Smart Lighting & Switches
In this video I am demonstrating how I can control the lights in my house. I use an Amazon Echo and Wemo light switches to achieve this task. You can use IFTTT triggers or connect these two devices directly under the skills section on the amazon app.
Since I am unable to use my arms the only way I can control my lights is by voice. Even though this is a simple task not being dependent on somebody else increases my independence.
With the many many smart lighting options instead of listing every one we have showcased four different ways these lights are controlled:
Bluetooth enabled lightbulbs.
Smart lighting hub.
Wired in light switch.
Smart Plug.
BLUETOOTH ENABLED LIGHT BULBS
Bluetooth enabled light bulbs are very easy to set up, reliable and affordable. to set these up it is as simple as unscrewing your existing light bulb from its fixture and replacing it with a Bluetooth enabled light bulb. You will need to download the specific app for the light bulb you purchase and if you want to control it via voice connect it with a smart speaker such as an Amazon Echo. the one major drawback with going this direction for your smart lighting is the light switch associated with the light bulb or light bulbs will always need to be left in the on position. Once the light switch is flipped to off they will no longer be able to be controlled by voice or cell phone app.
Sengled Alexa Light Bulb, 2-Pack
$24.99
Sengled Smart Light Bulb, Color & Dimmable
Must be paired with a dimmable light switch.
$14.99
LIFX Mini White (A19) Wi-Fi Smart LED Light Bulb
Dimmable, Warm White, No Hub Required, Works with Alexa, Apple HomeKit and the Google Assistant.
$21.82
Smart WiFi Alexa Light Bulbs
LED RGB Color Changing Bulbs A19 E26 Multicolor, Compatible with Siri, Alexa, IFTTT and Google Home Assistant, No Hub Required
2 Pack, $22.99
YEELIGHT Smart LED Bulb
Multi Color RGB, Wi-Fi, Dimmable, 60W Equivalent(10W), E26/E27 Smartphone Controlled, Works with Amazon Echo Alexa,Google Home,Compatible with Alexa, 1-Pack (E27).
$24.99
XMCOSY+ Floor Lamp
$69.99
VOICE-ACTIVATED LIGHT SWITCHES
This would probably be my preferred option. Easily controlled by voice or cell phone app there will not be much difference between any of these lighting options. Where things change here is the light switch can be controlled via the physical light switch or by voice or app without the power switch needing to continuously stay in the on position.
Example: Caretaker turns off lights at night and the light switch is now in the off position. If it is a Bluetooth light bulb it will not be able to be turned back on by voice. If we use the smart light switch discussed above regardless of what the caretaker does it will always be able to be controlled by voice.
Lutron Diva C.L Dimmer Switch for Dimmable LED
Halogen and Incandescent Bulbs, with Wallplate, Single-Pole or 3-Way, DVWCL-153PH-WH, White
$24.97
Lutron Claro On/Off Switch
This product needs to be installed into the wall, you may need to hire an electrician.
$9.48
WeMo Dimmer Wifi Light Switch
Works with Alexa, the Google Assistant and Apple Homekit (F7C059)
$49.00
Kasa Smart Light Switch
Control From Anywhere: Turn electronics on or off from anywhere with your smartphone using the Kasa app (Compatible w/ Android & iOS)
Voice Control: Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and MicroSoft Cortana supported devices for a hands free experience
$21.99
HUB LIGHTING
Using a hub solution really comes down to user preference. I will say that the Philips Hub Hue is a good option and can be purchased with a starter kit that is helpful. If you’re going to use a hub just use Philips.
Philips Hue White A19 60W Equivalent Dimmable LED Smart Bulb Starter Kit
(2 A19 60W White Bulbs and 1 Hub Compatible with Amazon Alexa Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant)
2 Pack, $69.97
SMART PLUGS
Smart plugs are great if you are trying to control a lamp or any lighting that is getting plugged in to an existing light switch. You could wire in a new smart outlet but going with plugs will be much cheaper. The one thing to keep in mind here would be similar to the Smart light bulbs. Example: The lamp is turned off then it will no longer the able to be turned on and off by voice via smart plug. many many options here again really can’t go wrong. If you are using all Amazon products already and might be a good idea just to stick within Amazon Smart plug or vice versa depending on what you are using.
Amazon Smart Plug, works with Alexa – A Certified for Humans Device
$24.99
Smart plug, Gosund Mini Wifi Outlet
Works With Alexa, Google Home & IFTTT, No Hub Required, Remote Control Your Home Appliances from Anywhere, ETL Certified,Only Supports 2.4GHz Network(4 Pieces)
$31.99
Lutron Caseta Smart Home Plug-in Lamp Dimmer Switch
Works with Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and The Google Assistant | PD-3PCL-WH | White.
$49.95
Wemo Mini Smart Plug, WiFi Enabled
Works with Alexa, Google Assistant & Apple HomeKit
$19.97
