IKEA announced that its smart lights would come with increased connectivity options for digital assistants such as Alexa.
Earlier this week, IKEA issued a press release which announced the increased connectivity of its smart lights range. This will soon come with integrated support for Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s Siri and HomeKit, and the Google Assistant.
IKEA’s smart light bulb, called Trådfri, can presently only be controlled via an app or remote control. Still, it will soon offer integration with a digital assistant at the user’s choice.
IKEA’s Smart Lights, Just a First Step in the Smart Home Products Area
IKEA is one of the biggest furniture sellers in the world as it operates in 28 countries through 340 stores. Which could also mean that it is one of the most likely and capable retailers to introduce smart home appliances to tech-savvy users.
The company’s smart lights are already available in a number of selected countries. Their digital assistant integration may also help them become more accessible.
“By ensuring that our products work with others on the market, we take another step to meet people’s needs and make it easier to interact with the products for the smart home,” said Björn Block.
He is the leader of the IKEA Home Smart. Jeanette Skjelmose, the Business Area Manager for Lighting and IKEA Home Smart, also stated that the division considers that smart home technology should be accessible to anyone.
The Trådfri range of smart lights includes a number of sensing, remote-controlled, and dimming light fixtures. It also comes with the “Gateway”, a hub device which enables the connectivity with the user’s home network.
Now controlled through an app, this will also be used for the digital assistant integration. It will also support its connectivity with thermostats, ceilings fans, and other smart home appliances. The integration and support should start being rolled out sometime in the latter half of 2017 and will first become available to US and UK users.
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