Brothers in Tech

Do you find yourself serving as the go-to ”I.T.” person in your family? Or are you someone that tends to call other family members for technical support and would rather learn things on your own? Brothers in Tech is a weekly podcast focusing on home technology and provides help to the “default family IT person”. Hosted by Alan & Brian Jackson, a new topic will be discussed each month (main episode) followed by 3 weekly “deep dive” episodes (the B-sides) with additional information. Whether you are the person who everyone calls for tech support, are the person who is doing the calling, or simply interested in technology…this podcast is for you!

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Episodes

CES Reactions

Thursday Feb 17, 2022

Thursday Feb 17, 2022

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is a yearly event in which we get a glimpse of the future of consumer technology…sparking tech enthusiasts like us to dream (and drool) about what is to come. In this episode of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers discuss the products that they are most excited about, and what those products could mean for our daily lives if they come to fruition. From new concepts to product enhancements/features, to increased sustainability…we are here to get you dreaming about what’s around the corner.Products mentioned in this episode: Asus Zenbook 17 Fold, Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 3, Samsung Eco Remote 2022, Chipolo Card Spot, Eufy Security Video Doorbell Duo, Movano RingYour Hosts:Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Smart Lighting

Thursday Feb 10, 2022

Thursday Feb 10, 2022

Smart lighting is made to sound simple…”just swap out your bulb!”…and there are certainly situations where that is true. But, to assure you get the most out of your smart lighting solution (and least frustration), there are some factors you need to consider. In this episode of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers discuss the different approaches to “educating” your lighting, as well as the questions you should ask yourself before doing so. And, you may be thinking that this sounds like a therapy session for Alan, who has recently gone through a smart lighting overhaul…and you would be right. But, we think you can benefit from his pain.Products mentioned in this episode: Lutron Caseta smart switches, Kasa smart bulbs & switches, Meross smart plugs, Philips Hue smart bulbs, Wyze Smart bulbs/outlets/switchesYour Hosts:Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thursday Feb 03, 2022

It’s that time again! Time for the Brothers’ “show and tell” in which they to try and outdo each other by bringing the more useful/impressive tech suggestion. Apps, devices, websites, or services…we try and impress each other with new and unique tech that we feel our listeners will enjoy. Not to give anything away…but all of the picks in this week’s episode seem pretty useful (although the jury is still out as to whether Alan’s helpful hint actually qualifies…).Alan’s Picks· Using Quicktime (Mac only) to present or record your phone/tablet’s activity.· Sleep Watch: Sleep tracking app (iOS, Free or $4.99/month for Premium) providing feedback and coaching from wearing your watch at night.Brian’s Pics· Sealight LED Headlight Bulb Upgrade Kits ($25-60): Update your old halogen headlight bulbs with a brighter, more efficient LED bulb system.· Hand Mirror (Free, MacOS): Menu bar app for quickly checking your webcam image before jumping on a zoom call.Your Hosts:Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pet Tech

Thursday Jan 27, 2022

Thursday Jan 27, 2022

Don’t you think it is time that we have an episode about the truly important “people” in our lives? We agree…and in this episode of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers discuss some ways that technology can either enhance your pet’s life, while possibly providing you with some peace of mind at the same time. Whether it be for safety, feeding, training, play…or doin’ da business, we introduce and provide our thoughts on the latest pet tech.Products mentioned in this episode: Whistle GO Explore Pet Tracker, Airtags, Tile, Furbo Dog Camera, Smart Pet Doors, SMART DOG Trainer Collar, Self-Cleaning Litter Box, Pet Door Bell, PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher, iFetch Mini Automatic Ball LauncherWebsites mentioned in this episode: www.chewy.com, www.petsafe.comYour Hosts:Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thursday Jan 20, 2022

Well, if 2020 & 2021 have taught us anything…it is that we had better know how to participate in virtual meetings. Although you may have begrudgingly done so over the past couple years, it might be time to step up your virtual game by improving your video and audio presence. Watch or listen to this week’s episode as the Brothers discuss (and demonstrate) some tips for looking and sounding your best online with enhanced strategies and/or hardware. And, which Brother has the better online presence (which might be seen as a way of covering up their imperfections…)? You will have to watch to find out.Products mentioned in this episode: epocam, ZoomYour Hosts:Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Remote Controls

Thursday Jan 13, 2022

Thursday Jan 13, 2022

Although it may have been a badge of honor to have 5 remote controls on your coffee table back in the day…times have changed. There is no longer a need for device-only remotes…and in some cases, any physical remotes at all. In the first episode of Season 3 of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers discuss the current state of the remote control, some pros, and cons of different remote types, and their predictions of the future of these devices. Now recorded in video and audio, you can watch or listen to get ideas of how to best control your technology without ever leaving the couch…and find out which brother prided themselves in their ability to program remote controls (a real party favorite).Products mentioned in this episode: Logitech Harmony Elite, Apple TV, Amazon EchoYour Hosts:Alan Jackson (the older brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.Brian Jackson (the younger brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

2021 Wrap-Up

Thursday Jan 06, 2022

Thursday Jan 06, 2022

Well, although we can’t say that 2021 was the greatest year overall…it did include about 50 episodes of Brothers in Tech! As Season 2 of the podcast winds down, the Brothers decided to revisit some of their favorite tech from 2021. What were their favorite BiTS from the year? Favorite home tech right now? Most random home tech ideas (FYI, these weren’t as useless as initially thought…)? How about our tech hopes for 2022? You can hear (and see…as our first video podcast!) the answers to these and more here on the 2021 Wrap-Up!Highlighted tech in this episode: · Level Smart Lock· Belkin 11 in 1 USB Hub· Descript· Magback iPhone case & wallet· Apple TV· Apple HomePod Mini· Wyze Outdoor Cam· Apple CarPlayYour Hosts:Alan Jackson is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight. Brian Jackson is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wednesday Dec 29, 2021

Time for some BiTs! The Brothers welcome back Jeff Hartman (Professor of Exercise Science @ Gardner Webb University) to the show to discuss our latest suggestions for your home technology. This month’s suggestions are probably going to cost you a chunk of change, but at least we are going to help you track that spending….and it is going to taste so good doing it! Brian’s Pick· Ninja DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System ($189 on Amazon): Brew your coffee in various sizes with grounds or pods. Alan’s Pick· CoPilot ($6/month): App that can keep track of your finances and spending. Jeff’s Pick· Instant Pot Pro ($119 on Amazon): 10 in 1 cooking solution (e.g., slow cook, steam, rice, sous vide, etc). Your Hosts:Alan Jackson is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.Brian Jackson is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc. Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Streaming Services, Revisited

Wednesday Dec 22, 2021

Wednesday Dec 22, 2021

It has been two years since the Brothers began sharing their thoughts on technology with the world (even though it feels like an eternity), and we have had the opportunity to discuss a lot of great topics. But, given the speed at which technology changes, some of those topics are going to need to be revisited. What better topic to revisit than our first ever topic, Streaming Services! To help us walk down memory lane and figure out how the streaming landscape has changed over the past 2 years, the Brothers welcome Jeff Hartman (Professor of Exercise Science @ Gardner Webb University) back to the show. Give a listen and find out what services the Brothers are currently subscribing to (and why), whether their thoughts on services have changed over the past two years, and which services they would put their money on going forward.Services mentioned in this episode: HBO Max, YouTube TV, Hulu, Apple TV+, Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, CineFlixDODYour Hosts:Alan Jackson is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.Brian Jackson is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Friday Dec 17, 2021

BiTS, BiTS, and more BiTS! It is the episode that we all look forward to, where the Brothers (and this month’s guest John Mims, Professor of the Practice of Communication at High Point University) try and one-up each other with a new gadget, app, or service. In this episode, the question is not whether we appreciate each other’s picks…it is how much money we will have to spend to get them. Brian’s Pick· Wyze Night Light (3-pack, $19.99): Although it might not sound that exciting…this is an incredibly slick solution for in-home motion-detecting wireless lighting.Alan’s Pick· Descript (Free w/limits, up to $24/month for Pro): Incredibly slick (and a bit scary) application/service for editing and creating audio files (speech). Will future Brothers in Tech episodes actually be recorded or digitally created? You may never know… John’s Pick· CPLAY2air ($119.95): An adaptor that allows you to wireless connect to your CarPlay stereo. No more need to plug in when you get in the car! Your Hosts:Alan Jackson is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight. Brian Jackson is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc. Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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