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BeOn Smart Bulb

The BeOn Smart Bulb is an intriguing new connected light with a unique design and some killer features. Click through to see what it's capable of.

Published:October 20, 2015Caption:Ry CristPhoto:Ry Crist/CNET

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A modular design

Each BeOn bulb comes in two parts: the bulb itself, and a separate module that you insert in the middle.

Published:October 20, 2015Caption:Ry CristPhoto:Ry Crist/CNET

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A model module

That module houses the bulb's extra hardware: a Bluetooth radio, a set of microphones and a battery backup.

Published:October 20, 2015Caption:Ry CristPhoto:Ry Crist/CNET

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Swappability

Moving forward, BeOn plans on releasing additional modules with additional features built in -- you'll be able to swap them right in.

Published:October 20, 2015Caption:Ry CristPhoto:Ry Crist/CNET

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Slides right in

To get started, slide the module into the bulb.

Published:October 20, 2015Caption:Ry CristPhoto:Ry Crist/CNET

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Lights right up

As soon as you do, the bulb will light up for a few seconds to let you know everything's working.

Published:October 20, 2015Caption:Ry CristPhoto:Ry Crist/CNET

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Getting started in the app

From there, you'll just need to screw it in, turn it on and open up the BeOn app.

Published:October 20, 2015Caption:Ry CristPhoto:Screenshots by Ry Crist/CNET

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Home screen

Once you've got the bulbs synced up with the app, you'll be able to put all of that smart hardware to work. BeOn bulbs can simulate occupancy by "replaying" your typical light usage, and you can control them remotely, too.

Published:October 20, 2015Caption:Ry CristPhoto:Screenshot by Ry Crist/CNET

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Doorbell training

You can also teach that microphone to listen for your doorbell or smoke alarm. Once it knows what to listen for, it'll light up as soon as it hears anything.

Published:October 20, 2015Caption:Ry CristPhoto:Screenshots by Ry Crist/CNET

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No power? No problem

Thanks to the battery built into each bulb, you can still use your BeOn lights when things are switched off -- or when the power's out.

Published:October 20, 2015Caption:Ry CristPhoto:Ry Crist/CNET

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BeOn Starter Pack

The BeOn Starter Pack includes three bulbs and three modules, and sells for $199. BeOn tells me it plans on launching in Australia and the UK in 2016. Pricing specifics aren't set yet, but that starter pack price comes out to £130/AU$275, converted roughly.

Published:October 20, 2015Caption:Ry CristPhoto:Ry Crist/CNET

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