Building JambulaTV: How I Created a Smart Home Hub Using Only Free and Open Source Software
327 | Thu 31 Jul 2 p.m.–2:45 p.m.
Presented by
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Joseph Zikusooka (ZIK)
@jzikusooka
https://zikusooka.con
Joseph Zikusooka (ZIK) is the Founder and Technologist at Jambula Labs, an IT solutions company specializing in Linux-based server products and services.
With a focus on stability and reliability, Zik has assisted numerous organizations and businesses across Africa in maintaining robust Linux and UNIX based systems.
A dedicated advocate for Free and Libre Open Source Software (FLOSS), Zik has passionately promoted open source software solutions and shared his expertise by teaching Linux administration and server skills to students in several African countries.
Currently, Zik is the developer of Jambula OS, a custom Linux operating system designed for SoC devices like the Raspberry Pi. Jambula OS is utilized by Jambula Labs to create smart devices such as JambulaTV, a low-cost smart home hub that automates tasks while providing security and privacy.
Joseph Zikusooka (ZIK)
@jzikusooka
https://zikusooka.con
Abstract
What if you could build a secure, private, and fully featured smart home hub without spending a fortune or surrendering your data to the cloud? With JambulaTV, I set out to prove that free and open source is not just an alternative, but the best way to innovate for smart homes, especially in underserved and Internet connectivity and power challenged regions.
In this session, I will take you inside the making of JambulaTV, a privacy first, locally operated smart home hub built entirely with free and open source software (FOSS). From automating lights and security to managing energy and entertainment, JambulaTV runs everything privately using FOSS and without cloud dependency.
You will learn how I chose and combined leading FOSS projects to build a robust smart home system including the process I used to evaluate and extend open source tools beyond their original intent. I will share the real life challenges I faced such as replicating advanced proprietary features, sourcing compatible hardware, and ensuring reliability in areas with limited Internet or power and the creative solutions that emerged.
This presentation offers practical lessons for anyone looking to build their own smart projects, with a focus on accessibility, privacy, and adaptability for diverse communities. It is not just a how-to, but a call to reimagine what is possible with free and open source software.
So whether you are a developer, maker, or advocate, you will leave with actionable insights to create your own FOSS powered innovations that work anywhere, for anyone. Join me to discover how free and open source software can unlock smart home technology for all - no gatekeepers, no barriers, just pure endless possibilities.
What if you could build a secure, private, and fully featured smart home hub without spending a fortune or surrendering your data to the cloud? With JambulaTV, I set out to prove that free and open source is not just an alternative, but the best way to innovate for smart homes, especially in underserved and Internet connectivity and power challenged regions. In this session, I will take you inside the making of JambulaTV, a privacy first, locally operated smart home hub built entirely with free and open source software (FOSS). From automating lights and security to managing energy and entertainment, JambulaTV runs everything privately using FOSS and without cloud dependency. You will learn how I chose and combined leading FOSS projects to build a robust smart home system including the process I used to evaluate and extend open source tools beyond their original intent. I will share the real life challenges I faced such as replicating advanced proprietary features, sourcing compatible hardware, and ensuring reliability in areas with limited Internet or power and the creative solutions that emerged. This presentation offers practical lessons for anyone looking to build their own smart projects, with a focus on accessibility, privacy, and adaptability for diverse communities. It is not just a how-to, but a call to reimagine what is possible with free and open source software. So whether you are a developer, maker, or advocate, you will leave with actionable insights to create your own FOSS powered innovations that work anywhere, for anyone. Join me to discover how free and open source software can unlock smart home technology for all - no gatekeepers, no barriers, just pure endless possibilities.