HomeTech.fm Episode 561 - 8K Is Dead, Long Live Buttons
Feb 6, 2026
Shiny new touchscreens and a controversial subscription from Control4 get a close look. Google Home finally adds programmable buttons and Ikea’s Matter devices struggle with connectivity. The hosts declare the 8K TV dream over and dig into soil sensors, high‑density lightstrips, and outdoor smart lighting. Local AI agents, Z‑Wave/Zigbee setup woes, and a runaway cake clip round out the tech-packed chat.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Be Cautious Buying New Control4 Touchscreens
- Dealers should be cautious with new Control4 T5 touchscreens given past T4 issues.
- Evaluate compatibility with your X4 platform and dealer reports before buying.
The Practical End Of 8K TV Hype
- Major TV makers are abandoning 8K because content, price and visible benefit are lacking.
- For most living rooms 4K remains the practical sweet spot given typical screen sizes and viewing distances.
Soil Sensor Breakage Confessions
- Gavin previewed the WH-52 soil sensor pre-sale and lamented its lawnmower-unfriendly shape.
- He and others have frequently stepped on and broken earlier soil sensors in lawns.