Tired of yelling “Hey Siri” or opening your phone multiple times to control your smart home? The Linxura Smart Controller is here as a solution!
This $100 hockey puck-shaped device features an e-paper display and an iPod-like click wheel. Linxura allowing you to control various smart gadgets in your home with just one device.
Smart Controller Advantages
- Intuitive control without a phone: Turn lights on/off, stop your robot vacuum, lock your door – all with a single button press.
- No extra hub required: Works directly over Wi-Fi, eliminating the hassle of setting up a separate hub.
- Energy-efficient e-paper display: Shows control icons and lasts up to 3 months on a single charge.
- Multi-function buttons: Each button has three actions (press, double-click, press & hold & rotate) for more extensive control.
- Wide integration: Supports Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, Wiz, Matter, and more.
Smart Controller Disadvantages
- Expensive price: $100 feels quite steep for its current functionality.
- Response lag: Cloud-to-cloud communication causes lag, especially with certain integrations.
- Limited integration at present: Doesn’t support all popular smart platforms and devices yet.
- Not so smart: Can’t recognize user location to adjust controls automatically.
Linxura Smart Controller User Experience
Connecting smart devices to the Linxura was easy enough through its user-friendly app. It was used with Alexa to control lights, fans, and cameras.
While the integration was smooth, there was a noticeable lag, especially with devices connected through Alexa Routines. Direct integration with Hue and Sonos was more responsive and promising.
Linxura could adjust brightness, play/pause music, and change tracks on the Sonos Arc. But, this integration is still limited. For example, Linxura cannot control groups of Sonos speakers.
Conclusion
The Linxura Smart Controller offers intuitive control without the need for a phone. Its high price, response lag, and limited integration are drawbacks. Don’t mind a bit of lag if you’re an Alexa or Google Home user because this device could be useful.
For other users, it may be worth waiting to see how Linxura’s integration develops in the future. If Linxura can overcome its limitations and Matter truly becomes seamless, this device could become a compelling option for your smart home control.