Managing Your Home Tech

Gavin Campbell joins me this week as we talk about how Home Assistant introduces a local voice assistant with wake words. Gavin is enthusiastic about mmWave sensors, Aqara FP2, which can detect people, even when stationary. Zigbee vs. Z-Wave gets a mention as Gavin upgrades to the Zooz ZST39 Z-Wave 800 controller. 3D printing is a recent interest, used for creating smart shutter controllers. Gavin’s year-long experiment with smart lawn watering is summarized, along with enhancements to his pool using temperature and water level sensors. All that and a quick update on CEDIA. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg588 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #588 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live Find Us! Join us in the Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaverageguy/ On Discord at https://theaverageguy.tv/discord Save as much as $110 on your first 5 boxes of HelloFresh  Use the code MQU328 and get $40 off any machine purchase and a free capsule dispenser. If you are drinking bad coffee – STOP. Great coffee, one cup at a time from people who really know coffee. Check them out at https://Nespresso.com and use code MQU328 and get $40 off your first machine! Show Segments: * Tech gadgets, news, and reviews with guests.[0:00] * Jim Collison welcomes Gavin Campbell to Home Gadget Geeks, discussing tech gadgets and news. * Home automation and integrations with companies like Mazda.[1:52] * Speaker 2 discusses home assistant, an open-source smart home hub, and its integrations with various devices and services. * Speaker 2 expresses concern about companies like Mazda potentially taking away functionality from users who rely on home assistant integrations. * Home assistants and voice control technology.[5:00] * Speaker 2 discusses the benefits of home assistants, including local control and privacy, and mentions the development of a new voice assistant that runs locally. * Speaker 2 and Jim Collison discuss the potential uses of voice assistants, such as controlling devices and asking questions like “Is the back door open?” or “What’s the temperature in the pool?

Dave McCabe joins me this week. We’ll be discussing his recent woodworking projects, including items he’s crafted for his office. Dave has also recently acquired a 3D printer, and you’ll be intrigued by the unique uses he’s found for it. Towards the end of the show, we’ll take a trip down memory lane and explore the history of the Home Server Show. It’s a fascinating look at our podcast’s roots. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg587 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #587 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live Find Us! Join us in the Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaverageguy/ On Discord at https://theaverageguy.tv/discord Save as much as $110 on your first 5 boxes of HelloFresh  Use the code MQU328 and get $40 off any machine purchase and a free capsule dispenser. If you are drinking bad coffee – STOP. Great coffee, one cup at a time from people who really know coffee. Check them out at https://Nespresso.com and use code MQU328 and get $40 off your first machine! Show Segments: Tech gadgets and news with Jim Collison and Dave McCabe. ([0:00]) Jim Collison welcomes Dave McCabe to discuss tech gadgets and news. Woodworking, technology, and creativity. ([1:25]) Dave McCabe and Jim Collison reminisce about their past experiences together, including installing GPUs and working on woodshop projects. Dave McCabe notes that while technology has advanced in woodworking, the basics of the craft have remained the same, with new tools and techniques emerging to enhance the skillset. Dave McCabe and Jim Collison discuss their shared passion for technology and creativity, with Dave mentioning his enjoyment of woodworking and Jim sharing his appreciation for the art of sign-making. Dave and Jim talk about the importance of patience and practice in their respective hobbies, with Dave noting the need for technology skills in the Makerspace and Jim highlighting the value of long-term projects. Jim Collison and Dave McCabe discuss McCabe’s design and manufacturing process for custom drinkware and laser engraving. McCabe highlights the importance of personalization and customization in his work, including using laser engraving to add names or logos to items. Smoking chips for cocktails and 3D printing. ([8:49])

Bob and Ryan from ThinkComputers.org are joining me, and we’re going to discuss the economic outlook for 2024 and how it might impact tech purchases. We’ll also dedicate some time to talking about the leaked Intel 14th Gen chips and what’s on the horizon. Additionally, we’ll share our thoughts on what ASUS might do now that they own the NUC. Finally, we’ll wrap up with a closer look at the new Mountain DisplayPad and engage in some conversation about Case Mod Friday. If you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe to their podcast at ThinkComputers.org. Thanks for listening. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg586 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #586 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live Find Us! Join us in the Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaverageguy/ On Discord at https://theaverageguy.tv/discord Save as much as $110 on your first 5 boxes of HelloFresh  Use the code MQU328 and get $40 off any machine purchase and a free capsule dispenser. If you are drinking bad coffee – STOP. Great coffee, one cup at a time from people who really know coffee. Check them out at https://Nespresso.com and use code MQU328 and get $40 off your first machine! Show Segments: Tech podcasts, Black Friday deals, and economic trends. ([0:00]) Jim Collison and Bob Buskirk discuss their podcast, Home Gadget Geeks, and the latest gadget news. Bob and Ryan from thing computers.org join the conversation, sharing their insights and updates on their podcast. Bob Buskirk and Ryan Kerschner discussed the current state of the tech industry, including the lack of exciting new hardware launches and the affordability of hardware compared to two years ago. Bob Buskier and Ryan Kerschner also discussed the potential challenges of a global recession in 2024 and how it could impact consumer spending on tech products. Tech companies playing it safe with product releases during economic uncertainty. ([5:17]) Bob Buskirk notes a lack of innovation in the tech industry, particularly in the GPU and CPU spaces, with companies playing it safe and releasing products at specific price points without much deviation. Potential economic challenges and consumer spending habits. ([6:47])

This week, I’m joined by Christian Johnson for an exciting update on his pilot’s license journey and the tech that played a pivotal role in his progress. We’ll also dive into the intriguing developments surrounding the MGM/Caesars breach and how each party handled it in their own unique way. Plus, in a nod to the original “Christian’s Corner,” we’ll have an in-depth conversation about Windows 11 and what to expect in the near future. Thanks for listening. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg585 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #585 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live Find Us! Join us in the Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaverageguy/ On Discord at https://theaverageguy.tv/discord Save as much as $110 on your first 5 boxes of HelloFresh  Use the code MQU328 and get $40 off any machine purchase and a free capsule dispenser. If you are drinking bad coffee – STOP. Great coffee, one cup at a time from people who really know coffee. Check them out at https://Nespresso.com and use code MQU328 and get $40 off your first machine! Show Segments: Obtaining a private pilot license and the role of technology in aviation. ([1:29]) Private pilot license and flight training. ([6:08]) General aviation aircraft, including Cessna 172 and Cirrus models. ([9:25]) Aviation technology, aircraft maintenance, and motion sickness. ([15:11]) Motion sickness relief using a non-drug device. ([22:16]) Using a wearable device to alleviate motion sickness during flight training. ([30:11]) A wearable device for motion sickness relief. ([34:58]) MGM Resorts’ recent cyber attack and its impact. ([40:20]) Email security and phishing attacks. ([46:04]) Password management and email security. ([53:26]) Windows 11 features and Microsoft CoPilot. ([57:55]) AI, Windows 11, and Microsoft’s strategy. ([1:02:59]) Windows 11, File Explorer, and chip manufacturing. ([1:08:24]) AI, chipsets, and Windows changes. ([1:12:38]) AI’s hallucination problem in legal and other areas. ([1:19:58]) AI development and its limitations. ([1:23:50]) Links

Paul Braren from TinkerTry.com joins me this week and we catch up with him. It’s been a busy time for Paul. Both moving and changing jobs has kept him on his toes when it comes to technology. We talk about everything solar, updating an older house for solar, EVs and the challenges and benefits of managing your own power—that and lots more. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg584 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #584 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live Find Us! Join us in the Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaverageguy/ On Discord at https://theaverageguy.tv/discord Save as much as $110 on your first 5 boxes of HelloFresh  Use the code MQU328 and get $40 off any machine purchase and a free capsule dispenser. If you are drinking bad coffee – STOP. Great coffee, one cup at a time from people who really know coffee. Check them out at https://Nespresso.com and use code MQU328 and get $40 off your first machine! Show Segments:  Getting caught up? ([4:47]) Selling the other house. ([9:14]) New house, new job, new house, ([14:04]) How much does it cost to buy consumer grade storage? ([20:39]) Does it remind you of windows home server? ([22:58]) New wiring. ([27:18]) How did you find out about solar roofs? ([31:18]) The Electric Vehicle industry is exploding. ([35:22]) How to choose a solar power provider. ([39:31]) How to find good contractors. ([45:28]) Putting fresh air in your house. ([48:50]) Mistakes made by the contractors. ([53:15]) Monitoring the basement. ([57:17]) Electricing a shed. ([1:02:07]) Do your research and be happy. ([1:06:40]) The shed. ([1:11:42]) What happened in texas during the polar vortex? ([1:18:33]) Links More on Paul at https://tinkertry.com/ Learn how Paul lowered his electric bill when rates jumped. https://tinkertry.com/lowerbill Span Panel –

In this episode, I’m joined by Marv Bee. We dive into the NetAlly CyberScope and the Bose SoundSport earbuds. We also discuss AI based on an Engadget article and learn about Marv’s new podcast that might be right up your alley! Check it out at unhealthypodcast.com Thanks for listening and your support! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg583 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #583 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live Find Us! Join us in the Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaverageguy/ On Discord at https://theaverageguy.tv/discord Save as much as $110 on your first 5 boxes of HelloFresh  Use the code MQU328 and get $40 off any machine purchase and a free capsule dispenser. If you are drinking bad coffee – STOP. Great coffee, one cup at a time from people who really know coffee. Check them out at https://Nespresso.com and use code MQU328 and get $40 off your first machine! Show Segments: What Marv learned from the sprinkler show. ([4:02]) Can you retrofit an existing system with a new system? ([6:52]) The importance of having a good tester – The NetAlly CyberScope Analyzer. ([12:01]) Adding on network auditing to the business. ([17:54]) How much does it cost? ([21:50]) Traveling with noise-cancellation headphones. ([27:18]) The problem with licensing and AI. ([33:18]) AI’s copyrighting of video. ([40:33]) The value of having an opinion. ([46:03]) AI’s future. ([54:27]) How to go from unhealthy to healthy. ([58:11]) What’s success for you on this podcast? ([1:04:51])  Links Marv’s newest Podcast – https://www.unhealthypodcast.com/ NetAlly CyberScope Handheld Cybersecurity Analyzer –

Joining us this week is a visionary leader who has been instrumental in revolutionizing the irrigation landscape – CEO Shane Dyer of Irrigreen. Get ready to gain some invaluable insights into the future of precision irrigation, the role of technology in sustainable landscaping, and the challenges and triumphs of steering the industry toward a greener tomorrow. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg582 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #582 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live Find Us! Join us in the Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaverageguy/ On Discord at https://theaverageguy.tv/discord Save as much as $110 on your first 5 boxes of HelloFresh  Use the code MQU328 and get $40 off any machine purchase and a free capsule dispenser. If you are drinking bad coffee – STOP. Great coffee, one cup at a time from people who really know coffee. Check them out at https://Nespresso.com and use code MQU328 and get $40 off your first machine! Show Segments: How did you get to where you are today? ([1:24]) How to do the math with sensors? ([8:41]) The benefits of having a permanent irrigation system. ([12:57]) The tough guy method for lawn irrigation. ([19:13]) Traditional irrigation technology vs digital irrigation. ([22:56]) How does a system like this work for spot watering? ([27:43]) The value of having two points of connection. ([32:12]) Upgrading the software. ([35:56]) The perfect setup for golf courses. ([42:51]) A robot lawnmower for your lawn. ([45:48]) How much does it cost to install the system? ([50:00]) Do you need a smart water system? ([53:21])  Links https://irrigreen.com/ — More from Chat GPT:— Irrigreen is a company that specializes in innovative irrigation technology for sustainable water management in landscaping and agriculture. Their unique approach to irrigation involves the use of digital technology to precisely control water distribution, optimizing the efficiency of water usage while minimizing waste.

Jay Franze joins us this week!. We caught up with Jay and asked about some new equipment he is using for his podcast as well as an update on the fire pit he mentioned the last time he was on. Jim mentioned that he thought the economy was going to be challenged in 2024 and it might be a good time to think about tightening up the budget a bit and looking for some sweet deals ahead. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg581 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #581 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live Popular Tags: Podcast, Home Gadget Geeks, Jim Collison, Jay Franze, monitors, buy, deals, amazon, store, subscriptions, price, shopping, walmart, power, rocket money Find Us! Join us in the Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaverageguy/ On Discord at https://theaverageguy.tv/discord Save as much as $110 on your first 5 boxes of HelloFresh  Use the code MQU328 and get $40 off any machine purchase and a free capsule dispenser. If you are drinking bad coffee – STOP. Great coffee, one cup at a time from people who really know coffee. Check them out at https://Nespresso.com and use code MQU328 and get $40 off your first machine! Show Segments: Jay has some new Podcasting gear. ([7:08]) How to measure audio decibel levels? ([10:55]) Podcasting equipment costs. ([16:00]) How to find deals on products. ([22:13]) Living on the bare minimum. ([31:55]) Paying for subscriptions in advance. ([43:24]) The deals get better the longer you leave it in the cart. ([48:27]) Best buy price match for the win. ([53:35]) Making the mistake of not using coupon codes. ([59:59]) Taxes and taxes on online purchases. ([1:06:06]) A quick update on the Blueeddie AC 180. ([1:09:46]) Running a generator in a house. ([1:14:16]) The pros and cons of having multiple monitors. ([1:20:08]) How to turn off the monitors at once? ([1:30:12])  Links https://www.bradsdeals.com/ https://slickdeals.net/ https://www.joinhoney.com/explore

This week we sit down with Randy Walker to dive into the world of WordPress and ask the question, why is WordPress still important? Before we start in on WordPress, Randy has a new podcasting mic to talk about, the M2 MicTrak from Zoom. We then discuss staging for upgrades and development work, focusing on transitioning to full-site editing on WordPress. Along the way, we’ll explore some indispensable plugins such as Redirection, Podcast Importer, and the dynamic duo of Contact Form 7 + Flamingo. So, grab your headphones and join us as we unravel the mysteries of staging, upgrades, and all things WordPress with our special guest, Randy Walker (a little AI help here!) Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg580 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #580 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live Popular Tags: Podcast, Home Gadget Geeks, Jim Collison, Randy Walker, WordPress, Automatic, plugins, wordpress, theme, block Find Us! Join us in the Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaverageguy/ On Discord at https://theaverageguy.tv/discord Save as much as $110 on your first 5 boxes of HelloFresh  Use the code MQU328 and get $40 off any machine purchase and a free capsule dispenser. If you are drinking bad coffee – STOP. Great coffee, one cup at a time from people who really know coffee. Check them out at https://Nespresso.com and use code MQU328 and get $40 off your first machine! Show Segments:New gadgets. ([1:40]) Why WordPress when there are things like Squarespace? ([9:04]) Working with plugins and staging. ([14:02]) Full site editing and user groups. ([26:02]) The worst part of editing in. ([30:30]) What kind of plugins do you need? ([36:05]) How do you evaluate multiple plugins? ([39:41]) Managing broken links and 404 errors. ([44:56]) How to disable plugins. ([49:40]) The power of plugins. ([52:36]) The process of installing and updating a new theme. ([58:23])  Links Find more on Randy at https://randy.xyz/ M2 MicTrak 32-Bit Stereo Handheld Recorderhttps://zoomcorp.

Christian Johnson is back and we spend some time catching up on Maple Grove Partners. We have a discussion on the benefits of cold storage is how to make the most of it. We then discuss the increasing accessibility and affordability of language learning models (LLMs) for both enterprises and individuals. Is the future where everyone will have their own language learning model, with some being cloud-hosted and others privately hosted? Christian predicts that the availability of LLMs will further accelerate their impact on daily life. They anticipate that LLMs will become more mainstream and affordable, fueling an already growing trend and making previously inaccessible things more attainable. Thanks for listening! Links and show notes below.   Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg579 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #579 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live Popular Tags: Podcast, Home Gadget Geeks, Jim Collison, Christian Johnson, client-side platform, email capabilities, managed model, self-hosted instances, data centers, Google, hosting, email, small businesses, Gmail accounts, mailbox, spam, professional email address, garbage email address, chat GPT, Training Model, model, cold storage   Find Us! Join us in the Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaverageguy/ On Discord at https://theaverageguy.tv/discord Save as much as $110 on your first 5 boxes of HelloFresh   Use the code MQU328 and get $40 off any machine purchase and a free capsule dispenser. If you are drinking bad coffee – STOP. Great coffee, one cup at a time from people who really know coffee. Check them out at https://Nespresso.com and use code MQU328 and get $40 off your first machine! Show Segments: [00:02:31] $10 hosting plans. [00:04:40] West Coast server expansion. [00:08:38] Gmail as a garbage email address. [00:11:34] Cold storage and data security. [00:16:06] Storage options for home users. [00:20:49] Querying Cold Storage Data. [00:25:41] Local transcription and search. [00:27:22] Streaming Wars and Cable TV. [00:32:16] Changing consumer streaming landscape. [00:35:38] VPNs and internet privacy. [00:39:18] VPNs and data privacy. [00:45:11] AI and large language models. [00:49:18] AI and deepfakes. [00:53:30] Impact of AI on daily life. [00:55:12] Acceleration in AI job market. [00:59:31] AI and automation in business. [01:05:02] Limitations of AI advancements. [01:11:26] Homogeneous state and error. [01:14:20] Commodity programming and chat GPT. [01:17:35] Human-like errors in AI. [01:23:06] Trust and accountability in AI. [01:26:45] Changing job landscape with AI. [01:29:00] Join our Discord community.   Links   — More from Chat GPT: Notable Quotes from the Show

Marv Bee joins me this week and we catch up with him and the latest on the IT Business Podcast. We spend a few minutes at the beginning of the show talking about smart grills and outdoor cooking. We then talk about some new, rack mounted Synology servers that Marv is installing for a client on site. They are a beast! Link below. Then we discuss the insanity that has become car navigation and entertainment centers. For this first time in 28 years, people are not satisfied with the technology. Thanks for listening! Links and show notes below.   Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg578 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #578 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live Popular Tags: Podcast, Home Gadget Geeks, Jim Collison, Marv Bee, The IT Business Podcast, Synology, Backups, Data Recovery, synology, backup, grill, pictures, gadget   Find Us! Join us in the Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaverageguy/ On Discord at https://theaverageguy.tv/discord Save as much as $110 on your first 5 boxes of HelloFresh   Use the code MQU328 and get $40 off any machine purchase and a free capsule dispenser. If you are drinking bad coffee – STOP. Great coffee, one cup at a time from people who really know coffee. Check them out at https://Nespresso.com and use code MQU328 and get $40 off your first machine! Show Segments: What’s the status of the It Business Podcast? ([1:33]) Efficiency Firepits and Smart Grills. ([10:29]) Looking for a new grill for the firepit. ([18:03]) What do you find most convenient about Synology? ([22:02]) What’s your opinion on Unraid vs. Synology? ([27:56]) Why you need to be thinking for your clients even if they’re not ready. ([37:48]) How long does it take to back up a physical server? ([42:53]) How long are these pictures really going to be around? ([48:14]) Live in the moment is not just a digital problem. ([56:09]) How long can we sustain this craziness in car entertainment systems? ([1:00:44])   Links Synology SA3610 – https://www.synology.com/en-au/products/SA3000 People are getting fed up with all the useless tech in their cars https://www.theverge.com/23801545/car-infotainment-customer-satisifaction-survey-jd-power   — More from Chat GPT: —   Find Us! Join us in the Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaverageguy/ On Discord at https://theaverageguy.

Erin Lawrence joins this week. After and update from Erin, we look at the latest reviews from https://techgadgetscanada.com, including an update on smart vacuum cleaners, but traditional and robot, a new coffee maker from Ninja, some conversation about Temu and a look at Bluetti, now a sponsor of Tech Gadgets Canada. I spend some time in the post-show updating everyone on my Unraid build as well as a few new gadgets that I picked up this week! Thanks for listening!   Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg577 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #576 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live Popular Tags: Podcast, Home Gadget Geeks, Jim Collison, Erin Lawrence, Tech Gadgets Canada, vacuum, Dyson, coffee, espresso, crocs, drip coffee, batteries   Find Us! Join us in the Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaverageguy/ On Discord at https://theaverageguy.tv/discord Save as much as $110 on your first 5 boxes of HelloFresh   Use the code MQU328 and get $40 off any machine purchase and a free capsule dispenser. If you are drinking bad coffee – STOP. Great coffee, one cup at a time from people who really know coffee. Check them out at https://Nespresso.com and use code MQU328 and get $40 off your first machine! Show Segments: Robot vacuums are a team sport, but there is no substitute for a really good upright vacuum. ([5:01]) Laser enabled dyson vacuum cleaners. ([10:30]) How often do you use the Dyson vacuum? ([17:01]) What do you think of these hybrid floor cleaners? ([18:49]) Is there a clear winner in the robot vacuum category? ([23:13]) Don’t shame me. ([28:43]) What’s out there for drip coffee makers? ([30:59]) Nespresso pods vs. Keurig machines. ([37:32]) Coffee at work with a Keurig. ([42:57]) What is Temu.com? ([46:30]) What are the pros and cons of the Bluetti? ([58:37]) What’s changed in the solar power market. ([1:04:22]) What’s coming up for Erin? ([1:07:53]) What you can do to your mic to get better sound. ([1:13:31]) Firepit update. ([1:22:36]) How to use the Unraid USB Key Builder. ([1:28:22]) Does anyone use USB sticks anymore? ([1:33:14]) Why is storage so expensive for that kind of usage? ([1:39:03]) Jim loves his Mac Mini. ([1:44:32])   Links Dyson gen5detect stick vac: https://www.techgadgetscanada.com/dyson-gen5detect-stick-vacuum-review/ Ecovacs T20 Omni: https://www.techgadgetscanada.com/review-ecovacs-deebot-t20-omni-vacuum-mop/ Roborock S8 Pro Ultra

Gavin Campbell from HomeTech.fm is my guest this week. Gavin has a new Meater temperature probe and it’s changing the way he does grilling, and for the better! We talk a bunch about some new soil moisture Sensors by Ecowitt that he has been trying out and I want some for sure!. We discuss what is going on with Matter and Thread and talk about the Aqara FP2 air quality sensor that detected the fires that are happening in Canada right now. We talk some about the new release with Unraid 6.12.2 and how ZFS support is finally there! We finish the discussion with an update from me about the switch from the UGreen Solar Generator (that I am using as a UPS for my computer room) to the Bluetti AC180. Thanks for listening!   Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg576 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #576 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live Popular Tags: Podcast, Home Gadget Geeks, Jim Collison, Gavin Campbell, Meater, Ecowitt, Aqara, Unraid, Bluetti, Ugreen, Solar Generator, HomeTech, sensors, work, air quality, home, meter, lawn, , home assistant, bluetooth   Find Us! Join us in the Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaverageguy/ On Discord at https://theaverageguy.tv/discord Save as much as $110 on your first 5 boxes of HelloFresh   Use the code MQU328 and get $40 off any machine purchase and a free capsule dispenser. If you are drinking bad coffee – STOP. Great coffee, one cup at a time from people who really know coffee. Check them out at https://Nespresso.com and use code MQU328 and get $40 off your first machine! Show Segments: What’s going on at Home Tech.fm? ([3:57]) What’s the best way to use Unraid? ([9:02]) How to get the best deal on a new grill. ([12:17]) What is the best sensor for your yard? ([16:18]) How do you use the sensors? ([21:12]) What are the benefits of having sensors in the ground? ([25:22]) What are the benefits of having air quality sensors? ([33:23]) Have you ever done any work on radon detectors or fire alarms where they are connected into matter? ([36:19]) Who’s behind the smart light bulb company? ([40:46]) What’s going on with Unraid? ([45:39]) Is Unraid running on older equipment or newer equipment? ([50:45]) Google Photos and Google Memories. ([56:05]) How long does it take to get things converted to full power? ([1:06:25])   Links https://www.hometech.fm/ https://meater.com/ ECOWITT WH51 Soil Moisture Sensor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JM621R3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_XAT7PHCQH0PZ0DT7F5NG Ecowitt https://www.

Nathaniel Lindley is my guest this week! We catch up with Nathaniel and his work since COVID and have a chat about his outdoor sound setup and new patio that he installed this spring. Thanks for listening!   Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg575 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #575 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live Popular Tags: Podcast, Home Gadget Geeks, Jim Collison, Nathaniel Lindley, sonos, home, gadget, geeks, tools, pandemic, tv, garage, remote, students, access, shed, hybrid, insulation   Find Us! Join us in the Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaverageguy/ On Discord at https://theaverageguy.tv/discord Save as much as $110 on your first 5 boxes of HelloFresh   Use the code MQU328 and get $40 off any machine purchase and a free capsule dispenser. If you are drinking bad coffee – STOP. Great coffee, one cup at a time from people who really know coffee. Check them out at https://Nespresso.com and use code MQU328 and get $40 off your first machine! Show Segments: What’s changed in staff and student instruction? ([5:09]) Do you think that makes students better prepared for the workforce? ([10:48]) Has the hardware changed? ([22:39]) How do you get access to the email system? ([30:51]) The new Yamaha receiver. ([39:59]) Which solo stove do you have? ([48:54]) How they’re keeping up with the party. ([53:43]) When will it be enough? ([58:37]) Insulation in the shed. ([1:04:02])   Links   — More from Chat GPT: —   Find Us! Join us in the Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaverageguy/ On Discord at https://theaverageguy.tv/discord Get the Home Gadget Geeks subscribe links at http://homegadgetgeeks.com http://theaverageguy.tv is powered by Maplegrove Partners web hosting. Get secure, reliable, high-speed hosting from people you know and trust.  For more information visit http://maplegrovepartners.com

Bob and Ryan from ThinkComputers.org join me for the show. In this episode, we explore the buzz surrounding PCI Express 5.0 storage, the standout highlights from Computex, the future of storage, the differences between various hard drives, and the latest updates in the GPU market. Additionally, we discuss the current state of the supply chain, the opportune time to build your own PC, the importance of keeping your drivers up to date, and the ongoing debate between flat and curved monitors. Stay tuned as we also share exciting updates on upcoming episodes and what’s happening on the ThinkComputers website. Thanks for listening!   Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg574 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #574 of Home Gadget Geeks brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live Popular Tags: Podcast, Home Gadget Geeks, ThinkComputers, Think Computers, ThinkComputers.org, Bob Buskirk, Ryan Kershner, Technology, Computers, Podcast, PC Building, Tech News, Hardware, Storage, Graphics Cards, GPU Market, Gaming, Tech Trends, Supply Chain, Driver Updates, Monitors, Curved vs Flat, ThinkComputers, Computex, PCI Express 5.0, Tech Industry   Find Us! Join us in the Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaverageguy/ On Discord at https://theaverageguy.tv/discord Save as much as $110 on your first 5 boxes of HelloFresh   Use the code MQU328 and get $40 off any machine purchase and a free capsule dispenser. If you are drinking bad coffee – STOP. Great coffee, one cup at a time from people who really know coffee. Check them out at https://Nespresso.com and use code MQU328 and get $40 off your first machine! Show Segments: PCI express 5.0 storage is the new standard. ([2:05]) – PCI express 5.0 storage is the big thing this year. – Air flow over the new storage. What’s been the most amazing advancements at Computex this year? ([4:59]) – Advancements and changes in fans. – Computex is back this year. – More people are building their own pc now than five years ago. – Introducing the new fractal design tara-10.4 – The case itself came out yesterday. What’s the price point for a Gen 5 PCI express drive? ([12:49]) – Check out the fractal design tara. – Resources for self-built pc builders. – Pricing and size of gen 5 PCI express storage. What’s going to happen to storage in the future? ([15:47]) – Gen 5 is 4K video editing. – The practical application of 4k video editing in media. – Max 7 vs max 14 gig per second. – What Ryan needs for storage. What’s the difference between a normal hard drive in a 2.5 inch SSD and an NVMe drive? ([20:00]) – Differences between ssd and nvme hard drives.