Sevenhugs

Discontinued

Overview

Sevenhugs developed universal remote controls with ultra-wideband (UWB) indoor positioning technology for smart homes and TVs. The company launched products like Smart Remote, distributed through Best Buy and sold at MoMA. Operations focused on R&D in Paris, sales in San Francisco, and production in China, but discontinued all products due to market changes.

History

Founded in 2014 in France by Lionel Marty, Olivier Mandine, Simon Tchedikian, and Stéphane Jaubertou. Launched Smart Remote in 2018, expanded to Best Buy stores in 2019, and won awards including Red Dot Design and CES Best of Innovation. Acquired by Qorvo in 2020, integrating its UWB software team; discontinued Smart Remote products around 2022.

Manufacturing

Products were manufactured in China on an outsourced production line.

Notable Products

Smart Remote - Universal remote with UWB for precise indoor positioning and smart home control, launched 2018.
Smart Remote U - Model retailed exclusively in Best Buy stores across the US starting 2019.
Smart Remote X - Variant of the UWB-enabled universal remote control.

Reputation

Sevenhugs was recognized for innovative UWB integration in consumer remotes, earning design awards and praise for ease of use among early adopters. Professionals noted its ahead-of-market tech but criticized high pricing and eventual market exit. Enthusiasts on forums like Hacker News viewed it as a pioneer that exited the universal remote business amid competition.

Sources (6)