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BlueStar Nation is the podcast that tackles the hot topics, trends, and emerging technologies impacting the specialty IT reseller channel, software companies, MSPs, and hardware manufacturers. Hosted by John Martin & Dean Reverman. Tell us what YOU want to hear about: nation@bluestarinc.com
Episodes
Jan 25, 2024
Jan 25, 2024
54 min
Finding a parking place has been a struggle as long as there have been motor vehicles. That’s especially true in big cities, at sporting events, entertainment venues, airports, and anywhere else that must accommodate large numbers of drivers. This week on the pod, OmniQ’s John Whiteman walks us through the technology that’s simplifying parking for drivers, garage/lot owners, and operators. How has AI changed parking technology? What hardware opportunities can VARs find with parking solutions? What are the benefits and recurring revenue? It’s the episode that just wants to get to the big game on time!
#VARValue - Where should VARs interested in parking opportunities begin? Who should they speak to, how would OmniQ fit into the process, and what do they gain by working with you?
TEConnecting with us:
John W - Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson
Dean - Nuclear fusion enters "new era"
John - Hangover free beer
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:
Jan 11, 2024
Jan 11, 2024
53 min
We’re kicking off a new year of the podcast by exploring a topic that most of us have struggled with at some point--finding the right “fit” for our clothes--and some cool new tech that’s tackling the problem and improving apparel retailers’ bottom line in the process. We’re joined by Intel partner Fit:match’s Founder & CEO Haniff Brown. Fit:match uses “3D shape mapping” to match shoppers to a similar digital twin and allow retailers to recommend the best fit and styles for that body type. How does it work? Where did he see a need? How does this technology mitigate returns issues? What’s the hardware angle? It’s the episode that just wants all of their shirts to fit the same.
#VARValue - What are you looking for in the reseller channel and from VARs? What will they get from partnering with you?
BlueStar Nation Survey - Retail Returns Management: https://nation.bluestarinc.com/articles/end-user-survey-returns-management-the-cost-loss-tools-and-approaches
TEConnecting with us:
Haniff - OpenAI drama
Dean - Jupiter jetstream
John - Data center waste heats homes
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:
Dec 28, 2023
Dec 28, 2023
1hr 30 min
Another year of the podcast is closing out, so it must be time for the annual Star Wars episode! Sam & Marko join us to talk about the latest news for the franchise, including new movies, Dave Filoni’s promotion, and the end of Disney’s Galactic Starcruiser. We recap season 3 of The Mandalorian and the first (only?) of Ahsoka before John & Sam pitch why fans should check out the Rebels animated series. Finally, we share our favorite Star Wars weapons and spicy takes on the franchise that could bring down certain members of the fandom on us.
Talk to us!
X/Twitter - @TEConnectPod
Email - TEConnect@bluestarinc.com
Submit your topic ideas (or spicy takes!) - 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
Dec 21, 2023
Dec 21, 2023
49 min
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
Dec 14, 2023
Dec 14, 2023
1hr 9 min
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:
Dec 7, 2023
Dec 7, 2023
51 min
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
Nov 30, 2023
Nov 30, 2023
1hr 3 min
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
Nov 22, 2023
Nov 22, 2023
1hr 9 min
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:
Nov 16, 2023
Nov 16, 2023
53 min
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
Nov 2, 2023
Nov 2, 2023
1hr 10 min
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