Tools
Smart lights have gained importance in recent years. They offer a flexibility that we could only dream of during the days of the good old light bulb.
Countless Possibilities
There are countless smart lighting solutions, most of which are not as intelligent as they claim to be, but let’s start from the beginning.
Two important things determine how much you can do with your smart lamps - their hardware capabilities and the corresponding software that allows you to really utilize these theoretical abilities.
What to consider regarding hardware
Fit and Form Factor
Light Spectrum & Color Rendering
Light Temperature
Maximum and Minimum Brightness
Expandability of the Ecosystem
What to consider regarding software?
Automatic Dimming Throughout the Day
Light Alarm Function
Overall, the Philips Hue Ecosystem covers most use cases. It is easy to integrate, offers stable software, and works reliably with smart home controls (e.g., Alexa, Google Assistant). However, it currently lacks a truly strong HCL implementation.
As a cheaper alternative, lighteu® (formerly Mi-Light) offers a variety of fixtures with specifications that are very similar to those of Philips Hue.
