If this is your first time exploring the
world of smart bulbs, there are a few things you should know.
If your landlord doesn't give you permission to install switches, it's safer to go the
way of the smart bulb.
Most people
think of smart bulbs when they think of connected lighting, but we're now starting to see connected lighting applications outside the bulb.
The options available through the C app are fairly limited in
terms of smart bulb functionality, but the clarity and brightness of the bulbs is top - notch.
If you already have a
couple of smart bulbs or a smart - home system installed, however, you may be stuck with a specific brand or technology.
Obviously, not every single
one of my smart bulbs is on for 8 hours every day, so the actual cost is probably a bit lower.
If there's any doubt in your mind about installing smart switches, hire a professional or go the
way of the smart bulb.
LIFX offers a
range of smart bulb selections for indoor and outdoor use that are compatible with Alexa.
The basic set, which includes a central hub, remote, and a
pair of the smart bulbs runs right around $ 85, which is impulse buy territory for anyone interested in making their living space a little more high - tech.
Lighting was the first type of smart home gadget made compatible with the Amazon Echo, and the sheer
number of smart bulbs (and switches, dimmers, and outlets) that work with Alexa show just how far Amazon has come.
We've seen dozens
of smart bulbs in the past from companies like LIFX, Element and Philips, but the difference here is the design aesthetic and the direct access to Alexa.
We debated including any of Feit Electric's Intellibulbs in this category, because they technically don't fit our
definition of a smart bulb.
If you're not worried about remote control and like the
idea of a smart bulb that's incredibly easy to use, the C - Life by GE is a clear winner.
However, smart lighting takes an even further step forward, and Philips is leading the way with its Hue
lineup of smart bulbs.
As the underlying pre-shared key was never changed, all the white - hat guys had to do to gain access was to set up a similar circuit board simulating one
of the smart bulbs asking to join the network.
Earlier this month, Amazon updated Alexa to be able to change the
color of smart bulbs from Philips Hue, LifX and TP - Link.
Further, given the quality and the ease with which you can both add third party bulbs to the Philips Hue Bridge and control them with the Hue software there's little reason not to expand your
stable of smart bulbs in such an economical fashion.
While Philips Hue has long been the market leader in the smart bulb space, our favorite has always been the LiFX
series of smart bulbs — they're easy to setup and, considering how temperamental smart home tech can be, pretty reliable, too.
As fas as we can tell, no other manufacturer makes such a wide range
of smart bulb types as Philips, so if you're considering installing some DIY smart lighting in your space, we highly recommend you go Hue or go home.
In the
world of smart bulbs — especially when we're talking about SIMPLE smart home lighting systems, there's one stand out brand: Phillips hue.
As the company whose founder invented the light bulb, it's only natural that GE has its own
line of smart bulbs.
Smart lighting that can help to reduce energy bills is useful for both home and business users, and Philips dominates the lighting market with its Hue
range of smart bulbs, lamps and other devices.
But the bridge on the Philips Hue bulb can be used to operate up to 50 bulbs in one home, making it an investment that you can use to slowly increase the
number of smart bulbs you use.
In the hardware segment, Cube26 aims to strengthen its presence in the smart home segment with a new
version of smart bulb - Reos Lite.
The Insteon Hub is compatible with a
variety of smart bulbs, plugs, wireless sensors, security cameras, wall switches, and more.
Philips Hue is a line
of smart bulbs and lamps that fit most fixtures and can be programmed to match any home - theatre environment, with up to 16 million colours and combinations to choose from.
In the world
of smart bulbs - especially when we're talking about SIMPLE smart home lighting systems, there's one stand out brand: Phillips hue.
Google Home is also compatible with TP - Link's line
of smart bulbs, including both white - light bulbs and the color - changing bulb seen here.
Of them all, however, we think the best smart light bulbs are Philips Hue range
of smart bulbs.
Here are
some of the smart bulbs that make that possible.