SMART HOMES 101

1. CONTROL THE LIGHTS WITH ALEXA USING A SMART (NON-BRIDGE) BULB

REQUIREMENTS Amazon Echo Lifx lightbulb. Apple or Android smartphone with Alex app How to do it • Screw in the lightbulb and turn it on. • Download the app relevant to your make of lightbulb, select the option to add bulbs and follow the app instructions to connect to your Wi-fi network. Give your light a specific name. • In the Amazon Alexa app, go to menu>skills> and select and enable the skill that matches your brand of lightbulb. • Now go to menu> Smart Home> Devices > Discover. The app will scan for devices and discover the named smart bulb. • Get started by telling your Echo, “Alexa, turn off the lamp”, then “Alexa, turn on the lamp”. You can even order it to dim or brighten the lamp.

2. CONTROL A PHILIPS HUE LIGHT BULB USING SIRI

REQUIREMENTS iphone or ipad A Philips Hue lighting kit compatible with Homekit How to do it • Follow the instructions to connect a Philips Hue bridge with a Philips Hue light bulb. • Open the Home app. Go to the + symbol> Add Accessory. Once the accessory has been discovered (you may have to select “allow” if asked Add Accessory to Network?). After using your phone’s camera to scan the accessory set-up code on the base of the Philips Hue Bridge, follow the instructions in the app to finish setting up your light and name it. • Switching on is as simple as saying, “Hey, Siri, turn on my lamp.” Then say “Hey, Siri, turn off my lamp.”