Logitech has launched Pop, a programmable smart home button ready to make the IoT more accessible.
Many IoT management platforms work seamlessly, offering a simple way to control a bunch of devices through a tablet or smartphone. But what about the times when you just want a straightforward button to press? And what if locating and using the controls for your various devices via a smartphone is a technological feat in itself?
A blog post on the company’s website reads:
“More and more people bring more and more “smart” devices into their home to make their lives easier and more convenient. But many find there’s one little problem with all these smart gadgets. After finally getting everything set up, most of these devices depend on an app even to do something as simple as turning a light on or off. What happens when your smartphone is charging? Or you’ve handed it to your kids to play a game? Or you have a guest visiting who doesn’t have the app?”
These are exactly the problems that Logitech is attempting to solve with Pop. Smartphones and tablets have become the norm when it comes to touchscreen controls. They can now be connected to windows, speakers, door locks, and thermostats – to name a few. But this widespread adoption doesn’t necessarily mean that they are the most convenient interfaces for every possible control.
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Logitech merges accessibility and capability
Pop offers a different way of doing things. Ironically, the setup and IoT recipes require the use of an application, but once that part is over, even those who struggle with modern technology will enjoy the simplicity that comes with the touch of a button.
Except it’s not just a touch of a button. Each Pop switch can trigger three actions using different presses – a single press, a double press, and a long press. For example, you can set individual switches to turn smart products on/off, adjust brightness and scene presets, or quickly access your favorite music playlists and stations.
Speaking to Internet of Business, Adam Simon, Global Managing Director at CONTEXT, stated that simplicity could be key to help everyday consumers realise the potential of smart home technology:
“The new Logitech Pop is an ingenious idea that really seeks to simplify the smart home,” he said. “Existing devices run off a myriad of standards and don’t always easily speak to each other. They can also be cumbersome to set-up and manage. Pop, on the other hand, is as simple as a light switch, and that will really help consumers see the benefits of making their home smart.”
Pop is essentially a square of rubber smaller than your everyday drinks coaster. There’s a raised circular button where all the magic happens. The company says that the two built-in batteries should last for 5-6 years of standard use. Pop can be placed on a table or nightstand, or mounted on a wall using Logitech’s sticky pads.
“Sometimes you just want to set the mood for movie night without opening multiple apps to turn down the lights, turn on the TV and the sound bar and draw the blinds.” said Renee Niemi, head of the Smart Home business at Logitech. “With Pop, you can do all that with a press of the switch. It makes the smart home simple and accessible for everyone — not just the person with the smartphone.”
The Logitech Pop Home Switch Starter Pack and the Logitech Pop Add-on Home Switch will be available in the U.S. this month. The suggested retail price of the Pop Home Switch Starter Pack is $99.99 and the Pop Add-On Home Switch suggested retail price is $39.99. The Pop app will be free for both Android and iPhone users.