Recently got into the IFTTT world with Google Home and playing about with automation which is good fun. I’ve been toying with the idea of smart bulbs for a few weeks, I know Philips Hue are the top rated ones out there and are expensive too but I wanted to go for an option that does not require a ‘bridge’ and LIFX seems like a good candidate for that.
I guess what I’m wondering is (as these bulbs can be 20-30 quid a pop), is it worth it or just a gimmick?
Not had a bad experience with Hue… (although still to replace all my lights with them), got them on a “turn on at sunset” script and a turn off at 11pm (to tell us to get moving to bed )
Eventually all the lights in my house will be hue bulbs
@nickh when you mention difference in cost are you referring to the price of the bulb or the electricity bill?
All:
In terms of features/functionality, do you get a lot of use out of the colours? Or set up any conditions for example, ‘if it rains turn the lights cyan’ or ‘if the timer is up on google home, blink the light bulbs’?
If I were to go for Philips Hue, what does the Bridge require, a direct line into the router via ethernet? Or can it connect via WiFi and just needs a power source?
The initial cost of the bulb, vs having to change a typical bulb X amount of times over the lifespan of 1 Hue (or other smart bulb).
The only time the colours get used are at Halloween… But hooking it up with a sound system that syncs the colours with horror scenes is absolutely amazing.
Note - The neighbours will hate you and children will forever be afraid… It’s a win win all around.
I have had them for several years and what I have found works best for me is other than hallways to not use them as the main room light. Reason being is in these rooms you tend to use the wall switch more often, and when they are off from the wall then you can’t control them.
In the hallway I have them paired with motion sensors, essentially when they detect motion they turn the lights on when the room is dark (the motions sensors also have light sensors). I can also vary how bright they go depending on the time of day. For example after 11pm if i walk through the hall the light will only come on to a dimmed level.
I also have them in every light in the house or where we have spot lights for mood effects. Simplest use case being they start to come on as the sun sets to a nice dimmed level throughout the house.
I’ve got Hue in all the rooms (the coloured versions), and watching the house light up in purples and reds, syncing and flashing in time with creepy music is amazing!
