General Electric (GE) has introduced an LED light bulb that can connect users to the Web.
The light bulb, called the Link, can be controlled by "Wink", a companion app for Android and iOS, according to PC Magazine. GE has formed a partnership with Quirky, a startup from New York, to produce the Link bulb, as well as Wink bulb, which the app comes with, and will be available on July 7th.
The Wink app will let users switch the light bulb on and off, an ability that GE describes as a benefit for those looking for more control over their home setup when they're away from the house. The company added the app would be of use for those seeking heightened security while on vacation.
"Our very own Thomas Edison built the first commercially viable bulb, and today we're proud to announce the first commercially viable connected bulb designed for Wink users," said John Strainic, general manager of North America consumer lighting at GE. "We know the quality of light consumers love and want in their homes, and we're a brand they trust."
Another feature of the $15 bulb is the ability to let users schedule brightness and on/off times, The Next Web reported. The Link also comes in three versions: an LED indoor floodlamp, a 60-watt replacement LED bulb for lamps and an LED brighter indoor/outdoor floodlamp.
The LED bulb for lamps will cost $15, but the prices for the other two bulbs have yet to be revealed.
The floodlamp and the bulb for lamps run at a 2,700K color temperature, and the indoor/outdoor floodlamp runs at a 3,000K color temperature, PC Magazine reported.
While the Link bulb will not be available until this fall, consumers will be able to pre-order it from Home Depot on Monday, June 30th.
