We’ve seen a lot of smart bulbs. We’ve seen easy ones, colored ones, and even inexpensive ones. However, Cree is hoping to squeeze into the market by making a smart bulb that’s easy, affordable, and friendly with a variety of smart home platforms.
The new Connected Cree LED Bulb is a 60-watt replacement that works with Wink- and ZigBee-certified hubs. That means it’s pretty easy to add to an existing home automation system—or the perfect excuse to start a new one. Cree even says it will work with the Philips Hue system (Philips’ own white smart LED bulb costs $30). Once connected to your system, you can access the Connected Cree LED Bulb via iOS and Android devices.
The app control allows users to turn the bulbs on and off, brighten or dim them, and even set schedules. Other features include a 4Flow Filament Design for omnidirectional light and 815 lumens in a soft white (2700K) color temperature. The company also says that the Connected Cree LED Bulb has a rated lifetime of 25,000 hours.
“Everything Cree does is based on the promise of providing the best lighting experience, and that starts with superior LED light. The Connected Cree LED Bulb delivers on that promise while also creating a simple user experience for consumers seeking device connectivity in their homes,” said Betty Noonan, Cree’s chief marketing officer. “The Connected Cree LED Bulb provides the uncompromising combination of a superior LED light experience with multi-platform compatibility, all at an affordable price.”
In the near future, Cree plans to add support for other hubs and platforms, including Apple HomeKit. Look for the Connected Cree LED Bulb at Home Depot sometime later this month, priced at $14.97 each.
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