Airversa’s QliQ Smart Button: A Thread-Only Controller for Apple Home Enthusiasts

Airversa, the company best known for its smart air purifiers, has just launched a new accessory that could change how Apple Home users interact with their smart homes: the QliQ Smart Button. This sleek, Thread-enabled controller is designed exclusively for the Apple Home ecosystem, offering users a tactile, physical way to control their smart home automations.

A New Player in the Smart Button Arena

The QliQ Smart Button is a three-button controller that allows users to trigger up to nine different automations or scenes. Each button supports single-press, double-press, and long-press actions, giving users a total of nine unique commands at their fingertips. This level of customization is a significant step up from many competing smart buttons, which often offer fewer options.

The device is powered by Thread networking, a low-power, mesh-based wireless protocol that Apple has embraced as part of its smart home strategy. However, the QliQ Smart Button does not support Matter, the new universal smart home standard. This means it’s firmly planted in Apple’s ecosystem, requiring users to have a Home hub (like an Apple TV, HomePod, or iPad) and use the Apple Home app for setup and control.

Setup and Customization

Setting up the QliQ Smart Button is straightforward. Users can complete the entire process through the Apple Home app, which is a significant advantage for those who prefer a seamless, integrated experience. For those who want more granular control, Airversa also offers a companion app called Sleekpoint. This app provides additional customization options, allowing users to fine-tune the button’s behavior to their liking.

Design and Features

The QliQ Smart Button is designed with both form and function in mind. It features a rechargeable battery, charged via USB-C, which eliminates the need for disposable coin cell batteries. This is a significant plus for environmentally conscious users and those who want to avoid the hassle of frequent battery replacements. The device comes with a short USB-C to USB-A cable and a magnetic mounting plate with adhesive backing, making it easy to attach to walls or metal surfaces like refrigerator doors.

When activated, the QliQ Smart Button provides multi-sensory feedback, including a brief green LED flash, an audible beep, and haptic vibration. Users can customize or disable these feedback mechanisms, allowing them to tailor the device’s behavior to their preferences.

Market Positioning and Availability

The QliQ Smart Button is priced at $29.99 for a single unit or $54.99 for a two-pack, making it a mid-range option in the smart button market. It’s currently available exclusively on Amazon, which could limit its reach but also ensures a streamlined purchasing experience for customers.

However, the QliQ Smart Button faces stiff competition from established players like Ikea’s Bilresa smart button, which is priced lower. Whether Airversa’s feature set and build quality justify the premium over budget alternatives remains to be seen.

The Verdict

The Airversa QliQ Smart Button is a promising addition to the Apple Home ecosystem. Its Thread-only design ensures seamless integration with Apple devices, while its three-button layout and nine automation possibilities offer a level of customization that’s hard to beat. The rechargeable battery and multi-sensory feedback are nice touches that add to the overall user experience.

However, the lack of Matter support could be a dealbreaker for some users, especially those who have invested in a mixed-brand smart home setup. Additionally, the price point may be a barrier for budget-conscious consumers, especially when cheaper alternatives are available.

Overall, the QliQ Smart Button is a solid choice for Apple Home users who want a physical, tactile way to control their smart home. Its Thread-only design ensures a seamless experience within the Apple ecosystem, while its features and customization options make it a versatile and user-friendly device.

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