The hub lets you connect older Philips bulbs as well as other first- or third-party accessories, like the outdoor motion sensor. The app includes helpful how-to videos that explain the bulb's extra functions, like using one as a timer (it blinks!). You can choose many colors and brightness levels, as well as preset scenes to set the mood (or you can make your own).
It comes with three or four bulbs and a Hue Bridge hub that lets you connect the bulbs to your phone or voice assistant. The Philips kit is more expensive than the Ikea one, but it's available at a variety of retailers and is compatible with most assistants. If you can visit an Ikea in person, you'll likely find options that aren't always available for delivery, like pretty vintage-style bulbs.Ĭompatible with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit We've linked to the white-spectrum bulbs below, but you can find color bulbs too. The kit itself comes with two E26 LEDs, the remote, and the gateway. It's not as convenient, but it does allow you to connect other optional gizmos to the bulb, like a wireless dimmer or a wireless motion sensor. To control these lights with your phone, the kit includes a separate hub (or "gateway," as Ikea calls it). It's small, can turn the bulb on and off, and controls colors and brightness. Controlling light bulbs from your phone has its perks, but a remote gives you more flexibility. Plus, it includes something you won't find with most of the competition: a remote. Its Tradfri smart bulb kit is an affordable and easy way to swap the lights in your home. It's only natural to see furniture giant Ikea wade into the smart home market. Works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa (The company says the requirement was there to determine the country the device was in for geo-specific services.) However, this option is a bit more expensive per bulb than the Cync, and it's harder to find from popular stores like Target. Nooie says app permissions mentioned in reviews have also been tweaked, and the app no longer requires permission to make calls. It has been updated since then, and I had no problems pairing or controlling either device. I touched the bulb after it had been on for a while-no burned fingers here.Īmazon reviews from around 2019 for both the bulb and the plug (which I also like) note issues with the app.
It's also designed to not overheat, thanks to "special cooling materials," according to Nooie's website. It has regular on/off scheduling, as well as wake-up and bedtime schedules that can dim or brighten the bulb. Its white spectrum could be larger and brighter, but it's enough to satisfy most people's needs. The Aurora offers a range of nice hues, with preset themes and the ability to make your own. Also, the lights we recommend below are not meant to be used outdoors. Note: You might run into issues using smart bulbs with dimmer switches. It's not the worst thing, but it can be a nuisance. Most bulbs can be set up separately, but some companies require you to connect a hub to your router. You might have to occasionally reconnect the bulb to the app. Make sure to leave the power switch or the wall switch turned on so the corresponding app can control the power instead.
AMBIENT LIGHT STRIP DOWNLOAD
Usually, you only need to replace a bulb and download an app.
AMBIENT LIGHT STRIP PROFESSIONAL
If you're buying lighting for an office or other professional space where pink or blue shades would be frowned upon (or you just want the most affordable bulb), we have basic options listed below.
All the color bulbs we tried have multiple white and warm settings, so if there's any chance you might want to try out colors occasionally, we recommend going with them.
AMBIENT LIGHT STRIP FULL
You'll typically see smart bulbs categorized by full color, dimmable white, and tunable white (bright white and warm tone options). Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day. This includes unlimited access to and our print magazine (if you'd like). Special offer for Gear readers: Get a 1-year subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off). Updated February 2022: We've added the Govee Lyra smart lamp and Sengled's classic bulbs to this guide. If you decide to smarten up your home even more, most of these brands have a list of other products too.ĭo you want to try voice controls? Consider getting a smart speaker or smart display. Plus, there are no cameras or door locks for someone to hack into, and no wiring to mess with. Most options are relatively cheap, and they’re easy to install. If you want to make your home just a little smarter, smart bulbs are a great place to start. Now you can control the lights, set timers and schedules, and change colors with your smartphone or your voice if you have a smart assistant-no clapping required. Remember the allure of the Clapper? No more getting out of bed to hit the light switch! It seemed cutting edge at one time, and you can still buy it, but technology has come a long way since then.
0 kommentar(er)
