Philips just introduced an affordable wireless light dimming kit priced at just $40. The new kit comes with one light bulb and a simple wireless switch with a total of four buttons: on, off, and two buttons which adjust brightness levels. The light switch comes with a battery, so all users have to do mount it on the wall without having to manually replace the existing switch.
Philips Wireless Light Bulb Kit makes smart homes more affordable
The Philips Wireless Light Bulb Kit is best used for multiple lights, as it lets you control more than one light in the room. The only downside to the new system is that you will need to pay $20 for each extra Hue Lux bulb. The switch won’t let users change the color of the light without the dedicated color change button (a feature made for less expensive Lux bulbs), but it allows users to control the brightness level.
Since the wireless switch is not sold the Hue Bridge, people can still use it without plugging a small bridge to the router. Unfortunately, the switch only communicates with lights, but it does not connect to Wi-Fi networks. This means users can’t control the lights with their laptop or smartphone. However, Philips said if users want to take it to next level, they still can connect the Hue bridge (sold with the starter kit) to the switch to transform the existing Hue lights to full-fledged Hue lights complete with smartphone control and IFTTT compatible.
Philips Hue ensures products are future-proof
Leonard Avezzano, marketing chief for Hue, explained that the new kit was part of larger plan to make the home more connected. He added, “Not only does the kit show how simple it is to have clever products in your home, but like all Philips Hue products it is entirely future-proof. With the kit, anyone is able to begin enjoying the simplicity of modern dimming.”
The new wireless light bulb kit isn’t the only budget option available. The kit competes with other options, including the Belkin WeMo LED Lighting Starter Set (which retails for $49.99) and GE Link Bulbs (starting at $14.97 per bulb). Philips’ new kit is set to go on sale by the end of the month.
