What can smart lighting do for you

Smart lighting capabilities vary significantly depending on the type of system used, particularly whether it relies on direct-to-device communication, or with a central hub/gateway.

Basic Smart System (Bluetooth-based, without a gateway/hub)

• Direct Control: You can control lights directly using a dedicated app on your smartphone or tablet with bluetooth turn on.
• On/Off and Dimming: Turn lights on or off, and adjust their brightness level, for every single individual lamp. (eg sometimes you just want a single light turn on)
• Color and Color Temperature Adjustment: Change color temperature(for Tunable White 2800K-6500K option) 
• Simple Grouping: You can often group a few bulbs together within the same room to control them simultaneously.
• Limited Range: Control is limited to the Bluetooth range, typically around 9-15 meters indoors. You must be within this range to operate the lights.
• Easy Setup: Setup is straightforward, pairing it with your phone via the app. No Wi-Fi network or hub is required. (turn on your bluetooth)
• No Remote Access: You cannot control the lights when you are away from home.
• Limited Integration: Generally, these systems do not integrate with other smart home devices or voice assistants.

Full Suite Smart System (Zigbee/Z-Wave based, with a gateway/hub)

• Remote Access: Control your lights from anywhere in the world using your smartphone or tablet app, provided you have an internet connection.
• Advanced Automation & Scheduling:
  • Complex Schedules: Set lights to turn on/off at specific times, or synchronize with sunrise and sunset.
  • Scenes: Create custom lighting "scenes" for different moods or activities (e.g., "Movie Night," "Reading," "Party") that can be activated with a single command.
  • Geofencing: Lights can automatically turn on or off based on your location (e.g., lights turn on when you arrive home, turn off when you leave).
  
  
• Voice Control Integration: Seamlessly integrates with popular voice assistants like Google Assistant, allowing for hands-free control.
• Extended Range and Reliability (Mesh Networking): Protocols like Zigbee and Z-Wave create a mesh network where devices communicate with each other and the hub. This extends the range throughout your home and makes the system more robust, as devices can act as repeaters.
• Sensor/Radar Integration: Can be linked with other smart home sensors (motion, door/window, light sensors) to trigger lighting actions. For example, lights can turn on automatically when motion is detected or turn off when a room is vacant.
• Scalability: Designed to manage a large number of lights and devices across an entire house.
• Interoperability: Often allows for integration with other smart home devices (e.g., smart thermostats, locks, cameras) to create a unified smart home ecosystem.
• Enhanced Security: Can be programmed to simulate occupancy when you're away, deterring potential intruders.
• Setup: Requires setting up the hub connected to your home network and then pairing each light fixture with the hub, still relatively easy and straightforward by following the steps by step on the app.
• 2.4Ghz Wifi: currently smart devices require 2.4Ghz wifi network to set up, so get your Telco to have the 2.4Ghz when they come down to setup your house internet.
  

Summary