Don’t let its diminutive size fool you, French startup Sevenhugs has big things in mind for the smart home, networked home, Internet of Things, or whatever you want to call the future where every object in the home can be controlled, connected, and monitored. Unveiled at CES 2016, Sevenhugs is calling their Smart Remote “the world’s first contextual remote control”, a reference to the device’s ability to determine its coordinates within any space, alongside the remote’s adaptive learning capabilities which take smartphones and apps completely out of the equation. In essence, the Smart Remote is a universal remote for all your smart home devices, including Philips Hue lights, Sonos speakers, and Nest Learning Thermostat.
Sevenhugs’ technology works by using three connected sockets – included with the touchscreen remote – to geolocate the remote within any interior space and also recognize users gestural direction when activating the remote. Additionally non-smart devices like lamps or other appliances can be “educated” to work with the system by plugging into any of the included socket units. Users then simply point the remote at the socket, and the formerly “dumb” lamp, stereo, or other electronic appliance is now part of the remote’s repertoire. No awkward and complicated setup procedures required.
Simon Tchedikian, Sevenhugs CEO & Cofounder, says he hopes the Smart Remote will reconnect an increasingly fragmented user experience into a singular one touch solution. For the sake of our very own Hue, Sonos, WeMo, Haiku, and Petnet connected home, we sure hope so.
The Sevenhugs Smart Remote is slated for “pre-order in Q1 2016 and shipping in September 2016”.