Smart Bulb Help

activ8newbs on 21/12/2016 - 16:34

Hi All,

I like the concept of Smart Bulbs (e.g. Philips Hue and Lyf FX or whatever they're called). My only problem is that I don't know much about them.

I need a bedside table lamp in my room (Or some sort of lamp that is enough to illuminate the whole room at night). Will any of these smart bulbs be suitable?

Which is the best and cheapest option?

I imagine I only need 1. Also, I'm an android user (in case it makes any difference). Also, I use chromecast a lot and plan to control the smart bulb through the IF THIS THEN THAT (IFTTT) app.

Recommendations? How much can I expect to pay? Will it be bright enough to light up my average sized room? Thanks.

General Discussion

Comments

  • retiredfeline on 21/12/2016 - 16:37
    +1

    The idea of a smart bulb is to be able to vary the colour of the light. I doubt if that is necessary in a bedside lamp. Why not just save your money and use a conventional LED or CF lamp? And what's with the smartphone? Is it that hard to reach over and flip the switch or touch the lamp?

    • activ8newbs on 21/12/2016 - 16:54

      I guess it would be a bit cool to vary the colour of the light. Having said that, I wouldn't pay a huge premium just to do that…so I guess you're right.

      How much does a basic setup go for? There are too many variations and I can't figure out which parts I need for a BASIC setup. One lamp controlled via smart phone. Honestly I'd probably use the manual switch on a day to day (assuming there's a manual switch…btw if there's no manual switch to flick it would be a deal breaker for me and I wouldn't purchase). But sometimes i guess if I watch a movie on the TV in my room, I'd probably not mind a dim ambient background light?

      Not sure…. the more I type the more stupid I sound lol

      • scrimshaw on 21/12/2016 - 17:54

        Xiaomi produces a lot of cheap LED light bulbs. Look on Aliexpress or Gearbest for "Xiaomi Yeelight LED bulb", they are dirt cheap and cost less than $16 ea for the first generation product. It needs a Zigbee control box however and is clearly the inferior product.
        http://www.gearbest.com/smart-light-bulb/pp_278478.html

        The second gen product has Bluetooth control added for direct pairing with a smartphone / tablet and there is a RGB color changing variant which costs a little more
        https://www.ozbargain.com.au/product/xiaomi-yeelight-ii

        Q: What are the Yeelight Blue characteristics?
        1. smart phone control;
        2. Bluetooth 4.0 technology, without control box;
        3. RGB color LED, you can adjust the color brightness;
        4. Mobile application software can accomplish more functions to take color photos, music and interaction.

        Q: Compared with the light of generation 1, what is the difference?
        The first generation Yeelight using Zigbee technology, you need to install a control box can achieve control. The latest Bluetooth 4.0 technology Yeelight Blue, your phone can be controlled directly on the bulb, without additional installation of the control box.

  • pantsparty on 21/12/2016 - 16:42
    +1

    I just buy a normal light globe and flick the switch using my hand. Couldn't you do the same and save lots of money? Or do you want a colourful globe to spice up your love life?

    • activ8newbs on 21/12/2016 - 16:59

      "Love life"?

      Stop using big words…I'm not familiar with all that jargon.

      LOL but yeah you're right. I'd probably pay $30 for a fully functioning light that suits my purpose PLUS has the capacity to change colours and change brightness etc.

  • apple2016 on 21/12/2016 - 16:53

    Which is the best and cheapest option?

    get a bed side lamp from bunning (you missed the master sale). maybe dimmable.

    • activ8newbs on 21/12/2016 - 16:55

      Thanks mate - There's still an open masters near me Rouse Hill (If im not wrong), I'll go visit them.

      Thanks

      Also, how much do they go for?

  • Randxyz123 on 21/12/2016 - 17:29

    I bought a Flux bluetooth bulb for my college dorm while I've been in the states. I really liked it.

    I could turn my main light off and use my phone to turn my floor lamp off. It only cost me US$20 so it was a cheap alternative to the Belkin option which to be honest the only reason I didn't buy one was because it needs the hub connected to your wifi basestation which wasn't possible while I was staying on campus.

    It was $20 for a reason though. It didn't work nearly as well as the demos I've seen of the Belkin/Phillips options.

  • readeral on 21/12/2016 - 19:01
    +1

    If you want to use IFTTT forget bluetooth. You want that to be independent of your smartphone if you can manage it, so you'd be looking at a WIFI connected option. Otherwise you'll find IFTTT would be (more) unreliable.

    Bluetooth doesn't need to mean connected to smartphone, but you're looking at the cost of a RPi3 and the time to set it all up.

    I have Philips Hue in our bedroom, one either side of the bed. The colour changing option is fantastic as we use it as 'wake up' lights - moving from deep dark colour right through to bright white light. It's quite a nice natural wake up. The effect isn't quite the same if not changing through colours. One is bright enough to light our room but two is nicer.

    The cost of entry for Hue is pretty high, as you need a hub. If you're only after one light, LIFX is probably your best bet. They have coupons you can use that come up regularly enough, and it doesn't need a hub to work, but is still Wifi capable.

    • readeral on 21/12/2016 - 19:02

      (FWIW, I use 'Flic' buttons to control my Hue lights, and they're not paired with my smartphone but with a RPi3. Means I can still operate my lights without needing to have battery in my phone. The cost to set all that up though is prohibitive for just one light)

  • StickMan on 22/12/2016 - 01:06

    Just go to eBay and find an LED multicolour with remote. <$20 delivered, remote, colour/brightness control, and can even have it cycle through the spectrum. Done.

  • ravenit on 31/12/2016 - 21:33

    I went Philips Hue, 6 globes so far, a light strip, the Bridge and motion detector. All integrated with the google home.
    I have used the home since christmas and wow. Its transformed how we do things.
    Turning Hue lights on and off changing colours.
    The motion detector is used for stairs and hall way. A bit of a review here here on the Hue Starter pack.
    Expensive to start off but we are just buying a few bits every few months.
    Need some more motion detectors and strip lights.

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