While these days a lot of appliances and electronics can be controlled via your smartphone, not everyone wants to fork out for a new IoT device new while their current one works fine.
Linker is an upcoming gadget from startup I/O that lets you control multiple devices that use traditional remotes through a smartphone app. With an active crowdfunding campaign taking place on Korean site Tumblbug, Linker has already managed to achieve its fundraising goal of 20 million won (USD $17.6k) within just three hours of opening.
It’s the second campaign for I/O, which also successfully raised funds for its remote light switch device ‘Switcher’ in 2015. Using its existing database of 15,000 customers, the company was able to quickly amass a keen group of supporters.
Linker combines wifi and older infrared technology to make the ultimate all-in-one remote that can be used in any room and for any device. This makes it especially handy since normal remotes need line-of-sight in order to work. Linker also supports Bluetooth, meaning that lights can also be controlled together with Switcher.
Ultimately, I/O wants Linker to become a new household platform for controlling many devices and appliances, without having to worrying about multiple remotes. Of course, it wouldn’t be a smart home app without voice recognition, and Linker lets you control devices without having to even turn on the app — just think Star Trek.
Using AI technology, Linker also learns to turn off devices that are left on or wasting energy. There are also plans to open up an API so it can connect with other smart home devices like Amazon’s Alexa.
“By working together with Namyangju Police, Switcher was able to have a big effect on crime prevention for residents that live by themselves,” says Namgyu Lim, CEO of I/O. “In the same way, we look forward to Linker also being used to prevent crime for single-person households by allowing people to operate their home devices anytime, anywhere.”
Linker has now raised 31 million won from over 800 backers and still has 39 days left for its campaign.
