Take push-button control of HomeKit accessories with Belkin remote [Review]
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The real advantage of Apples home-automation system comes from scenes, which let you control numerous gadgets together. I set up a Good Morning scene that turns on the lights in my living kitchen area, room and office, and likewise sets the thermostat. With the Wemo Stage Scene Controller, I can do all this with this the press of a single button.
That makes it a terrific alternative for renters.
Belkin Wemo Stage Scene Controller performance
Pushing a button on the remote is certainly faster than giving a voice command, or taking out my iPhone then opening the Home app.
Setup for the Wemo Stage is as simple as any other HomeKit accessory. You simply scan a 3D barcode, then assign the buttons to different scenes or devices.
Rates
Belkin charges $49.99 for the Wemo Stage Scene Controller.
The businesss HomeKit light changes typically offer for $40. And the Wemo Stage is essentially a really smart, multipurpose light switch.
Belkin offered Cult of Mac with an evaluation system for this short article. See our reviews policy, and take a look at other extensive reviews of Apple-related products.
I mounted mine in my bed room, as gone over. It matches the current light switch its next to fairly well, however Ill most likely change that with one thats closer to Belkins design.
The Wemo Stage remote converts to a wall switch with a quickly installed magnetic holder.Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Battery powered
The Wemo Stage runs off a single 2032 watch battery. Its not necessary to wire it into your house electrical system for it to work.
I likewise have actually another button set to turn on/off the light in my bed room. Voice commands are all extremely well, but I discover them irritating to use when I just need a light on for a couple of seconds– like when Im grabbing something off my bedside. “Hey Siri, bedroom lamp on. Hey Siri, bedroom light off,” is tedious compared to simply pushing a button on the Wemo Stage Scene Controller.
Plus, keep in mind its not only a wall switch. You can position Belkins remote throughout your house you discover hassle-free.
Belkin Wemo Stage Scene Controller review
HomeKit is designed to be used with Siri voice commands or taps in an iPhone application. A wall switch might seem like a step backwards. The Wemo Stage Scene Controller is no basic flip switch.
A fast intro to HomeKit
Belkins remote is created to be part of a collection of HomeKit devices. After you include clever bulbs, clever outlets, and so on, to your house, you can then manage them with this gadget.
The genuine benefit of Apples home-automation system originates from scenes, which let you manage several devices together. I set up a Good Morning scene that turns on the lights in my living workplace, kitchen area and space, and also sets the thermostat. With the Wemo Stage Scene Controller, I can do all this with this the press of a single button.
The Wemo Stage is controlled by Apples Home app. Assigning scenes or gadgets to buttons is a simple process.Screenshot: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Wemo Stage Scene Controller final thoughts
Dont lock yourself into the idea that the only method to control HomeKit devices is via your iPhone or Siri. Wall changes can still contribute, specifically if they are as programmable and flexible as Belkins remote.
Hardware and style
Belkins HomeKit remote has to do with the size of half my palm. That makes the plastic casing 2.6 inches long, 1.3 inches large and 0.2 inches thick. The only color option is white.
There are 3 recessed buttons on the front. A short press of one of these launches a HomeKit scene; a long press activates another.
You can activate as much as six preprogrammed HomeKit scenes or accessories with the push of a button on Belkins Wemo Stage Scene Controller. The palm-size remote rests on a table or holds on a wall, and lets you quickly manage HomeKit devices all over your house. No electrical wiring included.
Im fully devoted to Apples home-automation system, and Belkins newest HomeKit device fit nicely into my setup. Heres why.
You can set it as much as manage any combination of HomeKit-connected accessories in your house. When Im ready for bed, I put it in my bed room and set up one of the six options to turn off every light in my house.
Sure, I could do that same task with a voice command, but not if my spouse is asleep in the bed a couple of feet away.
Each of the buttons is marked with either one, 2 or three little plastic “dots” so you can inform them apart by feel. If you plan to use this gadget in the dark, I recommend you practice acknowledging them.
You can set the Wemo Stage Scene Controller on your night table or desk. It also snaps magnetically into a wall mount.
The wall mount that features the remote is likewise white plastic, and is developed to fit in with light switches. It measures 2.5 inches by 5 inches, and sticks to the wall with adhesive so it can be put anywhere practical.