It is one of the main dilemmas when we found ourselves making the choice for our Smart Home.
So we actually have 3 options:
- Wifi Smart Light Bulbs
- Smart switches or modules wifi
- A mix between the two
1. Wifi Smart Light Bulbs
Implementation:
Just buy your smart light bulbs and exchange for the old ones. Then pair it with your Smartlife / Tuya app so that you can then control it using your Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant .
Cost:
In terms of costs, this option will be more expensive than the switches, as each lamp will have to be replaced by an intelligent color and white dimmable lamp (RGB + CCT).
Benefits:
Remotely control the lighting of your Smart Home (Smart Home) from wherever you want using your mobile phone.
Control by voice commands with your Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant .
There is no need to hire a technician for installation.
Being able to control exactly the tone you want from your lighting (Dimmer function). Choose the color depending on the environment you want to create.
Choose between one of the predefined modes (work, rest, party, among others).
Disadvantages:
WiFi smart bulbs cannot be disconnected from the mains or they go offline (they can no longer be remotely controlled until they are connected to the mains again). This means that the switch that controls them must always be "on". That is, they cannot be controlled by touching the physical switch.
2. Smart switches or relay modules wifi
Implementation:
After purchasing the appliances for your Smart Home (smart home), the installation should be carried out (we advise you to install your smart switches and relay modules by a professional, SMARTIFY provides this service) and then connect the Smartlife or Tuya application to control through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant .
Cost:
The acquisition of Wifi smart switches / relay modules turns out to be more economical than smart light bulbs, however the cost of hiring a professional to install smart switches may be more expensive.
Benefits:
Remotely control the switches or modules of your Smart Home (Smart Home) from wherever you want by application via your mobile phone.
Control by voice commands with your Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant .
Keep the functionality of controlling by the physical switch as usual.
Disadvantages:
Technical installation skills or hiring a professional is required.
3. A mix between the two
Implementation
Our suggestion for when you want to have the best of both worlds.
You should connect the switches and smart relay modules in order to ensure only the current and not connect the returns that go to the smart wifi light bulbs. Connect the smart bulbs directly to the phase.
In this way, you will have your smart bulbs directly connected to the mains and can only be controlled by the application.
Then you should pair the wifi smart light bulbs and wifi smart switches to be connected with Smartlife / Tuya to be able to control it by Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant .
After that, the switches must be programmed through automations in the Smartlife / Tuya application so that they control the smart lamps when turning on / off.
Cost:
Naturally this will be the most expensive option but the one that will bring more functionality to your Smart Home.
Benefits:
You will now have the benefits of both solutions listed above.
Disadvantages:
High cost
Need for technical skills or hiring a professional.
In case of internet failure or cloud system, the smart lighting of your smart home (smart home) will be completely uncontrollable (although it is very infrequent)
