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

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg633 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 touch on community service with the Lions Club and his fitness journey into strength training, emphasizing heart health. The episode wraps up with insights into the Tesla Owners Club and the evolution of electric vehicles, offering listeners a blend of technology and personal growth. Thanks for listening! Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #633 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg632 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 woodworking tools and the upgrades in Dave's shop, emphasizing the role of organization and precision in crafting. We also touch on home automation and security systems, along with the sentimental value of historical tech in our lives. This episode is a deep dive into innovation and creativity in the world of gadgets and DIY projects. Thanks for listening! Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #632 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg631 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 Jim Christian to advise using more secure messaging apps like Signal, WhatsApp, and Telegram. We also discuss the importance of using secure password management and two-factor authentication practices, highlighting the risks of SMS-based MFA. Christian recommends using tools like Bit Warden and the security features in iCloud+. Christian predicts that the growth and development of AI technologies will be a key trend in 2025, with implications for data center infrastructure and power requirements. Thanks for listening! Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #631 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg630 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 into online job hunting, using tools like Indeed and ChatGPT for resume building, and explore the blend of Mac and PC technology in schools. Join us for a conversation about growth, career development, and the evolving role of tech in everyday life. Thanks for listening! Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #630 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg628 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 smart switches. Thanks for listening! Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #628 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg627 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 highlight the MSI Datamag portable SSD for content creators, and we wrap up discussing the Shure MV6 Gaming Mic as well as Black Friday sales and expectations for CES. Thanks for listening! Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #627 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg626 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 Docker container for security cameras, and its integration with Home Assistant. Thanks for listening! Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #626 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg625 Dan LeFebvre from the Based on a True Story podcast about the benefits of using teleprompters, specifically the Elgato model. Dan shares insights on technology's evolution in video production, the significance of eye contact, and the potential role of AI in content creation. We also reflect on the art of storytelling in podcasts. To wrap up, Dan invites listeners to check out his upcoming episode featuring Lou Vero, offering behind-the-scenes stories from the "Miracle on Ice" in sports history. Thanks for listening! Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #625 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theaverageguy.tv/hgg624 This week, I share my journey in questioning my personal data management, spurred by an unexpected failure of my Morrow Data Box. This experience pushed me to prioritize valuable data and confront the issue of digital hoarding, leading to the deletion of outdated files and a streamlined approach to storage as well as some price and plan updates at Unraid. I also discuss some advancements in voice cloning technology via Eleven Labs, exploring its potential and ethical implications for content creation. Thanks for listening! Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #624 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg623 Marv Bee joined me this week as we discussed backup solutions, with Jim considering using a Synology box to access data on Backblaze B2. Marv recommends Synology for its performance and ease of use. We also compare earbuds, with Marv finding Apple's wired earbuds as good as Bose's wireless ones. Finally, we discussed the cost-effectiveness of Apple's earbuds and the benefits of having multiple sets for different locations. Thanks for listening Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #623 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live