LED strip lights have become increasingly popular in recent years for their energy efficiency, design flexibility, and brightness. Now, smart LED strip lights take lighting functionality even further by incorporating wireless connectivity and remote control.
Let’s explore some of the great benefits that smart LED strip lights provide compared to traditional “dumb” LED strips:
Advanced Control from Apps
Smart LED strips connect to smartphone apps via Bluetooth or WiFi, allowing you to control lighting right from your iOS or Android device. This enables:
- Changing colors – Pick any hue from the color wheel
- Dimming – Adjust brightness up and down
- Lighting effects – Load dynamic pre-programmed effects like fades or ripples
- Schedules – Set lights to turn on/off automatically at certain times/days
- Grouping – Control multiple strips independently
No longer are you limited to just basic on/off. Smart control takes LED strip lighting possibilities to the next level.
Voice Control Integration
Many smart LED strip brands integrate with smart speakers and assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Siri. This allows for convenient hands-free voice control of your lighting.
Just say verbal commands like:
“Alexa, turn on the patio lights”
“Hey Google, dim the kitchen lights to 50%”
“Siri, change the lights to red”
Voice makes accessing your favorite lighting scenes and adjustments easier than ever.
Remote Monitoring and Control
When connected to your home WiFi network, smart LED strips can be controlled from anywhere via their smartphone app. Just log in remotely and you can turn lights on/off, check statuses, and ensure proper operation.
This remote access is great for:
- Checking lights while away on trips
- Turning on exterior lighting from afar for visitors
- Quickly turning off forgot-on lights to save energy
The ability to control and monitor lighting remotely provides peace of mind.
Third-Party Smart Home Integration
Many smart LED strips work with third-party platforms like Samsung SmartThings, IFTTT, and Apple HomeKit. This allows you to integrate lighting control with countless other compatible smart devices.
For example, you could:
- Flash lights when your security camera detects motion
- Brighten lights when your smart thermostat lowers temperature
- Match colors to your smart speaker’s music
Integrations massively expand possibilities!
Energy Efficiency
At their core, LED strip lights consume dramatically less electricity than traditional incandescent lighting. Smart LED strips maintain the energy efficiency of LED technology while adding wireless control.
This means you can save money on electricity bills even while enjoying advanced lighting automation and features. The long lifespan of LEDs – up to 50,000 hours – also means lower maintenance costs over time.
Flexible Installation
Smart LED strips provide the same versatile installation options as traditional LED strips. Their flexible form factor allows installing under cabinets, behind furniture, on cove ceilings, and more.
Bluetooth strips also avoid the complexity of wiring power and data. Their wireless nature makes mounting and placement simple.
Safety Features
Some smart LED strips come with built-in safety capabilities not present on standard LED strips:
- Overload protection – Prevent voltage spikes from damaging lights
- Short circuit prevention – Stop malfunctions from electrical faults
- Thermal management – Regulate temperature to avoid overheating
These protections provide peace of mind your smart lighting investment is protected.
Expansive Lighting Capabilities
Between RGB color mixing, tunable white, and high brightness output, smart LED strips enable expansive lighting possibilities – all controllable wirelessly from your phone or voice assistant.
Lighting recipes tailored to activities like:
- Calming ambiance for relaxation
- Fun party colors for entertaining
- Bright task lighting for cooking and hobbies
- Accent lighting for theatrical flair
Smart LED strips provide the ingredients for nearly any lighting mood or need imaginable.
Ideal Smart LED Strip Installation Locations
Now that you know the wealth of benefits smart LED strip lights offer, where should you install them to put those features to best use? Here are some top placement ideas:
Under Cabinet Lighting
Installing smart LED strips under cabinets provides perfect adjustable task lighting for kitchen countertops and workbenches. Just say a voice command or tap your phone to tune lighting for food prep, projects, and more.
Backlighting Television
Position LED strips on the back of a wall-mounted TV for adjustable bias lighting that enhances contrast and reduces eyestrain. Smart lighting lets you match colors to screen content.
Accent Lighting
Use smart LED strips to highlight architectural details, light artwork, or illuminate display shelves and cabinets with eye-catching lighting scenes.
Outdoor Lighting
Line outdoor spaces like patios, gazebos, or stairs with smart LEDs. Control ambiance and security lighting conveniently from your phone instead of fumbling with manual switches in the dark.
Bed Headboards
Run LED strips along the back of the bed headboard for cozy reading light. Slowly dim and change the colors to a sleepy setting at bedtime.
Under Counter Lighting
Smart LEDs installed under bathroom or kitchen counters provide the perfect adjustable glow for tasks like shaving or food prep. Conveniently tap them off from bed.
The possibilities are nearly endless! Smart LED strips amp up the impact and flexibility of LED lighting in any space.
Conclusion
From advanced lighting controls to energy efficiency, integrated voice activation and more, smart LED strip lights provide significant upgrades and conveniences compared to traditional LED strips.
The wireless connectivity and comprehensive apps unlock lighting creativity for your home while the LED technology still delivers impressive energy savings.
And the flexible form factor means you can install smart LED strips virtually anywhere – under cabinets, behind TVs, along stair rails, inside display cases, and more. There are so many options to enhance both aesthetics and functionality.
So consider integrating smart control into your next LED strip lighting project to bring a new level of customization, convenience, and capabilities compared to basic on/off strips. The lighting ambition of your wildest imagination is now easily achievable!