The Family CTO Podcast

Water, Water Everywhere? Home Automation Tricks (1 of 2)

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 18:39:26 -0400

We've all heard the stats about how our bodies—and the whole earth—are at least two-thirds water. But especially when it comes to practical, day-to-day interactions around the house, there's a lot about water that we take for granted. Listen in to this first episode in a two-part miniseries, to explore how new home automation technology is changing the way we more efficiently use, effectively monitor and even protect ourselves from H2O. Our guests: nudgesystems.com/ perilprotect.com/ Direct link to this episode, for easy sharing with friends and family: podbean.com/ew/pb-vgzmj-10b91b0 How to catch timely announcements, reviews and events: twitter.com/the_family_cto Scott's articles on Newsweek: newsweek.com/authors/scott-tharler

Playing in the Sun & Taming Fire with Outdoor Tech

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 15:11:55 -0400

Power and control. Light and heat. Sun and fire. This episode features clever technology you can use to harness the world's two most epic energy sources, creating brilliant outdoor escapades whether you're backpacking off-the-grid, camping with friends or kicking back in your own backyard. Guest 1 - Dig It Apparel https://digitapparel.com/ Guest 2 - BioLite https://www.bioliteenergy.com/ Direct link to this episode, for easy sharing with friends and family: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-2w3vz-1000146 Microphone used to record it: https://www.bluemic.com/en-us/products/yeti-x/ Timely tech announcements, reviews and events: https://twitter.com/the_family_cto Products mentioned, with time stamps and direct links: (6:36) UV detection stickers https://spotmyuv.com/ (15:06) compact, electricity generating wood camp stove https://www.bioliteenergy.com/collections#campstove-family (20:20) efficient portable wood and charcoal burning firepit https://www.bioliteenergy.com/collections#firepit-family (26:43) portable solar light https://www.bioliteenergy.com/products/sunlight-100 (27:54) personal, clippable lantern https://www.bioliteenergy.com/products/travelight-135 (28:26) string lights https://www.bioliteenergy.com/products/sitelight-string (28:51) compact, overhead string lighting https://www.bioliteenergy.com/products/sitelight-duo (28:58) packable fabric lantern https://www.bioliteenergy.com/products/sitelight-lantern (29:54) fast USB-C Power Delivery powerbank https://www.bioliteenergy.com/products/charge-20-pd (30:13) lightweight, rechargeable headlamps https://www.bioliteenergy.com/collections#headlamps (36:21) solar panel with sundial and on-board battery https://www.bioliteenergy.com/products/solarpanel-5-plus (40:26) video showing BioLite's global mission https://youtu.be/mV1MRlhLnWQ

Cocktail Hour Gadgets - Live Episode Playback

Fri, 26 Mar 2021 17:59:19 -0400

Recorded March 19th, this special episode delves into how technology can help create, serve and improve the beer, wine, cocktail and blended drinks we enjoy responsibly. Co-hosts Scott (Founder, The Family CTO) and Chris (Editor-in-Chief, TheSpoon) discuss everything from robots to countertop appliances to jaw-dropping automated wine vaults. If you're a fan of innovative technology and enjoy being social and relaxing with a good drink, you'll want to hear this show! Chris's articles: https://thespoon.tech/author/chrisalbrecht/ TheSpoon's upcoming ArticulATE Food Robotics Summit: https://10times.com/e1zh-h300-9fhs Links to other products (with when in the show they were mentioned): (2:45) countertop smart oven https://juneoven.com/ (3:50) drone food delivery service https://www.manna.aero/ (5:44) robot bar in Las Vegas http://thetipsyrobot.com/ (5:47) maker of that robot bartender https://www.makrshakr.com/ (6:03) Icelandic bionic food and drinks bar https://www.glacierfire.is/ice&fries/index.php (6:20) mixed drink vending machine https://thespoon.tech/rotender-is-a-drink-making-robot-built-for-high-volume-bars/ (8:22) pod-based home cocktail making appliance https://bartesian.com/ (9:13) Keurig's version of the cocktail appliance https://www.drinkworks.com/ (11:07) conveyor belt automatic cocktail machine https://thebarsys.com/ (12:09) teabag-based cocktails https://steeptcocktails.com/ (12:28) DIY cocktail machine/app https://mybar.io/ (17:19) defunct beer appliance https://www.picobrew.com/ (19:19) automated countertop craft brewer https://beermkr.com/ (21:57) home beer dispenser https://www.fizzics.com/ (23:50) LG's HomeBrew machine https://www.gearpatrol.com/tech/a539806/lg-homebrew-ces-2019/ (24:42) wine preservation system https://www.coravin.com/ (26:38) automatic wine keeper and server https://plum.wine/ (27:50) connected wine aerator https://www.aveine.com/ (28:25) robotic wine collection kiosk https://winecab.com/ (29:33) Vegas restaurant with 4-story wine tower https://mandalaybay.mgmresorts.com/en/restaurants/aureole.html (30:38) comprehensive platform for wine discovery, education and purchase http://pix.wine/ (43:40) quiet, futuristic, portable blender https://getmillo.com/ (46:51) wine, beer and liquor delivery service https://drizly.com/

Not Just Invisible: The Virtual Dog Fence, with guest Halo Collar

Sun, 14 Mar 2021 01:17:53 -0500

About 50 years after the first invisible fence was invented to help keep dogs safe without having to construct actual physical fences, one company's changing the way you let your dog know where it's safe to go. According to them, this high-tech collar will give you much more functionality, flexibility and peace of mind than its 20th century counterpart. You'll want to listen in to hear:

the tragedy that inspired two innovative brothers
how they got a world famous dog trainer involved as a founding partner
how this collar will help you "speak dog"
why it will keep your dog safe no matter what the terrain, wherever you go
"ruffly" 20 other gadgets to help you feed, train, clean and communicate with your favorite furry friend

Our guest: https://www.halocollar.com Invitation to our March 19th live Cocktail Hour Gadgets event: https://www.podbean.com/lsw/eLjPhVzixV Articles by the fabulous Chris Albrecht, our co-host for that event: https://thespoon.tech/author/chrisalbrecht Direct link to this episode, for sharing with friends and family: https://www.podbean.com/eu/pb-zvxtd-fd8d92 How to catch timely announcements, reviews and events: https://twitter.com/the_family_cto Other products mentioned, with time stamps and direct links: Note: Pasting the following URLs goes to the main page, but actually clicking them takes you right to the respective product page. (26:59) automatic feeders https://www.wopet.com (27:37) cook them yourself dog treats https://bydash.com (28:03) hydrating leash attachment https://www.spleash.com (28:45) Wi-Fi temperature and humidity monitor https://tempstick.com (29:19) cellular temperature and humidity monitor https://mywaggle.com (29:54) FitBark 2 activity tracker https://www.fitbark.com (30:21) Animo activity tracker https://www.surepetcare.com (30:48) Separation Anxiety treatment system https://www.calmerk9.com (31:53) wirelessly connected play-for-treats system https://puppod.com (32:30) Wicked Ball toy https://www.cheerble.com (32:49) Wicked Bone toy https://www.cheerble.com (32:57) Sphero, robotic/educational toy pioneers https://sphero.com (33:15) remote-controlled flag chasing game https://www.swiftpaws.com (33:45) microchip-detecting automatic pet door https://www.surepetcare.com (34:46) smart, secure sliding glass door https://wayzn.com (35:48) customized smart door for pets https://www.wannagooutside.com (36:48) grooming brush https://www.dyson.com (37:10) portable, all-in-one deep cleaning system https://www.bissell.com (37:59) visual aide for pet pics https://poochselfie.com (38:32) action camera mounting harness https://gopro.com (38:56) video calling button for your dog https://petchatz.com

Gadget Gift Guide - Audio/Visual with guest Adam Weissman (Anker)

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 19:01:25 -0500

Veteran audio and video consumer electronics product rep Adam Weissman joins us to discuss what you should look for in earphones, headphones, speakers and projectors. And we continue the audio/visual theme, offering over a dozen extra suggestions of cool yet affordable gadgets to get for fans of music, movies, photography and videography. AS DISCUSSED IN THE SHOW The Family CTO Invitation to our March 19th live Cocktail Hour Gadgets event: https://www.podbean.com/lsw/eLjPhVzixV?lsid=PXpKjuoduWK Direct link to this episode: https://www.podbean.com/eu/pb-shzsm-fc8fa1 How to catch timely announcements, reviews and events: https://twitter.com/the_family_cto Anker Audio products: https://us.soundcore.com/ 100 speakers wirelessly connected: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmDAIeWDqt0 Projectors:
https://us.seenebula.com/collections/ Other products mentioned, with time stamps and direct links: (25:11) Nike x Kevin Durant collaboration headphones https://www.masterdynamic.com/pages/master-dynamic-nike (25:47) open-ear bone-conduction headphones https://aftershokz.com/us/products/xtrainerz (26:48) collapsible portable speakers https://powaudio.com/pages/collections (27:42) outdoor projection screen https://elitescreens.com/products/yard-master-2-series/ (28:46) super-affordable mini soundbar https://www.majority.co.uk/product/bowfell/ (29:25) high-resolution digital audio player https://www.activostyle.com/product (30:36) high-res audio streaming service https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/about (31:02) tiny portable amp series https://www.audioquest.com/page/aq-dragonfly-series.html (31:39) holographic portable amp https://us.creative.com/p/super-x-fi/creative-sxfi-amp (32:49) smartphone camera accessory kit https://www.pictarworld.com/products/pictar-home-studio-pro-kit (33:36) full color mobile lighting accessory https://lumecube.com/products/panel-pro (34:14) tiny wearable action camera https://www.insta360.com/product/insta360-go/ (34:57) electronic gimbals for stable video https://www.feiyu-tech.com/ (35:28) camera grip and wireless audio rig https://www.movophoto.com/collections/handheld-video-stabilizers/products/movo-sevenoak-micrig-w1-wireless-microphone-grip-handle (36:04) virtual drumkit https://www.senstroke.com/

Gadget Gift Guide - Home Office, Automation & Security with guest John Wu (Gryphon)

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 03:25:10 -0500

In fitting with the gadgets we've rounded up for this fun yet practical gift guide, John Wu (CEO of Gryphon Online Safety) joins us to talk about:

The worst place many people choose to put their Wi-Fi router
How Renaissance statues like David inspired their router's design
Why you shouldn't fiddle with your router's antennae
The great tech equalizer between parents and kids
How a home router can protect your Internet even when you're traveling

More info about Gryphon's Tower and Guardian routers, plus their new Homebound app to make Wi-Fi safe while traveling: https://gryphonconnect.com/ The Family CTO will be hosting a fantastic live Cocktail Hour Gadgets event on March 19th. So mark your calendars now! Follow our new Twitter channel for important updates: https://twitter.com/the_family_cto Other products mentioned in the show, with time stamps and direct links: (24:55) iPad Desk Stand https://hecklerdesign.com/products/ipad-desk-stand (25:16) Laptop Tower Stand https://www.obvus.me/products/laptoptower (25:43) HiRise Pro display stand https://www.twelvesouth.com/products/hirise-pro (27:15) custom wooden charging station https://leftcoastoriginal.com/collections/apple-watch-docks/products/wireless-charging-station-iphone-apple-watch-and-airpods (27:41) wireless marble charging pads https://www.einova.com/shop/wireless-charging-stones/ (28:10) desklamp/charging stand https://thelumicharge.com/products/lumicharge-ii-prelaunch (28:42) 12-in-1 power/media dock https://www.anker.com/products/variant/powerexpand-12in1-usbc-pd-media-dock/A8390111 (29:14) driver-less docking station https://www.accellww.com/collections/hubs/products/accell-driver-less-dock (30:01) colorful, connected, lighting panels https://nanoleaf.me/ (30:29) colorful clusters of connected lights https://www.twinkly.com/whats-new/ (30:52) smart buttons https://flic.io/ (32:01) 360-degree security camera https://nooie.com/pages/nooiecam360

Gadget Gift Guide - Food and Health Tech with Guest Markos Kern (Fun With Balls)

Sat, 30 Jan 2021 01:25:23 -0500

Author, speaker and entrepreneur Markos Kern (Founder and CEO of Fun With Balls GmbH) joins us to talk about:

The mission and journey of his company's Limbic Active gaming system
How your brain is programmed to get hooked on this sort of play
Why major sports are in danger of dying out if they don't evolve
How this system can help boost real-world cognitive and physical skills
How to get free games for life

And after that interview, you can hear about more than a dozen highly giftable health-minded gadgets. So it's a great episode if you're into sports, health, fitness, and/or video games.
SHOW LINKS Limbic Active system's recent crowdfunding campaign: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/limbicactive/limbic-physical-activity-unleashed (The video for it looks fun, right?) Our new Twitter feed (for podcast episode and other gadget updates): https://twitter.com/the_family_cto

All the products mentioned, along with time stamps and direct links to more info: (22:19) Wilson connected basketball https://www.wilson.com/en-us/explore/basketball/connected and connected football https://www.wilson.com/en-us/explore/labs/connected-football-system (22:52) Stealth https://trystealthnow.com/ (23:19) BoBo https://bobo-balance.com/products (23:45) Crossrope https://www.crossrope.com/pages/lp-crossrope-quiz (24:47) Theragun https://www.theragun.com/us/en-us/compare-theragun-percussive-therapy-devices (25:09) Hypervolt https://hyperice.com/stories/compare-hypervolts (25:40) Baby Shark brush https://britebrush.com/ (26:23) Wavee https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/wavee-presents-the-w-1-toothbrush-speaker-system#/ (26:46) LectroFan Micro2 https://www.soundofsleep.com/product/lectrofan-micro-2-portable-bluetooth-sleep-sound-machine/ (27:20) Mind Travel Sleep https://www.mindtravel.com/mindtravel-sleep (27:50) Healium https://www.tryhealium.com/#about (28:32) HoMedics SoundSpa Sunrise https://www.homedics.com/soundspa-sunrise/ (29:05) Ember https://ember.com/ (29:43) HyperChiller https://hyperchiller.us/ (30:12) Hidrate Spark https://hidratespark.com/products/hidratespark-steel (31:00) BlendJet2 https://blendjet.com/

Holiday Gadget Gift Guide - Outdoor and Travel Tech with Guest Scott Jordan

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 15:51:06 -0500

With outdoor and travel in mind, we welcome guest Scott Jordan, the charistmatic CEO and Co-Founder of highly successful travel-tech lifestyle clothing company SCOTTeVEST. In a candid interview, he reveals the:

Core SCOTTeVEST feature he may get rid of
Huge compliment Guy Kawasaki paid him
Biggest misconceptions about the pockets
Mistake (in hindsight) that made him infamous
New TV show that'll feature a lead character wearing SCOTTeVEST

As a courtesy, time stamps are listed for when particular products from the gift guide were mentioned in the show, along with direct links to where you can get more information about them: (22:30) Qalo silicone rings https://qalo.com/ (23:08) Trova personal smart safe https://www.trovaofficial.com/ (23:39) Ekster Parliament recycled wallet https://ekster.com/products/recycled-parliament with trackability https://ekster.com/pages/worldwide-trackability (24:16) Pitaka Mag EZ Wallet UE https://www.ipitaka.com/products/magez-wallet-ue (24:53) Luno Air Mattress 2.0 https://lunolife.com/collections/products/products/luno-air-mattress-2-0 (25:25) Biolite portable firepit https://www.bioliteenergy.com/products/firepit and lighting solutions https://www.bioliteenergy.com/products#lighting (26:14) Meater+ wireless thermometer https://store-us.meater.com/products/meater-plus (26:40) GoSun Brew https://gosun.co/products/brew (27:00) SPOT Gen4 satellite messenger https://www.findmespot.com/en-us/products-services/spot-gen4 (27:26) GL iNet Beryl travel router https://www.gl-inet.com/products/gl-mt1300/ (27:48) Eggtronic Power Bar https://www.einova.com/shop/power-bar/ (28:35) Goldenerre smartwatch bands https://goldenerre.com/collections/bands-for-the-apple-watch (28:53) Mujjo insulated touchscreen gloves https://www.mujjo.com/touchscreen-gloves/insulated-touchscreen-gloves/ (29:26) ACBC zip apart travel shoes https://acbc.com/ (30:12) Link Flip-shoe https://link-shoes.com/ (30:40) Loop earplugs https://www.loopearplugs.com/ (31:17) Nanobag 4.0 https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/nanobag-4-0-the-ultimate-reusable-shopping-bag#/

Holiday Gadget Gift Guide - Grandparents, Kids & Pets

Fri, 11 Dec 2020 09:52:27 -0500

Whether you're just curious to discover cool tech items or actually shopping for that special grandparent, kid or pet in your life, you'll want to listen to this targeted gift guide episode--especially if you have a tween or teen on your list. Because they likely have a cellphone on their list, you'll want to hear the story of how real-life mom and Gabb Wireless brand ambassador Anne Marie McDonald gave her son a phone that actually unzombified him. In addition, we discuss 20 or so super-fun gadgets they'll definitely go crazy for (in a good way):

WowWee PowerTreads https://powertreads.com/ Educational Insights Circuit Explorer https://www.educationalinsights.com/circuitexplorer SpinMaster Mealtime Magic Mia or Maya https://www.spinmaster.com/en-US/brands/mealtime-magic/ Thames & Kosmose Mega Cyborg Hand https://store.thamesandkosmos.com/products/mega-cyborg-hand Zing Gogo Bird https://zing.store/products/gogobird Abacus Brands VR Magic kit https://www.abacusbrands.com/products/professor-maxwells-vr-magic-virtual-reality-magic-trick-set-for-kids Airfort https://www.airfort.com/product/air-fort/ Accutime Avengers Interactive Kids Watch https://www.walmart.com/ip/Avengers-iTime-Interactive-Kids-Smart-Watch-40-MM/650969237 Thumbs Up Ulla speaker https://www.thumbsupuk.com/us/Products/Unicorn_Speaker Puro Sound Bluetooth Headphones https://purosound.com/collections/bluetooth-headphones V-Tech KidiZoom Creator Cam https://www.vtechkids.com/product/detail/19539/KidiZoom_Creator_Cam Razor electric rides https://www.razor.com/products/electric-rides/ Robosen T9 robot https://robosen.com/shop Sony WS1 https://www.sony.com/electronics/televisions-speakers-speaker-grilles/srs-ws1 Sennheiser Flex 5000 https://en-us.sennheiser.com/wireless-tv-earphone-headphone-stereo-flex-5000 Independa https://independa.com/ Hexbug https://www.hexbug.com/pettoy PetCube Play 2 https://petcube.com/play-2/ Fable Pets The Game https://fablepets.com/collections/shop/products/the-game iFetch https://goifetch.com/products/ West & Willow phone case https://westandwillow.com/products/custom-pet-portrait-phone-cases

Dirty Little Secrets: UV-C, Sanitizing Tech and Covid-19

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 10:09:36 -0500

This holiday season will likely test our resolve more than most. But perhaps tech can play a role in offering us at least some peace of mind. In this episode of The Family CTO, serial entrepreneur Christopher Allen (CEO of iCleanse) and Dr. Jim Malley (professor from University of New Hampshire's Environmental Research Group) each offer their perspective about the roles, benefits and limitations of UV-C technology, as they help us to answer the questions:
What is UV-C (ultraviolet light) capable of?
How safe and reliable are UV-C sanitizing devices?
Can they actually kill the Covid-19 virus?
What's the difference between the devices being used by businesses and consumers?
And how can we avoid a false sense of security in them?

Companies and products discussed in this timely episode:
iCleanse
University of New Hampshire
HoMedics Sanitizer Bag
Mophie UV Sanitizer with Wireless Charging
Otterbox antimicrobial phone cases and screen protectors
Whoosh screen cleaner

Let There Be Light and Other WFH Essentials with guest Trevor Farrow from Lume Cube

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 10:51:40 -0500

Although being well lit meant something very different back in college, nowadays it speaks to our ongoing need to actually be seen while attending video conference calls. And to our ability to create compelling, stylized, artistic photos and videos. With both of those in mind, we explore the science of lighting as we chat with a revolutionary company called Lume Cube that's been producing highly portable lighting solutions for several years. This is a great episode to hear if you want to:

Understand the terms and common misconceptions behind lighting
Improve your image on video conference calls
Take your photography to the next level
Differentiate the pros and cons of ring lights, box lights and those fancy umbrellas
Figure out which lights best suit your particular use case(s)

In addition, we discuss a whole slew of new and cool gadgets to help you find balance, stay productive and keep your sanity as you get work done at home:

Logitech C920s webcam
(By the way, Logitech's site offers a cool configurator tool that asks you questions about you and your setup to help determine which desktop accessories fit best for you.)

Uncaged Ergonomics WorkEZ Executive

Humanscale Quickstand sit/stand converter

Accell's power accessories

HP S430c ultrawide monitor

Vissles and SideTrak portable monitors

Pixel Eyewear clear lens blue light blockers

Anker and Beyerdynamic portable conference speakers

Jabra Evolve2 65 headset

GuruNanda Tower XL 2.0 Essential Oil Diffuser

The Sleep Tech of Your Dreams with guest Tim Antos from Kokoon Technology

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 01:41:35 -0500

If you're still up in the middle of the night when this podcast is posting, you may want to hear about the great sleep technology it discusses! Our guest Tim Antos, Founder and CEO of Kokoon Technology, chats with us all the way from the U.K. about how necessity forced him into creating headphones that help folks fall asleep. And how his company's second product, called NightBuds, is about to wrap up a successful crowdfunding campaign. Utilizing Artificial Intelligence, rest assured that these second generation earphones go way beyond simple sleep tracking devices that don't really solve the problem keeping you up at night.

Non-affiliate links to other products mentioned in this episode: Oura Muse Pulsewear UrgoNight ChiliPad and weighted blanket Sleep Number 360 Zeeq QuietOn My previous articles on alarm clocks that: brew coffee you step on do all sorts of other stuff (originally on Discovery News, the slideshow images and links got stripped out)

Game-Changing Podcasting Technology with guest Anthony Mattana from Hooke Audio

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 14:48:26 -0500

This episode wraps up the week's podcasting theme...in style! Guest Anthony Mattana of Hooke Audio shares his journey in producing his company's second product--a clever, disruptive microphone--which you can preorder on Indiegogo at a discount. And we review a mindblowingly intuitive piece of software that makes transcription and audio editing accessible to the average user. Really, anyone who listens to podcasts or is a fan of what's technically possible in the world of audio will enjoy this show.

How to Start a Podcast with guest Jordan Rich

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 16:59:31 -0500

Veteran voiceover artist, radio host, producer and prolific podcaster Jordan Rich joins us to discuss the philosophy, content and equipment that goes into creating a podcast actually worth listening to. In the gadgets segment, I review VocoPro's Streamer Live and Shure's MV88+ Video Kit, two handy kits worth looking into if you're considering doing audio and/or video creation. Although, even if you don't plan on being a rockstar podcaster or up-and-coming YouTuber, you may want to listen anyway, because this episode was recorded on three different microphones. You can clearly hear the difference between Blue Microphones' Yeti X; VocoPro's condenser mic--for which I probably should've used a screen, so all my B, T and P sounds didn't pop across the mic as offensive plosives; and Shure's impressive little MV88, which did very well in my otherwise echo-laden kitchen.

Other products and services Jordan mentioned in our conversation:
AKG professional headphones for monitoring your recordings
RODECaster Pro mixer for all your podcast production needs
GMP Music production libraries for honestly owning the rights to the music you use

Welcome to The Family CTO Podcast!

Fri, 30 Oct 2020 16:32:58 -0400

A new kind of gadget site is launching! Instead of simply hyping up the latest, shiniest tech, The Family CTO takes a practical, solution-first approach towards the consumer electronics you may/should be considering for your digital household. In this initial episode, founder Scott Tharler explains more about what that means, desribes the five technology categories the show will cover and gives a sneak preview of upcoming episodes.