Review: Insteon Dimmer Switch is no ordinary light switch

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

Oliver Proudlock, a former star of 'Made In Chelsea' and a school friend of the Duke of Sussex, along with his fiancée, model Emma Louise Connolly, have opened the doors to their newly renovated four-storey, three-bedroom terraced house in Barons Court, west London. The couple embarked on extensive home renovation in 2019, documenting their journey in a YouTube series titled 'From Crib To Casa,' which has garnered over a million viewers due to its honest portrayal of the challenges and triumphs of home improvements. Proudlock expressed their desire to connect with a younger audience and demystify the renovation process. The decision to renovate came after they outgrew Proudlock's previous flat in West Kensington and developed a shared dream of owning their own home. Their initial attempt to purchase a house in Shepherd's Bush was unsuccessful, as they were 'gazumped,' leading to a temporary halt in their home search. Eventually, they found their current property, consciously choosing an area outside of Chelsea due to cost considerations and a desire for a quieter lifestyle. Proudlock, who claims financial independence since the age of 17, emphasized that even with the budget, Chelsea would not have been their preferred location, highlighting their contentment with their current, more tranquil neighborhood. The renovation project has significantly expanded their understanding of home design and functionality. Proudlock humorously noted, "Who knew dimmer switches could be so, so sexy?" This statement reflects their newfound appreciation for the details and choices involved in creating a personalized living space. The transformation of their house into a stylish and comfortable home is a testament to their collaboration and their journey from reality television personalities to hands-on interior designers. Their YouTube series provided a platform to share their experiences, offering insights into budgeting, decision-making, and navigating the complexities of a major home makeover, ultimately making the renovation process appear more accessible and less intimidating to their viewers. #HomeRenovation #OliverProudlock #EmmaLouiseConnolly #InteriorDesign #WestLondonHome #YouTubeSeries #HomeImprovements #RealityStars

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

The National Museum of American History has added an assortment of dimmer switches to its collections, recognizing the device's significant role in advancing gracious and elegant living in late 20th-century American homes. This donation highlights the often-overlooked importance of lighting design and control in creating a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing home environment. Dimmers provide users with greater control over their living and working spaces, allowing them to adjust lighting levels to suit various occasions, from romantic evenings to dinner parties. The ability to subtly change light intensity throughout an event can transform the ambiance of a room, moving from bright, inviting illumination to a softer, more intimate glow akin to candlelight. Beyond their aesthetic contributions, dimmer switches are also acknowledged for their energy-saving capabilities, a particularly relevant feature in an era focused on energy efficiency. Pennsylvania congressman Charlie Dent emphasized this point during the donation event, stating that if every American home installed just two dimmer switches, it could lead to an annual saving of 10 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity and approximately 1 billion dollars. This highlights the practical and economic benefits associated with widespread adoption of dimmer technology. Joel Spira, inventor and founder of Lutron Electronics, played a pivotal role in popularizing dimmer switches for residential use. While dimming devices were available for automobiles, theaters, and commercial buildings earlier in the 20th century, their integration into homes was initially hampered by their bulky, expensive, and heat-generating designs, which required specialized installations. Spira's innovation in the early 1960s led to the development of the first solid-state electronic dimming device that was compact, economical, and simple enough for the average homeowner to install. This breakthrough made dimmer switches accessible to a broader market, transforming household lighting control. Spira's donation to the Smithsonian includes a comprehensive collection spanning 50 years of Lutron-produced lighting control products, along with his notebooks, photographs, and brochures. A notable item among the donations is a 1964 cardboard standee advertising the Lutron Capri dimmer switch, featuring a woman in an evening gown and the slogan "Light up... or down with the Lutron Capri," underscoring the cosmetic appeal and modern convenience of the device. Although there is no immediate information on when these items will be publicly displayed, the inclusion of the dimmer switch in the Smithsonian's collection underscores its historical significance as an example of American creativity and innovation that has subtly, yet profoundly, impacted daily life. The article implicitly encourages readers to consider the effectiveness of their own home lighting and the potential benefits of incorporating dimmer switches. #DimmerSwitch #HomeLighting #AmericanHistory #JoelSpira #LutronElectronics #EnergyEfficiency #SmithsonianMuseum #HomeInnovation #LightingTechnology