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GE adds color lightbulbs to its Made for Google lineup
GE unveiled its first Made-for-Google lightbulbs in October last year. Now, it's expanding the range to include full-color LEDs, accessories and smart wall switches, which, like the previous bulb release, can be used without an extra hub and controlled via a single app.
Sony's smart light is now compatible with Google Assistant
Back in 2016, Sony introduced a new smart light that had humidity, motion, luminance and temperature detectors, along with an infrared controller, memory card slot, microphone and speaker. It really was the light that could do it all, and it's very customizable, meaning you can program it to do pretty much whatever you want it to. Since then, Sony has announced more integrations for the Multifunctional Light. Now, the company has announced that it's compatible with Google Assistant. The updates will start rolling out tomorrow, August 22nd.
Brace yourselves for more Alexa lamps
Alexa-enabled devices are pretty ubiquitous these days, especially speakers with the Amazon tech built in. The same can't be said of smart lamps, however, with the C by GE Sol a rare exception. Amazon just released a design reference that gives third-party manufacturers a leg up in creating their own white-box products that use Alexa. Amazon has chosen two speakers (from Junlam and Narui) and one smart lamp from Adition, each of which have been approved by Amazon.
Netgear's smart security light alerts you of unwanted guests
Netgear is taking another stride into smart home security under its Arlo banner. The company has already released a bunch of comprehensive surveillance cameras, and its latest piece of connected hardware is a wireless, outdoor security light. Like smart bulbs before it, the light hooks up to a mobile app to let you customize its color and brightness. But, you probably won't be using it to set the mood for a dinner party. Instead, it will ping you when it detects motion, and automatically turn on in the process. Thankfully, you'll be able to tinker with its sensors on your smartphone, so it doesn't blink every time a pet runs by.
Nanoleaf delivers music syncing for its Aurora smart lights
Nanoleaf's WiFi-connected Aurora smart lights are notable for their modular, customizable design plus the ability to program colorful displays via an app or control them with Apple HomeKit, Android and Amazon Alexa. Now, it's nearly ready to ship a couple of add-ons that should make the panels even more impressive for your guests. The Aurora Rhythm module plugs into the light and picks up on sounds in the room to automatically create matching light shows. You can also create animated "scenes" to play along with certain types of music, and share them with others through its app.
IKEA smart lights will play nicely with Apple HomeKit this fall (update)
IKEA's Tradfri smart lighting line is an impressive system at a relatively affordable price point, and it just got even better. Earlier this year, IKEA announced that it would be integrating Tradfri with Apple's HomeKit. Today, the Swedish furniture company pushed an update to all existing hubs that does just that. What's more, Ikea bulbs will now work with Philips devices, meaning you don't have to buy an IKEA hub if you have a Hue Bridge compatible with HomeKit. Bulbs will come in multiple colors starting in October.
Philips Hue motion sensor turns lights on for you
So you have your home all decked out with some sweet smart lights that you can control with your phone. Big deal. True convenience is when your lights turn on exactly when you need them to, without you even lifting a finger. And Philips' new motion sensor can help you achieve that. The $40 device will be available in October, and after my brief preview of the Philips Hue motion sensor, I can't wait till I can get one.
Sony's smart light turns on the TV when you enter a room
Sony is launching a connected light that performs a surprising number of chores. The "Multifunctional Light," developed using Toshiba's LED lighting tech, can (of course) output a full spectrum of light to match your mood. When it's connected to your smartphone or other WiFi device, you can also activate it remotely or set it up on a scheduled timer, like most other smart bulbs. That's just scratching the surface of this product, though. It also has built-in motion, luminance, temperature and humidity sensors, along with a memory card slot, infrared controller, speaker and microphone. For a light fixture, that lets it do a ridiculous amount of stuff.
Notti smart light does notifications and wake-up calls with style
There are already a good handful of options in the smart bulb market, but if you're after something more of a portable mood light with notification feature, then Hong Kong startup Witti may have something for you. The Notti, a project just launched on Kickstarter, is a 'polygonic' smart LED box that hooks up to your iPhone or Android phone over Bluetooth. This cool-looking device comes with a companion app that lets you set the color theme for the mood light mode, and you can do the same for specific types of notifications -- be it from e-mails, social networks, calls, messages and more. Better yet, the device also serves as a music visualizer as well as a wake-up light -- as shown in the video after the break. As for battery life, a single charge will last up to a month.
