Govee’s new smart Neon Rope Light 2 debuts with Matter, more flexible design

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

The Govee RGBIC Neon rope light offers a customizable lighting solution designed to emulate the appearance of traditional neon signs. This review focuses on the 3-meter version, although 2-meter and 5-meter models are also available. The product utilizes RGBIC (Red Green Blue Individually Controlled) lighting technology, featuring 252 individual LEDs divided into 15 controllable lighting segments. It supports a spectrum of 16 million colors and offers smart home connectivity with Google Assistant/Home and Alexa. The rope light is constructed from a rubber-like substance, providing flexibility and water resistance, although the control box itself is not water-resistant. This design allows for various curves and bends, mimicking neon signs, but does not permit sharp 90-degree angles. The package includes the Govee RGBIC Neon rope light, an AC wall plug, 10 mounting brackets (8mm wide, 17mm deep), 10 mounting screws with drywall anchors, 4 alcohol prep pads, and a user manual. The included mounting brackets are considered minimal, with the suggestion that additional brackets are readily available and inexpensive. Installation involves first planning the desired design, then securing the mounting brackets to a surface using adhesive tape or the provided screws. The rope light then pushes into these brackets and is plugged in. From a side view, the mounting brackets and the thick body of the light are noticeable, which can detract from the aesthetic compared to a head-on view. The physical control box features strong adhesive for placement on flat surfaces or concealment. Full customization is achieved through the Govee app, available for iOS and Android. The app offers an extensive range of pre-built and community-shared designs, color palettes, and audio-responsive options. Users can choose between app-controlled or device-controlled audio responsiveness; the latter uses a microphone on the device to react to ambient sound without transmitting audio over the internet, a feature confirmed by network traffic monitoring. For those concerned about connectivity, the device can operate using its built-in lighting modes without a Wi-Fi connection. Each of the 15 segments on the 3-meter rope light can be independently controlled for color, or gradients can be created from color palettes or images. The Google Home and Alexa integrations allow for voice control and app-based management of power and color settings. The light provides a bright output when viewed directly but is not intended as a primary light source, serving better as an accent piece. While highly customizable and effective in mimicking neon, the design could be improved to offer a more polished look from the sides and include more mounting brackets for greater design flexibility. The Govee RGBIC Neon rope light is presented as a durable and cost-effective option for adding creative and customizable lighting elements to a home, with good long-term reliability based on previous Govee product experiences. #Govee #RGBICNeonRopeLight #SmartLighting #LEDLighting #HomeDecor #CustomizableLighting #AccentLighting #SmartHomeIntegration #GadgetReview

Lumibright has introduced an innovative Integrated LED Handrail Lighting System, designed with a focus on both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality. This system is engineered to provide unique lighting solutions with exceptional uniformity and photometric performance. A key aspect of its design is the elimination of the need to illuminate entire areas, thereby contributing to increased safety and security while maintaining minimal energy consumption. The LED Railing Module is a versatile system that integrates lighting directly into handrails. Constructed with a durable stainless steel body and boasting an IP67 waterproof rating, this lighting system is suitable for a wide array of interior and exterior applications. These include staircases, atrium surrounds, balconies, viewing galleries, ramp ways, pedestrian bridges, and walkways. Its robust build quality ensures reliability and longevity in various environmental conditions. A primary function of these handrail lights, particularly in public spaces, is to enhance safety and provide resistance against vandalism. The integrated lighting significantly improves visibility, which is crucial in dimly lit areas or during nighttime. Beyond its safety features, the illuminated handrail system also serves as a decorative element, capable of being incorporated into street furniture and urban art installations. This dual functionality allows for both practical illumination and an enhancement of urban aesthetics. Each CREE LED module within the system is designed to be powerful yet unobtrusive. These modules produce an oval-shaped beam with a sharp cut-off, a design choice intended to deliver non-overbearing illumination. The system prioritizes a high degree of uniformity in light distribution, minimizing glare, light spill, and wasted light. This precise light control ensures that illumination is directed where it is most needed without causing discomfort or unnecessary light pollution. Flexibility in installation is another notable feature of the Lumibright LED Handrail Lighting System. It can be integrated into newly constructed handrails or retrofitted into existing ones, offering a practical upgrade solution for various settings. This adaptability makes it a suitable choice for a broad range of projects, from new developments to renovations, allowing for enhanced safety and aesthetic improvement across different architectural contexts. #LEDLighting #HandrailSystem #ArchitecturalLighting #SafetyLighting #UrbanDesign #OutdoorLighting #EnergyEfficiency #CREELED #Lumibright

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

The Govee LED Strip Light M1 Matter is the first Matter-compatible product from Govee, a company known for its affordable and vibrant smart lighting. This article reviews the Govee M1, a $59.99 light strip, highlighting its features, performance, and compatibility with the new Matter smart home standard. The M1 is only the second light strip to support Matter and the first to do so over Wi-Fi, as well as the first with addressable LEDs. It is an RGBWIC light strip, making it extremely bright with high-density LEDs (60 light beads per meter) and capable of both tunable white light and full-color output. The inclusion of dedicated white LEDs ensures a better white light appearance compared to strips that use RGB LEDs to simulate white. The M1's Matter compatibility allows it to work with various smart home platforms, including Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, and SmartThings, making it Govee’s most versatile offering to date. Matter aims to simplify the smart home experience by enabling devices from different manufacturers to communicate seamlessly. However, a significant drawback is that the M1’s dynamic lighting features, for which Govee is well-known, are not accessible through Matter. These "fun" effects, such as pre-set lighting scenes and music sync, can only be used via the Govee app. This limitation means users prioritizing dynamic lighting must engage with the Govee app alongside their Matter-compatible platform. The article details the M1's specifications, including its 2-meter length, 730 lumens per meter brightness, 2,700K to 4,000K color temperature, and Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Matter-over-Wi-Fi protocol support. It also notes the presence of physical controls for basic functions. Installation is straightforward, with clips and pre-attached tape provided. The reviewer tested the M1 on a dark staircase, utilizing its tunable white light for functional illumination throughout the day and dynamic colors for special occasions. Setting up the M1 with Matter involves scanning a QR code with a Matter controller app, such as Apple Home, and then generating a numerical code to pair with additional platforms like Amazon Alexa. The multi-admin feature of Matter allows the device to be controlled by multiple platforms simultaneously. The reviewer successfully integrated the M1 with Apple Home and Amazon Alexa, creating automations and routines. However, issues arose when attempting to pair with Google Home, where the device appeared offline, and a warning was received when pairing with the Govee app, suggesting potential conflicts with Matter controller apps, particularly in environments with multiple Wi-Fi networks. Comparatively, the Govee M1 is priced at $59.99, slightly higher than Nanoleaf’s $49.99 Essentials Matter light strip. The Nanoleaf strip is less bright and only supports a single color at a time, but requires a Thread Border Router for Matter. The TP-Link Tapo L930-5, an alternative, offers multiple colors but also requires its own app for dynamic effects and is trimmable, unlike the Govee M1. The M1's primary advantage is its brightness and Govee’s extensive RGB lighting ecosystem. The article concludes that while Matter simplifies multi-platform control for basic lighting functions, it currently restricts access to advanced dynamic features, necessitating the use of proprietary apps for the full experience. The broader adoption of Matter and its evolution to support more complex lighting effects are critical for realizing the full potential of smart lighting. #SmartHome #MatterStandard #Govee #LEDLightStrip #SmartLighting #HomeAutomation #TechReview #IoT

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 mushroom lamp, a popular design from the 1970s, has been a dominant trend in interior design for several years. While some designers, such as Victoria Adesanmi of Aesthetics Studios, believe its popularity may continue, others anticipate new lighting trends to emerge. These upcoming styles, much like the mushroom lamp, often draw inspiration from historical periods, but the range of influential eras is expanding beyond mid-century modern to include the 1920s and 1980s. One significant trend expected to gain traction is Art Deco-inspired lamps. This style, which experienced a resurgence in interiors in 2021, is characterized by geometric shapes. Caron Woolsey, founder of CW Interiors, notes that modern Art Deco lamps blend the glamour of the past with contemporary technology and austerity. She advises seeking lamps with fluted glass shades or opaline globes that offer unique silhouettes. Examples include a piece by French artisan Marine Breynaert and Saint-Lazare's Octagonal Lamp, inspired by a vintage vase. Sculptural, pottery-style, and ceramic lamps are also on the rise. Maggie Griffin, founder of Maggie Griffin Design, observes an increased client demand for handmade pottery lamps, attributing this to a post-pandemic desire for craftsmanship. Adesanmi concurs, predicting a surge in sculptural lamp designs. Fanny Abbes, creative director of The New Design Project, highlights Eny Lee Parker's ceramic 'Oo lamp' as a notable example, praised for its curvaceous shape and texture. Finally, postmodern and Memphis-style lamps are expected to take over the lighting space. These styles are known for their distinctive squiggly lines and vibrant, often garish, colors. Adesanmi anticipates lamps inspired by the postmodernism and Memphis movement, pioneered by Ettore Sottsass. While new reproductions are available, unique and expressive pieces from these movements can often be found on online marketplaces like Chairish, 1stDibs, and Etsy, aligning with the statement-making nature of these design philosophies. #LampTrends #InteriorDesign #ArtDeco #SculpturalLamps #CeramicLamps #PostmodernDesign #MemphisStyle #HomeDecor #Lighting

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 Neon Rope Lights offer a customizable and artistic lighting solution for various living spaces. These 10-foot flexible silicone rope lights are designed to be bent into various shapes and designs, providing a unique aesthetic element. Unlike traditional light strips, which are thin and adhere to flat surfaces, Govee's rope lights are thicker, typically up to 3/8-inch in diameter, with the light filling the entire tube, simplifying installation around corners and edges. Both smart light strips and rope lights offer millions of color options, tunable whites, and integration with smart assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Setting up the Govee Neon Rope Lights involves mapping out the desired design on the floor before installation. The lights come with an adhesive backing and include small brackets and nails for additional security on walls. While the included instructions are minimal, the product's durability allows for repositioning without damage. The flexibility of the rope makes it suitable for abstract designs and outlining objects, though it is not ideal for spelling out words due to its construction. The lights effectively create a focal point or draw attention to specific art pieces within a room. The Govee app, available for iOS and Android, provides extensive control over the lights. Users can select from 16 million colors, choose from numerous preset combinations tailored for different seasons, holidays, moods, and activities such as reading or gaming. The app also enables users to create and save custom color schemes. Brightness and motion settings are adjustable, allowing for personalized lighting experiences. The lights can be integrated into daily routines, adapting to various activities and moods, from a sunrise setting in the morning to calming hues in the evening. A notable feature is the Music Sync mode, which utilizes a built-in microphone to synchronize lighting patterns with music, movies, or ambient sounds, enhancing the atmosphere for entertainment or social gatherings. The lights also support scheduling and timer functions, as well as remote control capabilities. For hands-free operation, the Govee Neon Rope Lights are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Users can connect the lights by enabling the Govee Home skill in the Alexa app or adding the lights in the Google Home app, allowing voice commands for power, color, brightness, and preset adjustments. One limitation of the Govee Neon Rope Lights is their fixed length; the 10-foot version cannot be extended, unlike some light strips. Users requiring a longer strip must purchase a larger size, such as the 16.4-foot option. Despite this, the Govee Neon Rope Lights are recommended for their ability to add a dynamic and artistic lighting element to any room, offering both vibrant neon effects and subtle glows. They are also presented as a suitable gift for teenagers and an alternative lighting source for dorm rooms and apartments due to their ease of installation and extensive customization options. #GoveeNeonRopeLights #SmartHomeLighting #CustomizableLighting #LEDLighting #SmartHomeTech #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #VoiceControl #GoveeApp

SwitchBot is expanding its smart home product portfolio with a new range of Matter-enabled lighting solutions, officially announced after initial appearances on Amazon. These new products leverage Matter-over-Wi-Fi, ensuring seamless integration with major smart home ecosystems such as Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and SmartThings. A key feature of these Matter-compatible devices is their ability to operate locally within the home Wi-Fi network, thereby reducing reliance on cloud connections for full offline functionality, provided the specific platform supports this operation mode. The new lighting range also maintains compatibility with SwitchBot’s existing ecosystem, allowing for integration with Bluetooth-based devices through a central hub like the SwitchBot Hub 3, which acts as a Matter bridge. The new product lineup encompasses a variety of lighting options, including two floor lamps, three LED strips, and a unique candle warmer lamp. These products are categorized into three distinct series based on their functionalities. The RGBIC Series features lights with Independent Control (IC), meaning individual lighting segments can be adjusted separately. This allows for dynamic lighting effects, similar to offerings from Philips Hue or Nanoleaf. This series includes the 1.35-meter RGBICWW Floor Lamp, the five-meter RGBICWW Light Strip, and an RGBIC Neon Light Tube, with the latter being an exclusive offering for North America. All RGBIC models incorporate both RGB and cool/warm white LEDs, providing access to 16 million colors, 26 dynamic scenes, and 8 lighting effects via the SwitchBot app. When controlled through Matter, users can adjust brightness (up to 1200 lumens), white tones (ranging from 2700K to 6500K), and solid colors. The LED strip can be cut every 12.5 centimeters, and the neon tube includes an integrated wire frame for flexibility in shaping. All products in this series are rated IP44 for splash resistance, making them versatile for various indoor and semi-outdoor applications. The RGB Series constitutes the second product family, comprising the SwitchBot Floor Lamp and the SwitchBot LED Light Strip 3. These models offer RGB, cool white, and warm white lighting with smooth dimming capabilities. Users can select from 16 themes and 5 lighting effects to customize their ambiance. Both products in the RGB series also feature a durable PU coating and IP44 protection, ensuring longevity and suitability for different environments. The third distinct product is the Candle Warmer Lamp, which debuted at IFA 2025. This device is notable as the world's first Matter-enabled candle warmer. It operates by melting scented wax using gentle heat, providing a cozy atmosphere without the use of an open flame, thus eliminating smoke or soot. The downward-facing light of the warmer can be adjusted in intensity, which in turn influences the rate at which scent is released from the candle. This innovative accessory can be integrated into the broader SwitchBot ecosystem or any Matter platform, enabling automation and synchronization with other smart home lighting devices. Most of the new lighting products, excluding the candle warmer, are currently available on SwitchBot's official website and Amazon, with the candle warmer expected to be released soon. This expansion signifies SwitchBot's commitment to advancing smart home integration through the Matter standard, offering consumers enhanced control, versatility, and energy efficiency across their lighting and ambiance-creating devices. The focus on local control and multi-ecosystem compatibility addresses key user demands for seamless and reliable smart home experiences. #MatterSmartHome #SwitchBot #SmartLighting #MatterOverWiFi #SmartHomeEcosystem #RGBICLighting #LEDStrips #CandleWarmer #HomeAutomation

SwitchBot has officially launched a new range of Matter-enabled lighting products, expanding its smart home portfolio. These new models support Matter-over-Wi-Fi, ensuring seamless integration with prominent smart home platforms such as Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and SmartThings. A key feature of these products is their capability for local control within a home Wi-Fi network, eliminating reliance on cloud connections, provided the respective platform supports full offline operation. The lighting lineup also integrates with SwitchBot's existing ecosystem, allowing pairing with Bluetooth-based devices through a central hub like the SwitchBot Hub 3, which acts as a Matter bridge. The new product range is divided into three primary categories: RGBIC Series, RGB Series, and a unique Candle Warmer Lamp. The RGBIC Series, where "IC" signifies Independent Control, allows individual lighting segments to be adjusted separately. This series includes the 1.35-meter-tall RGBICWW Floor Lamp, the five-meter RGBICWW Light Strip, and an RGBIC Neon Light Tube, which will be exclusively available in North America. All RGBIC models combine RGB with cool and warm white LEDs, offering 16 million colors, 26 dynamic scenes, and 8 lighting effects through the SwitchBot app. Via Matter, users can control brightness (up to 1200 lumens), white tones (2700K–6500K), and solid colors. The light strip is trimmable every 12.5 centimeters, and the neon tube features an integrated wire frame for flexibility. All RGBIC products boast an IP44 rating for splash resistance, making them suitable for various indoor environments. The RGB Series includes the SwitchBot Floor Lamp and the SwitchBot LED Light Strip 3. Both products support RGB, cool white, and warm white lighting with smooth dimming capabilities. Users can select from 16 themes and 5 lighting effects to customize their ambiance. Like the RGBIC models, these products feature a durable PU coating and IP44 protection, enhancing their resilience and versatility. The third distinct product is the Candle Warmer Lamp, first showcased at IFA 2025. This device is notable as the world’s first Matter-enabled candle warmer. It operates by melting wax with gentle heat, offering a flame-free and soot-free alternative for creating a cozy atmosphere. The downward-facing light's intensity can be adjusted, which in turn influences the scent release from the candle. This candle warmer can be integrated into the SwitchBot ecosystem or any Matter platform, enabling automation and synchronization with other room lighting elements. While most products are currently available on SwitchBot’s official website and Amazon, the Candle Warmer Lamp is expected to be released soon. This expansion signifies SwitchBot's commitment to interoperability and user-friendly smart home solutions, offering diverse lighting and atmospheric control options that align with the Matter standard's principles of local control and broad platform compatibility. #SwitchBot #Matter #SmartLighting #SmartHome #HomeAutomation #IoT #MatterOverWiFi #RGBICLighting #CandleWarmer

The TP-Link Tapo L930-5 is a smart LED light strip priced under $50, offering a comprehensive set of features that make it a valuable addition to smart lighting setups. This full-color gradient LED strip includes tunable white light and dimming capabilities, music sync functionality, and various lighting effects. It stands out by being the first TP-Link lighting product to support Apple Home, in addition to working seamlessly with Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Its Wi-Fi connectivity eliminates the need for a separate hub, simplifying installation and operation. The Tapo L930-5 is an RGBWIC LED strip, meaning it incorporates both RGB LEDs for up to 16 million colors and dedicated tunable white LEDs, providing brighter and higher-quality white light compared to strips with only RGB. The 'IC' in RGBWIC signifies an integrated chip, allowing the strip to display different colors across its 50 distinct lighting zones simultaneously. This combination of features, especially the inclusion of both tunable white LEDs and addressable lighting alongside Apple Home support, is rare in its price category, making it a competitive option against more expensive alternatives like Eve and Philips Hue. Installation of the 16.4-foot (5-meter) light strip involves connecting a small controller and an AC adapter, then adhering the strip using its 3M tape. While finding a nearby outlet is necessary and navigating tight corners can be a minor challenge (the strips are trimmable but not re-connectable), the setup is generally quick and straightforward. The Tapo app is user-friendly and feature-rich, enabling users to set schedules, create up to six preset light scenes, choose from 17 pre-defined effects (or create custom ones), and synchronize lights with music. The app also offers energy usage monitoring, an Away Mode for security, and a timer function. The individually addressable lighting zones enhance the visual appeal of the effects, with options like Rainbow and Aurora providing dynamic light displays. For seasonal decorations, presets like Bubbling Cauldron and Haunted Mansion are available. The light strip includes an Auto White mode, which adjusts brightness based on ambient light, although it maintains a consistent color temperature despite the app suggesting cool-to-warm adjustment. It does not integrate with Apple Home’s adaptive lighting feature. The music sync function relies on the smartphone’s microphone, requiring the app to remain open and sometimes disconnecting, which can be inconvenient. However, this design might be preferable for users concerned about built-in microphones. The Tapo app allows for Smart Actions to link multiple Tapo devices into Scenes or Automations based on time or triggers from other Tapo products. Notably, the Tapo app is distinct from TP-Link’s Kasa smart home line, working exclusively with Tapo devices. TP-Link has announced future Matter support for the Tapo line, which could potentially include upgrades for existing devices like the L930-5 or the launch of new Matter-compatible products. At $49.99, the Tapo L930-5 is presented as a cost-effective choice for addressable lighting with RGB and tunable white LEDs, especially for those seeking Apple Home compatibility. While it currently comes in a single 16.4-foot length, a 32-foot version is anticipated. Compared to competitors, Philips Hue strips, even single-color versions, are significantly more expensive, and options like Nanoleaf Essentials and Eve Light Strip, while supporting adaptive lighting, are costly to extend and lack multi-color addressability. The L930-5's ability to produce high-quality white light due to dedicated white LEDs gives it an advantage over other budget light strips that only use RGB. Overall, the Tapo L930-5 is positioned as the best affordable addressable light strip, unless adaptive lighting is a critical requirement or users are specifically waiting for Matter and Thread-compatible alternatives. #SmartLighting #LEDStrip #TPLinkTapo #AppleHome #GoogleHome #AmazonAlexa #SmartHomeIntegration #HomeAutomation #TechReview

Allied Maker, a New York-based design and manufacturing studio founded in 2012, recently introduced four new lighting fixtures at the Architectural Digest Design Show. The studio is known for its minimalist designs that emphasize the inherent beauty of materials such as brass, glass, and hardwoods. The newly unveiled collection continues this aesthetic, incorporating both angular, structural lines, specifically triangles, and soft, curving circular forms into their latest creations. One of the new additions is the Tri Cone Pendant, a fixture that features a cone-shaped shade designed to direct a focused beam of light. This focused illumination is achieved with a glass disc, all contained within a tetrahedron-inspired structural frame. The design seamlessly blends geometric precision with functional lighting, creating a visually compelling piece that is both modern and elegant. Another significant launch is the Grand Aperture 4, an expanded version of Allied Maker's existing Aperture 4 chandelier. This larger chandelier is specifically engineered to make a substantial visual impact in spacious environments. It comprises four glass domes strategically placed to encircle four distinct light sources. This arrangement ensures a broad and even diffusion of light, making it suitable for grand living areas or commercial spaces where significant ambient lighting is desired, all while maintaining a sophisticated aesthetic. The collection also includes the Contour Wall Lamp 22”. This wall-mounted fixture is characterized by its graceful, hand-bent arc, which extends to connect with a glass sphere. The design's functionality is enhanced by its ability to swivel against the wall, allowing for adjustable lighting direction and adaptability to various room configurations. The elegant curve and spherical element offer a blend of art and utility, providing both illumination and a sculptural presence. Completing the quartet of new fixtures is the Concentric 15”, a versatile piece designed for either wall or ceiling installation. This fixture stands out due to its handcrafted wooden dome, which features a series of concentric circles. These circles create a topographic effect, giving the fixture a unique textural and visual depth. The pleasing arrangement of the concentric rings adds a subtle yet striking decorative element to any space, reinforcing Allied Maker's commitment to thoughtful design and meticulous craftsmanship. These new offerings from Allied Maker reinforce their dedication to creating lighting solutions that are not only functional but also serve as artistic statements within a space. The combination of high-quality materials, expert craftsmanship, and a keen eye for minimalist design ensures that these fixtures enhance the ambiance and aesthetic of contemporary interiors. #AlliedMaker #LightingFixtures #ArchitecturalDigestDesignShow #MinimalistDesign #BrassLighting #GlassDesign #Chandeliers #WallLamps #HomeFurnishings

Jamb founders Will Fisher and Charlotte Freemantle, known for their bespoke lighting tailored for leading interior designers, are set to launch their new Deco collection. This collection, which will debut at London Design Week, features five distinct pieces that deliberately eschew current trends, focusing instead on timeless design and exceptional craftsmanship. The duo, operating from their London home and studio, emphasizes traditional skills and meticulous attention to detail, a philosophy that stands in contrast to the rapid-fire launch cycles common in contemporary design. The Deco collection is characterized by a glamorous and somewhat majestic aesthetic, designed to soften the edges of each piece in a romantic fashion. This romantic sensibility extends from their previous work, including their distinctive pink room at the Wow! House at Chelsea Harbour Design Centre. Will Fisher's background in studying antique objects heavily influences their design process. The team initiates new designs by identifying original antique pieces that serve as the foundational inspiration. Their deep immersion in historical objects led to the early twentieth-century themes evident in the Deco collection, drawing from movements and periods such as The Bloomsbury Group, the Roaring Twenties, and the Belle Époque. The collection highlights a focus on rich materiality, combining hand-planished metal, luminous alabaster, and shimmering silk textiles to create compelling juxtapositions. Some designs incorporate hand-carved patterns, which are then cast using the traditional lost wax technique, a method Will Fisher describes as the "noblest form of manufacture." Charlotte Freemantle is particularly interested in integrating decorative fabrics, a concept carried over from the Wow! House show, into their new product lines. She notes that drapery softens and diffuses light in a room, and similarly, the textiles in their collection evoke the gentle glow of candlelight, enhancing the overall ambiance. Often described as the "jewelry of the home," lighting in the Deco collection aims to create unique and inviting atmospheres. The pieces are designed to complete and complement diverse interior aesthetics, whether mid-century modern or traditional, effectively bucking trends and potentially establishing new ones. To illustrate their versatility, the designers have photographed the collection in various in situ settings, demonstrating how these objects can seamlessly integrate into different environments. The article specifically mentions pieces like the Hopper Alabaster wall sconce, the Thelma pendant light with its hand-stippled brass frame and optional linen or silk skirt, a new floor lamp styled with antique furniture, and the Hatton Rod, which embodies the Art Deco aesthetic with its alabaster bowl and brass detailing, offering both down and uplighting. The collection will be available from Jamb at 95-97 Pimlico Road, London, and through their website. #JambLighting #DecoCollection #LondonDesignWeek #BespokeLighting #InteriorDesignTrends #AntiqueInspired #Craftsmanship #AlabasterLighting #LuxuryLighting

Govee has announced the launch of its second-generation Curtain Lights, Curtain Lights 2, in an innovative collaboration with DreamWorks Animation's upcoming film, "The Wild Robot." These new smart lighting products incorporate exclusive lighting effects inspired by key moments from the film, which is set to premiere on September 27. The Curtain Lights 2 are designed for various applications, including home theaters, game rooms, and outdoor holiday displays, offering advanced customization at an accessible price point. In addition to the Curtain Lights 2, Govee has also released "The Wild Robot"-themed Permanent Outdoor Lights 2 and the TV Backlight 3 Lite, further enhancing home entertainment experiences. All these products are available for purchase through the official Govee website and their Amazon store. "The Wild Robot" film, written and directed by Chris Sanders and based on Peter Brown's bestselling novel, follows the story of ROZZUM unit 7134, or Roz (voiced by Lupita Nyong’o), a robot shipwrecked on an uninhabited island. Roz must learn to adapt to the wilderness and form relationships with the island's animals, even becoming an adoptive parent to an orphaned gosling named Brightbill (voiced by Kit Connor). The movie also features an ensemble voice cast including Pedro Pascal, Catherine O’Hara, Bill Nighy, Stephanie Hsu, Mark Hamill, Matt Berry, and Ving Rhames. The film has received critical acclaim, holding a perfect 100% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes prior to its release, highlighting its compelling themes and visuals, which Govee's lighting technology aims to complement. Govee's position as a leader in smart lighting is underscored by overwhelmingly positive reviews from tech bloggers and home entertainment enthusiasts. The Curtain Lights 2, measuring 5 by 6.5 feet, feature 520 LED lights and an IP65 waterproof rating, making them suitable for outdoor use. Users can customize the display via the Govee app, with options for larger versions to cover more expansive areas. Noteworthy improvements in the second generation include advanced pattern display technology and a new Bluetooth chip for smoother, brighter, and more dynamic lighting effects and animations. Key features of the Govee Curtain Lights 2 include enhanced DIY capabilities with a 20x26 pixel arrangement for detailed animations and GIF output, allowing direct image and GIF uploads. AI-Driven Lighting Effects utilize AI-Generated Content (AIGC) through Govee's AI Lighting Bot, enabling users to create custom effects with voice or text commands. The lights also boast compatibility with Matter, the new smart home connectivity standard, ensuring seamless integration with platforms like Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit. Beyond traditional lighting, the Curtain Lights 2 act as a creative canvas with a ten-layer customizable display system and interactive storytelling potential through dynamic lighting. Three exclusive "The Wild Robot"-themed lighting effects—"Beginning," "Baby Brightbill," and "Bonding"—are included, reflecting Roz's journey of self-discovery. Additionally, the product offers over 200 preset scene modes and Music Synchronization, allowing lights and animations to react to ambient music. Installation is designed to be user-friendly, with included hooks and adhesive strips, and a fixed installation strip for wind protection, making it versatile for both indoor and outdoor settings. The Wild Robot-themed Govee Curtain Lights 2 are priced at $149.99, with double and triple packs available for $259.99 and $399.99, respectively. The Permanent Outdoor Lights 2, the latest generation of Govee's outdoor lighting, offers enhanced brightness, improved reliability, and Matter capability at the same price as its predecessor, with a 100-foot version costing $299.99. The TV Backlight 3 Lite, Govee's newest light strip for televisions, features Matter compatibility and Envisual color-matching technology, optimized with a new chip to adapt accent lighting to on-screen content. Prices for the TV Backlight 3 Lite start at $89.99, with kits available in lengths suitable for TVs 40 inches and larger. Since 2017, Govee has aimed to revolutionize smart living through innovative lighting solutions for various environments, embodying the philosophy that "Lights can be fun" and empowering users with creative control. #GoveeCurtainLights #SmartLighting #TheWildRobot #DreamWorksAnimation #HomeEntertainment #SmartHomeIntegration #OutdoorLighting #TVBacklight #AIinLighting

The 'Accent Light' is a limited-edition desk lamp designed by Zürich-based designer Fritz Jakob Gräber, focusing on perspectives, symmetries, and colors. Gräber, who possesses extensive experience across various crafts, aims to create an eclectic range of products, furniture, and lighting. The 'Accent Light' exemplifies his approach to design, which centers on transforming flat materials into three-dimensional forms. The development of the 'Accent Light' was driven by Gräber's ambition to establish his own design practice and produce his own editions, a challenging endeavor for a young designer. The lamp is designed to be highly practical, emphasizing ease of production, storage, and shipment through its super flatpack design. This minimizes labor costs and logistical complexities, making it an efficient product to manufacture and distribute. The lamp's aesthetic is minimalistic yet visually striking, crafted from a specialized type of paper. This material choice is integral to the lamp's ability to create volume from a flat form. The production process involves a unique technique where all envelopes are hand-printed on a Dainippon flatbed offset machine, a vintage piece of equipment from 1971. This detail highlights Gräber's dedication to craftsmanship and his appreciation for traditional printing methods, adding a unique character to each lamp. Functionally, the 'Accent Light' emits a subtle warm downlight, designed to create an inviting and cozy atmosphere. The lamp is a limited edition, with only seven pieces produced, all manufactured in Switzerland. This exclusivity underscores its status as a collectible design object, reflecting the designer's personal commitment to quality and unique artistry. The limited availability and local production emphasize the bespoke nature of Gräber's work and his focus on maintaining high standards of craftsmanship. The design reflects a blend of artistic vision and practical considerations, addressing both aesthetic appeal and the challenges of independent production. The 'Accent Light' is not just a lighting fixture but a statement piece that embodies the designer's philosophy of creating impactful objects from simple materials while managing the complexities of establishing an independent brand in the design industry. #LightingDesign #LimitedEdition #DeskLamp #FritzJakob #MinimalisticDesign #SwissDesign #Handcrafted #ProductDesign #InteriorDesign