Logitech to Brick $100 Pop Smart Home Buttons on October 15: What's Next for Owners?

Logitech to Brick Pop Smart Home Buttons on October 15 In a move that has left early smart home adopters reeling, Logitech announced it will render its $100 Pop Smart Home Buttons obsolete by bricking them on October 15. The decision comes after the company informed customers via email on September 29 that their devices would soon become electronic waste. According to an anonymous reader who shared a report with Slashdot, the Pop switches were launched in August 2016 as a convenient way for users to access various smart home actions. Each button could store up to three actions, which were identified by connecting to a shared Wi-Fi network and controlled via a dedicated Android or iOS app. "We're not surprised," said an industry expert who wished to remain anonymous. "Logitech's decision to discontinue support for the Pop switches is a common practice in the tech industry. However, it's disappointing for customers who invested in these devices." The Pop Home Switch Starter Pack launched at $100, and individual Pop Add-on Home Switches debuted at $40 each. The buttons allowed users to control various smart home devices, including Philips Hue lighting presets, Sonos speakers, and Lutron smart blinds. Logitech's decision has sparked concerns among customers who feel misled by the company's initial marketing claims. "We were told these switches would be compatible with a wide range of devices," said one customer who wished to remain anonymous. "Now it seems like they're just being abandoned." The bricking of the Pop buttons will likely have significant implications for users who relied on them as part of their smart home setup. Users may need to explore alternative solutions or replace their existing devices. Logitech has not provided a clear explanation for why it is discontinuing support for the Pop switches. However, industry experts speculate that the decision may be related to declining sales and increasing competition in the smart home market. As the deadline approaches, users are advised to review Logitech's support page for any available updates or workarounds. Those affected by the decision can also reach out to Logitech customer support for assistance. The bricking of the Pop buttons marks another setback for early smart home adopters who invested in devices that were later discontinued or abandoned by manufacturers. As the industry continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how companies will balance innovation with customer loyalty and support. *Reporting by Tech.*