Smart Button Adds a Little 'Swish and Flic' to Controlling Your Home's Systems

In a world filled with smart home devices like voice-activated speakers, smart doorbells and security cameras, one company is taking a different approach. Shortcut Labs has unveiled the Flic Duo, an update to their popular line of smart buttons, designed to simplify how we interact with connected technology.

Shortcut Labs is known for its Flic smart buttons, which allow users to control various devices with simple actions like a press or a hold. The Flic Duo builds on this concept, adding new features while retaining the simplicity that has made the original buttons appealing. According to Shortcut Labs CEO Daniel Abdi, “At Shortcut Labs, we’re committed to creating innovative yet intuitive solutions that improve people’s lives. The Flic Duo is a culmination of that vision, combining enhanced functionality with the seamless experience our users love.”

What We Know About the Flic Duo

While full technical specifications haven’t been disclosed, the Flic Duo represents a step forward in Shortcut Labs’ mission to make smart home control more user-friendly. The device can be mounted on the wall for fixed use or removed to function as a portable controller. Its ability to recognize up to 30 unique commands, based on different press combinations and gestures, makes it remarkably versatile. For example, users might program a single press to turn off the lights, a double press to lock the front door and a swoop from left to right when the device is being held in the hand to advance a track playing through a music app.

To further enhance the user experience, Shortcut Labs offers a range of customizable accessories. These include a sleek clip-on with a lanyard mount for portable use, a waterproof case for outdoor settings, symbol stickers for easy button identification and an ultra-thin magnetic wall mount for seamless wall integration. These options allow users to adapt the Flic Duo to their specific needs and environments, adding another layer of convenience and personalization.

This simplicity has been a hallmark of the Flic product line, enabling users to control a variety of devices without needing to rely solely on voice commands or smartphone apps. The Flic Duo’s added portability and programmability expand its potential in ways that feel intuitive and practical for everyday use. Not only does the detachable feature enable a wider range of hand gestures, but it also lets users take the device along with them as they go about their daily routines.

While the details on the Duo are scarce, other smart home buttons from the company integrate use of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to connect to smart home devices like lightbulbs and smart blinds, so we'd expect the Duo to work in much the same way.

Potential Use Cases

The Flic Duo’s flexibility makes it suitable for a variety of scenarios. Families, for instance, might use it to simplify daily routines. A single button press could be programmed to turn off entertainment systems, dim the lights and set the thermostat for bedtime. Similarly, the button could serve as an easy-to-use tool for children, helping them perform simple tasks without requiring access to smartphones or voice assistants.

For businesses, the Flic Duo offers opportunities to streamline workflows. It could be used in conference rooms to manage AV systems or as a quick way to send alerts or notifications to staff. Its minimalist design allows it to blend into professional settings without drawing unnecessary attention. Its programmability also means it can adapt to changing needs, offering a dynamic solution for varied tasks.

Shortcut Labs is also offering the option for the Duo to come with emergency alert and fall-monitoring capabilities, making it ideal for companies that provide services for the elderly.

Addressing Smart Home Overwhelm

Many smart home users face frustration when managing a growing number of devices. Shortcut Labs appears to be positioning the Flic Duo as a solution to this issue. By offering a physical, tactile control option, the button simplifies interactions that might otherwise require navigating apps or issuing voice commands.

The Flic Duo’s straightforward approach could appeal to users who want more direct control over their devices. Its simplicity contrasts with the complexity of many modern smart home systems, providing an alternative for those seeking a more intuitive experience. Shortcut Labs’ emphasis on accessibility and ease of use suggests the Flic Duo could fill a gap for users overwhelmed by more complicated smart home setups.

Flic Duo Availability and Pricing

Shortcut Labs has not yet disclosed specific details about the pricing or release date of the Flic Duo. However, the current smart button offered from the company retails for around $40. Based on the enhanced abilities of the Flic Duo, consumers should be prepared to pay at least twice that amount for the new device.