Shortcut Labs has confirmed that its Flic Hub LR and Flic Hub Mini will function as Matter controllers, a significant update allowing these devices to manage Matter-compatible products independently of major tech ecosystems. Available as a free update, this functionality supports all Flic products and denotes a promising shift towards user autonomy in the smart home sector.
Shortcut Labs, the developer behind the Flic Hub LR and the Flic Hub Mini, has announced its successful implementation of Matter controller functionality for its smart home hubs. This update, scheduled for release on Friday, empowers these devices to independently manage Matter-compatible devices, bypassing the extensive ecosystems of major corporations such as Apple, Amazon, Google, and Samsung. This advancement provides users with an exciting opportunity to construct their smart homes while mitigating concerns related to privacy and vendor lock-in that often accompany reliance on large tech companies. The Matter standard aims to enhance user autonomy, and Flic’s latest update is a significant step towards realizing that promise. According to Joacim Westlund Prändel, co-founder of Shortcut Labs, while the Flic Hub can control Apple Home devices after pairing, it is not fully reciprocal; for example, users cannot add Flic devices directly to the Apple Home app using Matter. However, integration of Flic 2 buttons with Apple’s HomeKit is possible via the Flic Hub LR. Notably, no additional hardware or purchases are required to take advantage of the Matter functionality, which will be accessible through a complimentary update, subsequently providing Matter support across all Flic products. The introduction of a Matter controller also allows for the interaction of the Flic Twist—a smart button with a dial that facilitates functionalities such as dimming lights or managing smart blinds—with other Matter-compatible products. As there is currently no existing support for devices like the Flic Twist within the Matter framework, its functionality could pave the way for further innovations. Prändel expressed excitement, stating, “In effect, our Flic Twist is the first rotational thing that you can do with Matter, which I think is really cool.” Shortcut Labs aims to enhance user experience by simplifying device setup, in contrast to the more opaque processes on other platforms. The Flic app will display the onboarding process, allowing users to troubleshoot any potential issues with greater ease. This approach is particularly noteworthy given Shortcut Labs’ lesser-known status in the tech world, suggesting that if a small company achieves this advanced capability, it may inspire larger firms to innovate alongside them.
The Matter standard is a universal connectivity protocol aimed at fostering interoperability among various smart home devices. This initiative supports the burgeoning trend of smart home technology while granting users greater freedom in choosing compatible devices without being restricted to specific ecosystems run by major technology corporations. Shortcut Labs, through its products Flic Hub LR and Flic Hub Mini, has embarked on transforming their hubs into Matter controllers, aligning with the overarching goal of enhancing user autonomy and privacy in smart home management.
In conclusion, Shortcut Labs’ introduction of Matter controller capabilities to its Flic Hub devices represents a significant milestone in smart home technology. By enabling independent management of Matter devices without the constraints of larger tech ecosystems, the update not only promotes user autonomy but also underscores the potential of smaller companies to innovate within the tech landscape. As the Flic Twist exemplifies innovative compatibility with Matter, this advancement may inspire further developments in the connected home space.
Original Source: www.theverge.com
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