I recently had the opportunity to dive into intelligent lighting with WiZ, a brand making waves in the connected lighting industry. As someone who has always been a fan of smart home technology, I was eager to see how WiZ’s offerings would stack up in creativity, convenience, and integration with my existing smart home ecosystem. In this review, I’ll share my experience with WiZ bright lights, from the initial setup hurdles to the impressive features that make them stand out.
Getting Started with WiZ Smart Lights
Setting up WiZ bright lights proved more challenging than I initially anticipated. The first step involved downloading the WiZ app and screwing the intelligent bulbs into their sockets. The app promised to guide me through the setup process seamlessly, but I encountered some roadblocks.
After three failed attempts at automatic setup, I decided to take matters into my own hands. It was here that my troubleshooting instincts kicked in. I ventured into my phone’s Wi-Fi settings, and lo and behold, the devices appeared. By tapping on them within the Wi-Fi settings, I managed to bridge the connection to the app. While this workaround might not be the ideal setup experience, it eventually finished the job.
Voice Control with Google Home & Amazon Alexa
One of the standout features of WiZ lighting is its compatibility with popular voice assistants like Google Home and Amazon Alexa. Since I primarily use Google Home, I focused my testing efforts there.
Enabling Google Home integration within the WiZ app seemed straightforward initially, but I hit a snag when entering the 6-digit PIN. After a couple of failed attempts, I was beginning to doubt if it would work at all. However, persistence paid off, and on the third try, it finally linked successfully.
Oddly, I couldn’t initially see the lights in the Google Home app. Some troubleshooting led me to discover they had mysteriously ended up in the “office” room tab. While it was an unexpected hiccup, it ultimately worked out in my favour.
WiZ and Philips Hue Integration
Given that Signify, the parent company of Philips Hue, also owns WiZ, I had hoped for seamless integration. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. However, if I connected both systems to Google Home, I could control all my intelligent lights as a group, providing a unified experience.
Exploring the WiZ App’s Features
Despite the initial setup challenges, the WiZ app proved valuable for controlling my bright lights. It offers all the essential features you’d expect, such as brightness and colour adjustments, on/off controls, and the ability to set different colour temperatures.
One of the app’s standout features is the ability to create “Rhythms.” These routines allow you to automate lighting changes, such as mimicking a sunrise or sunset, which can be a pleasant way to wake up or wind down. Additionally, there are presets for tasks like applying makeup, meditation, yoga, and a “quiet night in” setting. These presets not only add creativity to your lighting but also enhance the overall ambience of your space.
Conclusion
Ultimately, WiZ smart lights proved a reliable and versatile addition to my smart home setup. While the initial design had hiccups, they performed admirably once connected. The integration with Google Home was seamless, and the WiZ app’s features added a touch of creativity to my lighting choices. Plus, the affordability of WiZ bulbs compared to some competitors is an attractive selling point.
So, if you’re looking to enhance your home with bright lighting that doesn’t break the bank and offers a variety of creative lighting options, WiZ bright lights might just be the solution you’re seeking.