In this week’s Internet of Things (IoT) Watch, we are presenting smart buttons.
There’s no denying that humans simply love tactile buttons, and smart buttons attempt to cater to this fact. Stick one where you need it, then just reach out and press it. There’s no need to get your phone out, unlocking it, looking for the app, waiting for the app to load, etc. (did you count how many steps?)
Logitech POP
The reason for featuring smart buttons this week is the release of the Logitech POP. It has many benefits, and some flaws as well. We really like the products that integrate with the POP even at such an early stage. The fact that it works with SmartThings means that you can easily create some very useful scenarios. Anything that works with SmartThings can be controlled by a push of this button.
Read more about the Logitech POP and watch the video on Qioto here.
The Flic
The next smart button is the Flic, which is a great device that doesn’t need a hub so it works outside the home as well. We believe they should increase their partnerships with more Smart Home products to really unleash the power of this thing.
Read more about the Flic and watch the video on Qioto here.
Bttn
Another cool button is the Bttn. Some special features of this cool button is that it comes in two sizes, it can work on cellular data or Wi-Fi, and the battery is rechargeable. Like the flic, they need to add more integration partners.
Read more about the Bttn and watch the video on Qioto here.
Amazon Dash Button
Finally, there’s the notorious Amazon Dash Button. For the programmers out there, Amazon has a limited-release programmable IoT button that you can program to control IoT devices. You can learn more and order it here.
Read more about the Amazon Dash Button and watch the video on Qioto here.
A similar professionally installed product that comes to mind with these wireless buttons is the Lutron Pico wireless remote that works with HomeWorks QS. A programmer can program it to control more than just lights, even though it’s not advertised much. For me this is the “Pro” equivalent of the above buttons, and it’s much more powerful when programmed with the scenarios that work for you.
If your client has a Lutron HomeWorks QS lighting control system, plus a home automation system such as Crestron, Control4, Savant, or other, you can provide and program Pico wireless buttons in their home to do anything that your automation system is capable of. (Note that the system will need QSM wireless interfaces for the Pico to work).
On the same subject we have two new posts in our blog, both by Schmoid:
Read about why we don’t like multiple hubs → Minimize Your Hubs
Read why connected buttons are brilliant for the smart home → There Will Be Buttons
