iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Josh Pollard

@joshpollard.bsky.social

83 followers 76 following 163 posts

Tech podcaster, software engineering leader, Penguins and Lions fan, and a guy trying to learn to race cars. www.thedigitalmediazone.com

Posts Replies Media

Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Streaming fees climb while your physical games go digital! This week we’re covering: Disney+ raising subscription prices, Amazon’s redesigned Fire TV Stick 4K, Winamp’s surprising streaming comeback, and Xbox rolling out Disc-to-Digital to everyone. www.thedigitalmediazone.com/2026/09/30/e...

thedigitalmediazone.com

Disney+ Price Hikes and a New Fire TV Stick 4K - The Digital Media Zone

Disney+ hikes prices again while Amazon unveils a new Fire TV Stick 4K and Xbox launches Disc-to-Digital for all. Plus Winamp and Xbox job cuts.

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Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

The weather is cooling off. I'm wearing jeans and a long sleeve shirt instead of shorts. It's a Saturday night. It feels like I should have a hockey game on. But alas...a few more weeks

Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

I know I'm biased, but I kinda wish quarterbacks weren't allowed to run the ball. I think it makes it less interesting that passing or giving it to a running back.

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Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Paywalls, price hikes, and new streaming limits today! We’re breaking down: TiVo sunsetting free ad-skipping, hardware increases for Google TV, Spotify’s new recommendation filter, huge Sonos audio drops, and Xbox Cloud Gaming’s playtime caps. www.thedigitalmediazone.com/2026/09/15/e...

thedigitalmediazone.com

Tivo AutoSkip+ Ultra - The Digital Media Zone

TiVo puts commercial skipping behind a paywall while Xbox caps cloud gaming hours. We break down the latest living room price hikes and Sonos updates.

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Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Major subscription hikes and a big shift for physical games! This week we’re breaking down: price increases across Apple TV, ESPN, and Peacock, Amazon gear getting pricier, Spotify Running Mode on Android, and Xbox Disc-to-Digital. Stream it here: www.thedigitalmediazone.com/2026/09/01/e...

thedigitalmediazone.com

Xbox Disc-to-Digital Launches Amid Major Streaming Hikes - The Digital Media Zone

Xbox rolls out its Disc-to-Digital preview while Apple TV, ESPN, and Peacock hike prices. Plus Amazon hardware increases and Spotify updates.

Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Big upgrades for your living room and playlists this week! We’re covering: Google TV’s massive free on-demand expansion, Spotify labeling AI artist profiles, Xbox testing party chat recordings, and the real story behind Switch 2 sales. Stream it here: www.thedigitalmediazone.com/2026/08/12/e...

thedigitalmediazone.com

Google TV Goes On-Demand and Spotify's AI Flags - The Digital Media Zone

Google TV adds 10,000 free on-demand movies, while Spotify flags AI-generated artist profiles. Plus, new Xbox party chat features and Switch 2 sales.

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Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

The main thing was that my v2 hub doesn't support modern zwave, like zwave LR. So I needed to replace it with something. I could have gone with a newer ST hub, but Samsung doesn't seem that interested in this part of the smart home ecosystem, so I switched

Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Big shifts for your living room tech! We’re covering: YouTube Premium’s free Peacock perk, Roku raising device prices, Pocket Casts on Apple TV, classic Xbox games on PC, and Luna on Prime Video. Stream it here: www.thedigitalmediazone.com/2026/07/29/e...

thedigitalmediazone.com

Roku Hardware Prices Soar as YouTube Premium Bundles Peacock - The Digital Media Zone

Roku raises streaming device prices as YouTube Premium adds Peacock. Hear the latest on Xbox PC backward compatibility and Amazon Luna’s Prime Video app.

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Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Packed episode today! We’re covering: Apple Music & Plex pricing, SiliconDust’s offline HDHomeRun upgrade, TV Time’s demise, and big shakeups at Xbox & PlayStation Stream it here: www.thedigitalmediazone.com/2026/07/22/e...

thedigitalmediazone.com

PlayStation Kills Discs, Apple Music Price Hike & HDHomeRun Offline - The Digital Media Zone

We break down Apple Music price hikes, Plex pass changes, TV Time updates, and HDHomeRun offline features, followed by big news from Xbox and PlayStation.

Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

I've had an Innovelli Red Series dimmer since they first came out (10 years ago?) and now I FINALLY have it configured to turn the notification LED to red when the garage door is open!

Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

I've spent a bunch of time this weekend switching from SmartThings to Home Assistant. Excluding devices and then repairing has been a LOT! HA has been powerful and reliable, but it's not the most user friendly system.

Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

This seems like a TOTALLY safe way to charge your iPhone on a FERRY!

Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Xbox & Apple TV prices spike while Google drops a new $99 Gemini speaker. Plus, is Valve’s $1,128 Steam Machine or the $1,699 MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ actually worth your cash? We unpack the hardware chaos on the new episode! www.thedigitalmediazone.com/2026/06/30/e...

thedigitalmediazone.com

Google Home Speaker and Steam Machine Launch - The Digital Media Zone

Xbox & Apple TV prices spike, while Google drops a $99 Gemini speaker. Plus, we talk Valve’s $1,128 Steam Machine and the $1,699 MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ handheld.

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Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

I have a few other Zooz devices, and I've liked them. Will this adapter be fine for a normal ~2000 sq foot 3-story house, or should I spend the big bucks on HA's paper towel holder?

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Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

I should probably consider some more switches, too, since I'm doing a lot of work in the kitchen.

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Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

With the big sale at The Smartest House, this seems like the right time to buy this Z-Wave USB stick and get started transitioning from SmartThings to Home Assistant, eh @richardgunther.com and @gavincampbell.bsky.social? www.thesmartesthouse.com/collections/...

thesmartesthouse.com

Zooz 800 Series Z-Wave Long Range USB Stick ZST39 LR

NEW 800 SERIES LONG RANGE! PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS All NEW 800 Series Z-Wave Long Range radio USB stick: incredible signal, super secure, and fast network! Long Range available for US only Please read thi...

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Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

This week on the show: How the Fox Roku takeover changes your smart TV, WiiM new Dolby Atmos soundbar, and how Intel Arc 3 chips are redefining portable gaming performance. 🎧 Stream the new episode here: www.thedigitalmediazone.com/2026/06/17/e...

thedigitalmediazone.com

The Fox Roku Takeover - The Digital Media Zone

How will the $22B Fox Roku takeover change your TV? We unpack the massive streaming shakeup, Hollywood mergers, Lionsgate updates, and a new soundbar.

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Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

We were talking about our conversation on here about HA and I accidentally slurred your full name into Gamble. He somehow still knew who I was talking about 😂

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Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Hey @gavincampbell.bsky.social , @richardgunther.com and I have decided that henceforth, you shall be known as Gamble

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Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

So I need to pay a monthly subscription just to use Google Assistant with HA!?

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Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

I have Max, Peacock, Netflix, and Disney. Suggest some movies for me to watch on an airplane

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Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

@richardgunther.com what do you recommend? @gavincampbell.bsky.social you're just going to say Home Assistant, aren't you?

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Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

I tried it like 5 times. The only "success" had it showing up like a dimmer with no way to change it.

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Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 31/05/2026

Zwave inclusion with SmartThings v2 hub is killing me!!! Maybe it's time to either upgrade or switch to another control system.

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Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

Is the era of "lifetime" software officially dead? We break down the massive Plex Pass price jump and the latest news from Valve, Sony, and Google: www.thedigitalmediazone.com/2026/05/27/e...

thedigitalmediazone.com

Plex, PlayStation, and the Price Hike Era - The Digital Media Zone

Massive price hikes hit Plex, Valve, and Sony this week. Is your tech budget safe? Plus, we look at Google and Spotify’s new value features.

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Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

I sure did. We'll chat about it on next week's podcast. I was not surprised to see an increase, but I was surprised to see it tripled!

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Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

I can't be the only one who was disappointed in the beginning of Forza Horizon 6 when they gave me the 911 instead of the FD, right?

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Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

Twenty years of Spotify, the reality of the Switch 2, and major updates to your car and your gaming subscriptions. Here’s what matters for your digital life this week. www.thedigitalmediazone.com/2026/05/12/e...

thedigitalmediazone.com

Switch 2 Realities & Spotify at 20 - The Digital Media Zone

Switch 2 price realities, Spotify’s AI future, and Android Auto’s big update. Join us as we discuss how this week’s news impacts your entertainment budget.

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Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

I don't watch music videos very often, so maybe this isn't new, but I was shocked to see Noah Kahan's video for The Great Divide is sponsored by MasterCard. Ads have now penetrated the videos themselves!?!?

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Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

Meant to say that most of my house is Z-wave through SmartThings

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Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

Any reason I shouldn't get the Kwikset 918 as a new smart lock for my front door, @richardgunther.com @gavincampbell.bsky.social ?? Most of my smart

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Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

Do you use a case or screen protector?

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Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

Walmart is coming for the living room with the new Onn 4K Pro, but is it actually a "Pro" experience? Plus, Xbox price cuts and the Steam Controller return. Catch the latest Entertainment 2.0 here: www.thedigitalmediazone.com/2026/04/30/e...

thedigitalmediazone.com

Game Pass Price Cut - The Digital Media Zone

Walmart’s Onn 4K Pro hits shelves, Xbox Game Pass gets a price cut with a catch, and the Steam Controller returns. Is your setup about to change?

Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

Sony’s "True RGB" tech promises the best TV picture ever, but between Netflix’s $27 plan and an $899 PS5 Pro, the cost of gaming and streaming is skyrocketing. www.thedigitalmediazone.com/2026/04/09/e...

thedigitalmediazone.com

Sony's RGB Breakthrough - The Digital Media Zone

Explore Sony's new TV tech, Walmart's latest 4K device, and the latest price hikes hitting Netflix and PlayStation. Is the new gear worth the premium?

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Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

Super sus! You definitely should need to log in to read a letter

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Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

New ways to curate your Plex library and the rising cost of hardware. Find out which of this week's tech updates actually improve your experience: www.thedigitalmediazone.com/2026/03/26/e...

thedigitalmediazone.com

Plex Mobile Updates and Onn Price Hikes - The Digital Media Zone

New ways to manage your media library are here. We dive into Plex mobile updates, the Onn Google TV price jump, and high-end tech from Razer and LG

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Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

Tomorrow's forecast feels personally offensive

Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

I'm pumped that Cyberpunk 2077 came to Game Pass, because it's 2026 and I STILL haven't played it! But I'm bummed that it's not on PC Game Pass nor is it Xbox Play Anywhere. I love bouncing between my Series X and Legion Go. I guess I'll have to stream it if I want to play on the Legion Go.

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Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

Save money on YouTube and Audible while the streaming world consolidates. We discuss the Paramount/WBD deal and what a "return to roots" means for Xbox fans. www.thedigitalmediazone.com/2026/03/05/e...

thedigitalmediazone.com

Streaming’s New Superpower? - The Digital Media Zone

Save money on YouTube and Audible while the streaming world consolidates. We discuss the Paramount/WBD deal and what a "return to roots" means for Xbox fans.

Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 22/02/2026

If you've already played it, and you were a little confused, we just updated the game with a title screen that tells you how to play.

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Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 22/02/2026

Over the last 3 weeks, I've been working with a good friend to make a game for a competition. It's due later today. I'd love your feedback, so please check it out (during the intermissions of the USA/Canada game)! You'll probably want a screen bigger than a phone. jdestaz.itch.io/tyrants-and-...

jdestaz.itch.io

Tyrants & Tyrannosaurs by Joe DeStazio, ralydsm

Play in your browser

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Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

welp, it's not just the Peacock stream. It looks like trash on NBC via OTA, too.

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Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

why does the Peacock feed for this USA men's hockey game look so bad?!?

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Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

Putting MacKinnon, McDavid, and Celebrini on the same line should be illegal.

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Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

That's a lot more than I knew about!

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Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

Very important question! Those channels are really common for NBA, right?

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Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

YouTube TV now has plans starting at $55/month, plus Spotify's fun new "About the Song" feature and YouTube Music's quietly controversial lyrics paywall. Listen to the latest episode of Entertainment 2.0 to get all the details. www.thedigitalmediazone.com/2026/02/12/e...

thedigitalmediazone.com

YouTube TV’s New Plans - The Digital Media Zone

YouTube TV launches cheaper genre plans, Spotify adds song backstories, and YouTube Music puts lyrics behind a paywall.

Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

With how frequently the US Women's hockey team scores, I'm going to be hearing Free Bird in my sleep!

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Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 09/02/2026

At this point, I'm hoping for 0 touchdowns so that at least this boring Super Bowl will be historic in some way.

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Josh Pollard @joshpollard.bsky.social · 07/02/2026

Awww! I'd ride shotgun with you IRL too! Time for a road trip!