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

The Wemo Stage Scene Controller came out around April 2021 and although Belkin stated, it was Thread Ready. The smart remote did not support Thread, and it relied on Bluetooth to connect to HomeKit with mixed results being reported.
However, at CES 2022, Belkin announced the Wemo Stage Smart Scene Controller would get an update to enable Thread support. That update has now landed and Belkin sent me over 4 devices to test for this review.
In this review, I am going to take you through the design, setup, how it works in HomeKit. Plus, taking you through some tests between Thread vs Bluetooth and how it works other Thread, with Wi-Fi and Zigbee devices.

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Intro 0:00
Key features 1:06
Unboxing and design 1:55
HomeKit setup 2:55
Mounting options 3:57
HomeKit features 4:46
Bluetooth performance 5:26
Thread Performance 6:25
Summary 7:56

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#HomeKit #Wemo #Apple

[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.

[rodrigoruiz]

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

[zc]

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

[jeremiahpowell]

Can you program the buttons to run Siri Shortcuts ?

[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?

[Camperniki]

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

[TheJoaolyraaraujo]

Great review comparing the Bluetooth vs Thread

[ronmckinney]

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

[mikeainsworth]

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

[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 :)

[MarcoSpelta]

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?

[michaelthompson]

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

[HomeKitAuthority]

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[titopr]

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.

[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.

[PhlegmBrulee]

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

[uhuebner]

where to buy it? unavailable in germany :(