The first time I heard about remote-controlled lights, I scoffed at the very idea.
Why would anyone need to access lights remotely?
If you forgot to switch off the lights before leaving home, either
go back and do it or deal with a slightly higher electricity bill for
that month.
At least that was what I thought until one night, I got home and
needed to switch on a small ceiling light in the living room, instead
of the main light, to avoid waking anyone.
However, that switch was on a far wall. In the dark, I could easily stumble and fall on my way to the switch.
Other people might want the porch or entryway lights switched on
after dark before they return. Or, if they are overseas, they may want
to be able to switch lights on and off, to make it seem as if there is
someone home.
There are many options available from Belkin, Philips, General Electric, LightwaveRF and others, but not all are sold here.
Philip's Hue range offers more than light at a fingertap on your smartphone screen, but it is pricey.
First, you buy a starter kit. Its base unit connects to your router
and enables your smartphone or tablet to control your lights.
Each light has its own setting that can be controlled by an app. The bulbs use the E27 screw base.
It is called Hue because you can adjust the lighting, for instance,
to match a favourite photo of, say the warm orange of a picturesque
setting sun in Bali, or the piercing light bouncing off a snow-capped
mountain.
Or it can simply be a preset tone to brighten up the room when you
have friends over for dinner, and a warmer one while watching a movie
after dinner. There are 16 million colour tones available.
Do note that for these features to work, your router must be switched on at all times.
