A $15 smart bulb exists. The GE Link connected bulb is part of the Wink series. Though I’m usually not impressed by the Wink quality, I’m usually jealous of Wink pricing. I don’t have a Wink hub but I do have a SmartThings hub and right at the top of all GE Link Bulb Amazon reviews I read that the bulb, “Works great with SmartThings”. This is how it went down. The first thing I noticed about the bulb was that it was solid, heavy. The review on Amazon suggested I screw in the bulb and run the SmartThings’ “find a device” feature so I screwed the bulb into a lamp and turned it on. Once screwed into my lamp, the bulb had a perfect warm white glow. I powered up my SmartThings app and ran “find a device”. SmartThings recognized the bulb within seconds. I clicked on the bulb and set it up. Long story short, an hour later I could connect the bulb but I couldn’t control the bulb. I boxed it up, ask Amazon to return the bulb, and started cussing all Amazon reviewers of the bulb.

However, I couldn’t accept the fact that so many had success connecting the bulb to SmartThings where I did not. I checked out the SmartThings forum and found that I needed to log into this site to check my firmware version. Once logged into the site, I clicked my hubs, scrolled down to the data section, and checked the zigbeeFirmware version. Mine was 1.3.1 where it needed to be 1.5.1. I emailed SmartThings support and asked for the update. SmartThings updated my firmware 1 hour and 30 minutes after I emailed them – fast. Reinvigorated I started again from step one. I unboxed the bulb, screwed in the bulb, opened the app, found the device, and all worked as planned. After SmartThings found the bulb I was presented with multiple use cases like: I decided to set my bulb up on a schedule. Every day at 7pm it turns on at 10% brightness and every day at 11pm it turns off. I have it sitting next to my favorite night time chair. I often sit in the chair and write and ignore the fact that the sun has gone down and it’s dark and I’m squinting to see my screen.

I don’t have to worry about that anymore and the bulb works beautifully. Beyond remote on/off and dimming, the bulb can be controlled as a solo light or in a group. There are currently three GE Link Connected Bulbs. I tested the A19 bulb. They also make a BR30 which is a downlight bulb and the PAR38 which is a flood light. All three bulbs come with a limited two year warranty with an average life of 25,000 hours. Though they were made for the Wink Smart Home Platform, they use ZigBee HA 1.2 which is why they might work with other smart home hubs like SmartThings. The A19 and BR30 are both indoor bulbs but the PAR38 is rated for indoor or outdoor use. It’s a hot bulb and it gets hot fast and stays hot well after it is turned off. I think that’s pretty normal but I personally would be cautious about placement based upon this fact. A second downside of the GE Link Bulb with SmartThings is the SmartThings app. The app is just as cumbersome as ever. It is possible to avoid the SmartThings app as you can connect through IFTTT.

On the bright side, it’s a $15 smart bulb! Cheap Tires GosportI’ve paid up to $55 for appliance modules before and for light automation I prefer a bulb over a plug. Rims And Tires KissimmeeThough this bulb is not color changing, it is dimmable, controllable, and able to function on a schedule. Best Laptop For RadiologistYou can create cause and effect relationships between the bulb and other smart devices. I am calling this bulb a win. You can buy your own bulb from Amazon here. Update* I liked the bulb so much that I purchased two more and tested them outside.We’ve just added eight new devices to the list of SmartThings-compatible products. By pairing these items with your SmartThings account, you can enhance your smart home and teach it a few new tricks!

Here’s a look at the four new compatible bulbs, three new locks, and a new device that makes you a smarter gardner: OSRAM LIGHTIFY Tunable White 65 Recessed Kit The OSRAM LIGHTIFY™ Tunable White 65 Recessed Light Kit includes a smart light bulb with an adjustable temperature range of 2,700 to 6,500 Kelvin, allowing for precise transition between warm and cool shades of white. Choose a cooler temperature for refreshing bluish white light, or create a relaxing atmosphere with warm, low-intensity light. This dimmable ZigBee light bulb can also be automated with SmartThings. OSRAM LIGHTIFY Tunable White 65 Flood The OSRAM LIGHTIFY™ Tunable White 65 Flood Light features adjustable shades of warm and cool white light, ranging from 2,700 to 6,500 Kelvin. This ZigBee bulb and SmartThings allow you to perfectly control the warmth and intensity of your home’s lighting. The LED light bulb is also dimmable and lasts a bonkers 20,000 hours on average–so be sure to leave it to someone you care about in your will.

OSRAM LIGHTIFY LED Smart Connected Bulb (Dimmable) The OSRAM LIGHTIFY™ LED Smart Connected Light is a dimmable, controllable smart light bulb. Easy to install and use, the OSRAM LIGHTIFY LED Smart Connected Light Bulb also consumes up to 80% less energy than ordinary light bulbs. Paired with SmartThings, this smart light bulb can be manually turned on or off from your smartphone. SmartThings also allows you to dim and control this bulb on a custom, automated schedule. The Sengled Element Touch is a smart LED bulb with easily adjustable color temperatures, ranging from warm to cool white (2700K-3300K). This ZigBee bulb can be controlled via a button on the device itself or wirelessly using SmartThings. Use the Element Touch with SmartThings and other connected devices to automate your lighting on a schedule, or turn the bulb on and off in response to activity around the house. This A19 bulb fits standard light fixtures, lasts up to 25,000 hours, and provides 800 lumens of light.

In addition, the Sengled Element Touch is compatible with most wall dimmers and will not flicker. Yale YRL220 ZigBee Lock With this touchscreen door lock, you can control access to your home remotely and open up a new world of home security (…see what we did there?). It has both Z-Wave and ZigBee models, supports keyless entry for up to 250 user codes, fits all standard interior and exterior doors, and alerts you through SmartThings when the door is locked or unlocked. Its illuminated touchscreen is as practical as it is elegant—making it easy to read and use, even at night. Yale YRD210 ZigBee Lock This push-button deadbolt allows you to leverage the latest in smart home technology by connecting it with your SmartThings setup. With SmartThings, this deadbolt can be configured to lock and unlock on a predetermined schedule, send notifications when activity happens, or open the door at your command. Trigger remote locking and unlocking from the SmartThings app, key in a code on the lock’s keypad, or even use a traditional key for access.

This Yale lock has both Z-Wave and ZigBee models. The Yale Push Button Deadbolt is also available in multiple colors and finishes. Yale YRD240 ZigBee Lock The Yale Key Free Touchscreen Deadbolt integrates seamlessly with your SmartThings setup. It lets you remotely lock and unlock your door and lock out users with privacy mode.The Yale Key Free Touchscreen Deadbolt not only eliminates the need to manage keys but also does away with the most vulnerable part of the lock: the cylinder. Absence of the cylinder creates a clean appearance and doesn’t sacrifice security—lock picking and bumping are virtually impossible. The lock’s sleek touchscreen is made of durable acrylic and illuminates for convenient nighttime use. PlantLink Soil Moisture Sensor PlantLink is a soil health sensor that makes watering simple and efficient. By combining PlantLink’s Soil Moisture Sensors (“Links”) with the SmartThings app, PlantLink lets you know when your plants need water.