Logitech has launched a new device called the Pop Home Switch that aims to simplify smart home control. The system comprises of a battery-powered, wall mountable button with support for a host of smart home gadgets, including Phillips Hue lights, LIFX connected light bulbs, Lutron smart drapes, Sonos speakers and so on.
There are three different triggers for the Pop – single press, double press, and long press – and each can be programmed to perform a different action or combination of actions.
Setup is done through the Pop app for Android or iPhone, scans the user's Wi-Fi network for compatible devices and then allows them to assign individual devices and actions or IFTTT-like "recipes" to a button using a simple drag-and-drop interface. Once that's done Pop buttons can be used without the need for a smartphone. You can add a Logitech Harmony remote into the mix as well for a variety of entertainment centric triggers.
By tying multiple devices to a single point of control Logitech hopes to address the growing app bloat associated with smart home control – for each new smart gadget there's a new app to keep on your phone to control said gadget.
And then there's the fact that sometimes a smartphone app is not always the fastest or most convenient method for controlling things. Logitech Senior Director of Home Control Neil Raggio explains, "A phone is actually very, very personal to you. If your friends come over, or you've got a babysitter, the aspect of control that you've got set up on your phone, you can't just give that person, since you're not going to hand over your phone."
The Pop Home Switch Starter Pack and the Pop standalone add-on units are set to go on sale in the U.S. this month. The starter pack includes two Pops and a hub and will retail for for $99.99, while additional Pops are $39.99 per unit.