HomeTech.fm Episode 553 - Catching up with Apollo Automation's Justin Bunton
Dec 5, 2025
Justin Bunton, founder of Apollo Automation, shares insights on their innovative H-2 Annual Holiday Ornament, designed for interoperability with Home Assistant. He discusses the creative design process and the manufacturing challenges they faced to ensure timely release. Charity is a major theme, as Bunton reveals that all profits will support CASA of Lexington and the Open Home Foundation. They also touch on advancements in smart home tech, including upcoming hardware and the incorporation of open-source customization.
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Toilet Camera Raises Privacy Questions
- Kohler's $600 toilet device collects bathroom images and uses de-identified data to train AI models according to its privacy policy. This undermines marketing claims of end-to-end encryption and raises privacy concerns.
Choose Sensors With Right Protocols And Power
- Consider millimeter-wave presence sensors for more reliable presence detection and fewer false triggers. Check for Matter/Thread support and battery type (CR123A) before purchase.
UniFi Expands To Carrier-Certified 5G Gateways
- UniFi's 5G Max lineup offers indoor, outdoor, and all-in-one Dream Router options certified across carriers for flexible WAN backup or primary connectivity. These devices target businesses that need reliable cellular failover or sites without wired broadband.