Hi all
I am after some advice of buying some smart bulbs and downlights lights which can be controlled remotely outside the home wifi network. Can someone please suggest some similar devices and the best price. I was thinking of Kogan smart bulbs but don't know if they can be controlled remotly?
Mine can be controlled outside the wifi network. I'm pretty sure all can, especially if they can be used by Google Assistant, Alexa, Siri etc.
They all do. That's why they're called Smart.
The word "Smart" isn't controlled so anything can be called smart.
Generally, the qualification is that a device can be controlled by a smartphone or computer. Some devices could be Bluetooth paired only.
Some "Smart TVs" don't even pair to an external device.
Brands like Mirabella's Genio and Brilliant Smart can also work on a third party app called Smart Life. These brands also offer other smart devices like smart plugs, PIR sensor, door open/close sensor. Save the pain of having different apps to control different stuff. All you need is Wifi at home and you can control the smart lights when you are out.
Add Kogan to the list. though they have their own app, its almost a carbon copy of the Smart Life app. I use the Kogan smart bulbs with the Smart Life app along with a host of other generic smart (life) stuff like wall socket outlets that i bought off Amazon and it all works flawlessly.
As many have already posted, if you use the app that's recommended by the manufacturer then you'll have full control of your devices inside and outside your house.
I cannot recommend using the manufacturer's app without also strongly advising you have a read of this then make up your own mind. You can flash the devices with new software to get away from this issue but you need a bit of technical know-how to do that.
Since you have mentioned that you are after downlights I will get normal(& cheap) LED downlights from a decent brand and put the "smarts" in the switch instead. Since donwlights are usually operated in clusters there is no point having individually controllable smart down lights when you can control them as a group with a smart switch.
This will end up being cheaper to purchase and operate. You do not want multiple downlights in standby mode 24/7. Even though it would be a mA current they all add up to a significant drain.
Fully agree with you. Can you suggest some good smart switches without breaking the bank ?
https://www.tradezone.com.au/category/smart-switches-1371.ht…
or from Bunnings
https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?page=1&q=deta%20…
All these would have proper electrical certifications and there are more on eBay but beware of dubious claims from some sellers that their products have all necessary electrical safety certifications.
Thanks all, so now any good deals for smart stuff ? :)
Any of them have an app - TP-Link, Xiaomi, etc etc
Suggestion, choose your main brand of choice now! Multiple different apps are annoying for tweaking the lights (yes, Google can do a few things but not everything).
TP-Link has a good app, and then they've got smart powerpoints as well