Flic launches a wireless voice button for AI assistants, shipping in 2026 with a coin-cell battery that lasts years and no always-on microphone.

What happened: Flic, a maker of smart buttons that has shipped over one million units worldwide, is introducing Flic Mic — a two-button device with a built-in microphone designed to control AI assistants like OpenClaw and Home Assistant. The device activates only when pressed, stops listening when released, and runs on a replaceable coin cell battery with no charging required. It ships in 2026 in limited batches.

Why it matters: The product addresses a practical friction point for people using AI assistants at home — it eliminates the need to reach for a keyboard or screen, and removes always-on microphone privacy concerns by listening only on button press. It works with existing smart home ecosystems (Matter, HomeKit, Sonos, Philips Hue, Alexa) and home automation platforms, making it a bridge tool rather than a locked-in system.

What to watch: Flic Mic is shipping in 2026 with limited first-batch availability; interested buyers can join a waitlist now. The device has an open API and no subscription requirement, so the real value will depend on how easily third-party developers and users can build custom automations with it.