Connected lightbulbs, but not like you think
I was pretty uninterested in home automation devices, because remote internet access is in my mind inappropriate for home use. And then IKEA released TRÅDFRI.
Why do I dislike the idea of remote internet access so much?
Firstly, it opens up all sorts of security problems. The latest example I could think of was the smart TV hack possible with no access to the device or the local network.
Secondly, connecting to a service somewhere on the web means that if the service shuts down your entire home automation system becomes a collection of expensive paperweights. I already have a few of those, so I was not prepared to spend a lot of money committing to a platform that has those risks.
The other day I read mjg59’s security assessment of the new IKEA TRÅDFRI connected lightbulbs, and I was impressed with how IKEA designed that system. So I went to IKEA and bought some.
The bulbs are radio controlled through ZigBee enabled devices, which don’t connect to the internet. You can choose a dimmer, a timer or a general purpose control device. If you want to be able to use a mobile app in addition to hardware controllers, then you need to purchase a gateway device. The gateway device calls home once (see mjg59’s post), but otherwise does not rely on an internet connection — you connect it to your local network so that whenever you’re on it you can control the lightbulbs independently from your phone.
In order to be able to control the bulbs you either have to have access to the hardware control device, or to the gateway to set up the access through the app. For security you have to scan the code on the gateway with your phone. As mjg59 mentioned, the local communication between devices is encrypted.
IKEA doesn’t make it overly clear that you need at least one hardware device to control the lighting, but you do. Dan wrote a bit about their approach to explaining the functionality. I certainly didn’t understand that the hardware controllers weren’t optional when I bought one. The app on its own does not work. The app and the gateway are companions to an existing hardware based system. Sadly, the app supports only one gateway at a time, so I can’t set it to control my partner’s lighting when I’m there, as well as mine when I’m home. To do that I’d have to disconnect each gateway and pair with the app again.
IKEA doesn’t explain very well how the system fits together. Tom (my partner) attempted to figure it out by doing experiments (turning off the gateway during various system states). The diagram is what my undertanding of the systems is after observing the results of his experiments. I’m not sure if the architecture of this was designed by IKEA or is a result of following some kind of standard.
The regular switch on the lamp where you install the bulb works as normal, so it can be used by someone who doesn’t know it’s a radio controlled lightbulb. Your guests don’t need special instructions, and they certainly don’t need to download anything.
A single bulb with the little hardware dimmer costs £15, throw in another bulb or two and you have yourself a full connected system for less than £50. The gateway is really useful if you want to define “moods” or control the bulbs individually (otherwise each “belongs” to a control device). And let’s face it, of course you want to define some “moods”. It’s possible to give the system a go while spending way below £100.
The hardware dimmer works mid-air as well as on surfaces, including the palm of your hand. It makes for a very impressive demo! I love this little playful interaction.
My first morning with the new lightbulbs made me dream of a radio-controlled thermostat (I should mention not one that connects to the internet, before you all recommend buying a Nest).
The dimmer is magnetic and attaches itself to my bedside table. Turning the light on and off from the bed is brilliant. What else could I automate?
I could set the lights on a timer, make them slowly dim during the bedtime book reading, and gently guide me towards going to sleep at the right time.
IKEA is working to make this an open system, according to their FAQ. Even though it’s not open yet, the current implementation follows standards that make it possible to build your own systems for controlling the lightbulbs. If you’re interested this GitHub thread has more details.
I really want someone to make affordable, solid radio controlled plug socket, or a thermostat. I can see all sorts of things I would like to control freely from elsewhere in the home, but not remotely. The risks of connecting everything to the internet are just too great — nobody wants to harbour a botnet in their home — but I am totally sold on locally controlled radio-enabled devices.
Dan also wrote about his experience with the lightbulbs in more detail.
