On our most recent IoT Podcast episode, Keith called in to our IoT Voicemail hotline with an observation and a question about Wyze’s connected products. Keith feels that with so many new Wyze products hitting the market, the company can’t keep up with providing software updates on its devices. He wants to know if we feel the same.
In a word: Yes. Barely a few weeks go by when we aren’t talking about some new Wyze product hitting the market.
Over the last 12 months alone, the company has begun to sell its outdoor camera, headphones, video doorbell, thermostat, third-generation camera, robot vacuum, and watch, just to name a few. This past week, the company launched a pair of light strips too.
I’ve tested some of these new Wyze products and clearly, the main selling point is the relatively low price. And in many cases, the products offer enough value to justify that price. But there’s a downside.
As Keith notes, and as I’ve seen for myself, the pace and breadth of software updates have diminished as the number of available products rises. To be fair, the camera lineup receives updates and features on a fairly regular basis.
Some of the other connected devices, though? They just don’t seem to be getting the same attention.
Products are often launching with “table stakes” features with the promise of new functionality in the future.
A perfect example is the Wyze Sense Climate Sensor that was recently launched. For just under $25, you get a three-pack of these devices, which monitor temperature and humidity in your smart home. Sounds like a good deal, right?
It is unless you planned to use these with your Wyze Thermostat, which is a logical use case. The problem is: These sensors don’t yet work with Wyze’s own smart thermostat. And that simply makes no sense.
Keith is right that perhaps too much product growth is hurting Wyze’s ability to offer the features its devices should have out of the box. And I have nothing against Wyze as a company or against its products. However, there’s a clear resource or focus issue that’s holding Wyze back from truly delivering on its potential.
Long story short: Be sure that any smart product, from Wyze or another brand, does what you need when you buy it. Don’t hold out hope that future updates will offer you the product you thought you were buying.
To hear Keith’s question in full, as well as our discussion on the topic, tune in to the IoT Podcast below:
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