Home automation startup Avi-on launches what it says is the first wireless, movable light switch-- the Avi-on Movable Switch, a Bluetooth-powered device can simply stick on walls before pairing with devices.

The switch controls a number of GE-branded Bluetooth devices, such as Smart Bulbs and indoor and outdoor plugs, with on/off and dimmer controls. It needs no companion hub devices or wifi connectivity. Instead, Bluetooth LE handles connectivity, while setup duties take place on iOS/Android mobile device app.

The app adds further features such as timers, scheduling and smart device grouping, while a companion wifi bridge device allows remote access.

DGL Group is the next company to take on Philips Hue-style smart LED lightbulbs with Hype Tapp, a system complete with colour-adjustable wireless LED bulbs, hub base station, wireless outlet adaptor and app.

The 7.5W 588 lumens LED bulbs promise to provide energy savings, as well as a choice of 16 million colours. The lighting system requires a hub device connected to the router in order to connect to all bulbs (up to 52 in one system).

Philips "gives independence" to the Lighting division as part of a restructuring effort also bringing together the company's Healthcare and Consumer Lifestyle businesses into a single unit.

Thus the Lighting division, which is worth around €7 billion, is now essentially a separate entity, if one leveraging from the Philips brand. The decision follows the recently announced plan to combine the Philips Lumileds (LED components) and automotive lighting businesses into a stand-alone lighting components company.

"G]iving independence to our Lighting solutions business will better enable it to expand its global leadership position and venture into adjacent market opportunities," Philips CEO Francis van Houten says.

Mobile accessory maker Mipow launches the Playbulb-- an integrated LED and Bluetooth speaker combo customers can control using iOS or Android smartphones.

The Playbulb features 2 Bluetooth chips for independent lighting and sound control from up to 10m distance using the low-power Bluetooth Smart standard.

It is remote controllable via app and features 4 set modes-- energy save (turns off after extended use with no changes to settings), night (gradually dims and reduces audio), sleep (dims light and turns off audio) and wake up (gradually increases light and audio).

Wireless lighting and shade control vendor Lutron expands the availability of its embedded EcoSystem LED technology as GE Lighting sets to launch a selection of EcoSystem-enabled LED fixtures from 2015.

The fixtures are controllable from any Ecosystem-compatible control solution (including GRAFIK Eye, Energy TriPak, Energi Savr Node and Quantum Total Light Management) without need for interfaces or additional hardware.

"Embedding the Lutron chip technology into our new LED fixtures provides customers with reliable LED control by enabling direct communication between our fixtures and Lutron’s EcoSystem dimming control systems," GE says. "The industry is experiencing rapid change, and by aligning with Lutron, we can offer our customers an integrated solution and a reliable control option that ensures compatibility between the fixture and the control system."

GE takes on the connected LED light bulbs from the likes of Philips and Belkin with Link, basic connected light bulbs customers can control via Wink smartphone app.

Described by the company as "the first commercially viable connected bulb," Link LED bulbs eschew fancy tricks of the colour-changing variety by being simple, white lights with a price tag set at around $15.

As mentioned earlier control comes through the Wink app, with options including remote on/off functionality as well as sleep/wake up transitions.