Designed for improving the user’s health and wellbeing, Lighting Science’s Awake & Alert bulbs help users regulate circadian rhythms — without medication. Originally developed for NASA to help astronauts on the international space station regulate their sleep cycles, these bulbs were designed to provide more energy, promote alertness and enhance performance. Everyday users, as well as those affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder and Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder, can benefit. www.lsgc.com
The Cree Connected LED bulb looks and lights similar to its incandescent predecessor, but it uses just a fraction of the energy and lasts 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Users can dim and brighten the bulb with the free app and hub. The bulb can last for up to 25,000 hours, and it’s estimated that its lifetime savings is more than $120. It’s also compatible with multiple home automation systems including Wink, SmartThings, WeMo Link and any other ZigBee-certified hub. www.creebulb.com
The C by GE C-Life light bulb can provide all the kinds of light anyone could need for a single day. Appropriate for living areas, users can dim or brighten the bulbs instantly, all from the control of one app without the use of a hub. Bulbs can also be grouped together to control them all at once via Bluetooth. When used for three hours per day, the C-Life bulb can last for more than 20 years. www.cbyge.com
The LIFX LED light bulb produces the equivalent light of a 75W incandescent bulb using only 11W. It can produce 16 million colors and 1,000 shades of warm to cool whites, adjustable for any setting. The bulb can be controlled by the free LIFX app on iOS, Android and Windows 10 devices, and it connects to smart home systems such as Nest. Bulbs can also be grouped together so users can control them in the kitchen and living room, all from their phone, tablet, watch or other device. www.lifx.com
Light becomes a form of expression with the third-generation Philips Hue White & Color Ambiance A19 light bulbs. Using a bridge and the Philips Hue app, or third-party apps, users can coordinate their lights with their moods and sync lights with music, movies, TV shows and games. The app also has pre-set functions, which allow users to set their favorite light settings and recall them with just the tap of a finger. The lights are also compatible with Apple HomeKit and Siri, Amazon Alexa and Google Home, and can be controlled without touching a single button. www2.meethue.com
The Mipow Playbulb Rainbow has the power to set the mood in any room. With more than 16 million colors to choose from, this bulb is Bluetooth-enabled and can be controlled by the Playbulb app. Users can group bulbs together and control dimmers and timers all from their phones or tablets, making it easier than ever to save energy. The bulb saves up to 85 percent compared to conventional lighting, and it can last for up to 30 years. www.mipow.com
Nowadays, light bulbs do more than just illuminate: They save energy and long-term cost; communicate with your Wi-Fi network; aid in home security; and even help to regulate circadian rhythm, all the while looking like the traditional options. These features, plus more, make the latest in the connected LED bulb category something to watch.
