For many people, the easiest entry into the smart home world is via a smart light bulb, which often implies that by literally just changing a bulb, you could start controlling lighting wirelessly. Furniture retailer Ikea certainly got the memo and is expanding its home tech offerings with Trådfri, a whole new line of smart lighting announced recently.
Ikea to roll-out smart lighting series
Arriving 24 months after Ikea’s collection of wireless charging furniture, Trådfri primarily provides a selection of dimmable LED bulbs which can be purchased individually or together with plug-and-play kits, which you can bring home and deploy right away without any special wiring. Individual bulbs start at $19.99 each and kits range from $19.99 to $79.99.
Smart bulbs on the market are normally controlled with a smartphone app, but Ikea would like to make the process even easier. All the kits have a small circular remote control-reminiscent of the numerous one-button smart home solutions at CES earlier this year-which allows you to control the light in a more tactile manner.
One kit allows you to change from cold to warm white light in three clicks and from a “strong and clear” light to a “soft and subtle” one. Another dimmer, that will come in black, white, or yellow and can be hung on the wall or carried throughout the house, lets you toggle between a strong and subtle light.
“Easy dimming is our starting point and simplicity is key for many people,” Björn Block, Business leader for IKEA Home Smart, tells Curbed. “Therefore we believe that a pre-paired bulb and wireless remote is a great starting point enabling dimming of any lamp in your home, without requiring any installation or downloading of an app.”
However this being 2017, an app remains to be involved. The Trådfri Android and iOS app will be free to download and provides more advanced features like personal light settings and moods, as well as a timer.
In a further merging of tech and furniture, the Trådfri line also includes smart light doors and panels that will help increase a sense of daylight indoors. The Surte light doors fits right onto Ikea’s Bestå cabinets and the Jormlien light doors on to Sektion kitchen cabinets. The Floalt light panels, found in three sizes, can be mounted on the wall and ceiling.
Trådfri bulbs and dimmers are already up on Ikea’s U.S. website and will be in stores in April. The smart light doors and panels will launch later this summer.
Adding smart home features like these can actually increase the value of your home. If you have been thinking about selling your home. Give us a call at 813-300-7116 or simply click here and we will be in touch.
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