Home Controls now carries Flic 2 Smart Buttons, the versatile Bluetooth smart home controllers from Shortcut Labs. 

Controlling a smart home is usually carried out from a central controller device, an app on your smart device, or through a voice assistant. From these control interfaces, users often have to navigate through various menus and options to manually control devices or activate/deactivate automated routines. Flic 2 Smart Buttons simplify control over smart devices with a push of a button, making them one of the easiest and user-friendly smart home control devices available. Flic 2 buttons boast a wide range of integrations with software programs and devices outside of smart home applications. If a device is Bluetooth compatible, the Flic 2 is likely able to control it. 

The Flic 2 is a little larger than a quarter and uses a CR2302 Coin Cell battery that lasts up to 3 years before needing to be replaced. The smart button can be triggered with 3 different inputs: push, double push, and hold down. Each input activates a pre-programmed device, group of devices, software function, or complex automation scene. Multiple devices, functions, or scenes can be programmed to each input. For example, a single push can activate Sonos or Bose speakers and play audio from Spotify, a double push can skip to the next song, and hold can trigger an Alexa, IFTTT, or HomeKit routine to dim the lights, lower your blinds, and turn on your TV. An included sticker sheet provides visual reminders for what each button is programmed for and a 3-color LED light indicates the button’s status.

Essentially any device with Bluetooth compatibility can be controlled by a Flic 2. The Flic 2's connectivity expands beyond smart home controls with HID (Human Interface Device) and MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) protocols. With the HID protocol, a Flic 2 button can act as a hotkey for specific programs on a Bluetooth compatible computer or smartphone. Program a Flic 2 to power down your display or send a prewritten email / message through Slack, or save and backup your current project. Flic 2 buttons can also work as a MIDI (Music Instrument Digital Interface) button. Place a Flic 2 onto or near your keyboard or soundboard to trigger a sound effect, begin or end recording, or turn the page of your music sheet app.

Flic 2 buttons are configured and assigned tasks through the Flic mobile app for iOSand Android. The Flic app enables you to set up and personalize your Flic buttons to activate various devices, programs, and automated routines. Flic utilizes an open API that is responsible for a range of functions made possible through integrations with iOS, Android, Mac OS, Windows, and Linux platforms. More integrations and partnered services are added to Flic’s network regularly. For a full list of integrations, visit Shortcut Labs website.

Flic 2 Smart Buttons require a constant Bluetooth connection with a dedicated hub device in order to operate. If a smartphone or tablet is the dedicated hub, the device needs to remain in operating range with the Flic app always on (running in the background will suffice). This setup is best suited for a Flic 2 configured to trigger mobile apps and kept nearby or clipped onto you or your bag using the Flic Metal Clip. Bring a Flic 2 with you on the go to easily take pictures, end phone calls, or open your go-to web browser. Placing Flic 2 buttons into a common space, such as a bedroom, living room, or office, would also basically ensure continuous operation while your mobile device is nearby. The button’s reusable adhesive backing lets it stick anywhere in your home, office, or business. Place Flic buttons on your nightstand or refrigerator to easily spot it, or place it somewhere less obvious like underneath your desk or behind a counter for emergency situations. 

If you wish to have a larger number of Flic 2 buttons around your home or business, or simply do not want your mobile device to always be tethered to a Flic 2, then you’ll need the Flic Hub LR. The Flic Hub LR is a dedicated gateway hub that frees you from having to keep your smart device active and close to your Flic 2 buttons at all times while also providing additional features that improve and expand the smart button’s functionality. With the Flic Hub LR, up to 63 Flic 2 buttons can operate simultaneously and utilize the Bluetooth 5 Long Range protocol to control devices up to 164 feet* away from the Hub. (*Optimal indoor range, uninterrupted line of sight range can reach up to 656ft.) An IR accessory port includes IR controlled devices such as TVs to the list of Flic’s controllable devices and a 3.5mm port adds the option to connect a speaker to provide audio confirmation of a successfully delivered input.

The Hub connects to your home Internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet and allows Flic 2 buttons to command various devices connected to your local network, including devices not directly compatible with Bluetooth control. Through the Hub, Flic 2 buttons can command SmartThings routines, Z-Wave Plus and Zigbee devices and scenes (through a Wi-Fi compatible Z-Wave hub), and Matter compatible devices.

The Flic Hub LR also enables Flic 2 buttons to trigger Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa compatible devices and routines, including Apple TV, Sonos sound systems, Philips Hue light bulbs, and more. If Flic 2 devices are used with the Flic Hub LR to control Apple HomeKit or Amazon Alexa compatible devices, any Flic devices connected to the Flic Hub LR will be unable to control Bluetooth compatible devices outside of their relevant ecosystem. For example, if a Flic 2 is currently programmed as a command shortcut for a program on your PC, the Flic 2 will clear its memory in order to be configured to trigger Apple HomeKit devices and routines. Additionally, an Apple HomeKit hub device is required for Flic to take control.

Experience the power of Flic’s adaptable smart home controls for yourself by purchasing yours today. For more questions about Flic 2, or any other home automation topics, check out other entries in our blog or talk to our team over the phone at (858)-693-8887 or email us at service@homecontrols.com.