OVERVIEW/SITUATION ANALYSIS

Belkin offers an extensive range of innovations designed to give computer and consumer electronics users seamless integration in their homes, cars, and on the go. The company’s innovative smart home devices allow users to control and automate their home electronics, lights, power, and water right from a phone or tablet.

Wemo, Belkin’s home automation and IoT brand, has a history of providing in-wall light switches and dimmers for the North America market designed to fit US gang boxes and Decora style face plates. The Wemo Stage Scene Controller is a smart home device that connects to the Apple Home app and allows users to create and manage up to six scenes for lighting, entertainment, security and temperature.

THE CHALLENGE

As more customers adopt smart lighting bulbs and fixtures to complement their traditional lights controlled by Wemo switches, there’s an emerging need for a stateless scene controller that aesthetically brings traditional and smart lighting controls together. Furthermore, many customers prefer to trigger smart scenes beyond lighting (shades, locks, thermostats, etc.) from a switch vs. voice control.

Wemo has consistently focused on being bridge/gateway-free for simplicity with compatibility across the most popular smart platforms like Siri, Alexa, and Google. This is why the company’s products have traditionally been Wi-Fi, even though better wireless technologies have been available.

With Thread Access Points (Border Routers) emerging from major tech leaders like Apple and Google, Belkin believes Thread availability will become as common as Wi-Fi easing the transition from Wi-Fi to Thread in Wemo products.

THE PROCESS

There were a number of factors that led Wemo to select Thread for its Stage Scene Controller. First, Thread addresses the issue of low power consumption, range, response time as well as the fact that it’s separated from Wi-Fi traffic. And by using Thread, Wemo was able to launch a battery powered device that doesn’t require a gateway or bridge.

Further, Wemo is fully committed to the Matter application protocol for smart home devices and is eager to develop products that speak Matter over IP based protocols such as Thread to make the end-user experience seamless and convenient between multiple ecosystems.

Wemo supports native integration with ecosystems and believes the ultimate solution for smart homes shouldn’t require an App or account sign-up for installing a product. Currently, this aligns with HomeKit and in the future with other ecosystems by using Matter.

THE SOLUTION

The Wemo Stage Scene Controller is the beginning of a new era for Wemo, with seamless native user experience with Apple HomeKit, and enhanced performance and connectivity with Thread. The Stage is the newest addition to Wemo’s smart home solutions that provide simplicity, integrity and interoperability.

The wireless remote allows users to manage and control scenes for lighting, entertainment, security, and temperature in the Home app on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch via Bluetooth or Thread.

Designed for easy automation using long-press, short-press, and double-press functions, the Wemo Stage activates up to nine HomeKit scenes (i.e., movie night, bedtime, energy saving) for a tailored home environment. An alternative option to in-app controls and experiences, the Wemo Stage Scene Controller provides users with a physical accessory dedicated to controlling the various HomeKit-enabled devices in their home such as lighting, locks, and thermostats.

Competitive  Advantage

Wemo’s Stage Scene Control brings multiple benefits to consumers in combination with Thread:

• Longer Battery Life – Runs off a single 2032 watch battery. Batteries last much longer due to Thread’s extremely low power consumption.
• Future-Proof – Thread, alongside Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, is a pillar of the upcoming Matter standard, which means Wemo accessories are future-proof.
• Improved Connectivity – Due to Thread support, device improves connectivity with other Thread devices and doesn’t require a hub or gateway.
• Manages Whole Home – Controls smart lights, shades, thermostats, door locks and other Apple HomeKit products. Users can store up to nine scenes (three per button) in the Apple HomeKit app.
• Set the Scenes – All smart devices work together throughout the day – from morning routines to bedtime, plus the added safety of away mode.