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Let there be Lifx (pictures)

What do you get when you light up the room with a color-changing, 75-watt equivalent smart bulb?

Ry Crist
Originally hailing from Troy, Ohio, Ry Crist is a writer, a text-based adventure connoisseur, a lover of terrible movies and an enthusiastic yet mediocre cook. A CNET editor since 2013, Ry's beats include smart home tech, lighting, appliances, broadband and home networking.
Ry Crist
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Lifx multi-color smart LED

Eighteen months after a big, $1.3-million breakout on Kickstarter, the Lifx color-changing smart LED is available for sale and shipping worldwide. Click onward for a closer look.


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A brighter bulb

The 17-watt Lifx calls itself a 75-watt replacement and backs up that claim by putting out over 1,000 lumens at peak brightness.

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Standard base

Lifx will fit into most common lighting fixtures. For the same price, you can also purchase a model with a bayonet-style base.

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App controls

You'll control your Lifx bulbs with a free app for Android and iOS devices.

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Natural tones

Aside from a full spectrum of colors, you'll also be able to choose between 16 preset incandescent tones, which range from warm, yellow light to a hotter, more bluish shade. That's the Lifx on the right, shining at 2,700 K beside a Philips Hue LED at the same color temperature. The extra brightness is what makes it look more white.

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Price point

Lifx bulbs cost $99 apiece and are usable straight out of the box, with no hub necessary. Are they a worthy competitor to alternatives like Philips Hue and the Lumen LED? Be sure and read our full review to find out.

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