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BeOn: smarter than the average smart bulb? (pictures)

These connected bulbs keep an ear out for trouble, fool burglars into thinking you're home and keep shining when the power's out.

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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Slides right in

To get started, slide the module into the bulb.

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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.

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7 of 11 Screenshots by Ry Crist/CNET

Getting started in the app

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

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8 of 11 Screenshot by Ry Crist/CNET

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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