European Custom Installer

System Integration for the Connected Home

Lighting

How to Turn a Piece of Paper into a Lamp

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British company Bare Conductive takes to Kickstarter to launch the Electric Paint Lamp Kit-- a means to turn "any piece of paper" into a touch-sensitive lamp, with not tools, programming or special skills required.

Electric paint lampThe kit contains three different lamps, namely a touch version, one with a dimmer and a proximity lamp controlled by putting a hand over a pad. All use a non-toxic electrically conductive paint dubbed Electric Paint. It works on a variety of materials (including paper, plastic and textiles), and acts as buttons for a light-up board made of 6 LEDs.

The light-up board is USB-powered and features the 3 aforementioned lighting modes. As well as paper, the board and paint can also be used with lamps made of different materials, allowing one to go really creative if they have a cutting machine Cameo at hand.

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Savant Brings TrueImage Back

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Savant first introduced the TrueImage back in 2009-- and now the lighting control interface is back, as the company reveals the next generation of TrueImage at CEDIA 2017.

Savant TrueImageAccording to Savant, TrueImage leverages patented virtual lighting concepts to allow users experience virtual lights in any rooms on their mobile devices. The software runs on iOS and Android devices, and uses the cameras found in smartphones and tablets to quickly take photographs of rooms or light fixtures.

Once a photo is taken and stored, all user interfaces in the system update automatically, including the Savant App, touchscreens and remotes. One can touch, control and dim lights in a simulated version of the room using the photographic image, and TrueImage updates the colour and dimness setting of the light on the interface in real time.

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The iDevices HomeKit-Compatible Dimmer Switch

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iDevices announces the Dimmer Switch-- a HomeKit-compatible replacement to traditional light switches featuring customisable dimming users can control via companion app, Home app or Siri.

Dimmer SwitchThe switch fits in standard rocking faceplates to integrate with existing lighting systems, with no extra wiring required. Installation should also be like any standard wall switch, with support for single pole, 3- and 4-way setups. The in-app dim range settings promise to prevent low-level bulb flickers, and it remembers the last brightness state.

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Ikea Smart Lighting Gets Alexa, HomeKit, Google Home Support

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Trådfri, the smart lighting range from Swedish furniture maker Ikea, gets more control options through compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Apple HomeKit.

Ikea TradfriPreviously the lighting range offered control solely through companion app. The Trådfri range offers a variety of products, including a motion sensor kit, dimming kit and LED light panels and doors, with more to be added in the future.

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Draper Intros FlexShade Recharge

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Draper presents the FlexShade Recharge at InfoComm 2017-- a quiet, battery-operated shade with rechargeable batteries ideal for flexible installations.

Draper FlexshadeDesigned for places such as larger window openings, the FlexShade Recharge features simple installation similar to a manual window shade. The batteries promise to be long lasting and powerful, with no need for an external battery wand. Instead, the roller tube hides the battery, and it is rechargeable via 110V outlet or optional solar panel.

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Leviton Ships HomeKit-Enabled Switch, Dimmers

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Leviton starts shipping its line of HomeKit-enabled switches and dimmers-- including the Decora Smart 1000W DH1KD dimmer, the 600W DH6HD dimmer and the DH155 15A switch.

Leviton Decora HomeKitFirst announced back at CES 2016, the dimmers and switch are HomeKit-compatible and need no hub, allowing users to control them directly together with other enabled 3rd party products via Siri voice commands, as well as the Decora Smart Home app.

The Decora app provides customisable settings according to bulb type, with adjustable fade rate, minimum and maximum illumination levels, and more. One can also add the Leviton switch and dimmers to HomeKit Scenes for automation presets based on time of day, who's home and other parameters.

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Ikea Takes on Smart Lighting

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Swedish furniture maker Ikea is the next company to take on smart lighting, as it launches a range of LED bulbs, lighting panels and doors controllable via either remote or mobile device app.

ikea lightingDubbed the Smart Lighting Collection, the range has a flagship product in the shape of Trådfri-- dimmable LED bulbs in 2200, 2700 and 4000K colour options. Designed to fit in a range of fittings, the bulbs pair with a gateway users connect to the router via ethernet. As mentioned earlier control comes through remote or app, with the app offering customisable lighting options, timers and remote on/off control.

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