The light bulb has been one of the most important inventions in modern history. Being as simple as an on & off device to light up our daily lives. LED and energy efficiency becoming a standard in the evolution of lighting. Dimming controls or multicolored being as high tech as it can get, but what about a WiFi enabled bulb that allows you to have complete control with a smartphone? Say Hello to LIFX, “The smartest light bulb you’ve ever experienced.”
The Kickstarter project, based out of San Francisco, launched just last week and has already reached over $1.3 Million, with a project goal of only $100,000 and 51 days to go.
The LIFX Bulb
LIFX is an energy efficient LED light bulb using a RGB phosphorous COB LED lamp. It also uses a master/slave concept to connect to your home router via 802.11n and then onto all the other LIFX smartbulbs via 802.15.4 mesh network. Each LIFX can connect to all country electricity systems from 110V to 260V. The bulb is said to last for 25 years and use only a tenth of the power of regular bulbs.
“”LIFX answers a need that is well and truly overdue. Everyone in the world needs light bulbs. Existing light bulbs are based on an archaic technology that threatens our environment. Light bulbs consume approximately 20% of electricity in homes around the world. They need to be more efficient, smarter and last longer. In the twenty-first century, people need lighting that matches the “smart culture” and eco aware sensibilities of our day.” - Phil Bosua
LIFX will be available in three types to fit your socket: Bayonet cap (B22), Edison Screw (E27) and Downlight (GU10).
The LIFX App
The free iOS or Android app allows you to dim the bulb, change color, set a scheduled timer to turn it on or off or even set it to flash when you receive a text or social media notification. But that is just the tip of what LIFX is capable of. While it does seem great to have in the home, it’s also ideal in a commercial setting like bars, shops, etc. Controlling the LIFX won’t be limited to just the mobile app, as they plan on developing apps for Windows, Mac and Linux Operating Systems in the near future. SDK and hacker kits will also be available.
How Can You Get One?
Checkout the Kickstarter page for all the details. All pledge options starting at $69 or more have been sold out, but there will be options to sign up for the second production run coming soon.
(Via Kickstarter)
