Latest news with #smartlights
Digital Trends
2 days ago
- Digital Trends
How to set up and install smart lights
Plain-jane bulbs are so yesterday. Smart lights are in, not only because they're one of the easiest ways to enter the world of smart home tech, but also because they're one of the most affordable. Most smart lights operate in the same fundamental way; while specific instructions might vary from one to another, the following steps will hit the highlights for most brands of lights. Recommended Videos Difficulty Easy Duration 10 minutes What You Need Smart lights Mobile device Even if you aren't tech-savvy, don't worry. Setting up these lights is easy; in fact, I often recommend smart lights for first-time smart home users, as they're a great way to get started and familiarize yourself with the technology. How to set up smart lights Setting up smart lighting follows a similar process, whether you're installing a smart bulb, a set of light panels, or a light strip. The on-screen instructions in the apps will guide you through any brand-specific requirements. Step 1: Download the app and create an account. Note: Use a single account for all of your smart home devices. Many brands allow you to log in using your Gmail account. Step 2: Open the app and look for an option to "Add device" or "Set up new light." Phrasing will vary from app to app. For this example, we're using the AuraScape Smart Hexagon Panels from AIDot. Step 3: Select the device you want to set up. Depending on your app, you might be able to scan a QR code, search for nearby devices, or choose from a list of options. If your lights are not available as a selection, make sure they are in pairing mode. Step 4: After you've chosen your lights, proceed to the next step. In this case, that means connecting them to your home Wi-Fi network. Step 5: (For smart light panels only.) Select the number of panels you have connected. Step 6: Select the position of the controller in your lighting layout. Step 7: After this, some devices will prompt you to connect with a smart home assistant like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. You can also do this later. Smart lights are incredibly convenient. There's nothing like saying, "Alexa, turn off the bedroom" after you've snuggled under the covers. You can also set schedules (for example, my office lights turn on automatically at 7 AM each morning) or even have your lights react to motion. Beyond that, smart light panels and strips enhance the ambiance of a room. They can change colors, react to music, and so much more. Even in the last five years, smart lights have come a long way.
Android Authority
2 days ago
- Android Authority
The Linkind EP6 Smart Hexagon Panels turn boring walls into amazing light shows
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Have you ever seen those cool hexagon lights that YouTubers love to adorn their walls with? They look fantastic, and I always wanted some, but they can get a bit pricey. Thanks to the folks at Linkind, I finally got to test some, and the best part is that its EP6 Smart Hexagon Panels won't break the bank. Let's dive right in. Setting things up Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority First things first, you have to get these lights installed. Let me start by warning you that this process is a bit tricky and time-consuming, but that's true of basically all decorative smart lights. Making sure these are aligned perfectly and working properly takes patience, so make sure you keep your schedule clear for a while if you're going to set up these awesome-looking lights. It took me about three hours to plan, install, and set up two sets of seven hexagon lights (so, 14 hexagon panels). The good news is that the process becomes second-nature once you know what to do. Essentially, you'll have to grab the cardboard alignment boards and tape them to the wall in the order you want the lights set up. There is an alignment tool included to help you get the angles right. Then, you'll have to grab the bases, install the two-sided tape on them, and then use the other side of the tape to stick them to the wall, using the cardboard cutouts to put them all in place. Once all is set up, put the connectors in place, making sure all panels are linked. Also, make sure the power connections are hooked in; you'll need one power brick per seven light panels. Also, make sure the controller is connected somewhere. Once all that is done, you lock in the panels, connect the controller, and plug the brick (or bricks) into a wall outlet. If all goes well, they will light up, and you can connect to the system using the AiDot app. As you can see, this isn't rocket science, but it takes careful alignment, patience, and a lot of repetition. Once you get in the zone, though, it is a simple process — it just takes time. I liked that the power and controller connections can go anywhere, and the system figures things out on its own. The app will even recognize your pattern and let you customize its orientation for easier management. You can also easily expand your setup later. Simply add the new EP6 Smart Hexagon Panels and connect them to the current system. Each controller can manage up to 21 panels; again, you need a power brick per seven panels. Here's an essential piece of advice: Be careful with the connectors! They feel a bit fragile, and I damaged one of them in the process. Getting a replacement will be a time-consuming process. I can't find them on sale, so you will likely have to contact support to get extras and then wait for them to ship. Let there be light! Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Once set up and plugged in, the lights should turn on immediately. You can control them using the physical controller, but getting the AiDot app set up will let you make the most out of the Linkind EP6 Smart Hexagon Panels. You can pick between any colors, customize light panels individually (or even use different colors in a single one), choose from a wide set of presets, or even create your own. In addition, you can use the built-in mic or your device's audio to sync the lights with media. These look quite gorgeous, honestly. The colors are bright and vibrant. In fact, they do a perfectly good job of dimly lighting up my whole room. I often leave them on when awake at night. And it helps that they create a gorgeous, colorful ambiance in the room. You can see what I mean in the image below. Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority While you can use the AiDot app independently, you can also link the panels to Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Then you can control them within those apps, or use a smart speaker powered by a digital assistant. This means you can also set routines, have them interact with other smart home devices, and more. Linkind doesn't mention Matter or Thread support, however. We've asked the company about this and will update if we get a response. I do have one complaint, though. There is a buzzing electrical hum that won't go away. I've tried placing the electrical inputs in different locations, switching panels around, rebooting, and more. The hum is louder the brighter the lights are. That said, it isn't a huge deal. I usually only notice it when it's silent, but it gets easily overpowered when listening to music or playing anything on my computer. I do live in a very quiet place, though, so it can get annoying sometimes. Should you buy the Linkind EP6 Smart Hexagon Panels? Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Whenever I look at cool gadgets like these, I wonder if I would spend my hard-earned money on them. That's kind of how I measure how good they are. The Linkind EP6 Smart Hexagon Panels pack comes with seven panels and costs $139.99 MSRP at Walmart. This means that if you want something like my setup, that would be nearly $280. Discounts are common, though, so look into those. For example, at the time of writing, they are currently on sale for $94. With that in mind, I find it hard to justify paying $140 or more for cool lights. They do look amazing, though, and they work great. The biggest competitors are the Govee Glide Hexa Light Panels, which cost $189.99 for a 10-pack, or the Nanoleaf Shapes, which cost $189.99 for nine panels. Not only are the Linkind EP6 Smart Hexagon Panels cheaper from the get-go, but they are often found on sale. If you can catch a good discount, these offer more bang for your buck, and I have been enjoying them very much. In short, if you are looking for decorative wall lighting, you'll save a good chunk of change with these; they look and work great! Linkind EP6 Smart Hexagon Panels Affordable • Solid build • Bright and vibrant lighting MSRP: $139.99 Bright and affordable. The Linkind EP6 Smart Hexagon Panels are an affordable way of adding some bright and vibrant decorative shape lighting to any space. See price at Walmart Positives More affordable than competitors More affordable than competitors Solid build Solid build Bright and vibrant lighting Cons Installing a bit tricky and time-consuming Installing a bit tricky and time-consuming Slight hum at higher brightness
Gizmodo
6 days ago
- Gizmodo
Govee RGBIC Floor Lamp Hits Its Record Low Price, Create 16 Million DIY Colors With This Amazon Steal
Of the many benefits of modern-day life, one of the most underrated is good mood lighting. After all, we don't have to change the light bulb just to get a new color, and nor do we have to really put much effort in at all to change the mood. The world of smart lights and RGB lighting in general, has really helped on that front. If you're looking for a really good option, then you'll want to make the most of this 30% discount on the Govee RGBIC Floor Lamp. This sleek-looking device can help change everything about how a room feels thanks to an absurd number of colors and some really clever features. In fact, let's go ahead and talk about them. See at Amazon Vibes Only The most striking thing about this lamp is the design. There's no denying just how impressive this long, thin lamp looks, and how unassuming it isreally helps upgrade its impact when it's on as well. That's not the be-all-end-all, but it's a nice little bonus if you're someone who likes to plehttps:// surprise your guests. Of course, the big draw here is the actual lighting it offers, not the light. This lamp has an impressive 1000 lumens rating, which means it can comfortably fill a room with light. The color of that light is where things shine though, pun intended. That's because this lamp can manage 16 million different colors when you consider different shades, which means that even the pickiest of hosts can find the exact style of light they're looking for, no matter how obscure it is. Of course, you can also set it to one of the many presets dynamic scene modes to help define things, and you can even have it sync with the music that's playing to really help the immersion of everyone involved and bring entertainment to a whole new level. You can control it all, not only using the app, but with your voice, with most major smart assistants as well. This helps it really slot into smart home setups, and allows it to better fit your needs. It just means that it's not a hassle for most people to actually install it, especially as you can easily move it from place to place and room to room. This is a very popular lamp, so being able to get it for $70, instead of the usual $100, is a great chance that you shouldn't miss out on. See at Amazon
CNET
6 days ago
- Business
- CNET
Amazon Deals of the Day: Light Up Your Home With Four TP-Link Smart Bulbs for Just $5 Each
Amazon sells a wide array of products, with new ones arriving across categories like home essentials, tech gear and wellness items daily. As much as the retailer giant loves adding new products, Amazon also loves cutting prices. But deciding which deals are worth grabbing (and which aren't) is a full-time job -- our job, specifically. That's why we scope out the top deals for you. Today, we spotted a four-pack of Tapo TP-Link smart light bulbs down to just $20, which brings the cost to only $5 each. We also found the Kasa tilt indoor security camera down to its record low price of $20 as well. And finally, there's nothing like golfing in the summer. Enjoy a record low price on the RedTiger golf rangefinder, saving you $67. Smart lights can greatly impact how your home looks and feels. A great affordable option are the Tapo TP-link A19 smart light bulbs. These bulbs have an added white LED bulb to help produce more exact colors. It has a color rendering index of greater than 90, meaning you'll be able to see more accurate colors and even reduce the strain and fatigue on your eyes with an adjustable brightness down down to just 16 lumens. You can turn the lights on and off from your phone and even set a schedule so they're on when you come home. And with away mode, it'll turn the lights on and off at random intervals to give the illusion that someone is home. You can score a four-pack of these smart bulbs now for just $20. That's a savings of $10 and drops each bulb down to five bucks. Just make sure to use code 2TAPO800LM to get the full discount. Another great upgrade you can make to your house is an indoor security camera. Most of us have some version of video surveillance outside either though a video doorbell or a security camera, but what about the inside? The Kasa indoor pan/tilt camera is a great simple option. It has a decently clear HD resolution. It also has 360-degree rotation with 113-degree vertical tilt, giving you a full, clear view. Plus, the night vision feature can help you ensure everything is at it should be at night. One of my favorite features is the motion detection that sends alerts right to your phone when it notices activity. Plus, it supports two-way audio so you can easily chat with someone on the other end. Normally $30, you can score one at a record low of just 20 bucks right now. Summer is in full swing and so are you on the golf course. For those that golf, you know a rangefinder can be a pretty essential tool while you're out on the course. The RedTiger golf rangefinder is equipped with 7X magnification and a range of five to 1,200 yards. It gives you a pretty high accuracy of +/-0.5 yards. This rangefinder also comes with a slope switch. This means the ballistic distance and degree of angle will only be displayed when the Slope switch is on. The rangefinder can be used a whopping 30,000 times per full charge so you don't have to worry about constantly having the charger on you. It normally runs for $160 but right now you can score over 40% off which brings the price down to $93, a record low. With so many deals on Amazon, deciding which ones are worth your money can be difficult. But CNET's combed through what the world's largest online retailer has to offer and gathered the best deals for you to peruse.
CNET
03-06-2025
- Business
- CNET
This Philips Hue Accessory Is a Game Changer for Light Control
Philips Hue smart lights consistently rank well on CNET's list of the best smart lights out there. As someone who has collected these over the years, I love how efficient they are, but controlling them typically means I need to reach for my smartphone or bark a voice command into a smart speaker, smart display or my smartwatch. While these options are great, having so many ways to control my lights has made my overall smart lighting experience feel like a bit of a mess. Luckily, I found the perfect accessory to control my lights that I can't live without now. I can find other brands of smart lights at much cheaper prices these days, but Philips Hue is perhaps the most well-known smart light brand, and offers a solid lineup of indoor and outdoor smart lighting. Whether I want my lighting tucked away or I'm looking for unique lights that are designed to be shown off, Hue's got them. It's not just about the bulbs. The Hue line also has a large assortment of accessories. To me, the best is the Philips Hue Tap Dial. Available in black or white and priced at $50, the Tap Dial is a small puck-shaped light controller with buttons you can press and a dial you can twist, giving it a "smart analog" vibe. It lets you easily control multiple smart lights at once without having to use voice control. Right now the white version bundled with a smart dimmer is discounted by 7% on Amazon, bringing the price down to $72. It's a very minor discount, yes, but it's rarely ever on sale. Plus, I'd recommend it to anyone with Hue lights, even when it's at full price. For more, don't miss our roundup of the best smart home deals overall. On the surface, the Tap Dial is a simple way to control your lights Spending $50 on a glorified light switch (or $72 on the bundle) may seem like a bit much, especially when you consider that it's nearly the same price as a single Philips Hue 75-watt White and Color Ambiance bulb. If you're like me and firmly steeped in the Hue ecosystem, you've likely already come to terms with the fact that it's an expensive ecosystem to be in. The customization options for this little guy will have tinkerers excited, and I believe it's definitely worth its price. The Dial looks like a hockey puck with four buttons on the face, with a rotating outer wheel to brighten or dim your lights. The four buttons each have little dots numbered 1 to 4, so you can feel which button you're pressing, even in the dark. It's fairly small and not a chore to bring it room to room if you so desire. You can place it on a wall inside of the included wall mount to use like a typical light switch. It's magnetic, so you can stick it on your fridge or some other metal surface. The customization options for the Tap Dial are extensive. Blake Stimac/CNET Under the hood, the Tap Dial is a dream for tinkerers You'd think that setup for this little device would be simple, with only a few options involved, but you'd be wrong. The settings for the Tap Dial can be a bit complex and can require some tinkering to get just right, especially if you have multiple scenes you want to go through. Either I completely missed the function in the app, or within the nearly two years I've had the dial, Philips resolved my main gripe. I'm not sure which is true, but my biggest annoyance was that I believed you could only use the Tap Dial for one room or "zone" in your home. While this may have always been how the device functioned, this has now been resolved (in my mind) and you can assign each button to a different room or zone. The twist-to-dim function can only be assigned to one room at a time, which makes sense. To set up, you'll head to the Hue app, then go to Settings > Accessories and select your Tap Dial. From there, you can assign functions to each of the buttons. First, you'll need to choose whether the button is going to control your lights or automation. If you choose the former, you'll need to choose the button behavior when you press it: Time-based light : Lighting based on the time of day or based on a customized timetable of your choosing. : Lighting based on the time of day or based on a customized timetable of your choosing. Scene cycle : Choose a primary scene that will always start upon a button press. Continue pressing to cycle through additional light scenes. : Choose a primary scene that will always start upon a button press. Continue pressing to cycle through additional light scenes. Single scene : Always only the same scene on button press. : Always only the same scene on button press. Lights off: Selected lights turn off when the button is pressed. By default, pressing and holding any of the buttons will turn off the lights assigned to it, but you can opt for turning all the lights off in your entire home or for it to do nothing. There's also an advanced "smart on/off" option, which I haven't dabbled with yet. After you've customized the buttons to your liking, your last stop is to choose what the twist dial does, or what else it does, other than brightening or dimming your lights. There are only two options here, and both are easy to tweak. The first is choosing if you want to be able to turn your lights off completely with the dial or have them go down to the minimum brightness only as you twist to dim them. The second gives you the option to set a specific scene that will turn on if you twist the dial when the lights are off. You can make your setup as simple or complex as you'd like, making the Tap Dial approachable for anyone. The Hue Tap Dial makes a great gift There's a good chance that someone isn't going to run out and drop a bunch of money on Hue lights after receiving this as a gift. The Tap Dial is easy to use, but the value it brings comes with the customization you can do with it. Still, you don't have to want to jump into all the settings to make the Dial worth it. As I said above, it's an approachable device for anyone since you can make it as simple or as complex as you'd like. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. If you know someone who already has a Hue setup in their home, this would be a great addition. Plus, if they love to dig into the settings or are self-described tinkerers, then this is definitely something worth considering. If you aren't sure if someone has Hue lights, then the Tap Dial would be an even better gift when paired with a new bulb.
