This smart Socket gives a dumb lightbulb a brain
The problem is, the new iDevices gadget is a little dim itself.
The iDevices Socket is a new gadget from the developers of the iGrill and iDevices Switch. It turns standard bulbs into smart lights.
The Socket features a simple on-off switch on the side, but most of its smarts are found on the iOS iDevices app.
The Socket integrates with Apple HomeKit, and getting it set up and ready to be controlled via Siri takes under a minute.
Once the Socket is set up, you can use its dimming functions to control the brightness of the lightbulb. You can also schedule it and control it remotely.
On its own, the Socket is pretty unobtrusive. When paired with a bulb, though, it can be a bit bulky.
The plastic rim around the Socket houses dim LED lights that can change colors and function as a nightlight. It's a nice touch.
On the app, you can control the color, saturation, and brightness of the nightlight. It isn't bright enough to affect the hue of a lit bulb, but the colors are clear and look good for the most part.
The Socket's greatest feature is its ease of installation. Screw it into a fixture or lamp, and you can have it running within minutes. That, plus its flexible voice control, make it an appealing product.
The iDevices Socket is available now for $80 -- a price that's significantly higher than most other lighting devices. Check out our full review to see if it's worth the price.