If you’re looking to start kitting out your home or flat with smart bulbs or intelligent plugs, it can be difficult to know where to start. Thankfully, Lidl might have the answer. The bargain supermarket supremo is now trying its hand at this in-home technology with the launch of its new selection of very cheap intelligent gadgets.
Dubbed the Lidl Smart Home range, it includes colour-changing lightbulbs, light strips, and even a smart plug to allow you to remotely control existing gadgets – like lamps, kettles, and more. Prices on all of this tech start from as little as £7.99 which is pretty good value when compared to the competition. Alongside the bulbs and plug, there’s also something called the Smart Home Gateway.
This allows users to control multiple aspects of their home, including the colourful new smart lighting, from the ‘Lidl Home’ app. This application is free for iPhone, iPad and Android and features several handy functions, including timer programs, countdowns, and automatic on/off settings for sunset and sunrise so the lights will come on at night and wake you up in the morning.
If you’ve never dipped your toe in any smart home technology, Lidl is offering a Smart Lights Starter Kit for just £39.99. This includes three dimmable light bulbs and a remote control.
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As part of the range, Lidl is also launching individual lighting that’s compatible with other branded smart systems from just £7.99, meaning users can create mood, atmosphere or a full-blown light show. The range includes:
Single Dimmable Colour Changing Light Bulb (£9.99)
Single Dimmable Light Bulb (£7.99)
2m Light Strip (£14.99)
Ceiling Light (£34.99)
But while it’s great that you’ll be able to switch on the lights, change the colour ready for movie night, and set everything to gradually switch on as the sun sets, the Lidl kit gets even smarter if you already have a Google smart speaker in the house.
If you own a Google Nest device, the new Lidl smart bulbs will work seamless, so you’ll be able to dim the lights or turn on the kettle by simply shouting the words “Hey Google”.
That’s great news but sadly Amazon owners will miss out. Lidl has confirmed on its website that its Smart tech does not work with the Amazon Echo. It’s unclear why this is the case as Lidl’s products are compatible with the Zigbee platform. This tech is now found in most of the recently released Echo speakers so it’s strange that the lights and plugs won’t respond to Alexa.
If that issue doesn’t concern you then Lidl’s Smart Gateway range launches in stores on December 6 and is available while stocks last.
