| • Frustration with CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt dock
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| • Firmware update issues for Mac users
|
| • Use of Windows to update firmware due to lack of Mac-based utility
|
| • Difficulty updating firmware from a Thunderbolt 3 device to a Thunderbolt 4 device
|
| • Experience with multiple docks and comparison between CalDigit and OWC
|
| • Discussion of Thunderbolt 4 and its benefits vs. USB
|
| • Discussion of USB hubs and switches for Thunderbolt 2 implementation
|
| • Comparing Firewire and Thunderbolt technology
|
| • Continuing the trend of de-Googleing devices, including Google Photos and Google Maps
|
| • Using decentralized storage solutions like Storage-A with Duplicati for backups
|
| • Trying out Graphene OS on a Pixel 3 phone
|
| • Discussing alternative mapping apps like Apple Maps
|
| • Focusing on whole-home audio solution using Google Home Minis and Chromecast audios
|
| • Struggling to integrate amplifiers into Home Assistant for smart home control
|
| • Plex Amp endpoint
|
| • Using Raspberry Pi for media streaming
|
| • Logitech Media Server (LMS) and its history
|
| • Snapcast and other alternatives to LMS
|
| • PyCore Player as a solution for running LMS on Raspberry Pi
|
| • Issues with PyCore Player's interface
|
| • Frustration with Pi Core Player interface
|
| • Desire for easy spousal approval setup
|
| • Comparison of Pi Core Player with RPi Audio Receiver
|
| • Difficulty setting up Pi Core Player on a Raspberry Pi 4
|
| • Success with RPi Audio Receiver on an older Raspberry Pi 2
|
| • Discussion of ease of use and configuration of RPi Audio Receiver
|
| • The speaker had issues with controlling dumb amplifiers using infrared blasters, specifically with the Broadlink RM4 Mini.
|
| • The issue was caused by a bug in the Broadlink integration where it would not send the correct command to change the inputs on the amplifier.
|
| • The speaker also discussed the reliability of the solution, stating that when it works, it works, but when it doesn't, it doesn't, and estimated the success rate at around 80%.
|
| • The speaker considered replacing the amplifiers with new ones that have RS-232 ports, but did not want to spend the money.
|
| • A listener suggested using HomePods as a solution, which the speaker jokingly accepted as a "filthy iOS ecosystem user".
|
| • The speaker ended by promoting Linode's cloud computing services and offering $100 in credit for new customers.
|
| • Linode's flexibility and pricing make it a unique cloud provider
|
| • Features include custom VPN Linux, S3-compatible object storage, VLAN support, and powerful DNS manager
|
| • Alex has been experiencing hard drive issues with his server case and is trying to solve the problem by installing hot swap hard drive cages
|
| • Matter protocol update discussed, with Chris being optimistic about its potential
|
| • Matter standard has the potential to succeed due to its open-source nature
|
| • Multiple controllers and manufacturers can run the same code
|
| • Paulus from Home Assistant is excited about the prospect of Matter's success
|
| • Concerns that Matter may not be a success, with comparisons to previous standards that failed
|
| • Discussion of the current state of home automation, where no single vendor dominates the market
|
| • Mention of cheap Chinese clones and their impact on the industry
|
| • Paulus' excitement about the release of version 1.0 of Matter on GitHub
|
| • Joking speculation about when Matter will hit the market
|
| • Upcoming plans to work on a Zigbee device project
|
| • The speaker discusses the effectiveness of toggle wheels as a UI for simple actions like adjusting brightness and audio.
|
| • There was a mock-up of an iPhone with a click wheel that was considered before the final design.
|
| • The original iPhone project had two parallel tracks: one based on macOS and another using the iPod OS, which ultimately won out.
|
| • Old iPod Classics can be upgraded to use SD cards, significantly increasing their battery life to months instead of hours.
|
| • The speaker wants multiple screens for Home Assistant control throughout their home.
|
| • They successfully figured out how to use a tablet with icons for voice commands but notes it was somewhat intuitive due to experience with similar systems.
|
| • Discussing potential uses for older Android devices as home assistant screens
|
| • Mentioning specific models and prices (e.g. iPad mini, $75)
|
| • Exploring the possibility of using kiosk browser and camera functionality on tablets
|
| • Describing Humio.com as a centralized log management platform
|
| • Highlighting features of Humio, including index-free architecture and reduced hardware footprint
|
| • Introducing Humio Community Edition as a no-cost data ingestion offering
|
| • Discussing potential uses for Humio in home environments, including logging and monitoring
|
| • Announcing upcoming meetups in Sacramento, Southern California, and Portland
|
| • Discussion on meetup.com limitations and alternatives
|
| • Recommendation to check out Z-Wave light switches, specifically the ones Dr. Pepper Shaker mentioned
|
| • Comparison of smart switches with built-in smarts vs. devices like Shelly
|
| • Concerns about complexity and added value when leaving smart home devices for future homeowners
|
| • Switching to Zigbee and finding benefits in Z-Wave devices
|
| • Note on Z-Wave switches requiring a neutral wire in older houses
|
| • Discussion of self-hosted email vs business connection for internet service
|
| • Bandwidth issues and potential solutions with static IP, customer service, and no bandwidth caps
|
| • Comparison of self-hosted email with using a real email provider (Fastmail)
|
| • Mention of Bitwarden's new alias support for Fastmail
|
| • Praise for Fastmail from audience members and the host
|
| • Donations to the show (5,000 sats each from Ahanaga and Frozer)
|
| • Plug for Podverse, a cross-platform podcast player that syncs between devices
|
| • Integrating the Podverse player on the website resolved issues and created a positive collaboration between communities.
|
| • Contributors to Podverse include listeners from Jupyter Broadcasting, fostering cross-community connections.
|
| • Listener gifts and shoutouts were acknowledged, including Prozac's row of ducks, young dookie's full home assistant setup, and Shim's sat experiments.
|
| • The host discussed boosts and their nostalgic value, reminiscent of IRC culture.
|
| • He promoted new podcast apps and invited listeners to try Podverse.
|
| • The host mentioned his old Dual Xeon motherboard for sale and its potential uses in a home lab or VM setup.
|
| • Discussion of membership benefits and ad-free feed
|
| • Brent Gervais' appearance on the show
|
| • Announcement of a new computer and upcoming episode about it
|
| • Frankenstein-ing an old computer (X250) with upgrades
|
| • Benchmarks comparison between computers, including the new Thalio model
|
| • System76's products and a mention of Cheese Bacon attending All Things Open
|
| • Upcoming meetup details to be posted on the Element Room meetup page
|
| • Call for feedback and contact information |
