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The hugely innovative device was created after Sony joined forces with another Japanese tech conglomerate.
Back in December, company representatives revealed that it would acquire the CMOS area image sensor production line pertaining to Toshiba, and now Sony turned once again to its rival’s expertise, relying on its LED technology when developing its latest illumination solution.
The multifunctional light, available in two versions (transparent or white), functions just like any other smart bulb, being able to be linked to any other gadget, via WiFi connection.
The hue and intensity of this full-spectrum light source can easily be adjusted, so that the perfect atmosphere can be set in the room.
In addition, the bulb can be controlled from a distance, the user being able to turn the multifunctional light on or off, and even program it in advance, to illuminate the room or plunge it into darkness at a specific time and date.
These characteristics, remarkable as they may appear at first glance, aren’t what differentiates this product from others of its kind.
The bulb also incorporates a microphone and speakers, numerous sensors, as well as a micro SD card slot. Thanks to these, it can function as an intercom facilitating communication across the house or the apartment.
These elements also allow the user to listen to audio files on command, turning the bulb into a music player, or to record a voice message, to be broadcast at a later time.
Such audio tracks can be used to convey important information or requests (with the bulb basically serving as an answering machine), or they can employed in order to give the impression that someone’s at home even when everyone is on vacation.
Thanks to its motion sensor, the multifunctional light can identify the presence of a person in the room, and through its built-in infrared remote controller it can switch on or off various other home appliances, such the air conditioning or the television set.
Motion detection also allows the light bulb to double as an alarm system, if someone tries to break inside the house in the owners’ absence.
In addition, the multifunctional light monitors humidity levels and air temperature in real-time, providing accurate readings to the resident, so that humidifiers and thermostats can be adjusted at optimal values.
There are numerous other settings that can be personalized, by accessing the LED bulb’s associated app. All these features turn this latest gadget into so much more than a simple smart bulb: it actually becomes a command center from which all the household devices can be controlled, just by using one’s smartphone.
Despite this wide array of functions, the light source is extremely cost-effective, energy consumption being lower than when opting for a regular 60-watt bulb.
There is a downside for now, however: the fact that Sony’s multifunctional light will only be commercially available in Japan, at an undisclosed price, sometime during the first half of the year.
Nevertheless, if the product proves successful and benefits from mainstream appeal, its manufacturer might eventually unveil it in Europe and across the North American continent as well.
Image Source: Sony
