As you know I enjoy using technology to sweeten life. By that I mean, using technology efficiently. We have gotten pretty good at this with our smartphones, tablets, and even wearables. Another category of tech that is growing is the smarthome technology. Making your hone work with you whether for comfort, entertainment or both is becoming easier with new smarthome products.
Philips Hue Lights
One of the products I’ve been eyeing is the Phillips Hue lights, officially known as the Philips – hue LED White and Color Ambiance Starter Kit was one of the first products I wanted to try as my first smarthome project, since I live in an apartment. Smart light bulbs are easy to setup and take down in an apartment, as opposed to a thermostat (although some can do it). So I was happy when Best Buy gave me the opportunity to try it out. With all Philips Hue Lights (including Hue Go) you can choose from preset light recipes or create your own with 16 million colors.
So what can you do with Philips Hue lights?
The Philips hue White and Color Ambiance Starter kit gives you everything you need to get started with your connected home lights. It’s a new experience on home lighting. You can control the hue lights from an app on your smartphone to start off, which is pretty cool. The bulbs, accessory lights and bridge work with your Wi-Fi to let you create mood-setting color schemes. You can use them for certain “moods”. Better known as light recipes, you Looking to for a work environment, or a soothing one? You can use the Philips Hue lights to create the perfect ambiance.
The Philips A19 bulbs are super bright (800 lumens). Three of these bulbs definitely help get the job started. Of course to get the most out of the Philips Hue experience you need to download the app available on iOS and Android. You can adjust colors, brightness and functions right from your device. Create a hue account to access your lights remotely by app or Web browser. I can’t wait to try it withh Apple HomeKit (iOS users). With HomeKit, you can control your lights with Siri voice control on your iPhone. Philips Hue A19 Starter Kit
Philips Hue Go
The Philips Hue Go light is different from the light bulbs. It’s a lamp that can be used pretty much anywhere around the home. The hue Go is a portable, completely wire free smart light that offers a lot of versatility for any lighting need. I have mainly used it in dark spots around the apartment. If you’re not expert on recipes, or don’t know how to start of using the Hue Go, you can start off with one of the 5 patented “natural dynamic effects”Cozy Candle, Sunday Coffee, Meditation, Enchanted Forest, and Night Adventure.
You don’t always have to use colors, you can use the white lighting to energize or soothe your mood. Get the full functionality of the Philips hue app when connected to the Hue Bridge – adjust colors, set timers, notifications, alarms, geofencing and more. Pretty cool. Philips Hue Go Multicolor LED
Netgear Nighthawk DST AC1900 Router
This router was developed between Netgear and Best Buy too help provide consumers with an easy, all-in-one solution to support their home’s connected devices. As you may be aware that your home already has a lot of wireless devices on your router. The average US household has 7 “connected devices” – from smart phones (often several in a home), to tablets, to laptops, to computers, and Wi-Fi printers, this puts a strain on the home’s network, especially the router.
The Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 was built to take on 10 devices with no problem. What’s cool about it, is that it comes with a Wi-Fi extender and Geek Squad Set Up and Support via phone & web, for one full year. This is help 24/7 whenever as opposed to setting up appointments. Learn more about the Netgear Nighthawk DST AC1900 Router HERE.
With this you get to try out Sling TV for a month. Get TV on your terms with Sling TV – watch when you want, on the device you want, plus pay for the channels you want at a great price. Enjoy live TV from many of the most popular channels, including ESPN, AMC, A&E, TNT, HGTV and more — for just $20 per month. Plus, watch the latest episodes of your favorite shows and new movies on demand. You can also get extra entertainment with add-on packages starting at $5 a month, and HBO® for an additional $15 per month. Learn more about the Sling TV offer HERE
Overall
I enjoy having the option of setting an alarm for the lights to welcome me when it gets dark, or when I need to get some work done. It doesn’t seem like a necessity at first, but when it comes together with all the tech you have it definitely helps. I love the fact that even though I have an apartment, I can “smarten” it up a bit without drilling into walls, and/or making drastic repairs. I plan to get more in depth with it, and create my own recipes.
You can check out the Philips Hue LED white and Color Ambiance Starter Kit and the Philips Hue Go Lamp at BestBuy.com
Philips Hue A19 Starter Kit
Philips Hue Go Multicolor LED
Netgear Nighthawk DST AC1900 Router
Disclaimer: The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free