Filip Brož The concept of a smart home controlled from a single smartphone is becoming more and more attractive. Companies are competing with each other to present a more intuitive and efficient device that allows controlling not only the light in the home, but also, for example, various appliances or sockets. One of the strong players is the American brand MiPow, which specializes in lighting and light bulbs in addition to various accessories.
We recently wrote about smart LED bulbs MiPow Playbulb and now we've tested another piece from the MiPow portfolio, the Playbulb Sphere decorative lighting. I started testing this already during the Christmas holidays and I quickly fell in love with it as a decoration for the apartment, but also for the garden.
The ideal solution for the bath or pool
At first glance, the Playbulb Sphere looks like an ordinary decorative lamp. But don't be fooled. In addition to elegance and honest glass, the millions of shades of color are especially charming. And since it is resistant to moisture (degree IP65), you can easily sit it next to the bathtub or the pool, if you are not going to bathe with it directly.
As a portable light, the Playbulb Sphere is equipped with its own 700 mAh battery. The manufacturer states that the Sphere can last for around eight hours. Personally, however, I have noticed a much longer staying power, even the whole day. Of course, it depends on how you use the lamp and how intensely you shine.
You can choose from more than sixteen million colors and you can change them either remotely from iPhone and iPad or by tapping on the ball itself. The response is very accurate, the colors change exactly the moment you touch the Sphere.
Once the smart lighting is discharged, just place the ball on the induction mat and connect it to the network or computer via USB. The pad also has one extra USB output, so you can also charge your phone if necessary.
Inside the Playbulb Sphere are LEDs with a brightness of up to 60 lumens. This means that the Sphere is there primarily for decoration and creating a pleasant atmosphere, because you cannot read a book under it. But it can also be used as a night light for the stairs or the corridor.
The MiPow Ecosystem
Like other bulbs and lights from MiPow, the connection to the mobile app was not omitted in the case of Sphere either Playbulb X. Thanks to it, you can remotely control not only whether the LEDs light up at all and in what color, but you can also play with the intensity of the light and various color combinations, such as rainbow, pulsation or imitation of a candle.
Once you've purchased multiple bulbs from MiPow, you can manage them all in the Playbulb X app. As part of a smart home, you can come home and remotely (the connection works via Bluetooth, so you have to be within range) gradually turn on all the lights you want. Moreover, you don't need to control them individually, but pair them up and give them bulk commands.
If you are not currently looking for real lighting for your room, but want a simple yet elegant decorative light, the Playbulb Sphere may be an ideal candidate. For example, some people can comfortably fall asleep with it, because the Sphere, like other MiPow bulbs, can be slowly extinguished.
If you're planning to add the Playbulb Sphere to your collection or maybe just start with MiPow products, get it for 1 crowns.
Well, that's great!