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iDevices today announced the launch of its latest HomeKit product, a smart light bulb socket able to turn any standard bulb into a smart bulb. The iDevices Socket, first announced at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show, is a simple Wi-Fi light bulb adapter that connects to a standard bulb and gives it the ability to interface with Siri and other HomeKit-connected products.
Priced at $79, the iDevices Socket is not cheap and is in fact more expensive than other HomeKit-compatible products like Wi-Fi-enabled bulbs and smart plugs, but it does include dimming capabilities and a customizable color light ring that can be used as a night light or to add ambiance to any room. It is able to fit into any conventional lighting receptacle and is compatible with standard Edison style bulbs up to 60 watts.
The Socket can be controlled using Siri voice commands, through the iDevices app, or through any other HomeKit app. Like other HomeKit-connected products, the Socket can be organized into specific rooms and is able to be used in Scenes, timers, and other HomeKit features.
The iDevices Socket joins the company's existing line of HomeKit products, which includes the iDevices Thermostat and the iDevices Switch. In the future, iDevices plans to release additional HomeKit accessories like a wall switch and a wall outlet.
Customers can pre-order the iDevices Socket for $79 from the iDevices website starting today.
Top Rated Comments
(View all)There is no way I am going to replace every light bulb in my house with a smart enabled one but I would replace my light switches with smart enabled and nice looking ones if they were about a quarter the price of this monstrosity.
Not to get HomeKit certified it aint.
Fair point. I wouldn't want members of ISIS turning my living room a deeper shade of red...Apple actually cares about the security of the Internet of Things, which is why standards are so high for HomeKit certification.
Seeing as the FBI (and other intelligence agencies) see a whole new world of surveillance under the IoT, I appreciate this fact.
http://appleinsider.com/articles/15/07/13/stringent-apple-homekit-certification-cause-of-slow-market-acceptance-report-claims
I was interested until I saw it only allows up to 60W bulbs. I've got Hue and a few GE smart bulbs (through Wink hub) that already do that for cheaper. But there are times I wish I had brighter. If this thing allowed up to 100W or 120W I'd be interested. Why can't I find a good connected bulb over 1500 lumens??
An 18W CFL puts out 1100-1200 lumens. You should be okay with 60W unless you are tying to light a circus.