Philips kicked off the smart bulb market nearly three years ago with its pricey Huebulb, but at this year's CES a horde of new entrants emerged.  The transition from incandescent to more energy efficient bulbs is an opening through which smart bulbs – LED bulbs with wireless radios built in, which can be controlled remotely – are gaining a foothold according to Strategy Analytics' Smart Home Strategies latest report. Belkin, GE and Philips are joined by Awox, Cree, LIFX, Sengled and a host of others are profiled in "Smart Light Bulbs: The Competitive Landscape".

(Source: Strategy Analytics)

Click here for a copy of the report: http://sa-link.cc/SmartBulbs

Key findings from the report:

·         The smart bulb market is a fragmented "Wild West" with a variety of technologies and control protocols being implemented.

·         Multi-function Smart Bulbs – those with Wi-Fi repeaters, speakers and cameras will change consumers' perceptions of "light bulbs".

·         Interoperability is key – consumers don't want to have to worry if a bulb they purchase will work with other bulbs they have or will purchase. The industry must address this issue directly and immediately.

·         Lower prices ($15/bulb ) will help develop the mass market; nevertheless these bulbs are competing with incandescent bulbs priced less than $1.00.

·         As bulb manufacturers compete for market share, it is important that they have the right technology partners in order to broaden their appeal – GE, LIFX and Philips are examples of vendors that are growing their ecosystems to increase their market clout.

Quote: Bill Ablondi, Director, Smart Home Strategies said: "Smart bulbs have the potential of becoming a 'Trojan Horse' for introducing smart devices into homes due to their ease of installation and networking capabilities; in addition, multi-function bulbs with cameras, speakers or Wi-Fi repeaters will alter the way consumers think about what can go into light sockets."