It’s all about home automation here in 2014, and General Electric are taking full advantage. More than a century after General Electric founder Thomas Edison created his version of the light bulb, the company has introduced a new smart LED light bulb called Link.

What’s neat about Link light bulbs is that they can be remotely controlled by iPhone users from anywhere in the world, being Internet-connected and operated using the so-called Wink app which allows for the control of its settings and syncing with associated devices.

Boasting GE’s expected levels of quality and energy efficiency, Link’s creators point out that it is available in three key lighting applications:

60-watt replacement soft white (2700K) LED bulb, or A19 shape, commonly used for general lighting in table and floor lamps.

Indoor soft white (2700K) floodlight LED, or BR30 shape, installed as downlighting found in dining room, living room or other entertainment spaces.

Indoor/outdoor-rated bright white (3000K) spotlight LED, or PAR 38, used for outdoor security or spotlight.

The Link light bulb starts in price at $15, and will be available for pre-order from this Monday, through Home Depot’s official website. It will be sold in brick-and-mortar Home Depot stores starting this fall.

Previous “smart home” products co-branded by GE and Wink developer Quirky include the Aros air conditioner, Refuel smart scale, Pivot Power Genius power strip, Egg Minder egg tray, Nimbus digital dashboard, and the Spotter multipurpose sensor.

Given that Apple is set to get into the home automation business with iOS 8’s HomeKit, the Link light bulb looks like a great way of staying ahead of the smart home curve.

Source: App Advice