Malcolm Owen
Fibaro is expanding the utility of The Button scene controller, an accessory providing simple controls for smart home devices, by announcing at CES that it is introducing a HomeKit-compatible version of the controller alongside its existing Z-wave model.
The Button consists of a battery-powered controller that, when pressed, triggers actions in connected devices within a smart home network. Measuring less than two inches in size, The Button is designed to be placed anywhere in a home and can be used instead of accessing an app or using a virtual assistant to perform functions.
The device is able to recognize up to three different actions, with a single click, double click, or a long press each triggering its own function. The commands can activate different scenes, including synchronized actions involving numerous devices, with the possibility of using the same button to switch between multiple scenes for a room.
As well as being able to press The Button, it also includes a buzz feature that provides an audible confirmation of an action. A single buzz, double buzz, and lengthened buzz can be played out depending on the interaction, with the additional option of turning the noise confirmation off completely.
Despite its small stature, The Button is able to directly connect to the HomeKit network without an intermediary device, such as a gateway, hub, or bridge.
Fibaro plans to ship the HomeKit-compatible version of The Button in the first quarter of 2018, in a choice of red, white, and black colors, with five additional colors arriving later this year. Pricing for the HomeKit version has not yet been confirmed, but it is likely to be similar in cost to the existing Z-wave version, currently sold for around $50.
Christine McKee
Amber Neely
2 Comments
I want the big red button. I’d put in the middle of the dining room table and stare at it until guests got the hint it was time to leave.
Instead creating this bullshit, develop something like a robotic pusher that can push a physical button like Microbot Pusher. That would be helpful for tons of existing dumb devices such as Garage door opener, coffee machines, light switches, power strips, alarm arming and even toilet flush...yup.