Do LIFX Bulbs Slow Down Or Disrupt Your Wi-Fi Network?

A LIFX full RGB bulb in my hand

Because of their wide range of colors and overall ease of use, LIFX smart home LED lights have become increasingly popular. Not only do they offer a variety of customizable options, but they’re also Wi-Fi enabled – unlike their primary competitor, Philips Hue.  Being Wi-Fi compatible often makes them more desirable for users, as they … Read more

Can LIFX Connect To 5Ghz WiFi? Or Is 2.4Ghz Better For Smart Bulbs?

A LIFX full RGB B22 bulb in its box

Debuting in 2012, LIFX (pronounced Life – X) introduced a line of smart bulbs that would prove to be a game-changer in the homes of many. Coming to the fore near the beginning of the ‘smart home era’, these lights became a fun and intuitive way to add color, atmosphere, and additional functionality to your … Read more

Can Phillips Hue Connect to Wi-Fi (5 Ghz or 2.4 Ghz)?

A recently installed Philips Hue v2 bridge which is setup in my loft.

Today, almost everything is connected by the most popular wireless network protocol – Wi-Fi. Whether it’s the standard 2.4 Ghz frequency, or the newer, faster, 5 Ghz – Wi-Fi is the standard form of wireless communication for most. Wi-Fi is used for most things; from the apps on our phones, to many of the smart … Read more

Do Ring Cameras and Doorbells Need The Ring Bridge (Hub)?

The Ring Smart Lighting Bridge or Hub

In 2020, Ring introduced smart lights for the home, as well as the Ring Bridge in order to control these lights. But with this new addition to the Ring family, some questions have arisen. Many Ring users have begun to wonder if the Ring Bridge is, or will become, necessary to connect not just lights, … Read more

Why Are Z-Wave Smart Devices Just SO Expensive?

Z-Wave alliance logo

Move aside WiFi: much like the Zigbee protocol, Z-Wave is an alternative way to control your smart home devices. It operates on a mesh network, doesn’t require a lot of power to function, and is constantly growing its network of brands that are compatible with it. One of Z-Wave’s best features, is that it operates … Read more

Why Are Zigbee Smart Devices Just SO Expensive?

A Philips Hue starter kit (B22), and four E14 White Ambiance bulbs.

In today’s connected world, there are many ways for devices to interact with one another. While most people opt for the more popular options like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, there are alternatives. One such alternative is designed specifically for home automation: Zigbee. Zigbee is a wireless technology much like Wi-Fi, that allows several smart devices to … Read more

How To Dim Philips Hue Lights Without A Dimmer Switch

A table lamp with Philips Hue E14 candle bulb, dimmed to 1% brightness

With everyone spending a little extra time at home these days, many people have started exploring smart lighting products like Philips Hue, to add a little extra atmosphere to their living space. If you’ve chosen to purchase Hue lights, you may have considered purchasing the popular Hue Dimmer Switch in order to dim and control … Read more