SnapAV’s G. Paul Hess, who has a house full of DIY and pro-oriented home-automation products, shares opinions on Google Home, Amazon Alexa and the new Echo Show, plus a few words on Siri.
Julie Jacobson
Julie Jacobson is founding editor of CE Pro, the leading media brand for the home-technology channel. She has covered the smart-home industry since 1994, long before there was much of an Internet, let alone an Internet of things. Currently she studies, speaks, writes and rabble-rouses in the areas of home automation, security, networked A/V, wellness-related technology, biophilic design, and the business of home technology. Julie majored in Economics at the University of Michigan, spent a year abroad at Cambridge University, and earned an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin. She is a recipient of the annual CTA TechHome Leadership Award, and a CEDIA Fellows honoree. A washed-up Ultimate Frisbee player, Julie currently resides in San Antonio, Texas and sometimes St. Paul, Minn. Follow on Twitter: @juliejacobson
Julie Jacobson's Latest Posts
In Defense of Lennar’s Wi-Fi Smart Home Strategy: ‘Wireless is the Future’
Most home-tech experts applaud Lennar’s ‘Wi-Fi Certified’ program, but not the builder’s mostly-wireless approach to the smart home. Still, some pros defend the homebuilder for being ‘progressive thinkers.’
Lennar’s ‘Wi-Fi Certified’ Homes: Going All-Wireless is ‘Big Disservice’
Lennar’s commitment to ‘Wi-Fi Certified’ homes is a ‘great start’, but tech industry criticizes #2 builder for nixing future-ready wiring in 25,000+ new homes per year.
Integrating Slack and Crestron for Digital Signage, Home Automation, Remote Support
Software developer Ultamation uses Slack API to integrate “conversations” and messaging with Crestron home-automation, ideal for broadcasting over digital signage, triggering events, providing remote system monitoring and support.
Sonos Available Through Crestron, the Only Home Automation Co. with Embedded Sonos App
Home automation leader Crestron to offer Sonos products through buying portal; strengthens relationship with national dealer events and app-within-app.
In Depth: Why Legrand is Acquiring Milestone AV for Nearly $1 Billion
Legrand and Milestone to blend major home-tech brands Chief, Sanus, Da-Lite, OnQ, NuVo, Qmotion, Middle Atlantic and Vantage, but big play is in commercial AV, with synergies between Mid Atlantic, Chief, Sanus, Da-Lite and Vaddio.
The iPhone is 10 Today: Do You Remember Where You Were?
There are some pivotal happenings in history — mostly tragic ones — where we all remember where we were. Do you remember where you were when iPhone was announced? We remember: CES 2007 and have the pics to prove it.
Patents: Amazon’s Clever Voice-Controlled Light Switch is not Just ‘Alexa Inside’
Amazon’s patent application for voice-controlled light switch describes multiple mics on the faceplate and switch itself, so it can respond based on the position of the speaker (user) and whether the light is on or off.
On Eve of Apex Launch, RTI ‘Stepping up to Support Dealers’
RTI honestly, truly is launching new Apex programming platform this year, while enhancing tech support, adding home automation drivers, focusing on fundamentals.
Rating the Prospects: After Acquisition of SnapAV, What Major Home-Tech Co. Will H&F Buy Next?
Opinion: After acquiring SnapAV, private equity giant Hellman & Friedman likely will follow up with ‘transformational transaction’ that disrupts home-technology landscape: Control4? Savant? Core Brands? Interlogix? PlumChoice?
H&F Acquiring SnapAV Not Just to ‘Accelerate Growth’ But to Do Something Huge in Home Tech
Private equity firm Hellman & Friedman might just follow SnapAV acquisition with ‘transformational transaction’ that disrupts the home-technology industry and puts SnapAV on a whole new trajectory.
Insteon, SmartLabs Acquired; New CEO Wants to Make Powerline Great Again for Home Automation
Richmond Capital acquires SmartLabs, owner of Insteon mesh-networking home-automation technology, and Smarthome, leading home-technology retailer; plans serious investment in IoT hardware and software.
