Airversa to Launch Thread-enabled Smart Button, and more…

If you’ve been following our website or YouTube channel, you’ll already be familiar with Airversa. They were the first – and so far the only – company to launch a Thread-enabled air purifier, the Purelle (video HERE, review HERE), as well as a humidifier, the Humelle (video HERE, review HERE). Now they’re set to continue in the same direction with their new QliQ Smart Button, which is due out later this month – and yes, it also runs on Thread.

While this isn’t the first smart button to use Thread, it does bring a few features that could set it apart from similar products by Onvis, Wemo, and Arre (formerly Tuo). That said, it’s worth pointing out that the QliQ works with HomeKit over Thread only, so Matter isn’t part of the package. In other words, it’s exclusively for Apple Home users – which suits me just fine.

The QliQ features three buttons, each supporting the usual programmable actions – single, double, and long press. In addition, pressing a button gives a slight haptic-style response, along with a faint audible beep and a brief green LED flash on the top of the unit. Both of these feedback options should be adjustable via the Sleekpoint app, although for now the button can only be added directly to Apple Home. Another notable difference is its power source – instead of replaceable batteries, the QliQ uses a built-in rechargeable battery topped up through a USB-C port on the base.

The package also includes a USB-C to USB-A cable, although it’s on the short side. To round things off, there’s an adhesive-backed mounting plate with a magnet, which lets the button sit neatly inside the plate’s recess or attach to surfaces such as a fridge door. The wall plate matches the size of standard North American wall plates, although it doesn’t feature screw holes for securing it to a switch box. Pricing hasn’t yet been announced, but given the reasonable cost of Airversa’s other products, it’s likely to be competitive.

Airversa is a brand of Sleekpoint Innovations, the company also responsible for one of the most affordable Thread-enabled smart locks, the Thorbolt X1 (video HERE, review HERE). As reported earlier this year, Sleekpoint is preparing to launch the Thorbolt X3, a sister model to the X1 that’s essentially the same lock, but without the keypad.

This keeps things ultra minimal for those that prefer not to have the need for a keypad, but still want Thread connectivity, Apple HomeKey, a fingerprint reader, and regular keys as a backup, all of which the X3 offers. As with the QliQ button, this should be arriving in North America sometime towards the end of this month, with pricing similar to that of the existing X1.