LG Sheds Light on Internet of Things

Smart lamps are still in the novelty phase, but there are serious potential uses for the technology -- and once devs get to work, as yet unimagined applications surely will come to light. "I think we're just at the precipice of seeing what smart light bulbs can do in terms of features, functions and different wattages," said tech analyst Laura DiDio.

LG Electronics on Monday unveiled a light bulb designed to illuminate consumers lives in a more intelligent way.

The Smart Lamp, which can be controlled by an iOS or Android device over Bluetooth or WiFi, debuted in LG's home market of South Korea.

The 10W LED bulb is 80 percent more energy-efficient than other incandescent bulbs, LG claimed, and will last for up to 10 years when used for around five hours per day.

Users can alter the lighting in their homes according to a range of preferences -- for instance, to match the mood and beat of the music they are listening to. Consumers can set the bulbs to turn on and off at certain times when they are not at home to keep potential burglars at bay. They can turn the bulbs into an alert system for incoming phone calls or program them to operate as an alarm clock.

The LG Smart Lamp works with Android version 4.3 and higher or iOS version 6.0 and up.

The Smart Lamp follows on the heels of Philips' own smart lighting system, Hue, released last year. Users of those bulbs can choose from millions of colors and brightness intensities to light their spaces. While that system requires a ZigBee base station to operate, which may complicate matters for those who seek simplicity, the networked bulbs may offer a more integrated, complete experience throughout the home than the Smart Lamp.

"The Philips lights talk to each other and connect through a bridge so you can do more things with them and more things will connect to them. A starter Philips kit is around (US)$200 for three lights," said Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group.

"I'd expect the single color LG lights to be brighter," he told TechNewsWorld.

The Smart Lamp is retailing at 35,000 won (US$30). It is not yet clear whether the Smart Lamp is coming to the U.S.

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LG Sheds Light on Internet of Things