The Smart Home Show: Recent Episodes
Richard Gunther and Adam Justice
Join hosts Adam Justice and Richard Gunther as they explore the smart home universe. The Smart Home Show features interviews with smart home leaders, analysis of the latest smart home news and the occasional Q and A and product review. All smart home, all the time.
Adam and Richard talk about the state of AI in the smart home, including fridges with computer vision and how Josh.ai is trying to fix voice-controlled home automation. Then, they talk about Apple's AI-related announcements at WWDC, including a huge tie-up with OpenAI ... but when, exactly, will we see this tech on all our devices?
Also on today's episode: Why Apple is playing catch up with its virtual assistant Siri, rumors of a new HomePod with a screen, and how does everyone feel about the ethics of AI content scraping, anyway?
Have questions or feedback for us? Send it to feedback@smarthome.fm.
Produced by Eric Johnson from LightningPod.fm
Mike Wolf returns! The original host of the Smart Home Show, now running The Spoon and the Smart Kitchen Summit, is back to talk with Adam and Richard about the latest and greatest food tech. That extends from robots in restaurants to home composting solutions like The Mill.
The trio also talks about how advances in AI may change our cooking and eating habits, and whether emerging technologies will be better for the environment and help reduce food waste.
Richard is moderating a panel at the Smart Kitchen Summit in June! Use “PODCAST” at checkout to get 15% off: https://www.smartkitchensummit.com/
Have questions or feedback for us? Send it to feedback@smarthome.fm.
Produced by Eric Johnson from LightningPod.fm
Adam has been testing the Kaleidescape home theater movie platform, and on our last episode, he interviewed the company's director of technical marketing, Andre Floyd. Today, Richard interviews Adam about what he's learned from using the so-called "ultimate movie platform," who should definitely use it, and who might want to think twice before investing in it.
They discuss ease of setup, movie selection, converting DVDs to digital titles, parental controls, pricing, and more. Kaleidescape provided Adam the hardware to try it out, but at the end of the interview, he explains whether or not he would pay full MSRP to have this in his home theater.
Have questions or feedback for us? Send it to feedback@smarthome.fm.
Produced by Eric Johnson from LightningPod.fm
Adam sits down with Andre Floyd, director of technical marketing at the "ultimate movie platform" Kaleidescape, to talk about his experience testing their hardware in his home theater, and what makes Kaleidescape different from other digital media solutions. It's an in-depth conversation about movies, smart home integrations, and how to get the most out of your at-home movie collection. On the next episode, Adam will share a full review of the product with Richard.
Have questions or feedback for us? Send it to feedback@smarthome.fm.
Produced by Eric Johnson from LightningPod.fm
Richard Gunther from the Smart Home Show is joined by TJ Huddleston, Seth Johnson, and Gavin Campbell from The HomeTech Podcast for Technology.FM's annual fireside chat! They reflect on 2023's developments in the smart home space — both the good and the bad — and share what they're looking forward to in 2024.
Have questions or feedback for us? Send it to feedback@smarthome.fm.
Produced by Eric Johnson from LightningPod.fm
Adam and Richard run down the smart home deals that caught their attention ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2023. That includes discounts on home entertainment products like Sonos, security solutions for the home and office, and one of Adam's favorite things, the Eight Sleep Pod Cover (use his referral link for $300 off).
They also share some important tips for getting the best deal, and not getting scammed. Plus: Is it Thanksgiving dinner, or Thanksgiving supper, and what's the difference anyway?
Have questions or feedback for us? Send it to feedback@smarthome.fm.
Produced by Eric Johnson from LightningPod.fm
While Adam has been working on his home theater, what smart home projects has Richard been up to? Today on the Smart Home Show, he talks about all of them, including security lighting, smart dimmer sensors, smart blinds, an awful touchless faucet, an expanded Sonos collection, outdoor light bars, and mesh routers.
Adam and Richard also talk about Richard's frustration with Matter, the disappointing trajectory of Nest thermostats, an “ecologically irresponsible” smart oven, their favorite movies, and a follow-up to the Amazon fall event episode with Jennifer Pattison Tuohy.
Have questions or feedback for us? Send it to feedback@smarthome.fm.
Produced by Eric Johnson from LightningPod.fm
Adam and Richard are joined by The Verge's smart home reviewer, Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, to discuss Amazon's recent fall hardware event, which focused on new and updated products for the connected home. That includes a redesigned Echo Show 8 that can become a digital photo frame (for a price); a smart home controller called the Echo Hub; and a new automatic lighting feature for Echo speakers.
The trio also discusses how both Amazon and Google are applying generative AI to their smart home products, and the most interesting news from Google's phone-centric fall event. Plus: Ex-Microsoft exec Panos Panay is moving across town to Amazon, and should you buy your kid that princess-themed Echo Pop?
Have questions or feedback for us? Send it to feedback@smarthome.fm.
Produced by Eric Johnson from LightningPod.fm
Adam and Richard share their reflections on & highlights from the 2023 CEDIA Expo in Denver, including some amazing smart drapes from Lutron, two very unusual TVs from LG, a dynamic new Android-powered media remote, and a high-end streaming media box that’s affordable for home theater cinephiles. They also tackle a listener's suggestion for getting Dolby Atmos audio on an Apple TV, and Richard shares his frustrations from trying to order a new iPhone through AT&T.
Have questions or feedback for us? Send it to feedback@smarthome.fm.
Produced by Eric Johnson from LightningPod.fm
After six months and five podcast episodes, Adam’s home theater project is finally done! Today, he recounts to Richard what he learned in the final stages of the process, including: Why you should probably get professional movers for your chairs; why one of the last steps may fill your house with hours of weird sounds; and why he decided to equip the room with an Apple TV, an Nvidia Shield, and a 4K Blu-Ray player.
Plus: What would Adam do differently if he were doing this project over again? Would he do it all over again? And other than smart home & home theater hardware, what do Adam and Richard collect for fun?
Here's the final gear list for the main theater:
- Projector: Sony VPL 7000 ES
- Speakers: Klipsch THX - 8000L - Fronts, Center, Rears and Sides and Klipsch Pro 16 RC - Atmos Speakers
- Subs: SVS 3000 In Wall Sub/Amp
- Screen: Snap AV Dragonfly Fixed Ultra AcoustiWeave - 145”
- Chairs: Valencia - Barcelona
- Light Switches: Lutron Caséta Diva Dimmer, Lutron Caséta Claro Smart Switch, Lutron Caséta Smart Accessory Switch
- Sconces: Hue Resonate
- AV Receiver: Anthem MRX 1140
- Media Playback: Apple TV 4K and Nvidia Shield Pro
- Blu Ray Player: Panasonic DP-UB9000P1K
- Gaming: Xbox Series X
- Control: Nice/ELAN
- Remote: Nice HR40 (Eventually)
- Sound/Music: Sonos Port, Sonos Amp(S), KEF DVC Speakers, and KEF Bar Surrounds
And the TV/Bar Area:
- TV: LG 77” B2 OLED
- Sound: Sonos Arc and Sonos Sub
- Power: Snap AV Wattbox
Have questions or feedback for us? Send it to feedback@smarthome.fm.
Produced by Eric Johnson from LightningPod.fm
TJ Huddleston from the HomeTech Podcast and Richard Gunther join Adam Justice at his home in Illinois to talk about the progress being made on Adam's nearly completed home theater, and the setbacks that have kept it from being totally completed. Those include getting the walls and ceiling painted, a missing part that required Adam and TJ to take a field trip to an electronics mecca, and a screen so finicky it requires millimeter-accurate measurements during setup. Plus: A few important lessons in project management and communication, and a listener question about wireless smoke detectors that work with HomeKit.
Have questions or feedback for us? Send it to feedback@smarthome.fm.
Produced by Eric Johnson from LightningPod.fm
Adam and Richard are joined once again by their panel of experts — TJ Huddleston and Seth Johnson from the HomeTech Podcast, and Cinemaworks owner Owen Maddock — to discuss all the progress that has been made on Adam's home theater construction project, which is currently running about two weeks behind.
Adam explains how they could have avoided the setback, how his plans for the projector and screen have changed, and why he decided to commit to the EL-HR40 remote control. Plus: The panel shares their unique approaches to note-taking, and a listener argues that the team has overlooked Govee's lighting solutions.
Adam and Richard are re-joined by our panel of home theater experts — TJ Huddleston and Seth Johnson from the HomeTech Podcast, and Cinemaworks owner Owen Maddock — with some updates on Adam's home theater project.
This time: What screen, projector, and speakers are right for Adam, and what should he do to get the most out of his budget? How should everything be laid out? And is HDR overrated? Plus: Other big construction projects the gang has worked on, and why one of the most important components of a good home theater setup is a plywood box.
Have questions or feedback for us? Send it to feedback@smarthome.fm.
Produced by Eric Johnson from LightningPod.fm
Adam and Richard are joined by three expert guests — TJ Huddleston and Seth Johnson from the HomeTech Podcast, and Cinemaworks owner Owen Maddock — to help Adam design and build the home theater of his dreams.
The project begins with some fundamental questions: What should the space look like? Who’s going to use it? How do you soundproof a theater? And how do you get the most out of your budget? Plus: What Adam learned from trying to help his dad set up a home theater, an important warning about what projector manufacturers claim on the box, and why you should try to buy a “forever screen.”
Have questions or feedback for us? Send it to feedback@smarthome.fm.
Produced by Eric Johnson from LightningPod.fm
They couldn't make it to Las Vegas in person this year, but Adam and Richard followed all the smart home news from CES 2023 closely. In this episode, they share the announcements that most piqued their interest, including new products from Nanoleaf, GE, Ring, and more.
They also turn their attention to some non-CES announcements from the likes of Apple, Insteon, and Eve; answer a listener question about the best basic lighting setup for an iOS user; and share what connected goodies they got for Christmas. Plus: Would you pay $130 for an app for your TV?
Have questions or feedback for us? Send it to feedback@smarthome.fm.
Produced by Eric Johnson from LightningPod.fm
Adam, Richard, and the other hosts of Technology.fm podcasts gather for their annual fireside chat, to review the biggest stories of the year.
Have questions or feedback for us? Send it to feedback@smarthome.fm.
Produced by Eric Johnson from LightningPod.fm
As the year comes to a close, Adam and Richard share their top product picks in various smart home categories. They also discuss this year's very long Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales and how to convince someone that smart locks are safe.
Here's a full list of every favorite thing discussed on this episode:
Lighting
Naonleaf Lines
Nanoleaf Essentials Lightstrip
Lighting Control
Lutron Diva Dimmer for Caséta
Leviton Decora Smart Anywhere Companion
Plugs and Outlets
ConnectSense In-Wall Outlet
Meross HomeKit smart plug
Motion Sensor
Hue (indoor and outdoor)
Window Coverings
Rollease Acmedia
Lutron Serena
Garage
Tailwind iQ3
Door Locks
Schlage Encode Plus
Yale Assure 2
Security
Ring Alarm
Ring Floodlight Cam Pro
Ring Cams
Doorbell
Ring Video Doorbell Pro
Cleaning
iRobot Roomba j7+
Audio
HomePods
Sonos Move
Sonos Arc
Video
Apple TV 4K
Fitness
Peloton Bike Plus (Use this link to save $100 http://refer.eight.sl/ybkwcazs)
Withings scale
Other
Eight Sleep Pod Cover (Use this Link to save $200 http://refer.eight.sl/ybkwcazs)
GE Opal 2.0 Nugget Ice Maker
Google Nest Hub
June oven
Have questions or feedback for us? Send it to feedback@smarthome.fm.
Produced by Eric Johnson from LightningPod.fm
Adam and Richard talk about how to get into the smart home if you rent an apartment or condo — or if you own a rental property. In the first half of the show, they talk about the lighting, locks, kitchen gadgets and more that can make your life as a renter happier without violating your lease.
And in the second half of they show, they explain what property owners need to know before tricking out their Airbnbs and long-term rental units with the latest smart home products. Plus: What is the best new product Adam and Richard have bought so far in 2022?
Have questions or feedback for us? Send it to feedback@smarthome.fm.
Produced by Eric Johnson from LightningPod.fm
Inspired by a listener's question, Adam and Richard go back to basics in this episode and explain some fundamental concepts about smart home technology. Including: What is a smart home? What's a platform? What's a standard? What's the difference between a "warm" light and a "soft" one? And how does a smart device know how to do anything?
Previously... - Insteon Goes Dark & Cloud vs. Local https://www.smarthome.fm/episodes/208-insteon - Hubs and Bridges https://www.smarthome.fm/episodes/180 via Knit
Adam and Richard brainstorm what their dream smart homes would look like, if money were no object but technology advanced in a realistic way. They discuss the ideal state of voice assistants, lighting, window treatments, security systems, A/V equipment, home robotics, and more. Also: Should you AirTag your baby? (No.) via Knit
Adam and Richard continue their discussion of Richard's recent move to a new home. Richard explains the first devices he chose to set up, why he intentionally dragged his feet on some devices, and the mistakes he made with his existing Ring and Hue accounts. He also shares some advice for installing Zigby devices that may save you a huge amount of time, and a hack he discovered for making Sonos speakers - including first-gen ones - work in a HomePod-powered home. Plus: The smart home industry's "holding pattern" as everyone waits for Matter to drop. via Knit
Smartlabs, the company behind smarthome.com and Insteon smart home products, has shuttered operations. On today's show, Adam and Richard discuss how that sudden shutdown has impacted both manufacturers and consumers, and the trade-offs of communicating locally vs. over a proprietary cloud. via Knit
Adam and Richard are back to discuss Richard's move to a new state, which required him to also decide which of his more than 100 connected devices would make the move, and which would be left behind. He talks about how he decided what would make the cut, and explains the settings that needed to be adjusted or turned off in both sets of devices, because "it's not as simple as unplug and go." Plus: The annoyances Richard ran into that device makers should learn from. via Knit
Adam and Richard catch up with Seth Johnson for the 2021 Technology.FM Fireside chat via Knit
Adam, Richard, and The Verge's Smart Home reviewer Jennifer Pattison Tuohy talk about the next-gen smart home standard Matter, previously known as Project CHIP. They explain what it is, why there's some cause for optimism that this will be the one standard to rule them all - and also who's currently missing, and what important questions have not been answered yet. They also talk about Athom's reinvented Homey platform, and settle the most important debate of all: Is candy corn bad or good? via Knit
Adam and Richard are joined by Tom Flippin from Wayne Water Systems to talk about the Basement Guardian Halo, which Wayne developed with Adam's company ConnectSense. The Halo is a smarter sump pump - a device many homeowners don't see or think about until it fails catastrophically. The trio discusses what a sump pump does, how Wayne and ConnectSense thought about the ways hooking one up to the smart home could save consumers money and stress, and who the Halo is for. Plus: Adam and Richard talk about the Apple products they bought after last week's event, and answer a question from Bob H. about outdoor motion sensors.
Buy the Basement Guardian Halo at https://www.waynepumps.com/product/basement-guardian-halo/ via Knit
Last month was Richard's annual recap, and now it's Adam's turn to talk about the smart home projects he has taken on over the past year, including the Sonos Roam, new lights and cameras from Ring, an amazing 3D printer, the Harmony Elite remote, and more of Apple's HomePod Minis. Adam also talks about his "list of shame," gadgets he has purchased and projects he has meant to start that have so far gone unattended. Plus: How do Richard and Adam feel about the new Star Wars hotel at Disney World, what are the best alternatives to the Chamberlain MyQ garage door opener? via Knit
Adam and Richard talk about all the smart home projects Richard has taken on over the past year, including several attempts to install a decorative flickering light, outdoor lighting, motion sensor switches, and outfitting his new vacation rental home. Then, Richard talks about the products he's been testing recently, including smart roller shades, the Abode Iota security system, and the Philips Smart Button. Plus: How concerned should consumers be about the privacy policies of Google, Amazon, Apple, and Facebook, and what advice do Adam and Richard have for aspiring podcasters? via Knit
Adam and Richard talk about the numerous Smart Home-adjacent announcements Apple made at WWDC21, including updates to Siri, the Home app, and HomeKit Secure Video. They also discuss the "homeOS" rumors, Apple's participation in the device standard Matter (previously known as Project CHIP), and the announcements Apple didn't make that they're disappointed are still missing. Plus: A listener question about HomeBridge. via Knit
To celebrate The Smart Home Show's 200th episode, Adam and Richard welcome back the Show's creator and original host, Mike Wolf. The trio discusses Apple's announcements from its Spring Loaded event last week, including the rainbow-colored M1 iMacs and the new 4K Apple TV. Then, they reflect on how much the smart home space has changed since Wolf started this podcast in 2014, and they predict how it will continue to evolve in the near future. via Knit
This week Adam & Richard welcome back Dan Seifert from The Verge to talk all about the Video Doorbells! They discuss some of the high-end models as well as what they would like to see in this category in the future. via Knit
This week Adam & Richard are joined by Rob Martens from Allegion, they catch up on what Allegion is up to in the Smart Home space as well as talk about the future of the smart home and what's holding us back from realizing its full potential. via Knit
Adam & Richard talk about Wink's recent issues as well as their troubled past and give some suggestions of what listeners might want to use to replace it. via Knit
Adam & Richard catch up to talk about virtual CES 2021 and what the trends were that surrounded this years show. via Knit
On this 2020 edition of the Holiday Fireside chat Adam & Richard are joined again by two special guests, Seth Johnson & Jason Griffing hosts of the HomeTech Podcast. Everyone shares their unique perspectives on the biggest stores in Smart Home this year as well as sharing their predictions for what 2021 holds. via Knit
Adam & Richard catch up with our old friend Mike Wolf to talk about all things Smart Kitchen and what has been going on in that space. via Knit
Adam & Richard talk about the newly announced HomePod Mini as well as discuss what they did to prep their homes for vacation. via Knit
Adam & Richard talk about two new ConnectSense products that were recently released as well as about all the new products announced by Amazon, Ring and Eero via Knit
Adam & Richard are joined by Executive Director of the Z-Wave alliance Mitch Klein to talk about the state of Z-Wave and where it is headed via Knit
Adam & Richard are joined by Youtuber Eric Welander to discuss Homebridge and HOOBS via Knit
Adam & Richard revisit what smart home technology Adam uses in his own home and what's changed since we talked about this last via Knit
Adam & Richard revisit what smart home technology Richard uses in his own home and what's changed since they talked about this last year. via Knit
Looking back at Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference, we have a clear draft winner! Apple introduced some nice HomeKit enhancements, including new features for lighting, cameras, and Apple TV devices. via Knit
Adam & Richard participate in their third annual competition predicting what will take place next week at WWDC. Each draft HomeKit and related technologies and discuss what they think will be announced at WWDC 2020. See SmartHome.FM for show notes and the full list of picks. via Knit
Adam & Richard dive deep into the three major smart home digital assistant platforms and talk about their capabilities, intricacies, technologies, and differences. via Knit
Adam & Richard revisit some of the subjects discussed over the last year of hosting The Smart Home Show. Additionally, they discuss how COVID-19 may affect the smart home industry. via Knit
Adam & Richard talk about Smart Switches vs Bulbs, the different types of each and scenarios where you want to use each. Additionally they discuss how they use these in their own homes and what they typically recommend to others. via Knit
Adam & Richard talk about ideas for improving your smart home while spending a little extra time at home. They also discuss some of the smart home projects they are planning on taking on in the coming weeks. via Knit
Adam & Richard discuss Hubs and bridges, the difference between the two and how they are used in the smart home space. Additionally they debate the pros and cons of using bridges and hubs. via Knit
Adam and Richard join Dan Vincent and Jake Pugh from Icon Garden plus Zac Hall from 9to5Mac for a roundtable discussion on the state of HomeKit. via Knit
Adam & Richard welcome special guest Josh Clark to discuss smart home product end of life and the saga going on lately with Sonos via Knit
Adam & Richard talk live from the show floor at CES 2020 about some of their favorite things that they saw at the show as well as some of the trends seen at CES this year. via Knit
Adam & Richard join the hosts of Hometech.FM for the fifth annual Technology.FM Fireside Chat. What were the most important stories of 2019, and what are they all most looking forward to in 2020? via Knit
Adam & Richard discuss ConnectSense's new Smart In-Wall Outlet, digging into the origins of the product and its features as well as discussing the process of launching a smart home product via Knit
Adam & Richard discuss common Smart Home issues and how to troubleshoot them as well as tips and tricks for keeping your smart home working optimally. via Knit
Adam & Richard discuss smart home device pricing including a discussion on new low cost hardware providers as well as a deep discussion on what makes up the cost of a smart home device. via Knit
Adam & Richard welcome special guest Dan Seifert from the Verge to talk all about Amazons fall event and all the new hardware and services announced. via Knit
Adam & Richard discuss CEDIA 2019 and an exciting new technology with interesting uses in the smart home. via Knit
Adam & Richard discuss the professional and DIY markets for smart home products. via Knit
Adam & Richard are joined by special guest Steve Sanders to talk about Adam & Steves recent visit to Mountain View for the Google Smart Home Summit. via Knit
Adam & Richard discuss what devices Adam has currently in his smart home that he uses in his every day life. via Knit
Adam & Richard discuss what devices Richard has currently in his smart home that he uses in his every day life. via Knit
Adam & Richard discuss what's going on in the outdoors with smart home products for irrigation and lighting.
Links: https://homekittalk.co/join/ via Knit
Adam & Richard Discuss Point players vs Ecosystem plays as well as who is winning in the Smart Home.
Show Links:: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pocket_Rockers via Knit
Adam Justice and Richard Gunther are joined by special guest Rene Ritchie from iMore to discuss all the HomeKit related announcements at WWDC 2019. Topics include: -HomeKit Secure Video -Privacy & Security -HomeKit Enabled Routers -HomeKit & Catalyst/Marzipan -Automation Improvements, HomeKit + Shortcuts -Automating HomePod/AirPlay 2
Show Links: CNet HomeKit WWDC 2019 Coverage https://www.cnet.com/news/apple-homekit-security-features-come-routers-cameras-wwdc-2019
HomeKit Router UI via KhaosT on Twitter https://twitter.com/KhaosT/status/1135828579931967488/
Adam's MegaThread of new Home App UI https://twitter.com/adamjustice/status/1135665099065061376?s=21
HomeKit Automations in Shortcuts via Aaron Pearce on twitter https://twitter.com/aaron_pearce/status/1135683314184929280?s=21 via Knit
Adam Justice and Richard Gunther prepare for Apple's annual World Wide Developer Conference (WWDC) with a review of the history and current state of HomeKit. How has it evolved over the five years (five years!) since it was first introduced, where can it stand to improve, and how do Adam and Richard think Apple will enhance it this year? Will we see state-of-the-art improvements to Siri? Will HomePod become more useful? Will Marzipan ruin Mac apps?
These topics and other rumors make for some great discussion this week. But they'll also get the real scoop after the conference, when Adam and Richard follow up with the next episode, recorded on site at WWDC.
Show Links
- Apple to Reveal New Home-Grown Apps, Software Features at WWDC
- Amazon's Ring may soon release doorbell and camera HomeKit support after years of promises
- The Connected Home Show #4: WWDC 2018 HomeKit Draft
- HomeKit Talk Slack
- Aaron Pierce's apps
via Knit
-Google Home Hub https://store.google.com/us/product/google_nest_hub?hl=en-US -Nest Hub Max https://store.google.com/us/product/google_nest_hub_max?hl=en-US -New Branding Google Nest -New Device Google Nest Hub Max -Added Built in Nest Cam -Gesture Recognition -Bigger display -Person recognition -Better Speakers - Sub built in -$229
-State of where things are at with Google Assistant in the Smart Home Space today -Playing catchup to Amazon but investing heavily and moving fast -Heavy investment in CES -More integrations with more vendors -How many devices in Adam's home are integrated -What's missing? -No ring - feels glaring https://www.techhive.com/article/3332143/rings-founder-says-hes-open-to-working-with-google-assistant.html -No Moen (Announced) / No Delta Faucet support, either -No TiVo -No Rachio -Schlage - has integration but can't run simultaneously with HomeKit -Very quick response time -Voice understanding is good -Wake word
-Robotic John Legend -State reporting requirement -Feels like moving towards something bigger -Model for creating new types of devices -Have worked with all 3 major ecosystems now in adding new device types -Apple has device types they need to create and release -Amazon has new model for this called Alexa Primitives https://developer.amazon.com/blogs/alexa/post/acf7689b-f118-469e-b452-0c4da8d3e61a/new-alexa-smart-home-developer-tools-enable-seamless-voice-control-of-any-device-and-any-feature -Great talk about this at ReInvent last year https://youtu.be/KQuMrfePbDQ -Google has an almost Lego like approach to this, where they have created all the pieces and you can put them together in a way to represent your device -Much more extensible -Requires less time and work from them via Knit