In a significant shift for smart home users, Belkin has announced that it will discontinue technical support for its older Wemo product line starting January 31, 2026. This decision affects an extensive array of devices, including smart plugs, light switches, smart bulbs, baby monitors, kitchen gadgets, heaters, air purifiers, and motion sensors. In a communication sent to customers, Belkin explained that this choice was made to realign the company’s focus and resources. “This decision was not made lightly,” the message stated. “Since the launch of Wemo in 2011, we have dedicated ourselves to providing innovative and user-friendly solutions for a seamless smart home experience. However, as technology continues to evolve, we must prioritize other areas of our business.” The company acknowledged that this change might disrupt the daily routines of users and expressed regret for any inconvenience caused. For products still under warranty at the time of discontinuation, Belkin indicated that users might be eligible for partial refunds. Furthermore, devices compatible with Apple’s HomeKit will still function, although they will lose cloud-dependent features such as remote access and voice command integrations once the Wemo app is retired. As of the end-of-life date, Belkin will not provide any technical support, firmware updates, or troubleshooting assistance for the affected devices. This trend of phasing out support for older smart home products is increasingly common in the tech industry, as companies pivot towards more profitable ventures. Notably, Google has also taken similar steps with its Nest devices, announcing the discontinuation of support for earlier generations of its smart thermostats, rendering them essentially non-functional. While these transitions may be seen as a means to encourage users to upgrade to newer models, they often leave customers feeling frustrated, especially those whose devices still perform adequately. This situation raises concerns about the longevity and sustainability of smart home technology, as users face the prospect of obsolescence with products they have come to rely on daily. Belkin has provided a comprehensive list of the affected devices, while assuring that certain Thread-based products will remain operational through Apple’s HomeKit ecosystem.
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