Smart lightbulbs are a cheap and easy way to kick start your smart home and can even help you manage your power consumption—but that's just the beginning!
Whether you choose a standard model or one with endless custom colour options, here are 5 ways to have a little fun with your smart bulbs.
Simulate sunrise and sunset
Did you know that waking up with the sun can help regulate your biological clock and even set you up for a more productive day? It's true—but sometimes that's not an option.
Use your smart bulbs to wake up more naturally by scheduling them to gradually turn on in the morning, simulating the sunrise. Your smart bulbs can also help you wind down after a long day by slowly dimming in the evening before bed.
Get updates on the weather
If there's rain or snow in the forecast, your smart bulbs can help make sure you're prepared before you even leave the house in the morning.
Most brands of smart bulbs offer
If This Then That (IFTTT) functionality, which lets you connect with different apps to create chain reactions. Connect with the IFTTT weather channel and program the light in your front hallway to turn red if there's a chance of rain or blue if flurries are on the way.
Don't miss a minute of the big game
Set your smart bulb to change to your team colour before the puck drop or kick off so you know that the big game is about to begin. Connect your lightbulb to ESPN using
IFTTT and you'll always be ready to cheer on your favourite team.
Enjoy a warm welcome home
Driving home from work in the dark comes standard with Canadian winters. Schedule your outdoor smart bulbs to switch on at sunset so you won't have to fumble with your keys in the dark when you arrive home.
Stay connected to phone calls and texts
Studying or working with your headphones in? Set the smart bulb in your desk lamp to change to a specific colour when you get a phone call or text. Take it one step further by assigning special contacts with their own colour so you know who's trying to get in touch.
Sources: IFTT, Philips, How Stuff Works, CNET
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