Key Takeaways
- Homey has launched the Homey Portal, a touchscreen smart home controller available for preorders at $249.
- The device supports over 70,000 products and aims to simplify smart home control with an intuitive interface.
- Homey Portal requires a connection to Homey’s platform but offers local device communication without internet access.
Homey Portal: A New Era in Smart Home Control
Homey, owned by LG, has introduced the Homey Portal, a touchscreen smart home controller designed to simplify the often complex process of managing smart devices. Priced at an introductory $249, preorders open today, with shipping set for December.
The Homey Portal features a 2.8-inch round touchscreen with a stainless steel dial. It can be desk-mounted or wall-mounted and operates via a USB-C connection. Users can tap icons to manage devices like lights, speakers, and thermostats, while the dial adjusts settings such as brightness and temperature. With claimed support for over 70,000 devices from more than 2,000 brands, Homey is positioned to tackle the interoperability challenges that have hindered smart home systems.
Unlike other smart displays, the Homey Portal is purportedly more focused on direct control, embodying the simplicity of traditional switches. The interface adapts dynamically based on the tasks at hand, making it intuitive. Users can customize screens for various smart home features, including room-specific controls and energy monitoring.
While the Portal excels in versatility, it does not function as a standalone hub and requires connections to one of Homey’s systems, like the Homey Pro or Homey Cloud. This design ensures local device functionality even without internet access.
Despite its high price tag—potentially exceeding $900 to outfit three rooms before adding a Homey hub—the device aims to streamline smart home management, potentially appealing to users seeking a simplified smart home experience. Homey integrates with major voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Home for added flexibility. The device’s debut at the IFA tech show in Berlin will allow for first-hand evaluations regarding its practicality in real-world setups.
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