I setup Alexa about a week before I decided to invest in these bulbs along with a plug in dimmer starter kit. Some important things to know:
1) These bulbs require an insteon hub- I got a hub in my plug in dimmer kit and it works well with these bulbs
2) These bulbs DO support dimming features, I tried on-off and dim 50% though other % also work.
3)There is an app for Windows on your PC - AND for Windows Phone (I'm using Windows for Mobile 10). It worked with bulbs and plugin dimmers and I've done on-off-and dim as a test for each of my four devices. It isn't just for android and iPhone. (YAY!)
4) You should plug your hub into an actual wall outlet, you can use an extension cord but NOT a power strip (it messes with the signal)
5) You will need to plug the hub into a network port (hub, router, or wall) using the included RJ45 jacked cable. There is no Wi-Fi option.
6) When you download the app- bring a single device online at a time. You have to start the add device process before plugging in or screwing in bulb then it'll auto-discover.
7) It helps to use your phone/pc near the hub and device when setting up -- there's a timeout during set up you don't want to run to another room.
8) Give your devices simple easy to use names
9) Discover your devices from within the Alexa App
10) Call out 'Alexa Living Lamp On' or use options like Off - dim to 50% - set to 100% - dim to 80% etc.
11) Using the insteon app it's easy to schedule On/Off times or set schedule by night/day. Be sure to save your change in each window or it loses changes when you go back to the root scheduling page for the device. Aka- set On time and save- then go back and set off time and save.
12) Dual Band devices like the dimming plugins are basically signal strengtheners/repeaters. Install your closest Dual Band devices closest to the hub before installing devices farther from the hub unit.
Also- I'm a die hard incandescent bulb fan and i found these LED bulbs gave off a pleasant warm white color. Also - the closer you are to the hub the faster the response to your commands. I found within 16 ft, a 2 count occurs between requesting and executing a command. At a distance of ~54 ft a 4 count occurs between request and execution. At a distance of about 30 feet from Alexa, down a hallway and through a wall I was able to activate a voice command for a device about 54ft from the hub, with three walls between the device and hub.
The bulb is a bit wider than a normal incandescent bulb and as such I had one lamp fixture (an old oil lamp converted to a lamp) where the bulb wouldn't fit inside the glass chimney. Also the bulb lights up only at the top portion of the bulb, it looks just fine in the small white and blue shaded lamps I have, but strange in my downward facing tulip bedside lamp with the glass beaded shade as it doesn't glow softly from the sides.
On a whole I was so emboldened by the freedom this product provides and the ease of setup I already have one more bulb, a thermostat, an outlet, and several dimmer and on/off switches on order. Currently I only have one device in any given room so I haven't tried creating groups yet - however I will be trying this as soon as other devices are installed.
**** 8/29 update - I created a scene in my insteon app today, to group several fixtures together (as a start three bulbs and one plugin dimmer). While I was able to turn this scene on/off from my PC- I wasn't able to control this insteon scene from Alexa - I had to create a group for the same units directly in alexa's app instead. << just a little tip for ya :)
| Brand | Insteon |
|---|---|
| Light Type | LED |
| Special Feature | Remote Controlled |
| Wattage | 8 watts |
| Bulb Shape Size | A19 |
| Incandescent Equivalent Wattage | 60 Watts |
| Specific Uses For Product | Lamp |
| Light Color | Warm White |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Color Temperature | 2400 Kelvin |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Brightness | 591 |
| Shape | Arbitrary(A) |
| Model Name | SMARTLABS, INC |
| Connectivity Technology | Infrared |
| Controller Type | Vera, SmartThings, Amazon Alexa, Insteon Hub |
| Connectivity Protocol | Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave |
| Color Rendering Index | 80 |
| Frequency | 60 Hz |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Light Source Type | LED |
| Specification Met | Not Applicable (N/A) |
| Item Weight | 176 Grams |
| Light Source Wattage | 9 Watts |
| Control Method | Voice |
| Average Life | 52000 Hours |
| Manufacturer | INSTEON |
| Part Number | 2672-222 |
| Item Weight | 6.2 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 3 x 3 x 5 inches |
| Item model number | 2672-222 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Size | 1 |
| Color | White |
| Style | LED Dimmable Bulb |
| Special Features | Remote Controlled |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
