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 customised light 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.

Convenience

Conveniently switch to dimmed relaxation lighting from the sofa using the app or completely automate the light thanks to programmes and motion detectors.

Security

Automatic presence simulations during holidays 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 colour-changing, bright and - thanks to LED technology - long-lasting indoor and outdoor lights. In addition, any ordinary luminaire with a socket becomes smart as soon as a smart light source is inserted. The light can then be controlled immediately via the app.

How does a lighting control app work?

The apps of the best-known 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.

Set-up 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 colour and brightness of the light

In the RGB colour space as well as various shades of white - from warm white to universal white and daylight.

Grouping lamps and luminaires

Z. For example, all the lights in the hallway, living room or kitchen can be quickly accessed.

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 recognises 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, for example, check whether all lights have been switched off.

What does: Adjusting the colour temperature?

Depending on what you are doing, a different colour temperature, measured in Kelvin, is suitable. In addition to easy dimming, i.e. adjusting the brightness, many smart home lamps also offer the option of adjusting the colour temperature. There are roughly three different white tones of light:

Warm white

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

Cool 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 universal white light.

More information on the subject of colour temperature in our guide "Colour temperature explained simply".

How do I get started?

Many systems offer an uncomplicated start into the smart world: with a single light bulb that can be controlled via Bluetooth, for example. Once you have taken a liking to it, you can easily expand your system, add a bridge and enjoy full scope and unlimited expandability. We reveal how easy it is to retrofit the lighting control system here: 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