Smart Tech Today (Audio) – Details, episodes & analysis

Matthew Cassinelli and Mikah Sargent announce the sunsetting of Smart Tech Today and look back at the year's smart home trends.

• Amazon's Alexa Stalled With Users as Interest Faded, Documents Show
• Matthew's Airtable list of Smart Tech Today stories
• Matthew's Airtable list of Smart Tech Today's most-covered topics
• Ember Mug
• HomePod
• Eve Motion Sensor
• Awair
• Eve Door and Window Sensor
• Hue Motion Sensor
• Nanoleaf Canvas

Picks of the week

• Matthew: Focused 2022 Calendar
• Mikah: Beyerdynamic MMX 150

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Matthew Cassinelli

Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/smart-tech-today

Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/smart-tech-today/episodes/109

Sponsors:

• betterhelp.com/stt
• UserWay.org/twit

The upcoming universal language for smart home devices, Matter, has revealed a TV spec that will theoretically allow for universal media casting. The Opal C1 webcam aims to be a DSLR camera packed into a webcam frame. Intel thinks it's going to be awhile before the Metaverse really kicks off due to technological constraints it feels its chips can help surpass.

• Matter could bring universal casting that actually works
• Smart home company Eve plans to use Matter to move beyond Apple's HomeKit
• Opal's C1 offers DSLR-rivaling video quality in a small form factor
• Dell's wireless webcam prototype uses magnets to stick to a screen
• Google Home update makes it easier to review Nest camera footage
• MGM Resorts is letting job seekers try out roles using virtual reality as it looks to reduce employee churn
• Intel Throws Cold Water on the Metaverse Happening Any Time Soon
• Meta adds sign language interpreters for Portal video calls
• LG's StanbyME is a wireless TV on wheels
• Alexa's latest celebrity voice is Santa Claus himself
• Enhanced Sleep Sensing in Nest Hub

Picks of the week

• Matthew: Grovemade Wool Felt Desk Pad
• Mikah: Eve Room (with Thread)

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Matthew Cassinelli

Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/smart-tech-today

Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/smart-tech-today/episodes/108

Sponsors:

• UserWay.org/twit
• betterhelp.com/stt

Smart Dog Tags, Xbox Accessibility, eero Pro Upgrades

• Exclusive: Amazon Adds New Speech Setting To Alexa App To Help Stutterers Finish Commands, Queries
• Why the Amazon Echo Show should be standard in every nursing home
• How to Set up a Smartphone for Elderly Loved Ones
• Amazon has two video doorbell companies - Blink and Ring. Why?
• I Stopped Using My Cellphone As An Alarm Clock -- Here's Why You Should Too
• Withings' latest hybrid smartwatch poses as a luxury dive watch
• Smart Dog Tags | MDO Wearable | Wearable Military Tech
• Microsoft announces extensive new accessibility features for Xbox
• Fitbit Charge 5 review: More than a fitness tracker
• Fossil Gen 6 is now available, here's where to buy it
• Google Maps Now Tracks Fires
• Google Maps getting bike-optimized 'Lite Navigation' mode
• What Assistant 'Quick phrases' on phones will let you do
• Google Pixels Can Now Automatically Record & Share Videos In Emergency
• Arlo expands Google Assistant support w/ smart display alerts
• Google Nest Doorbell and Cam battery review: one step forward, two steps back
• Nest Renew auto-adjusts Nest thermostats to prioritize clean energy and cost savings
• Starling Home Hub can now add the new Nest cameras to HomeKit, letting you ditch the Google Home app
• Eve MotionBlinds Motors With HomeKit Release Announced for 2022
• HomeKit automations based on humidity arrive in iOS 15.1 beta 2
• Onvis Motion Sensor tracks room presence for HomeKit
• Eye doctor explains his history of iPhone use in treating patients
• Firmware update brings new Conversation Boost feature to AirPods Pro
• Apple Updates AirPods Pro and AirPods Max to Support Find My
• How to turn off head tracking for spatial audio on iPhone
• The first generation Apple Watch added to Vintage products list
• In which countries are Apple Weather precipitation notifications available?

Picks of the week

• Matthew: eero 6 or eero Pro 6?
• Mikah: AcousticSheep SleepPhones

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Matthew Cassinelli

Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/smart-tech-today

Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/smart-tech-today/episodes/99

Sponsors:

• UserWay.org/twit
• Command Line Heroes - STT

Amazon's latest surveillance devices, Google Stadia, CarPlay display

• YouTube Music Is Finally Here for Wear OS 2 Watches
• Sonos says Google is blocking it from offering more than one voice assistant at once
• Nest Doorbell will get six new year-round ringtone choices
• Stadia offering free Chromecast Ultra and controller w/ $60 game purchase
• Google Stadia Now Lets You Use Your Phone As a Controller
• Google is launching a new wired Nest Doorbell in 2022 with 24/7 recording
• Xbox gets a new Edge browser that can play Stadia games, access Discord, and more
• What is Find My app's "Notify When Left Behind" and how to use it?
• Intellidash Pro is an external CarPlay unit that works with any car
• Aqara Roller Shade Driver E1 review: HomeKit smarts for dumb beaded-cable blinds
• HomeKit-compatible smart locks: Tedee gets support from today
• HomeKit-enabled Yale Smart Cabinet Lock protects your booze and meds
• Billie Eilish Amazon Echo Studio Speaker: Where to Buy, Review, Photos - Rolling Stone
• OnStar Emergency Assistance Coming Home With New Amazon Alexa Skill
• Amazon will let you teach Alexa to recognize and respond to sounds and detect occupancy - The Verge
• Alexa Together turns your loved one's Echo into an emergency support device
• Amazon's Next-Generation Halo View Challenges Fitbit
• Amazon to offer on-device smart speaker processing
• Amazon Glow: Alexa-free gadget helps kids and long-distance families play together
• Amazon, Disney unveil new Alexa-like assistant, 'Hey, Disney!'
• Amazon Smart Soap Dispenser
• Ring's new Ring Alarm Pro security system is also an Eero Wi-Fi router
• Amazon's new Echo Show 15 is meant to hang on your wall
• Say Hello to Astro, Alexa on Wheels - Amazon's long-awaited home robot is here
• Amazon Astro is 'terrible' and will 'throw itself down' stairs, developers reportedly claim
• Leaked Documents Show How Amazon's Astro Robot Tracks Everything You Do

Picks of the week

• Matthew: Lamicall Tablet Stand
• Mikah: Satechi Aluminum Stand Hub for iPad Pro

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Matthew Cassinelli

Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/smart-tech-today

Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/smart-tech-today/episodes/98

Sponsor:

• casper.com/stt promo code STT

Google TV's Android remote, Fitbit snore detection, Home Assistant Amber Hub

• Google improves Spanish support on Nest Hub in the US
• Google Meet declares war on that sunny window behind you that's making you underexposed
• Google Maps can adjust Android Auto UI for right-hand drive
• Google TV mercifully launches mobile remote for Android users
• Fitbit Is Rolling Out a Snore and Noise Detection Feature
• Google iOS 15 updates: XL widgets, Focus mode support
• Amazon Unveils First Kindle Paperwhite For Kids
• Amazon announces new Kindle Paperwhite lineup with 6.8-inch screens, USB-C
• Amazon to unveil the latest Echo, Ring devices on Sept. 28
• Now Available: Proactively Notify Your Customers via Alexa About Your Smart Home Device Status Announcements
• Smart Sticky Note Printer
• Home Assistant now comes in a ready-to-use box
• Ikea's $40 Sjomarke Wireless Charger Can Sticks Under Desks
• All the new HomeKit and HomePod features in iOS 15
• Here are all the new things coming to Apple's HomeKit next week
• Everything Siri can do on-device in iOS 15
• How to Use Siri to Share Whatever Is on Your iPhone Screen in iOS 15
• How to Use Dynamic Head Tracking on AirPods Pro — or Turn It Off
• Lossless audio and Dolby Atmos return to HomePod in 15.1 beta

Picks of the week

• Matthew: iPad mini
• Mikah: iPhone Leather Wallet with MagSafe - Sequoia Green

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Matthew Cassinelli

Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/smart-tech-today

Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/smart-tech-today/episodes/97

Sponsor:

• udacity.com/TWiT

Lutron Caséta, Kobo Libra H20, Homebridge on Synology

• Logitech built Bolt to make wireless mice and keyboards work better
• Apple announces new Apple Watch Series 7
• How to reset your Apple Watch fitness calibration for more accurate Workout and Activity data
• A Short History of Every Time Apple CEO Tim Cook Praised Augmented Reality
• Apple's updated leather MagSafe wallet supports Find My location tracking
• Nintendo finally adds Bluetooth audio to the Switch in a new software update
• LG's outrageous direct-view LED TV tops out at 325 inches, $1.7 million
• T-Mobile is rolling out a new '5G UC' icon for iPhones to tell when you have real 5G
• Polaroid's new Now+ camera links to app with more creative capabilities
• Sonos' second-gen Beam soundbar supports Dolby Atmos

Picks of the week

• Dan: Kobo Libra H20
• Mikah: reMarkable 2

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Dan Moren

Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/smart-tech-today

Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/smart-tech-today/episodes/96

Ray-Ban Stories, Amazon's new TVs, Roomba's poo update

• Facebook's Ray-Ban Stories make the case for smart glasses
• Amazon is officially making its own smart TVs
• Luna's Couch feature enables co-op play even if your friends aren't subscribers
• Flic Twist is Coming
• Fi Series 2 smart collar review: Peace of mind for an active dog and its busy human
• Hiro revamps home insurance for smart homeowners
• New iRobot Roomba j7+ can dodge pet poo
• Sony HT-A5000 soundbar goes vertical for true surround sound
• Logitech's Logi Dock is an all-in-one conferencing and USB-C dock solution
• Microsoft Teams is getting more hybrid work improvements and Apple CarPlay support
• Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with AirPlay 2 & Dolby Atmos now available
• Control Meross' affordable new Wi-Fi air purifier with HomeKit
• How I saved money on HomeKit smart bulbs with Philips Wiz and a Raspberry Pi
• Aqara Hub M2 review: An affordable way to add HomeKit sensors to your home
• Thinka launches the first certified HomeKit controller for Z-Wave
• The Rayz Rally Pro is the first "Designed for Google Meet" device
• Google Home adds 'Air Quality' setting for Nest Hub AQI
• Google investigating Lenovo smart display software issues
• Google Photos Expands Print Service with More Sizes, Unlimited Volumes
• Google Assistant rolling out a new trigger that starts routines when dismissing an alarm

Picks of the week

• Matthew: TOLOCO Massage Gun
• Mikah: Awair Element

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Matthew Cassinelli

Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/smart-tech-today

Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/smart-tech-today/episodes/95

Sponsors:

• Command Line Heroes - STT
• hover.com/twit

Alexa's adaptive volume, Philips Hue's Spotify sync, HOOBS 4

• Amazon's new 'adaptive volume' will make Alexa speak louder when it's noisy
• Amazon taps its SocialBot challenge to boost conversational AI
• Amazon may soon stream live performances to Echo speakers
• Philips Hue partners with Spotify to turn all your lights into a music visualizer
• Philips Hue Wants to Put a Smart Light in Every Room in Your House
• Home Depot releases its own smart home app
• SimpliSafe finally adds an outdoor camera to its 'whole home' security
• Assistant 'Quick phrases' will let you skip 'Hey Google'
• Google Assistant adds support for Daylong Routines
• New Nest Cam will get a web portal, manual clips eventually
• Level & Rocky Mountain Hardware, VOCOlinc gone
• Eve Thermo updated to support Thread
• Spigen AirPods Pro AirTag case arrives with item finder
• A cheap, reliable remote for Apple TV
• Nanoleaf Essentials Lightstrip review: Bright, colorful, and Thread-enabled
• HOOBS 4 levels up Homebridge with new features
• Electrify America Announces New 'One Stop' Mobile Solution for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• Samsung Can Remotely Disable Any of Its TVs Worldwide
• You can watch loads of classic Pokemon shows for free on the Switch
• Movies Anywhere is using AI to create lists of the movies you own

Picks of the week

• Matthew: Weather on the Way: Road Trip
• Mikah: Mack's Foam Earplugs

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Matthew Cassinelli

Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/smart-tech-today

Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/smart-tech-today/episodes/94

Sponsor:

• udacity.com/TWiT

AirTags screen protectors, Fitbit Luxe, Donda Stem player

• This is what Apple's AirPods look like on the inside
• The AudioStick is the easiest way to connect AirPods to your Switch
• Netflix Now Offers Spatial Audio Support for iPhone and iPad
• Someone's inexplicably gone and made AirTags 'screen protectors'
• Leviton's second-generation Decora Dimmer review: Wi-Fi connected HomeKit switches
• Why the app store model won't work for Alexa skill discovery
• The New Oculus Quest feature can automatically sync VR photos and video clips to your phone
• Google Nest Doorbell (2021) Review: Cheaper, but Not Better
• Google Nest Doorbell (Battery) Review: Smart And Chunky
• Google Shuts Down Android Auto Smartphone App
• Google Health division dissolved as the company restructures
• Fitbit adds ECG and stress-level scanning to its Charge fitness tracker
• Fitbit Luxe review: Not as luxurious as the name suggests
• Offline playback on Spotify's Wear OS app is rolling out now
• YouTube Music Wear OS app finally released
• A tour of Jason's smart home
• The usefulness of Family Bell on Google Assistant
• Kanye West's Donda Stem player
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic

Hosts: Matthew Cassinelli and Jason Howell

Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/smart-tech-today

Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/smart-tech-today/episodes/93

Sponsor:

• casper.com/stt promo code STT

Galaxy Watch 4, Alexa's downfall, Matter's 2022 delay

• New Smart Home Standard Matter Is Delayed Until 2022
• Building A Standard That Really "Matters" - Connectivity Standards Alliance
• Galaxy Watch 4: Samsung's alone in making WearOS 3 smartwatches for now
• Google Nest Hub might have its very own app launcher
• Amazon, Alexa, and the Downfall of a Popular Name
• Audio-Technica's updated M50x wireless headphones have multi-device support
• Hands-on with Facebook's new VR for work app Horizon Workrooms
• SmartThings embraces the edge and DIYers
• Eve Aqua automates outdoor watering with HomeKit integration
• Can I use Siri to control non-HomeKit devices?
• Can I use Alexa to control HomeKit devices?
• Meross MSG100HK Smart Garage Door Opener Review: Cheap HomeKit smarts for your garage door
• How Long Does It Take To Charge An Apple Watch Battery?
• Apple Fitness+ expanded with new 'Time to Walk' workout
• Elago adds 3 multi-device chargers to MagSafe lineup
• Apple's been playing it too MagSafe
• McClockface' app offers the best clock widgets for your iPhone and iPad

Picks of the week

• Matthew: Vestaboard

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Matthew Cassinelli

Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/smart-tech-today

Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/smart-tech-today/episodes/92