Home Gadget Geeks

Jim Collison
  • 4.9 (42)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY
Home Gadget Geeks

On Home Gadget Geeks we cover all your favorite tech gadgets that find their way into your home. News, reviews, product updates and conversation, all for the Average Tech guy! Host Jim Collison and his super line up of hosts are LIVE each week on Thursday nights, 8pmC/9E at http://theAverageGuy.tv

  1. NOV 9

    Gavin Campbell from HomeTech.fm on How to Replace Devices in Home Assistant, HA AI and Zooz Zen34 Hands On – HGG628

    Gavin Campbell joins me this week to discuss home automation, focusing on the Home Assistant platform. We explore seasonal impacts on automation, the importance of using entity IDs for easy device replacements and share personal experiences with smart technology. Gavin introduces innovative AI applications for improved security and highlights user-friendly solutions like Zooz smart switches. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg628 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #628 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live 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 Links https://www.hometech.fm https://hasspodcast.io/ Jim Collison and Gavin Campbell discussed various tech gadgets and home automation topics. They highlighted the new M4 Mac Minis, with Gavin mentioning his first MacBook Pro. They delved into home automation strategies, emphasizing the use of entities over devices to avoid automation disruptions. Gavin shared his dynamic dashboard setup and AI integrations, such as using ChatGPT for image analysis and automation tasks. They also discussed practical home automation products like the Zoo Zen 34 remote switch and the benefits of using Wago connectors for easier wiring. Gavin mentioned upcoming interviews and features on home tech.fm, including robotic lawn mowers and home cinema design. Show Chapters [0:07] Introduction to Home Gadget Geek [0:26] Weather Talk and Seasonal Changes [2:46] Black Friday and Amazon Links [3:12] Home Assistant Excitement [7:24] Home Automation Replacement Strategies [8:05] Automating with Entities [12:00] A-Lady Integration and Automation [13:04] Naming Conventions and Device Management [17:28] Naming Devices for Clarity [19:48] AI and Home Automation Integration [27:12] Home Assistant Dashboard Improvements [37:54] AI Capabilities and Future Potential [46:27] Home Tech Updates and Features [50:47] Product Spotlight on Zooz Devices [56:22] Upcoming Topics on HomeTech.fm [59:30] Preparing for Winter and Automation

    1h 8m

  2. OCT 26

    Bob and Ryan from ThinkComputers.org with the Intel Core Ultra 9, MSI DATAMAG SSD and Shure MV6 USB Gaming Microphone – HGG627

    Bob Buskirk and Ryan Kerschner from ThinkComputers.org join this week as we discuss the latest consumer technology. We review Intel’s new Core Ultra processors and their efficiency compared to AMD, while addressing the challenges of ARM technology in enterprise computing. We explore consumer preferences, noting the divide between hardcore gamers and everyday users. Bob also highlight the MSI Datamag portable SSD for content creators, and we wrap up discussing the Shure MV6 Gaming Mic as well as Black Friday sales and expectations for CES. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg627 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #627 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 Links Catch the ThinkComputers Podcast – https://thinkcomputers.org/category/podcast/ Posts mentioned: Intel Core Ultra 9 285K Processor Review MSI DATAMAG 20Gbps Magnetic Portable Solid State Drive Review Shure MV6 USB Gaming Microphone Review Show Chapters [00:04:44] New Intel Processor Review [00:09:04] ARM in the Enterprise [00:12:49] NPUs and Future of CPUs [00:14:36] Arrow Lake S Performance [00:18:53] Consumer Reactions to New Chips [00:21:54] AMD’s Upgrade Path [00:25:02] AMD Ryzen 9000 Release [00:26:33] ARM’s Growing Influence [00:31:46] Cloud Gaming vs. Local Processing [00:34:25] Recommendations for Upgrading PCs [00:38:10] Gaming and Streaming Hardware [00:40:01] MSI Datamag SSD Review [00:44:54] Content Creation and External Storage [00:45:55] Photography and Smartphone Memories [01:06:32] Upcoming Events: Black Friday & CES [01:09:32] Future of ARM Processors [01:16:35] Closing Remarks and Next Episode Extended Outline * Weather and Personal Updatesa href="https://otter....

    1h 17m

  3. OCT 12

    Mike Wieger with Meshtastic Updates, Local ChatGPT with Ollama and Frigate – HGG626

    Mike Wieger is my guest this week! Mike shares his experience with MeshTastic, a mesh networking system, noting a significant increase in nodes in Omaha and their use for local communication. He also discusses running a local instance of ChatGPT using Ollama and Open Web UI, highlighting its benefits for privacy and local processing. Additionally, Mike talks about using Frigate, a Docker container for security cameras, and its integration with Home Assistant. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg626 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #626 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought 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 Links https://meshtastic.org https://ollama.com https://frigate.video Show Chapters [0:00] Intro / Meshtastic Update [23:26] Local ChatGPT and LLMs [51:46] Exploring Security Camera Solutions Extended Outline * Home Gadget Geeks Show Introduction and Weather Discussion[0:00] * Jim Collison introduces the show, mentioning the date and location, and sets the stage for discussing tech gadgets. * Mike Wieger talks about the ongoing dry weather and lawn maintenance issues, including broken sprinkler heads. * Jim shares similar weather conditions in Nebraska, including a recent fire at a pumpkin patch due to dry conditions. * Discussion about the dangers of prairie fires and the impact of dry conditions on the environment. * Support for the Show and Amazon Prime Day[2:07] * Jim thanks Patreon subscribers and mentions the $5 plan on the averageguy.tv/patreon page. * Jim and Mike discuss the concept of Prime Day and the frequent Amazon Prime deals. * Mike expresses skepticism about the effectiveness of Prime Day. * Jim reminisces about their first in-person meeting in Washington, DC, eight years ago. * MeshTastic Update and Community Growth[4:30]

    1h 3m

  4. OCT 5

    Dan LeFebvre talks CGI in Movies Today and Hands on with the Elgato Prompter – HGG625

    Dan LeFebvre from the Based on a True Story podcast about the benefits of using teleprompters, specifically the Elgato model. Dan shares insights on technology’s evolution in video production, the significance of eye contact, and the potential role of AI in content creation. We also reflect on the art of storytelling in podcasts. To wrap up, Dan invites listeners to check out his upcoming episode featuring Lou Vero, offering behind-the-scenes stories from the “Miracle on Ice” in sports history. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg625 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #625 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 Links https://www.basedonatruestorypodcast.com/ Elgato Prompter – https://amzn.to/4duJbWR * “The best stuff is the stuff you don’t even notice.” ([0:16:33]) This quote is in reference to how good CGI and visual effects in movies can be so seamless that the audience doesn’t even realize it’s not practical effects. * “I think a lot of it is preference, and I think the more tools that are available, I think those preferences might change some.” ([0:48:08]) This quote discusses how people’s preferences around video production and presentation may evolve as more tools become available. * “I think especially for in my case, you know, being a podcast and entertaining, people are going to want that human element.” ([1:11:11]) This quote reflects Dan’s view that for podcasting and entertainment, maintaining a human element is important, even as AI and technology advance. Show Chapters [0:00] Welcome to Home Gadget Geeks[5:44] Meet Dan LeFebvre[7:38] Exploring Movies and History[20:05] The Evolution of CGI[30:00] The Future of Movie Making[37:47] Transitioning to Teleprompters[48:52] Meeting Dynamics[52:10] Headset Innovations[54:37] Teleprompter Technology[1:03:47] Future of Teleprompters[1:07:12] AI in Communication[1:12:58] The Human Element[1:25:47] Evolving Podcasting[1:30:32] Upcoming Interview[1:35:15] Hosting Solutions Extended Outline

    1h 37m

  5. SEP 28

    Reconsidering My Back Up Strategy in 2024 – HGG624

    This week, I share my journey in questioning my personal data management, spurred by an unexpected failure of my Morrow Data Box. This experience pushed me to prioritize valuable data and confront the issue of digital hoarding, leading to the deletion of outdated files and a streamlined approach to storage as well as some price and plan updates at Unraid. I also discuss some advancements in voice cloning technology via Eleven Labs, exploring its potential and ethical implications for content creation. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg624 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #624 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 Links https://unraid.net/pricing https://elevenlabs.io Show Chapters [0:00] Welcome to Home Gadget Geeks [16:00] Data Management Reflections [22:50] The Value of Digital Hoarding [35:29] Embracing Minimalism in Tech [48:46] Exploring AI Voice Cloning [53:05] Future of Podcasting with AI Extended Outline * Moro Data Box Troubleshooting and Data Recovery [0:00] * Jim Collison discusses his experience with the Moro Data Box, which he has had since 2017. * The box stopped working, and Jim tried various troubleshooting methods, including unseating the memory and taking it apart. * Jim needed a file from the box to upload to Maple Grove partners, but the file was only stored on the box. * He accessed the file through the Moro Data website, which uses a proprietary format, and successfully retrieved the file. * Data Management and Backup Strategies [22:11] * Jim reflects on his data management practices, including storing files on various platforms like YouTube, Maple Grove partners, and archive.org. * He discusses the importance of having data in multiple places for backup and the potential issues with digital hoarding.

    1h 1m

  6. SEP 21

    Marv Bee with Old School Home Server Chat and are Expensive Earbuds Really Worth it? – HGG623

    Marv Bee joined me this week as we discussed backup solutions, with Jim considering using a Synology box to access data on Backblaze B2. Marv recommends Synology for its performance and ease of use. We also compare earbuds, with Marv finding Apple’s wired earbuds as good as Bose’s wireless ones. Finally, we discussed the cost-effectiveness of Apple’s earbuds and the benefits of having multiple sets for different locations. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg623 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #623 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the 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 Links Marv’s site – https://www.unclemarv.com/ Marv’s Amazon Link – https://amzn.to/3x0l1ke 2 Bay Mini PC AMD Ryzen 7 5700U (6C/16T), Mini Computers 16GB DDR4 RAM 512G NVME SSD, Mini PC Gaming Support 40T 2 * 20T 2 Bay Storage WiFi-6 – https://amzn.to/4eh1ik7 Apple EarPods (wired): https://amzn.to/3MRPUz5 – vsBose SoundSport (wireless): https://amzn.to/3B8o7Yt New Podcast Streaming platform – https://app.restream.io/ Show Segments [0:00] Welcome to Home Gadget Geeks [2:40] Patreon Support and Affiliates [4:49] Amazon Affiliate Goals [6:39] Submitting Dad Jokes [7:29] New Website Launch [10:34] Backup Solutions and Website Changes [12:39] Mini PC Discussion [20:44] Home Server Roots [23:04] The Role of Mini PCs [27:01] Backup Strategy and Concerns [40:43] Music Ownership in the Digital Age [46:33] Backup Conversations and Client Concerns [1:08:36] Backup Solutions Unveiled Extended Outline * Nebraska Weather and College Football[0:00] * Jim Collison discusses the hot and dry weather in Nebraska, contrasting it with the constant heat in Florida.

    1h 37m

  7. SEP 14

    Christian Johnson with the Effects of CrowdStrike and Software Reliability – HGG622

    Christian Johnson joins me this week as we talk about home technology trends, starting with seasonal changes and their effects on our gardens. We discuss AI’s role in enhancing podcast show notes and dive into cybersecurity, highlighting a recent CrowdStrike incident that underscores software reliability issues. As Christian prepares for fatherhood, we look forward to ‘baby tech’ innovations for new parents and debate operating system security vulnerabilities among Windows, Mac, and Linux. We conclude by reflecting on the human elements of technology and celebrate Christian’s upcoming role as a parent and principal engineer. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg622 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #622 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 Links https://www.bios-mods.com Show Segments Chapters [0:00] Welcome to Home Gadget Geeks [2:45] AI-Powered Show Notes [8:42] Thanking Our Supporters [9:52] Revisiting BIOS Mods [15:58] Analyzing the CrowdStrike Incident [27:59] Software Quality and Cybersecurity [33:11] Continuity of Operations [34:05] The Fragility of Supply Chains [41:40] Backup Power Systems [1:03:27] Exciting Baby Tech Gadgets [1:12:04] Hosting and Support from Maple Grove Partners Extended Outline Weather and Lawn Care Concerns[0:00] * Jim Collison and Christian Johnson discuss the early onset of fall weather, noting it arrived earlier this year compared to last year. * Jim mentions the dryness and heat causing his lawn to go dormant, expressing his discomfort with this early browning. * Christian inquires about the type of grass Jim has, leading to a discussion about Zoysia grass and its characteristics. * Jim explains that Zoysia grass is soft but goes dormant quickly, which he finds frustrating. * AI Integration in Show Notes[2:37]

    1h 14m

  8. SEP 7

    Jay Franze with Listener Emails, HVAC Options, StreamYard Replacements and NiceHash – HGG621

    Jay Franze is my guest this week. We talk about smart home technology and the benefits of energy-efficient gadgets, particularly in air conditioning. We share personal experiences with DIY home wiring, weighing the pros and cons of tackling electrical projects. We dive into the latest trends in streaming services, discussing the recent StreamYard acquisition and comparing alternatives like Riverside and Zoom. Our conversation also touches on the evolution of content consumption, highlighting our preferences for engaging with media. We wrap the show with some updates on cryptocurrency, including insights on NiceHash’s new fee structure. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg621 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #621 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 Links Catch more of Jay – https://jayfranze.com/ Canva – https://www.canva.com/ Goodman air conditioning unit – https://amzn.to/47paaBB Digital Smart thermostat – https://amzn.to/47iM4Zh OneDrive – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/onedrive/online-cloud-storage Local Send – https://localsend.org/ Apple iCloud/Photos – https://www.icloud.com/photos Dropbox – https://www.dropbox.com/ Show Segments [0:00] Welcome to Home Gadget Geeks [9:51] DIY Wiring Insights [16:56] Photo Backup Solutions [24:11] StreamYard Ownership Changes [30:09] Exploring Alternative Streaming Services [40:37] The Future of Podcasting Technology [41:36] Streaming Technology Evolution [44:12] NFL Season Kickoff [46:26] Changing Content Consumption Habits [50:16] The Rise of YouTube [52:15] The Streaming Experience [55:39] Evaluating Streaming Costs

    1h 25m
See All (50)

4.9
out of 5
42 Ratings

About

On Home Gadget Geeks we cover all your favorite tech gadgets that find their way into your home. News, reviews, product updates and conversation, all for the Average Tech guy! Host Jim Collison and his super line up of hosts are LIVE each week on Thursday nights, 8pmC/9E at http://theAverageGuy.tv

Information

  • Creator
    Jim Collison
  • Years Active
    2011 - 2024
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © theAverageGuy.tv
  • Show Website
    Home Gadget Geeks

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