Tag: Smart Lighting

  • Philips Hue Impress: Modern Outdoor Smart Lights Now in the US

    Philips Hue Impress: Modern Outdoor Smart Lights Now in the US

    Key Takeaways

    1. Philips Hue Impress outdoor smart lights are now available in the US and Canada after being sold in Europe.
    2. The Impress series includes three products: an outdoor wall light, a wide outdoor wall light, and an outdoor pedestal light.
    3. All models feature dimmable LED bulbs that produce 1,180 lumens and can be controlled via the Philips Hue app.
    4. The Impress outdoor wall light is priced at $159.99/CA$169.99, the wide version at $179.99/CA$189.99, and the pedestal light at $189.99/CA$199.99.
    5. The lights are designed with a modern look and have a lifespan of about 25,000 hours, with the wall lights being hardwired and the pedestal light including a spike accessory for installation.


    The recent introduction of Philips Hue Impress outdoor smart lights has taken place in the US and Canada. These three products have already been on sale in Europe for a while, with Signify revealing their North American availability earlier this year. The Impress series is characterized as “modern and sleek” by the company.

    Impress Outdoor Wall Light

    The first item in the lineup is the Impress outdoor wall light (Hardwired), which is a low-voltage option compared to the original wall light that needs a Hue Outdoor Power Supply. This dimmable smart light produces both white and colored light with an output of 1,180 lumens at a temperature of 4,000K. The 8W LED bulbs are designed to last around 25,000 hours, and the light features a matte black finish. Similar to other products from this brand, it can be controlled remotely through the Philips Hue app. Its dimensions are 24 x 15.6 x 12.6 cm (9.4 x 6.1 x 5.0 inches) and it is available for $159.99/CA$169.99 (Amazon US).

    Impress Wide Outdoor Wall Light

    Following that is the Impress wide outdoor wall light (Hardwired). This model is almost the same as the standard Impress outdoor wall light (Hardwired); the main distinction is its size. The regular version measures 24 x 14.1 x 12 cm (9.4 x 5.6 x 4.7 inches), while the wide version is 24 x 19 x 11.7 cm (9.5 x 7.6 x 4.6 inches). The Impress wide outdoor wall light is priced at $179.99/CA$189.99 (Amazon US).

    Impress Outdoor Pedestal Light

    The final product in the collection is the Impress outdoor pedestal light, which is the most costly item at $189.99/CA$199.99 RRP (Amazon US). This is also a low-voltage light that shares the same LED bulbs, brightness level, and app-based controls as the other two models. It measures 40 x 10 x 10 cm (15.7 x 3.9 x 3.9 inches) and includes a 60 cm (24 inch) power cable. Additionally, it comes with a spike accessory to help secure it in your garden.

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  • Govee Ceiling Light 1s: CSA-Certified with Matter Support

    Govee Ceiling Light 1s: CSA-Certified with Matter Support

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Govee Ceiling Light 1s is certified by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), which oversees smart home standards.
    2. It is part of a new series of smart lighting products, following the Ceiling Light Pro and Square Ceiling Light.
    3. The light supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for remote access via the Govee Home app and is compatible with Matter for integration with various smart home systems.
    4. Details about its size, unique lighting effects, release date, and pricing are currently unknown.
    5. The CSA aims to enhance user experience in smart homes by ensuring devices work together seamlessly.


    The Govee Ceiling Light 1s has been listed in the database of the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA). This organization oversees the development and implementation of smart home standards, which includes technologies like Zigbee and Matter.

    New Series of Smart Lighting

    The Govee Ceiling Light 1s is the newest product in a line of smart lighting panels that have received certification from the CSA. It comes after the Ceiling Light Pro and Square Ceiling Light, two other models that are still awaiting release. The information available about this product is quite limited. Govee mentions that the light is meant for installation on ceilings or walls and is capable of producing various colored lighting effects.

    Connectivity Features

    This new light supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, enabling remote access through a “mobile app,” likely the Govee Home app for both smartphones and smartwatches. Additionally, with Matter compatibility, you can connect this panel light to many different smart home systems. However, details regarding its size and unique lighting effects are not yet disclosed. Therefore, it remains unclear how the Govee Ceiling Light 1s will be different from the previous Govee Ceiling Light, which is currently priced at $69.99 on Amazon, aside from its Matter compatibility. The release date and pricing for the new model are still unknown.

    Overview of CSA’s Role

    The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) plays a crucial role in maintaining smart home standards and helping devices work together seamlessly. As smart home technology continues to evolve, products like the Govee Ceiling Light 1s are expected to enhance user experience by providing more options for lighting and connectivity. As we wait for more information, the excitement around these new developments in smart lighting continues to grow.

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  • Govee 2S String Lights with AI Lighting Bot: New Features Revealed

    Govee 2S String Lights with AI Lighting Bot: New Features Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. Product Overview: The Govee String Lights 2S are new smart lights found online, featuring RGBWIC with 200 LED lamp beads and an expected lifespan of 20,000 hours.

    2. Durability and Design: These lights are rated IP65 for dust and water resistance, suitable for indoor and outdoor use, and operate within a temperature range of -20 to 40°C (-4 to 104°F).

    3. Connectivity and Smart Features: They offer Bluetooth connectivity and support for the Matter protocol, enabling control via the Govee Home app, voice commands, and integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

    4. Dynamic Lighting Options: Users have access to over 130 dynamic lighting effects and smart mapping technology for customized lighting arrangements, along with assistance from an AI Lighting Bot.

    5. Pricing and Availability: The Govee String Lights 2S are available for €74.99 at MediaMarkt Austria, which is lower than the original String Lights 2 price of €99.99; official announcement and wider availability are still pending.


    The Govee String Lights 2S have shown up online recently. This new smart lighting item was found in the Connectivity Standards Alliance database and has been listed by the retailer MediaMarkt in Austria.

    Limited Details Available

    Since the Govee String Lights 2S has not been officially revealed yet, there are only a few specifications. The listing shows that these smart lights come with RGBWIC from 200 LED lamp beads and are expected to last around 20,000 hours. They can be used both indoors and outdoors, thanks to an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance. Their operating temperature ranges from -20 to 40°C (-4 to 104°F). The LEDs are attached to a green string, and they offer Bluetooth connectivity along with support for the Matter protocol, allowing remote controls through various apps or voice assistants, like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

    Features and Functionality

    In the Govee Home app, users can pick from more than 130 different dynamic lighting effects, plus they can utilize smart mapping technology to adjust their lighting according to where it is placed. Additionally, the AI Lighting Bot helps users create lighting tailored to their specific needs, provide support for voice commands and even a feedback loop to fine-tune the effects. However, it’s still not clear how this new model stands apart from the original Govee String Lights 2.

    Pricing and Availability

    Currently, you can purchase the Govee String Lights 2S, which is 20 m long, at MediaMarkt Austria for €74.99. In comparison, the String Lights 2, also 20 m, was introduced with a retail price of €99.99. It is still unknown when Govee will officially announce this new smart lighting product or if it will be made available in other countries like the US, where the original 66 ft (20 m) String Lights 2 can be found for $99.99 on Amazon.

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  • Govee Gaming Light Bars Pro with Matter Support Debuts at CES

    Govee Gaming Light Bars Pro with Matter Support Debuts at CES

    The Govee Gaming Light Bars Pro have recently come to attention. This yet-to-be-announced smart lighting device has appeared two times on the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) website. The CSA is a consortium of businesses that develop and uphold IoT standards, such as Matter, and validate relevant products.

    Different Names, Same Product

    In the first entry on the CSA certification site, it is listed as the Smart Gaming Light Bars Pro, while the second listing refers to it simply as the Gaming Light Bars Pro. According to information from these CSA listings, the Govee Gaming Light Bars Pro are meant for indoor environments and boast a “cool gaming style appearance.” Users will have the option to select from various colored lighting effects, with management available via the Govee Home app. Additionally, these light bars will support both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as compatibility with the Matter protocol. This allows for easy integration with numerous smart home platforms such as Apple Home, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings.

    Awaiting More Information

    Details on the product are still limited. Govee introduced the original Gaming Light Bars in 2022, consisting of two 16.7-inch (approximately 42.4 cm) RGB light bars, each equipped with 31 LED beads. Some features of this earlier model include over 60 pre-set lighting scenes, music-syncing capabilities, and support for Razer Synapse 3, providing a more engaging gaming atmosphere. It’s still uncertain when the Govee Smart Gaming Light Bars Pro will hit the market or what their price will be. For reference, the original Govee Gaming Light Bars are priced at $89.99.

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  • Xiaomi Launches Smart Ceiling Light with Radar Presence Detection

    Xiaomi Launches Smart Ceiling Light with Radar Presence Detection

    The Xiaomi Smart Ceiling Light D20 has made its debut on the brand’s international website. This light is promoted as a smart lighting solution that activates with your presence. This feature is enabled by a built-in radar sensor that can sense when someone enters or leaves the room.

    Brightness and Connectivity Features

    The Smart Ceiling Light D20 is claimed to deliver a brightness of up to 900 lumens at a color temperature of 4,000K. Users can adjust the color temperature within a range of 2,700K to 5,700K. This smart ceiling light integrates HyperOS Connect, allowing for remote operation through the Xiaomi Home app. Additionally, it supports voice commands via Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Xiaomi highlights its sleek design, featuring a custom lens that’s just 6 cm (approximately 2.4 inches) thick. The D20 stands as the largest in its range, with dimensions of 250 x 60 mm (around 9.8 x 2.4 inches).

    Availability and Pricing Concerns

    It should be mentioned that the Xiaomi Smart Ceiling Light D Series is intended for use with concrete ceilings. There’s currently no information on when the Xiaomi Smart Ceiling Light D20 will be officially released, nor which countries will get it or what the pricing will be. Nonetheless, Xiaomi already has other smart lighting options in regions like Europe; for instance, the Mi Motion-Activated Night Light 2 Bluetooth is up for grabs on Amazon Germany for €19.38.

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  • Philips Hue Datura Ceiling Lights Launch in the US

    Philips Hue Datura Ceiling Lights Launch in the US

    Philips Hue is set to introduce the Datura Ceiling Light series in the US. This collection features four different models, all of which were first released last year. Signify, the parent company of the smart lighting brand, recently confirmed its plans to make these indoor lights available in this market, along with the Impress line of outdoor lights.

    Datura Ceiling Light Specifications

    The Datura Ceiling Light comes in various shapes: Round small, Round, Square, and Rectangle. Each model includes a primary light source that illuminates the room and a secondary diffused light that reflects off the ceiling. Both LED sources are dimmable, with a lifespan of up to 25,000 hours, and they can be controlled separately.

    Product Details and Pricing

    The Round small version has a diameter of 15.12 inches (about 38.40 cm) and can produce up to 3,000 lumens brightness at 4,000K. The Round variant is the most powerful, delivering up to 4,850 lumens and measuring 22.60 inches (approximately 57.40 cm) across. The Square and Rectangle models provide around 4,250 lumens at their peak brightness at 4,000K. The Square measures 23.62 inches (nearly 60.00 cm), while the Rectangle is sized at 47.24 x 11.81 inches (around 200.00 x 30.00 cm).

    Launch Date and Availability

    The Philips Hue Datura Ceiling Lights are expected to hit the US market sometime in March. The Round small will be priced at $299.99 (currently €244.99 at Amazon DE), whereas the Round, Square, and Rectangle models will each be available for $399.99.

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  • Philips Hue Impress: Stylish Outdoor Smart Lights Coming to US

    Philips Hue Impress: Stylish Outdoor Smart Lights Coming to US

    The Philips Hue Impress outdoor lights have been introduced for the North American audience. The company portrays these lights as stylish and contemporary. This collection features four different types of lights: the Impress outdoor pedestal light, the Impress outdoor wall light, the hardwired version of the Impress outdoor wall light, and the hardwired Impress wide outdoor wall light.

    Features and Specifications

    All of these smart lights are dimmable and come with a matte black finish. They provide both white and colored lighting options, and Philips claims they are simple to set up. Users can control the lights remotely using the Hue app, but they will need a Hue Bridge for this function. Each model is capable of delivering up to 1,180 lumens of brightness at 4,000K, and their light source is said to have a lifespan of up to 25,000 hours.

    Product Details

    The Impress outdoor pedestal light operates on low voltage with an 8W bulb and stands 40 cm tall (around 15.7 inches). For the Impress outdoor wall light, buyers can select between a wired version (15.8W) and a wireless low voltage option (8W). Additionally, the hardwired model is available in a larger size.

    Availability and Pricing

    You can purchase the Philips Hue Impress outdoor lights starting mid-February in both the US and Canada. In the US, the starting price will be $159.99, but the Canadian price is not yet determined. These lights are already on sale in Europe, with prices beginning at £134.99/€149.99 (currently €117 at Amazon DE).

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  • Philips Hue AI Assistant Introduced for Personalized Smart Lighting

    Philips Hue AI Assistant Introduced for Personalized Smart Lighting

    Signify has unveiled the latest feature called the Philips Hue AI assistant, which will be accessible in the Hue app for those who use the brand’s smart home devices.

    Customizable Lighting Scenes

    With the AI assistant, you can create smart lighting scenes that match your feelings or special occasions, like parties or holidays. Users will have the option to either type or give voice commands to design their own unique light effects. Furthermore, Signify has mentioned that there will be “feedback features” that will improve the tool as time goes on. This seems to be quite similar to the Govee AI Lighting Bot, which can be found in products such as the Curtain Lights 2 (starting at $149.99 on Amazon).

    Additional Features Coming Soon

    This year, there will be more features added to the Hue app, including sound detection for smoke alarms, which will trigger alerts and lighting. Users will also be able to view video streams from Secure cameras on compatible devices like Amazon Echo and Google Nest hubs. Additionally, iOS users will receive a widget for live camera views.

    The Philips Hue AI assistant is anticipated to be launched in the Hue app sometime this year. Nevertheless, the company has not yet provided a specific release date or confirmed if it will be available for both iOS and Android users at the same time. In the last app update, users were given another customization option for the Scattered gradient lighting mode.

    Signify, Philips Hue’s parent company, continues to innovate and enhance the user experience with their smart home products, and it will be interesting to see how the new AI assistant will impact the way users interact with their lighting systems.

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  • Xiaomi Launches Two Smart Ceiling Lights with Adjustable Brightness

    Xiaomi Launches Two Smart Ceiling Lights with Adjustable Brightness

    Xiaomi has introduced two new lighting options: the Xiaomi Smart Ceiling Light D40 and the Ceiling Light D30. While both models share a similar basic design, they vary in size, brightness, and power ratings. The D40 has a diameter of 450 mm (17.7 in), while the D30 is smaller at 350 mm (13.8 in). Each model has a thickness of 60 mm (2.4 in). The D40 produces 3,000 lumens and uses 45 watts when it’s at its brightest, whereas the D30 reaches up to 1,700 lumens and uses 30 watts. The D40 is suited for illuminating spaces ranging from 15 to 25 sqm (161 to 269 sqft), in contrast to the D30, which works best for areas between 8 to 15 sqm (86 to 161 sqft).

    Color Accuracy and Uniformity

    According to Xiaomi, both lights have a color rendering index (CRI) of Ra 97, with natural sunlight being the benchmark at Ra 100. The CRI indicates how accurately colors are represented under a light source. If the color deviation is high, it may lead to objects, like fruits, looking unnatural to our eyes. Both the D40 and D30 feature a lighting uniformity of over 0.8, which means they evenly light up an area, offering better visibility.

    Protection and Smart Features

    These models come with IP50 ratings, meaning they are protected against dust but not against water. Thus, if one plans to use them outside, additional protection from the weather would be necessary. With built-in Wi-Fi, the Xiaomi Ceiling Light D40 and D30 can be managed via the Xiaomi Home app, along with compatibility with Alexa and Google Home. The company hasn’t shared details about their pricing or when they will be available. Nevertheless, since these products are on Xiaomi’s global website, they might be released internationally and won’t be limited to the Chinese market.

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  • Govee Mini Panel Lights for Stunning Pixel Art Effects Available

    Govee Mini Panel Lights for Stunning Pixel Art Effects Available

    The Govee Mini Panel Lights are now available for customers around the world. Shoppers can buy sets of either 10 or 20 smart lights and connect up to 70 square panels to one power adapter to design pixel art on their walls or ceilings.

    Specification of Panel Lights

    Each panel measures 80 x 80 mm (about 3.15 x 3.15 inches) and uses RGBIC LED technology to show either a solid color or a color gradient. These Mini Panel Lights can be attached on any of their four sides by simply pressing them together. With the help of an integrated MCU chip, the lights can smartly recognize the graphics you create, allowing the panels to fit your design perfectly. Besides designing your own setups, you can select from more than 50 scene lighting effects or sync the lights to your music using the Govee Home app. There’s also an AI lighting tool that can customize colors and effects based on your prompts. Additionally, these lights are Matter compatible, meaning you can control them remotely with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, as well as integrate them into various smart home systems.

    Pricing Details

    Currently, Govee is providing a discount on the Mini Panel Lights 10-Pack and 20-Pack, reducing the prices to $84.99/£79.99/€79.99 (originally $99.99/£99.99/€99.99) and $119.99/£119.99/€119.99 (down from $149.99/£159.99/€159.99), respectively. The Expansion pack is also discounted in Europe, now costing £50.99/€50.99 (original price £59.99/€59.99); however, this pack is not discounted in the US, where it sells for $59.99.

    Govee is known for its innovative lighting solutions, and these Mini Panel Lights are no exception. They offer a fun and versatile way to brighten up any space, bringing creativity and smart technology together in a user-friendly package.

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