HomeKit Need suggestions Homekit Compatible Lights....

[gpspad]

I guess I am getting used to my HomePods and getting lazy, I'd like to be able to turn off my bedroom lights on and off without getting up.

The catch is I don't really want to use a bridge and my house is older and I do NOT have a neutral wire. I'd like the light switch to be able to turn the light on and off like normal if they are not aware of the home pods.

Just want to also be able to ask siri to turn the lights off.

Is this possible with anything that is out now?

 

[Q-Dog]

Why no bridge? That really limits your options.

Lutron Caseta dimmer switches don't need a neutral wire, but they do need a bridge. They can operate as normal switches and also have remotes that can pair to the switches. They offer a couple of starter kits with everything you need to get one or two switches up and running.

idevices dimmer doesn't need a bridge, but does need a neutral wire.

Adding the bridge is easier that rewiring the house.

 

[bbednarz]

I don't really understand why people are against using a bridge. Makes it way easier to set up and maintain.

That being said, I know there is a brand that just connects through WiFi. I can't remember the name of it off hand though. I think Best Buy sells them. If you just want 1-2 bulbs then I guess it makes sense to go that route. However, if you are looking to do it throughout the house or anything I really suggest Hue. It is what I use and have used for the last few years. Works incredibly well.

 

[gpspad]

The thing is the bridge is another thing to above to keep running and setup along with the internet, a media server, ect.....
While I hate that my nest Thermostat isn't compatible, the thing has always just worked as long as the wifi network was up.

Not to mention while this stuff is fun for me; the other people in the house are not into knowing how all this works when something goes wrong, then you have my older parents who just want to walk into the room and turn a light on with the switch.

I guess the bridge makes sense, but again its another thing to have to keep working for a smallish house where wifi hits everything no problem.

Im just really wanted to have siri turn the bedroom lights on and off

 

[mritech]

If you have regular bulb sockets you can use Wi-Fi bulbs like LIFX I think those can get away without a bridge

 

[Q-Dog]

I have not looked at or touched the Lutron bridge since I set it up. It literally took 5 minutes to plug it in and enter the network info. It sits up on a shelf behind my router. It is probably lonely back there, but it doesn't complain. It's been about a year so far.

 

[mritech]

Same with my lutron bridge. Works fine no issues. I have 5 Caseta’s

 

[bbednarz]

LIFX are the ones I was thinking of like the person said a few posts above. If you're just looking to get them for your bedroom then I think that makes sense.

Add me to the list of people that have never had an issue with the bridge going out or anything. Been rock solid for the 3ish years I have had it.

 

[MistrSynistr]

Sylvania makes bluetooth Homekit lights for cheap. No hub, no BS. Just add them to your Home app and set automations.

These are what you want.

 

[Q-Dog]

Sylvania makes bluetooth Homekit lights for cheap. No hub, no BS. Just add them to your Home app and set automations.

These are what you want.

It seems like you didn't read the part about having a switch so anyone can use the light normally?

The cheap way to do it would be a Hue or sylvania or similar bulb in a lamp in the room, then the overhead light and switch can be left alone to function as normal. But I really do like the Caseta switches. I have a setting that turns off ALL lights at a certain time. And a light that comes on 10% when the room sensor for the thermostat senses movement at night.

 

[gpspad]

The cheap way to do it would be a Hue or sylvania or similar bulb in a lamp in the room, then the overhead light and switch can be left alone to function as normal.

I like the idea of planning things so the lamps in the room are automated, I get a bonus function since they are not tied into to a switch now, but they turn on and off via siri.

The big room lights then work like normal, on the off chance someone come to the house and needs to turn on a light. Everything works like normal.

I wonder if they have wifi lamps out yet?

 

[mritech]

If I’m seeing it right Amazon has the multicolor Silvania for 29 to compare apples to apples the Lifx are 40 but if you don’t need the multicolor it’s only a buck or so difference