Matter makes Govee’s new light strip less groovy

The Govee LED Strip Light M1 Matter is Govee's first Matter-compatible product and the second light strip to work with Matter, following the Nanoleaf Essentials Matter Light Strip. Unique among Matter-compatible light strips, the M1 operates over Wi-Fi and features addressable LEDs. As an RGBWIC light strip, it offers both tunable white light and full color, with individually controllable segments, making it the brightest 2-meter strip tested. It boasts excellent color reproduction and bright whites. The M1 is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, and SmartThings, along with any other Matter-compatible platform, making it a highly versatile Govee product. Matter aims to simplify smart home device integration, setup, and usage across various platforms. The Govee M1's dynamic lighting features, however, are not accessible through Matter and are exclusively available via the Govee app. This limitation means users relying solely on Matter will miss out on the advanced lighting effects for which Govee is known. The light strip includes 60 light beads per meter, providing a higher LED density than competing products from Nanoleaf and TP-Link, contributing to its superior brightness. The tunable white light functionality is a significant advantage, as it uses dedicated white LEDs for more natural-looking white light compared to RGB-generated white light. The author tested the tunable white light as accent lighting on a dark staircase, noting its effectiveness but slight struggle with warmer tones. Govee offers a broad range of lighting products that are generally more affordable than those from brands like Philips Hue, Nanoleaf, and LiFX. The M1 supports Govee’s DreamView music sync technology, which allows the light strip to synchronize with music played through its built-in microphone. Matter compatibility is a first for Govee, enabling its use with Apple Home. A Matter controller is necessary to utilize the M1 with Matter, though it can still be used with the Govee app or cloud connections to Amazon Alexa and Google Home without one. Govee plans to release more Matter-supported products, including neon rope lights, and intends to update its existing M1 strip light with a new Matter-compatible controller. The Govee app provides numerous dynamic lighting effects, including Disco, Universe, Carnival, Fireworks, and Lightning, which feature blinking, flowing, chasing, and streaming rhythms in multiple colors. However, some scenes contain rapid flashing lights that could pose a risk to individuals with photosensitive epilepsy. Milder effects like Sunrise, Sunset, Romantic, Business, and Birthday offer single-color or gentle pulsing options. These advanced features are exclusive to the Govee app, as the Matter specification currently only supports basic controls such as on/off, brightness, and single-color lighting for light strips. The Govee app itself is criticized for being cluttered with ads and having limited smart control options beyond its effects, offering only rudimentary schedules. Integrating the strip into Matter-compatible apps like Apple Home and Amazon Alexa allows for more sophisticated smart lighting control, including automations and routines, such as triggering the light with motion sensors. The multi-admin feature of Matter enables pairing the device with multiple platforms simultaneously, allowing control via different apps and voice assistants like Siri and Alexa. However, the author encountered issues with Google Home and noted potential problems when using Matter-over-Wi-Fi devices with multiple Wi-Fi networks. At $59.99, the Govee M1 is priced higher than Nanoleaf’s $49.99 Essentials Matter light strip, but the M1 offers multiple lighting zones, greater brightness, and music sync, features not available on the Nanoleaf strip. Nanoleaf requires a Matter controller and a Thread Border Router, while Govee’s M1 uses Wi-Fi. Both Matter-over-Thread and Matter-over-Wi-Fi demonstrated similar responsiveness during testing, though minor bugs were observed with color control in the Apple Home and Amazon Alexa apps. The Govee M1's direct competitor outside of Matter is the TP-Link Tapo L930-5, which offers multiple colors, a longer strip, and a more functional app but is not as bright. The Govee M1 is a strong option for those seeking a bright, full-color light strip that can integrate into a larger Govee lighting ecosystem and offers future compatibility through Matter, despite the current limitations of Matter regarding dynamic lighting effects. Two mandatory agreements are required to use the Govee M1: the Govee User Agreement and Privacy Policy, if using the Govee Home app. #SmartHome #SmartLighting #Matter #Govee #LEDStripLight #HomeAutomation #IoT #TechReview

The Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro X Sound by JBL is a new smart table lamp that integrates both colorful lighting effects and a Bluetooth speaker. This product is an upgrade to Govee’s previous Table Lamp 2, notably adding a JBL speaker and a 5,200mAh internal battery for portability. The device, priced at $179.99, aims to combine the functionalities of a smart light with the entertainment aspect of a party speaker, offering a unique blend for home use. The lamp stands 10 inches tall and features a 360-degree LED array, providing both full RGB color and tunable white light up to 600 lumens, making it suitable for various lighting needs from task lighting to ambient effects. The base of the lamp also includes RGB lights that synchronize with the main display. The integrated 10W full-range 2.5-inch JBL speaker, accompanied by dual passive radiators, delivers clear vocals and decent mids, although its bass response is limited, making it more comparable to a HomePod mini in sound quality rather than a full-sized HomePod. Control over the lighting effects, which include over 100 presets and 16 music-syncing options, is primarily managed through the Govee app via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The lamp boasts a 32ms response time for music synchronization, ensuring dynamic and vivid light shows. Beyond party modes, the lamp offers ambient settings like Forest, Wave, and Sprinkle, which combine sounds and lights to create relaxing atmospheres. It also provides practical settings for reading, work, and even sleep with lullabies. For smart home integration, the Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro X Sound supports Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing control through Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Additionally, it is compatible with Matter, enabling integration with platforms like Apple Home for basic functions such as turning it on/off and changing single colors via voice commands or automations. However, advanced Govee scenes are not yet transferable through Matter, limiting smart home control to static lighting. While the lamp is portable due to its battery, offering approximately 4.5 hours of playback, it lacks a handle and is designed for indoor use only. The speaker component functions as a standard Bluetooth speaker, meaning it does not have a built-in voice assistant and cannot be controlled via smart home apps for audio playback. Users can pair two lamps for stereo sound, which would enhance the party atmosphere, but this review was based on a single unit. Comparatively, while options like the Sonos Move offer more robust sound and weatherproofing for outdoor use, and dedicated party speakers like the JBL Pulse 5 provide built-in RGB lighting and durability, the Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro X Sound offers a balance of smart lighting and adequate sound for indoor use. Its fun features, combined with smart home capabilities and portability, position it as a versatile gadget for enhancing ambiance and providing entertainment within a home environment. The product received a 7 out of 10 Verge Score, acknowledging its strengths in lighting effects and smart home integration despite some limitations in speaker performance and weather resistance. #SmartHome #SmartLighting #BluetoothSpeaker #Govee #JBL #RGBLED #MatterConnectivity #HomeEntertainment #ProductReview

The Govee TV Backlight 3 Pro is a TV backlighting system designed to enhance the viewing experience by reacting to on-screen content. The product is available in two sizes: one for 55- to 65-inch TVs priced at $179.99, and another for 77- to 85-inch TVs priced at $209.99. It can be purchased on Amazon or through Govee's official online store. The setup process for the Backlight 3 Pro is straightforward. Users are instructed to place the TV face down on a protected surface, attach the LED strips to the back, plug in the components, and then complete the setup using the Govee app. A crucial step involves using an orange calibration foam to precisely align the camera with the TV screen, which is essential for accurate color detection and replication. After calibration, the camera scans a light grey screen to finalize the setup, ensuring the strip orientation matches the on-screen colors. The Govee app offers extensive customization options, including four main settings for color replication: Solid, Vivid, Smooth, and Delicate. The Solid setting identifies the predominant color on the screen and applies it to the backlight. Delicate, conversely, aims to replicate as many color 'zones' as possible for highly accurate color matching. The reviewer found Solid to be adequate but felt it didn't fully utilize the backlight's features, while Delicate was deemed almost too granular due to constant color changes. Vivid was preferred for dynamic content like video games with frequent screen changes, and Smooth was ideal for other types of viewing. Additional features include a setting to ignore black bars during letterboxed movies and a sound-reactive mode, which the reviewer disabled due to ambient noise interference and quiet media playback habits. The system also includes a toggle for distinguishing between movie and game modes, though the reviewer noted no significant difference in performance. The performance of the Govee TV Backlight 3 Pro is described as highly responsive and immersive, with smooth color transitions that avoid being distracting. Whether viewing static YouTube videos or playing fast-paced games, the backlight accurately replicated colors without flashing or jarring changes. An intelligent feature of the Backlight 3 Pro is its ability to adjust brightness based on ambient room lighting. In dark environments, the LEDs dim to prevent eye strain, while in well-lit rooms, they brighten to ensure colors remain visible. This adaptive brightness control means the backlight enhances the viewing experience subtly, often making users forget it's even active. An unexpected benefit discovered during testing was the backlight's ability to alleviate eye strain. The presence of the backlight made bright screens less harsh, providing a more comfortable viewing experience. This observation aligns with general advice for reducing eye strain, which often includes using proper lighting to mitigate screen glare. The reviewer concluded that the Backlight 3 Pro significantly contributed to eye comfort, prompting consideration of similar low-brightness white LED strips for computer monitors. Overall, the Govee TV Backlight 3 Pro is highly recommended for anyone seeking a TV backlighting solution, despite minor issues with the Govee app and some features performing better than others. Its effectiveness in enhancing immersion and reducing eye strain positions it as a top choice in its category. #GoveeTVBacklight3Pro #TVBacklighting #SmartHomeLighting #LEDStrips #HomeEntertainment #EyeStrainReduction #GoveeApp #ColorCalibration #GamingSetup

This article explores various alternative lighting solutions to avoid the harshness of overhead 'Big Lights' in a living space. The author, who lives in a loft with overly bright recessed lighting, embarks on a mission to find functional and aesthetically pleasing lamps that can create a more inviting atmosphere. The search focuses on different types of lamps, ranging from portable and rechargeable options to novelty designs, clip-on lights, fringe lamps, and non-traditional floor lamps. One significant category explored is rechargeable lamps, which offer flexibility in placement as they do not require proximity to an outlet. The Fatboy Transloetje Table Lamp is highlighted for its transparent design and portability, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, and featuring a touch-sensitive switch. Another innovative product from Fatboy is the Oloha Medium Hanging Lamp Bowl, a dual-purpose item that functions as both a decorative bowl and a detachable, rechargeable LED light. For those wanting to repurpose existing lamps, the article suggests using rechargeable puck lights to convert any table lamp or sconce into a cordless option, acknowledging their moderate brightness but affordability and versatility. Novelty lamps are also discussed, with a particular focus on the UO Home Tomato Table Lamp, praised for its whimsical design and ability to cast a warm red glow. This section emphasizes how unique lighting can add character and a fun element to home decor. Clip lamps, traditionally associated with workspaces, are presented as versatile options for other areas of the home. The Apex Clip Lamp, with its 360-degree rotating shade and sleek design, is featured as a modern choice. The article also recommends exploring vintage clip-on lamps, especially mushroom-shaped ones, found on platforms like Etsy, and mentions a simple, functional option from Ikea for tasks or bedside reading. Fringe lamps are introduced as a 'sexy' and aesthetically pleasing option, particularly for creating warm, layered light in cozy nooks. The emphasis is on lampshades with multiple layers of fringe, and the article suggests custom options from Etsy. The Atolla Tassel Table Lamp is presented as a complete fringe lamp with a 'Muppet vibe,' adding a unique texture and warm light to a space. The final category covers non-traditional floor lamps, aimed at illuminating dark corners. The XL Globe Floor Lamp is showcased for its oversized, low-slung globe design, which can be enhanced with a color-changing bulb to mimic natural celestial light. A tube light from HAY is also mentioned as a space-saving alternative, alongside Philips Hue's more advanced color-changing options. The article concludes this section by recommending vintage tension rod lamps, found on Etsy, 1stDibs, Facebook Marketplace, or local vintage stores, for their unique mid-century modern appeal. Overall, the article provides a comprehensive guide to selecting diverse lighting fixtures to personalize and enhance the ambiance of a living environment. #HomeLighting #LampDesign #InteriorDecor #RechargeableLamps #NoveltyLighting #ClipLamps #FringeLamps #FloorLamps #HomeImprovement

The Govee Neon Rope Light 2 is an updated smart lighting product designed to offer enhanced flexibility and creative possibilities for gamers and smart home enthusiasts. Available in 9.8 and 16.4-foot variations with black or white trim, this light features a softer, more flexible silicone construction and improved mounting brackets compared to its predecessor. This design allows users to form intricate shapes and designs more easily, providing a versatile option for decorating gaming rooms, accentuating existing decor, or creating unique wall art. Key features of the Govee Neon Rope Light 2 include 70 distinct LED segments on the longer version, enabling diverse lighting patterns and animations that move in multiple directions. The light is Matter-compatible, which addresses previous compatibility issues by allowing it to integrate with various smart home ecosystems such as Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Apple Home. However, while Matter compatibility broadens its reach, more advanced features and precise controls are predominantly accessible through the Govee Home app. The installation process involves ensuring the light strip functions upon connection, then using the provided brackets, which come in short and longer sizes, along with double-sided tape or screws and wall anchors for permanent applications. The redesign of these clips allows users to experiment with designs on the ground before adhering them to walls, though transferring larger shapes can still be challenging. A notable limitation is that the light strip is neither trimmable nor extendable, meaning users must plan their designs within the fixed lengths. The adhesive on the clips can also lose effectiveness upon reapplication, necessitating extra double-sided tape for more complex installations. Within the Govee Home app, users can access numerous preset lighting effects categorized by themes like Natural, Festival, and Funny. The DIY tab offers granular control over individual LED segments for creating highly specific patterns. An integrated mapping feature, which utilizes a mobile phone camera, attempts to recognize and allow editing of physical designs on-screen, although its accuracy can vary. The Govee AI Lighting Bot is another innovative addition, capable of generating lighting schemes based on typed phrases, voice commands, or uploaded images, a functionality expected to improve over time. Despite these advanced features, the Govee Home app occasionally experiences temporary connection losses, which can affect the user experience. For PC users, the Govee Desktop software provides screen mirroring capabilities for reactive lighting and supports Govee DreamView for camera-based TV mirroring. It also features Chroma Connect, allowing synchronization with Razer RGB keyboards and mice to create a cohesive room-wide light show. Performance-wise, the Neon Rope Light 2's diffused light creates a pleasant, concentrated glow, and its RGBIC technology enables the simultaneous display of multiple colors across segments. While it lacks a dedicated white component found in some alternative lights, its color accuracy is generally impressive. The product shines when integrated into a larger smart light display, particularly through grouping in the Govee Home app or DreamView syncing. Ultimately, the Govee Neon Rope Light 2 offers a more flexible and creatively liberating smart lighting experience than its predecessor. Its improved design and Matter compatibility enhance its appeal, making it a suitable accessory for gaming rooms, streaming setups, or general home decoration. Despite minor drawbacks such as the non-trimmable design and occasional app connectivity issues, the innovative features and enhanced versatility make it a compelling choice for those seeking to customize their lighting environment. #GoveeNeonRopeLight2 #SmartLighting #GamingRoom #RGBIC #MatterCompatibility #HomeDecoration #GoveeHomeApp #AILightingBot #FlexibleLEDStrip

Shadé Akanbi, a New York-based print designer and textile artist, has addressed the perception of stripes as 'boring' by creating a new wallpaper collection in collaboration with Chasing Paper. The collection, launched on November 16, features a fresh take on traditional stripe patterns and other unique designs. Akanbi's challenge to make stripes interesting was spurred by a former client's comment, leading to the creation of the Cleo Stripe, a design central to the new collection. The Cleo Stripe is presented in two distinct colorways. One variation incorporates bold blocks of color alongside classic black and white vertical stripes, offering a dynamic and contemporary aesthetic. The second version utilizes an earth-toned palette and reorients the stripes horizontally, demonstrating how changes in color, orientation, and scale can significantly alter the visual impact of stripes. This design aims to broaden people's understanding of stripe versatility and its potential for innovative home decoration. The wallpaper is available in traditional panels starting at $90, with a removable option for renters priced from $40 per panel. Akanbi suggests applying these unconventional wallpapers to unexpected surfaces beyond typical accent walls. She plans to use the wallpaper to cover the top of her desk and the interior of a cabinet in her workspace. Other creative applications include wrapping a refrigerator in wallpaper, transforming everyday objects into design statements. This approach encourages homeowners and renters to think outside traditional wallpapering methods and embrace more personalized and imaginative uses. In addition to the Cleo Stripe, the Chasing Paper collection introduces two other notable prints. Warri Palms, inspired by Akanbi's travels to Kenya and her Nigerian-American heritage, features an illustrative, botanical quality. This design is showcased in a bathroom setting within the article, highlighting its potential to add a natural and artistic touch to intimate spaces. The collection also includes Paint Dob Camo, a contemporary interpretation of camouflage designed to make a space stand out rather than blend in. This modern camo pattern redefines the traditional concept, offering a bold and unique decorative element. Overall, the collaboration between Shadé Akanbi and Chasing Paper offers a diverse range of wallpapers that challenge conventional design norms. The collection emphasizes the importance of color, orientation, and scale in transforming traditional patterns like stripes and camouflage into fresh, engaging, and personalized home decor options. The designs are suitable for various applications, encouraging creativity and individuality in interior styling, and are accessible to both homeowners and renters through different product formats. #wallpaper #homeDecor #interiorDesign #ChasingPaper #ShadeAkanbi #stripedWalls #designTrends #removableWallpaper #textileArt

Govee has introduced an updated version of its customizable smart lighting product, the Neon Rope Light 2. This new iteration retains the flexible light strip design of its predecessor but incorporates several enhancements, including support for Matter and an even more pliable build. The Neon Rope Light 2 offers the same fundamental smart home lighting experience, allowing users to shape it into various designs on walls or utilize its built-in diffuser for accent lighting behind televisions or on shelves. It features an addressable RGB lighting system, enabling detailed color customization across distinct lighting zones. A significant upgrade in the Neon Rope Light 2 is the inclusion of Matter support. While the original model was limited to Alexa and Google Assistant connectivity via standard 2.5GHz Wi-Fi, the new version fully integrates with the Matter smart home standard, broadening its compatibility to include Siri and HomeKit. This expands the ecosystem in which the light can operate, offering greater flexibility for users with diverse smart home setups. The physical construction of the Govee Neon Rope Light 2 has also seen improvements. The material is now more flexible, providing 14% more bend compared to the previous model. This enhanced flexibility is complemented by new bend clips, which together facilitate easier customization and the creation of intricate designs on surfaces. This makes the product more adaptable to creative decorative applications within a home environment. Beyond hardware changes, the Govee Neon Rope Light 2 benefits from new software features delivered through its companion app. One notable addition is the "Shape Mapping" function. This feature automatically converts the physical design created by the user with the Neon Rope Light 2 into a digital representation within the app, allowing for precise adjustments to color and lighting effects. This streamlines the customization process and offers more control over the aesthetic output of the light. The Govee Neon Rope Light 2 is available for purchase directly from Govee's online store and through Amazon. It comes in two lengths: a 9.8-foot version priced at $70 and a 16.4-foot version priced at $100. Both lengths are offered in either white or black finishes, with the black option being a new introduction for this second-generation model. The product aims to provide an enhanced and more versatile smart lighting solution for home decoration and ambiance. #Govee #NeonRopeLight #SmartLighting #MatterSupport #HomeKit #Alexa #GoogleAssistant #FlexibleDesign #RGBLighting #HomeDecoration

Jong-su Kim from the Korean design studio ilsangisang has introduced a novel luminaire design named 'Float', conceived to emulate the appearance of a mysterious floating lampshade. The design draws inspiration from the inherent elusive quality of light, which inherently lacks a specific color or defined shape. This conceptual approach underpins the luminaire's aesthetic and functional characteristics. The 'Float' luminaire features a minimalist design, incorporating a solid white base and a matching white lampshade. These two pure white components are interconnected by a transparent vertical stand. The deliberate use of white for the base and lampshade, combined with the see-through nature of the central support, aims to symbolize light's ability to absorb all colors and reveal the world as it is, without imposing its own hue or form. This design choice is central to expressing the core concept behind the luminaire. The most distinctive feature of the 'Float' luminaire is its translucent middle section. This transparency creates a visual illusion, making the lampshade appear as if it is suspended weightlessly in the air. This effect generates a sense of wonder and mystery, enhancing the luminaire's artistic appeal. The design intends to transform the lamp into an 'open space' that seamlessly integrates with its surrounding environment, rather than standing out as a distinct object. This integration allows the lamp to become part of the ambient atmosphere, reflecting the environment rather than dominating it. The subtle presence of the lamp is further highlighted when it is switched on. The illumination creates a side light, subtly emphasizing its form and interaction with the surrounding space. Additionally, the base of the luminaire is designed to function as a tray, providing a surface for placing various objects. This practical element not only adds functionality but also allows the lamp to interact with personal items, further embedding it into the user's living space and daily routines. The project, submitted through designboom's 'DIY submissions' feature, underscores ilsangisang's commitment to exploring conceptual themes through innovative product design, particularly in the realm of lighting. #Ilsangisang #LuminaireDesign #FloatingLampshade #JongSuKim #KoreanDesign #LightingInstallation #ProductDesign #MinimalistDesign #InteriorLighting

This article details a practical and cost-effective hack for repositioning pendant lights without the need for an electrician or extensive re-hardwiring. It addresses the common problem of a light fixture becoming off-center due to furniture rearrangement or slight alterations in a room's layout. The traditional solution, calling an electrician, can be expensive, ranging from $300 to $600, and involves potentially disruptive work like cutting into ceilings. The featured hack, demonstrated by Cathy Poshusta, involves 'swagging' the pendant light, a technique that costs as little as $13 for a brass ceiling hanger. This method is particularly beneficial for renters or those looking for a relaxed aesthetic. Poshusta's approach offers a straightforward DIY solution, which she outlines on her blog, and the article distills into three key steps. The first step focuses on determining the appropriate height for the pendant light. This involves a simple measurement and visual assessment, often aided by a second person, to find the 'sweet spot' for the fixture's placement. The article provides an example of Poshusta and her husband finding their ideal height at 36 inches from 10-foot ceilings, while also highlighting that flexibility exists, allowing for dramatic drops, such as Lynda Gardener's use of an oversized industrial lantern brought low near a sofa. The second step, customizing the chain, involves calculating the necessary length to provide enough 'give' for the light to hang correctly and allow for the desired drape. Poshusta added an extra two feet, bringing her total chain length to 60 inches. The article also mentions options for concealing wiring, such as Diane Keaton’s lighting collection, which includes pre-hardwired chains and ropes, catering to different aesthetic preferences. Finally, the third step covers the installation of the hook. This involves pre-drilling a small hole in the ceiling at the desired suspension point. While Poshusta was able to twist her hook directly into solid-wood ceilings, the article advises using a screw anchor for added security in most cases. This method effectively creates an asymmetrical yet balanced lighting setup, offering a practical and visually appealing alternative to traditional hard-wiring. #PendantLight #DIYHack #HomeRenovation #LightingDesign #InteriorDecor #CostSaving #HomeImprovement #RentalFriendly