ADVICE

Lighting control via smartphone and app

Switching a light on and off using the wall switch is only standard equipment today. With smart home lamps and lights, we control our lighting via smartphone - from anywhere. We use the app to create individual lighting that precisely matches our living situation and raises well-being, comfort and safety to a new level.

What are the advantages of lighting control via app?

Individuality

Smart light is geared towards individual needs and sensations. Thanks to predefined light scenes, it can be changed in seconds using the app.

Comfort

Switch to dimmed relaxation lighting from the comfort of your sofa using the app or completely automate the light thanks to programs and motion detectors.

Security

Automatic presence simulations during vacations and push notifications from the app when motion is detected increase home security.

Which lights can I control via app?

Smart home systems have a wide range of color-changing, bright and - thanks to LED technology - long-lasting indoor and outdoor lights. In addition, any ordinary light with a socket becomes smart as soon as a smart bulb is inserted. The light can then be controlled immediately via the app.

Decorative outdoor lights

Light source

LED panel

LED Strips

How does a lighting control app work?

The apps of the most popular smart home systems are all intuitive and easy to use - on your smartphone or with voice control from Google Assistant, Apple Home Kit, Amazon Alexa or Microsoft Cortana.

Setup rarely takes longer than an hour. Depending on the system and product, an immense range of useful functions is available. The article details always provide information about the exact range of functions.

Change the color and brightness of the light

In the RGB color space as well as various shades of white - from warm white to cool white to daylight.

Grouping lamps and luminaires

Z. E.g. all lights in the hallway, living room or kitchen to be able to access all lights quickly.

Create light scenes

Call up predefined scenes at the touch of a finger, e.g. evening mood in the garden or functional home office lighting for the kitchen.

Light animations with timer function

This creates automatic routines, e.g. for waking up or going to bed, as well as presence simulations in the event of absence.

Location recognition

With this function, the system recognizes whether there are still residents in the house. If not, energy is automatically saved.

Remote access

Access all lighting functions from anywhere in the world and check whether all lights have been switched off, for example.

What does: Adjusting the color temperature?

Depending on what you are doing, a different color temperature, measured in Kelvin, is suitable. In addition to being easily dimmable, i.e. adjusting the brightness, many smart home bulbs also offer the option of adjusting the color temperature. There are roughly three different shades of white light:

Warm white

Range: <3,300 Kelvin Light ambience: cozy, warm, relaxing Places of use: Living room, bedroom, dining room

Universal white

Range: 3,300 to 5,300 Kelvin Light ambience: objective, promotes concentration Places of use: Study, home office, kitchen

Daylight

Range: >5,300 Kelvin Lighting ambience: cool, sober, functional Application locations: Utility rooms, cellars

For comparison

Living room with warm white lighting.

_The same scene with cool white light.

More information on the subject of color temperature in our guide "Color temperature simply explained".

How do I get started?

Many systems offer an uncomplicated start to the smart world: with a single bulb that can be controlled via Bluetooth, for example. If you like it, you can easily expand your system, add a bridge and enjoy full scope and unlimited expandability. Here we tell you how easy it is to retrofit the lighting control system: Retrofitting smart lighting control.

What app lighting control systems are available?


	Via Bluetooth	Via WLAN	Bridge required	Compatible with
Philips Hue	✓	X	X	ZigBee, Philips Hue
WiZ	X	✓	X	X
Ledvance Smart+ Bluetooth	✓	X	X	X
Ledvance Smart+ WiFi	X	✓	X	X
Ledvance Smart+ ZigBee	X	X	✓	ZigBee, Philips Hue
Eglo Connect	✓	X	X	X
Eve	✓	X	X	X
Q-Smart-Home	X	X	Yes, otherwise control via remote control	ZigBee, Philips Hue
Tint	X	X	Yes, otherwise control via remote control	ZigBee, Philips Hue
Innr	X	✓	Yes, in the ZigBee system	ZigBee, Philips Hue
Paulmann	X	X	Yes, otherwise control via remote control	ZigBee, Philips Hue