The XIAOMI Yeelight light bulb is another step towards creating a smart home. It is controlled from a smartphone via WiFi connection. Through the application, you can turn on/off the light, set settings for automatic on/off (timer or even create a schedule), adjust brightness, and select preset modes. There are several options:
- with color LEDs (RGB) - more suitable as decorative lighting.
- with white LEDs - for work lighting. I want to talk about her.
A lamp with an updated design - White Color Edition, came in an ordinary box with a small logo.
On the reverse side are technical specifications.
Includes only a light bulb and small instructions. The instructions contain a link to the application. You can use different applications - a smart home from Xiaomi (if there are other devices from the smart home series, it is convenient to control from one application) and another application specifically for the light bulb - Yeelight, which is available in the market, completely in English and, in my opinion, more convenient.
There will be more details about the application below, but for now let’s look at the light bulb. The sizes are quite large. The total length is 12 cm, the maximum width is 5.5 cm. This must be taken into account, because it will not fit into every lamp. The body is made of dense, high-quality milky plastic, with a translucent diffuser at the top.
The lamp itself is also marked with characteristics, let’s highlight the main ones:
- Base E27
- Color temperature 4000K (neutral white)
- Maximum consumption is 8W, and it is indicated that the lamp has 7 LEDs of 1W each and another 1W is apparently consumed by WiFi.
- Luminous flux - 600 Lm. That is, it should shine approximately like a 60W incandescent lamp, but visually it shines brighter, in my subjective opinion, like a 75W incandescent lamp, perhaps this is due to the color temperature.
The base is standard E27, the entire lamp is made neatly.
The diffuser does its job perfectly. The light is distributed evenly, without a highlighted light spot.
How does it all work? If you do not install the application, the lamp will work as usual. It will turn on at maximum brightness. If you install the application, everything becomes much more interesting. As I already said, it’s better to download the Yeelight application. In it you connect to the lamp, if there are several of them, you can create groups or control each one separately. I also immediately checked the firmware and updated to the latest version. I've never sewn a light bulb in my life :))
The main screen of the application allows for basic control - changing the brightness and turning it on/off. The brightness changes very smoothly if you swipe up or down anywhere on the screen. You can set any intermediate value. In colored light bulbs, you can choose the color of the light, but keep in mind that it is more suitable for decoration, because the white color there is created by mixing different colors and, to put it mildly, does not look very good.
In addition, the main screen has preset modes, which are basically enough for me for any scenario:
- Baby mode: minimum brightness that can be used as a night light. An irreplaceable thing for those who have small children.
- 25% brightness
- 50% brightness
- Reading: maximum brightness required for reading
There are also additional functions in the settings section. You can set an automatic shutdown timer. You can generally program a specific sequence. Just imagine the situation: you get up early for work when it’s still dark outside - along with the alarm clock, the light bulb turns on at minimum brightness and you can calmly go make coffee, and after a while it automatically turns off)) Moreover, on the weekend it won’t wake you up if You don’t want this yourself - you can even set the days of the week. Or you left the city for a few days - so that thieves do not lick your apartment while you are away, you can set the light bulb to turn on in the evenings for a couple of hours, creating the effect of presence. In fact, you can come up with a lot of scenarios and all this (on time, off time and mode) can be set in the settings.
Now impressions of the light. Personally, I’m used to warm shades and I always buy Warm white light bulbs, so at the beginning the light was unusual for me. Although it is called neutral white, it seemed a little cold to me. The difference is especially noticeable if you insert it into a chandelier, where it shines on the entire room. Although after some time the vision gets used to it and the light seems normal. To fully illuminate an entire room, one lamp is not enough. At least I'm used to bright light and it seems to me that for a small room you need at least 2 pieces, and for a large room - 3 pieces. The light from one lamp is only suitable for activities that do not require much eye strain. I took a photo in all brightness modes by inserting it into the chandelier on the ceiling:
In the table lamp opposite - its light seemed to me more suitable for working at the computer or reading. Brightness is more than enough, if the lamp is nearby, then reading is already comfortable at 50% brightness. Here natural white is more appropriate, so I decided to use it in a table lamp. Also photos in several brightness modes.
An attempt to disassemble it was unsuccessful; the diffuser did not even move. I didn't want to break the latches, so there will be no disassembly. But I found a diagram on the Internet, maybe someone will also be interested:
I really liked the light bulb both in functionality and quality. I didn't find any shortcomings. If you have experience using a light bulb, share it in the comments. Thank you for your attention!
Video review:
The product was provided for writing a review by the store. The review was published in accordance with clause 18 of the Site Rules.
I'm planning to buy +27 Add to favorites I liked the review +29 +58There are dozens for Windows, but such as WiFi SiStr unique of its kind. This is an extremely simple application that will allow you, the user, to find out the signal strength of any Wi-Fi point. Of course, if it is within the reach of the sensor.
Interestingly, the wireless signal strength is shown digitally on the screen. After you click downloadWiFi SiStr and install the program, a small panel will appear on the desktop. You can place it in any part of the screen: bottom, top or even in the middle. It will show digital and graphical signal level values.
It often happens that a user cannot access a website for unknown reasons - especially if you are connected via Wi-Fi. There is another situation: the messaging client periodically interrupts the connection - you have to constantly reconnect. To solve this problem, just look at the signal status panel and make sure that it is sufficient for stable and fast Internet. If you have the WiFi SiStr program, then this is quite easy to do.
Features of the WiFi SiStr program:
- Flexible in setup. Despite the simple interface of the panel, you can even customize it. Just right-click on the status bar and a menu with settings will open.
- Convenient. You can monitor the signal level directly on the desktop of your PC or laptop.
- It does not consume a lot of system resources, it is not just small - it has a miniature size.
- For WiFi SiStr to work correctly, you will need .NETFramework versions 1.1 and higher.
- When launched, it always minimizes to tray and does not interfere with computer work at all.
Homes and offices are getting smarter, no one doubts this anymore. They are getting smarter in the sense that there are more and more smart gadgets, smart systems and devices in homes and offices every year. And no wonder - after all, projects of this kind of devices appear every day. Some projects are being implemented and even become popular, while others do not find understanding among buyers.
One of the most popular categories of smart devices is light bulbs. Yes, ordinary light bulbs that illuminate the room. True, some of them are already so advanced that just a little more, and the chandelier will talk to the owner, asking how he is doing. Let's take a look at what the most advanced devices of this kind are capable of.
Sengled Boost
An even more advanced device with a built-in Wi-Fi repeater. That is, if the Wi-Fi router signal is lost halfway in a house or apartment, this light bulb can be used as an amplifier of this signal.
Among other things, Sengled Boost works on approximately the same principle as Philips Hue. The developer has provided the ability to control Sengled Boost both individually and in groups. The light bulbs can be simply turned on or off, or the brightness can be adjusted.
Installing the light bulb is very simple - no special tricks are needed.
Inside there are two built-in antennas that provide data transmission over the air at speeds of up to 300 Mbit. The light bulb is also compatible with most smart devices that work with Wi-Fi, IEEE 802.11b/g/n at 2.4GHz.
Boost application - allows you to add new light bulbs, set up an Internet connection and adjust the lighting in the house.
Specifications
- Power supply: 100~240V AC, 50/60Hz, 87-41mA
- Power consumption: 7.5W (LED + Wi-Fi repeater)Maximum 9W
- Color: Neutral White
It is clear that the more such light bulbs, the fewer “dead zones” there will be in a building where wireless Internet is needed. Buy Boost in Russia.
The same manufacturer also has other types of lamps. For example, Sengled Pulse Solo, Sengled Pulse Solo and Sengled Snap.
Sengled Pulse Solo is an interesting light bulb with two built-in speakers with a total power of 6 W. The speakers are wireless, music is transmitted via Bluetooth, and the developers promise high-quality playback.
Similar to this lamp Sengled Pulse- everything is the same here, only there is one speaker.
These two models are great for creating a cozy atmosphere - automatically changing lighting brightness, soft (or loud - depending on everyone) playing music. You can make a relaxation room, or, on the contrary, you can turn your apartment almost into a club.
Sengled Snap is another light bulb model from the same company (there are four in total), only this time not with a speaker, but with a built-in Wi-Fi camera. The video resolution for such a camera is 1080p, plus it is also equipped with a motion sensor. The video is transmitted to the smartphone in real time. Now the developers are finalizing the device, and it should soon go on sale (the exact date is still unknown).
Samsung Smart Bulb
![](https://i0.wp.com/habrastorage.org/getpro/geektimes/post_images/f3a/2a0/81f/f3a2a081f07997c1ce2b4812f58f0acb.jpg)
This lamp from the South Korean company does not use Wi-Fi - instead, the company chose to use another wireless channel, Bluetooth. Samsung's bulbs can change brightness and color, plus you can control up to 64 smart bulbs at once.
The user's mobile device is used for control.
There are other devices on the market from manufacturers such as Philips, LG, Samsung and other well-known companies.
Philips Hue
It is probably the most famous representative of its class. The Philips lamp can change color and brightness, and adapts to the user’s current activity (watching a movie, partying, reading a book, etc.).
You can control the device from a mobile device, which in this case works as a remote control. Philips Hue is compatible with the Apple HomeKit platform, supports such a light bulb and the IFTTT service.
Different light bulbs can be formed into groups and controlled all together at the same time.
LG Smart Lamp
![](https://i2.wp.com/habrastorage.org/getpro/geektimes/post_images/0a7/f44/18c/0a7f4418c1782ab8073f491292f2ccf0.jpg)
Another South Korean company, LG, presented its light bulb. This lamp came out last year, and the reviews about it, in principle, are quite good. Using the application, you can control the color and brightness of the lamp, turn it on or off.
In addition, light bulbs can be formed into groups (for example, by room), and controlled as a single system. LG has provided interesting operating modes, including, for example, simulating the presence of a person in an apartment, when light bulbs turn on and off in different rooms independently.
It also responds to calls to the user’s mobile phone - if they forgot to take the phone out of the bag and the call is not heard, the light will show that someone is calling. This feature is customizable as desired.
As a conclusion
Smart light bulbs are quite convenient. You can set up automatic on/off, or automatic control of the brightness and color of the light bulbs throughout the day. An alarm clock, where the signal is a light bulb that turns on when it is time for the user to get up - one of the functions of some models.Of course, smart lamps are more expensive than conventional LED lamps (and even more so, incandescent lamps). But there are much more possibilities here, plus you can significantly reduce your electricity bills if you set up automatic shutdown when the user leaves the room.
I decided to prepare a separate article with solutions to the problem when the Wi-Fi indicator on the laptop does not light up, which signals the operation of the wireless module on the laptop. It doesn't matter how you got this problem. Immediately after purchasing a laptop, reinstalling Windows, or the Wi-Fi indicator suddenly stopped lighting. I think the tips in this article will help you fix this problem. We will look at solutions using Windows 10 as an example. But if you have Windows 7 or Windows 8, then you can apply all the solutions at home. Same thing with a laptop. The tips are suitable for different manufacturers: ASUS, HP, Lenovo, Acer, Packard Bell, etc.
First you need to find out what specific case you have:
- Most often, when the Wi-Fi indicator on a laptop is not lit, then Wi-Fi is not working. And this is quite logical. We will consider solutions to this particular case later in the article.
- It also happens when a laptop connects to wireless networks without any problems, everything works, but the light responsible for indicating the operation of the wireless network does not light up. In this case, I advise you to simply ignore it. It works and is good. But if you still want to fix it, then start by reinstalling the drivers.
The wireless network indicator itself can be located anywhere on the laptop body. It all depends on the specific model. Often it is built into a button that is responsible for turning on/off wireless modules. On my ASUS laptop, this indicator is on the front panel.
In the photo above, the indicator does not light only because I turned on airplane mode in Windows 10. I turn it on with a keyboard shortcut on my laptop. And in Windows 7, it was the Wi-Fi module that was controlled. After installing the appropriate drivers and utilities. Also, this light most likely will not light up if the wireless adapter driver is not installed on the laptop at all. But first things first.
If you have such problems with Wi-Fi after reinstalling Windows, then you can immediately proceed to the part of the article where I will talk about problems with drivers and their installation.
If Wi-Fi suddenly stops working, try to remember what you did before. What could have caused it?
A few articles that may also be useful to you:
- – a very detailed guide with many solutions.
Turn on the Wi-Fi indicator using the keys on the laptop
Without going into the weeds right away, let’s try a simple method. Almost every laptop has a key combination that is responsible for enabling and disabling wireless modules. Sometimes, this is a separate switch on the case.
Combinations for different manufacturers:
- ASUS – FN+F2
- HP – Fn+F12
- Lenovo – Fn+F5
- Acer – Fn+F3
- Samsung – these are the Fn+F12, or Fn+F9 keys
- DEL – Fn+F2, or Fn+F12.
For example, on my ASUS laptop:
As you can see, the F2 key has the same icon as next to the indicator. We press the combination of these keys and see if the light comes on and if Wi-Fi is working. As I wrote above, I have Windows 10 installed, and the combination of these keys simply turns airplane mode on and off. When airplane mode is turned on, the indicator does not light up.
But most likely this is because I do not have the utility from ASUS installed, which is responsible for the operation of the function keys. And if I had Windows 7 installed, the combination of these keys would not work at all without installing a special utility from the manufacturer. Each manufacturer calls this utility differently. Look for them on the manufacturer's website, in the downloads section for your laptop.
Checking the status of the wireless adapter. Enable it programmatically
We need to go to "Network Connections" and check whether the "Wireless Network" or "Wireless Network Connection" adapter is enabled. To do this we do this:
After this, the wireless network on the laptop should work.
Important point! If you do not find the “Wireless Network” or “Wireless Network Connection” adapter in the “Network Connections” window, then the problem is most likely that you do not have the Wi-Fi adapter driver installed, and you need to install it.
Let's continue to figure it out.
Wireless driver and indicator
You need to open the device manager and see if there is an adapter there that is responsible for the Wi-Fi connection.
Press the Win + R key combination, enter (copy) the command mmc devmgmt.msc and click Ok. Or launch Device Manager in another way convenient for you.
Immediately open the “Network Adapters” tab and see if there is an adapter there whose name includes “Wireless”, “Wi-Fi”, “WLAN”. Most likely, you won't see it there. I have this adapter and it looks like this (name and manufacturer may be different):