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TEConnect is the podcast that tackles the news, trends, and technologies impacting the specialty IT reseller channel, software companies, and hardware manufacturers. Hosted by John Martin & Dean Reverman. Tell us what YOU want to hear about: teconnect@bluestarinc.com
Episodes
Thursday Dec 21, 2023
Thursday Dec 21, 2023
We have an all-star lineup for the latest round of Tech Trivia. Dean defends his recent crown (from episode 150) against two-time champion Whitney Gerrety, Sarah Schlueter, and Sam Hughes. They’ll tackle three rounds of increasingly difficult questions and have a few laughs on the way. Who stayed up late making costumes? Who comes from behind to tie for the lead? What does Sarah think is a Pixar film? Is John the real winner? It’s the episode that required more editing than usual…mostly because of Sam.
Talk to us!
X/Twitter - @TEConnectPod
Email - TEConnect@bluestarinc.com
Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html
Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/
Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe
Sponsored by:
Elo Wallaby Pro
Zebra Pay - More Info & VAR Webinar
Thursday Dec 14, 2023
Thursday Dec 14, 2023
We’re kicking off three weeks of fun eps to conclude our year. First up, more TEC Bytes…random stories, lists, and observations to discuss and debate around the watercooler, at a holiday party, or with that family member who still gives fruitcakes as presents.
Topics:
- Top Hotel Bars
- Better thinking skills for kids
- The average “global human day”
- American views on marriage & family
- The world’s population as 1000 people
- American sleep habits
- Word of the year
- Best inventions of ‘23
Our Favorite Tech Christmas Gifts:
Dean - Boss Drum Pad
John - Fisher Price Record Player
Talk to us!
X/Twitter - @TEConnectPod
Email - TEConnect@bluestarinc.com
Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html
Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/
Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe
Sponsored by:
Thursday Dec 07, 2023
Thursday Dec 07, 2023
Live sporting events are still very popular, but the expectations of an attendee have grown a bit beyond “I want to see my team win.” Fans want an experience, and venues want them to stay (and pay) for as long as possible. Technology is becoming a big part of those experiences, so we wanted to explore the potential opportunities for VARs. Elo’s Raimon Chikhani has the insights to help! Why is attendance near or above pre-COVID levels at stadiums? How are younger generations approaching sporting events? How does legalized sports betting change the live experience? Where does digital signage, in particular, enable smarter stadiums? It’s the episode that just wants to focus on the game.
#VARValue - Tell us about how Elo is helping make stadiums “smarter” and more exciting for fans.
Referenced Articles:
Generational Trends for Immersive Sporting Events
TEConnecting with us:
Raimon - Mobile devices for QSR & retail
Dean - LA home for sale...with meth lab!
John - Repurposing wind turbines
Talk to us!
X/Twitter - @TEConnectPod
Email - TEConnect@bluestarinc.com
Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html
Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/
Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe
Sponsored by:
Elo Edge Connect
Zebra Refresh the Base
Thursday Nov 30, 2023
Thursday Nov 30, 2023
As we wrap up National Diabetes Month, we talk to BlueStar's Healthcare BDM, JoAnna Witting, to discuss how technology can assist healthcare providers with managing chronic conditions, impact public health, and improve patient outcomes. How do virtual care and remote patient monitoring help rural and underserved communities? What solutions make in-home and visiting nurse services more manageable, accessible, and safer? Where can VARs find new opportunities with healthcare providers?
#VARValue - How does BlueStar help VARs find and win new opportunities in healthcare?
TEConnecting with us:
JoAnna - Drones
Dean - Eye-scanning AI
John - Taylor Swift/Jets SEO conspiracy
Talk to us!
X/Twitter - @TEConnectPod
Email - TEConnect@bluestarinc.com
Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html
Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/
Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe
Sponsored by:
Elo M60 Mobile POS
Wednesday Nov 22, 2023
Wednesday Nov 22, 2023
Labor and economic issues have recently led to some contraction in the warehouse market. Still, Zebra’s 2023 Warehousing Vision Study indicates optimism and growth for the future, led by the growing adoption of automation technology. This week, Zebra’s Andre Luecht and Hy-Tek Intralogistics John Klare, Jr. explain what they see and hear from warehouse leaders and affirm the study’s findings. How are decision-makers implementing sensor-based technology? What’s frustrating (and helping) them with order accuracy and SLA demands? How is automation helping attract and retain warehouse labor? Don’t hit snooze on this episode!
#VARValue - Where should VARs focus their efforts now to move warehouse customers toward more automation, and how should they plan for the future?
TEConnecting with us:
John K. - Robotics
Andre - Spatial computing
Dean - LTA Research's Pathfinder 1 airship
John M. - It's okay to hit snooze!
Talk to us!
X/Twitter - @TEConnectPod
Email - TEConnect@bluestarinc.com
Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html
Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/
Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe
Sponsored by:
Thursday Nov 16, 2023
Thursday Nov 16, 2023
As holiday shopping ramps up, we spoke with Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions’ Fredrik Carlegren, who helped us break down an excellent white paper that lays out three obstacles facing retailers to improve the customer experience through technology. What does Fredrik think got us where we are today? How do we close the gap between intention and implementation? How do brick-and-mortar stores bring digital experiences in-house and turn a profit? What should VARs & ISVs do to help their retail customers keep up? It’s the episode that’s determined to get the hottest toy of the season before anyone else!
#VARValue - Tell us a little about how Toshiba embraces innovation and focuses on customer experience.
Webinar Recording - Get to Know Toshiba Point of Sale
TEConnecting with us:
Fredrik - Corporate vs. store expectations and AI innovations
Dean - "Poison pixels" to protect artwork from AI
John - Nerfball
Talk to us!
X/Twitter - @TEConnectPod
Email - TEConnect@bluestarinc.com
Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html
Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/
Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe
Sponsored by:
Toshiba TCx®️ 810 POS
Thursday Nov 02, 2023
Thursday Nov 02, 2023
Operating systems are necessarily more complex than ever. Still, they must also be simple to use, reliable, and secure, especially the OS that runs digital signage and kiosks for retail or hospitality businesses. This week, Google’s Brandy Au and HP’s David Gosman join the show to explain the OS progression, trends, and current needs. How are market forces and modern hardware changing operating systems? How does ChromeOS benefit signage and kiosk deployments? When should you recommend Android or ChromeOS? It’s the episode that’s not done telling scary stories about the blue screen of death.
#VARValue - Tell us more about the HP & Google partnership. How do you help VARs find opportunities and sell new solutions?
Webinar - Modernize Retail w/HP Engage & Google ChromeOS
TEConnecting with us:
David - AI/machine learning for retail
Brandy - Riding in a self-driving vehicle
Dean - What Americans fear the most
John - The end of Netflix DVD-by-mail service (Farewell video)
Talk to us!
X/Twitter - @TEConnectPod
Email - TEConnect@bluestarinc.com
Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html
Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/
Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe
Sponsored by:
Zebra TC22/27 Mobile Computers
Elo Wallaby Pro
Thursday Oct 26, 2023
Thursday Oct 26, 2023
Retailers are never going to stop being interested in improving the customer experience. We have more to discuss in upcoming episodes, but we thought we should revisit this episode with CDW's Andy Szanger.
* * *
(Originally released Aug. 3, 2023) Consumers are returning to brick-and-mortar stores, but after years of convenience and digital shopping, expectations for seamless, fast, and maybe even fun visits are higher than ever. This week, CDW’s Andy Szanger joins the pod to discuss how retail tech can improve customer journeys and create an “experience” that keeps them coming back. How much do consumers value their time? Why is improving employee experience just as necessary as customers'? Are experiential solutions just for Tier 1 retailers?
#VARValue - What new retail tech, innovations, or trends should VARs be learning more about that are likely to become part of their tech stack in the future?
Referenced Articles:
Forbes - "How Tech is Making the Retail Industry More Efficient and Improving the Customer Experience"
Lightspeed - "What is Experiential Retail?"
Lowe's "Project Unlock" - Video
TEConnecting with us:
Andy - Web3
Dean - Netflix Adds New Subscribers
John - Apple Fixes "Ducking" Problem
Talk to us!
X/Twitter - @TEConnectPod
Email - TEConnect@bluestarinc.com
Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/lan...
Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue...
Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subsc...
Thursday Oct 19, 2023
Thursday Oct 19, 2023
Outsourcing some aspects of a business can be beneficial, but when it comes to color label printing, especially for highly regulated and rapidly changing industries, it’s best to do it yourself. This week, Epson’s Andy Scherz & Mark Middendorf, passionate advocates for color labeling, join the show to explain and help you make the case to end-users. When does it make sense financially to print in-house? How does it help with regulatory compliance? How much waste is incurred with third-party printing? It’s the episode that’s smaller and more capable than you think!
#VARValue - Epson has been very proactive with color label printing. Tell us how you help VARs address the issues we’ve discussed.
TEConnecting with us:
Mark & Andy - Cloud printing & device access
Dean - ISS falling apart
John - Crabs saving coral reefs
Talk to us!
X/Twitter - @TEConnectPod
Email - TEConnect@bluestarinc.com
Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html
Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/
Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe
Sponsored by:
Epson ColorWorks CW-C400
Zebra ET60/65 Tablets
Thursday Oct 12, 2023
Thursday Oct 12, 2023
Looking for more interesting articles, surveys, and topics to share with colleagues and clients? Dean & John are riffing on six more water cooler subjects for your listening pleasure. It’s the episode that shoehorns some creepiness in time for Friday the 13th!
Topics Discussed:
- The most famous streets in the US
- Americans' attitudes toward retirement
- What powered the world in 2022?
- Best countries for adventure
- Oldest & youngest states
- Fun facts about Google at 25
TEConnecting with us:
Dean - Coke Y3000 AI flavor
John - Earthquake lights
Talk to us!
X/Twitter - @TEConnectPod
Email - TEConnect@bluestarinc.com
Submit your topic ideas - https://www.bluestarinc.com/us-en/landing-pages/podcast-topics.html
Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star/
Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe
Sponsored by:
Zebra RS6100 Ring Scanner