Episode 36: A total breakdown in connected gadgets and the Hiku review

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 work on the part of a consumer as well. I also shared my disappointment with the SmartThings’ hub, which has turned into a product that only works about 80% of the time when it comes to turning on my devices on a schedule, some news about Wink and why consumers may not be the ultimate buyer for the smart home. The Hiku and its app. –Image courtesy of Hiku. We started a new program this week of reviews from other reviewers who aren’t Kevin and I (although Kevin did discuss his Fire TV purchase). The idea is that because connected devices are best used and lived with, it’s worth getting opinions from people who have tried the stuff out for a few weeks and knows what they are looking for. Since I don’t do the grocery shopping in my house, I had my husband on to review the Hiku, a device that recognizes speech and scans bar codes to grab your grocery list and import it into your phone. Stay tuned for that, and let me know what you think of the segment. I’d love to get some user reviews of connected sprinklers and some of the packages for aging in place. Hosts: Stacey Higginbotham and Kevin Tofel Guest: The Hiku Review from Andrew Allemann What’s up with Nest, Ecobee and SmartThings? Flextronics closed its acquisition of Wink! If consumers don’t buy a smart device, who will? An in-depth review of the Hiku. Is it for you? The post Episode 36: A total breakdown in connected gadgets and the Hiku review appeared first on IoT Podcast - Internet of Things.