Hive adds smart lightbulbs to its connected home lineup
As promised, British Gas is slowly building out the Hive ecosystem.
British Gas' connected home brand Hive expanded beyond smart thermostats to plugs and motion sensors earlier this year. As was always the plan, the product range has grown a little bigger today with the launch of Hive Active Lights. These smart bulbs are controlled via the existing Hive app for iOS, Android and Windows Phone, and since they talk directly to your router through the Hive Hub, can be fiddled with anywhere you have an internet connection. In addition to on/off and dimming commands, you can also create schedules if, say, you want your lights to come on at night while you're away on your summer hols.
The smart bulbs are available to purchase from today directly through Hive, Amazon and several other retailers including Maplin. A single screw or bayonet Active Light will set you back £19, though three- and five-packs are also on offer for £49 and £79, respectively. Existing Hive customers can also take advantage of a 10 percent discount if they purchase direct before July 31st, but if you haven't bought into the connected ecosystem already, bear in mind you'll need the £80 Hive Hub to get the bulbs parleying with your home router.
