Bright Idea: GE Introduces Link, A Smart LED Light Bulb Controlled With Wink
June 28, 2014
Over a century after Thomas Edison built the first commercial viable light bulb, General Electric, the very company company founded by the famous inventor, has introduced a "smart" LED light bulb called Link.
The new Link light bulb lets users remotely control their home lighting from anywhere in the world. The product is Internet-connected and is enabled by the new Wink app for the control of its settings and syncing with associated devices.
Promising GE's long-established high quality and energy efficiency, Link is available in three key lighting applications:
Starting at $15, the Link light bulb will be available for preorder beginning Monday, June 30, through the official website of Home Depot. It will be sold in Home Depot stores beginning this fall. Link is the latest commercial "smart home" product co-branded by GE and Wink developer Quirky. So far, there have also been the Aros air conditioner, the Refuel smart scale, the Pivot Power Genius power strip, the Egg Minder egg tray, the Nimbus digital dashboard, and the Spotter multipurpose sensor. See also: Google's Nest Launches New Developer Program For More 'Smart Home' Integrations.
- 60-watt replacement soft white (2700K) LED bulb, or A19 shape, commonly used for general lighting in table and floor lamps.
- Indoor soft white (2700K) floodlight LED, or BR30 shape, installed as downlighting found in dining room, living room or other entertainment spaces.
- Indoor/outdoor-rated bright white (3000K) spotlight LED, or PAR 38, used for outdoor security or spotlight.