Mike Wuerthele
Ikea has quietly added HomeKit support to its inexpensive Tradfri line of smart bulbs, necessitating a firmware update to the system's bridge to enable.
Ikea never proclaimed that it had updated the system. Confirmation of the addition only came after a user of the system noted a technical details change, and performed the firmware update.
The Tradfri system spans nearly every kind of residential light bulb connector, with desk lamp compatible E12, Edison connector E27, and fixture-compatible GU10 bulbs available in the system. A network gateway plugs into an Ethernet connector on a router or hub, allowing for the iOS app to control connected bulbs.
By itself, a stand-alone bulb and a dimmer remote that can control up to 10 bulbs retails for $19.99. A motion sensor kit with a single bulb retails for $25. If a user wishes to use any kind of smartphone application application to control the system, the gateway is required and sells for $30. Individual bulbs are available for as low as $11.99.
The Tradfri app requires iOS 8, and occupies 41.5 MB of device storage space.
The firmware update also adds Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility.
AppleInsider is currently examining the system for a future review.
Introduced in 2014, HomeKit allows users to connect to a variety of compatible so-called "internet of things" devices through the iOS Home app in conjunction with each other, as opposed to a series of disconnected interfaces.
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9 Comments
hardly "nearly every kind of residential light bulb connector", all I see is ES (E27), SES (E14) and GU10 in addition to their own light panels. The Philips Hue range covers all those in addition to the B22 bayonet fitting used commonly in the UK etc. I'm not even sure the options cover all the lights IKEA sell as I'm pretty sure I bought some with G9 bulbs in them before.
The prices are unbeatable compared to the competition though.edit* - just noticed the US site shown above lists E26 & E12 sizes, the UK site shows E27 & E14. I wonder if they're actually the same bulb though.
Your move Philips Hue team.
To Adm1, the 26 and 27 refers to diameter in mm. The bulbs can generally fit in each other’s sockets however the 27 is rated 220 Volts and is the standard in Europe while the E26 is common in the US.
Where this might really be excellent are the remote controls and the motion sensor. If they're fully integrated into HomeKit with the bridge, that makes the two cheaper than other alternatives.
I would really appreciate if you guys do a full review or talk about it on your podcast. This would be the first IoT I'd be interested in purchasing because of the variety of the bulbs and price. I think it'll be game changer in the industry. I can't wait until they start expanding the line to smart plugs, LED stripes and other stuff!
The Tradfri are decent bulbs.
I think if you are a Hue owner there isn't much to be envious of. The GU10 bulb is the only one that is significantly
cheaper (by 10 dollars) than Hue's offering.
Plus in the US many homes use BR30 downlights.
That being said the more HomeKit devices the better.