Better Home Automation

What are the benefits of having a smart home and can you avoid the pitfalls? There has been a surge in new internet connected devices you can use to make your home smarter - everything from video doorbells & smart speakers to devices that measure your water usage and lock up your house at night. We want to know whether all these gadgets are worth it? Can you avoid the risks to your privacy created by having internet connected microphones and even more hackable electronics in your home? Show Notes 5:40— Are smart home gadgets actually useful? 7:34— We break down four types of home automation solutions— smart-speaker systems, telephone/cable company systems, home security systems, and professional high-end systems. 14:26— The story behind the Ring camera-enabled doorbell. 15:44— The usefulness of a camera-based doorbells to thwart package thieves during the holidays. 20:35— The trend of new buildings being built with automation systems as part of the normal building systems 24:30— The concerns and controversy around data collection from smart home devices and an alternative home automation solution that avoids these issues. 36:06— The most surprising thing about home automation is that you are probably already  43:00— Using a smart lock to automatically unlock your door. 45:13— What’s the best way to get started trying out home automation. 49:13— Where do we think home automation is going in the next several years. 55:25— Home automation options for apartment dwellers. 1:00:43— The story behind the Mattel Aristotle children’s toy. 1:08:49— What is the killer app for home automation. Mentions 📰 Darren's blog post on The secret behind Amazon Alexa's success 💻 IFTTT skill to connect Alexa and a Trello to do list 💻 IFTTT skill for syncing Alexa to-dos with iOS reminders 👍 Product: Amazon Echo Dot 👍 Product: Google Home Mini 👍 Product: Ring doorbell 👍 Product: Nest thermometer 📰 Blog post: Brendan Mulligan --- on a journey of home automation 📺 Video: Pee Wee's Breakfast Machine: The Breakfast Machine Follow Us Instagram Facebook Twitter Subscribe iTunes RSS Weekly email newsletter Full Episode Transcript Better Show Blog Feedback Email: [email protected] Enjoy the show? Leave a review in iTunes! Tell two friends about the show!