A man works on his laptop computer in his home
A man works on his laptop computer in his home in Sacramento, California in this undated handout photo. AT&T unveiled on Monday an offering that lets customers using its network for Web-surfing on laptop computers or netbooks avoid the obligation to sign a two-year contract with the operator. REUTERS/Handout Reuters

Misfit plans to make its fitness band more useful by making it function not only as a health tracker but as a smart home operating remote device as well. The US$50 Misfit Flash will soon be able to control a range of connected devices with the unit's Smart Button.

Earlier this week, Misfit announced its partnership with Nest, Logitech, August, Yo messaging and If This Then That (IFTTT). The venture with the said companies marks its aim to widen the functionality of its wearables.

CNET reports that Misfit’s partnership with Logitech Harmony API is to add home media and light control functionality to the Flash. Its tie-up with August Smart Lock is mainly to use the wearable as a remote control device to lock and unlock user’s door.

On the other hand, its venture with Nest will enable the Flash to adjust the temperature by controlling home thermostats. Misfit confirmed that this technology will be available in March.

Misfit will be adding an IFTTT channel so that users can create all kinds of new triggers for the wearable.Users can also tap on Misfit to start or stop Spotify app playback. Flash can also be used to send quick replies in Yo messaging. The Flash is also expected to work with Misfit's Bolt by turning the multi-colour LED light bulbs on and off.

Apparently, Misfit is not the first company to take make the move from wearables to becoming remote control devices. The Verge reports that Jawbone entered in to venture with IFTTT back in April 2013. The partnership will enable IFTTT to integrate with Jawbone’s UP Platform. IFTTT is a web service that allows users to create simple triggers to set off particular actions. Jawbone said that IFTTT can send users a text message reminder if they get less than six hours of sleep on a particular night.

With the partnerships among various companies, Misfit could establish itself as the cheapest and easiest way to control a smart home. Compared to its rivals, Misfit's entry price is more affordable and its replaceable coin cell battery can work for six months without the need for recharging.

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