Lighting in the News - June 2015
The world of lighting has seen quite a few changes in the last couple of weeks. We’ve watched as Philips partnered with Apple, the introduction of a light bulb that lasts nearly 40 years and an incredibly affordable LED replacement bulb. In case you missed it, here are a few quick recaps of the recent events in lighting.
The Partnership
Philips made a big announcement recently that their Hue light bulbs will be compatible with Apple’s HomeKit. The HomeKit allows for smart home capability and fulfills commands such as turning on lights, opening garage doors and even controlling temperatures in the home. Current Philips Hue lighting systems use wireless functions to connect to a router using Ethernet. Using Philips apps and third-party developers, users have the capability to regulate lighting and use the controls via the Philips website. Currently it is uncertain as to what type of wireless system will be used with Philips Hue and HomeKit; however, once updates are available, Philips Hue will be helping customers with the process of going live with HomeKit.
The Everlasting
How would you like to not have to change a light bulb for 37 years? Dyson has come up with an LED bulb called the “Csys” that is expected to burn brightly for a whopping 37 years. LED developers have been looking for ways to combat the heat generated from LED bulbs for a long time. Although they do not create as much heat as incandescents, the excess heat still causes the color and brightness of the light bulb to diminish over time. Dyson’s LED equips the heat-pipe technology that’s used in satellites to force heat away from the bulb’s electronics. The heat-pipe technology allows the LEDs to maintain a cool temperature of 55 degrees Celsius, 131 degrees Fahrenheit, which Dyson says preserves the phosphorous coating of the LED. The protection from the phosphorous coating allows the light to burn brightly for 30 plus years. However, shining bright for 37 years doesn’t come cheaply; the Csys light bulb retails at $610.
The Replacement
On to the next affordable 60-watt LED: GE has launched a new cost friendly light bulb to help customers easily move from CFL to LED lighting. GE calls their latest affordable design, “StikTM LED.” The three pack of LED lights are being sold for under $10. It is estimated that a large majority of the United States is currently not utilizing LED lighting; however, this is expected to increase 50% by the year 2020.
Hopefully these highlights spread a little extra light in your life. If you find out about something interesting in the world of lighting news, please feel free to leave it in the comment section below or as always, drop us a line on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or Instagram!
