How to control Sonos with an Amazon Echo

The long-awaited ability to control Sonos with an Amazon Echo is here! I’ve written about how to connect these devices using cables, but this new skill lets you do it wirelessly. This post explains how to get it running…

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How to use Sonos with the Amazon Echo (2nd Gen), Echo Plus and Echo Spot

The All-New Echo (2nd Generation), Echo Plus, and Echo Spot from Amazon each have an audio output, which makes them easy to directly connect to some Sonos speakers and components. This post clearly explains how to set this up and get it running.

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Hey John Siracusa… Stop driving up the price of the Mac Pro!

I spend a fair chunk of time listening to podcasts, and one of the more interesting personalities out there is a fellow named John Siracusa. He’s a computer programmer and one of the most knowledgeable Apple nerds on the planet. His encyclopedic understanding of Macintosh computers is just a bonus, though. What makes him compelling is his quirky outlook and his reliably sharp wit. Continue reading “Hey John Siracusa… Stop driving up the price of the Mac Pro!”

We stare at the SpaceX spacesuit for two hours [episode 42]

Your monthly dose of Mallercast has arrived!

We talk about sitting on the couch, cool spacesuits, and ice cream trucks… Continue reading “We stare at the SpaceX spacesuit for two hours [episode 42]”

The best fitness watches of 2017

If you’re looking for a great fitness watch, you first need to determine which type you need. There are basically two kinds of devices for two kinds of people:

  1. People who do workouts (running, cycling, swimming, etc.)
  2. People who go on walks and do activities, but don’t do “serious” workouts

Don’t take this as an insult. Continue reading “The best fitness watches of 2017”

How to eat free food in a Google office [episode 41]

Holy cow! Mallercast is back with a brand-new format! Listen…

We rebooted the show! Instead of unedited tech news, it’s now a theme-driven storytelling edited type of show. Just like Radiolab or 99% Invisible. It’s exactly just like those. Precisely. Give it a listen and let us know what you think! Continue reading “How to eat free food in a Google office [episode 41]”

How to control TP-Link Smart Plugs with Alexa

A TP-Link Smart Plug turns a regular AC outlet into something you can control from anywhere using mobile device, or by using your voice (if you also have an Amazon Echo). It’s more than just fun to say “Alexa, turn on the living room lights.” This is a useful utility that you won’t want to give up. Clearly written instructions for how to get it running are provided below. Continue reading “How to control TP-Link Smart Plugs with Alexa”

How to measure furniture in augmented reality [episode 40]

We have arrived in season 5! Join us, dear listener:

We debate Zillow vs. the McMansion Hell blog and more… Continue reading “How to measure furniture in augmented reality [episode 40]”

Who should buy the Sound Devices MixPre-3 or MixPre-6?

Sound Devices recently announced two new portable audio recorders that are remarkably affordable: the MixPre-3 and the MixPre-6 (products like these from this manufacturer historically cost several thousand dollars). If you’re trying to decide between one of these Sound Devices recorders and the Zoom F4, F8, and the Tascam DR-701D, this post will hopefully help you figure it out.

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Hands-on review of the Amazon Dash Wand with Alexa

The Amazon Dash Wand with Alexa is a brand new, inexpensive battery-powered shopping and information device for the home. It’s similar, in a way, to the popular Amazon Echo smart speakers, but it’s different in lots of ways, too.

Amazon Echo devices are primarily used to listen to music, but, the new Dash Wand isn’t capable of playing music. It runs on two AAA batteries, and would quickly burn through them if it were tasked with playing Adele all day. Continue reading “Hands-on review of the Amazon Dash Wand with Alexa”