Lutron Smart Plug, AirPods Pro 3, iPhone 17, and a Switch to Visible – HGG659
In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I spent some time diving into a few recent tech updates and sharing a bit of what’s been going on with me. I started with a look at the Lutron PD-150UTB-BL smart outdoor plug — it’s built like a tank and performs great outdoors, but at $85, it’s hard to call it a good value. From there, I talked about Apple’s new AirPods Pro 3, which I recently picked up. The upgraded noise cancellation is noticeably better, and the new translation features are surprisingly effective for multilingual conversations.
I also shared a few thoughts on my recent move from T-Mobile to Visible. The switch couldn’t have been easier, and the cost savings were immediate. Toward the end, I mentioned some ongoing health issues that have slowed down my podcasting schedule a bit, but I’m still pushing through and doing what I can to keep the show moving forward each week. Thanks for listening!
Home Gadget Geeks Episode FAQ
What did Jim review in this episode of Home Gadget Geeks?
In this episode, I reviewed several new gadgets, including the Lutron PD-15OUT-BL Smart Outdoor Plug, Apple’s AirPods Pro 3, and my new iPhone 17. I also shared my recent experience switching from T-Mobile to Visible Wireless and gave a quick update on my ongoing back and neck issues that have been affecting my recording schedule.
How does the Lutron PD-15OUT-BL Smart Outdoor Plug perform?
The Lutron smart outdoor plug is built like a tank—weatherproof, durable, and designed for long-term outdoor use. It performs exceptionally well for powering things like deck lights, sheds, or outdoor setups. The only downside is its price: at $85, it’s much more expensive than comparable plugs from TP-Link or Energizer, which usually cost under $25.
Is the Lutron plug compatible with smart home systems?
Yes—but only if you already have the Lutron Caseta Hub. Without it, the plug functions as a manual on/off device. With the hub, it integrates seamlessly into the Lutron smart ecosystem, giving you full app and voice control.
What stood out about the AirPods Pro 3 in Jim’s review?
The AirPods Pro 3 impressed me with noticeably better noise cancellation—Apple claims twice the reduction from the previous generation, and I believe it. The real standout feature, though, is real-time translation powered by Apple Intelligence. After pairing them with my iPhone 17, I tested live translation in Portuguese and Spanish, and it worked surprisingly well for real-world conversations.
How does real-time translation work with the AirPods Pro 3?
Using the Translate app on the iPhone 17, you can have a live, two-way conversation where speech is translated directly into your ear. The feature currently supports English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, and German, with Japanese, Korean, and Mandarin coming soon. It’s not perfect—but it’s the closest thing yet to a real “universal translator.”
Why did Jim upgrade to the iPhone 17?
I upgraded mainly to get access to Apple Intelligence features that weren’t supported on my iPhone 12. The new model has a slightly larger screen, improved performance, and native support for the translation features that make the AirPods Pro 3 really shine.
How was the switch from T-Mobile to Visible Wireless?
Surprisingly painless. Once I had my transfer code from T-Mobile, I moved everything over to Visible Wireless (Verizon’s lower-cost brand) in about 20 minutes. The eSIM activation process was smooth, and the new plan costs about $40/month after an introductory deal—significantly less than what I was paying before.
How is Visible’s service and network performance compared to T-Mobile?
So far, coverage and speeds have been solid, and in some spots even better than T-Mobile. Visible runs on the Verizon network, so experiences vary depending on location. It’s a good low-cost alternative for users who don’t mind being on a lower network priority tier.
Did Jim mention any new accessories or chargers?
Yes—after upgrading to the iPhone 17 (which now uses USB-C), I picked up a short USB-C cable and a $20 retractable charger from Best Buy for my nightstand setup. I also grabbed a $10 Insignia case, which turned out to be a better value than Apple’s expensive silicone option.
What personal updates did Jim share?
I shared an update on some nerve and back issues that have made long recording sessions tough. I talked about how the experience gave me new empathy for anyone dealing with chronic pain. Thankfully, physical therapy has been helping, and I’m easing back into the regular podcast schedule.
When is Home Gadget Geeks live?
Home Gadget Geeks records live every Thursday at 8 p.m. Central / 9 p.m. Eastern at TheAverageGuy.tv. You can watch the live stream, catch replays, or subscribe on your favorite podcast app.
Where can I find more information or links from the show?
You can find all show notes, product links, and past episodes at TheAverageGuy.tv. The full written review of the Lutron Smart Plug is also available there.
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In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I shared a few recent tech updates and some personal notes from the past couple of weeks. I kicked things off with a hands-on review of the Lutron PD-15OUT-BL Smart Outdoor Plug, which has been powering my shed setup through a full Nebraska summer. It’s built like a tank—weatherproof, durable, and designed to last—but at $85, it’s definitely on the pricey side compared to similar TP-Link or Energizer models that run around $25. If you’re already in the Lutron ecosystem, though, and need something that can survive both the summer heat and a Midwest winter, it’s worth considering.
Next, I talked about my experience with Apple’s AirPods Pro 3, which I picked up recently. The noise cancellation is fantastic—Apple claims double the isolation from the previous version, and I believe it. The real standout feature for me, though, is real-time translation. After pairing them with my new iPhone 17, I tested the translation feature in Portuguese and Spanish with colleagues from Brazil and Mexico. The conversation flow felt almost natural, with in-ear translations keeping up surprisingly well. It’s not quite Star Trek’s universal translator, but it’s getting close.
The episode also covered my switch from T-Mobile to Visible, Verizon’s budget-friendly carrier. The transition was smoother than expected—took all of 20 minutes once I had my transfer code from T-Mobile. So far, the coverage and speed have been solid, and at around $40 a month (after an introductory deal), it’s hard to complain. Visible uses eSIM activation, which made the setup between the iPhone 12 and 17 seamless.
Toward the end of the show, I gave a quick health update. A bit of nerve damage in my back has made sitting for long recording sessions tough, but physical therapy is helping and things are improving each week. I also talked a bit about chronic pain and how it’s given me new empathy for listeners who deal with it regularly.
Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg659
Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #659 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network.
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Links
Lutron Smart Outdoor Plug for Caseta Smart Lighting, for Summer, Patio, Backyard, and Outdoor Lights, & Motors, 15A LED Fixtures & 1/2 HP Motors, PD-15OUT-BL, Black – https://amzn.to/3L6FxcU
Chapters
[0:27] Welcome to Home Gadget Geeks
[2:17] Lutron Smart Power Switch Review
[9:12] AirPods Pro 3 Experience
[13:07] Phone 17 Purchase Journey
[25:51] Visible Service Switch
[38:46] Chronic Pain Reflections
[51:21] Upcoming Show Plans
Summary
- Lutron Smart Power Switch Review[0:00]
- Jim Collison introduces the Lutron smart power switch, highlighting its outdoor capabilities and potential uses such as Christmas lights and shed power.
- The switch does not come with a hub but can be paired with one to make it a full smart device.
- Jim describes the switch’s rugged build, including thick plastic, heavy-duty wires, and foam injection for weather resistance.
- The switch is rated for temperatures from -4°F to 122°F and can withstand wet conditions, making it ideal for outdoor use.
- Jim mentions the high price of the switch at $85, which he finds a significant drawback despite its durability and smart capabilities.
- AirPods Pro 3 and Translation Capabilities[10:58]
- Jim discusses his recent purchase of AirPods Pro 3, highlighting their noise-canceling features and improved translation capabilities.
- He explains the need for Apple intelligence to use the translation feature, which required him to upgrade to an iPhone 17.
- Jim shares his experience testing the translation feature with friends in Brazil and Mexico, noting its effectiveness in real-time conversations.
- He mentions the upcoming availability of additional languages, including Asian languages, which will further enhance the translation feature.
- Jim expresses satisfaction with the AirPods Pro 3, despite some issues with the microphone quality compared to other headphones.
- Switching to Visible Mobile Service[21:05]
- Jim talks about his decision to switch from T-Mobile to Visible, a Verizon-based service, and his positive experience with the process.
- He mentions the ease of switching, including the use of an opt-out code from T-Mobile and the seamless setup with Visible.
- Jim shares his initial skepticism about Visible but was impressed by the service’s coverage and performance.
- He notes the cost savings with Visible, especially with the current promotional deal offering a discounted rate for six months.
- Jim discusses the impact of the switch on his family plan, including his wife and daughter, and the overall satisfaction with the new service.
- Health Update and Podcast Setup[41:26]
- Jim provides a brief health update, mentioning his ongoing struggle with nerve damage in his back and the challenges it has presented.
- He shares his experience with physical therapy and chiropractic care, noting improvements in his condition.
- Jim talks about his podcast setup, including the use of a special chair for comfort during recording.
- He mentions the importance of taking care of his health to continue hosting the podcast and engaging with the community.
- Jim expresses gratitude for the support from his audience and the patience they have shown during his recovery.
- Technology and Language Translation Advancements[42:19]
- Jim discusses the advancements in language translation technology, including YouTube’s new feature to dub videos in multiple languages.
- He shares his excitement about the potential for real-time translation using AirPods Pro 3 and other devices.
- Jim reflects on the impact of these advancements on his ability to communicate with people from different language backgrounds.
- He mentions the importance of technology in overcoming language barriers and the potential for future improvements.
- Jim concludes by expressing his optimism about the future of language translation and its benefits for global communication.
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Popular Tags: Podcast, Home Gadget Geeks, Jim Collison, smart home technology, Lutron Smart Power Switch, smart outdoor plug, AirPods Pro 3, iPhone 17, Apple Intelligence, noise-canceling, real-time translation, multilingual communication, Visible Wireless, Verizon network, eSIM activation, mobile carrier review, gadget reviews, Apple ecosystem, network performance, tech lifestyle
