Damage:
R448 from South Africa’s Orange Store.
What you need to know:
- Energy-saving Bluetooth enabled LED lightbulb
- Controlled from your smartphone or tablet
- Modify the warmth and brightness of the globe through the Awox app (set the mood)
- Controls up to 8 light bulbs with a 20m range
What we think you should know:
I’m not going to lie to you. I’m the type of geek who has always (always) wanted a remote control light, so this gadget didn’t have to try very hard to get me excited. And get this: not only is it remote (actually, Bluetooth) controlled, it also allows you to change the brightness and warmth of the light, as well as set timers for when you’d like it to turn on and off.
Oh, and one more thing. If you’ve ever wanted disco lights next to their bed (who hasn’t?), this little baby also dances to music. Check out the video of our editor giving a full demonstration.
While it’s a concept I can’t get enough of, theoretically, the Awox SmartLIGHT falls short when it comes to the practicalities. The Bluetooth connection is far from instantaneous, and has to be remade every time you open the app. Once it’s connected, controlling the light is a breeze, but with a 15 seconds wait every time I wanted to turn a light on or off, I eventually resorted to just reaching for the light switch and doing it old school.
The app itself is pretty unstable, and it’s clear that it still has some kinks to be ironed out. Also, the bulb only comes with an Edison screw fitting, which is awkward if – like me – your entire house uses bayonet fittings.
I can imagine that with eight bulbs being operated from one app, this gadget may be a whole lot of fun (mood lighting: next level). However, all that time and effort involved in opening the app, creating a bluetooth connection, and selecting your preferences each time you want to turn on/off a light? No thanks. I think I’ll just push the light switch.
So rad:
- Perfect mood lighting, every time
- Massive potential for 90’s home discos
- Scheduling on/off times – particularly as you can combine this with a fade in/out option. Great for gentle wake ups.
Makes us sad:
- Lag time in making the Bluetooth connection every time the app is opened
- App is not particularly user-friendly
- Only available with an Edison screw fitting
