One of the most common choices for individuals looking for home automation is smart lights. Smart lighting systems are ideal for creating a unique atmosphere throughout the house since they may create a distinct mood than traditional lighting systems.
You have already started the process of making a smart home, if you're considering installing just one smart light bulb. Nowadays, there are many options from which to pick when buying smart LED bulbs.
Given the technological nature of smart lighting, it is normal to assume that it will be costly. Of course, there are also pricey smart bulbs, but there are more than enough affordable options to get started with a smart home.
The functioning of lights has always been fairly simple. Smart lighting, however, has improved upon that. Since the invention of the light bulb, controlling lights remotely has actually been a fantasy that has come true and is now a reality in everyone's lives.
As soon as you put in the first few smart lights, you will be constantly tempted to purchase more for every area. If this is the case and you are now considering purchasing smart lights for your house, let's examine them to see what they are, how they function, and why you might want to use them in your house.
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What Exactly is Smart Lighting?
Smart lighting systems may be turned on and off using a standard on/off switch. It also connects to your home's Wi-Fi network, allowing you to use a smartphone app to remotely control your smart lights. What then accomplishes smart light bulbs?
The majority of smart bulb apps offer "recipes" that detail how to adjust the brightness or color of your smart lighting. You can alter the color of the lightbulb fully or change the temperature of each color separately.
Everyone loves smart lighting for its ability to be programmed to come on while they are away, giving the impression that someone is home. You can turn on the porch lights while you aren't home to ward off potential criminals because you have remote access from wherever you are.
You may control your smart lights with voice commands if they are compatible with 'Smart Home' voice assistant smart speakers like Google Home or Amazon Echo.
What Does a Smart Lighting System Require?
Prior to anything else, it's crucial to choose the platform that will be used to operate the smart lighting. The majority of solutions provide control, enabling you to schedule and group together smart lights.
Smart light schedules describe the times that the lights themselves can be turned on and off automatically. Setting a schedule on a voice assistant is the most popular method for platform-based automation of your smart lighting.
There are other options available, including Apple's Siri, Amazon's Alexa, and Google Assistant. All of these voice assistants have the ability to operate as a connected hub for your house.
It makes sense to add smart lights if you already have a voice assistant because the process is straightforward. Your smart lights will then work together with other smart devices, like thermostats, cameras, and security systems.
How Do I Configure a Smart Bulb?
Installing a smart light bulb has to be one of the simplest tasks. Just unscrew the old bulb and screw in the new smart bulb.
The smart light bulb will start working as a regular light bulb right away but with added smart characteristics. It's critical to realize that using the smart bulb's functionalities necessitates a Wi-Fi connection.
As previously mentioned, a smart bulb must be linked to a household Wi-Fi network. Some smart bulbs, however, may connect to the internet without the need for a hub or bridge.
Instead, all you need to do is screw the bulb in; the app will walk you through the rest of the procedure. Purchasing a related hub is another option to make use of the smart bulb features.
The majority of smart lighting systems revolve around a "bridge," which is a gadget that joins a wireless network and links smart lights to smartphones. One of the most widely used variants is the Philips Hue Bridge.
The Philips Hue Bridge only needs to be connected to the internet router. You can finish the configuration on the Philips Hue app once all three of the lights on the bridge are lit up. The brand of the smart bulb will, however, have an impact on how each setup is done.
Bluetooth is the final method of connecting smart bulbs. Once more, the brand of the bulb ultimately determines the setup procedure. So before syncing the smart bulb, make sure to read the instructions.
All in All
The Internet of Things (IoT) is expected to include smart lighting in the future. IoT simply refers to smart devices, smart appliances, and anything else that has an internet connection and may be interconnected. Imagine being able to access the internet from your smartphone and having access to your full morning agenda.
With simply a voice command, you could silence or snooze an alarm that goes off in the morning. And shortly after that, you'll be prompted to get out of bed by the smart window blinds opening and the smart lights turning on. There is a lot of potential for smart home developments, from toast popping up to coffee brewing.
If you're still unsure whether buying smart lights is necessary, it all depends on how convenient you want your life to be. Of course, there are still those who prefer conventional options, but the truth is that the move toward a smarter society is one that will endure.
In the end, this is the course that technology is traveling. Smart gadget connectivity is merely intended to improve the convenience of living. The first step in that way is smart lighting, which is the ideal prototype of the future that is currently available for use today.