Years ago, I was a SimpliSafe proponent. However, as the smart home landscape has evolved, the SimpliSafe security system has remained mired in the past — both in business practices and technologically, without even the most basic of ecosystem interoperability. Which led me to Ring Alarm and broad Alexa capabilities, such as my contact sensor routine … Read more
I can say in all honestly that I’ve waited literally decades for this moment. For the first time ever, Olympics coverage in the US finally makes sense. No need to juggle a dozen channels and time zone differences whilst awaiting broadcasters holding back content for prime time. I ended up a Peacock subscriber as my … Read more
Nearly two years ago, streaming TV pioneer Roku expanded into the smart home … with a questionable partner in Wyze. Now, by way of the FCC, we see Roku potentially reducing their smart home dependence and risk by engaging Leedarson for new indoor and outdoor camera hardware vs once again leaning on Wyze’s typical manufacturing … Read more
The Amazon Echo Dot Clock is no more. As reported by The Verge, “once inventory of this generation Echo Dot with Clock is sold through it will not be restocked.” I can say with certainty that the primary reason my family has not yet abandoned Alexa, amidst ongoing privacy concerns and features moving behind paywalls, … Read more
Jawbone is returning from the dead (again). Prior ownership, Aliph, is most notable for expanding relatively staid Bluetooth accessories into new markets with some panache and technological advancements under Jawbone and Jambox branding. But the company is also memorable for its rapid unscheduled disassembly, to borrow an aeronautical term, due to overinflated valuation alongside an … Read more
On the topic of homegrown software platforms, TiVo-powered television sets have finally begun shipping overseas. From Xperi’s quarterly call: Within Media Platform, we’re pleased to share that Vestel has begun shipping smart TVs powered by TiVo onto the JVC brand to retailers initially in the Czech Republic. Production is now underway for additional brands with expected … Read more
Earlier this month, Janko Roettgers reported that Amazon has been preparing to transition much of its hardware lineup from Android to a home-grown, web-centric Linux variant that goes by the name Vega OS. However, the future is NOW… as Vega OS has been hiding in plain sight on the 3rd gen Echo Show 5. The … Read more
LG just dropped a bombshell on the FCC, as they pull ATSC 3.0 support due to patent licensing challenges. While this country has thrived on fruitful public+private technological partnerships that benefit all parties, including serving the greater good, ATSC 3.0 is not that. And hopefully the FCC backs off this nonsense (including facilitating deployment of … Read more