Stacey Higginbotham (formerly Sr. Editor at Fortune) and co-host Kevin Tofel discuss the latest news and analysis of the Internet of Things. Covers Consumer IoT, Industrial IoT and Enterprise IoT. Guests include Vint Cerf, Om Malik, and people from Amazon.com, AT&T, IBM Watson and more.
This is the final episode of The Internet of Things Podcast, and to send us off after eight years, we don’t discuss the big news of the day such as Arm’s planned IPO, a new display option from Brilliant, or new gear from Leviton. Instead we share our reasons for stepping back from the show, and where we’re heading next. Also, because everyone wants some new podcasts or IoT news options, we share some of our favorite resources. On the podcast side, I sometimes listen to the Mr. Beacon Show or The IoT Podcast. We also read The Verge, TechHive, The Ambient, and The Journal of Innovation published by the Industrial IoT Consortium. We both stop in at r/smarthome and r/homeautomation on Reddit, and I’ll read anything by James Blackman over at RCR Wireless for industrial IoT news. I also check out the Axios Pro Rata newsletter from Dan Primack to see fundings and sales, and subscribe to Target is New by Iskander Smit for thoughtful takes on IoT, AI, and design. There are many other options out there, but we didn’t want to make our goodbye episode any longer. To close out the show we answered our last listener question on what we think makes a complete smart home and our thoughts on future innovation that will keep the industry moving forward.
After we started the show full-time in 2016, I never had matching light switches again. Image courtesy of S. Higginbotham.
Our guest this week is Jennifer Pattison Tuohy from The Verge. I’ve known Jenn for almost a decade from her work covering the smart home for a variety of publications. She is smart, tries everything she writes about, and has the history in covering technology to see the bigger picture. She’s on the show to talk about where the smart home is today, the state of Matter, and what business models are likely to work for connected home devices. She gives us some insights into some cool things the Connectivity Standards Alliance is planning, her thoughts about smart home infrastructure versus devices, and even shares her current smart home setup. It’s the perfect note on which to end the show.
Hosts: Stacey Higginbotham and Kevin Tofel Guest: Jennifer Pattison Tuohy from The Verge
The Masonite smart door is on sale at Home Depot. Image courtesy of Masonite.
Our guest this week is Mariusz Malkowski, founder and CTO of Trident IoT, who tells us about the company’s origin and what it means for the Z-Wave community. He also explains how Matter will work with Z-Wave, and the importance of bridging between the two standards. We discuss the future of Z-Wave, including the plans for Z-Wave Long Range and planned security upgrades. We then cover how Trident is going to build Z-Wave chips, but also how it will focus on building or integrating other smart home radio protocols into devices, and will act as a Z-Wave certification house as well. Enjoy the show.
Hosts: Stacey Higginbotham and Kevin Tofel Guests: Mariusz Malkowski, founder and CTO of Trident IoT Sponsors: Skyhawk
David Limp’s departure from Amazon inspires a smart home reckoning
Are expensive doors and compost services the future of the connected devices?
The Homey Pro is an expensive hub with privacy in mind
Why a new chipmaker could boost the Z-Wave standard
Trident IoT is building a new type of chip company
Episode 435: How Honeywell is approaching TinyML
Aug 10, 2023
This week we make a big announcement about the podcast and newsletter. Get ready! Then we talk about the issues with Matter and who’s to blame. We lay out the challenges that both we and The Verge have highlighted with Thread credentialing, and talk about uneven device support. It’s a mess. Other messy topics include the prospect of hacked radiation sensors in Chernobyl, as reported by Kim Zetter. Then we get chippy, discussing the new RISC-V company that Qualcomm, NXP, Infineon, and others are backing, and the proposed sale of an IoT module business to Renesas. A drone startup is building an on-demand drone network that looks like a satellite network, and we have thoughts. We also discuss Kevin’s experience and reaction to our audience’s comments on his transition to Home Assistant. Then, we highlight some tips to help you prep your home ahead of smart energy management programs. Finally, we answer a listener question about the Amazon Echo Show and devices that might work with it.
Home Assistant energy monitoring. Image courtesy of K. Tofel
Our guest this week is Muthu Sabarethinam, VP AI/ML product and services with Honeywell, who is on the show to talk about TinyML. We start off discussing how Honeywell is thinking about using data from equipment to build services, and then segue into talking about how Honeywell might use TinyML located on sensors. Sabarethinam explains the reasons Honeywell wants algorithms that can run directly on a sensor, and how it will help with security, power, and latency. He also shares his thoughts on how companies should package their algorithms to make it easier to deploy TinyML at scale. For perspective, Honeywell supports more than a million sensors in the field that could all use TinyML. We conclude by talking about business models and how customers want to access data. It’s a great show.
Hosts: Stacey Higginbotham and Kevin Tofel Guest: Muthu Sabarethinam, VP AI/ML product and services with Honeywell Sponsors: Wilderness Labs and Skyhawk
We’re hitting pause on the podcast later this month
Sensors can lie, so how should we offset that risk?
Why RISC-V is getting so much love
Why Honeywell wants local AI on industrial sensors
How to think about building AI sensors that can scale
Episode 434: So many new hubs, and a primer on LPWANs
Aug 03, 2023
This week’s show kicks off with a surprising revelation from Kevin, who has decided to swap out his smart home platform. He explains his choice, which also may represent a theme of sorts, as we see more and more high-end smart home hubs hit the market. We discuss the HOOBS Pro device and the Homey Pro, both of which cram a bunch of different radios into one powerful box. Then we talk about California’s Privacy Protection Agency and its decision to investigate how connected car companies are using consumers’ data. Do connected car companies violate California’s 2018 privacy law? After that we dig into a new report about the troubles facing OT and IT security professionals, and marvel over a water-soluble PCB board that might help address some of the challenges associated with e-waste. The board isn’t destined for large scale production or IoT devices yet, but we applaud any effort to bring more easily recycled electronics to the market. Finally, we hear from Signify’s CEO that the maker of Philips Hue devices is planning a video camera for a home security offering. We close the first segment with a pair of comments from our listeners responding to last week’s question about turning off lights using a sensor.
Infineon is testing out a water-soluble PCB board. Image courtesy of Infineon.
Our guest this week is Alexis Susset, the CTO of UnaBiz. He’s on the show to explain the value of Low-Power Wide-Area networks and Unabiz’s plans to offer many LPWANs under one roof. He shares how the acquisition of Sigfox’s assets last year helped give Unabiz the credibility it needed to create deals with other LPWAN providers to share their networks. He also does a deep dive into the pros and cons of various available LPWAN technologies such as Sigfox, LoRaWAN, and cellular. Finally, we talk about the rise of satellite networks for IoT devices and whether or not we’ll need any more LPWAN technologies in the near future. Enjoy the show.
Hosts: Stacey Higginbotham and Kevin Tofel Guests: Alex Susset, the CTO of UnaBiz Sponsors: Wilderness Labs and Skyhawk
Kevin switches to Home Assistant, and even his wife likes it
Hubs are back, baby
Criminals are still hacking enterprise networks and critical infrastructure
How Sigfox helped UnaBiz make deals with other LPWAN providers
Why IoT devices might benefit from specialized satellite
Episode 433: Tracking air quality with the IoT
Jul 27, 2023
This week we didn’t see a ton of news, yet we managed to talk about several big trends in IoT. We started with an update on Amazon’s planned acquisition of iRobot, and Amazon dropping the price by 15%. We explain why and then decided to explain in depth why we need the planned cybersecurity labeling plan for connected devices because so many people asked me why we need this. We then talk about Unabiz creating a partnership with Semtech to bring Sigfox technology into the Semtech network. Then we talk about insurance companies using data gleaned from drones, satellite photos, and IoT devices and how that may hurt consumers, as insurance companies try to cancel policies in risky areas. This is where climate change, the IoT, and data privacy will all intersect in ways that will harm consumers. We then ponder what will happen with Google displays as the company pulls back from its Fuchsia OS, and how a smart home reporter’s broken HVAC system made her realize the limits of the smart home. Finally, we answer a listener question about using a motion detector to make sure kids turn off their lights.
The PurpleAir Zen works both indoors and outdoors and costs $299. Image courtesy of PurpleAir.
Our guest this week is Adrian Dybwad, CEO and founder of PurpleAir, which makes a line of air quality sensors. As we head into wildfire season here on the West Coast, air quality data is becoming more important for people. For example, I turn regularly to PurpleAir data from the app, its web site, or on my Google display to see if I should go outside for a run or hold off. Dybwad and I talk about why the company was created, and how the air sensors are helping communities lobby for positive policy changes that can improve air quality. We also talk about how to think about connected devices contributing to citizen science, and why having a lot of sensors can mitigate concerns over accuracy. We spend a lot of time on how air quality sensors work and how to place them optimally as well. Enjoy the show.
Hosts: Stacey Higginbotham and Kevin Tofel Guest: Adrian Dybwad, CEO and founder of PurpleAir Sponsors: Wilderness Labs and Skyhawk
Why Amazon cut the price for Roomba maker, iRobot
Why you (and everyone else) should care about secure IoT devices
The U.S. Cyber Trust Mark could indicate that your next IoT device meets select security requirements. Image courtesy of the FCC.
Our guest this week is Steve Hanna, a distinguished engineer at Infineon and the chair of the security working group at the Connectivity Standards Alliance. He’s on the show to tell us more about the need for a voluntary, government cybersecurity mark for devices, and explain why developing such a mark is so difficult. We talk about the FCC’s role in managing the program, the time frame for a mark, and how the government plans to think about keeping up with the always-changing security landscape. We also discuss how Infineon’s customers are changing their views about IoT security labels, and how the mark relates to work done by the Arm’s PSA security standard and the security elements that are part of the Matter standard. It’s a good interview, made better by the fact that Hanna sounds just like Mr. Rogers.
Hosts: Stacey Higginbotham and Kevin Tofel Guest: Steve Hanna, a distinguished engineer at Infineon Sponsors: Wilderness Labs and Particle
Why we want a U.S. Cyber Trust Mark for consumer devices
What happened to this smart BBQ controller?
Leviton embraces Matter for its switches
Badges, QR codes, and building a layered mark for cybersecurity
Where will privacy fit into any security mark or standard?
Episode 431: Why Josh.ai added ChatGPT to the home
Jul 13, 2023
This week on the show, Kevin and I start off talking about some of the Roku gear I’ve been playing with for the last week. We discuss the gear and the subscription plans and how they compare with what else is on the market, before moving on to talk about Latch laying off 59% of its workforce in preparation for what I suspect will be a pivot from access control to a services business aimed at folks living in luxury apartments. After that, we share some tales of civil disobedience from San Francisco, where activists are placing traffic cones on top of self-driving vehicles to halt them in their tracks. Then we devote the rest of our time to novel sensors and platforms for sensing, starting with research showing that seven days of smart watch data can predict Parkinson’s, and research on a wearable for people with epilepsy that can predict seizures. We also cover funding for Pano, a camera platform that uses computer vision to “see” fires in remote locations, and a sensing platform called Nami raising $10 million in Series A financing. There’s also a new sensing device called the Nano Computer from Nodle that combines a few sensors, an Arm M-0 microcontroller, a Bluetooth radio, and a printed battery in a device that should cost about $3 per device at shipments above 100,000 devices. Finally, we answer a listener question about the Aqara FP2 presence sensor and security.
Nodle has shown off a design for a cheap, battery-powered sensor package. Image courtesy of Nodle.
Our guest this week is Alex Capecelatro, CEO and co-founder of Josh.ai, who returns to the show to talk about Josh.ai adding generative AI to the company’s voice platform. We get a lesson in Josh.ai’s history and why it decided to build a voice interface for the home even after Apple, Amazon, and other big companies launched their own products. Then he explains how Josh.ai added ChatGPT to its platform and the steps it took to help customers understand the limitations of the service. We talk about why it’s useful and how customers are using it so far. Since every company in the smart home space is contemplating the role generative AI will play in their products, this is an essential listen.
Hosts: Stacey Higginbotham and Kevin Tofel Guest: Alex Capecelatro, CEO and co-founder of Josh.ai Sponsors: Blynk and Particle
Who is the Roku smart home for?
Latch cleaned house before Jamie Siminoff takes over
The most innovative element in the IoT is new sensing technology
What Josh.ai learned when adding generative AI to its voice platform
Practical thoughts on privacy for voice assistants and generative AI
The Swarm Tile hardware won’t be sold anymore, but is still supported … for now. Image courtesy of Swarm.
Our guest this week is JJ Lechleiter, SVP and general manager of PTC’s Vuforia business, discussing another kind of wearable — headsets. Lechleiter has been building augmented and mixed reality software for years, and shared whether he thinks the introduction of Apple’s Vision Pro headset will change the adoption of mixed reality, augmented reality, and virtual reality in manufacturing operations. He also shares different use cases where AR and VR are already in use and explains the various reasons one might use one over the other. Lechleiter discusses different headsets already on the market and shares some thoughts about how AI, IoT, and AR will get used in day-to-day manufacturing. It’s a good show.
Hosts: Stacey Higginbotham and Kevin Tofel Guest: JJ Lechleiter, of PTC’s Vuforia business Sponsors: Blynk and Particle
Why wouldn’t Apple make a hearing aid?
Is Humane the future tech that moves us beyond the smartphone?
Swarm stops selling its VHF satellite hardware
Can Apple move the needle on mixed reality in manufacturing?
Josh.ai’s new generative AI model can answer many more questions than a traditional home assistant. And it can still turn on the lights. Image courtesy of Josh.ai.
Our guest this week is Scott Ford, the CEO of Pepper. Pepper recently teamed up with Embedded Insurance to create an add-on cyber insurance policy that Pepper can offer through its partnerships with service providers and consumer device makers. Pepper provides a smart home application and service for other businesses, for example providing a smart home interface for an ISP or providing cloud storage services for a connected camera maker. Much like adding on cloud storage can generate extra revenue, adding cyber insurance or other insurance policies can generate money. So customers of Pepper’s customers may soon get a notification asking if they want to pay $5 for cyber insurance that will offset some of the costs of identity theft, cyberbullying, cyber extortion, and more. Ford talks about the cyber insurance product and about how connected devices are changing the way that insurers market their products, and how they assess risk. Honestly, that risk assessment is both exciting and a little bit scary. Enjoy the show.
Hosts: Stacey Higginbotham and Janko Roettgers, creator of the Lowpass newsletter Guest: Scott Ford, the CEO of Pepper Sponsors: Blynk and Particle
Does Roku really want to build a smart home OS or just sell more gear?
Josh.ai brings generative AI to smart homes, and it’s nice
Nanoleaf’s 4-D screen mirror tech is pretty cool
Why your smart camera maker may soon offer you insurance
How connected devices change the way insurance is sold … and priced
This week’s guest is Ran Roth, CEO and co-founder of Sensibo, a maker of smart HVAC controllers. The add-on devices connect to window units, mini splits and other A/C and heating units that use IR controllers. We talk about smart energy and the road the company has taken since its founding in 2014. But most of our conversation focuses on how Sensibo is using ChatGPT to improve the user experience with its devices. Roth also hints at other potential use cases for ChatGPT that are less intuitive, and explains how he thinks the availability of large language models will help companies that have access to them use their data more easily. He likens it to the shift that Amazon’s cloud computing had on innovation after AWS launched cloud computing (EC2) in 2006. He then talks about what he’s learned so far and the concerns people have around AI and privacy. It’s a good show.
Hosts: Stacey Higginbotham and Kevin Tofel Guest: Ran Roth, CEO and co-founder of Sensibo Sponsors: Blynk and Particle
As expected, Google’s Pixel tablet isn’t a major improvement for the smart home
Better energy harvesting from Dracula sucks more power from light
Broadcom’s chips could lead to smartphones with Zigbee or Thread
How Sensibo is using ChatGPT to parse a lot of data
What Sensibo has learned about using generative AI
Episode 427: What it takes to put LTE on the moon
Jun 15, 2023
We start this week’s show with a review of DeviceScript, a limited subset of the TypeScript programming language, built by Microsoft to bring a more modern programming option to connected device programing. Kevin downloaded the code and tried it out on a simulated device and shares his thoughts. Also in programming news, Google released a … Continue reading Episode 427: What it takes to put LTE on the moon
Episode 426: Our take on Apple’s Vision Pro and fixes for bad air
Jun 08, 2023
It may not surprise anyone, but Kevin and I have thoughts on Apple’s Vision Pro mixed reality headset that we’re sharing with y’all. We also lay out some details about changes to Apple’s various operating systems and services that relate to Siri and the smart home. Google also added Matter support for its Home app … Continue reading Episode 426: Our take on Apple’s Vision Pro and fixes for bad air
Episode 425: Smarter grocery stores are coming
Jun 01, 2023
Krogers and Walmart are both expanding various IoT devices to more of their stores as part of a larger shift in how connectivity and intelligence will change how we shop. Walmart is deploying electronic shelf labels in 500 stores while Kroger is installing Cooler Screens’ connected refrigerator doors that replace the glass doors with a … Continue reading Episode 425: Smarter grocery stores are coming
Episode 424: Trust, AI, and the economy drive IoT conversations
May 25, 2023
This week’s show is live from Dallas as I attend the Parks Associates Connections smart home event, so I start out discussing some of the themes I’ve seen so far, including the growing importance of data privacy, local processing and generative AI. We also talk about the five-year-anniversary of the General Data Protection Regulation in … Continue reading Episode 424: Trust, AI, and the economy drive IoT conversations
Episode 423: Why Wemo is a no go for us
May 18, 2023
We start this week’s show with a conversation about Latch, the company that is acquiring Jamie Siminoff’s stealth startup. Siminoff, who also founded Ring, left Amazon (which had acquired Ring in 2018) this week ahead of the planned deal. He will become the CEO of Latch after the deal closes. Then we discuss Google I/O … Continue reading Episode 423: Why Wemo is a no go for us
Episode 422: The Pixel tablet is a smart home let down
May 11, 2023
Google launched a new tablet and dock at the Google I/O event Wednesday, and Kevin and I share our thoughts on how it might fit in with a smart home. Will it replace your Nest Smart Displays? We also share some of the updates expected in the new Google Home app before moving on to … Continue reading Episode 422: The Pixel tablet is a smart home let down
Episode 421: Amazon adds Thread and beefs up Alexa
May 04, 2023
Amazon has turned on the Thread-capabilities inside its Echo devices so they can support the Matter smart home interoperability standard in its totality, so Kevin and I talk about what that will and won’t do for smart home users. It’s also the moment I give up on my dreams for the Matter specification. We also … Continue reading Episode 421: Amazon adds Thread and beefs up Alexa
Episode 420: First impressions of the new Aqara mmWave sensor
Apr 27, 2023
This week we start the show with my first impressions of the Aqara FP2 mmWave sensor. This $83 sensor can detect multiple people in a room, light settings, and falls. It’s also one of the first presence sensors that uses radar to detect people as opposed to interruptions in infrared light. (The newest Ecobee thermostat … Continue reading Episode 420: First impressions of the new Aqara mmWave sensor
Episode 419: Little sensors save big amounts of water
Apr 20, 2023
This week’s show has lots of updates and small updates. We start off with a story about a golf course near San Diego that has saved millions of gallons of water using connected soil sensors. And then we review what changed with Zigbee PRO 2023 and cover the NIST efforts to create practical framework for … Continue reading Episode 419: Little sensors save big amounts of water
Episode 418: Why is the smart home still so terrible?
Apr 13, 2023
This week’s show is full of both good news and bad news, starting with Google apparently dropping software update support for third-party smart displays. We question Google’s commitment to the smart home, even though the good news from Google is that it has released more capabilities to control new device types — a bit of … Continue reading Episode 418: Why is the smart home still so terrible?
Episode 417: We need a standard for aging in place
Apr 06, 2023
This week’s podcast is focused on IoT infrastructure, with our first conversation explaining the upcoming 6G cellular connectivity standard. After that, we discuss sales of IoT connectivity chips and modules, and the leaders in each category before moving on to low-power wide area network news from Unabiz, which is open sourcing the code for Sigfox. … Continue reading Episode 417: We need a standard for aging in place
Episode 416: What the heck is an IoT hyperscaler?
Mar 30, 2023
With this week’s show I feel like we’re singing the same old tune. Philips Hue maker Signify is delaying its implementation of Matter while it waits for others to implement features it needs. Meanwhile Eve has started selling plugs that are Matter-ready from the get go, and will sell new Matter-ready contact and motion sensors … Continue reading Episode 416: What the heck is an IoT hyperscaler?
Episode 415: Making meaning from Matter product delays
Mar 23, 2023
This week’s show starts off with our take on Belkin deciding to hold off on releasing Matter products, and an update on Matter plans from other vendors including Wyze and Yale. We also talk about Nanoleaf’s new Matter-compatible Essentials bulbs and lights strips. We try to explain why Matter is still frustrating to use and … Continue reading Episode 415: Making meaning from Matter product delays
Episode 414: How generative AI could help the IoT
Mar 16, 2023
We kick off this week’s show with a focus on generative AI and what new models such as GPT-4 and even things like Stable Diffusion could mean for the internet of things. Along the way we disagree with an article trying to compare digital assistants such as Siri with ChatGPT, and highlight some of the … Continue reading Episode 414: How generative AI could help the IoT
Episode 413: Cranes, trains, and cybersecurity
Mar 09, 2023
This week’s podcast kicks off with a story about the Pentagon’s fears over a Chinese-connected crane maker and its prevalence in U.S. ports. The Pentagon and others focused on national security question whether or not ZPMC, the maker of these cranes, could gather intelligence or cause work stoppages using sensors and motors connected to the … Continue reading Episode 413: Cranes, trains, and cybersecurity
Episode 412: Playing with ChatGPT on Home Assistant
Mar 02, 2023
Details about how the U.S. government plans to disperse $39 billion in funding for chips was announced this week, so we discuss the details and what the funds mean for the IoT. Mobile World Congress took place in Barcelona this week, and amid the news about 5G networks there were several IoT-related bits worth mentioning … Continue reading Episode 412: Playing with ChatGPT on Home Assistant
Episode 411: IoT is ready to tackle data privacy
Feb 23, 2023
The Connectivity Standards Alliance is back in the news this week with the launch of a new working group focused on data privacy, which we’re super pumped about. Also in privacy news, Tile has released a new anti-stalking feature that requires users to register their tags and fines them if they use it for bad … Continue reading Episode 411: IoT is ready to tackle data privacy
Episode 410: Inside the CSA’s plan for health device interoperability
Feb 16, 2023
This week’s show starts off with news from the Connectivity Standards Alliance as Kevin and I talk about the new Health and Wellness Working Group. Then we discuss some of the challenges that people face trying to use Matter devices across multiple platforms. It’s not seamless or easy yet. Also on difficult things, we discuss … Continue reading Episode 410: Inside the CSA’s plan for health device interoperability
Episode 409: ChatGPT takes on the smart home
Feb 09, 2023
This week’s show kicks off with our hopes for privacy in the wake of President Biden calling out tech firms during his State of The Union address. Biden was focused more on targeted ads and protecting children, but children’s’ data gets swept up in smart home devices as well, so there’s a chance. We then … Continue reading Episode 409: ChatGPT takes on the smart home
Episode 408: Hacking sensors and securing medical devices
Feb 02, 2023
This week’s show starts with an overview of the reviews for the new second generation HomePod and a deep dive into the security mess that Anker has made with its Eufy smart home cameras. We then dig into some earnings from IoT chip providers NXP and Silicon Labs, before discussing some new ideas to use … Continue reading Episode 408: Hacking sensors and securing medical devices
Episode 407: Does the IoT mean the end of privacy?
Jan 26, 2023
This week’s show kicks off with a discussion about Carnegie Mellon’s research into detecting people’s movements through walls using Wi-Fi. As part of the discussion we also talk about the use of stick figures to protect privacy and how little trust consumers have in companies when it comes to the use of their data. That … Continue reading Episode 407: Does the IoT mean the end of privacy?
This week’s show kicks off with a discussion of Apple’s new HomePod, which has some cool machine learning capabilities and new sensors built into it, plus a higher price tag than most smart speakers. Then we talk about a survey out of the UK that asked 119 appliance makers about their plans to continue updating … Continue reading Episode 406: Return of the HomePod
Episode 405: More CES trends including wireless power
Jan 12, 2023
Want to bring an IoT company back from the dead? Or understand the technical and business challenges associated with building an IoT product? Then this story by Kevin Chung is for you. Kevin and I have left CES 2023 behind, but we had plenty of of things to talk about on this week’s show, starting … Continue reading Episode 405: More CES trends including wireless power
Episode 404: CES has more Matter and many voices
Jan 05, 2023
Kevin and I are at CES 2023 this week and eager for the show floor to open to see all of the new and crazy gear. But before we see the show floor, we had to slog through the planned news and media events, which we’re talking about in this week’s show. Matter is everywhere … Continue reading Episode 404: CES has more Matter and many voices
Episode 403: Matter upgrades aren’t ready for prime time
Dec 22, 2022
We tried Matter for the first time late last week, and have a lot to share with our listeners about what we and other journalists learned through the process. The early verdict is that most people should not update for a while because the process is tedious at best and downright frustrating at worst. But … Continue reading Episode 403: Matter upgrades aren’t ready for prime time
Episode 402: Google begins its Matter roll out
Dec 15, 2022
This week’s show is a celebration of Matter actually hitting devices, with Google announcing its Matter roll out and Eve allowing users to update its devices to Matter as well. We’re super excited to play with Matter, and you’ll read more about in the newsletter or hear us chat about it next week. We also … Continue reading Episode 402: Google begins its Matter roll out
Episode 401: Two big smart home deals explained
Dec 08, 2022
The end of the year is a busy time for M&A as companies rush to get deals done before the start of a new tax year, and this week the smart home sector saw Assa Abloy sell its Yale and August smart lock and some other brands to Fortune Brands for $800 million. We explain … Continue reading Episode 401: Two big smart home deals explained
Episode 400: How to pronounce IKEA’s Dirigera hub
Dec 01, 2022
This week’s show starts off with a review of news from AWS Re:Invent which is happening now in LAs Vegas. We cover the general availability of support for the latest version of the MQTT messaging protocol, the launch of LoRaWAN and other connectivity technologies as part of AWS Device Location services, and there will be … Continue reading Episode 400: How to pronounce IKEA’s Dirigera hub
Episode 399: Alexa’s drama and our holiday gift guide
Nov 24, 2022
The biggest news in the internet of things this week was the staggering story about Amazon’s Alexa business being responsible for the majority of an estimated $10 billion loss in the year ahead. So Kevin and I discuss what Amazon pulling back on Alexa might look like and what it means for voice and the … Continue reading Episode 399: Alexa’s drama and our holiday gift guide
Episode 398: Bluetooth bets on 6 GHz and TP-Link hops on Wi-Fi 7
Nov 17, 2022
Amazon has started laying off workers, including some working on Alexa and in Amazon’s devices business. We discuss this as well as IBM following in Google’s footsteps and shutting down its IoT cloud business. We move from bad news to innovation with the news that the Bluetooth Special Interest Group is investing in new Bluetooth … Continue reading Episode 398: Bluetooth bets on 6 GHz and TP-Link hops on Wi-Fi 7
Episode 397: Arduino Opta adds a little IT to the OT
Nov 10, 2022
This week’s show kicks off with a discussion of the lawsuit between Arm and Qualcomm amid accusations that Arm is changing its licensing model. We cover what has been said, and what it might mean for the IoT before heading into some industrial news. Arduino has announced a programmable logic controller (PLC) in conjunction with … Continue reading Episode 397: Arduino Opta adds a little IT to the OT
Episode 396: Here’s when you’ll get Matter on your devices
Nov 03, 2022
This week’s episode kicks off what I hope is a flurry of news from vendors about their Matter plans. We hear when and how vendors such as Amazon, Eve, Nanoleaf, and Schneider Electric plan to roll out Matter to new and old devices. We also call out companies that haven’t yet shared information and what … Continue reading Episode 396: Here’s when you’ll get Matter on your devices
Episode 395: I’m running Matter. Now what?
Oct 27, 2022
We kick off the podcast with more conversation about the planned White House-led cybersecurity label for consumer IoT devices. Contrary to what I wrote last week, it seems that privacy won’t be as big of a focus, which is disappointing. Then we move into a bunch of updated product news, such as the launch of … Continue reading Episode 395: I’m running Matter. Now what?
Episode 394: This company thinks TinyML will be big
Oct 20, 2022
TinyML is about to get really big, or at least that’s what a startup thinks, as we explain on this week’s podcast. Useful Sensors is the company that’s making inexpensive, low-powered edge sensors in a way that protects privacy. We discuss why we agree with that approach. Next up are our thoughts on why 5G really … Continue reading Episode 394: This company thinks TinyML will be big
Episode 393: Why Roku needs the smart home
Oct 13, 2022
The biggest news this week is probably the launch of a line of inexpensive smart home products from Roku, the smart TV and set-top box maker. We talk about the products, its deal with Wyze and where you can get them. Then we move on to Matter, specifically when you might get Matter on your … Continue reading Episode 393: Why Roku needs the smart home
Episode 392: Matter is here. Now what?
Oct 06, 2022
Matter is now official after almost three years of waiting, and Kevin and I are super excited. Well, I am. Kevin is more measured, but we talk about what to expect and when to expect Matter to start changing your smart home. In related news, we discuss Google’s new doorbell, mesh router, and plans for the Home app. Google is … Continue reading Episode 392: Matter is here. Now what?
Episode 391: Amazon’s turning Alexa into the brains of the home
Sep 29, 2022
This week’s show focuses on Amazon’s new devices and services launched Wednesday. Kevin and I talk about Amazon’s direction with Alexa as the manager of your life. We also gawp at the price iRobot is charging for its latest iteration of the Roomba robotic vacuum, although Kevin convinces me it’s not too crazy. Then we … Continue reading Episode 391: Amazon’s turning Alexa into the brains of the home
The Federal Trade Commission is looking into Amazon’s decision to purchase the maker of Roomba vacuum cleaners for $1.7 billion. The agency this week asked Amazon and iRobot for more information about the deal, so Kevin and I took a moment to explain exactly what the FTC should worry about. Then we talk about Wi-Fi … Continue reading Episode 390: The FTC eyes Amazon’s iRobot buy
Episode 389: Is Matter ready for its close up?
Sep 15, 2022
I’m in Austin this week, for Silicon Labs’ Works With event, and while there I hosted a panel that provided a good sense of what is going to happen with the Matter smart home interoperability protocol. I think Kevin is a bit more optimistic than I am. We also got some small updates on Amazon’s … Continue reading Episode 389: Is Matter ready for its close up?
Episode 388: Insurers come for the smart home
Sep 08, 2022
This week launched with a bang for those interested in the role insurers might play in the smart home as State Farm agreed to make a 1.2 billion equity investment in security firm ADT. This follows on the heels of Google’s equity investment in ADT in 2020 and signals a shift in the way insurance companies … Continue reading Episode 388: Insurers come for the smart home
Episode 387: Is Kickstarter still relevant for smart devices?
Sep 01, 2022
This week we start off talking about the Federal Trade Commission suing a data broker for sharing sensitive location data. It’s a topic we’re following closely, in part because location information can’t be anonymized even when companies promise that it strips identifying information from it. With that in mind, Fight for the Future, a nonprofit … Continue reading Episode 387: Is Kickstarter still relevant for smart devices?
Episode 386: We question Nova Labs’ 5G deal
Aug 25, 2022
Nova Labs, the company behind the decentralized Helium IoT network, has acquired FreedomFi, a company trying to build a decentralized 5G network. Kevin and I share our doubts about the value of a decentralized 5G network and question how this might work before moving on to discuss an array of security news. We start with … Continue reading Episode 386: We question Nova Labs’ 5G deal
Episode 385: Google Cloud kills IoT Core and hearing aids get smart
Aug 18, 2022
This week’s show kicks off with a whispered bang that Kevin will soon hear, thanks to the FDA approving over-the-counter hearing aids. We talk about what happened and what it means for innovation in wearables before then tackling Google killing off its Google Cloud IoT Core service that manages device data and connects that data … Continue reading Episode 385: Google Cloud kills IoT Core and hearing aids get smart
This week’s show kicks off with our discussion of Amazon’s planned acquisition of iRobot, the maker of Roomba robotic vacuums for $1.7 billion. We then talk about a survey from Parks Associates that indicates almost a third of people using AirTag-style trackers to track people without their knowing and why users and companies must focus on … Continue reading Episode 384: Here’s why Amazon really bought iRobot
Last week, we kicked off the podcast with a discussion on the Helium peer-to-peer IoT network, and this week we did the same thing. This time we dug into the disclosures that Helium didn’t actually have Lime or Salesforce.com as current customers, despite having listed them prominently on its web site. Nova Labs CEO Amir … Continue reading Episode 383: Meet Insteon’s new CEO
Episode 382: Is Helium full of hot air?
Jul 28, 2022
We start this week’s show with a deep dive into a popular post from this week about the Helium network. The report pointed out that Helium only made $6,500 in the month of June from data rates. We explain why that’s not a surprise and what it will take to get those numbers up. Then … Continue reading Episode 382: Is Helium full of hot air?
This week’s show kicks off with our discussion of several announcements from Amazon’s Alexa Live developers’ conference held Wednesday. Alexa is getting several features as part of the launch of the Matter smart home interoperability protocol that should launch in the fall. For example, users will be able to name a device once and put … Continue reading Episode 381: Alexa and Qualcomm embrace ambient tech
Episode 380: Here’s what we think with Wink on the blink
Jul 14, 2022
This week’s show comes to y’all from Paris and the English seaside, with Kevin and I wondering exactly what happened to Wink. We also offer options for the few remaining holdouts on the platform. We then discuss Hive’s decision to pull back on smart home devices and its new smart thermostat (Hive plans to continue … Continue reading Episode 380: Here’s what we think with Wink on the blink
Episode 379: Lock down your smart home’s data
Jul 07, 2022
This week we continue discussing privacy and data protection with a focus on the smart home. I’d like to see a feature that lets us turn on privacy as needed on our devices, but Kevin doesn’t think that’s likely. For those who want concrete steps they can take today, Mozilla and the EFF have some … Continue reading Episode 379: Lock down your smart home’s data
Podcast 378: Welcome to the industrial metaverse
Jun 30, 2022
It’s been a minute since we’ve discussed the metaverse, but this week we cover Siemens’ deal with Nvidia to create the metaverse for the industrial IoT. It’s part of several announcements this week from Siemens that include an acquisition and a new product launch for smart buildings. We also dig into some Apple rumors about … Continue reading Podcast 378: Welcome to the industrial metaverse
Episode 377: Why there were 56 OT vulnerabilities this week
Jun 23, 2022
This week we cover the Ericsson mobility report that offers some stats on cellular IoT connections, including the surprising nugget that we won’t see 4G/5G connections surpass 2G/3G connections until some time next year. Then we hit another report. This one is from NPR and covers the state of audio and smart speakers. It proves … Continue reading Episode 377: Why there were 56 OT vulnerabilities this week
Episode 376: Senator calls out video doorbells … again
Jun 16, 2022
This week’s show kicks off with another look at Ring’s potential to become a surveillance tool, this time prompted by a letter from Senator Ed Markey who wants Amazon to answer some questions. We then talk about a new capability for InfluxData’s time series database and explain why it matters before encouraging everyone who listens … Continue reading Episode 376: Senator calls out video doorbells … again
Episode 375: Arduino gets $32 million for enterprise IoT
Jun 09, 2022
This week’s show is an exercise in controlled chaos, as I am once again quarantined in a hotel room (this time with my teen). Kevin and I discuss Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference and Apple’s claim that HomeKit is the foundation of the upcoming Matter smart home protocol. Insteon users got a shock this week when … Continue reading Episode 375: Arduino gets $32 million for enterprise IoT
Episode 374: Peekaboo offers privacy for the smart home
Jun 02, 2022
This week’s show kicks off with our favorite topic: bringing context into the smart home. This time it’s iRobot and its new operating system that aims to bring the smart home together. From there we discuss a merger between satellite IoT companies and a new idea for building a privacy-centric smart home from the folks … Continue reading Episode 374: Peekaboo offers privacy for the smart home
Episode 373: Matter’s security details explained
May 26, 2022
Our focus is on the Matter smart home interoperability protocol this week, specifically some of the security requirements that will be associated with the standard. I moderated a panel on Tuesday where we learned a lot about plans for security, controllers, provisioning, and how companies such as Amazon and Google plan to keep Matter devices … Continue reading Episode 373: Matter’s security details explained
Episode 372: Ecobee embraces radar sensors!
May 19, 2022
Did y’all know that almost a quarter of people who buy a smart home device, hire a professional to install it? That’s just one of the facts I learned at the Parks Associates event happening this week in Dallas. We talk about that before focusing on Google’s plans for Matter and SmartThings new Matter testing … Continue reading Episode 372: Ecobee embraces radar sensors!
Episode 371: Smart screws and massive IoT
May 12, 2022
This week’s show was recorded a few hours before the annual Google I/O event so we didn’t discuss the new Pixel Watch, but we do discuss Google’s thoughts on the Matter smart home standard from an article in The Verge, which Kevin also tied to a discussion about Sonos launching its own voice assistant. Then … Continue reading Episode 371: Smart screws and massive IoT
Episode 370: How to build the infrastructure for public tech
May 05, 2022
This week’s show kicks off with research suggesting Amazon uses data from Alexa devices to advertise its own products, and that Amazon is selling some of the insights derived from Alexa requests to third parties. This is disturbing, but so is John Deere’s ability to decommission tractors stolen by Russians from a Ukraine dealership. We … Continue reading Episode 370: How to build the infrastructure for public tech
Episode 369: Amazon’s $1B industrial IoT fund
Apr 28, 2022
We kick off the show this week with Insteon’s comments about its abrupt closure and asset sale before trying to salvage some good news from Arm’s latest chip news. We’re getting a new M-class processor that’s going to be super capable for machine learning at the edge and other jobs. We also give you a … Continue reading Episode 369: Amazon’s $1B industrial IoT fund
This week we start the show with the end of Insteon, which is probably the biggest smart home story this week. We talked about what we know (which isn’t much) and why saving cloud-based smart home services is not as easy as escrowing code and hoping a community continues to support the product. In other … Continue reading Episode 368: So long Insteon
Episode 367: What do you want in a home robot?
Apr 14, 2022
In this week’s show we question whether or not we want Amazon’s Astro home robot after seeing a few reviews. We then note that Google has introduced gaze as signal to wake up Google Assistant, which is one of the first uses of gaze as a wake-up indicator for the smart home. Then we talk … Continue reading Episode 367: What do you want in a home robot?
Episode 366: Meet a robot that weeds your garden
Apr 07, 2022
This week’s podcast starts with an update on the state of Bluetooth adoption courtesy of the Bluetooth SIG. We discuss adoption of Bluetooth in the smart home, adoption of Bluetooth mesh and why Kevin prefers NFC to Bluetooth for secure keys. From there we discuss a new effort by the U.S. Congress to make it … Continue reading Episode 366: Meet a robot that weeds your garden
Episode 365: Helium gets a new name and $200 million
Mar 31, 2022
This week’s show was recorded on the road, but we still cover all of the big news starting with LoRaWAN network Helium changing its name to Nova Labs and raising $200 million. We then discuss research from MIT that offers privacy for people captured on video and several options for connecting beehives. I then get … Continue reading Episode 365: Helium gets a new name and $200 million
Episode 364: Speed queens and Matter dreams
Mar 24, 2022
A week after the CSA said that the Matter smart home interoperability standard would be delayed we get a chance to talk about why the standard is delayed until fall, and what it means for consumers and smart home device makers. We then share Omdia data on how much ownership of different smart home devices … Continue reading Episode 364: Speed queens and Matter dreams
Episode 363: How will DST affect the IoT?
Mar 17, 2022
This week, the U.S. Senate passed a bill that would make it possible for states to use Daylight Saving Time all year round, so we discuss what it means for IoT devices and whether or not it will be a return to Y2K. For current crises, we cover China’s latest COVID outbreak and what it … Continue reading Episode 363: How will DST affect the IoT?
Episode 362: IoT security after Russia invaded Ukraine
Mar 10, 2022
This week’s show spends a lot of time on security in everything from an Amazon Echo to an infusion pump. But before we get to security stats, we offer a quick overview of Apple’s latest announcements. Then we pivot to discuss the Critical Infrastructure Defense Project, a series of free services enterprises can use to … Continue reading Episode 362: IoT security after Russia invaded Ukraine
Episode 361: IoT builds a better mousetrap
Mar 03, 2022
This week’s show kicks off with a discussion about smarter robots and new funding for a Canadian general purpose robotics platform. Then we talk about Amazon’s further healthcare ambitions in a deal with Teledoc that lets you ask Alexa to call a doctor. We also give an update on the Sigfox receivership process since bids … Continue reading Episode 361: IoT builds a better mousetrap
Episode 360: Europe’s planned IoT data law
Feb 24, 2022
The European Union is proposing new data regulations aimed at making it hard for companies to collect and use data as a barrier to competition. We talk about what it might mean for the IoT and Kevin also proposes that we think about regulations for using data collected by robots. We then dig into research … Continue reading Episode 360: Europe’s planned IoT data law
Episode 359: Meet the man who “invented” the IoT back in 1985
Feb 17, 2022
The National Institute of Standards and Technology has finally released its plans for securing the IoT, so we discuss what the plans are for a consumer-oriented cybersecurity label. We then give a quick update on the Sigfox receivership and Intel’s plan to purchase Tower Semiconductor before spending a large chunk of time on Apple’s AirTags … Continue reading Episode 359: Meet the man who “invented” the IoT back in 1985
Episode 358: Why Resideo’s First Alert buy makes sense
Feb 10, 2022
On this week’s show, we talk about the Resideo purchase of smoke detector company First Alert for $593 million and why it makes sense. Then we focus on connectivity with an update on the Sigfox receivership and a look at the annual report from the LoRa Alliance covering the adoption of LoRaWAN networks around the … Continue reading Episode 358: Why Resideo’s First Alert buy makes sense
Episode 357: Too many companies are paying ransomware
Feb 03, 2022
This week we kick off the show with an explainer on Sigfox’s receivership before delving into grim news from Claroty, a cybersecurity firm. Claroty surveyed 1,100 IT and OT (operational technology) pros and discovered that three out of five of them worked at companies that paid up after a ransomware attack. I can’t believe it, … Continue reading Episode 357: Too many companies are paying ransomware
Episode 356: Smart home improvement is now a thing
Jan 27, 2022
This week’s show starts with a healthy portion of chips, with the main course being Nvidia’s reported acceptance that its deal to acquire ARM isn’t likely to happen. We then turn to the U.S. Commerce Department’s plans to combat the chip shortage crisis, new ML chips from Silicon Labs, Google’s first TinyML Coral microcontroller, and … Continue reading Episode 356: Smart home improvement is now a thing
Episode 355: Get ready for an active FTC and energy storing appliances
Jan 20, 2022
The big story this week in IoT was the joint venture between Ford and ADT to add smart home security to cars through an in-vehicle security system. Then we discuss the FTC and Department of Justice reconsidering how they evaluate mergers. We also explain variations on Wi-Fi, from the launch of new Wi-Fi 6E gear … Continue reading Episode 355: Get ready for an active FTC and energy storing appliances
Episode 354: Google’s Soli pivot and Amazon’s Sidewalk news
Jan 13, 2022
This week Google reminded us that we don’t actually own our connected products when it removed functionality from grouped Nest speakers after losing a patent case filed by Sonos. Amazon’s Sidewalk network is getting a boost and this should spark a really interesting fight between LoRaWAN and Sidewalk in the coming years. We then talk … Continue reading Episode 354: Google’s Soli pivot and Amazon’s Sidewalk news
Episode 353: Virtual CES extravaganza
Jan 06, 2022
It’s CES week, and neither Kevin nor I are physically there for the second year running. That makes it really tough to get a macro sense of cool tech and upcoming trends outside of press releases and product launches. Normally, we spend so much time trawling for the weird or futuristic in the demos and … Continue reading Episode 353: Virtual CES extravaganza
Episode 352: As Alexa goes, so does the smart home?
Dec 30, 2021
We’re back after a one-week break in the Internet of Things Podcast, and we didn’t miss too much. The biggest stories of this show are the slow collapse of CES 2022 and a Bloomberg article that uses internal Amazon documents to show how Alexa growth has stagnated and illustrates the hopes Amazon has for its … Continue reading Episode 352: As Alexa goes, so does the smart home?
Episode 351: Smart homes in the metaverse
Dec 16, 2021
What happens when the smart home meets the metaverse? We talk about the potential for better user interfaces and home mapping if we build digital twins of the home in a metaverse, while also discussing the potential of UWB to expand the amount of information contained in that digital twin. Then we discuss an excellent … Continue reading Episode 351: Smart homes in the metaverse
Episode 350: Lexmark shares how to manage millions of connected devices
Dec 09, 2021
Today’s show is our 350th episode, so we start off with a little bit of celebration before hitting half a dozen pieces of Amazon-related news, including the AWS outage that took out many smart home services, and a newly submitted FCC listing that could be a big deal for those needing a low-power wide-area network. … Continue reading Episode 350: Lexmark shares how to manage millions of connected devices
Episode 349: AWS overload and Libelium embraces the cloud
Dec 02, 2021
This week’s show kicks off with a bunch of IoT-related news from Amazon’s re:Invent conference happening this week in Las Vegas. We cover the launch of a fleet management service, a digital twin service, an easy way to securely connect hardware to Amazon’s cloud, a way to manage massive robot deployments, and the launch of … Continue reading Episode 349: AWS overload and Libelium embraces the cloud
Episode 348: We’re thankful for smart cows
Nov 25, 2021
Heading into the holiday weekend, Kevin and I share what we’re thankful for (mostly y’all, our sponsors, each other, and Thread), while also talking about the sad sale of Tile to Life360. We also discuss Clevr, Qeexo, and efforts to make AI accessible to people who can’t or don’t want to code. After that, I discuss my desire … Continue reading Episode 348: We’re thankful for smart cows
Episode 347: McKinsey reevaluates IoT’s impact
Nov 18, 2021
This week’s show has a lot of big numbers starting with $12.6 trillion, which is at the upper end of what McKinsey believes the economic impact from IoT will be by 2030. We cover the latest report, which is a reassessment of McKinsey’s famous 2015 report on the IoT that said it would be worth … Continue reading Episode 347: McKinsey reevaluates IoT’s impact
Episode 346: Three IoT acquisitions and the infrastructure bill
Nov 11, 2021
This week’s show focuses on three big deals happening in the IoT sector and a meaty enterprise IoT report. First up, we discuss ADT buying SunPro Solar for $825 million, which represents yet another deal bringing energy management to the smart home. We then talk about Level Home’s acquisition, the state of smart home deals, … Continue reading Episode 346: Three IoT acquisitions and the infrastructure bill
Episode 345: Ecobee’s big deal and climate-friendly chips
Nov 04, 2021
The big news in IoT this week was the announced acquisition of Ecobee by Generac, so Kevin and I share our thoughts on the deal and what it means for the smart home. After that, we were excited to see Amazon launching a smart air quality monitoring device for $70 as well as publically state … Continue reading Episode 345: Ecobee’s big deal and climate-friendly chips
Episode 344: Energy harvesting sensors are finally real
Oct 28, 2021
This week’s show kicks off with news from many of the big smart home players offering their plans for the Matter smart home protocol. First, we discuss Google’s plans, before focusing on Samsung’s latest announcements and then a surprise update from Eero, which is owned by Amazon. Sticking with Amazon, we also cover the news … Continue reading Episode 344: Energy harvesting sensors are finally real
Episode 343: Return of the connected bunny!
Oct 21, 2021
We kick off this week’s podcast with a focus on chips and hardware starting with an explainer on Arm’s new Total Solutions for IoT and why it will help developers and device makers speed up time-to-market for connected products. We then talk about plans to put Linux on Arduino devices that were outed in a … Continue reading Episode 343: Return of the connected bunny!
Episode 342: Explaining the IoT’s latest $11B deal
Oct 14, 2021
The industrial automation world got a jolt of news with Emerson combining some of its industrial IoT software businesses with AspenTech in an $11 billion transaction. We explain why the deal matters and what it means, before hopping over to discuss Best Buy’s acquisition of Current Health. Then we review large funding rounds for Plume … Continue reading Episode 342: Explaining the IoT’s latest $11B deal
Episode 341: Smart cities and smart fridges galore
Oct 07, 2021
Welcome to the weekly podcast! We’re moving Black Friday to October thanks to chip shortages and shipping delays. Meanwhile, Amazon is working on a smart fridge, Google is trying to use a $10 monthly subscription and Nest thermostats to help people go green and also launching new cameras and ways to surf its displays. The … Continue reading Episode 341: Smart cities and smart fridges galore
Episode 340: Amazon wants you to trust its devices
Sep 30, 2021
This week’s podcast is all about Amazon (with a few other stories for variety). We start the show with a rundown of the devices and services Amazon launched at its device drop on Tuesday. We then explain what it means for the smart home and ask if this is what we want. We also question … Continue reading Episode 340: Amazon wants you to trust its devices
Episode 339: Much ado about privacy and support
Sep 23, 2021
This week’s show kicks off with the news of the Raspberry Pi Trading company closing a new funding round of $45 million. We talk about what the Pi Trading company is, how it relates to the Foundation, and how companies are building Pis. We then dig into Apple’s plans for healthcare, including plans for tracking mental … Continue reading Episode 339: Much ado about privacy and support
Episode 338: Wyze comes back from the edge
Sep 16, 2021
I need to warn y’all in advance that we don’t discuss Apple news at all this week because nothing really jumped out at us for the IoT. But we did have a lot of other big news starting with Wyze raising $100 million and sharing the precariousness of its situation over the last 18 months. … Continue reading Episode 338: Wyze comes back from the edge
Episode 337: Blast off with IoT in space
Sep 09, 2021
This week we kick off the show discussing several smart devices that might provide a modicum of security or comfort in case of weather disasters associated with climate change. After that, we start the long goodbye to 3G and discuss how companies are reacting. And for those who are keeping track of algorithmic accountability efforts, … Continue reading Episode 337: Blast off with IoT in space
Episode 336: Australia’s terrible, horrible, no good, very bad surveillance law
Sep 02, 2021
We start this week’s show with a look at a new surveillance law in Australia that seemingly obliterates a lot of protections around how law enforcement officials can access data and what they can do with it. We also talk about a survey conducted in the U.S. that shows how willing many Americans are to … Continue reading Episode 336: Australia’s terrible, horrible, no good, very bad surveillance law
Episode 335: Robots need a Myers-Briggs type
Aug 26, 2021
This week’s show starts off with old news that I forgot to tell y’all about last week: The Matter interoperability standard for the smart home is delayed until 2022. We talk about what that means and then turn to Google’s confusing fitness wearable strategy and the new Fitbit Charge 5 device. After that, we discuss … Continue reading Episode 335: Robots need a Myers-Briggs type
Episode 334: SmartThings’ new edge strategy
Aug 19, 2021
Welcome to this week’s episode! We kick it off with a discussion of SmartThing’s new focus on the edge with local control and user-derived device handlers. We then dive into four security stories starting with a flaw in the software development kit (SDK) for a Wi-Fi module, challenges with random number generation on IoT devices, … Continue reading Episode 334: SmartThings’ new edge strategy
Episode 333: An IoT networking bonanza
Aug 12, 2021
Elon Musk’s SpaceX satellite broadband company is getting into the IoT with the acquisition of Swarm, a smallsat IoT connectivity provider. We talk about that deal, plus what it means that Helium scored $111 million in funding led by Andreessen Horowitz. After that, we talk about malvertising infiltrating the IoT and the Samsung smartwatch that … Continue reading Episode 333: An IoT networking bonanza
Episode 332: The IoT gets a good idea and a bad idea
Aug 05, 2021
This week, news slowed down a bit so Kevin and I kick off the show talking about a connected manual device to physically press buttons or twist dials as needed to turn older appliances “smart.” After praising that idea we panned Amazon’s new soap dispenser for having a Wi-Fi chip that’s really underused. In other … Continue reading Episode 332: The IoT gets a good idea and a bad idea
Episode 331: Safe words for smart homes and cheap mesh
Jul 29, 2021
We start this week’s show with a $200 million funding for Wiliot, a company I profiled back in 2017 as one of the vanguards of low-power sensing. Then we tackle a creative idea that could see consumers create safe words for their smart homes to indicate when they might be in trouble. Next up is … Continue reading Episode 331: Safe words for smart homes and cheap mesh
Episode 330: Amazon’s Matter plans and how IoT helps first responders
Jul 22, 2021
This week we got great news on the Matter front, as Amazon announced its plans for supporting the smart home interoperability protocol on most of its Echo devices. We talk about new features for Alexa developers before talking about new research from ARM showing a 32-bit ARM-based chip printed on flexible plastic. We then turned … Continue reading Episode 330: Amazon’s Matter plans and how IoT helps first responders
Episode 329: Radar is coming to the smart home
Jul 15, 2021
Welcome to another show! We’re spending the first few minutes of the show diving into the rise of RF sensing in the IoT, covering the news of Amazon applying for an FCC waiver to use radar for sleep tracking, the FCC creating a notice of proposed rulemaking to use the 60 GHz spectrum for radar, … Continue reading Episode 329: Radar is coming to the smart home
Episode 328: The IoT is a privacy nightmare and more 5G
Jul 08, 2021
Imagine all of the potential problems associated with the internet of things, and then settle in, because I think we talk about all of them in this episode. We start by detailing research out of Northeastern University that shows old data isn’t deleted from hardware-reset Amazon Echo devices and then discuss a class action lawsuit … Continue reading Episode 328: The IoT is a privacy nightmare and more 5G
Episode 327: Amazon’s Halo health push and more Matter
Jul 01, 2021
Any Amazon Halo subscriber can try Amazon’s Movement Health service now, so Kevin and I explain what it is and what Amazon’s decisions around the Halo fitness tracker signal about the company’s interest in healthcare. We then cover the good news that Google will support connected Nest devices with security updates for up to five … Continue reading Episode 327: Amazon’s Halo health push and more Matter
Episode 326: It’s about ethics in smart devices
Jun 24, 2021
Kevin and I start this week’s show with a discussion of his Amazon Prime Day purchases and then talk about the kerfuffle over smart thermostats and demand-response energy programs in Texas. I happened to be there at the time, and there is a definite right and wrong way to enroll people in the program. We … Continue reading Episode 326: It’s about ethics in smart devices
Episode 325: The IoT goes to Congress
Jun 17, 2021
Hello! This week we start with Congress, where the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee held hearings related to interoperability and lock-in tied to smart home devices. We drew special attention to testimony by Jonathan Zittrain, who wrote a long, but insightful statement about the development of the web, the benefits gained when using interoperable protocols, and … Continue reading Episode 325: The IoT goes to Congress
Episode 324: HomeKit and Home Assistant embrace Matter
Jun 10, 2021
We start this week’s show with a quick update on Amazon’s Sidewalk and then focused on the smart home news from Apple’s WWDC event earlier this week. We’re excited about third-party devices getting Siri support. We then cover the EU’s thoughts on anticompetitive behavior by IoT device companies, as well as the launch of a … Continue reading Episode 324: HomeKit and Home Assistant embrace Matter
Episode 323: Stick with Sidewalk, y’all
Jun 03, 2021
This week’s show is going to get controversial with a discussion of Amazon’s Sidewalk. Kevin is out on vacation this week, so my friend Chris Albrect of The Spoon is here to co-host. We start with a rundown on why I think you should participate in Amazon’s Sidewalk network but also explain how to opt … Continue reading Episode 323: Stick with Sidewalk, y’all
Episode 322: Google’s Fuchsia looks promising for the IoT
May 27, 2021
Did you know that Roku aims to get into the smart home game? We discuss that along with a new set of vulnerabilities in Bluetooth during the first part of the show, before moving onto Google’s new Fuchsia OS and some updates from Google I/O. After that, we discuss surveillance technology from China and the … Continue reading Episode 322: Google’s Fuchsia looks promising for the IoT
Episode 321: Google decides Matter matters
May 20, 2021
This week’s show focuses on news from Google I/O 2021 where it’s clear the search giant is trying to build out a fairly open ecosystem based on the Matter protocol and WebRTC for audio and video streaming. Google also said it would use Wear OS for Fitbit and combine Wear OS with Samsung’s Tizen OS. … Continue reading Episode 321: Google decides Matter matters
Episode 320: Project CHIP becomes Matter and hacked pipelines
May 13, 2021
This week’s show hits on two of the biggest stories of the year for the smart home: Project Connected Home over IP is now called Matter and Amazon’s Sidewalk Network adds Tile as a participant. We also discuss what it means for Zigbee after the Zigbee Alliance changed its name to the Connectivity Standards Alliance. … Continue reading Episode 320: Project CHIP becomes Matter and hacked pipelines
Episode 319: How ML at the edge will make products truly smart
May 06, 2021
This week’s show was a lot of fun to record with Kevin and me discussing Google’s upcoming I/O event and updates on the chip shortage from STMicro, TSMC, and someone who makes electronics. We also talk about Kroger’s drone delivery plans, cameras in cars, funding for robotic computer vision, and funding for robotic welding driven … Continue reading Episode 319: How ML at the edge will make products truly smart
Episode 318: Lawsuits galore and Silicon Labs bets it all on the IoT
Apr 29, 2021
This week’s show starts off with two lawsuits: the first filed by ADT alleging trademark infringement against Ring, and the second a decision by the Seventh Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals related to police accessing cell phone location data without a warrant. Wemo’s new scene controller, Everactive’s energy harvesting sensors, a discussion about … Continue reading Episode 318: Lawsuits galore and Silicon Labs bets it all on the IoT
Episode 317: Apple’s AirTags and greener devices
Apr 22, 2021
The week’s Apple event is the star of the podcast, with Kevin and I spending time noting a smart use of iPhone sensors with the new Apple TV 4K. We then discuss the AirTags tech, the implications for consumers, frustrated competitors, and the things we find disappointing. Then, we talk about the EU’s proposed rules for … Continue reading Episode 317: Apple’s AirTags and greener devices
Episode 316: Everything you need to know about Project CHIP
Apr 15, 2021
This week’s show launches with a deep dive on Project Connected Home over IP after the Zigbee Alliance released many new details about the specification. We discuss when you can expect it, the devices you’ll see, and the security model. Then we cover the new Wyze lamp, smart auto-dimming windows, Logitech killing the Harmony remote, and … Continue reading Episode 316: Everything you need to know about Project CHIP
Episode 315: A Mad Max mask and a power grid of your own
Apr 08, 2021
This week Kevin is back and we start the show talking about the Xupermask from Will.i.am and Honeywell. Ring is adding radar to a floodlight camera and we’re pumped for that, while MIT researchers are using RF to help give robots X-ray vision. Apple is formally launching a certification program for developers who want to … Continue reading Episode 315: A Mad Max mask and a power grid of your own
Episode 314: A look at Arm’s new vision for computing
Apr 01, 2021
Om Malik takes Kevin’s place this week as my co-host and also doubles as my guest. Malik is my former boss at GigaOm, is currently a partner at True Ventures, and writes thoughtfully about technology on his own blog. We start the show focused on chips, specifically Arm’s brand new v9 architecture and the vision … Continue reading Episode 314: A look at Arm’s new vision for computing
Episode 313: We are super pumped about Thread
Mar 25, 2021
In this week’s show, we focus on Thread because Kevin tried out the new Eve sensors that use the wireless protocol, and fell head over heels in love. “This is what the smart home should be, ” he says. After that, we talk about additional sensors on the HomePod Mini and wonder when and if … Continue reading Episode 313: We are super pumped about Thread
Episode 312: Cricut’s switch up, Google’s new hub, and the end of the HomePod
Mar 18, 2021
This week on the show we return to the classic story of a company trying to use a software update to limit the functionality of a connected product after someone has purchased it. The latest example is Cricut, which makes a connected craft cutting device. The company recently said users would have to start subscribing … Continue reading Episode 312: Cricut’s switch up, Google’s new hub, and the end of the HomePod
Episode 311: How P&G’s plans for smart products evolved
Mar 11, 2021
This week’s show has a security focus with us discussing the Verkada hack, a new security camera from Abode, which basically puts expensive IP cameras on notice, and recommendations from Consumer Reports on helping victims of domestic abuse lock down their devices and services. We then talk about a rumored Alexa robot, a new Raspberry … Continue reading Episode 311: How P&G’s plans for smart products evolved
Episode 310: Thanks to the IoT, everything’s a subscription now
Mar 04, 2021
We kick off this week’s show with the news of SmartThings device depreciation and Amazon’s Alexa Conversations feature finally making it to general availability. After that, we talk about the rising revenue from subscriptions in the consumer IoT and in manufacturing based on a new survey from Zuora. Then we discuss how police departments feel … Continue reading Episode 310: Thanks to the IoT, everything’s a subscription now
Episode 309: Why your IoT device shipments are delayed
Feb 25, 2021
We’re really excited about radar in this week’s episode, so we discuss Ring’s new doorbell that added it for motion detection and Apple’s patent that plans to use radar for detecting vital signs. We also talk about radar being a feature that Plume plans to add to its Wi-Fi devices in the near future while … Continue reading Episode 309: Why your IoT device shipments are delayed
Episode 308: Chipageddon and deets on the Pi Pico
Feb 18, 2021
Silicon is the theme of this week’s show, starting with a rundown on the chip shortage affecting the automotive and IoT world. Then we talk about the Los Angles Police Department requesting footage from connected doorbell cameras during the Black Lives Matter protests before moving on to Amazon’s new Kickstarter-like program for new Alexa products. … Continue reading Episode 308: Chipageddon and deets on the Pi Pico
Episode 307: Wi-Fi 6 for IoT and water plant security
Feb 11, 2021
This week’s podcast starts off with the launch of the Tuya Wi-Fi 6 modules, which will bring features of Wi-Fi 6 to IoT devices. Keeping on the Wi-Fi theme, we also discuss the new Shelly Wi-Fi motion sensor. We then talk about the new Raspberry Pi Pico, and the Raspberry Pi Foundation’s first custom chip … Continue reading Episode 307: Wi-Fi 6 for IoT and water plant security
Episode 306: Ring wins big with Lennar
Feb 04, 2021
This week’s show kicks off with news from Lennar about its new smart home offering with Ring, and a discussion on what it means that Ring now has more than 2,000 police and fire departments as partners. After that, we discuss what we learned from the Tesla recall about the business of connected products, and … Continue reading Episode 306: Ring wins big with Lennar
Episode 305: Alexa Hunches, Tiny ML and a new wireless standard
Jan 28, 2021
This week’s podcast is full of nerdy wonder. We start off with news from Amazon regarding proactive Hunches and the new Guard Plus service before mentioning that the Echo Show 10 is now available for pre-order. Then, in honor of the Tiny ML movement, we highlight new deals from Edge Impulse to put its software … Continue reading Episode 305: Alexa Hunches, Tiny ML and a new wireless standard
Episode 304: Presidential Pelotons and data accountability
Jan 21, 2021
This week’s show kicks off with Kevin and I discussing a smart camera vulnerability before digging into what it means when the White House becomes a smart home. We then discuss Wi-Fi 6E and what it means for IoT. Next up: new devices from Signify which makes Philips Hue-branded gear. Then we dig into Google … Continue reading Episode 304: Presidential Pelotons and data accountability
Episode 303: Everything from CES 2021 and a bit about LoRa
Jan 14, 2021
This week’s show is mostly about CES 2021, starting with an array of interesting devices that were launched. We covered a lot of them here, but we also mentioned a $3,000 pet door, an energy harvesting NB-IoT modem demonstration, and Kevin’s take on where we are with the smart home based on what he saw. … Continue reading Episode 303: Everything from CES 2021 and a bit about LoRa
Episode 302: CES and GE Lighting is betting on Cync
Jan 07, 2021
This week Kevin and I discuss Allegion’s acquisition of Yonomi, and what it means for those of you using the cloud service or consumers using the app. We then turn to a mention of the rebranding of GE Lighting after its acquisition by Savant last summer before talking about Singapore’s about-face on the use of … Continue reading Episode 302: CES and GE Lighting is betting on Cync
Episode 301: An update on Project CHIP and a secure 2021
Dec 31, 2020
This week’s podcast starts with an update on the Project Connected Home over IP standard promulgated by Apple, Amazon, Google, and Samsung. Then we talk about Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s letter to the Department of Health and Human Services asking what privacy rules are in place for protecting consumers’ health data. Google killed Android Things and new legislation killed … Continue reading Episode 301: An update on Project CHIP and a secure 2021
Episode 300: Get excited for our annual Q&A episode
Dec 24, 2020
It’s time for the end-of-year question and answer episode where Kevin and I tinker, search Google, and ask companies for help answering your questions about the smart home. We start with a broad category of questions related to your needs outside that mostly require some kind of low power wide area network to work. Then … Continue reading Episode 300: Get excited for our annual Q&A episode
Episode 299: LoRaWAN tries to co-opt Amazon Sidewalk
Dec 17, 2020
This week’s show kicks off with us discussing a fascinating interview with the head of the LoRa Alliance about its efforts to bring Amazon’s Sidewalk network into compliance with the LoRaWan standard. We then discuss Apple’s app privacy labels, a similar option for Google users, and the nutrition-style label for connected device security. Then it’s … Continue reading Episode 299: LoRaWAN tries to co-opt Amazon Sidewalk
Episode 298: SmartThings works with Google Nest again!
Dec 10, 2020
This week’s podcast starts with good news. Samsung’s SmartThings platform will once again work with Google devices starting in January. We discuss SmartThings a bit more to cover how sensor company Aeotec is launching a new smart home hub that will work with SmartThings before we move on to Logitech’s new HomeKit-enabled video doorbell. Wyze … Continue reading Episode 298: SmartThings works with Google Nest again!
Episode 297: IoT news from Amazon’s Re:Invent and smarter cities
Dec 03, 2020
This week’s show kicks off with a lot of detail about the news coming out of Amazon’s Re:Invent event happening over the next few weeks. We talk about the new ML services for manufacturing, the deal with Research in Motion for car data, and Amazon’s Proton service and container plans. We then discuss the new … Continue reading Episode 297: IoT news from Amazon’s Re:Invent and smarter cities
Episode 296: Gifts galore and a recipe for smarter food prep
Nov 26, 2020
This week’s podcast is full of gift suggestions from our annual gift guide, many of which are aimed at those people on your list who have a green thumb. We then discuss my disappointment with Wemo after almost a decade of using its devices, and Kevin shares his plans to eliminate data-mining services from his … Continue reading Episode 296: Gifts galore and a recipe for smarter food prep
Episode 295: Project CHIP goes commercial and the Eero Pro review
Nov 19, 2020
This week’s podcast kicks off with the news that Project Connected Home over IP (CHIP) will also have a commercial element focused on offices, apartments, and public buildings. Then we focus on edge computing with a new way to bring machine learning to the edge and Arm expanding its free IP license program to some … Continue reading Episode 295: Project CHIP goes commercial and the Eero Pro review
Episode 294: Let’s talk about Thread and digital twins
Nov 12, 2020
This week’s show starts off with a conversation about Thread because it’s clear that it’s going to become an important radio for the future of the smart home. We explain why before discussing an update to LoRaWAN and an alternative to the big voice-controlled smart speakers from Josh.ai. After that, we express frustration with exploding … Continue reading Episode 294: Let’s talk about Thread and digital twins
Episode 293: Amazon’s Halo and the election and IoT
Nov 05, 2020
We kicked off the post-Election Day show with an update on ballot initiatives in Massachusetts, Maine, and California that have an impact on the internet of things. After that, we discussed Google’s ability to predict HVAC problems and the promise of smart thermostats. Then we focused on two devices worth covering, a smart lamp from … Continue reading Episode 293: Amazon’s Halo and the election and IoT
Episode 292: We play with Whoop bands and Wyze cams
Oct 29, 2020
First up on this week’s show are Forrester’s predictions for the year ahead in IoT, followed by me talking about my latest tech gadget, the Whoop Strap. Whoop recently raised $100 million in funding for its subscription-based band designed for hardcore athletes. From there we talked about the new Arduino Oplà IoT Kit, the real … Continue reading Episode 292: We play with Whoop bands and Wyze cams
Episode 291: All about Amazon’s Sidewalk and the new Echo
Oct 22, 2020
This week we start and end with dying devices. First up, we talk about Google discontinuing its Nest Secure alarm system and sensors (it will still support existing systems in the field). We then talk about Nanoleaf’s new products including lights that support Thread. This week is full of smart speakers as we discuss the … Continue reading Episode 291: All about Amazon’s Sidewalk and the new Echo
Episode 290: Apple’s smart speaker and cheap thermostats
Oct 15, 2020
This week’s IoT podcast kicks off with a focus on Apple’s new HomePod mini and the inclusion of the Thread protocol on the device. We then discuss how it fits into the world of smart speakers and my own recent purchases, such as my feelings about the Echo Studio and the Nest Audio. We then … Continue reading Episode 290: Apple’s smart speaker and cheap thermostats
Episode 289: Nest Audio and IoT trends in the enterprise
Oct 08, 2020
This week’s show kicks off with a bunch of data from Microsoft’s latest IoT Signals report which shows that, for a third of companies, COVID-19 is speeding up their IoT deployments. We discuss the data and then talk about updates on the Nvidia deal for ARM from ARM’s developer conference, a cheaper Jetson AI module, … Continue reading Episode 289: Nest Audio and IoT trends in the enterprise
Episode 288: New devices and new threats
Oct 01, 2020
This week’s show covers device launches from Amazon last week and Google this week. We also talk about connected coffee machines getting hacked, Amazon letting people pay with their palm, and Apple’s smart home patents. After that, we switch to developer news with Twilio’s new IoT platform and ARM’s chip designs for autonomous robots and … Continue reading Episode 288: New devices and new threats
Episode 287: Amazon’s new network and cleaner air from 3M
Sep 24, 2020
This week’s podcast covers our thinking on Amazon’s new Sidewalk network, but not the devices the retailer launched on Thursday. As part of the network conversation, we also discussed LoRaWAN network operator Senet’s new $16 million in funding before detailing three upcoming products from Wyze. We then talked about sharing Alexa routines, Google’s new mystery … Continue reading Episode 287: Amazon’s new network and cleaner air from 3M
Episode 286: Apple, ARM and more IoT security challenges
Sep 17, 2020
This week’s show kicks off with Kevin and I discussing Nvidia’s $40 billion plan to buy ARM. After that, we talk about Google’s upcoming event, a gesture interface for Nest thermostats, and the news from the Apple event. From there we talk about alternatives to IFTTT in case you don’t want to pay for a … Continue reading Episode 286: Apple, ARM and more IoT security challenges
Episode 285: All about IFTTT’s new paid plan
Sep 10, 2020
This week the show starts with an overview on IFTTT’s new paid plan and then dives into the recent update on Project Connected Home over IP. There’s not a lot of news, but the effort is still progressing, which is something. We also discuss the new long-range Z-Wave standard, a new court ruling on geofencing … Continue reading Episode 285: All about IFTTT’s new paid plan
Episode 284: Amazon Halo, the FBI and smart cars
Sep 03, 2020
This week’s show starts off with the FBI’s concerns about the Ring doorbell, then news about Apple and Google making their COVID-19 exposure notification framework easier for states to use. We discuss consolidation in the smart apartment market, vulnerabilities in Microsoft’s Azure Sphere and then dive into a heap of newly launched devices. First up … Continue reading Episode 284: Amazon Halo, the FBI and smart cars
Episode 283: Cloudflare’s CEO on ethics and building out edge computing
Aug 27, 2020
ARM is back in our news lineup this week, as Kevin and I discuss who might be interested in buying the chip design company and why it decided not to spin out its IoT assets. We also talk about a new lock that opens with a touch, biometrics on other locks, and Fitbit’s new wearables. … Continue reading Episode 283: Cloudflare’s CEO on ethics and building out edge computing
Episode 282: Philips Hue has high hopes for Project CHIP
Aug 20, 2020
This week’s show kicks off with the Bluetooth SIG’s effort to bring Bluetooth-based contact tracing to individuals who might not have phones, and then segues into what’s behind the Z-Wave Alliance’s organizational shakeup. After that, we pause to remember the passing of Verizon’s IoT platform dreams and cover the end (or maybe just a momentary … Continue reading Episode 282: Philips Hue has high hopes for Project CHIP
Episode 281: Manufacturing trends during the pandemic
Aug 13, 2020
This week on the IoT podcast we begin by talking about what the widespread adoption of ultrawideband chips in phones could mean for the IoT. From there, it’s on to Google’s always-listening software update, humans coming back into the QA loop, and earthquake detection on Android phones (there’s another earthquake project too!). Kevin also asks … Continue reading Episode 281: Manufacturing trends during the pandemic
Episode 280: Meet the new security standard for the smart home
Aug 06, 2020
This week’s show kicks off with us talking about Johnson Controls buying the remaining stake it didn’t hold in security company Qolsys and parallels with Google’s big partnership and investment with ADT. From there Kevin and I share a bit about our own smart home experiences, starting with my Alexa-related temper tantrum. Kevin then shares … Continue reading Episode 280: Meet the new security standard for the smart home
Episode 279: GE Appliances goes for the Gold in security
Jul 30, 2020
This week Kevin and I start the show with our thoughts on CES going digital, and then turn to subscriptions for smart products, specifically tied to the news that the Mellow sous vide is now charging for functionality that had been free. We then move on to pandemic-era fundings for Density, Withings, and connected fitness … Continue reading Episode 279: GE Appliances goes for the Gold in security
Episode 278: Amazon’s Alexa Developer news and 5G’s next wave
Jul 23, 2020
This week’s show digs into the announcements made during Amazon’s Alexa Live event held Wednesday. We explain the Connect Kit hardware and Alexa skill upgrades and try to offer a bit of context about what it means for users and developers. After that, we move to Wyze’s ask for donations and our fears over its … Continue reading Episode 278: Amazon’s Alexa Developer news and 5G’s next wave
Episode 277: Does your house need a mouse?
Jul 16, 2020
This week on the show Kevin and I start with a speculative Google project dubbed the “house mouse” by researchers at Google’s ATAP group. Then we cover a bit on Google’s proposed acquisition of Fitbit, Amazon’s new smart cart, Amazon’s developer event next week, and how Amazon can compete in the digital assistant game without … Continue reading Episode 277: Does your house need a mouse?
Episode 276: Google inches toward a smarter home
Jul 09, 2020
This week Kevin and I discuss the news from Google’s smart home event, and what it means for the big players in the game, standards efforts, your television, and whether Amazon can compete without a smartphone when it comes to the smart home. From there we talk about Arm’s decision to spin out its IoT … Continue reading Episode 276: Google inches toward a smarter home
Episode 275: Does the smart home need glasses?
Jul 02, 2020
This week Kevin and I talk about my recent move and what I am looking for in a video doorbell before diving into our thoughts on Google’s planned smart home event for next week. Then we cover the big IoT acquisitions of the week from Google, lululemon(!), and Amazon. After that, we discuss Qualcomm’s new … Continue reading Episode 275: Does the smart home need glasses?
Episode 274: Apple embraces IoT and SmartThings shakes things up
Jun 25, 2020
This week’s show is a whopper, starting with the news from Apple’s WorldWide Developers Conference. We talk about how Apple is playing the long game by integrating sensors and machine learning across devices to give contextual experiences, Apple’s updates to HomeKit, and some details about Apple opening up its FindMy network. From there we talk … Continue reading Episode 274: Apple embraces IoT and SmartThings shakes things up
Episode 273: Ripple20 and Helium goes global
Jun 18, 2020
This week’s show features a guest co-host, Chris Albrecht, editor at The Spoon. We kick off the show discussing the latest IoT security vulnerability Ripple20 and why you need a software Bill of Materials for your connected products. We then focus on COVID-19 contract tracing, using wireless signals to monitor patients remotely, Intel’s updated robotic … Continue reading Episode 273: Ripple20 and Helium goes global
Episode 272: Let’s talk about anonymity by design
Jun 11, 2020
This week’s podcast starts off with IBM’s decision to stop selling facial recognition software (we recorded before Amazon made a similar announcement) and then shifts to a discussion on neuromorphic computing. From there we discuss Lutron’s new wooden blinds, turning a Commodore 64 into a home automation system, insights on water use during the pandemic, … Continue reading Episode 272: Let’s talk about anonymity by design
Episode 271: Surveillance scares and a nutrition label for IoT security
Jun 04, 2020
This week’s show kicks off with a discussion of what’s happening in the U.S. with protests, police brutality, and the role connected tech can play in smart cities, including the role image recognition can and does play. We then tackle the IoT news starting with Nest’s addition of Google’s advanced protection program and a GPS … Continue reading Episode 271: Surveillance scares and a nutrition label for IoT security
Episode 270: Wink is a bad boyfriend and what about Wi-Fi HaLow?
May 28, 2020
This week’s show starts off with Wink’s new pricing plan (although it feels less like a plan and more like watching a toddler trying to chase a soccer ball.) After that, we talk about Wemo’s decision to address a known security issue by pushing users to create accounts, We also discuss the future of remote … Continue reading Episode 270: Wink is a bad boyfriend and what about Wi-Fi HaLow?
Episode 269: Wyze wants to bulk up and Microsoft Build news
May 21, 2020
This week’s show is all about Seattle-area companies. First up, Wyze wants to raise money, so it shared its sales from last year and plans for 30 more smart home products. Kevin and I talk about the company and its impact on the industry. Then we shift to Microsoft and its Build event, which took … Continue reading Episode 269: Wyze wants to bulk up and Microsoft Build news
Episode 268: Subscription news from Wink and Nest
May 14, 2020
This week’s show is all about subscriptions! First Kevin and I share thoughts on Wink’s decision to charge a subscription fee after giving customers a week’s notice and threatening to shut down their devices if they don’t convert. We also detail Nest’s new subscription plan and keep on the Alphabet/Google topic by discussing the end … Continue reading Episode 268: Subscription news from Wink and Nest
Episode 267: How to build your own IoT device
May 07, 2020
This week on the show, Kevin and I start with a potential privacy bill in the Senate related to COVID-19 track and trace and then discuss the challenges legislation and Bluetooth track-trace efforts will face. We then talk about a possible acquisition by Microsoft of an industrial IoT security company. Kevin shared his hope for … Continue reading Episode 267: How to build your own IoT device
Episode 266: Startups get ARM IP for free
Apr 30, 2020
ARM is expanding access to its chip designs to startups that have raised less than $5 million through its Flexible Access program. Kevin and I explain why this is a big deal and then go on to discuss a new gesture-based interface that could be either a gimmick or a gamechanger. From there we talk … Continue reading Episode 266: Startups get ARM IP for free
Episode 265: How to make the electric grid more like the internet
Apr 23, 2020
This week Kevin and I dig into two sets of best practices for privacy and data collection relating to track-and-trace programs enacted on our devices. One is from Microsoft, and the other is from MIT. We also talk about Ring asking users if they want the ability to read license plates in their security cameras … Continue reading Episode 265: How to make the electric grid more like the internet
Episode 264: Wyze gear and everything’s coming up COVID
Apr 16, 2020
This week’s Internet of Things Podcast kicks off with a discussion of all the ways that IoT companies are evolving their products and pitches for the pandemic. We cover handwashing sensors, door sensors, and Raspberry Pis before moving onto discuss the Apple and Google contact tracing efforts. Then it’s on to product news from Ecobee … Continue reading Episode 264: Wyze gear and everything’s coming up COVID
Episode 263: Insurance gets smart and Google Home gets local
Apr 09, 2020
Kevin and I kick off the show with the news that Google is moving ahead on its local control for certain smart home devices, which will be helpful for people who want faster response times and a bit more privacy. We also discuss the FCC’s approval to make Wi-Fi 6 E spectrum available. From there … Continue reading Episode 263: Insurance gets smart and Google Home gets local
Episode 262: Use your wearable data to detect COVID-19
Apr 02, 2020
This week Kevin and I kick off the show with a discussion of who should be tracking you during the pandemic and what rules companies and governments should use in order to protect user privacy. We also dig into the importance of APIs after Apple purchased the Dark Skye weather app. Then we explain the … Continue reading Episode 262: Use your wearable data to detect COVID-19
Episode 261: Set up a secure IoT network and Wyze has new gear
Mar 26, 2020
With the spread of COVID-19 and people staying home, robots are gaining ground in jobs, so Kevin and I discuss what jobs are at risk and what happened with automation during the last three recessions. We also talk about the rules that need to be in place if we want to track people during the … Continue reading Episode 261: Set up a secure IoT network and Wyze has new gear
Episode 260: How to make telemedicine work in a crisis
Mar 19, 2020
Kevin and I kick off this week’s show discussing COVID-19 again. We start with a virus tracker for Home Assistant, a handwashing sensor, relaxed healthcare rules, disaster relief networks, Israeli tracking software, and Kevin’s tips for connected workout gear and online resources to keep you fit while quarantined. We then talk about a partnership for … Continue reading Episode 260: How to make telemedicine work in a crisis
Episode 259: Lights out for first-gen Hue hubs and Lightify
Mar 12, 2020
This week’s show starts off with Kevin and I explaining exactly what’s happening with the death of the first-gen Philips Hue hubs (which we mentioned way back in November) and the death of the cloud servers powering OSRAM’s Lightify products. We then talk about Kevin’s experience installing Home Assistant and mine with the Helium hotspot. … Continue reading Episode 259: Lights out for first-gen Hue hubs and Lightify
Episode 258: Coronavirus help from the IoT
Mar 05, 2020
This week we continue our discussion of the coronavirus, because a week later, things are still getting canceled. Plus, Kevin shares some tips for having your smart home help you avoid infection. We then continue our case against Telnet with a report from F-secure and say goodbye to Cortana’s consumer-oriented skills. We also check in … Continue reading Episode 258: Coronavirus help from the IoT
Episode 257: Microsoft’s IoT security play is finally here
Feb 27, 2020
We start this week’s show talking about the hit the tech conference circuit has taken because of the new coronavirus before segueing into some good news on the security front with the move of Microsoft’s Azure Sphere product to general availability. Then we move back into somewhat grim news discussing the trend toward the usage … Continue reading Episode 257: Microsoft’s IoT security play is finally here
Episode 256: The tech industry is growing up
Feb 20, 2020
This week Kevin is back and we’re digging into Ring’s decision to listen to its critics and change some of its security features. It’s a welcome sign of overall maturity in the tech industry. At the same time, it’s unclear if the Ring cameras are that helpful to law enforcement. We then discuss the rise … Continue reading Episode 256: The tech industry is growing up
Episode 255: A deep dive into NIST’s new privacy framework
Feb 13, 2020
This week’s show features Chris Albrecht, editor in chief of The Spoon, as a guest host, which means there will be a review of a connected kitchen gadget — in this case, a connected smoker from Traeger. We kick off the show discussing the FTC’s surprising antitrust review and discuss IoT acquisitions that might get … Continue reading Episode 255: A deep dive into NIST’s new privacy framework
Episode 254: Google goes enterprise with Glass
Feb 06, 2020
This week Kevin and I start the show with a focus on Google’s new Glass product for the enterprise, and a newly discovered smart hub from the Craftsman brand (h/t Jimmy Hawkins). We also cover the Starling smart hub that can link your Nest gear to your HomeKit account, and discuss Kevin’s reaction to Ring … Continue reading Episode 254: Google goes enterprise with Glass
Episode 253: Smart cities, Ring, and the new surveillance state
Jan 30, 2020
On this week’s show, privacy was a big theme beginning with our conversation about Ring’s sharing of certain user data with third-party tracking sites, a plea from 40 organizations for the U.S. to stop using facial recognition technology, and a new way to think about smart cities. Kevin and I also discussed proposed device security … Continue reading Episode 253: Smart cities, Ring, and the new surveillance state
Episode 252: Bricks, CHIP and Wi-Fi 6
Jan 23, 2020
Kevin and start the show with our takes on Sonos deciding to stop updating older speakers and stereo components. We broaden the conversation to include Under Armor killing its UA gear and Charter/Spectrum’s decision to stop supporting smart home and security products in its footprint, leaving some customers out equipment costs. We even delve into … Continue reading Episode 252: Bricks, CHIP and Wi-Fi 6
Episode 251: Here’s what people at CES said about CHIP
Jan 16, 2020
This week’s show was dedicated to a wrap up of CES 2020. Kevin and I shared how the show has changed in the last 15 years, talked about technology for Boomers, the Withings ScanWatch and ran through several new maker boards. We covered the $2 Wemos W600-PICO board, a new Arduino board for industrial use … Continue reading Episode 251: Here’s what people at CES said about CHIP
Episode 250: Everything that mattered at CES
Jan 09, 2020
This week Kevin and I went to Las Vegas for the annual CES event showcasing thousands of technology products under dozens of roofs. We recorded the show before we had the chance to see everything, but we did pull together this show with some of the big themes we saw developing and the news that … Continue reading Episode 250: Everything that mattered at CES
Episode 249: Welcome to the internet of senses
Jan 02, 2020
Happy New Year, y’all! This week Kevin and I kick off the show with a chat about the Wyze security breach. We talk about what it means for you and I offer an idea on how to stop some of these breaches. We also mention the lawsuit against Ring, discuss how the new IoT security … Continue reading Episode 249: Welcome to the internet of senses
Episode 248: Should I put my IoT devices on a guest network?
Dec 26, 2019
This week’s Internet of Things Podcast is a bit different from our typical format. Instead of discussing a range of topics and sharing a guest interview, we’re tackling the question we get so often from our listeners who are rightfully concerned about their home network security with smart devices installed: Should all of these webcams, … Continue reading Episode 248: Should I put my IoT devices on a guest network?
Episode 247: We explain Amazon, Apple and Google’s new smart home standard
Dec 19, 2019
This week’s big news is that Amazon, Apple, and Google have agreed to collaborate on the creation of a new smart home standard called the Connected Home over IP (CHIP). We lay out what this is and what it means for consumers, manufacturers, and developers. We then talk about a device for tracking crypto micropayments … Continue reading Episode 247: We explain Amazon, Apple and Google’s new smart home standard
Episode 246: The IoT Holiday Gift Guide
Dec 12, 2019
This week Kevin and kick off the show on a serious note, pointing out that the U.S. is approaching China in terms of the number of people per every IP camera. We draw a line between that fact and the surveillance capabilities that Ring allows through the Neighbors app, before offering a smidgen of hope … Continue reading Episode 246: The IoT Holiday Gift Guide
Episode 245: What to ask your landlord about smart apartments
Dec 05, 2019
Amazon is bringing its services closer to the edge with a new product and deal with Verizon, but it’s not the only cloud provider signing a partnership with a carrier. We also discuss Resideo’s executive change and a new smart home hub concept crammed into a thermostat. From there we talk about our confusion with … Continue reading Episode 245: What to ask your landlord about smart apartments
Episode 244: How AWS plans to take on the IoT
Nov 28, 2019
This week Amazon announced several new services ahead of its re:Invent event next week including news about Alexa Voice Services and the IoT elements of the cloud. We also touch base about Wink’s latest problem and try to explain the kerfuffle on lightweight IoT encryption. In smaller news bits, we talk about Wyze killing its … Continue reading Episode 244: How AWS plans to take on the IoT
Episode 243: Nanoleaf Canvas review and a talk with Tuya
Nov 21, 2019
We kick off this week’s podcast with Kevin’s struggles to get his Google Home to talk to Wink. Then we unpack some of the standards news out from the ZigBee Alliance and the Open Connectivity Foundation, which is introducing OCF-over-Thread. From there we do a quick update on Ring, talk about a new smart grill … Continue reading Episode 243: Nanoleaf Canvas review and a talk with Tuya
Episode 242: Google explains itself and new Wyze gear!
Nov 14, 2019
Wyze makes some of the most reasonably-priced smart-home gear on the market and said earlier this month that it was planning a smorgasbord of new products, which Kevin and I detail in this episode. We then cover low-power wide-area networks with news that Twilio’s NB-IoT network and boards are now generally available and news that … Continue reading Episode 242: Google explains itself and new Wyze gear!
Episode 241: How a smarter edge can make schools safer
Nov 07, 2019
This week on the show, Kevin and I started with a discussion of reports of how smart speakers can receive remote commands from a hacker with a laser. We then shifted gears to talk about company research showing how much data your smart homes are sending and a brand new network product from Firewalla. Cortana’s … Continue reading Episode 241: How a smarter edge can make schools safer
This week Kevin and I lamented about the future state of Wink. Its status is almost dead. We also discussed Apple’s renewed interest in the smart home, Google’s rumored interest in Fitbit and Microsoft’s certain interest in improving its credentials for edge IoT. We also talked about security vulnerabilities enabled by smart lights, why you … Continue reading Episode 240: Wave goodbye to Wink?
Episode 239: Tuya, toilets and Twinklys
Oct 24, 2019
This week Kevin and I start with an update on Tuya full of a variety of news the company announced at a conference held this week in Shenzen, China. From there we discuss two updates with the maker of Philips Hue light bulbs that means you won’t need a hub with SmartThings or Google Home … Continue reading Episode 239: Tuya, toilets and Twinklys
Episode 238: Google’s smart home vision explained
Oct 17, 2019
This week Kevin and I discuss the aftermath of the big Google event, covering the new devices, the focus on ambient computing, and changes to the Nest subscription and Works with Assistant programs. From there we cover a new smart lock backed by Lennar Homes and Walmart, a new light bulb from LIFX and more … Continue reading Episode 238: Google’s smart home vision explained
Episode 237: ARM’s big move and the future of food
Oct 10, 2019
In this week’s episode, we start off with speculation about wearables and why we might put the internet of things into clothing. From there we speculate on whether IoT is the new asbestos. I did this show from ARM’s annual tech conference, where I tried to explain some of the big news from the show, … Continue reading Episode 237: ARM’s big move and the future of food
Episode 236: Yes, I want Amazon Alexa eyeglasses
Oct 03, 2019
This week we returned to the Amazon announcements from last week, so Kevin and I could share our thoughts in depth. We hit the popular gadgets, Sidewalk and even delved into the smart oven. We also covered funding news for two companies trying to build products for apartment buildings. IOTAS scored $8.5 million while SmartRent … Continue reading Episode 236: Yes, I want Amazon Alexa eyeglasses
Episode 235: How Amazon is defining the smart home
Sep 26, 2019
This week’s show covers the big Amazon announcements in the guest segment, but first Kevin and I focus on the retailer’s smaller announcements around its new show and tell feature and voice interoperability efforts. Kevin has thoughts about cameras in the home. We also talk about Google changing how it handles voice recordings to help … Continue reading Episode 235: How Amazon is defining the smart home
Episode 234: It’s M&A season for the smart home
Sep 19, 2019
This week alarm company Vivint went public through a reverse merger, with the aim of becoming a leader in the smart home and security space. We discuss the transaction and what it means for the small clutch of smart home companies that have one or two successful products but an unclear exit. From there we … Continue reading Episode 234: It’s M&A season for the smart home
Episode 233: How IoT will change your sales job
Sep 12, 2019
This week’s show kicks off with the whimper after Apple failed to give us any exciting IoT news. We discuss the scraps Apple gave us, but move to Google’s new Nest Hub Max and the future of local wake word recognition thanks to a new chip. We also talk about Samsara, the industrial IoT’s latest … Continue reading Episode 233: How IoT will change your sales job
Episode 232: How secure is your favorite smart home device?
Sep 05, 2019
This week’s show has good news for smart device buyers concerned about security. We discuss a new research effort called Your Things that tracks the security of popular smart home devices. We also talk about a new Z-wave hub from Ezlo Innovations, a DIY voice assistant from Picovoice, and rumors about Apple’s new AR glasses … Continue reading Episode 232: How secure is your favorite smart home device?
Episode 231: What to do with Wi-Fi 6 and voice in the enterprise
Aug 29, 2019
What is Wi-Fi 6? Should you care? We tackle these questions first up in this week’s podcast. From there, Kevin and I discuss the Bluetooth KNOB vulnerability and our fears of how smart home data could affect a Chinese-style social credit score. To lighten things up I talk about my visit with Microsoft, and experience with … Continue reading Episode 231: What to do with Wi-Fi 6 and voice in the enterprise
Episode 230: Which IoT satellite efforts will fail?
Aug 22, 2019
This week I get excited about a new home water monitoring product from Phyn while Kevin migrated his Nest account over to a Google account. We also discussed the creation of IKEA’s new Home Smart business unit and Amazon’s dream of putting Alexa in every car. SimpliSafe adds a door lock, MIT researchers build an … Continue reading Episode 230: Which IoT satellite efforts will fail?
Episode 229: Check out this new location tech for IoT
Aug 15, 2019
This week Kevin and I continue to follow the never-ending saga of companies who sent people’s voice utterances to contractors without disclosure and pile on with more disconcerting news about Amazon’s facial recognition service getting the ability to detect fear. From there we discuss partnerships (LIFX and Brilliant, LG and Lumi); breakups (Microsoft and Johnson … Continue reading Episode 229: Check out this new location tech for IoT
Episode 228: Ring uses police as a sales channel
Aug 08, 2019
We should name our show the Internet of Privacy Violations Podcast. This week Kevin and I talk about Apple and Microsoft sending voice utterances to contractors and what the industry overall has done to clarify this fact to consumers and also let folks opt-out. We also talk about Microsoft’s discovery that IoT devices are an … Continue reading Episode 228: Ring uses police as a sales channel
Episode 227: Resideo’s smart home strategy explained
Aug 01, 2019
We kick off this week’s show with a new smart bed from Tempur-Pedic before immediately disagreeing about Google’s use of gesture control in the upcoming Pixel 4. From there we talk about Amazon’s Ring business and what makes us most uncomfortable about its dealings with police. Also uncomfortable is our chat about the FTC’s decision … Continue reading Episode 227: Resideo’s smart home strategy explained
Episode 226: Google’s Nest exec isn’t into smart homes
Jul 25, 2019
This week’s show kicks off with Kevin and I discussing how Google’s head of IoT isn’t a believer in the smart home. Except he is. He just calls it something else, and we explain his rationale for doing so. We also explain why I am so excited about Microsoft’s new contracts for sharing data and … Continue reading Episode 226: Google’s Nest exec isn’t into smart homes
Episode 225: How to fix smart speaker privacy issues
Jul 18, 2019
This week on the show Kevin and I share our misgivings about smart speakers and some ideas to help address the privacy issues for those who want to continue to embrace the convenience, but don’t want strangers hearing their fights, farts, and friends. We also talk about the acquisition of Centralite’s assets by Ezlo, which … Continue reading Episode 225: How to fix smart speaker privacy issues
Episode 224: Wyze Bulbs and the Echo Auto reviewed
Jul 11, 2019
This week Kevin and I spend more time reviewing gadgets than on news. First, we hit the latest update for Z-Wave which basically makes it easier to grab a new Z-wave device and get it on a network. Then we talk about vulnerabilities in medical devices before turning to the new Wyze camera person detection. … Continue reading Episode 224: Wyze Bulbs and the Echo Auto reviewed
Episode 223: How Amazon treats your Alexa data
Jul 04, 2019
This week Kevin and I read and discuss the letter from Amazon responding to inquiries about how it keeps and handles data. We go in-depth because it’s important to discuss the tradeoff between services and privacy. We also discuss a company leaking smart home data, the FTC settlement with D-Link and a smart home hub … Continue reading Episode 223: How Amazon treats your Alexa data
Episode 222: SmartThings’ new gear and a Wink sighting
Jun 27, 2019
This week on the IoT Podcast, Kevin and I spend time discussing Amazon’s new smaller Echo Show and SmartThings’ new trifecta of products. From there we talk about a frightening new malware that’s bricking IoT devices and its unlikely origin. We check in on schools’ and hospitals use of an unproven AI and microphones to … Continue reading Episode 222: SmartThings’ new gear and a Wink sighting
Episode 221: Thread is now enterprise ready
Jun 20, 2019
This week Kevin and I talk about the updated Thread protocol and explain what Thread 1.2 has to offer. It’s quite a lot. We also talk about office-management firm JLL working with Google to launch a smart assistant for the office environment, Samsung’s smart TV flub and DISH launching a smart home device installation effort. … Continue reading Episode 221: Thread is now enterprise ready
Episode 220: The future of surveillance includes hacked data and biased AI
Jun 13, 2019
This week Kevin and I offer a take on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency hack and what it means in terms of biometric data, broader security trends and how it relates to policing that can rely on connected AR glasses. Basically, it’s going to be a dystopian hellscape. Especially when you consider Spotify … Continue reading Episode 220: The future of surveillance includes hacked data and biased AI
Twice a year Kevin and I gather up a bunch of your questions from the Internet of Things Podcast Hotline and find answers for them. The episode stars all of our listeners and this time around y’all want to know about helping students build Amazon Alexa skills, how to use a sensor to track when … Continue reading Episode 219: The summer Q&A episode!
Episode 218: This company is betting big on Apple’s HomeKit
May 30, 2019
This week we talk about Nvidia’s new EGX platform for delivering machine learning at the edge as well as the surprise Sony low power wide area network that can send a few bits 60 miles. And because we forgot last week, this week we review Google’s decision to walk back its Nest deprecation as well … Continue reading Episode 218: This company is betting big on Apple’s HomeKit
Episode 217: Lutron has saved the smart bulb!
May 23, 2019
This week, Lutron introduced the Aurora dimmer switch, which attaches to a traditional light switch to control your smart bulbs without any need of an electrician or tools. We love it! We also discuss the launch of Wyze’s light bulbs and newly added Google Assistant integration, Comcast’s proposed health sensors and Mediatek’s new chips for … Continue reading Episode 217: Lutron has saved the smart bulb!
Episode 216: Your smart home data will lead to cheaper insurance
May 16, 2019
This week Kevin and I continue discussing the fall out from Google killing the Works with Nest program. We discuss alternative devices for those who want to replace their Nest devices. Next, we go into the Amazon Alexa updates that add the Guard security features and sunrise and sunset schedule. Then we look at the … Continue reading Episode 216: Your smart home data will lead to cheaper insurance
Episode 215: What Google killing Works with Nest means
May 09, 2019
This week’s show is a long one, thanks to both Google I/O and Microsoft Build happening this week. We kick off with news from I/O about local processing and gesture controls before digging deep into what it means that Google is killing its Works with Nest program. We explain what it means for consumers, the … Continue reading Episode 215: What Google killing Works with Nest means
Episode 214: Goodbye Anki, hello connected pets
May 02, 2019
This week Kevin and I mourn the end of Anki, the company behind Kevin’s beloved Vector robot. We also talk about the upcoming Google I/O, privacy expectations in apartments with connected devices and AT&T’s nationwide NB-IoT network. From there we discuss Congressional hearings on device security here and abroad in the U.K. In our quick … Continue reading Episode 214: Goodbye Anki, hello connected pets
Episode 213: A deep dive into IoT Inspector
Apr 25, 2019
This week’s podcast starts out with a focus on Clear Ventures’ new, $180 million venture fund dedicated to Industry 4.0. We stay with enterprise and industrial IoT to discuss a new round of funding for security firm VDOO and VMware’s new version of the Pulse IoT Platform. After that, we move to the smart home … Continue reading Episode 213: A deep dive into IoT Inspector
Episode 212: How to find connected devices in your home or enterprise
Apr 18, 2019
This week’s show is all about visibility. Kevin and I get started discussing the new IoT Inspector program that tracks what devices are on your network and how they behave. In other surveillance, we talk about how easy it is to identify total strangers using public cameras and public facial recognition programs, before discussing the … Continue reading Episode 212: How to find connected devices in your home or enterprise
Episode 211: Google’s Anthos and the death of Stringify
Apr 11, 2019
This week Kevin and I spend a chunk of the podcast discussing the end of Stringify and the other options available to users. We also talk about the need for an easy way to transfer automations from one system to another. After that, we tackle Google’s Anthos cloud platform and what it means for the … Continue reading Episode 211: Google’s Anthos and the death of Stringify
Episode 210: Hannover Messe and haptic IoT
Apr 04, 2019
This week’s show focuses on the tremendous amount of industrial IoT news coming out of the Hannover Messe event held in Germany. We cover Microsoft and BMW’s Open Manufacturing Platform and the similarly named Open Industry 4.0 Alliance as well as the prevalence of 5G news at the show. After explaining what is going on … Continue reading Episode 210: Hannover Messe and haptic IoT
Episode 209: The industrial IoT is under attack
Mar 28, 2019
This week I’m in Helsinki learning a lot about Finnish IoT. I’ll write about it more in the newsletter, but in the meantime, Kevin and I discussed where Siri and HomeKit fit in with Apple’s services strategy, new funding for CyberX and several reasons that industrial IoT security is becoming such a critical issue. Plume … Continue reading Episode 209: The industrial IoT is under attack
Episode 208: IKEA’s smart home arrives in August
Mar 21, 2019
Kevin was out of town this week, so I co-hosted the podcast with my former colleague Chris Albrecht, who is managing editor at the Spoon, a foodtech site and the head of the Articulate conference all about kitchen robots. We start the show with news about Vivint adding cars to its smart home product and … Continue reading Episode 208: IKEA’s smart home arrives in August
This week’s show features a lot of little news bits starting with a discussion about Charter testing a new smart home device management platform and another chat about facial recognition. We then return to the lessons that Boeing’s 737 MAX saga have to teach the IoT industry before diving into Google news starting with continued … Continue reading Episode 207: The smart home at SXSW
Episode 206: Why your smart devices cost so much
Mar 07, 2019
This week Kevin and I start off the show with a discussion about Google’s new Coral board that provides machine learning at the edge. We then jump to sensor company Centralite’s bankruptcy filing in Alabama. We also discuss the death of Jibo and how the end of Lighthouse meant new patents for Apple. After covering … Continue reading Episode 206: Why your smart devices cost so much
Episode 205: How technology will shape your energy bills
Feb 28, 2019
There were two big shows this week with Embedded World and Mobile World Congress. Thus, this week’s show focuses a lot on industrial and enterprise news starting with a deep dive on ARM’s PSA certification announcement. We explain what it means and how it should improve IoT security for all before moving to news about … Continue reading Episode 205: How technology will shape your energy bills
Episode 204: Apple’s next big market and Silicon Labs’ CEO
Feb 21, 2019
This week Kevin and start the show with an educated guess about what comes next for Apple after the iPhone and then discuss the leadership transition at IFTTT. In the wake of Google saying that it didn’t disclose the microphone inside the Nest Guard box, Kevin and I reiterate our take from last week, which is … Continue reading Episode 204: Apple’s next big market and Silicon Labs’ CEO
Episode 203: Amazon’s Eero buy and RISC-V
Feb 14, 2019
There were several acquisitions this week and the end of two prominent IoT platforms to cover, so Kevin and I had a lot to talk about. We kick off the show with Amazon’s purchase of mesh Wi-Fi company Eero and then segue into a conversation about Amazon’s data collection efforts. From there we move into security company … Continue reading Episode 203: Amazon’s Eero buy and RISC-V
Episode 202: What happens when your smart home gets a subpoena
Feb 07, 2019
This week’s news was somewhat grim for the smart home with Lowe’s shutting down its Iris smart home hub program and a number of acquisitions in the space. Those include LIFX, Neeo, and WigWag. We are pumped about the rise in mainstream attention for consent around data use and privacy. Unfortunately, we also have a bunch … Continue reading Episode 202: What happens when your smart home gets a subpoena
Episode 201: Bluetooth gets better and more smart lights
Jan 31, 2019
The Bluetooth Special Interest Group has released new standards that improve location tracking, so we talk about Kevin’s hopes for that and save the bigger details for our guest segment. We’ve got two new smart lighting products. The first is from Casper —yes the mattress company — and the second is from a startup called … Continue reading Episode 201: Bluetooth gets better and more smart lights
Episode 200: These are the features that matter in the smart kitchen
Jan 24, 2019
This week’s podcast kicks off with a discussion about property owners forcing smart apartments on renters. The discussion was sparked by a series of tweets. Kevin and I discovered the name of the company behind the service and cover some of the challenges associated with the proposition. (Here’s a hack of the device on GitHub.) … Continue reading Episode 200: These are the features that matter in the smart kitchen
Episode 199: Check out Maslow’s Hierarchy of IoT
Jan 17, 2019
We finish up our CES thoughts this week, although after living it, writing about it and talking about I’m not sure what’s been covered and where. We talk about Wi-Fi devices, Chamberlain working with Amazon’s Key program, and Kevin’s post-CES thoughts. We then turn to some security issues that are still plaguing companies grabbing and storing IoT data from Gemalto … Continue reading Episode 199: Check out Maslow’s Hierarchy of IoT
It’s time for our annual CES edition of the Internet of Things Podcast! This year’s CES wrap focuses on newer additions to the gadget world with conversations from Procter & Gamble and Kohler. You’ll find out why Kohler stuck Alexa in a toilet. I also talk to folks about Bluetooth, Thread, and Wi-Fi, because I’m a … Continue reading Special Edition: 2019 CES episode
Episode 198: Check out CES and a smart KB Home
Jan 10, 2019
Kevin and I are at CES this week ready to embrace the future of consumer technology. But so far, we haven’t found much that is new. We discuss the domination by Google at the show, a bunch of news about Amazon’s Alexa ecosystem and a smattering of news from smart home providers. By this point … Continue reading Episode 198: Check out CES and a smart KB Home
Episode 197: What to expect at CES and in 2019
Jan 03, 2019
This week’s show is all about the coming year. We start with Kevin and I discussing things we expect to see at CES next week as well as overall trends we think 2019 will bring to IoT and the smart home. They include everything from connected toilets to an increasing number of cellular providers for … Continue reading Episode 197: What to expect at CES and in 2019
Episode 196: The holiday Q&A extravaganza!
Dec 27, 2018
This week Kevin and I took some time off to prepare for the CES and get ready for 2019. It’s going to be awesome! But we can’t leave you guys without a show, so we selected almost a dozen listener questions from the IoT Podcast Hotline and tried to answer them. You’ll learn about some … Continue reading Episode 196: The holiday Q&A extravaganza!
Episode 195: We’re switching to Google’s Home
Dec 20, 2018
Kevin is back this week and we kick off the show discussing GE’s decision to spin out its industrial IoT business. From there we talk about the closure of Lighthouse, the smart camera maker, a critical update for Hue bulbs and Qualcomm’s new IoT chip. Then we dive into a swath of Alexa related news, including … Continue reading Episode 195: We’re switching to Google’s Home
Episode 194: Is it time to address privacy in the Constitution?
Dec 13, 2018
This week I’m joined by Om Malik, a partner at True Ventures and my former boss. We kick off the show with a discussion of the New York Times’ investigation into app location sharing and Google CEO Sundar Pichai’s testimony before Congress. Both topics led to a debate about device privacy and what we should … Continue reading Episode 194: Is it time to address privacy in the Constitution?
Episode 193: Inside Calgary’s sensor network
Dec 06, 2018
This week we tackle a bunch of device news, the rebranding of TrackR, the end of ARM’s Cordio Bluetooth IP and Nokia’s latest data on IoT botnets. We also ask what y’all think about network security devices and services for the connected home. We don’t currently consider them a must-have device, but should we? In … Continue reading Episode 193: Inside Calgary’s sensor network
Episode 192: Amazon’s big news and UL’s cyber safety standard
Nov 29, 2018
This week Kevin and I start off on a heavy note discussing the things that went wrong during the Lion Air crash at the end of October relating that to the increase in sensors, software and inadequate procedures for marrying the Silicon Valley mindset with the real world. We then tackle the many, many announcements … Continue reading Episode 192: Amazon’s big news and UL’s cyber safety standard
Episode 191: Lowe’s wants to dump Iris
Nov 22, 2018
This week on the show, Kevin and I talk about Lowe’s putting the Iris smart home system on the block, Apple buying Silk Labs and why now is a perfect time to pull the trigger on the smart home device you’ve been eyeing. We then dug deep on a swath of Alexa-related news such as … Continue reading Episode 191: Lowe’s wants to dump Iris
Episode 190: The Federal government takes on consumer privacy
Nov 15, 2018
We kick off this week with an in-depth discussion of the NTIA’s suggestions for regulating consumer privacy in a digital era. It’s a long discussion, but one worth having, and we welcome your thoughts as well. From there, we talk about botnets, neural networks on a stick, and then Alexa’s new talents and devices. Then … Continue reading Episode 190: The Federal government takes on consumer privacy
Episode 189: Meet the Digital Standard for IoT security and privacy
Nov 08, 2018
The battle for more secure IoT products will get its day in court now that a judge has rejected requests for summary judgment in a case pitting the FTC against D-Link. The agency called out D-Link for making insecure routers and cameras. Now, the courts will decide. A smart glass maker gets a whopper of … Continue reading Episode 189: Meet the Digital Standard for IoT security and privacy
Episode 188: How to design a better smart home
Nov 01, 2018
Smart home hubs are dying, DIY will become increasingly niche and smart companies are prepping for this. For example, Honeywell’s smart home spin out Resideo went public this week with an eye to removing complexity from smart homes. Meanwhile, Calix unveiled a gateway device and a service to make it easier for ISPs to deliver the … Continue reading Episode 188: How to design a better smart home
Episode 187: It’s time to take privacy seriously
Oct 25, 2018
We’re nearing the end of 2018, which is as good a time as any to relaunch the smart glasses concept. We discuss the new new Focals glasses, tie them in with Qualcomm’s new chips for Alexa-based ear buds and then tackle the Google Home Hub. From there we cover Amazon’s face recognition software, Tim Cook’s … Continue reading Episode 187: It’s time to take privacy seriously
Episode 186: ARM’s new architecture and Anki’s adorable robot
Oct 18, 2018
This week’s podcast kicks off with a deep dive into the news shared at ARM’s TechCon event happening in Santa Clara, Calif. We talk about ARM’s new architecture, move on to Facebook’s privacy fudge and then spend a lot of time discussing the UK’s new standards for IoT device security. We then take a look … Continue reading Episode 186: ARM’s new architecture and Anki’s adorable robot
Episode 185: Google’s news and smart kitchens
Oct 11, 2018
This week Kevin kicks off the show with his thoughts from the Google event, including a lot of information on the new Google Home Hub. Kevin talks about what it means for Google and the smart home race between Amazon, Apple and now Facebook. Yes, we discuss the Facebook Portal as well. Also the latest software … Continue reading Episode 185: Google’s news and smart kitchens
Episode 184: How to remake the Internet for IoT
Oct 04, 2018
This week Kevin and I start out discussing The Wi-Fi Alliance’s new branding for the wireless standard and why you don’t need to rush in to buy Wi-Fi 6 gear. We then turn to space, specifically, Iridium and Amazon’s decision to create an IoT network that uses satellites to deliver signals around the world where cellular … Continue reading Episode 184: How to remake the Internet for IoT
Last week Amazon released a ridiculous amount of news that we’ve covered in detail, but Kevin and I talk it out and draw attention to some of the things we thought were relevant. We stay in the Seattle area to cover the Microsoft news out this week on new Azure products and Cortana’s new enterprise … Continue reading Episode 183: Amazon’s news bonanza explained
Episode 182: Trump’s tariffs are bad for IoT
Sep 20, 2018
We’re as excited as you guys to hear about Amazon’s upcoming devices, but we don’t devote too much time to them this week. Instead, we focus on the Alexa Gadgets Toolkit that Amazon unveiled and the alleged new Google Home hub. I also share my experience with the Amazon version of the Geek Squad before … Continue reading Episode 182: Trump’s tariffs are bad for IoT
Episode 181: Are you ready for IoT to be a $520B business?
Sep 13, 2018
A lot of people are getting a smart speaker for the holidays. That’s one of the takeaways from a recent survey by Adobe that Kevin and I talk about this week. We follow that up with the new Sonos integration with IFTTT before covering a $6.7 billion semiconductor merger. Also on the chip side, we … Continue reading Episode 181: Are you ready for IoT to be a $520B business?
Episode 180: Alexa and Google are the real smart home standards
Sep 06, 2018
This week we learn more details about Lenovo’s smart home line and talk about Amazon’s new Alexa API for sensors and motion detectors. We touch on a combined router/smart speaker that has Kevin feeling vindicated and talk about the challenges new business models such as Target’s Fetch program face. The Open Connectivity Foundation’s latest version … Continue reading Episode 180: Alexa and Google are the real smart home standards
Episode 179: IFA news and bringing extreme wattage to your kitchen
Aug 30, 2018
This week in Germany, the IFA trade show is the place to be. Unfortunately Kevin and I aren’t there, but we share a lot of the news that came out from the first half of the show. This includes smart speakers at the high end and lower end, crazy connected kitchen tech and a HomeKit … Continue reading Episode 179: IFA news and bringing extreme wattage to your kitchen
Episode 178: Facebook’s smart speaker and a new security startup
Aug 23, 2018
This week’s show kicks off with Kevin and I trying to figure out Facebook’s voice ambitions. We then explain how Google is using IoT data and AI to shave 40% in energy use in its data centers. This is the future. From there we talk about that future’s dark side with a survey on consumer … Continue reading Episode 178: Facebook’s smart speaker and a new security startup
Episode 177: Defcon hacks and blockchain facts
Aug 16, 2018
We kick off this week’s show with an overview of the stories coming out of the Defcon security conference held this week in Las Vegas. Keeping security in mind, we talk about Amazon Web Services’ new cloud IoT security product, and Google’s lack of transparency around location data tracking. From there we move to Wi-Fi … Continue reading Episode 177: Defcon hacks and blockchain facts
Episode 176: Why did Apple join the Thread Group?
Aug 09, 2018
This week Kevin and I kick off the show with our thoughts on the future of hearables before explaining why we think Apple joined the Thread Group and what it means for future HomeKit products. From there we talked about a new report suggesting that IoT will be a $520 billion industry by 2021 and how enterprise … Continue reading Episode 176: Why did Apple join the Thread Group?
Episode 175: GE slims down and Otis tries Alexa in elevators
Aug 02, 2018
This week on the show Kevin and I speculate what digital assets GE will sell and discuss the sad bankruptcy of French smart home company Sen.se. After hitting the sad news, we talked about the latest HomePod feature expected in iOS 12 and the fact that Apple didn’t say much about HomePod in its latest … Continue reading Episode 175: GE slims down and Otis tries Alexa in elevators
Episode 174: How Wyze makes such a crazy, good camera for cheap
Jul 26, 2018
This week I was at Google’s cloud event in San Francisco while Kevin swapped out his video doorbells. We discuss Google’s news related to edge computing and several pieces of doorbell news before talking about a few recent articles that show how far the smart home has to come. Kevin talks about the first NB-IoT tracker … Continue reading Episode 174: How Wyze makes such a crazy, good camera for cheap
Episode 173: Nest CEO is out and Jacuzzi is in with the IoT
Jul 19, 2018
Nest’s CEO has been forced out, and GE and Microsoft create even deeper integrations for industrial IoT. Also this week, UPS creates a partnership with a startup to take on Amazon Key, and we discus the common question of if you should upgrade your Echo? There’s a lot of lock news, some connected car fundings (Zoox … Continue reading Episode 173: Nest CEO is out and Jacuzzi is in with the IoT
Episode 172: The smart home goes public
Jul 12, 2018
This week’s show takes up last week’s news of Netgear’s Arlo division and Sonos filing for initial public offerings. Kevin and I share what we see in the filings and what it means for the smart home. We also discuss Amazon’s Prime Day deals and Google’s answering sale with Walmart, before digging into this week’s … Continue reading Episode 172: The smart home goes public
Episode 171: Your smart home questions, answered!
Jul 05, 2018
This week Kevin and I decided to do something a bit unusual, turning our segment where we answer listener’s questions into the entire show. You guys have been sending a lot of interesting questions to the Schlage IoT Podcast Listener Hotline, and we hated to leave so many unanswered, so we combined a slow holiday … Continue reading Episode 171: Your smart home questions, answered!
Episode 170: Smart stents, surveillance tech and Alexa-powered faucets
Jun 28, 2018
This week’s episode begins on a grim note, as Kevin and I discuss the New York Times’ story about how smart home gadgets can become another point of control in abusive relationships. From there we touch on the new Wi-Fi WPA3 security standard and Tesla’s new plan to charge users for data and what it … Continue reading Episode 170: Smart stents, surveillance tech and Alexa-powered faucets
This week in IoT news, Kevin and I talk about AT&T’s plans to launch an NB-IoT network. Then we talk about the pros and cons of Marriott putting Alexa into hotel rooms. We also talk about a new voice assistant for the enterprise, HP Enterprises’ $4 billion investment in IoT, and digital rights management in … Continue reading Episode 169: Alexa gets a hotel gig
Episode 168: How GE’s Current curtailed dreams to meet reality
Jun 14, 2018
This week Kevin and I spend a bit of time on industrial IoT news with Rockwell Automation’s $1 billion investment in PTC and also ARM’s buy of a Stream Technologies. On the consumer side, we debate Wi-Fi subscription plans and Nest’s price drop and Ring’s new security system. We also talk about Thread’s milestone in industrial IoT, … Continue reading Episode 168: How GE’s Current curtailed dreams to meet reality
Episode 167: Apple’s WWDC news and connected musicians
Jun 07, 2018
Kevin kicks off the show with his thoughts on Apple’s World Wide Developer Conference news, including Siri’s new IFTTT-like abilities. We continue with Alexa finding a home on computers and a discussion of the OVAL sensor that’s hoping to crowdfund a second-generation product. I’m disappointed that Lenovo’s new Google Assistant screen-enabled device won’t ship until … Continue reading Episode 167: Apple’s WWDC news and connected musicians
166: Alexa gets better at business and AI at the edge
May 31, 2018
The General Data Protection Regulation took effect last week so we kick off this episode by talking about what it means for IoT devices. We then hit the Z-Wave security news and explain why it isn’t so bad, after which we indulge in some speculation on Amazon’s need to buy a security company. We also … Continue reading 166: Alexa gets better at business and AI at the edge
Episode 165: How Sears plans to use IoT
May 24, 2018
I was at the Parks Connections event that covers the smart home this week, so I share a few thoughts on what’s holding back adoption and how to think about using AI to create a smart home. From there, Kevin talks about the new meeting function offered by Alexa and we add nuance to the … Continue reading Episode 165: How Sears plans to use IoT
Episode 164: New Wi-Fi standards and robots
May 17, 2018
The Wi-Fi Alliance has created a new standard for mesh networks, and Kevin and I are on top of it, discussing what it means, who’s participating, and whether or not it matters. We then tackle Sigfox’s new sensor and network in a box offering before sharing details on a new home hub from Hubitat that … Continue reading Episode 164: New Wi-Fi standards and robots
Episode 163: Everything IoT from Microsoft Build and Google I/O
May 10, 2018
This week was a big one in the tech ecosystem with Microsoft and Google both hosting their big developer conferences. Microsoft’s featured a lot more IoT. Google shared a few updates for its Google Home and, prior to the show, made its Android Things operating system available. In Alexa news, Microsoft showed off its integration … Continue reading Episode 163: Everything IoT from Microsoft Build and Google I/O
Episode 162: Smart walls and dumb homes
May 03, 2018
This week Kevin and I discuss Amazon’s big security install reveal and how it made us feel. Plus, a smart home executive leaves Amazon and Facebook’s rumored smart speaker makes another appearance. China is taking surveillance even further and Kevin and I share our thoughts on the state of the smart home, and failed projects. … Continue reading Episode 162: Smart walls and dumb homes
Episode 161: Amazon’s Alexa Blueprints, home robots and more
Apr 26, 2018
This week’s show finds me in Sweden pondering Alexa Blueprints, the Amazon Echo for kids and Amazon’s smart robot plans. Kevin and I talked about all of that, before showcasing new research for IoT out of Carnegie Mellon, the University of Washington, and Princeton. Two senators proposed a social media data sharing law that appears … Continue reading Episode 161: Amazon’s Alexa Blueprints, home robots and more
Episode 160: A deep dive into Microsoft’s IoT security platform
Apr 19, 2018
This week’s show is all about Microsoft’s new IoT security product, Azure Sphere. Kevin and I start with that, before talking about a new checklist from the Online Trust Alliance explaining how to secure your enterprise IoT gear. We then discuss acquisitions such as Nice buying a 75% stake in home security startup abode, Lutron … Continue reading Episode 160: A deep dive into Microsoft’s IoT security platform
Episode 159: The Nest doorbell is a great video doorbell
Apr 12, 2018
Microsoft plans to spend $5 billion on the internet of things, and it’s more than the usual shell game that big firms play with these sorts of announcements. We discuss its plans on this week’s podcast. We also talk about Qualcomm’s new vision chips for edge devices, what it means that apps are disappearing from … Continue reading Episode 159: The Nest doorbell is a great video doorbell
Episode 158: Stacey and Kevin debate robots
Apr 05, 2018
Intel said it would sell its nine-year-old IoT acquisition Wind River to private equity firm TPG this week. We explain why, and offer some context on the deal. Driven by Spotify’s public listing, I suggest how it can improve its service for the IoT, and then Kevin and I debate what we’d like to see … Continue reading Episode 158: Stacey and Kevin debate robots
Episode 157: Why Foxconn is buying Belkin and the future of healthcare
Mar 29, 2018
We discuss two big news issues this week with the first being Foxconn’s offer to buy Belkin for $866 million. The deal would include the Wemo line of smart home devices and the Phyn leak detection joint venture. After that, data, privacy and surveillance rule the show in light of Facebook’s decision to delay its … Continue reading Episode 157: Why Foxconn is buying Belkin and the future of healthcare
Episode 156: Lennar’s smart home and why it dumped Apple HomeKit
Mar 22, 2018
Like the rest of the tech media, Kevin and I kick off the show with a discussion about data collection and privacy in light of the allegations against Cambridge Analytica. It’s a stark reminder on what can be gleaned from your information as well as how much of your data is being gathered without your … Continue reading Episode 156: Lennar’s smart home and why it dumped Apple HomeKit
Episode 155: New toys, Pi Day and insect-tracking LIDAR
Mar 15, 2018
We have reached the purported end of Broadcom’s bid for Qualcomm, so Kevin and I finally shared our thoughts on the topic. After that we discussed a murder that was solved using evidence from connected devices, Google Routines and Strava’s privacy clean up. We used the SmartThings outage to discuss whether or not we need … Continue reading Episode 155: New toys, Pi Day and insect-tracking LIDAR
Episode 154: Google and Amazon fight and we are the losers
Mar 08, 2018
The tech titans are feuding again, and this time it means you can no longer buy Google’s Nest gear on Amazon’s online store. Kevin and I dissect the fight and speculate where it could lead. We also hit on funding for Ecobee, Alexa’s creepy laugh, and I ponder buying Delta’s pricey new Alexa-enabled faucet. Kevin … Continue reading Episode 154: Google and Amazon fight and we are the losers
Episode 153: Mobile World Congress news and a deep dive into IOTA
Mar 01, 2018
The big news from this week has been Amazon’s proposed acquisition of Ring for $1 billion or more. Kevin and I explain the deal and share our concerns before turning to the issue of smarter cameras including the recently reviewed Google Clip. From there we discuss news from Mobile World Congress and then dig into … Continue reading Episode 153: Mobile World Congress news and a deep dive into IOTA
Episode 152: Hot new sensors and Google’s latest deal
Feb 22, 2018
Every week we talk about Alexa, and this week’s story is about Amazon showing Alexa off at the annual Toy Fair in New York City. I went there three years ago to explore tech in toys and didn’t find much. It seems that things haven’t changed much. The Alexa implementations aren’t that exciting. We also … Continue reading Episode 152: Hot new sensors and Google’s latest deal
Episode 151: Thoughts on Apple’s HomePod and chip news galore
Feb 15, 2018
The big news this week is in machine learning chips. ARM announced a new architecture for machine learning called Trillium, and said it would license an object detection design and one that could handle some basic training at the edge. Amazon, too, is building a chip for its edge devices and machine learning will certainly … Continue reading Episode 151: Thoughts on Apple’s HomePod and chip news galore
Episode 150: Mozilla’s IoT Gateway and LoRa Roaming
Feb 08, 2018
There was a lot of smart home related news this week as Mozilla launched IoT gateway software, Apple’s HomePod reviews came out and Nest was folded into Google. Kevin and I discuss all of that, plus Netgear spinning out its Arlo home camera business and offering a 20 percent stake in an IPO, Amazon’s creepy … Continue reading Episode 150: Mozilla’s IoT Gateway and LoRa Roaming
Episode 149: Here’s how the GDPR will change IoT
Feb 01, 2018
We kick off the podcast this week with a discussion of the unintended costs of combining user data, namely the story that Strava had unintentionally outed clandestine U.S. military bases around the world with the publication of its user heat map. Kevin Tofel and I then test text delivery from the Amazon Echo and talk … Continue reading Episode 149: Here’s how the GDPR will change IoT
The Apple HomePod goes on sale this week and Kevin is getting one for the show. We’re not sure if you should yet. We discuss that, and our respective Google Home experiments in this week’s show. We also cover Ring raising money at a big valuation, layoffs in consumer IoT, and trouble at SigFox and … Continue reading Episode 148: IoT’s nuclear winter
Episode 147: Okay Google, manage my home
Jan 18, 2018
At CES I made the decision to traumatize my family and swap out the Amazon Echo for the Google Home despite Wi-Fi challenges. We kick off this week’s show explaining why, and discussing some new tricks the Home has. From there, we hit the partnership between Maersk and IBM to create a digitized supply chain … Continue reading Episode 147: Okay Google, manage my home
CES is full of stories if you know where to look. This year we had to look beyond companies putting Alexa in everything from toilets to toothbrushes. If you did, you could find out all kinds of fascinating things, such as the big opportunities in the enterprise internet of things or what Comcast is doing … Continue reading CES 2018 was about more than voice
Episode 146: ARM’s CEO on Spectre and Meltdown, plus hot CES 2018 takes
Jan 11, 2018
This week. the Internet of Things Podcast crew (Kevin and I) went to CES to discover that the consumer electronics industry was ALL OVER the internet of things. We talked about the big trends and news, such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant starring in everything, the concept of a smart bathroom and Samsung’s really big … Continue reading Episode 146: ARM’s CEO on Spectre and Meltdown, plus hot CES 2018 takes
Episode 145: The block-less blockchain
Jan 04, 2018
This week Kevin and I talked about the death of an expensive smart lock, Amazon buying a security company, and spent a lot of time wondering what the heck is going on with Google’s IoT cloud platform. We also wondered what the ad strategy for voice UIs will be given the news that Amazon is … Continue reading Episode 145: The block-less blockchain
Episode 144: Our IoT predictions and my family’s thoughts
Dec 28, 2017
Once again it’s time for the holiday episode of the Internet of Things Podcast, where Kevin and I gather weeks ahead of the show’s air date to predict what we think will happen next year. We kick it off with our disappointments from 2017, such as very limited (at best) presence detection in the home … Continue reading Episode 144: Our IoT predictions and my family’s thoughts
Episode 143: The IoT dystopia episode
Dec 21, 2017
This week’s episode starts out with a pretty grim perspective, with Kevin Tofel and I discussing what the end of net neutrality means for the internet of things. We then talk about facial recognition technology in the U.S. and in China. We try to lighten the mood with discussion of the IOTA blockchain for the … Continue reading Episode 143: The IoT dystopia episode
Episode 142: Smart sheets, suits and carpets are coming
Dec 14, 2017
We begin this week with another cautionary tale about bricked connected devices. This week it’s an automotive product called Mojio. From there I discuss the things I recently learned about building wireless networks in industrial settings while Kevin talks about how much money connected plants can save. We then get super nerdy on innovations in … Continue reading Episode 142: Smart sheets, suits and carpets are coming
Episode 141: Alexa suits up for business
Dec 07, 2017
Last week Amazon made a slew of IoT announcements at its annual user conference, bringing established functions into general availability and surprising us with the launch of Amazon’s Free RTOS after it hired the man responsible for the most popular embedded OS for microcontrollers. It also introduced Alexa for business. Kevin and I share our … Continue reading Episode 141: Alexa suits up for business
This week we kick off the show with a bit about voice such as Google getting better at understanding your commands, the ability to talk to Waze and notifications coming to the Amazon Echo. We also touch on China’s plans to create standards for the smart home, including a preference for NB-IoT over Wi-Fi. Weather … Continue reading Episode 140: How IoT will change war
Episode 139: The 2017 IoT Podcast Gift Guide!
Nov 22, 2017
You guys, this week’s podcast is all about the toys. Specifically toys for your kids, your dog and your loved ones. In the last year Kevin and I have tried many devices and have compiled our experiences into a gift guide for the connected life. You’ll find both our favorites like the June oven and … Continue reading Episode 139: The 2017 IoT Podcast Gift Guide!
Episode 138: Wink’s security system review and Las Vegas is a smart city
Nov 16, 2017
There was a lot of small news this week including updates to the Google Home/Assistant ecosystem that Kevin and I discuss on this week’s podcast. I share my feelings on the Google Mini and then we segue into a conversation about Google’s new AI framework for embedded devices that launched this week. We also discuss … Continue reading Episode 138: Wink’s security system review and Las Vegas is a smart city
Episode 137: Is Nest breaking Thread?
Nov 09, 2017
This week’s show has flying cars and lawsuits. What more can anyone really ask for? Kevin and I kick off the show discussing Waymo’s autonomous minivans, Uber’s plan for helicars, and the injunction that ADT won against Ring. There are plenty of other bits of security news that span the smart home all the way … Continue reading Episode 137: Is Nest breaking Thread?
Episode 136: Sony’s Aibo is back and Chamberlain’s CEO explains its moves
Nov 02, 2017
The best news of the week is that Sony is bringing back the Aibo robotic puppy. The bad news is that it will costs a pretty penny. Kevin Tofel and I discuss the pup, San Diego’s smart city efforts, the Apple HomePod, and funding for Ayla’s IoT platform as a service. I emailed companies to … Continue reading Episode 136: Sony’s Aibo is back and Chamberlain’s CEO explains its moves
Episode 135: Amazon wants your key and Vodafone wants your sensor data
Oct 26, 2017
The home security train just keeps on rolling in the smart home with Amazon offering a connected camera and door lock combo to enfold Prime Members even more deeply into the ecosystem and Wink launching a new security package for its members. Also on the home front Kevin Tofel and I discuss the new lighting … Continue reading Episode 135: Amazon wants your key and Vodafone wants your sensor data
Episode 134: KRACKed security and a river of sensors
Oct 19, 2017
This week began with a bang as researchers disclosed a vulnerability in the Wi-Fi protocol that could cause problems for smart device owners. The details of the KRACK vulnerability can be found here, and a list of connected devices affected here. After that, we discuss Bluetooth issues and the trouble with most trackers. Kevin reviews … Continue reading Episode 134: KRACKed security and a river of sensors
Episode 133: August’s new doorbell and Vitamix blends with Bluetooth
Oct 12, 2017
Both Dell and Salesforce made big announcements about their internet of things plans this week, so Kevin and I try to break that down for people. We then discussed Amazon trying to deliver things to the trunk of your car, Google Home going too far in recording conversations and updates to hardware for autonomous cars. … Continue reading Episode 133: August’s new doorbell and Vitamix blends with Bluetooth
Episode 132: Ring’s new security system and scaling sensors
Oct 05, 2017
This show is awesome, but we don’t discuss the Google or Sonos news, because it happened after we recorded. I just want to let y’all know going in. Instead we cover Ring’s new security system, ADT’s pair up with SmartThings and why home security is so hot right now. We also talk about a new … Continue reading Episode 132: Ring’s new security system and scaling sensors
Episode 131: Amazon’s new gear and Nest’s Matt Rogers
Sep 28, 2017
This week’s show features a quick rundown of Amazon’s new devices. It also has a lot of exciting news on the wearable front. Kevin Tofel reviews his Apple Watch with LTE and we also discuss a new program from the Food and Drug Administration that will allow nine companies to get pre-certifications for their devices. … Continue reading Episode 131: Amazon’s new gear and Nest’s Matt Rogers
Episode 130: Nest’s a security company now and Hitachi’s new industrial IoT explained
Sep 21, 2017
Wow. This week saw some big news from Nest as it announced a new security system plus other devices. August also updated its line of locks and promised a better doorbell. Meanwhile, rumors of an Amazon Alexa security system or even glasses emerged. And Google leaked some news. We also talked about smart grid M&A … Continue reading Episode 130: Nest’s a security company now and Hitachi’s new industrial IoT explained
Episode 129: Apple’s missing IoT news and adding blockchain to the energy grid
Sep 14, 2017
This week’s Apple announcement didn’t offer much for the IoT fans in the audience, although Kevin is deciding if he want’s the LTE-capable Apple Watch. We also talk about a big Bluetooth security vulnerability and Chamberlain’s decision to charge customers who want to create IFTTT integrations. We cover some news about EdgeX Foundry, a new … Continue reading Episode 129: Apple’s missing IoT news and adding blockchain to the energy grid
Everything you need to know from CEDIA
Sep 11, 2017
Grab your headset for a special bonus edition of the Internet of Things Podcast from the CEDIA show floor in San Diego. Last week I attended the show, which is aimed at the professional AV installer market to understand what’s hot, what’s not and how the business of home automation will evolve. I saw some … Continue reading Everything you need to know from CEDIA
Episode 128: The coolest fridges at IFA and how to build a connected product
Sep 07, 2017
This week launched our new hotline feature with a comment and question from you guys. Keep them coming! Before we got to the Q&A, Kevin and I discussed news from IFA, Europe’s largest appliance show. There are smart fridges, roaming fridges, washing machines and yes, speakers. We also discussed a Cat-M1 network in Africa, noting … Continue reading Episode 128: The coolest fridges at IFA and how to build a connected product
Episode 127: Alexa gets multi-room audio and teaching devices to lie to one another
Aug 31, 2017
GE is not giving up on its industrial IoT dreams, but it is scaling back a bit. We discuss what that means before diving into an array of assistant news. Kevin and I give some tips for using the Amazon Echo’s multi-room audio feature before discussing what the partnership between Amazon and Microsoft’s Cortana means. … Continue reading Episode 127: Alexa gets multi-room audio and teaching devices to lie to one another
Episode 126: Sonos wants to brick your speakers
Aug 24, 2017
The breaking story as we recorded this show was Sonos updating its Terms of Service to prepare for the Amazon Echo integration. As part of this update, the connected speaker maker confirmed that customers who did not accede to the new terms of service would see their devices stop working in the future. This didn’t … Continue reading Episode 126: Sonos wants to brick your speakers
Episode 125: Lockstate’s big goof and a super sensor from CMU
Aug 17, 2017
How do you turn a deadbolt into a brick? Update its software! That’s not funny, especially if you’re Lockstate, which rendered 500 connected door locks useless with a software update last week. Kevin and I add a bit of context to the event and then jump right into discussions about Anker’s Eufy Genie, a connected … Continue reading Episode 125: Lockstate’s big goof and a super sensor from CMU
Episode 124: How to think about cybersecurity in old-line industries
Aug 10, 2017
In this week’s show, we issue a major correction owing to my lack of pop culture information, discuss a fully automated T-shirt factory and wonder why we don’t have more exciting news from the world of energy harvesting technology. On the smart home front, Kevin and I rethink our aversion to Apple’s HomeKit, discuss Google … Continue reading Episode 124: How to think about cybersecurity in old-line industries
Episode 123: Whatever happened to Wink and DefCon’s greatest hacks
Aug 03, 2017
Security was a big topic this week in the internet of things, so on the podcast we talk about news from Defcon, efforts to hack the Amazon Echo and our take on the Senate’s new IoT security bill. We also cover the week’s big news of the Wink platform getting sold to Will.i.am, Eero’s new … Continue reading Episode 123: Whatever happened to Wink and DefCon’s greatest hacks
Episode 122: Roombas, an IIoT dictionary and IoT networks galore
Jul 27, 2017
Kevin Tofel and I crammed a fine mix of IoT news into the show this week, starting with news of an employer popping RFID tags into employees and ending with a dystopian book recommendation from Kevin. In between we discuss August’s new funding round, the death of an smart home startup and the acquisition of … Continue reading Episode 122: Roombas, an IIoT dictionary and IoT networks galore
Episode 121: Everything you need to know about Bluetooth Mesh
Jul 20, 2017
Bluetooth mesh is finally here y’all and we dig in deep to the technology in this episode. First off, Kevin and I discuss what this means for other mesh network technologies and some basic specs. Kevin and I then turn to the topic of IoT security vulnerabilities, the return of Google Glass, an Alexa-powered alarm … Continue reading Episode 121: Everything you need to know about Bluetooth Mesh
Episode 120: Learn how 3-D sensors work before Apple puts them in the iPhone
Jul 13, 2017
What did you buy for Prime Day this week? This week we tackle if Amazon’s new program to help folks install Alexa-enabled devices is a big deal and Apple’s retail plans for HomeKit. We also discuss fashion-forward wearables, and a new startup called Nodle that’s trying to create crowdsourced Bluetooth-based IoT networks. We have a … Continue reading Episode 120: Learn how 3-D sensors work before Apple puts them in the iPhone
Episode 119: Amazon’s Echo Show makes me feel lonely
Jul 06, 2017
After a week with the Amazon Echo Show I realize that I have no friends–on that device at least. In addition to my review of the Show, Kevin shares a review of the GoControl Z-wave sensor pack he purchased to go with the Wink, and I talk about the Leviton Decora light switch in depth. … Continue reading Episode 119: Amazon’s Echo Show makes me feel lonely
Episode 118: Reviewing Eero’s new gear and IoT ransomware
Jun 29, 2017
Alexa has new skills thanks to the Echo Show launching this week, and the Google Home gets some fancy new code. Kevin and I discuss how to turn your Echo device into an intercom, my take on the new Eero routers and a new $100 million fund from TrendMicro for IoT security. There’s also Apple’s reported … Continue reading Episode 118: Reviewing Eero’s new gear and IoT ransomware
Episode 117: Intel’s new IoT strategy has fewer things
Jun 22, 2017
Intel plans to discontinue several of its boards designed for makers. Kevin and I discuss what this means for Intel’s IoT strategy. We also talk about ARM’s extension of a program that eliminates license fees to design custom chips, Ring’s new doorbell and Hue’s new lights. We then circle back on Amazon’s Whole Foods purchase and the … Continue reading Episode 117: Intel’s new IoT strategy has fewer things
Episode 116: Meet Eero’s new routers and see how Aclima uses IoT to stop pollution
Jun 15, 2017
There was a lot of Wi-Fi news this week with new routers and services from Eero. Meanwhile, the Wi-Fi Alliance has created a certification program for builders to ensure that newly constructed homes get the best in-home coverage available. Since I was out this week, Kevin and I recorded early, so there’s news of AWS … Continue reading Episode 116: Meet Eero’s new routers and see how Aclima uses IoT to stop pollution
Episode 115: All about Apple’s HomePod
Jun 08, 2017
Apple’s disclosure of the HomePod, a connected speaker and personal assistant, drove much of the IoT news this week. However, research from Pew on how rapidly people are becoming connected and the lack of transparency about how our data is used might end up being the story with real legs. Kevin Tofel and I discuss both … Continue reading Episode 115: All about Apple’s HomePod
Episode 114: The Essential Phone and IBM’s Watson tries IoT
Jun 01, 2017
What makes a phone essential? Or Essential as is the case with Andy Rubin’s new company that features a new smartphone and teases a new connected home assistant? Kevin and I discuss what we know, and Kevin also explains a surprise decision he’s made regarding Google (here’s the link he mentions during the show). We … Continue reading Episode 114: The Essential Phone and IBM’s Watson tries IoT
Episode 113: Google Home gets way better
May 25, 2017
It has been a week since Google I/O, which gave Kevin and me time to wade through some of the developer videos and ponder the features Google is announcing for the home and for Google Home. The jury is still out on whether Kevin is buying the device, but he is tempted, y’all! We discussed … Continue reading Episode 113: Google Home gets way better
Episode 112: Google’s IoT Cloud takes on Amazon and Azure
May 18, 2017
This week we recorded before the big rush of news from Google I/O but we managed to cram in the details on Google’s new IoT Core beta that offers developers a cloud-based platform for connected devices. Since Google servers are used frequently by businesses it would be interesting to see how google monitoring would work … Continue reading Episode 112: Google’s IoT Cloud takes on Amazon and Azure
Episode 111: All about the Amazon Show and costs of IoT compute
May 11, 2017
Who’s buying an Echo Show? This week Kevin and I share our thoughts on Amazon’s latest device, which adds a screen to the Echo, video calling and more. We also talk about Apple buying Beddit presumably for sleep data, a new smart home product with a DARPA and Playground Studios pedigree and the industrial internet. … Continue reading Episode 111: All about the Amazon Show and costs of IoT compute
Episode 110: IKEA’s smart home plans and will you buy an Amazon Look?
May 04, 2017
This week we discuss Apple’s plans to introduce Siri in a can, Amazon’s Style maven ambitions and a few other items on the personal assistant front. We also discuss Orbit, a new security idea from Cloudflare, and a lawsuit filed by ADT against Ring and Zonoff’s former CEO. From there we go straight into an … Continue reading Episode 110: IKEA’s smart home plans and will you buy an Amazon Look?
Episode 109: How to scale the industrial IoT
Apr 27, 2017
Google Home can recognize your voice, SmartThing’s Connect app on Samsung’s Galaxy 8 can act as a hubless hub for the home, and Spotify may be considering its own connected device. Kevin and I discuss these stories, plus Waymo’s autonomous car testing in Phoenix, and why iDevices was acquired. There’s also a quick discussion of … Continue reading Episode 109: How to scale the industrial IoT
Episode 108: Owning digital property could save our privacy
Apr 20, 2017
Kevin is back for this week’s show, and we talk about Google Home, Amazon’s latest hardware plans for the Echo and how we think voice may evolve. I installed the Honeywell T5 thermostat as well as a leak sensor from Honeywell, and share what I liked and what I didn’t. We also discuss Kevin’s field … Continue reading Episode 108: Owning digital property could save our privacy
Episode 107: How the internet of things came to be
Apr 13, 2017
This week’s IoT Podcast starts with a focus on security, beginning with bot bricking connected devices, IKEA’s smart lights and Microsoft’s Project Sopris efforts. After security, we talk about a new home hub from Fibaro, TP-Link’s new mesh router, Alexa’s new lighting skills and Ring’s new video recording plan. We also cover the results from … Continue reading Episode 107: How the internet of things came to be
It’s time to swap out my Amazon Echo for a Google Home because all of my integrations are working so well, and because Google added Logitech’s Harmony Hub. August added a lock for the pro channel and Samsung’s Tizen OS has a lot of security flaws. This is not good for anyone, especially Samsung. We … Continue reading Episode 106: Stacey has a secret
Episode 105: Comcast’s platform plans revealed
Mar 30, 2017
This week there were two big stories in the internet of things. The first is that Google Home has expanded the number of companies it works with, adding Rachio, Wink, August and more. The other story is that Congress has repealed rules that prevented ISPs from selling your personal data. This will open up consumers’ … Continue reading Episode 105: Comcast’s platform plans revealed
Episode 104: Vint Cerf has a lot of questions on IoT
Mar 23, 2017
This week we discuss a personal assistant from Samsung, Amazon Alexa on phones and mistakes from Google Home. We also talk about a Legend of Zelda superfan and how he controls his home through an ocarina. We then talk about ARM’s new architecture and discuss two deals ARM did last month to boost support for low power … Continue reading Episode 104: Vint Cerf has a lot of questions on IoT
Episode 103: Sue your way to a safer IoT
Mar 16, 2017
This week Intel said it would spend another small fortune buying a chip company, Kevin discusses uses for LIDAR outside of connected cars and the Ring doorbell is embroiled in a security SNAFU. At SXSW this week, I learned about the IoT Design Manifesto and have some thoughts. Kevin discusses a new security flaw that … Continue reading Episode 103: Sue your way to a safer IoT
Episode 102: Wait to buy your next Amazon Echo
Mar 09, 2017
Wow. This week saw a bunch of news about the Amazon Echo. There were rumors of new hardware, the ability to make phone calls and the crazy revelations of the CIA’s hacking ability, which led me to wonder if I want a microphone in my home at all. We also got an update on police … Continue reading Episode 102: Wait to buy your next Amazon Echo
Episode 101: What happens when everything becomes a service?
Mar 02, 2017
Well, the skies fell this week for the smart home. Or more accurately the cloud was somewhat disconnected thanks to Amazon Web Services stumbling. We discuss what happened and how companies can avoid having similar problems by designing for resiliency. We also talk about several new Alexa skills for locks, routers and phones. We then … Continue reading Episode 101: What happens when everything becomes a service?
Episode 100: Let’s build the internet of moving things
Feb 23, 2017
It’s our 100th podcast, which would be a big deal if Kevin Tofel and I were a TV show hoping for syndication, but in the podcast world it means we’ve been at this for almost two years. YAY! We took a brief stroll down memory lane before digging into the week’s news covering new LTE … Continue reading Episode 100: Let’s build the internet of moving things
Episode 99: Tim Cook’s HomeKit setup and Echo mania
Feb 16, 2017
This week we have sales estimates on the Amazon Echo, a new way to unlock your August locks and a hub that may talk to both HomeKit and legacy Z-wave and ZigBee connected devices. We also cover several networking stories ahead of Mobile World Congress involving AT&T’s IoT network, a satellite-backed LoRa network and Nokia’s … Continue reading Episode 99: Tim Cook’s HomeKit setup and Echo mania
Episode 98: Science fiction prepared me for spying TVs
Feb 09, 2017
This week we discuss the city of Louisville, Kentucky adding an If This Then That channel, a settlement over televisions that spy on you, and a possible new feature for the Amazon Echo that could bridge the gap between it and the Google Home. That last tidbit was contributed by Grant Clauser, the smart home editor … Continue reading Episode 98: Science fiction prepared me for spying TVs
Episode 97: Enterprises will spend big bucks ($269 billion) on IoT
Feb 02, 2017
There’s a lot of money in the internet of things. No, not just in your smart home gadgets. The Boston Consulting Group estimates that by 2020 enterprises will be spending €250 billion on the internet of things. We discuss the survey, news of the week, an update on my OpenHab project and answer the question … Continue reading Episode 97: Enterprises will spend big bucks ($269 billion) on IoT
Episode 96: Okay Computer and Stacey begins with HomeKit
Jan 26, 2017
Talking to the Amazon Echo just got easier, after Amazon adds “Computer” as a wake word, while I test out the use of Google Home’s new partner WeMo (Honeywell also made a connection with Google Home). Ring managed to raise $109 million this week, and we put that in context with the state of the … Continue reading Episode 96: Okay Computer and Stacey begins with HomeKit
Episode 95: The industrial internet is gaining ground
Jan 19, 2017
You asked and we delivered! This week Kevin discusses the possibility of using the Nvidia Shield as a smart home controller of sorts (and gives his impression of its gaming chops). I give an early review of the Stringify app which is now out for Android and iOS. We also discuss “The Big Show” as … Continue reading Episode 95: The industrial internet is gaining ground
Episode 94: Our CES Hangover with Alexa, Comcast and Carnival
Jan 12, 2017
Whelp, I’m back from CES with the obligatory cold, thinking over many of the conversations I had and the gadgets I saw. Some of that bubbles up in this show, with talk of Amazon Alexa Voice Services taking a star turn at the event, my thesis that industrial IoT is going to be where the … Continue reading Episode 94: Our CES Hangover with Alexa, Comcast and Carnival
Episode 93: Special CES Edition covering all the things!
Jan 09, 2017
This week’s podcast has too many guests to list (I’m going to list them anyway) and a format that’s totally different. We start off with a discussion on the state of the smart home and what we can learn from CES about mainstream adoption featuring commentary from Cory Sorice, VP of connected platforms at Chamberlain, … Continue reading Episode 93: Special CES Edition covering all the things!
Episode 92: At CES Amazon Alexa and robots rule
Jan 05, 2017
This week we bring our first impressions and several bits of news from CES, the consumer electronics trade show held annually in Las Vegas. I’m here while Kevin avoids the lines by staying in Pennsylvania, but we’re both happy to talk about connected grooming products, robots and the onslaught of Echo-related news. I also noticed … Continue reading Episode 92: At CES Amazon Alexa and robots rule
Episode 91: The cops want your smart home data
Dec 29, 2016
This week’s big story was the Bentonville, Arkansas case where police were seeking data from an alleged murderer’s Echo history. Kevin and I share our thoughts on the case, what police could learn from connected gadgets and what this means for your privacy. We then talk about Google’s new smartwatches coming in 2017, two new … Continue reading Episode 91: The cops want your smart home data
Episode 90: Spend the holidays with Stacey’s family
Dec 22, 2016
We’re heading into the holidays with a guest appearance from my family who share their thoughts on what it’s like to live in a smart home, the products they like and what’s missing so far. My husband has been on the show before, but I also invited my 10-year-old daughter on to talk about her … Continue reading Episode 90: Spend the holidays with Stacey’s family
Episode 89: Google’s IoT Strategy takes shape and Microsoft enters the fray
Dec 15, 2016
There was so much news this week, that we skipped having a guest in favor of just keeping track of some big moves in the sector. This week was Google’s time to shine since it launched both Actions on Google (an SDK for talking to its Assistant on Google Home) and its IoT operating system … Continue reading Episode 89: Google’s IoT Strategy takes shape and Microsoft enters the fray
Episode 88: Bluetooth 5 and testing lights on Echo and Google Home
Dec 08, 2016
Get the bottom line on the Bluetooth 5 specification with Kevin and I in this week’s podcast. If radios aren’t your thing, then delve into the details of connected lights and new features with Amazon Echo and Google Home. We also talk about GE’s new Alexa concept light. (We think it’s strange-looking). We also cover … Continue reading Episode 88: Bluetooth 5 and testing lights on Echo and Google Home
Episode 87: We’ll govern the internet of things with mob rules
Dec 01, 2016
Gosh, it’s another week and another show that features security. We kick it off with this week’s news that features ransomware, botnets and a report from the Department of Homeland security discussing the internet of things. Kevin and I then touch on Intel’s new IoT chief and new Automated Driving Group as well as a … Continue reading Episode 87: We’ll govern the internet of things with mob rules
Episode 86: The Internet of Things Podcast gift guide
Nov 23, 2016
‘Tis almost the season to offer gifts large and small for the loved ones in your life. In the podcast, Kevin and I focus mostly on larger gifts, because once you add connectivity the price takes a big jump. We also discuss Black Friday deals. Vibhu Norby, the CEO of B8ta, is on the show … Continue reading Episode 86: The Internet of Things Podcast gift guide
Episode 85: Thoughts on Trump, smart locks and troubleshooting
Nov 17, 2016
We recorded last week’s podcast before the election results came out, so this week Kevin and I kick off the show with some thoughts on what Trump means for smart homes and the industrial internet. Then we hit gadgets hard with news about Eero routers getting a big update, the trouble with Google’s troubleshooting and … Continue reading Episode 85: Thoughts on Trump, smart locks and troubleshooting
Episode 84: Google Home is in the house!
Nov 10, 2016
The Google Home arrived this week and I detail a few first impressions here. Kevin Tofel and I also came up with a sneaky way to control a wider variety of devices using If This Then That and the Google Home. We kicked off the show talking about the recent hack of the Philips Hue … Continue reading Episode 84: Google Home is in the house!
Episode 83: Merger mania, more outdoor cameras and security galore!
Nov 03, 2016
This week’s podcast is light on the smart home and heavy on the infrastructure required to make the internet of things work. Kevin and I explain why Qualcomm’s $37 billion buy of NXP makes sense, the details behind NB-IoT, which is yet another low power wireless network and how Microsoft is stepping up to protect … Continue reading Episode 83: Merger mania, more outdoor cameras and security galore!
Episode 82: IoT botnets and the Nucleus intercom review
Oct 27, 2016
Security was the big topic this week after a massive botnet comprised of connected devices disrupted many popular internet services. I hated the thought of all connected devices coming under attack, so I wrote a bit about the realities of IoT security here and also here. As part of my effort to understand what was … Continue reading Episode 82: IoT botnets and the Nucleus intercom review
Episode 81: Reviewing the Wink Hub 2 and new gear from Philips Hue
Oct 20, 2016
The second version of the Wink hub, complete with an Ethernet connection, Bluetooth and a $99 price tag is out, and I started testing it. The good news so far for folks who have existing Wink gear is in this week’s show, along with my take on the new, richer color Philips Hue bulbs. For … Continue reading Episode 81: Reviewing the Wink Hub 2 and new gear from Philips Hue
Episode 80: Comcast builds an IoT network and Amazon streams music
Oct 13, 2016
Comcast has decided to bet big on the internet of things by investing in LoRa, a radio standard used for low power wide area networks. Kevin and I discuss the cable company’s plans in this week’s show along with Amazon’s new streaming music service, new Arlo indoor/outdoor cameras and wireless charging. We also point out … Continue reading Episode 80: Comcast builds an IoT network and Amazon streams music
Episode 79: Google’s Home versus Amazon’s Echo
Oct 06, 2016
Google finally told us what to expect with its Google Home product, a new mesh router configuration and an updated Chromecast this week at its hardware event. Kevin and I break down what we know about Google Home, how it compares to other devices on the market and also what we won’t know until we … Continue reading Episode 79: Google’s Home versus Amazon’s Echo
Episode 78: There are no dead dogs on the internet of things
Sep 29, 2016
There’s a new Wink hub heading to Walmart, Home Depot and Amazon, so Kevin Tofel and I unpacked the new features on the second generation of the smart home hub in this week’s episode. We also discussed Amazon’s delivery plans that could take advantage of your connected door locks and garage doors, and then hit … Continue reading Episode 78: There are no dead dogs on the internet of things
Episode 77: So much about security plus Canary’s new service
Sep 22, 2016
The internet of things is about services, not devices. This is why I had Jon Troutman, co-founder of Canary on the show this week to talk about Membership, a new service offering from the all-in-one security device maker. This week Canary joined the masses in offering an outdoor camera, but it also launched a monthly … Continue reading Episode 77: So much about security plus Canary’s new service
Episode 76: Tips and tricks for Apple’s HomeKit
Sep 15, 2016
Have you downloaded iOS 10 yet? If you have, and are wondering what to do with the Home app and your HomeKit home automation, then this show is for you. We brought on Adam Justice the head of ConnectSense, a home automation brand to discuss his experience with HomeKit so far (check out his video … Continue reading Episode 76: Tips and tricks for Apple’s HomeKit
Episode 75: What connected cars can learn from tractors
Sep 08, 2016
Nest is in the news again this week with a clarification on what its software engineers are really up to and new products. Its outdoor camera is launching as are thermostats in 3 new colors. It’s also unveiling a new software product that looks pretty cool. I’m still worried about the hardware innovation we can … Continue reading Episode 75: What connected cars can learn from tractors
Episode 74: More Nest distress and a primer on protocols
Sep 01, 2016
As IFA starts in Berlin, there’s a bunch of product news to cover, including a partnership between Sonos and Amazon, that will let you control your Sonos from the Amazon Echo … in 2017. But before we get to that, Kevin Tofel and I explore what it means that Nest’s developers are reportedly moving over … Continue reading Episode 74: More Nest distress and a primer on protocols
Can we change the way companies use our consumer and personal data derived from connected devices? Gilad Meiri, the CEO of Neura, discusses a new model for data privacy and a way to apply machine learning to connected devices. The results he’s after sound like magic, but we explore how it could be made real … Continue reading Episode 73: AI is just a buzzword
Episode 72: Your IoT efforts can expose you to legal risks
Aug 18, 2016
Hell hath frozen over at Intel, with the big news this week that Intel has taken an ARM license so it can manufacture ARM-based chips. We talk about what this news means for Intel, its IoT strategy and more. We also try to make sense of Fucshia, a reportedly new OS that Google has dumped … Continue reading Episode 72: Your IoT efforts can expose you to legal risks
Episode 71: Don’t panic over IoT hacks
Aug 11, 2016
Ransomware on a connected thermostat. Bluetooth locks that can be opened from a quarter-mile away. Cars that can be controlled at highway speeds. All of this and a Mr. Robot reference await you in this week’s show as I discuss the news from Defcon and BackHat with Beau Woods, the deputy director of the Cyber … Continue reading Episode 71: Don’t panic over IoT hacks
Episode 70: Distributed computing comes to the smart home
Aug 04, 2016
Wearables make a return to the podcast with Philips’ news of a suite of medical-grade devices to measure health. Plus, I give my impressions of the UnderArmor Fitness box after a few months living with it. Kevin Tofel and I also talk about Black Hat and IoT security, including a $9.4 million grant to study … Continue reading Episode 70: Distributed computing comes to the smart home
Episode 69: Amazon opens up about the Echo
Jul 28, 2016
The Amazon Echo is the gateway drug to the smart home for many folks. They start with Alexa and move to shopping for connected lights or outlets. So we brought Charlie Kindel, director of Alexa Smart Home at Amazon, on the show to discuss the Echo’s history, its future and what voice can and cannot … Continue reading Episode 69: Amazon opens up about the Echo
Episode 68: The future of food and ARM’s buyout
Jul 21, 2016
Japanese conglomerate SoftBank making an offer to buy chip design firm ARM in a deal worth $32 billion kicks off our show this week, as Kevin and I weigh the merits and opportunities presented by the deal. We then skip over to ZenReach, the Wi-Fi provider that uses Wi-Fi as a means to capture more … Continue reading Episode 68: The future of food and ARM’s buyout
Episode 67: New Nest gear and a shocking experience
Jul 14, 2016
For the first time since it became part of Google/Alphabet, Nest has released a new product. It’s an outdoor camera for home security. But Nest has added a bit of a twist. We discuss the $199 camera and the ideas behind it with Mehul Nariyawala, a product manager who was in charge in building the … Continue reading Episode 67: New Nest gear and a shocking experience
Episode 66: The smart home will make you love your insurance company
Jul 07, 2016
Insurance firms might be the savior of smart home technology. Because the price for many connected gadgets are so high, and consumers are uncertain if they are worth the investment, insurance discounts and programs are one way connected devices could find their way into a home. But they also could help the insurance companies totally … Continue reading Episode 66: The smart home will make you love your insurance company
Episode 65: All about Wink and Alexa’s new Skills
Jun 30, 2016
Are you curious about Wink? On June 11 it started selling its Relay switch, a light switch that contains a screen and two soft programmable switches for $99 each. Two cost $149 and also double as an intercom. So we talked to Nathan Smith, Wink’s co-founder and CTO, about what happened to bring Wink out … Continue reading Episode 65: All about Wink and Alexa’s new Skills
Episode 64: How a VC views the internet of things
Jun 23, 2016
Do you need money? Want to buy or sell an internet of things startup? Then this week’s interview is must-listen stuff. Matt Turck, of FirstMark Capital came on the show to give some advice to those seeking financing, discuss the overall funding landscape and try to pinpoint where the next big exits are going to … Continue reading Episode 64: How a VC views the internet of things
Episode 63: Two summertime gadget reviews and wisdom on wearables
Jun 16, 2016
This week is all about health and wearables, starting with Kevin Tofel discussing his frustration with fitness trackers that aren’t sharing everything. This ties into this week’s guest, Ernesto Ramirez, who just received a doctorate in public health and is an expert on how people and companies are using wearables. Ramirez and I spoke about … Continue reading Episode 63: Two summertime gadget reviews and wisdom on wearables
Episode 62: Tony Fadell set to Away mode
Jun 09, 2016
This week we got to the big story of the last few days, Tony Fadell leaving Nest. We discuss what that means for any Nest buyers out there and what it says about selling connected device. And because Father’s Day is around the corner, we came up with three gift ideas for Dad. None of … Continue reading Episode 62: Tony Fadell set to Away mode
Episode 61: Look inside Google Home and what’s up with Jawbone?
Jun 02, 2016
This week is all about chips and presence. First Kevin and I dig into the disclosure that the Google Home Device will have the same chip as the Chromecast, and we explain what that means. Then we dive into the Jawbone rumors and cover Atari’s plans for building IoT devices through a partnership with Sigfox. … Continue reading Episode 61: Look inside Google Home and what’s up with Jawbone?
Episode 60: Everyone takes on the Amazon Echo
May 26, 2016
Kevin is back from Google IO this week, and so of course, we discussed the Google Home product in detail. But since voice + a personal assistant is so hot right now, we also talked about the recent Apple rumors that said it was building its own Echo-like device and opening up Siri to developers. … Continue reading Episode 60: Everyone takes on the Amazon Echo
Episode 59: Chipmakers love the smart car
May 19, 2016
This week I was at the NXP Technology Forum interviewing the semiconductor company’s CEO Rick Clemmer about smart cities and smart cars. The most interesting fact he shared was that the BMW Series 7 cars have about $300 worth of silicon inside them. To compare the estimates on the cost of chips inside the Apple … Continue reading Episode 59: Chipmakers love the smart car
Episode 58: How to stop vampire power consumption
May 12, 2016
Since a quarter of residential energy use is consumed by gadgets that are “off”, Kevin and I discuss how to measure and cut back on that power consumption with a few connected devices. We also talk about Apple’s rumored Home app for HomeKit, the launch of OpenThread, the open source version of Nest’s Thread protocol … Continue reading Episode 58: How to stop vampire power consumption
Episode 57: A deep dive into OpenHAB and some problem devices
May 05, 2016
We dove into the deep end of wearables this week discussing the dresses at this year’s Met Gala, where Kevin shared that Clare Danes’ princess fantasy gown took 30 battery packs to operate. It’s not all celebrity this week as Kevin and I dove into several devices that unfortunately didn’t all quite work as we … Continue reading Episode 57: A deep dive into OpenHAB and some problem devices
Episode 56: How Ericsson plans to remake its business for a networked era
Apr 28, 2016
After a beating on the stock market last week, I spoke with Ericsson’s CEO Hans Vestberg to understand how the company’s 5-year-old plan to change its business is going. The company has just announced a restructuring as it tried to convince Wall Street that it was making progress, so Vestberg discussed that, the role of … Continue reading Episode 56: How Ericsson plans to remake its business for a networked era
Episode 55: Find out what Ford learned from Tesla
Apr 21, 2016
With ride-sharing, electric vehicles and millennials who aren’t super keen on owning a car all converging, the auto industry is in a panic. But Ford, led by both Bill Ford and Ford CEO Mark Fields has created a plan to keep the carmaker relevant, even if fewer people buy cars. With this being said, there … Continue reading Episode 55: Find out what Ford learned from Tesla
Episode 54: Fashion meets the internet of things
Apr 14, 2016
Do you want your smart jewelry to have a screen? Do you want to be able to have replica designer jewellery from Maurielle’s Replica Fashion and be able to connect it to your smart phone? If we have multiple pieces of connected jewelry how do you make it easy to program for the day? Or … Continue reading Episode 54: Fashion meets the internet of things
Episode 53: How to prevent good devices from being killed
Apr 07, 2016
This week’s show deals with recurring themes such as whether or not you should trust the cloud, device lifespan, the Amazon Alexa platform and more lighting than a Times Square billboard. Our guest this week is Mike Pessina, the co-CEO of Lutron. He shares his recipes for great lighting (at the very end) and talks … Continue reading Episode 53: How to prevent good devices from being killed
Episode 52: These 9 ideas can secure the smart home
Mar 31, 2016
Security is a big deal for the Internet of things, which is why we’re so pumped about having Beau Woods, the deputy director of the Atlantic Council’s Cyber Statecraft Initiative, on the show to discuss nine new recommendations for securing smart home devices. These devices will all be linked to your home network, but you … Continue reading Episode 52: These 9 ideas can secure the smart home
Episode 51: This CEO killed his hardware startup to start a wireless network
Mar 24, 2016
This week we have a two for one in the guest portion of the show, with Daniel Conrad, the CEO of Beep Networks explaining how he decided to stop making a connected device, take his VC funding and find a new business model. That’s part one. Part two is all about LoRa, the wireless radio … Continue reading Episode 51: This CEO killed his hardware startup to start a wireless network
Episode 50: Are your devices being held hostage?
Mar 17, 2016
This week, Kevin Tofel and I discuss the challenges of treating connected hardware like software. Nest is experiencing one of those challenges this week as it requests users accept new terms and conditions in order to use their Nest. If you don’t agree, you don’t get the app, which is frustrating users who feel that … Continue reading Episode 50: Are your devices being held hostage?
Episode 49: Did you buy an Amazon Dot?
Mar 10, 2016
This week’s podcast is chock full of smart home stuff with updates from Nest, new products from Amazon and some new tech on the Wi-Fi front. Mozilla is getting into the Internet of things, with four ideas for possible open-source products that range from a smart home hub to voice recognition services. Kevin isn’t sold … Continue reading Episode 49: Did you buy an Amazon Dot?
Episode 48: Realtors ready for the smart home
Mar 03, 2016
We’ve talked about how whether you should take your connected devices with you when you move on previous shows, but on this week’s show Chad Curry, managing director at the center for Realtor Technology at the National Association of Realtors, takes things further. Much further. Curry discusses the future of MLS listings and how your … Continue reading Episode 48: Realtors ready for the smart home
Episode 46: Barbie has a smart home and Sense gives your home computer vision
Feb 18, 2016
Andreas Gal, the CEO of Silk Labs has built what feels impossible. With the Sense hub he has created an artificially intelligent home hub that contains a camera, controls for other connected devices and a dedicated to privacy that means he can still offer services but still protect users from blanket surveillance. And the device … Continue reading Episode 46: Barbie has a smart home and Sense gives your home computer vision
Episode 45: A Playground for IoT and how to buy a data plan for your device
Feb 11, 2016
So you wanna build a connected device? If so, there’s apparently no better place for a startup to go than Andy Rubin’s new incubator/VC/design shop called Playground. With an in-depth profile in Wired, the former founder of Danger and the man behind Android has built a place for folks with a hardware idea. On this … Continue reading Episode 45: A Playground for IoT and how to buy a data plan for your device
Episode 44: Mandatory Fitbits and a new ISP with smart home aspirations
Feb 04, 2016
Last week the man who founded Aereo, a company that was aimed at bringing over the air television to the masses who couldn’t always get it, and then allowing them to time-shift that television by recording it, launched Starry. Starry is a new type of ISP that aims to deliver gigabit internet service to homes … Continue reading Episode 44: Mandatory Fitbits and a new ISP with smart home aspirations
Episode 43: This smart home needs an email address
Jan 28, 2016
Freak out! This week’s episode isn’t about disco, it’s all about the security of your things. Or insecurity as the case may be. We talk about Shodan, the search engine for connected devices and the creation of a security framework for connected devices by the researchers at I am the Cavalry. Go read the story … Continue reading Episode 43: This smart home needs an email address
Episode 42: These are the two biggest challenges facing the smart home
Jan 22, 2016
There is no winner takes all in the smart home yet, because none of the products and services available have the scale yet says Om Malik, this week’s guest on the Internet of Things Podcast. Malik, who is a partner at True Ventures and wrote a great article in the New Yorker on the virtuous … Continue reading Episode 42: These are the two biggest challenges facing the smart home
Episode 41: Can a $20 device stop the spread of disease?
Jan 14, 2016
After a week at CES, the giant technology trade show in Las Vegas I’m beat, but full of observations about the future of the Internet of things. I wrote up a few over at Fortune, but Kevin and I talked about some of them on this week’s show as well. We covered some new news, … Continue reading Episode 41: Can a $20 device stop the spread of disease?
Episode 40: The Amazon Echo and AI take a starring role at CES
Jan 07, 2016
This week I was at CES, the huge consumer electronics trade show held in LAs Vegas. Kevin wisely stayed home, but monitored the news. It’s actually easier to do that from 2,000 miles away. There’s more news than we can cover in one show, but we started with the links between Ford and the Amazon … Continue reading Episode 40: The Amazon Echo and AI take a starring role at CES
Episode 39: CES bound and the Internet of postage
Dec 31, 2015
If you haven’t gone totally paper free on your bills yet, it’s highly likely that the envelope that arrives via the mail has been touched by a Pitney Bowes machine. Pitney Bowes is a $4 billion company that makes mail its business, and Roger Pilc, its chief innovation officer, came on the show this week … Continue reading Episode 39: CES bound and the Internet of postage
Episode 38: A holiday troubleshooting guide under your tree
Dec 24, 2015
Just in case you open a few Christmas goodies in the coming days or decide to use the holidays as an excuse to set up a few connected devices, Kevin and I decided to offer the gift of our experience. We’ve condensed our stupid mistakes (like not reading the box for device compatibility) and more … Continue reading Episode 38: A holiday troubleshooting guide under your tree
Episode 37: Philips Hue drama and plan to fail even as you hope for success
Dec 17, 2015
Phillips caused a kerfuffle this week when it stopped supporting third-party light bulbs with its Philips Hue bridge and software. It has since reversed the decision after customers complained, but because the crazy time travel that Kevin and I undergo each week to bring the podcast to you had to record an update. However, the … Continue reading Episode 37: Philips Hue drama and plan to fail even as you hope for success
Episode 36: A total breakdown in connected gadgets and the Hiku review
Dec 11, 2015
This week it seemed that many of my devices and some other people’s devices were experiencing some troubles. My Nest thermostat decided to roast my family in bed at night and it seemed I wasn’t alone. Kevin and I discussed Nest’s response as well as why switching to the Ecobee might require a little extra … Continue reading Episode 36: A total breakdown in connected gadgets and the Hiku review
Episode 35: Raspberry Pi creator Eben Upton shares ideas for the Pi Zero
Dec 03, 2015
Sure it’s a week after Thanksgiving, but we are all about Pi with this week’s episode. Yes, I went there! With the launch of the Raspberry Pi Zero, the cheapest Linux computer yet at $5, we invited Raspberry Pi founder Eben Upton on the show to discuss how Google’s Eric Schmidt helped inspire the cheaper … Continue reading Episode 35: Raspberry Pi creator Eben Upton shares ideas for the Pi Zero
Episode 34: All I want for the holidays is a smarter home
Nov 26, 2015
The holidays are rapidly approaching so as you’re prepping your Thanksgiving dinner or wallowing in that special feeling of torpor that only comes after downing three servings of stuffing and a piece of pumpkin pie, check out Kevin and my selections for holiday gifts. This week’s episode doesn’t have any guest so we could focus … Continue reading Episode 34: All I want for the holidays is a smarter home
Episode 33: Better Bluetooth and an AI for the smart home
Nov 19, 2015
If you’ve learned anything from this podcast, you’ve probably learned that the smart home is pretty much a mess if you want everything to work together in some sort of seamless, easy-to-use way. Amazon’s Echo helps. HomeKit has a roadmap, but it’s still got a ways to go. This week, our guest Alex Capecelatro, CEO … Continue reading Episode 33: Better Bluetooth and an AI for the smart home
Episode 32: Amazon for the kitchen and Apple for the living room?
Nov 13, 2015
This week had so much connect home and internet of things news Kevin and I covered everything from a brand new way to turn your old smoke detectors into connected smoke detectors using a $35 battery replacement to new chip design from ARM that could make the Internet of things more secure. In the middle … Continue reading Episode 32: Amazon for the kitchen and Apple for the living room?
Episode 31: Walmart gets connected and this is what you want for Christmas
Nov 05, 2015
This week’s guest Rob Katcher is working with Wal-Mart to take a little of the pain out of grocery shopping with the Hiku connected fridge magnet. I chatted with Katcher to understand how he decided to create an entirely new category of device—a button that sticks to your fridge and lets you scan or tell … Continue reading Episode 31: Walmart gets connected and this is what you want for Christmas
Episode 30: My SmartThings hub must be haunted
Oct 30, 2015
Does your office need more conference rooms? Or maybe there’s wasted space where the printer and several reams of paper sit. In this week’s podcast we discuss how companies can use connected sensors in their lights to make better decisions about their real estate while also saving money on their energy costs with Joe Costello, … Continue reading Episode 30: My SmartThings hub must be haunted
Episode 29: The smart home may one day have a debt to NASA
Oct 23, 2015
If you’ve ever wondered how to get started on a smart home of your own, Kevin Tofel and I share a few ways to get started, answering some questions about hubs outlets and how to think about buying connected gadgets for the first time. Those looking to start converting their home to a smart home … Continue reading Episode 29: The smart home may one day have a debt to NASA
Episode 28: Warm and fuzzy drones and living with Apple’s HomeKit
Oct 15, 2015
Several HomeKit devices finally arrived in the house and were installed with relative ease. I had the Lutron bridge that had come out earlier this summer paired with two dimmer switches, a lamp module and my Nest thermostat, the new Philips Hue bridge that is HomeKit enabled paired to five Hue lights and a Schlage … Continue reading Episode 28: Warm and fuzzy drones and living with Apple’s HomeKit
Episode 27: Early adopters will suffer for their love of the smart home
Oct 08, 2015
This week the smart home got some new capabilities with Philips Hue announcing a new HomeKit enabled bridge that also will be upgraded to support the newly announced Nest Weave protocol. Kevin Tofel and I discuss both the new bridge and the new Nest Weave protocol and whether or not we want to keep investing … Continue reading Episode 27: Early adopters will suffer for their love of the smart home
Episode 26: A skeptic’s view on the smart home and how to build services, not products
Oct 01, 2015
This week I invited my husband to replace Kevin Tofel (it’s only for this week, y’all) to get a viewpoint from someone who isn’t exactly enamored of the connected home. Andrew Allemann (my husband) talks about the devices he likes and the things he doesn’t. If you’re building a product,he’s worth listening to, although his … Continue reading Episode 26: A skeptic’s view on the smart home and how to build services, not products
What will happen with Wink and a review of Zuli’s presence-promoting smart outlets
Sep 24, 2015
In episode 25 companies are spending billions trying to figuring out how to use wearables to help seniors age in place so we asked Philips Digital Health solutions’ Liat Ben-Zur on the show to discuss some of the things the health giant is doing to rethink medicine for a connected era. She discussed how the … Continue reading What will happen with Wink and a review of Zuli’s presence-promoting smart outlets
Episode 24: HomeKit surprise and no more passwords for the internet of things
Sep 17, 2015
Apple didn’t cover HomeKit in its massive event last week, but Kevin and spent a good chunk of time explaining what we we knew. Sadly, it’s not a lot, but it should be worth downloading iOS 9 and waiting a few more weeks. In enterprise news, we covered Salesforce’s IoT Cloud news, which will compete … Continue reading Episode 24: HomeKit surprise and no more passwords for the internet of things
Episode 23: Smart home breweries and Amazon’s konnected kitchen kabinets
Sep 10, 2015
I hope you’re hungry for some smart kitchen news because this week I have smart home analyst and the host of The Smart Home Show podcast Michael Wolf coming on to discuss Amazon’s plans for the kitchen and some really awesome technology he’s seeing in that room of the house. Wolf, who is hosting a … Continue reading Episode 23: Smart home breweries and Amazon’s konnected kitchen kabinets
Episode 22: The new Nest and behind the scenes with SmartThings’ new hub
Sep 03, 2015
This week has a bunch of updates on old favorites for the smart home with a third generation thermostat from Nest and a new home hub from SmartThings. We start the show with Kevin and I discussing the slimmer Nest thermostat with a bigger screen and software upgrades. Our decision? There is no need to … Continue reading Episode 22: The new Nest and behind the scenes with SmartThings’ new hub
Episode 21: Here’s what Amazon’s Echo will and won’t do
Aug 27, 2015
We connected our lights and locks to the Internet and frankly, we don’t seem to be much better off. In this week’s podcast I talk to Claire Rowland a user experience consultant and lead author of Designing Connected Products about why that is, and who actually is better off. We also discuss what she’s discovered … Continue reading Episode 21: Here’s what Amazon’s Echo will and won’t do
7 things successful companies do to make money with the Internet of things
Aug 20, 2015
Technical skills are important when it comes to deploying a new connected manufacturing plant or designing a just-in-time inventory management system. But equally important is developing a management culture that can really take advantage of the data transparency that connectivity can offer a business, according to this week’s guest on the IoT podcast. Satya Ramaswamy … Continue reading 7 things successful companies do to make money with the Internet of things
Episode 19: Meet the chef teaching a connected oven how to cook
Aug 13, 2015
This week’s podcast explores how sausage gets made. Actually we explore how roast chickens, cookies and salmon get made. Ryan Baker is the research chef at June, a company making a $1,500 connected oven. When he’s not appearing on the IoT podcast he spends his days baking 15 batches of cookies or 20 batches of … Continue reading Episode 19: Meet the chef teaching a connected oven how to cook
Episode 18: Why Target chose clear furniture for its smart home concept store
Jul 30, 2015
Forget about connecting your smart home, can you imagine the technical challenge of connecting a rhinoceros to the internet? That’s what a new anti-poaching organization called Protect has done with its effort to connect rhinos in South Africa to the internet as part of an anti-poaching effort. Kevin and I discuss the project on this … Continue reading Episode 18: Why Target chose clear furniture for its smart home concept store
Episode 17: Hacked Jeeps and hardware’s broken funding model
Jul 23, 2015
This week we discuss what happens when you’re driving along in your automobile, and suddenly you’re not in control of the wheel, as happened to a Wired reporter. While, he was lucky, Kevin and I discuss the very real threat this can pose and what the industry and lawmakers propose we do about it. A … Continue reading Episode 17: Hacked Jeeps and hardware’s broken funding model
Episode 16: The internet of Ts: Target, Thread, and tennis
Jul 17, 2015
This week we don’t have a guest on the show, but we covered a lot of great stuff starting with the week’s news about The Thread Group releasing its code and Qualcomm joining the group touting the wireless protocol. We also spent a considerable amount of time covering Target’s new retail concept for the internet … Continue reading Episode 16: The internet of Ts: Target, Thread, and tennis
I spent $120 on lights so I could control them with my Amazon Echo
Jul 09, 2015
If you love something you should set it free, but if you love a connected device you should spend gobs of money adding more gadgets until you have a platform. And this week I have done just that, spending $20 on six light bulbs that I can control with my Amazon Echo. I explain how … Continue reading I spent $120 on lights so I could control them with my Amazon Echo
What does President Obama think about the Internet of things?
Jul 02, 2015
The president recently made a famous podcast appearance but he didn’t talk about the internet of things. Since he has yet to offer to visit the IoT Podcast, I spoke to Darren Samuelsohn, a senior policy reporter at Politico who recently spent seven weeks trying to discover what Washington D.C. thinks about the Internet of … Continue reading What does President Obama think about the Internet of things?
Ladies love wearables and you should buy the Amazon Echo: Episode 13
Jun 25, 2015
This week was a big one for fans of the connected home. Amazon announced that its Siri-like personal assistant for the home is now available for anyone to buy, so Kevin Tofel and I did a fairly extensive review on the show. There’s more over at Fortune. Kevin and I also talked about the big … Continue reading Ladies love wearables and you should buy the Amazon Echo: Episode 13
It will soon be so cheap to add connectivity, everyone will do it
Jun 18, 2015
We spend a lot of our time focused on the U.S. market, but this week’s show we review an IP camera from a French company and feature Dave Friedman, the CEO of Ayla Networks, discussing the Internet of things evolution in China. Friedman discusses a recent deal his company signed to provide the back-end infrastructure … Continue reading It will soon be so cheap to add connectivity, everyone will do it
Episode 11: HomeKit certification comes at a big cost for consumers and device makers.
Jun 12, 2015
This week Apple disappointed the smart home aficionados at its WWDC conference by not mentioning much in the way of new HomeKit news and new devices. But Kevin Tofel and I discussed the challenges that Apple’s HomeKit partners faced trying to accommodate Apple’s security and hardware needs. This includes the Ecobee CEO’s response to criticism … Continue reading Episode 11: HomeKit certification comes at a big cost for consumers and device makers.
Episode 10: When will connected devices get cheaper?
Jun 04, 2015
We now have four devices for Apple’s HomeKit and about as many slides detailing Google’s own entry into the Internet of things with its Brillo operating system and Weave communications platform. Kevin and I discuss what we know about the Google strategy and more importantly, what we don’t yet know. We also discuss some new … Continue reading Episode 10: When will connected devices get cheaper?
Episode 9: How connected devices will change the way you travel
May 28, 2015
Google is about to get into the smart home with new software called Brillo that will connect devices to a router. It won’t be part of the Nest ecosystem of devices, but it will work with Nest devices, according to reports on the Google news. By the time the show airs, we should know more, … Continue reading Episode 9: How connected devices will change the way you travel
Episode 8: Which devices will the internet of things drive to extinction?
May 21, 2015
Hold your books and costume jewelry close because they may not survive the connected device revolution, according to Rob Coneybeer of Shasta Ventures. In a conversation on this week’s podcast he and I had a fun conversation about what devices might disappear, what objects might stay analog and what devices get more intelligent as we … Continue reading Episode 8: Which devices will the internet of things drive to extinction?
Episode 7: How does a startup catch Apple’s and Comcast’s eye?
May 14, 2015
Andrew Thomas wanted to build a better doorbell, but now he’s in the enviable position of pitching his wares to Comcast’s millions of subscribers, and is an Apple HomeKit partner. The Skybell co-founder joined my on this week’s podcast to discuss how to allocate time and resources as a hardware startup and also to talk … Continue reading Episode 7: How does a startup catch Apple’s and Comcast’s eye?
Episode 6: Who will make the smart home mainstream? Comcast, Amazon or Apple?
May 06, 2015
Kevin and I both got what we wanted this week, with Kevin getting his Apple Watch about an hour before we recorded the show and Amazon adding support for If This Then That for the Echo speaker/personal assistant device. However both long-awaited dreams had a few caveats as we explored this week on the show, … Continue reading Episode 6: Who will make the smart home mainstream? Comcast, Amazon or Apple?
Episode 5: The Apple Watch is a “hot mess” and other design considerations
Apr 29, 2015
The Apple Watch is out, and while Kevin Tofel didn’t wake up early enough to get one, I interview Mark Rolston, the co-founder and chief creative officer at Argo Design, who did, to see what he thinks of his. Rolston is designing the interface for the Peq smart home hub, and discussed how he’s thinking … Continue reading Episode 5: The Apple Watch is a “hot mess” and other design considerations
Episode 4: The evolution of an IoT services business and build a connected garden
Apr 22, 2015
Spring is in the air, so this week’s podcast celebrates with a preview of an upcoming connected garden product that looks pretty smart — the Edyn sensor and connected water valve system that will hit Home Depot shelves in May and is available for pre-orders. Kevin I discuss the solar-powered sensors, and although it’s iOS-only … Continue reading Episode 4: The evolution of an IoT services business and build a connected garden
Episode 2: Is it too late to secure the internet of things?
Apr 08, 2015
Fans of the connected home got some exciting news when Amazon showed of its Dash Buttons, a simple, connected button that consumers could press to order a single products from the e-commerce giant. The idea is consumers would pop a Tide button by their washing machine, a Cottonelle button by their toilet and an Oil … Continue reading Episode 2: Is it too late to secure the internet of things?
Episode 1: How to build hardware that doesn’t suck
Apr 01, 2015
Welcome to the inaugural Internet of Things Podcast with Stacey Higginbotham. It’s super exciting to be able to share the show with all of you, after these past few weeks of Gigaom closing its doors and us wondering about the fate of the show. This week my co-host Kevin Tofel and I have missed three … Continue reading Episode 1: How to build hardware that doesn’t suck
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