Logitech is shutting down its $100 Pop smart home buttons on October 15, leaving many early adopters frustrated and stuck with useless devices. But here's where it gets controversial: should a company be able to render your purchased smart home gear completely nonfunctional overnight? This abrupt shutdown raises important questions about device longevity and consumer trust in smart home ecosystems.
Back in August 2016, Logitech introduced the Pop switches aiming to make smart home control quick and effortless. These buttons were designed to trigger various smart home actions—including third-party devices—at the tap of a finger. For instance, users could configure their Pop button to turn on Philips Hue lights, activate Insteon presets, start music playlists on Sonos speakers, or operate Lutron smart blinds. Each button could store up to three custom commands and connected through a specialized Android or iOS app by recognizing devices on the same Wi-Fi network. The Pop Home Switch Starter Pack hit the market at $100, with additional single Pop switches available for $40 each.
However, trouble surfaced when a Logitech representative informed Ars Technica that the company had notified Pop users on September 29 about the imminent end of support. Copies of the official email surfaced on Reddit, where Logitech clearly stated:
"As of October 15, 2025, your POP button(s) and the connected hub will no longer be supported and will lose all functionality."
To soften the blow, Logitech offered affected customers a 15% discount coupon on select Logitech products, including their Ultimate Ears speakers. This offer, however, is limited to US customers and valid only until March 31, 2026. Moreover, it excludes popular categories such as Logitech’s Pro or RS racing wheels for gaming, videoconferencing gear, business solutions, and newly released items, making the compensation feel somewhat restricted.
This decision spotlights Logitech’s apparent neglect of its once-promising smart home line. When pressed, a company spokesperson declined to answer questions about the environmental impact of turning these devices into e-waste, the short notice given to customers, or whether the Pop switches could retain any local functionality after support ends.
Instead, Logitech’s official statement reiterated a familiar theme: "For close to a decade we have been maintaining the POP ecosystem, but as technology evolves, we have made the decision to end support for this device."
And this is the part most people miss: what happens to your smart home devices when manufacturers pull the plug? Should consumers accept that their smart gadgets have an expiration date just a few years after purchase? The controversy here is real—are we building smart homes or smart landfills? What do you think about Logitech's approach to ending support, and how should companies handle the lifecycle of smart home products? Share your thoughts and let’s discuss!
