This small smart device can manage your entire connected home.

My home is filled with smart devices, and the main way I interact with them is through my smartphone. This is generally a good way to control my gadgets since I never leave it out of my sight. I can manage smart lighting, adjust the air purifier, or change the thermostat in a matter of seconds. However, having a physical button to perform these actions would be preferable. Instead of navigating through apps and menus, a physical controller could execute functions with just a button press, similar to how a remote control works for the television. This is the concept behind the Linxura Smart Controller, a disc-shaped device that allows you to perform various actions with a button press.

Once synced with my smart devices, I no longer need the auxiliary mobile apps. With just a touch or a double press of its outer ring, I can activate hundreds of different products. I have been testing this device in my home, and while I find it interesting, it has some limitations. However, if you are looking for a physical remote for your smart home, there are reasons to consider this innovative gadget.

The setup is simple but tedious. Syncing smart devices with the Linxura Smart Controller was surprisingly easy. Its e-ink display is sharp and clear, and its outer ring both rotates and clicks, giving me multiple ways to manage the settings. The setup is done in a similar manner to configuring automations. For example, after linking it to my Google Home account, I was able to create a program that allows me to tap the outer ring to turn on the lights and double tap to turn them off.

The Linxura mobile app is quite comprehensive and guided me through most of the process, so if you've never used automations or routines, the program will be helpful. Up to four devices can be assigned to its four buttons, and you can use the ring to toggle between 13 screens, providing enough space to manage all the most common actions. While the setup is easy, it is incredibly lengthy. Not only do you need to sync the Linxura with each app, but you also have to program each action individually. This can take considerable time and requires dedication.

Once synced, the e-ink display shows what each button does, thanks to helpful icons and text, allowing other family members to quickly understand the function of each button. Since its launch in 2023, Linxura has expanded its functionality and is now compatible with platforms like Google Home, Alexa, Yale, IFTTT, August, Philips Hue, and SmartThings. Although the functionality in these apps may be somewhat limited, all the basic functions are taken into account. Support for Google Home is particularly useful, but Linxura's action library isn't always as extensive as those of dedicated apps, and sometimes only simple actions like turning a device on or off can be performed.

Despite some limitations, the Linxura Smart Controller can be a good addition to most smart homes. As long as you are not looking to turn complex routines into one-touch tools, you will find it a useful tool. Having a physical button for anyone in the house to change the lights, stop a robotic vacuum, or adjust the thermostat is extremely practical. I have noticed a slight delay in its performance, with certain actions taking a few seconds to register; for example, turning on the lights can take almost three seconds after pressing the button. Some users have reported even longer times for other actions. This is not a total obstacle, but it would be ideal for communication between the Linxura and its targets to be a bit more agile.

Overall, I consider Linxura to be a helpful member of my household. Its design is somewhat clunky, but the experience of pressing the buttons and rotating the dial is pleasant. Although its $100 price tag may be steep, anyone looking for a new way to control their devices will find it an interesting addition to their smart home.