While we attempt to refresh the prices on a regular basis, please visit the merchant’s website directly for the latest price.

Google - Smart Light Starter Kit with Google Assistant

$55.00

BUY NOW

Setup

The setup process was very easy.

1. Install the smart bulb and plug in the Google Home Mini in the same room. Since the bulb is Bluetooth-based, it will only work a short distance from the Google Home Mini.
2. Download the Google Home app to your iPhone, iPad  or Android device. Upon opening the app, I saw a banner asking me to “Setup 1 Device”.
3. The app walked me through setting up the Google Home Mini first.
4. The app then automatically asked me if I wanted to setup the bulb.  It quickly found the bulb and added it to my Google Home profile.

Performance

I have a mix of both Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home at my house and I find that the Google Home is a little better at understanding my voice commands and a little quicker at responding.

I was pleasantly surprised at the sound performance of the Home Mini’s speaker.  It’s definitely better than the Amazon Echo (2nd generation) with decent minds and highs and a tiny bit of bass.  Listening to Pandora was definitely doable and sounded a lot better than my iPhone’s built-in speakers.

The Google Home Mini also is fast to control the included GE smart bulb, responding almost instantly to commands to turn the bulb on and off and also to adjust the brightness.  However, the bulb connects via Bluetooth, which limits its range compared to other wireless connections such as WiFi, Zwave and Zigbee.  Therefore, the Google Home Mini and the GE smart bulb should be located in the same room (or the next room over) to avoid communications issues.

Features

The GE smart bulb does what most smart bulbs do: turns on and off and dims from 0% to 100%.  Unfortunately, the bulb only outputs a “daylight” color temperature only and cannot change to a warmer (or colder) white color.  It is also not a multi-color bulb, so you can’t change it to “red,” for example.

The Google Home Mini can do a lot more than control this one bulb.  It can give you the weather, check your calendar, control other smart home products (like Philips Hue and Samsung SmartThings), play Pandora and much more.

Unfortunately, the bulb included with this kit will not work with an Amazon Echo and it requires a separate hub to work with Alexa.

Value

Whether you’re just getting started with a smart home or you’re converting from Alexa to Google Home (or maybe maintaining both?), this starter pack is a quick and easy way to jump into home automation.  The setup process is very easy thanks to the Google Home app’s awareness of the Google Home Mini and smart bulb combo and the app easily walks you through the process of getting both up and running.

Google - Smart Light Starter Kit with Google Assistant

Google - Smart Light Starter Kit with Google Assistant

$55.00

BUY NOW

Bestbuy.com

The post Google Smart Light Starter Kit with Google Assistant Review appeared first on Technically Well.

Mipow currently offers several different lighting options in their product line.  If you’re looking for a regular bulb to place in an existing lighting figure, the Mipow PLAYBULB LED Bulb can be screwed into your existing lamp like a traditional bulb.  Pair it up with your smartphone using the Mipow PLAYBULB app for iPhone and Android, and you’re ready to set the colors, adjust the brightness, add effects, and set a timer, all without needing to reach for the light switch.

If you’re looking for some accent lighting, the PLAYBULB Candles provide a nice ambiance while still providing you with smart connectivity.  You can use the Mipow PLAYBULB app to adjust the color, brightness, and add different effects.  These “candles” can also be flipped over to serve as a holder for a real tea light candle.  These lights are powered by 3 AA batteries each, and I’ve been using rechargeable batteries without an issue.

Or, if you’re looking for a larger piece of accent lighting, the PLAYBULB Sphere provides a soft glow inside a large, frosted glass sphere.  Again, your smartphone can connect to the light thanks to the Mipow app, allowing you to set the color, brightness, and effects to suit your mood or the occasion.  The Sphere can easily be recharged thanks to the wireless charging base.

LED strips are very popular thanks to the ability to “stick” anywhere and provide bright accent lighting under cabinets, behind TVs, or along staircases.  The PLAYBULB Comet brings you the convenience of LED strip lighting combined with smartphone connectivity.  Mount it behind your TV to help ease eye strain during late night viewing, and adjust the color and brightness to fit the mood of the TV show you’re watching by simply pulling up the PLAYBULB app.

One of PLAYBULB’s most unique offerings in the PLAYBULB Garden solar light.  You wouldn’t dream of letting your Hue lights outside in the rain, but the PLAYBULB Garden’s enclosed housing makes it weatherproof and the integrated solar panel means that it will keep itself charged with the sun’s rays.  Again, the PLAYBULB app allows you to adjust the color, brightness, and effects from the comfort of your home (well, as long as you’re near a window and within Bluetooth range).  Light up your front yard in red or green for the holidays, or switch it to light blue or yellow for a relaxing summer night.

Of course, the PLAYBULB line will not give you all of the functionality of the Philips Hue suite of products.  For example, there’s no WiFi connectivity, no “Hey Siri” or smarthome controller integration, and no IFTTT linking.  However, if you want to get started with making your home’s lighting a little more “smart,” but you’re not quite ready for the investment of Philips Hue, the Mipow PLAYBULB products are a great way to get started.

The post Mipow PLAYBULBs Offers a Cheaper Alternative to Philips Hue appeared first on Technically Well.