Switzerland-based computer peripherals company Logitech International SA LOGI recently unveiled a new accessory that it claims will greatly simplify the control of smart home devices. The company launched the Pop Home Switch, which allows users to set moods and control a range of smart home products with the press of a button.
The Pop is a single button that connects to a hub plugged directly into an outlet via Bluetooth LE. The hub offers support to a broad range of top smart home gadgets, including LIFX connected bulbs, Phillips Hue lights, Lutron smart drapes and INSTEON smart home products.
Using the Pop app, the button can be programmed to do three different things, as it can be pressed in multiple ways (single, double, and long presses) for different functions.The Pop can also combine commands for multiple devices with each trigger, which can increase the number of potential actions, with home entertainment devices that can also be controlled.
For instance, if a user wants to watch TV, just pressing the Pop Home Switch can dim Philips Hue bulbs, open the shades, and turn on the TV and soundbar. Essentially, the product enables the programming of a certain physical button to a certain mood.
Thus, after the initial set-up, everyone in the home can control smart home devices with just a button to set the scene with lighting presets, Sonos playlists, etc.
Although the Pop can function on its own using a base station that plugs into the user’s router, it can also work with a Logitech Harmony remote. In addition to the Pop Home Switch Starter Pack, Logitech will also be selling individual Pop Add-On Home Switch buttons separately.
In effect, the Pop Home Switch implies that all smart home control need not necessarily be run through an app. Home control could still be managed by someone who doesn’t have the app or doesn’t have their smartphone with them.
Logitech’s single button interface stands in contrast to Amazon Alexa’s conversational, voice-based approach. The setting up of Pop also looks far simpler than any Logitech Harmony device.
Both the Pop Home Switch Starter Pack and the Pop standalone add-on units will be available for sale in the United States sometime this month.
The simple hardware solution stands out in the growing app culture, where every time a user adds a new smart device from a different maker, they have to add a new app to their phone. Doing away with the interface and simplifying control seems to be the new mantra of smart home players, and Logitech’s Pop seems made for just that.
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Logitech recently reported impressive first-quarter fiscal 2017 results, with earnings soaring 37.5% year over year. Logitech has been benefiting from its robust business model that focuses on maximizing profit in PC peripherals and expanding into new business categories. Its Retail division saw robust, broad-based growth across its businesses, with most of them charting double-digit growth.
Particularly, sales under the Home Control category increased 9%, driven by growth across EMEA and Asia Pacific. Logitech is confident of sustaining the momentum in the quarters ahead.
Logitech competes with Stratasys Ltd. SSYS, Immersion Corporation IMMR and LG Display Co., Ltd. LPL.
