they also have the potential to generate more revenue. They also discuss the energy market in the United States, noting that Texas deregulated its energy market some years ago. Prices for energy have gone up since then, but the state still offers some advantages for miners. Edward discussed the recent Ethereum hard fork and merge, and expressed his opinion that the merge
Jay Franze joins me this week. Jim has a new TV for the deck and we spend some time talking about Jay’s day job, lots of very gadget-driven technology. I think you will enjoy it. You can find more of Jay at http://franzeandfriends.com/ Thanks for listening. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg548 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #547 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live Podcast, Home Gadget Geeks Find Us!
Bob Buskirk and Ryan Kerschner from ThinkComputers.org join me this week to talk about a new PC build that Jim is putting together. We chat about Intel vs AMD, what kind of Motherboard to go with, Memory, Hard Drives, Power Supplies and finish with an extended segment on GPUs. There is a breakdown of the conversation with timestamps farther down in the show notes. You can follow along with the build at https://pcpartpicker.com/user/jcollison Thanks for listening. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg547 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #547 of Home Gadget Geeks
Gavin Campbell joins us from HomeTech.fm with updates on Home Automation topics from YoLink, Hubitat and Blue Iris. We also spend some time talking about Unraid and Home Assistant and different ways it can be installed locally. Jim does a lot of whining on this episode, so get ready. Thanks for listening. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg546 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #546 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live
Agent Cru from Winespies.com joins us this week. Winespies not a wine club and there are no subscriptions to purchase. You simply buy what you want, when you want it. And with my favorite feature, you can build a case over time, using an industry-exclusive Locker feature. Add a single bottle – or as many as you want – to your Locker, and they will keep your wine safe and cool in their secure temperature and humidity-controlled warehouses. And they will ship it to you on your schedule…FOR FREE…when you fill up each Locker case of 12. Locker orders are
Jay Franze from http://franzeandfriends.com/ joins us this week as we look at some tips and tricks for anyone who cares about better sound. Advice for those who podcast or just want better audio for the daily office call or time with family. Enjoyed getting to know Jay and he will be coming back to Home Gadget Geeks in the very near future. Thanks for listening. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg544 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #544 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE?
Mike Wieger is back this week! We talk some about the Orbit Smart Lawn Manifold that he recently installed. He is getting better coverage for sure. The rest of the show is dedicated to two new crypto and blockchain projects he is working on. We look at both Presearch and Flux. Links are in the show notes. Thanks for listening. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg543 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #543 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the
Erin Lawrence from TechGadgetsCanada and now, TechGadgetsInternational joins us this week to chat about the value of owning a Samsung Frame TV. We also look at the new Weber Genesis BBQ grill and how it works with the Wifi options. We wrap the show with some discussion around the Thermacell Radius. Jim has a version of it and we ask, “Does it really work?” I think you might be surprised at how well they do! Thanks for listening. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg542 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #542 of Home
Dan LeFebvre from Based on a True Story Podcast joins this week. Lots of Camera and photography talk and him using his Synology to back it all up! Catch Dan at Based on a True Story Podcast at https://www.basedonatruestorypodcast.com/ Thanks for listening. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg541 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #540 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live Podcast, Home Gadget Geeks Find Us! Join us in the
Akarsh Vinod, Founder and CEO of Dio Technologies is our guest this week. Akarsh has developed a simple, affordable, Wi-Fi-connected speaker that can be used as a single speaker or 2 or more for whole home (or apartment) audio. Today, these speakers are iOS only, but Android development is in the works. Dio Speakers are easy to set up, do not require a separate app, and have a great design that looks good just about anywhere. These speakers are not digital assistants. No microphones for those who have privacy in mind. Available individually, or in packs of 3 or 5.
This Friday, July 29 is System Administrator Appreciation Day, also known as SysAdmin Day! It is a day dedicated to celebrating the oftentimes unsung heroes of our organizations – the SysAdmin. It presents us with a great opportunity to thank them for keeping the servers up and running, the network traffic flowing, the databases backed up, and the plethora of other responsibilities on their plates. To celebrate this year, I reached out to a few industry leaders to ask them their thoughts. Brian Dunagan, Vice President of Engineering, Retrospect, a StorCentric Company: “System Administrator Appreciation Day reminds us how important
Karn Jajoo, Sr. Manager, Business Dev. & Marketing from Radix (The Registry behind new domains such as .online, .store, .fun, .website, .tech, .host, .site, .space, .uno & .press) joins to chat about domain extensions and TLDs. Radix is a subsidiary business of Directi Group, a $300 million company based in Dubai and owner of various domain name registrars and web hosting businesses. Thanks for listening. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg539 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #539 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE?
With Home Improvement and DIY projects being at an all-time high, talking with your contractor or architect about shutters and downspouts may come with relative ease. Still, the conversation can turn hazy quickly when asked about preferences on soffits, fascia, and facades. Being able to identify key exterior elements of your home is a critical part of being able to chime in on the design you want. It could also save you time and money in the long run. With prices being what they are right now, every bit helps. Here are 12 terms to help you navigate the jargon
Ed Sullivan of The Cigar Authority fame joins us this week. He is an avid cyclist and talks about all the data he creates on both his Peloton when he rides inside, and his Garmin, when he is outside. Tips, tricks, and lots of cycling tech conversation. Make sure you check the show notes below for all the links. We also look at an e-bike that Jim is considering. Have a good bike recommendation, put it in the comments or let me know via email. Thanks for listening. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg538
David Selinger was an early employee at Amazon and led the R&D arm of Amazon’s data-mining and personalization team. He co-founded Redfin and founded RichRelevance, a company that offers personalized shopping experiences for large retail brands. He is now inventing the next BIG thing in home security – Deep Sentinel, an AI-based home protection service. The company’s intelligent crime prevention transforms home security from false alarms and ineffective after-the-fact crime alerts to real-time crime prediction and prevention. Thanks for listening. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg537 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #537
Yes, I am back! We have Marv Bee join us this week and chat a bit about his new Mac, some good advice for backups and a little home automation chat. Its always great to have Marv on the podcast! Thanks for listening. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg536 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #536 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live Podcast, Home Gadget Geeks Find Us! Join us in
Mark Robson is back with us this week for the annual BBQ and Grill show. We spend some time catching up with Mark and his grill set up at home. He has a few grills for sure. I also ask Mark about a grill/smoker that is on sale at Walmart and if it is right for me. It was a Pit Boss Austin XL 1000 Sq. In. Pellet Grill with Flame Broiler and Cooking Probe. I will have the link below. I did purchase the grill later that night. We also look at some yummy stuff Mark has cooked and
Erin Lawrence from TechGadgetsCanada.com is back this week and we start with a review no-go. Erin recently purchase a $2000 espresso machine that had issues right out of the gate. It’s not the problem you think it might be! We also look at two new robot vacuum cleaners and Erin reviews them head to head. We have looked at many vacs on Home Gadget Geeks, you might be surprised on how far they have come. We talk some out monitor size and does it really matter what kind or style of monitor you purchase these days? Erin says it does!
This week on Cyber Frontiers Christian and Jim catch up with Franz Payer, CEO of Cyber Skyline (related episodes: CF059, CF012). We explore the growth and development of the Cyber Skyline platform, which has evolved beyond cyber competitions to a suite of talent screening tools and skills-development capabilities. We get Franz’s perspectives on where companies are currently struggling to keep up with hiring and retaining qualified cybersecurity talent and how Cyber Skyline fills the void. Learn more at Cyber Skyline Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/cf67 Cyber Frontiers is all about
Paul Braren from TinkerTry.com joins us this week. Paul is always a ton of information and this week is no different. We open with an update on Insteon and the recent shut down of their services and how it was covered by the tech media. We also look at Paul’s EV Decider tool that walks you thru the things you need to think about when considering an EV purchase. Link for the tool in the show notes below. We also talk about box meal options and the desire for Paul to replace his furnace with a Heat Pump. It’s always
Reducing your consumption is the best thing you can do for the environment. Many of us are making little steps to combat climate change. These smart home technologies can also help you lower your carbon footprint. Electrical systems and equipment that have been in use for a long time are not very environmentally friendly. This necessitates the development of better-designed equipment by developers who are aware of the need to reduce carbon emissions. This is when smart devices demonstrate their value. With the rise of smart technology and smart systems, there have been a lot of creative devices made that
Outdoor graduation celebrations will soon be in full swing, as will Memorial Day barbeques and Father’s Day porch side relaxing. How can you improve outdoor living spaces & make your home’s exterior really pop? Also See 10 Benefits and Uses of Electronic Gadgets in Learning Purpose Start by deciding the purpose you want your outdoor living area to serve. Do you often host barbeques or outdoor candlelight dinners? Or do you want a cozy corner to put your feet up and relax? Or perhaps a big fire pit? Take your time to decide and then consider a layout to use
Phil Collison joins us this week. Phil is my oldest son and is and has been a drummer for both performance bands and some groups at local churches. He talks about how he became a drummer and the practice it took to get there. He also encourages parents to let their children practice, no matter how loud or noisy. We also look at 2 apps that help bands during live performances and those recording cover videos. Lots of interesting conversation and a proud Dad moment. Thanks for listening. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg532
Rich Hay joins us this week as we catch up with him and his new job at Microsoft. Rich is a good friend of the show and walks us through the process of becoming a Microsoft employee about 6 months ago. We also catch up with Rich on some of his latest gadgets and we spend some time talking home automation with a new Amazon Show for Jim. Join Rich over at the Microsoft Q&A Community — https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/index.html Thanks for listening. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg531 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show
Gadgets make everything more fun, and let’s be honest – golfers are always looking for ways to improve their game! Here are the best golf gadgets in 2022. Golfers need to be strategic thinkers. They’ve got to be smart with their physics, math, and problem solving to be able to get that little ball into a tiny hole in 3 to 5 shots. But gadgets can make life on the golf course both easier and more fun! We’ve reviewed the best golf gadgets you can find today. It was a tough choice (so many cool things out there!) but these
Jon Biggs joins this week and it’s all health tech. We look from top to bottom at monitoring your own health from regular check-ups from a doctor, services like 23andMe and Grail and even continuous glucose monitoring with Inside Tracker. It’s a big update from Jon and we get most of it in! Also a big announcement about Mike’s involvement on Home Gadget Geeks in the future. Thanks for listening. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg530 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #530 of Home Gadget Geeks brought
This week on Cyber Frontiers we are joined by special guest Ashton Webster. Ashton is now a software engineer at Capital One and has worked on several teams over the last 4 years that focused on fraud detection and prevention. We spend some time catching up with Ashton. We also look at a new rule in the United States that mandates that any company that is considered part of critical infrastructure would be required to report to the Department of Homeland Security within 72 hours of a data breach or within 24 hours of paying a ransomware attack.
Cody Soodeen from Kara Water joins us this week as we look at the Kara Pure. Their mission statement says, “Kara Water wishes to decrease dependence on groundwater by fully tapping into air-water with Kara Pure to provide everyone access to premium quality local alkaline drinking water.” We look at the Kara Pure, which is the first step in accomplishing this mission. All that and more, including a special link to purchase the Kara Pure at a massive discount! Thanks for listening. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg529 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and
Gavin Campbell from HomeTech.fm joins this week and it’s all about home networks. He installed a new one in the last few months and lives to tell — in pretty good detail. That is mostly it. It’s all networking. I am serious. Not much else. Thanks for listening. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg528 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #528 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at
Mike is back this week! We have a St. Patrick’s Day beer and whiskey pour to start the show. We ask Mike, “why a truck again?” and we wrap it with some conversation about Bespoken Spirits out of California and how they have used data to brew faster spirits. That and lots more. Thanks for listening. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg527 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #527 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for
Bob and Ryan from https://thinkcomputers.org join us this week as we look at some of their reviews on laptops, motherboards, and new cases. We spend some time looking at the latest industry trends as well as asking the question of whether it is the right time to buy. We wrap the show with a little Mac talk and Jim gets itchy for the new Mac Studio! Thanks for listening. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg526 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #526 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to
Marv Bee is back for the launch of his new podcast, The IT Business Podcast found at https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/. We also chat some about Marv’s newest purchase, an OLED TV that was influenced by HGG 524 and we talk about how to get better sound to that TV. Mike wraps the episode when he drops a bomb about his new truck. It’s not what you think! Thanks for listening. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg525 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #525 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you
This week on Cyber Frontiers Christian and Jim provide a 2021 replay of the headlines that captured the cybersecurity world by storm and look ahead to trends that will shape the direction of security in 2022. With wide-ranging commentary on incidents like the colonial pipeline attack, solar winds, and Log4j, to the mundane and rudimentary data breaches and ransomware attacks, we break down what areas the industry is improving in and where the industry still needs help. We also look at the technology shaping the post-COVID enterprise workplace, with commentary on zero trust architectures, MFA, network infrastructure advancements, and accessibility
With the new 5G network here, T-Mobile just announced that it is bringing even more high-speed internet to millions of Americans nationwide. T-Mobile now offers 5G Home Internet in my area at the most affordable price, $50 vs the $120 I was paying for Cox. The best thing about T-Mobile’s $50 price tag is that it includes all taxes and fees. No surprises! With Cox, there were always additional fees and taxes, making my final cost much higher than the stated price. Here are the top five benefits as I see it of switching to T-Mobile 5G Home
Christian Johnson is back to fill us in on his latest Home Theater build. From considerations made for the TV to the thoughts behind the tuner, wiring and power, we get the scoop on his setup. Lots to learn and even more to consider! Thanks for listening. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg524 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #524 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live
Gavin Campbell is back this week and is now a member of the HomeTech.fm crew! (Links down below) We spend most of the show talking about home security cams from Ring to Foscam and Sighthound to Blue Iris. We also spend some time debating cloud vs self-hosting. This one is a deep dive that you will not want to miss. Thanks for listening. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg523 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #523 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network.
Jim gives a final update on his move to 5G Home Internet from T-Mobile. Jim also brings a hands-on review of Microsoft Translator and how he plans to use it for both Gallup and Home Gadget Geeks. We demoed it live on the show. All that and a bit more. Thanks for listening. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg522 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #522 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live
Mike and Jim take a few voicemail questions from the audience and then dive into a hands-on review of the new T-Mobile 5G Home Internet offering. We cover the good, the bad and the not yet figured out as we discuss the service. An interesting conversation. All that and a bit more. Thanks for listening. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg521 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #521 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the
Christian Johnson from Maplegrove Partners is with us this week and we spend some time talking about the best way to purchase budget server hardware for those home storage fans. We also chat with Christian about the future of broadband home internet and the changes coming with IPV6. An interesting conversation. All that and a bit more. Thanks for listening. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg520 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #520 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE?
Erin Lawrence from Tech Gadget Canada helps us kick off the new year with some interesting Gadgets coming out of CES 2022! We have a look at the much-awaited glass break sensor from Ring for their Ring Alarm system. We also talk about the new Homey Bridge that will be One Bridge to Rule them all, if it works like they say, it will. We spend a few minutes on Jim’s favorite subject of robot vacuums and talk about the new Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni Robot vacuum that does it all but at a pretty big price tag. We wrap
Mike is back this week and we spend some time looking at our world of gadgets over the last year. What worked, what didn’t and what we really liked. We then spend some time looking ahead to 2022 and what we think the year will bring. Not your typical year-end show. Thanks for listening. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg518 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #518 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show
The dictionary defines a “Techie” as a person who is expert in or enthusiastic about technology, especially computing. We have Marvin Bee this week from the Podnutz Pro podcast and we look at all our favorite or not-so-favorite gifts that we have gotten or purchased for ourselves. From flashlights to batteries packs, we cover our best. Thanks for listening. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg517 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #517 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe
Mike talks about his new Unraid build this week and all the parts that had to go into it. No big surprises, but lots of great stuff. All that and more. Thanks for listening. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg516 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #516 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live Podcast, Home Gadget Geeks Find Us! Join us in the Facebook group at
We have Jay Mattison from TekEverything at TekEverything.com this week as we have a general conversation about the status of PC hardware purchasing here at the end of 2021. We also look at 2 different mechanical keyboards that Jay has reviewed in the last year and have an extended conversation about Keyboard in general. All that and more. Thanks for listening. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg515 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #515 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO
Erin Lawrence from Tech Gadgets Canada joins us this week as we do a long look at the new Pixel 6 Pro from Google. The good, the bad, and even the ugly and how she likes it so far. Will it replace her daily driver iPhone? We also spend some time talking about the new Echo Show 15 and comparing it to the Echo Show 10 that we covered the last time she was on the show. The price point for both is a little surprising. In the end, we look at the Amazon Echo Buds and see if they
It’s great to have Mike back this week as we catch up with him and spend some time talking about Black Friday deal trends, Digital Assistances, Slickdeal Alerts and some of Jim’s newest power tools purchases. A run pre-Thanksgiving show and lots to discuss! Thanks for listening. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg513 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #513 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live
Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, a Patreon Supporter and long-time listener joins us this week. We spend some time getting to know Brian and then dive into TextExpander. We then spend some time with Classroomscreen, a new classroom tool that supports learning and on-demand widgets. In the post-show and available for Patreon subscribers, we talk about Brian’s Home Automation setup. Big thanks to Brian for joining us and we will be excited to have him back! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg512 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #512 of Home
This week we have Patreon Supporter and long-time listener, Gavin Campbell, with us. In this episode, we get to know Gavin a bit. We walk thru his media center setup using Emby, Kode, and Channels. We also dig into his Unraid box and there is lots of docker conversation. We wrap the show with a little crypto. Big thanks to Gavin for joining us and we will be excited to have him back! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg511 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #511 of Home
This week we have Jon Maddox from Channels at https://getchannels.com/ joins us this week to talk about the updates for Channels 5.0 for Apple TV & iOS, as well as Channels 4.0 for Android & Fire TV. Lots of conversation about Channels and how they fit in the DVR market today. All that and more! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg510 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #510 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the
Patreon Supporter Ed Ramirez joins this week. Jim gives a personal health update after a wild ride over the last couple of weeks. We revisit the idea of downsizing our technology footprints and doing more with less. We wrap the show with Mike giving a demo of Cryptohopper and how he is trading his Crypto. All that and more! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg509 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #509 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe
Dan Lebvre from Based on a True Story Podcast at BasedonaTrueStoryPodcast.com joins Jim this week. Dan, a podcaster, graphic designer and educator, talks about the accuracy of some of the way tech has been represented in a few of the movies he has reviewed. We start the show with an overview of his office setup and why he has 8 monitors. All that and more! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg508 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #508 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average
John Aydelotte, a long-time listener and show supporter, joins us this week as we talk about his bike trip across 1/3 of the United States and the tech he used to get there. We also look at E-Bikes and the popularity that are having now. All that and more! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg507 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #507 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC
Erin Lawrence from Tech Gadget Canada at https://techgadgetscanada.com/ joins us as we talk all about the latest from Nespresso with Nespresso Coffee Makers and Coffee Pods. It’s a different way of looking at coffee both in the way you make it and purchase it. We wrap the show with some discussion around the latest Amazon event where a bunch of new products was announced including a new robot named Astro. Jim revisits the discussion around a new robot vacuum cleaner. All that and more! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg506 Join Jim Collison /
Ross Brand from LiveStream Universe at https://livestreamuniverse.com/ joins us as we look at the process of self-publishing and all the things to think about considering the process. From creating content to the tech needed to get it edited and published, Ross works us through the steps. We also talk about the future of live streaming and some things to consider with what is happening in that space. All that and more! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg505 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #505 of Home Gadget Geeks
Ed Sullivan joins us for some updates on his Tesla and some issues that have come up in the 6 months he has owned it. We also talk about some things to consider when purchasing an EV. We wrap the show with some discussion on an all-electric rat / mouse trap. All that and more! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg503 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #504 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the
We have Bob and Ryan back from ThinkComputers.org and we spend the first part of the show with a new Camera Recommendation from Bob (Sony aZV-E10) and the New Rode Wireless GO II. We spend some time talking about the current chip shortage and what does it mean for schools. Jim has a new 1TB NVMe drive to show off and we look at 3 x 2TB NVMe drives that were looked at by Bob. We look at some cool art with deconstructed iPhone art and wrap it with some talk about a new Creative Sound Blaster Play! 4 USB
We have Kevin Schoonover this week and we spend a bunch of time talking about home networking. Is a single modem or mesh best? What blocks Wifi? How do you troubleshoot networking issues? We look at some new equipment as well. All that and more! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg502 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #502 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live Podcast, Home
Sammie Collison joins Jim this week with some updates from college and a deeper look at the new fire pit and deck work, do the Collison’s need a robot vacuum cleaner, Sammie has a new item in her knitting store and some cooking tips from HelloFresh. The show is packed! All that and more! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg501 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #501 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show
We made it! Show 500 is here! Mike spends some time talking about how is kids have gotten interested in Ham radio. Some new Ham gadgets included. Jim is trying to drop some COVID weight and is trying intermittent fasting and using the Fastic App. Jim also installed a new fire pit in the backyard and added some design elements to try to make it a smokeless fire pit with some success. We wrap the show with Jim’s top 10 lessons learned from 500 episodes. Some serious and some funny. I think you will enjoy it! All that and more!
Mike and Jim spend some time talking about Jim’s new Ring Cam install. Pics and examples are shown. Jim also updates on the Generator monitor and hookup selection. At the end of the show, Mike updates us on his Ham radio setup and gives Jim some advice on using a new battery-based generator. All that and more! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg499 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #499 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us
Mike and Jim spend at the front of the show with some listener feedback, but via email and a call in message. Jim then asks for help with the placement of a new Ring Stick Up Cam and a solution to monitor this new generator. We wrap it with an update from Mike on some network issues he was having with an SSL certificate. All that and more! &ltspan data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;” class=”mce_SELRES_start”&gt&lt/span&gt Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg498 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger /
Mike and Jim look at some recent technology issues at home that have caused us to rethink our setups. Is it all worth it? Have we made it too complicated? It’s it all worth it? All that and more! &ltspan data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;” class=”mce_SELRES_start”&gt&lt/span&gt Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg497 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #497 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at
We have Richard Hay from Windows Observer and ITPro Today as we talk about all things Windows 11. What is new, what is old and what to expect when it rolls out later this fall. All that and more! &ltspan data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;” class=”mce_SELRES_start”&gt&lt/span&gt Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg496 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #496 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at
We have Jon Panozzo from Unraid this week on Home Gadget Geeks. Jon updates us on the Unraid 6.9 upgrade and what to look forward to in 6.10. We also spend some time looking at the most popular apps on Unraid. Jon is also now hosting a new Podcast – the Uncast! We wrap the show with look at Chia Coin and farming Crypto using Unraid. All that and more! &ltspan data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;” class=”mce_SELRES_start”&gt&lt/span&gt Full show notes, transcriptions, audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg495 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech
Christian Johnson is back this week, and we spend some time catching up with him. We talk some home automation and Wyse Cams for the new place. We spend some time talking about Maple Grove Partners and we catch up on all the changes happening there. We spend some time talking about the future of EV products including cars and solar panels. All that and more! &ltspan data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;” class=”mce_SELRES_start”&gt&lt/span&gt Full show notes, transcriptions, audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg494 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #494 of
Erin Lawrence from https://techgadgetscanada.com is back this week as we take a long look at the Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) and the 2021 Google Nest Hub with Sleep Sensing as the latest in smart speakers and digital assistance. We then talk about some less expensive Android phone options and finish the show by talking about some home automation around home water management. All that and more! &ltspan data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;” class=”mce_SELRES_start”&gt&lt/span&gt Full show notes, transcriptions, audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg493 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #493
We have Marvin Bee from Podnutz Pro found at https://podnutzpro.com joins us this week as we talk about all things networking. After getting to know Marv a bit (he goes by Uncle Marv on social) we dig into his day job at MB Systems, then look at the NetAlly EtherScope Handheld network analyzer as well as the Domotz Network and IoT network monitoring too. All that and more! &ltspan data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;” class=”mce_SELRES_start”&gt&lt/span&gt Full show notes, transcriptions, audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg492 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show
Jim and Mike are back this week with some exciting news on Jim’s new vehicle! You might be surprised by the choice he made and why. Jim also has a brand new Treadly 2 (link below) and give a first look and mini hands on review. We wrap the show with some chat about Roku v. YouTube and the battle between them right now. All that and more! &ltspan data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;” class=”mce_SELRES_start”&gt&lt/span&gt Full show notes, transcriptions, audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg491 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show
Dave McCabe from Reset.fm and the Reset Podcast joins us to talk Woodworking for gadget geeks this week on Home Gadget Geeks. We catch up first with a little crypto talk and then move into his projects with wood. We finish with some updates on lawn care and Jim has a big announcement next week on his future car purchase. All that and more! &ltspan data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;” class=”mce_SELRES_start”&gt&lt/span&gt Full show notes, transcriptions, audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg490 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #490 of Home Gadget
Shawn Cooke and Mark Robson join us this week as we talk about BBQ and Smoking rubs. Shawn walks us thru his process of creating rubs and we talk about his 9 grills. Don’t come to the show hungry! All that and more! &ltspan data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;” class=”mce_SELRES_start”&gt&lt/span&gt Full show notes, transcriptions, audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg489 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #489 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday
We have a listener question from Kyle about when is it worth it and not worth it to mine crypto. Mike looks at all the factors and gives some advice. Mike is watching more F1 racing and even paying for it! We look at the new hardware from Apple with the new iMac and AirTag offerings and wrap it with Jim questioning his look at Tesla. Is the new Ford Mustang Mach-E worth the look? All that and more! &ltspan data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;” class=”mce_SELRES_start”&gt&lt/span&gt Full show notes, transcriptions, audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg488 Join
We spend some time this week talking about using Crypto Exchanges and after Coinbase, what might be your next exchange. Jim does a Tesla test drive last weekend and gives his thoughts. We wrap with some thoughts on Mike’s PC upgrade as he considers joining Storj again. All that and more! &ltspan data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;” class=”mce_SELRES_start”&gt&lt/span&gt Full show notes, transcriptions, audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg487 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #487 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe
Cody Wheat from http://shotsofhistory.com/ joins us this week to update us on his work at https://libdib.com/, how the alcohol industry faired during the pandemic and some updates on what is ahead as the world recovers. Some fun stories and interesting things you may not have known about the industry in this extended conversation! All that and more! &ltspan data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;” class=”mce_SELRES_start”&gt&lt/span&gt Full show notes, transcriptions, audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg486 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #486 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average
We open the show with an update on the crypto market and Jim’s updates on the new ultrawide monitor that he purchased from a tip from Honey. Mike needs some advice when it comes to self hosting or cloud hosting storage and password managers. We wrap up the show with all the essential gadgets for apartment living. All that and more! &ltspan data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;” class=”mce_SELRES_start”&gt&lt/span&gt Full show notes, transcriptions, audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg485 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #485 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to
Monitors have never been cheaper and Jim thinks now is the time to move to a new Ultrawide monitor for the Mac and Mike has some options. We also talk about the new game that is taking the world by storm, Valheim. We even learn how to pronounce it correctly. We look the the new Unraid 6.9 update as well as using Cloudflare for home DNS management. All that and more! &ltspan data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;” class=”mce_SELRES_start”&gt&lt/span&gt Full show notes, transcriptions, audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg484 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger /
Raz from https://www.drinkflowater.com/ joins us this week as discuss some of the substances found in drinking water that might surprise people, what is the FloFaucet, and what makes it unique as well as the benefits of using a FloWater Faucet Filter over just buying bottled water. We also look at the Flowater Refill Station and Flowater ‘On the go’ option for those who want to stop using plastic bottles on a regular basis. All that and more! &ltspan data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;” class=”mce_SELRES_start”&gt&lt/span&gt Full show notes, transcriptions, audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg483 Join Jim Collison
We have Dewain Robinson back after a year and get some updates on a family move, what has changed during the pandemic and an update on all his new office tech. It’s great to catch up with Dewain and lots of gadget conversation! All that and more! &ltspan data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;” class=”mce_SELRES_start”&gt&lt/span&gt Full show notes, transcriptions, audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg482 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #482 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the
We have Jay Mattison back from TekEverything and we catch up with Jay and his adventures in purchasing an AMD Ryzen 9 CPU and Nvidia GPUs. I think you might be surprise on what he had to do to get them in hand! We also talk small form factor PCs, Office Chairs on the cheap (well, sort of cheap) and an update on is office mic. All that and more! <span data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;” class=”mce_SELRES_start”></span> Full show notes, transcriptions, audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg481 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech
We have Jon Maddox from Channels this week as we talk about the history of and reasons why Channels exists today. It’s all things Channels this week! All that and more! Full show notes, transcriptions, audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg480 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #480 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live Podcast, Home Gadget Geeks, Channels, Jon Maddox Find Us! Join us in the Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaverageguy/ On
Erin Lawrence is back with us from https://techgadgetscanada.com as we discuss some issues that Jim is having with the new Mac Mini. Erin is purchasing the new Airpods Max to review even though she is just published a review on the Airpods Pro. She is currently doing some home renovations and is adding all kinds of smart gear including a faucet, lights and outlets. All that and more! Full show notes, transcriptions, audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg479 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #479 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the
The Mac Mini M1 has arrived and Jim spends some time going over the studio set up, installs and moving all the applications over from Windows. He looks at Raindrop.io to manage browser favorites and Synergy to handle the KVM duties moving forward. All that and more! Full show notes, transcriptions, audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg478 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #478 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live Podcast, Home
With all that is happening with GameStop right now, we discover this technique is nothing new. Crypto traders have been doing this for the last several years! We discuss what happens to Jim’s studio now that the Mac Mini is arriving on February 5th and Mike talks about sleeping PCs. All that and more! Full show notes, transcriptions, audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg477 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #477 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each
In a follow up to the post show conversation from show 475, Jim works thru all the options in purchasing a new Mac. Mike and Jim talk about configurations, setup, use and then pulls the trigger. Catch all the action including some additional info on Channels, a look at Jim’s dashboards in Home Assistant and pulling the plug on Plex…well..sort of. All that and more! Full show notes, transcriptions, audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg476 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #476 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network.
After months of lots negative feedback from Sarah about Plex, Jim finally takes the recommendation of Josh and Richard at Entertainment 2.0 and tries out Channels. You might be surprised what he finds. Mike and Jim also give an update on their Unraid and Home Assistant installs and finish the show with Jim possibly buying a Mac. All that and more! Full show notes, transcriptions, audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg475 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #475 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe
Jim and Mike are back after the long holiday break with some updates on all the Christmas gadgets received this year. Jim has a new Meater+, Wine Fridge and assorted technology that was purchased for the Chia plotting and Unraid box. All that and more! Full show notes, transcriptions, audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg474 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and Mike Wieger / @WiegerTech for show #474 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live Podcast, Home Gadget Geeks,
We have Bob Buskirk and Ryan Kerschner from ThinkComputers.org are back this week as we spend some time talking about the GPU and CPU markets, Hard Drive and Solid State storage and a long look at Bob’s new 49 Inch Ultra Widescreen Monitor. If you are a Patreon Subscriber or follow the Live Channel on YouTube or now on Twitch you can see both the Pre and Post Show there! We have some discussion about CES 2021 at the end. All that and more! Full show notes, transcriptions, audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg473 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison and