Looking to install smart lights in my house and wonder if anyone has done this and has and advice.

I am aware of Philips Hue, Sengled and Lifx and also Kogan offer a range.
Currently gravitating to the Hue range, any thoughts?

Should I be looking at something else?

Need a system I can mainly install and add to / build on as I will do it a couple rooms at a time.

Thanks

Call me cynical but...
Is the app to control the lights going to be supported beyond the next 12 months?
How long does your phone to control them last?
Can you remember the password to login to the App?
When the wifi/mesh/BT/Zigbee/ZWave standard is changed, are they upgradable?
Will these IoT devices send your lighting habits back to MicroGoogAzon?
(Remember also that speakers can be used in reverse as a microphone)




The 'Ol Mk1 finger is still good for flicking a switch after many many years






(Sorry... yet another long day of Fuffing with "technology" today)

Select to expand quote

Keaw Yed. said..

Should I be looking at something else?

what's wrong with getting your ar$e off the sofa and flick the switch by hand?

When Google went off line it was reported that people with smart lights etc were unable to get the crap working.

www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/jun/28/google-home-and-chromecast-outage-hits-millions-of-users-worldwide

I have 3 LIFX bulbs in my house, just the standard ones, approx $30 each from Officeworks. You can get colour-changing bulbs and dimmer options on more expensive LIFX bulbs but am happy with the standard light bulbs. Can operate the lights from anywhere in the world via the LIFX app on my phone which is completely free... as long as I have internet connection to my phone and WIFI at home.

Ideal if you want to have your house lit at night when you arnt home, operated by a simple app on your phone.... Turn them on or off whenever you want. Lights can be automatically set to turn on and off at set times also so you don't have to think about it. Great value for $100 outlay.

I bought one bulb originally, then added the other 2 without any hassle. The lights can be operated through other smart systems but I don't have any of them. The LIFX APP works fine.

Tried the Wemo brand lights a few years ago when the tech was new and these ones are far better.

Mind have an on and off switch but I have a timer for ouside
thats pretty smart

Thanks for the replies especially Kite285.

Crusoe the article you referenced does not mention smart lights.

The old switching application will come in handy when you finally choose to be with the other gender.

Look at Sunny Lighting Pixie or if you have got a bit more coin Trader Powermesh. Both simple to install with plenty of features. There are more systems coming all the time. Main difference is if you are just happy to control stuff while you are at home or you also want to be able to control while you are away. Powermesh also have a PowerPoint in the range which makes it a bit more unique