Halo Home Anyplace Bluetooth Dimmer Switch review: It's not as good as the lights it's designed to control

This review evaluates the TreatLife Smart Switches, focusing on their functionality, installation process, smart home integration, and cost-effectiveness. TreatLife offers a range of smart plugs, LED bulbs, and switches that operate on a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection and are controllable via an app or voice commands. The switches require a neutral wire for installation, making them incompatible with older wiring setups that only use two wires. The review specifically examines three models: the Light & Ceiling Fan Dimmer Switch, the Smart Light Switch, and the Smart Dimmer Switch. All models feature a sleek design and can be configured for single-pole or 3-way use. For 3-way installations, TreatLife switches do not require a companion smart switch from the same manufacturer, potentially saving costs, but they must be installed at the input end of the 3-way line, which can be challenging to identify without detailed instructions. Installation of TreatLife switches is generally straightforward but requires careful consideration of existing wiring and junction box space. Smart switches are typically deeper than conventional switches and necessitate more room for their four wires (Line/Load, Traveler, Neutral, and Ground) and wire nuts. Insufficient space can lead to wires disconnecting or even fire hazards. Users are advised to photograph existing wiring before removal and label wires using supplied stickers to facilitate connection. The installation process usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes. The TreatLife app, available on iOS and Android, guides users through the setup, including adding and naming new switches. For smart home integration, TreatLife switches are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Users must pair their switches with these voice platforms through their respective apps. While Alexa integration is seamless, pairing with Google Assistant is more complex, as it initially requires linking via the Smart Life app (by Tuya) before connecting to the TreatLife account, a process the company acknowledges as needing streamlining. Once connected, users can create schedules and scenes for their lighting. TreatLife switches are competitively priced, with multi-pack options further reducing the per-unit cost. For example, a four-pack of Wi-Fi Dimmer Switches costs $74.99, while a four-pack of 3-Way Smart Light Switches costs $65.99. The Smart Ceiling Fan Control and Light Dimmer Switch is priced at $47.99 and does not require a separate hub. The products are available on the TreatLife website, Walmart, Home Depot, eBay, and Amazon. While the switches performed reliably during a multi-week test, consistently connecting to the router even from an upstairs location, the review highlights some drawbacks. The primary issues include the complicated pairing process with Google Assistant and a lack of broader smart home integrations, particularly with security systems, smart cameras, and video doorbells. TreatLife has indicated plans to expand integrations in early 2021. Despite these limitations, TreatLife switches are recommended for users seeking affordable smart lighting solutions, especially those who primarily use Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant for home automation and do not require extensive third-party integrations. #SmartSwitch #DimmerSwitch #TreatLife #SmartLightSwitch #SmartHome #HomeAutomation #SmartLighting #ProductReview #WiFi #InteriorDesign

The second generation of the Philips Hue dimmer switch introduces significant improvements over its predecessor, making it a noteworthy upgrade for smart home enthusiasts. The design has undergone a complete overhaul, featuring rounded corners and a shift from a matte plastic to a more premium material, elevating its aesthetic from a 'cheap copy' to a 'real Hue product.' A key functional enhancement is the redesigned mounting plate. It is now one centimeter wider, measuring approximately 8 centimeters, which allows it to fully cover standard European wall switch boxes. This wider plate can be glued directly onto the wall or screwed into empty sockets thanks to its precisely matched holes, offering more versatile installation options. Another clever design change involves the magnets, which are now integrated directly into the dimmer switch itself, rather than the holder. This innovation enables users to attach the switch to any magnetic surface, such as a refrigerator, without needing the mounting plate, adding to its convenience and flexibility. The button layout has also been rethought. The new dimmer switch features an on and off button at the top, and a dedicated 'Hue button' at the bottom for cycling through five configurable scenes. This separation of functions is presented as a more logical and intuitive approach to scene management within the Hue ecosystem. For instance, the Hue button now specifically controls lighting scenes, which streamlines user interaction. Beyond hardware changes, the accompanying Hue app offers expanded configuration options for the new dimmer switch. Users can activate a time-based mode, allowing the light to adjust automatically to the appropriate setting based on the time of day when activated. Additionally, a long press on the on/off switch can be configured to turn off all Philips Hue lamps in the entire house, providing a convenient master control feature. Despite these numerous enhancements in design, installation flexibility, and functionality, Philips Hue has maintained the price point at 19.99 euros, making the upgraded dimmer switch an even more appealing proposition. This review suggests that the second-generation dimmer switch is superior to its predecessor in all aspects, offering a more refined user experience and greater integration possibilities within a smart home setup. #PhilipsHue #DimmerSwitch #SmartLighting #HomeAutomation #HardwareReview #SmartHomeAccessory #HueApp #LightingControl #ProductUpgrade

Smart plugs have evolved significantly since their introduction, moving from bulky, expensive devices to smaller, more affordable, and feature-rich options. This review focuses on the Enbrighten Plug-in Zigbee Smart Dimmer Switch, a device designed to enhance smart home automation. The Enbrighten Smart Dimmer functions as a smart plug, allowing wireless control of appliances, devices, or lamps connected to it via a smartphone, tablet, computer, or voice commands. Its operation, however, is contingent on being paired with a compatible Zigbee 3.0 hub or gateway, such as the Samsung SmartThings (3rd Gen) hub or the Amazon Echo (4th Gen), which incorporates Zigbee technology. A key design feature of the Enbrighten plug is its compact and sleek form factor, which ensures it only occupies a single wall outlet while providing two functional outlets on its sides. This design maximizes utility by effectively converting one standard outlet into two smart outlets. Additionally, the device includes a manual on/off program button for direct control. Beyond its primary function as a smart plug, the Enbrighten Plug-in Zigbee Smart Dimmer also acts as a range extender for Zigbee networks. When integrated into a Zigbee hub, it can amplify the wireless signal up to an additional 150 feet, thereby expanding the coverage and reliability of the home's Zigbee wireless network. Another significant capability of this smart dimmer is its energy-saving potential. By enabling users to dim lights from zero to 100 percent, it helps reduce energy consumption and can prolong the lifespan of light bulbs. The device supports the creation of customized lighting scenes that can automatically adjust brightness levels throughout the day, whether residents are home or away. Setup requires a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection and involves scanning a QR code or entering a code to add the device to a Zigbee 3.0 hub, a process described as intuitive and quick, typically taking only a few minutes. For smart home integrations, the Enbrighten Smart Dimmer's compatibility with Zigbee 3.0 hubs makes it versatile. Amazon's newer Echo devices, including the 4th Gen Echo, Echo Plus (1st & 2nd Gen), Echo Show (2nd Gen), and Echo Studio, all serve as Zigbee hubs, allowing seamless control of Enbrighten devices. Jasco, the parent company of Enbrighten, offers a comprehensive range of smart home devices that operate across various wireless protocols, including Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, and Bluetooth, catering to diverse smart home systems. The Enbrighten Plug-in Zigbee Dimmer Switch is priced at $37.99 and is available through the Jasco website and Amazon. Testing of the Enbrighten Dimmer Switch involved pairing it with a Zigbee hub and assessing its performance in different locations and distances within a test house. The device consistently performed as expected, responding to both app and voice commands without any connectivity issues, even at extended ranges. When evaluating smart plugs, key considerations include design (size, number of outlets), manual control options, energy monitoring capabilities, and compatibility with existing smart home systems. The Enbrighten line addresses these concerns by offering well-designed products that support various wireless protocols, making them suitable for different smart home setups. The Enbrighten Plug-in Zigbee Smart Dimmer is particularly suited for users with existing Zigbee hubs. Without a compatible Zigbee 3.0 hub, remote control features are unavailable, limiting integration with voice platforms like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, as well as other smart home systems for creating scenes or scheduling. The device's ability to act as a range extender and its energy monitoring feature are notable advantages. Smart plugs have advanced considerably, offering improved design, increased functionality, and enhanced integration into customized connected lifestyles, particularly useful for renters who cannot install permanent smart switches. The Enbrighten Plug-in Zigbee Dimmer Switch can effectively simulate a smart switch for lamps, provided a compatible Zigbee 3.0 hub is present. The primary drawbacks include its price, reliance on Zigbee 3.0 hubs, and the necessity of a hub for voice control via Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. #SmartHome #SmartPlug #Zigbee #DimmerSwitch #HomeAutomation #ProductReview #EnergyMonitor #RangeExtender #Jasco

Philips Hue introduced the Natural Light feature late last year, providing a 24-hour scene that adjusts color temperature throughout the day to offer optimal white light for well-being. This feature delivers cool, activating white tones in the morning and relaxing warm white in the evening. The smart scene has received several updates, including the capability to switch between time periods more quickly or slowly as desired. Initially, activating Natural Light with a switch was exclusive to the Philips Hue Tap Dial Switch. However, this functionality will soon extend to other Philips Hue switches, specifically the Philips Hue Smart Button and the Philips Hue Dimmer Switch. With the upcoming update, both the Philips Hue Smart Button and the Philips Hue Dimmer Switch will support the 24-hour Natural Light scene. Additionally, users will gain the ability to set ten time windows or ten scenes on these two switches, enhancing their versatility and control over their smart lighting environment. This expansion of features means that more users will be able to integrate the benefits of Natural Light into their daily routines through a wider range of existing Philips Hue accessories. The Philips Hue Smart Button is a compact and versatile control device that typically allows users to turn lights on/off, dim them, or cycle through pre-set scenes. The Philips Hue Dimmer Switch offers similar control but often includes dedicated buttons for brightness adjustment and cycling through scenes, providing a more tactile user experience. The integration of the Natural Light scene into these popular accessories addresses a common user request, making the sophisticated lighting feature accessible without requiring the purchase of the newer Tap Dial Switch. The Natural Light feature is designed to mimic the natural progression of daylight, which is known to influence human circadian rhythms and overall well-being. By providing cooler, more stimulating light in the mornings and gradually transitioning to warmer, more relaxing tones in the evenings, the system aims to support daily activities and prepare the body for rest. The ability to customize the speed of these transitions further personalizes the lighting experience to individual preferences. This update signifies Philips Hue’s ongoing commitment to enhancing user experience and expanding the capabilities of its smart home ecosystem. By bringing advanced features to a broader range of existing hardware, Philips Hue ensures that more users can benefit from its innovations without needing to upgrade their entire setup. The increased flexibility in setting time windows and scenes on the Smart Button and Dimmer Switch also empowers users with more granular control over their lighting automations, facilitating a more tailored and intuitive smart home lighting experience. #PhilipsHue #SmartLighting #NaturalLight #DimmerSwitch #SmartButton #HomeAutomation #LightingControl #SmartHome #HueUpdate