Wemo Stage Scene Controller Review - Apple Home remote that gets 1000% better with Thread support

[@Dr_Cole]

I purchased two of these devices in January: one from Amazon and one from Belkin. The Belkin one arrived in 2 days and I got the Thread based firmware update within 5 minutes of having the device set up in HK. I had no problems installing the update. The same process occurred for my second Scene Controller. After updating my first Scene Controlled, I noticed that the battery level was down to 60% in less than 24 hours after receiving the device. Although the batteries are inexpensive, they are a bit more rare. I also just felt that the battery should not arrive so poorly charged. I called Belkin the same day and after confirming that I had the most recent firmware - as there is apparently a known issue with battery level reporting - they said they felt it was the device and NOT the battery. They immediately moved to sending me a new device. Props to Belkin for solid customer service. Unfortunately, I have the exact same issue with the other Scene Selector I received from Amazon: battery level dropped from 80% to 25% after just 2 days. To be clear, I have not yet programmed nor used either of the Scene Selectors. The battery level declines are happening just from sitting still. I have not yet called Belkin on this one. Their current state is even more strange. I replaced the battery on my first device 4 days ago with a package of new batteries. The battery level is currently at 33%. Clearly, the original battery state had nothing to do with Belkin sending out the devices with partially used batteries. Second, the second Scene Selector plummeted to 25% battery within the first 2 days I had it. BUT, over the last 5 days the battery has decreased from 25% to just 23%. Belkin seems to think that all of this is a reporting error and from my limited testing, all of the evidence so far aligns with their claim. Nevertheless, I would wait on getting one of these until this issue is resolved.

[@HomeKitAuthority]

Wemo Stage (Amazon afffialte link) - amzn.to/3HeSFWM Written review - www.homekitauthority.com/wemo-stage-scene-controller-review-now-usable-with-thread/ Follow me for all the latest on Homekit and smart home reviews ✅ Twitter: twitter.com/followhomekit ✅ INSTA: instagram.com/followhomekit ✅ KZbin: kzbin.info ✅ FB: facebook.com/followhome ✅ WEBSITE: www.homekitauthority.com

[@hansjzeller]

This is a very nice button and exactly what I am looking for! However, many of the reviews of this product mention that the battery life is really bad. Just wondering if anyone has any experiences to share? How long should I expect the battery to last?

[@zc7396]

Just updated to the thread firmware. Night and day difference. This is now a super responsive device. Thread looks very promising

[@HomeKitAuthority]

I have been slowly transitioning to Thread

[@HomeKitAuthority]

Yes

[@aleksandarkikivideos]

Hi, thanx for great reviews! Your channel is awesome! However, please do not use compressor on voice, or if you use it, change parameters, you have volume spikes all the time and it does not sound natural :)

[@HomeKitAuthority]

Thanks for the feedback

[@TheJoaolyraaraujo]

Great review comparing the Bluetooth vs Thread

[@HomeKitAuthority]

Thank you 🙏

[@rodrigoruiz976]

Can you program each action with conditions? For example, one tap button to turn on and off dependent on the light state.

[@Yoskio]

Create shortcuts? If that’s the question yes

[@rodrigoruiz976]

@@Yoskio does the shortcut have access to the current state of the smart bulb? And can you trigger shortcuts with the button?

[@Yoskio]

@@rodrigoruiz976 you can get status of devices with HomeKit shortcuts

[@Yoskio]

@@rodrigoruiz976 and yes you can trigger shortcuts with the button, when selecting the devices you want to trigger with the button go all the way down and there’s a shortcut button when you can make them, i’m sure there’s tutorials about it

[@Yoskio]

I’m very good with shortcuts i can help you more deeply if you want even sharing screen if you want

[@Camperniki]

You can also use the Nanoleaf Essentials bulbs as a border router which is pretty neat

[@HomeKitAuthority]

Nope, the essentials bulbs cannot be used as Thread border routers

[@ronmckinney7084]

Great information and videos! However it took me two videos to figure out what the ohmkid was.

[@HomeKitAuthority]

Sorry about that, it’s the way I speak and working on it

[@MarcoSpelta85]

Please, next time a manufacturer sends you something, remind them we have homes in Europe too :-) So many devices that struggle to show up in EU. Btw: is there any alternative at the moment working directly with HomePod mini and thread?

[@HomeKitAuthority]

I have this conversation often with some brands. Unfortunately no alternative yet

[@scottymeuk]

You can order them from Amazon US for shipping to Europe.

[@michaelthompson657]

Great video Jon, lots of great examples showing the speed 👍🏻

[@HomeKitAuthority]

Thanks! How’s the eve Room?

[@michaelthompson657]

@@HomeKitAuthority no problem! Yeah working well thanks, just trying to work out what Device I’ll need to improve the air quality and stop my intermittent dry snotty nose through the night because everything looks okay up to now 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@HomeKitAuthority]

You might need an air purifier or even a humidifier maybe?

[@michaelthompson657]

@@HomeKitAuthority yeah that’s what I’m debating. I thought humidifier but then in the summer the farmer in the surrounding fields cuts the grass and spreads dung so I thought purifier but I’m not too sure what a purifier effects in the room. Plus I’m not sure how I’d automate it with the levels not being too bad

[@mikeainsworth4504]

I’m looking forward to thread-enabled remotes becoming available in the UK.

[@HomeKitAuthority]

🙏

[@siobhanellis]

you can buy them from Amazon in the US and they will ship to the UK.

[@hometechUK]

Same here roll on more Thread devices but the main thing to look forward to is Google Finally enabling Thread on there Hubs once MATTER is released? Let's hope no longer than June?

[@scottymeuk]

Just ordered on Amazon US to the UK. $11 shipping which seems reasonable (ish).

[@titopr64]

After watching this video I decided to buy the controller. The battery drain fast and, after two month and many calls to support, Belkin decided to refund the money. Buy it at your own risk.

[@Yoskio]

Where did you bought it

[@bcbock]

How can Lutron get 10 years of battery life from their Pico remotes and Belkin can only get one year?!

[@TheJoaolyraaraujo]

If the price was 25 I’ll buy 10 of these. I’m gonna wait other options with thread or buy Oppo or Hue buttons.

[@HomeKitAuthority]

The price is challenging, but I suppose it’s the only choice at the moment

[@PhlegmBrulee]

The price and lack of regional availability are crazy. They’re not even trying.

[@HomeKitAuthority]

Maybe if they see the interest it will be available in more regions.

[@uhuebner]

where to buy it? unavailable in germany :(

[@HomeKitAuthority]

Not out in the EU yet unfortunately

[@marktime61]

Think this includes UK as can’t find it

[@HomeKitAuthority]

As said in the video, it’s only the US at this time

[@DavidWicks1000]

@@HomeKitAuthority such a shame I’d order this immediately if available