Connect SmartHome offers everyone affordable smart lighting

Internet connected smart lights that you operate remotely used to cost an arm and a leg. Not any more.

Connect SmartHome brings affordable smart lighting to everyone.

Internet connected smart lights that you switch on remotely used to cost an arm and a leg. Now you can buy one for $10.

Australians have been fast to adopt smart speakers and speak to a virtual assistant daily to ask about the weather and play music.

For many, the next step is a smart light, a light bulb that can be controlled through voice or via an app. It starts with one and quickly grows. For years, the cost of smart lights were a limiting factor compared to a normal bulb. That has all changed, and from $10 you can start today.

I look at two existing brands in this field and the new Connect SmartHome challenger.

HUE

Phillips Hue smart lighting. Supplied.

Philips Hue is the best known brand when it comes to smart lights in and out of the home. Their range has extended beyond what we considered normal lighting from lamps to strip lighting, path lighting and even lights that can synchronise colour based on the visuals on your television.

Hue has evolved over time and they’re changing the way we light up our homes. All can be controlled via your smartphone or virtual assistant. Their products range from $30 to more than $300 depending on your requirements.

Their simplest option is a white bulb that fits neatly into a lamp shade. Others add colour options, allowing you to choose any colour of the rainbow for a special moment or flick back to a warm white at any time.

Philips Hue supports Google and Amazon’s smart home systems as well as Apple HomeKit. You can use Siri or even an Apple TV to control the lights for that next movie night. Set up is very simple and larger systems require the purchase of a hub or bridge from Philips to maintain the ecosystem of smart lights in the home.

LIFX

LIFX lighting system app

LIFX has long competed with Philips in this space and entered with products that didn’t require a hub. They kickstarted the concept of a one bulb and smart speaker bundle to begin your smart home journey. With a slightly smaller range than Philips you’ll still likely find what you need. They are competitive on price too.

LIFX pushes for an advantage in their smartphone app. The fourth version of the app lets you create scenes and moods that transform a room with multiple colours. Some lights can change colour to the sound of music. Colour can alter your mood and LIFX is well equipped with features in the app to experience that yourself. All smart lights offer scheduling, excellent for switching lights on and off when you’re away from home.

Connect SmartHome

Connect SmartHome smart lighting. Supplied.

The new kid on the block comes dressed with similar looks but at a much lower price. Connect SmartHome has a range of products from lighting to Wi-Fi security cameras. Their lighting options replace your existing lights in the home, including downlights. I’ve been testing their $10 standard white E27 bulb. With 900 lumens and 25,000 hours of life, they are on par with what Philips Hue offers in an equivalent product.

The set up process is easy and I am asking Google to turn on the study lamp in no time. Connect SmartHome currently lacks Apple HomeKit integration but supports Google and Amazon.

The bulb offer warm and bright white and can be dimmed, all through voice or the free app. For those who prefer to add colour, they’re available from $27 each. When the smart lights begin to cost the same as a regular bulb, I’m wondering if we should just call them the new norm.

Geoff Quattromani is a tech commentator across radio, print, online and television. Check out his podcast “Technology Uncorked” for new information each week.