Smart bulbs are innovative products that can be remotely controlled with internet-enabled smart devices. You can find these bulbs with advanced systems in smart homes which have become very popular in recent times.
Smart bulbs are products categorized under the Internet of Things (IoT). It is a phenomenon which promotes the use of the internet to control gadgets and systems that were previously manually controlled by users. The common smart bulbs you will find in the market are LED bulbs which also have extensive energy saving capabilities.
What is a Smart Light Bulb?
How do smart bulbs work?
First, the smart systems need to be installed in a home before the smart bulbs can work. Alternatively, you can find independent systems that support the functions of smart bulbs with the use of mobile apps. These products do not depend on the smart home controls; instead, they can be controlled with smartphones that have the apps running.
When installed, smart bulbs can be controlled remotely in different ways. For example, you can alter the intensity of illumination from the smart bulbs by setting the controls on the mobile app. These settings can be changed based on factors such as the weather, time of the day, or your activities in the home.
When activated, smart bulbs receive signals from the home controls or mobile apps installed on your smartphone. These signals are interpreted by the microprocessors on the smart bulbs to perform the command. For example, you can send a command to dim the light or make it brighter to give more illumination in the room.
The smart bulbs are remotely controlled with the use of Bluetooth connectivity or Wi-Fi in homes. The apps installed on smartphones or other devices to control smart bulbs are compatible with these wireless connectivity options.
Many users of smart bulbs have shown their preference for activating and remotely controlling smart bulbs through voice commands. This is possible by integrating smart bulb systems with personal assistants that work with artificial intelligence such as Alexa, or Apple’s Siri.
Energy consumption of smart bulbs
The smart bulbs consume less energy than other regular bulbs you can find in the market. This is one of the reasons they have become very popular. Smart bulbs, however, cost more than the traditional light bulbs. But there is a catch.
The engineering and technology that has been used to develop smart bulbs make them last longer. This means you can install smart bulbs and save energy costs. This benefit can be enjoyed for as long as ten years, which is the average life expectancy of many smart bulb brands.
The technology used in the manufacture of smart bulbs is similar to many types of interactive and voice control technology we have today. The inventors of these bulbs have made it possible for the products to be easily incorporated into our daily lifestyle without the need to introduce new systems or change old fittings. Now, you can control your smart bulbs with your smartphones, tablets, or laptops.
Smart bulbs are also integrated with the security systems installed in homes. They can be remotely controlled by these systems to turn on or shut down when necessary. These features also promote the energy-saving capabilities of smart bulbs.
Controlling your smart bulb
There are two main options for controlling the features of your smart bulb. You could choose to connect it to your smart control systems such as the app on your smartphone or other devices via the internet or Bluetooth. There are however some considerations.
If you decide to use the Bluetooth connectivity option to control your smart bulbs, you will only be able to send the wireless commands when you are in your home. For example, you can increase the illumination from your smart bulb or dim the light from any part of your home. If you leave your home, and move away from the Bluetooth range, you will not be able to control your smart bulb any longer. Thus, there is a slight limitation, but you can get over this by setting the controls before leaving your home.
On the other hand, the wireless connectivity option for your smart bulbs gives you control over the entire system from any location. All you need is access to the internet. This system would give you more control over your light bulbs, even if you forgot to dim the lights before leaving your home.
Benefits of smart bulbs
Let’s discuss some of the fascinating features that have made the smart bulbs so popular.
Customizable features
The ease at which smart bulbs can be customized to fit your lifestyle is an attractive feature. You can set the light intensity in different ways during the day or at night. For example, you can set the light to go dim, or change color at a particular time of the night, when you need to go to sleep.
Smart bulbs can also be set to glow in different colors depending on your preferences. However, if you want this feature, please confirm the product you are buying can illuminate your room in different colors when it is in use.
Convenience
The possibility of integrating your smart bulbs with your smart home system makes them convenient. You can take advantage of the voice recognition technology to activate and control your smart bulbs with voice commands. This feature can be used when you are leaving your home or coming in after work.
Energy saving features
LED smart bulbs consume minimal energy. You can have lower energy bills when all your lights are LED smart bulbs. This helps you save costs from energy bills. Smart bulbs also last long.
Smart controls
You can set and control your smart bulb settings from your smartphones through apps, laptops, or tablets. These systems are easy to learn and use, so everyone in the family can enjoy the features of smart bulbs.
Some common brands of smart bulbs you will find in the market are Philips smart bulbs, LIFX Wi-Fi LED smart bulbs, and the Eufy Lumos smart bulbs, among other brands.