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Controlling LED lights with your smartphone

By | June 25, 2012, 1:19 AM PDT

For those of us slightly too lazy to get out of bed to turn the lights off, help may soon be at hand.

Many of us, although few may admit it, keep our mobile phones within arm’s reach when we retire for the night — to my shame, I have been known for keeping it next to my pillow. But what if it can serve more purpose than simply being your alarm clock, and also become your light-switch operator?

Launched this week by California-based Insteon, a new 8-watt LED bulb which can be network- connected and remotely controlled by a mobile device is the first of its kind in the world, according to the company.

Designed to be energy efficient, the $29.99 LED bulb is dimmable, and has been developed in order to retain more energy than standard 60-watt incandescent models, using eight watts of power.

Joe Dada, CEO of Insteon said:

“For years, home automation has controlled light fixtures with plug-in lamp modules, wire-in switches, and keypads. But, until now, no one has controlled the bulb itself. It’s exciting to be the first to introduce a new product to the world.”

Compatible on both iOS and Android systems, the new bulb can be controlled by mobile devices including phones or tablets. However, here’s the sting: you need to purchase the $99 Insteon SmartLinc Controller if you want to connect up a device and your household lighting.

After installing a free application, different settings allow a user to switch between different fixtures. Once devices are connected, a unique IP is assigned to the bulb or light fitting. Rather than having to synchronize each bulb again if the location changes, this means any new fitting will automatically be controllable by a mobile device user.

Insteon has not stipulated how long each bulb lasts, but an average LED bulb generally can keep going for 15 to 20 years.

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Charlie Osborne

About Charlie Osborne

Charlie Osborne is a contributing editor for SmartPlanet.

Charlie Osborne

Charlie Osborne

Contributing Editor

Charlie Osborne is a freelance journalist and graphic designer based in London. In addition to SmartPlanet, she also writes the iGeneration column for business technology website ZDNet. She holds degrees in medical anthropology from the University of Kent.

Follow her on Twitter.

Charlie Osborne

Charlie Osborne

Charlie Osborne does not have financial holdings that would influence how or what she covers.

She writes for SmartPlanet and is not an employee of CBS.

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Check the Warranty
" Insteon has not stipulated how long each bulb lasts, but an average LED bulb generally can keep going for 15 to 20 years."

How long is the warranty? That's how long it will last.
Posted by distinctav
25th Jun
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Warranty
Long term Warranties (roofs of houses 50 years + led lamps 10 years) are only good as long as the companies giving them stays in business. To be of any use the Warranty must be covered by an insurance policy for the stated Warranty period, at future replacement value of the item or paying back the price paid should it fail. So even if the company no longer exists your money still does.
Posted by ronangel
2nd Jul
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