Smart (Wifi) Lights (Philips Hue, et al)

[Mr. 82]

So I finally looked into where the tech is going with wifi connected home stuff, and stumbled upon what are called "Smart Lights".  I went out to Wal-Mart this afternoon and got the starter kit, which supplies you with the bridge, which you connect to your router, and two bulbs.  You insert the bulb into any light socket or lamp, turn it on, download the app, and now you can control that bulb from the Philips Hue App.  I had previously bought a wifi controlled plugin that I use to turn on and off my living room lights on a timer, which also can be turned on from an app on my phone as well.

The Philips Hue is a little different as you don't need a special plug to the light, but it actually works through the bulb itself, which you then control from the app (as long as you leave the power on).  The Philips Hue also offers outdoor flood lights, which I am going to invest in and have them installed around the house, and then I can control the flood lights from my phone, and probably just put them on a timer.

Does anyone use the Philips Hue, or some other smart light type of device around their home?  Since I am just getting started with this I'd be curious of anyone else's experience/feedback/opinion on how it has worked (good or bad) for you.

[PlaidJacket]

I've had smart lights in my home for years. I use a thing called dimmers. 

[THEZIPR23]

I have smart plugs but no lights as of yet. The plugs work very well. 

[Shankster]

My mother in law has a damn Alexa thing in every room in her house. I want to stomp on them every time I am there. My kids constantly are saying Alexa, alexa.... play the most hideous rap song you can find.

But as far as other stuff goes. I am a huge fan of smart water heaters, smart thermostats, and smart fire/smoke alarms.

I had though about the lights. But we like the filament look and feel with warm light in the house. Regular “filament” led’s get the job done.

[Peterpc2828]

I have bulbs from LIFX, they connect via WiFi with no additional hubs needed, it works off the app, they make a few different sizes and a unique feature on some bulbs is night vision which basically enhances security cameras indoor or outdoor that use night vision. I’m a fan as there are also various interactive and holiday themed features built into the app like spooky or strobe light or candle light. I recommend though in my opinion a bit expensive but I guess any of these types of bulbs are higher priced.


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[TSauer]

I've got the Hue ecosystem in my house. Man, they're expensive, but they're awesome. Bunch of bulbs and a couple light strips, one behind the TV and ran a few under my cabinets. Also have some of the Kasa smart plugs to automate some of my outlets, which I mainly used for Christmas light timers.

 

 

Had a Nest smart thermometer last year but ended up getting rid of it. I've been considering picking up a smart lock, just haven't made it around to it yet. I run all of my stuff off of Google Home. There are some pretty neat things you can do once you really dive into it all.

 

[PMookie]

We bought my son a couple for Christmas. He can change the color on them, so he has “mood” lighting behind his tv. Pretty cool.


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[tony@CIC]

9 hours ago, TSauer said:

I've got the Hue ecosystem in my house. Man, they're expensive, but they're awesome. Bunch of bulbs and a couple light strips, one behind the TV and ran a few under my cabinets. Also have some of the Kasa smart plugs to automate some of my outlets, which I mainly used for Christmas light timers.

 

 

Had a Nest smart thermometer last year but ended up getting rid of it. I've been considering picking up a smart lock, just haven't made it around to it yet. I run all of my stuff off of Google Home. There are some pretty neat things you can do once you really dive into it all.

 

Why did you get rid of the Nest? 

[TSauer]

Why did you get rid of the Nest? 

It wasn't compatible with the SmartThings Hub I was using at the time. I will probably end up getting another one down the road, either Nest or Ecobee.

If you are interested in getting one, check with your electric company, as they sometimes offer rebates for buying and installing one. I was able to get a $100 rebate through mine.

[Kor.A.Door]

My son has multiple hue items. I don’t have a clue how to work them, but it’s what he likes so. The  nice thing is that ifhe leaves his light on, he can turn it off with his phone