Home Gadget Geeks

Jan 11 2025 50 ep. 77 mins 118
Home Gadget Geeks Podcast artwork

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

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Mike Wieger talks 3D Printing Board Games, VR Exploration, Consolidating Home Servers and Whole Home Back Up – HGG635

Jan 11 2025 94 mins  
Mike Wieger joins me this week as we talk about the latest in home technology, focusing on 3D printing and virtual reality (VR). We start with Mike’s transition from printing random objects to creating a board game inspired by his father’s inventions. He shares insights into their collaborative journey through prototyping and CAD design. We then delve into VR, with Mik

Erin Lawrence with Bose Ultra Open, Kia EV9, Plantaform Rejuvenate and Shark Cordless PowerDetect – HGG634

Jan 04 2025 73 mins  
Erin Lawrence from TechGadgetsCanada.com joins me this week as we discuss her review of the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, focusing on their comfortable design and unique sound quality, although noting some battery life limitations. Our discussion then shifts to Erin’s new car reviews, highlighting the intersection of technology and automotive innovations, including infotainment syste

Jon Biggs with Optimizing Your Fitness Journey: Insights from a Retirement Tech Enthusiast – HGG633

Dec 21 2024 82 mins  
Jon Biggs joins me this week as we talk about enhancing daily life through tech gadgets and healthier living. He shares his experiences with MeshTastic, a local mesh networking technology, and his efforts in building solar-powered communication nodes. Jon discusses the benefits of improved sleep and using a continuous glucose monitor to optimize his diet post-retirement. We also t

Dave McCabe with Embracing the Maker Mindset: A Conversation on 3D Printing, Woodworking, and Home Automation – HGG632

Dec 14 2024 86 mins  
Dave McCabe joins me this week as we talk about the fascinating realm of home tech gadgets, exploring his custom 3D-printed creations and the journey of running an Etsy store. We discuss the impact of modern 3D printers, particularly the Bamboo Labs models, and share tips on sourcing materials and designs from the community. The conversation shifts to the advancements in woodworki

Christian Johnson – 14 Years of HGG and Secure Messaging with RCS After Huge Cyberattack – HGG631

Dec 07 2024 84 mins  
Christian Johnson joins me this week. After looking back at 14 years of Home Gadget Geeks, we focus on security and privacy concerns, particularly around using SMS and RCS messaging protocols. The FBI and CISA have warned about vulnerabilities in these protocols, leading Christian to advise using more secure messaging apps like Signal, WhatsApp, and Telegram. We also discuss the i

Sammie Collison with Updates and a Busy 2024 – HGG630

Nov 30 2024 53 mins  
Sammie joins me this week to reflect on her eventful year. We discuss her recent car accident and lessons learned from navigating the car-buying process, focusing on reliable options like Honda Civics and Subarus. Sammie also shares her experiences as a high school library paraprofessional, offering insights into working with teens and the role of technology in education. We delve

Hands on with the Mac Mini M4, Electrical Gadgets and Outdoor Lighting Project – HGG629

Nov 23 2024 53 mins  
Just me this week! I explore the latest home tech gadgets while reflecting on my daughter’s recent car accident (she is okay) and our vehicle search to replace the 2006 Honda. I share my experience with the Mac Mini M4, discussing its setup and design changes. I also detail my outdoor lighting enhancement projects and essential tools for home maintenance. Finally, I provide

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

Nov 09 2024 67 mins  
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 smar

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

Oct 26 2024 77 mins  
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

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

Oct 12 2024 62 mins  
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