Roger Fingas
Logitech on Thursday announced the Pop Home Switch, a deliberately simple control for multiple home automation platforms, albeit with the exception of Apple's HomeKit.
The Pop is a battery-powered, wall-mounted button that connects to a dedicated bridge hub via Bluetooth. Through companion iOS and Android apps, users can configure the button to take one of three actions depending on whether people use a single tap, double-tap, or long press.
While missing HomeKit support, the Pop is compatible with a number of smarthome devices, including ones from the likes of Philips, LIFX, August, Sonos, Lutron, Insteon, and Belkin. It can also be used to control activities associated with Logitech's own Harmony platform.
The apps, not yet released, sport a drag-and-drop interface for creating control recipes, which can link multiple devices. The software can also quickly scan for new hardware to add to the hub.
The accessory is due to ship later this month. A Starter Pack, with a hub and two white-colored Pops, will cost $99.99. Individual switches will be $39.99 apiece and available in additional green, orange, and gray colors.
Malcolm Owen
Wesley Hilliard
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
13 Comments
The Philips Hue astroturfers should arrive soon.
"That was...
Does its use of Bluetooth rather than WiFi mean the switches will have to be used no more than about 30 feet from the hub?
HomeKit, HomeKit HomeKit HomeKit. If it doesn't have it I will not purchase it.
Yet "another" Bridge? No HomeKit?
I see zero reason here to spend more money when Lutron, Philips and others have or will have cheaper Zigbee based switches.
Lutron
Philips Dimmer
These products are really impeding the progress of IoT. Trying to get people to spend $100 for a button is ridiculous. HomeKit and Scenes have already
solved the issue to a large extent and in iOS 10 HomeKit gets even smarter.
I'm ready for IoT to move beyond the PT Barnum "Sucker born every minute" approach and start providing some real solutions (Beacons, smarter HVAC etc)