I am joined this week by Erin Lawrence and Mike Wieger to explore tech innovations that enhance daily living. They review the Mydea One Touch Autofill Refrigerator, the Ecovacs WinBot W2 window-cleaning robot, and dive into golf simulator technology. The episode wraps with Black Friday deals, hard drive upgrades, battery backup solutions, and camping tech innovations—all with humor and practical insights for the average gadget enthusiast. Thanks for listening!

I am joined by Erin Lawrence and Mike Wieger to explore the latest technological innovations and gadgets that can enhance our daily living experiences. Recorded on November 13th, 2025, we dive right into the discussion about the transition from fall to winter weather, sharing personal anecdotes and experiences from our respective locales. The shift in climate also sets the stage for our conversation about the essential tools and devices necessary for a cozy, efficient home during colder months.

Erin kicks things off with a review of the Mydea One Touch Autofill Refrigerator, a standout device designed to revolutionize how we interact with our fridges. We delve into its unique features, including automatic water and ice filling capabilities, which can be especially useful for families with young children. We discuss how the fridge adapts to various vessel sizes and shapes, ensuring a perfectly filled glass without spills—a timely benefit when hosting gatherings during the holiday season. Furthermore, we touch on additional features such as app connectivity for temperature management and alerts for door ajar situations, emphasizing the fridge’s smart capabilities that cater to modern-day needs.

The conversation naturally transitions to the numerous clever design elements found in contemporary appliances, such as adjustable shelves that maximize storage and advanced LED lighting that reduces food waste by illuminating every corner of your fridge. We discuss how these innovations have made our cooking experiences more organized and efficient, proving that modern technology does indeed improve our home life.

Shifting gears, we also explore the world of window-cleaning technology, with Aaron sharing her experiences using the Ecovacs WinBot W2, a window-cleaning robot. We discuss how this device operates wirelessly, making it a practical solution for maintaining cleanliness in hard-to-reach places without the hassle of traditional cleaning methods. This part of our conversation highlights the advancements in home automation technology that allow us to delegate household chores to intelligent devices.

Mike joins in, sharing his own experiences and upgrades in the realm of golf simulation technology. He describes how his recent projects, including setting up an advanced golf simulator in his basement, enhance the golfing experience during the off-season. We dive into discussions about different launch monitors and the importance of selecting the right equipment based on individual needs and budget. Mike emphasizes the growing accessibility of high-tech golf solutions, which can significantly improve one’s game.

We culminate our tech showcase with a look towards the upcoming Black Friday deals, discussing what gadgets and appliances we hope to see on sale. Talk turns to hard drives, solar-powered equipment, as well as tools that will aid us in our various home projects. We reflect on the implications of these purchases, weighing the costs versus benefits derived from the latest technology.

Throughout the episode, the conversation flows freely, punctuated by humor and camaraderie that makes Home Gadget Geeks such an engaging platform for tech enthusiasts of all levels. As we navigate the intersection of technology and daily life, it’s clear that these advancements not only simplify our routines but also enhance our enjoyment of the home and familial experiences we cherish. This episode serves as a reminder that, while tech can be an investment, the right tools can lead to significant returns in convenience, efficiency, and overall quality of life.

Home Gadget Geeks 663 – FAQ

1. What is the main focus of episode 663?

This episode explores everyday tech innovations that improve home life, including the Mydea One Touch Autofill Refrigerator, the Ecovacs WinBot W2 window‑cleaning robot, and golf simulator technology. The hosts also discuss Black Friday deals, hard drive upgrades, battery backup solutions, and camping gadgets.

2. Who are the guests featured in this episode?

Jim Collison is joined by Erin Lawrence, a tech reviewer known for hands‑on appliance and gadget testing, and Mike Wieger, who shares insights on RV tech, golf simulators, and smart home setups.

3. What makes the Mydea One Touch Autofill Refrigerator unique?

It automatically fills water and ice based on the size of your glass, reducing spills and adding convenience. It also includes app connectivity for temperature control, door‑ajar alerts, adjustable shelving, and advanced LED lighting to reduce food waste.

4. How has window‑cleaning robot technology improved?

Erin reviews the Ecovacs WinBot W2, which suctions to glass, maps window size, and cleans in precise lines. Unlike earlier models, it operates wirelessly, making it practical for both indoor and outdoor use.

5. What golf tech is discussed in this episode?

Mike highlights his advanced golf simulator setup, powered by launch monitors like the UNICOR ixo Two. The discussion covers subscription models, Topgolf experiences, and virtual golf communities that make off‑season practice more engaging.

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg663

Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #663 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network.

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Links from Erin:

https://www.techgadgetscanada.com/

I am irrationally  IN LOVE with my new fridge! Midea OneTourch Autofill Refrigerator:

I tried a window washing robot: The fall device I didn’t know I needed! (Ecovacs WinBot W2)

I was at Amazon’s product launch last month, and they announced a boatload of new devices:

[0:24] – Welcome to Go Home Gadget Geeks

[4:05] – Erin reviews the Mydea One Touch Autofill Refrigerator

[27:17] – Window Cleaning Robots Reviewed (Ecovacs WinBot W2)

[33:09] – Men’s Health Awareness Month

[41:15] – Golf Simulator Technology Unleashed

[44:06] – Subscription Models in Launch Monitors

[45:32] – The Topgolf Experience

[47:32] – Virtual Golf Communities

[48:11] – Enhancing Home Entertainment

[51:29] – Black Friday Tech Deals

[53:18] – Hard Drive Upgrades

[57:49] – Battery Backup Solutions

[1:14:29] – Water Conservation Insights

[1:20:42] – Camping Tech Innovations

[1:25:18] – Closing Thoughts and Future Guests

Summary

• Weather and Personal Updates[0:00]
  • Jim Collison mentions the weather in Nebraska, noting the fluctuation between winter and fall temperatures.
  • Mike Wieger shares a recent camping trip experience in Nebraska, highlighting the sudden cold weather.
  • Erin Lawrence talks about the weather in Los Angeles, mentioning a potential storm and the differences in weather compared to Canada.
  • Jim Collison humorously translates “huge storm” for Erin Lawrence, comparing it to typical California weather.
• Introduction of Guests and Show Format[2:41]
  • Jim Collison introduces the show, mentioning the focus on tech gadgets, news, reviews, and product updates.
  • Jim thanks the Patreon subscribers and encourages listeners to support the show through Patreon or affiliate links.
  • Jim welcomes Aaron Lawrence and Mike Wieger, noting the special occasion of having both guests on the show.
  • Erin Lawrence expresses excitement about being on the show and mentions the fantastic audience.
• Review of My DEA One Touch Auto Fill Refrigerator[4:00]
  • Erin Lawrence reviews the My DEA one touch auto fill refrigerator, highlighting its unique feature of automatically filling ice and water.
  • The refrigerator can detect the size and shape of the glass or cup, making it convenient to fill.
  • Mike Wieger suggests the refrigerator would be a lifesaver for kids who often overfill glasses.
  • Erin Lawrence tests the refrigerator with various glassware and mentions a manual fill option for certain items.
• Smart Features and Design Elements of the Refrigerator[7:52]
  • Erin Lawrence discusses the smart features of the refrigerator, including connectivity to a phone for managing ice and water and alerts for ajar doors.
  • The refrigerator has clever design elements like the infinite shelf and door bin, which can be adjusted without unloading the entire shelf.
  • Erin Lawrence highlights the improved lighting in the refrigerator, which helps in organizing and reducing food waste.
  • Mike Wieger and Jim Collison discuss the potential use of the refrigerator for parents and individuals with tremors or other hand issues.
• Durability and Practicality of the Refrigerator[13:27]
  • Erin Lawrence mentions the refrigerator’s substantial feel and durability, noting it took two and a half people to move it.
  • The refrigerator’s design allows for better organization and the ability to fit larger items like a turkey.
  • Jim Collison and Mike Wieger discuss the weight and robustness of the refrigerator, comparing it to their own experiences with refrigerators.
  • Erin Lawrence notes the refrigerator’s slightly higher cost but justifies it with its larger size and smart features.
• Window Cleaning Robot Vacuum Review[23:01]
  • Erin Lawrence reviews the Ecovax Wind Bot W2 window cleaning robot vacuum, noting its improved technology over previous models.
  • The robot vacuum can be used both indoors and outdoors and sections itself to the window for efficient cleaning.
  • Erin Lawrence mentions the robot’s ability to clean windows in perfect lines and its effectiveness in removing dirt and grime.
  • Mike Wieger and Jim Collison discuss the convenience of using the robot vacuum for window cleaning and its potential use during other activities like mowing the lawn.
• Technology and Planning for a Golf Simulator Setup[34:03]
  • Mike Wieger shares his experience setting up a golf simulator in his basement, including the challenges of water issues and the need for waterproofing.
  • Mike describes the planning and technology involved in the setup, including running Smurf tubes through the walls for tidy cables.
  • The golf simulator setup includes a gaming rig, wall-mounted computer screens, and a launch monitor for detailed data on golf swings.
  • Mike highlights the benefits of the UNICOR ixo Two launch monitor, which provides detailed data and video replays of golf swings.
• Subscription Models and Data Analysis in Golf Simulators[44:14]
  • Mike Wieger discusses the subscription models for golf simulators and the benefits of continuous software updates.
  • The launch monitor can be used both indoors and outdoors, providing valuable data for golfers.
  • Mike mentions the potential for adding cameras to the setup for AI analysis and feedback on golf swings.
  • Jim Collison and Mike Wieger discuss the versatility of golf simulators and their growing popularity among serious golfers.
• Black Friday Deals and Storage Needs[48:42]
  • Mike Wieger expresses interest in Black Friday deals for hard drives, specifically 20 terabyte drives for his Unraid setup.
  • Jim Collison and Mike Wieger discuss the cost-effectiveness of larger drives and the potential energy savings from using fewer drives.
  • Mike Wieger mentions the need to update his parity drive and replace smaller drives with larger ones.
  • Jim Collison shares his experience with energy monitoring and the impact of different devices on power consumption.
• Exploring Eco Flow Battery Solutions[56:30]
  • Mike Wieger considers the Eco Flow battery solution for backup power and camping, noting its potential to replace a gas generator.
  • The Eco Flow battery can provide power for RVs and serve as a backup for home power outages.
  • Jim Collison and Mike Wieger discuss the benefits of having a battery bank for both home and camping needs.
  • Mike Wieger mentions the versatility of the Eco Flow battery and its ability to support various power needs.
• Gaming PC and Mac Mini M1 Comparison[59:18]
  • Jim Collison discusses his gaming PC’s power consumption, noting it pulls 100 watts continuously.
  • Mike Wieger mentions the Mac Mini M1’s idle power consumption, which is only 38 watts.
  • Jim Collison expresses amazement at the efficiency of the M1 processor, comparing it to his Surface 10 and an old Intel Nook.
  • Jim Collison reflects on the potential energy savings of his older systems, including a Core i3 box with 14 hard drives.
• Discussion on Transcoding and Hardware Migration[1:02:04]
  • Jim Collison considers moving his Channels DVR server to his Mac Mini M1 for better energy efficiency.
  • Mike Wieger agrees that the Mac Mini M1 would handle transcoding well.
  • Jim Collison contemplates the work involved in migrating hardware and software between systems.
  • The conversation shifts to the enjoyment of mentally planning hardware configurations and reconfigurations.
• Hard Drive Age and Failure Rates[1:03:37]
  • Tony mentions his four-terabyte Western Digital Reds are ten years old.
  • Jim Collison and Mike Wieger discuss using Crystal Disk to check hard drive health and age.
  • Mike Wieger shares his experience with frequent hard drive failures in the past year due to aging.
  • Jim Collison and Mike Wieger discuss the cost and availability of new hard drives, with a preference for refurbished options.
• Storage Upgrade Considerations[1:04:20]
  • Tony asks if now is a good time to upgrade to 16 terabytes of storage.
  • Jim Collison advises buying two eight-terabyte drives for redundancy and cost-effectiveness.
  • Mike Wieger and Jim Collison discuss the current high prices of hard drives and the potential for Black Friday deals.
  • The conversation touches on the cost of other storage solutions like 12-terabyte Western Digital Red Pros.
• EcoFlow and Solar Setup[1:06:53]
  • Jim Collison shares his setup for running a generator and solar power, including a 50-amp service and 20-amp breakers.
  • Mike Wieger discusses the potential for using a solar generator and battery bank for backup power.
  • Jim Collison mentions the inefficiency of high-wattage appliances like dryers and stoves when running off a generator.
  • The conversation highlights the importance of energy conservation and efficient home design for solar power systems.
• Water Conservation and Camping Tech[1:21:21]
  • Mike Wieger compares his water usage habits while camping to his home usage, emphasizing the need for conservation.
  • Jim Collison and Mike Wieger discuss the high cost of water in some regions and the importance of efficient appliances.
  • Mike Wieger shares his experience with winterizing his RV and using USB-powered pest repellents.
  • The conversation covers various camping tech, including Starlink for internet access, camera systems for trailer towing, and Bluetooth levelers for RVs.
• Final Thoughts and Upcoming Shows[1:24:53]
  • Jim Collison and Mike Wieger wrap up the discussion with a focus on upcoming shows and guests.
  • Jim Collison mentions the Thanksgiving week schedule, including a Friday show with Sammy.
  • The conversation highlights the 15-year anniversary of Home Gadget Geeks and the contributions of past guests.
  • Jim Collison thanks the audience for joining and invites them to tune in next week for more discussions on technology and home automation.

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