Smart lamp: features of use, types, device + review of the best light bulb models

LED smart lamp has been a trend for the last few years. It is a device that is equipped with a number of additional modules and sensors.As a result, the lighting device becomes an order of magnitude more functional, safe, flexible in operation and helps save a significant amount of energy.

You will learn everything about the design and organization of an innovative control scheme for home, office or country lighting systems from the article we propose. We will talk about how smart devices are operated and their operating schedule is programmed. For consumers interested in purchasing, we present a rating of popular types.

Types of LED Smart Bulbs

All models on the market are divided into two main categories. The first includes models that determine the presence of a person in the room using motion sensors. Their operation is completely autonomous, which simplifies their operation.

The second type is smart lighting, controlled using a smartphone, for which a special application is used. Manufacturers offer models that harmoniously combine both of the above categories.

They can be precisely adjusted using the program - set the brightness, select the color and specify the method of operation. And then turn on automatic mode. As a result, the lamp will work completely autonomously with user settings.

Devices can be divided into types depending on functionality. Some of them work for some time without electricity, for which they are equipped with an internal battery. Models with voice control are in demand, which allows you to turn the lighting on or off by just saying one specific phrase.

Smart lighting devices can come in a wide variety of shapes. For example, “pear”, “ball”, “candle”, etc. In addition, they are made with a wide variety of bases. It can be E14, E27 and others

Subtleties of connecting smart lighting

Companies such as Philips, LG and many others produce smart LED lamps. Each of them tries to offer the buyer a universal device that allows them to be controlled using a remote control or smartphone, adjust luminosity parameters and a number of other functions.

At the same time, manufacturers are constantly improving the smart lighting equipment they produce, offering people to take advantage of a greater number of opportunities. Unlike connecting a standard lighting lamp, smart models require a slightly different approach.

So, to start using a smart light bulb, you should:

1. Screw it into the base and turn it on. The vast majority of models produce warm white light by default.
2. Connect to the device using a smartphone on Android or iOS — the Bluetooth module built into the phone is used. This is necessary to accurately adjust the operation of the lamp and reveal its full potential.
3. Set up smart lighting using the app. Typically, manufacturers release specialized software where you can quickly and conveniently change the brightness or enable any additional effects.

Many models boast the presence of modes such as pulsation or iridescent colors with a gradual change in speed. But it is important to consider that functionality depends entirely on the selected lamp model.

Smart lighting can operate without human intervention. This is ensured by motion sensors. That is, as soon as the owner enters the room, the lamp immediately turns on. This design solution helps reduce energy consumption and, accordingly, electricity bills

If the model is connected using a wireless network such as Wi-Fi, then in this case the technique changes slightly. The lighting device has its own IP address, which is used for control.

After connection, the user has the opportunity to adjust the on/off schedule to suit himself. And also make the light brighter or, conversely, dim, or activate one of the built-in operating modes.

Design and operating principle

Essentially, smart lighting consists of a lighting device and a system that controls it. The light bulb runs on LEDs, which is in greatest demand today. After all, the diode consumes a minimal amount of electricity and emits a large amount of light.

The control system consists of the following components:

• microcontroller;
• receiver;
• sensors and sensors that help monitor the condition of the device.

Unlike standard incandescent light bulbs their smart analogs allow you to fully control the operation of the entire system. Connection via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi wireless networks makes it possible to adjust lighting from any convenient place in the house. All you need is a smartphone, tablet or laptop.

The main components of a smart lamp are an E27 base, a matte plexiglass cap, and an aluminum ribbed base that provides rigidity and better heat dissipation. Inside the device there are many LEDs, a transformer, a controller and a Bluetooth or Wi-FI module. The model can also be equipped with a microphone or camera

Distinctive features and scope of application

A smart lighting system, unlike its classic counterparts, provides the opportunity to create an intelligent environment that is completely customized to the needs of its owner. The functionality of such devices is simply enormous.

For example, a particularly useful solution would be a mode that simulates the presence of the owner, which will help protect the house from thieves in the event of departure. Professional designers love smart lamps. With their help, they harmoniously complement the interior, highlighting some details with light and hiding others in the shadows. The most comfortable design is formed.

The list of features should include the ability of the device to adjust the lighting in the room automatically. Thanks to the optical sensor, the lamp adapts to the external environment, selecting the desired brightness.

An acoustic sensor that responds to noise in a certain area would be useful. After that, he turns on the light bulb for a while.

If the model is equipped with an infrared sensor, the device will remain turned on until the person leaves the room. As soon as he leaves the room, it turns off automatically

The scope of use of smart light bulbs is not limited to their use in a house or apartment. They will be an ideal solution for lighting streets, entertainment venues, as well as social facilities such as an airport or railway station.

Smart lighting will add pleasant moments to the life of a modern person:

1. The device can wake up the owner in the morning using a special alarm clock. Now you can wake up not from an annoying melody, but from a softly turning on light.
2. The device can become part of a smart home system. As a component of a single network, it exchanges information with other light sources and equipment. This allows you to create a comfortable atmosphere for people and save the maximum amount of electricity.
3. The user can configure the lamp to operate in different modes. An excellent solution would be to choose lighting for the morning, lunch, romantic dinner or watching a movie.

Lighting affects a person’s performance, mood and well-being. Therefore, smart lamp algorithms take into account all biological and emotional factors. That is, by adjusting the lighting, they help the user concentrate, relax or improve the mood of the user.

Smart lighting has earned popularity among millions of customers since its introduction. The secret of success lies in simply a huge list of functions that solve a whole range of problems

Advantages and disadvantages of smart lighting

To be sure that smart light bulbs are a good investment, we need to take a closer look at their pros and cons. Yes, the cost of such lighting equipment is quite high, but compared to classic lighting devices they have a number of advantages.

The list of benefits should include the following:

• performing security functions;
• practicality and a large set of modes;
• efficiency;
• automatic adjustment of lighting in the room;
• remote control using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module;
• adjustment to the owner’s condition and tasks.

The disadvantages include the possibility of the light bulb being hacked by hackers. At the same time, its design is quite complex, which significantly increases the risk of breakdown and reduces its service life. This problem can be solved by purchasing a device from a trusted manufacturer.

Rating of the best models

The range of high-tech lighting products is regularly expanding. Manufacturers are constantly improving their design, adding new features and making their products more interesting and easier to use.

Choosing the right smart device from so many models is quite difficult. To do this, let’s highlight five that really deserve attention.

The secret to success of Insteon LED Bulb

If you need a simple and not too expensive smart product, then you should pay attention to the Insteon LED Bulb. The model allows you to change the brightness level, as well as combine several pieces into a single system.

You can control Insteon LED Bulb using a smartphone or tablet running Android or iOS. A special application provides flexible settings. At the same time, the software has an intuitive interface, so there will definitely be no problems with adjusting the lighting

Among the advantages of the model, one should highlight its durability. It will shine for more than 52,000 hours. That's about 17 years of working 8 hours a day, which is absolutely amazing.

The power of Insteon LED Bulb is 8 W. It is analogous to a 60 W incandescent lamp. The price is quite low and stopped at 2,500 rubles.

Cheapness and functionality of Luminous BT Smart Bulb

The reason for the popularity of Luminous BT Smart Bulb is its extensive functionality. First of all, it provides the ability to adjust the brightness level, set color temperature, as well as connect several devices into a single system.

A mode that deserves attention is the synchronization of music and lamp luminosity. Therefore, organizing a real disco will not be difficult. Even if the lamp is installed in a large house, it can still be controlled from absolutely any room. After all, the “range” of the radio signal reaches 40 meters.

Luminous BT Smart Bulb is controlled using software for iOS and Android. It can indicate all characteristics, starting from color and ending with setting the operating time of the lighting device. An interesting solution on the part of the manufacturer was to implement the function of gradually increasing and decreasing brightness when the lamp is turned on and off, respectively.

The model has an impressive power of 12 W, as for LED devices. The cost of Luminous BT Smart Bulb is affordable and in most stores does not exceed 2,000 rubles. Therefore, we can say that the lamp has an ideal price-quality ratio

Simplicity and elegance of Drift

The first thing that catches your eye when examining the Drift model is its original design. The lamp body is black with bluish inserts. It will fit perfectly into absolutely any interior, be it luxurious classic or strict modern.

As for the functionality, it is not rich. But a small number of three modes greatly simplifies control. Operation is controlled by pressing the most common switch.

If you press three times in a row, the light will gradually go out over 37 minutes. According to the manufacturer, this mode simulates a natural sunset. This has a beneficial effect on a person’s well-being and allows him to fall asleep faster.

Drift's power is only 7 watts. According to customer reviews, its price is a little overpriced. So, the price of this smart LED lamp is 2,900 rubles, which is quite a lot for such modest functionality.

The night light mode will be useful. In this case, the lighting device shines quite weakly and, accordingly, consumes a minimal amount of electricity. You can leave it on overnight to navigate in the dark when you want to drink

Luminous alarm clock Holi SleepCompanion

If you need to restore and establish your sleep pattern, then purchasing Holi SleepCompanion will come in handy more than ever. This smart alarm clock will turn on slowly at the time specified by the user.

Moreover, it can be connected to a large number of fitness devices. For example, the smart lamp works great with FitBit, Withings and JawnoneUP bracelets.

Thanks to a special algorithm, the lighting device analyzes data from fitness devices and adjusts the lighting in such a way as to ensure quality sleep, and the user wakes up completely rested. Initially, this solution was used at NASA. Subsequently, the product went on sale and became available to ordinary customers.

To control Holi SleepCompanion, you can use any device running the iOS or Android operating system. The connection is made using a Bluetooth module. The price of this light bulb is quite high and is about 8,000 rubles.

Durability and practicality LIFX

When maximum functionality is needed, the LIFX model is the ideal choice. It is equipped with a Wi-Fi module, which allows you to control work using a tablet or smartphone. The design of the lighting fixture deserves attention. According to the manufacturer, LIFX will last for a quarter of a century.

The smart lamp is configured using a special application. The user can specify how the color and brightness should change throughout the day. The application also allows you to activate automatic switching on/off of the lamp when a person enters/exits the room

The model allows you to quickly organize a party right at home. After all, the manufacturer has built in a light-music mode into it. LIFX power reaches 17 W. At the same time, its price is rather high and reaches 6,000 rubles.

What is a VOCCA smart cartridge?

With the VOCCA smart socket, you can make absolutely any LED lamp smart. It is equipped with a Bluetooth module, which allows you to control it remotely.

The developers offer to use specialized software for iOS and Android. A useful feature would be the cartridge's recognition of sound signals. That is, you can turn on the light in the room using ordinary cotton.

The price of the smart cartridge is quite reasonable. In many online stores operating in the Russian Federation, the model is offered for 4,000 rubles.

He will introduce you to the rules and principles of selecting devices for organizing Smart Home communications management. next article, which we highly recommend reading.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Light bulb with speaker, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module:

Smart lighting is a new product that is becoming more popular every day. With its help you can make the interior of absolutely any apartment or house truly comfortable and cozy.

In addition, many models can improve mood and normalize sleep. If you familiarize yourself with the functionality in detail, you can say that these devices fully justify their price.

Tell us about how you selected a smart light bulb for integration into the lighting control system of your own home/apartment. Perhaps you have interesting information that will be useful to site visitors? Please write comments, post photos, share information and ask questions in the block below.