Cree introduces the Connected Cree® LED Bulb, the first smart LED bulb to deliver the combination of the lighting experience customers expect from Cree with industry-leading simplicity, multi-platform compatibility and affordability. The new 60-watt replacement Connected Cree LED Bulb is compatible with Wink and ZigBee® certified hubs and is available at The Home Depot® for just US $14.97, a price poised to drive adoption.

"Everything Cree does is based on the promise of providing the best lighting experience, and that starts with superior LED light. The Connected Cree® LED Bulb delivers on that promise while also creating a simple user experience for consumers seeking device connectivity in their homes," said Betty Noonan, Cree chief marketing officer. "The Connected Cree® LED Bulb provides the uncompromising combination of a superior LED light experience with multi-platform compatibility, all at an affordable price."

Cree's smart LED bulb is compatible with many existing control platforms. (Cree/LEDinside)

Today’s Connected Cree LED Bulb is compatible with Wink and ZigBee certified hubs, allowing consumers to control the Connected Cree LED Bulb from anywhere by simply installing the bulb and compatible hub, syncing the devices and customizing the settings using your iOS® or Android® smartphone. Easily dim or brighten the lights to the perfect setting, schedule lights to come on at the start of each day or turn lights on while away for added security.

In other words, the new Cree bulbs will also be compatible with Zigbee certified Philips Hue, WeMo Link Hub and GE Link platforms as well.

The Connected Cree LED Bulb is also designed for compatibility with future Cree supported hubs and market-leading platforms such as the Apple® HomeKit™ platform as consumers adopt new platforms for home connectivity.

"We are excited to support the Connected Cree® LED Bulb, as it complements Wink's mission to make the connected home accessible," said Brett Worthington, GM, Wink. "The Connected Cree® LED Bulb delivers on this promise by providing an amazing lighting experience combined with simple setup with the Wink app."

Just like the Cree LED Bulb, the Connected Cree LED Bulb emits a warm, omnidirectional light thanks to its 4Flow™ Filament Design. This innovation creates a compact, optically balanced light source inside a durable, shatter-proof housing. The Connected Cree LED Bulb is available in a 60-watt replacement option, delivering 815 lumens in a soft white (2700K) color temperature. Backed by a three-year warranty, the Connected Cree LED Bulb consumes 81 percent less energy*, has a rated lifetime of 25,000 hours and is dimmable via smartphone app.

Consumers can purchase the Connected Cree LED Bulb online and in The Home Depot stores later this month. Visit www.creebulb.com to learn more.

* Based on Cree LED Bulb 60-watt replacements at 11.5-watt, $0.11 per kilowatt-hour, 25,000-hour lifetime and average usage of three hours per day.