Digital Voice-activated Assistants such as Alexa, Cortana, and Google Home are becoming increasingly common among residences and businesses alike. An estimation suggests that over 100 million people are using these voice-activated assistants in their homes and offices. These voice assistants can answer questions, set alarms, protect your home, and even strobe your smart lights.
Here are five ways to make your smart lights strobe:
- Use a third-party app for strobe effect.
- Use your smart light app flash mode.
- Use the “If This Then That” alarm.
- Sync your smart lights to your music or TV.
- Get the right smart lights for strobe effect.
The rest of this article will explain these top ways to get your smart lights to strobe for a fabulous party effect in your smart home or anywhere your smart LED lights are connected.
1. Use a Third-Party App for Strobe Effect
Smart LED light bulbs are sometimes a pain to connect and set up. They may lose connection, need a reset, or not do what you’re asking them to do. You may ask your Alexa to strobe your lights in the living room with no prevail. However, you can achieve a fantastic strobe light show by using a third-party app along with your already established voice assistant.
Some great third-party light bulb apps are:
- HueDisco
- ILightShow
- HueGasm
- Thunderstorm For Hue
- AppLights
Using one or more of these apps can allow your smart lights to turn into a light show in your living room. Just make sure you’re using the correct bulbs for the app before buying. Some of these third-party light apps are free, while others are worth a few dollars. You also may have to purchase the correct bulb to go with the app.
If you’re interested in making your lights flash for entertainment purposes, using an app might be your best bet.
2. Use Your Smart Light App Flash Mode
Another great way to get your smart bulbs to strobe is by looking through your app settings. Your app may have a flash mode within the application without relying on a third-party app. That depends on what brand of smart lights you have.
For example, if you use Philips Smart Lights from Amazon.com, you’d use the Philips Hue app and adjust your settings to flash or strobe.
Some smart light apps have flash settings you can turn on and off. There are timers and adjustments you can make to get your smart lights to strobe.
If you have light stripes instead of bulbs, you may have other options within your app settings that’ll allow you to change color, light effects, and routine.
3. Use the ‘If This Then That” (IFTTT) Alarm
IFTTT or If This Then That is third-party software that links up to your apps and smart devices. That can create routines for you. It’s handy for sending you alerts for weather or reminders daily.
Setting an IFTTT alarm for your smart light bulbs can create a strobe light effect. To do this, follow these steps:
- Log into your IFTTT account. That’s free; however, there’s a premium fee for more than three links.
- Search for your devices such as Alexa or your smart light brand.
- Link the apps and set the alarm.
Many tutorials on using the IFTTT services go more in-depth regarding routines and setting them for your situation.
Flashing strobe lights can be used for entertainment purposes or help remind you without sound that you have dinner baking in the oven or to make a phone call.
4. Sync Your Smart Lights to Your Music or TV
Smart devices such as lights or plug-ins are becoming more common and helpful in daily routines. You can use your smart devices to change the color of your lighting for the best moments. They can be used for romantic dinners or enjoying a dimly lit bath. One innovative way to use your smart bulbs is for music and TV.
You can sync your smart lights to the beat of your music or match the colors shown on your TV, creating a strobe-like effect.
These smart strobes aren’t perfect, and depending on the design of your bulb, they may not be as infallible as you’d like or expect. However, technology in this field is improving at an astounding rate. Companies will perfect this technology over time.
5. Get the Right Smart Lights for Strobe Effect
Getting your smart light to strobe might be a bit complicated if you need to use a third-party app or programs like IFTTT. However, researching what type of bulb is best for you and what you’re looking for might be the more beneficial choice if you want a more simplistic approach.
Strobing is possible with most smart bulbs; however, pairing them may vary on Wi-Fi connection, Bluetooth, and brand.
There are many diverse brands of smart bulbs, and many more are in development to create the best user experience.
Whether you are using Alexa or Google Home, you may decide that a particular LED smart light brand matches your favorite voice assistant with what you want your smart lights to do.
Do your research before determining which brand of smart light is best for you. You may find that instead of a bulb, you may want strip lights instead.
Conclusion
Whether you are using smart lights for fun or an event, getting the right brand for what you want is key to having a great experience. Smart lights can strobe using a third-party app, flash mode, or even syncing your light with your favorite beats.
All can be accomplished using most smart light brands. You can get this excellent effect by using bulbs, LED strips, or motion detector lights. Syncing your devices to your Alexa or Google Home can be user-friendly or a little complicated, depending on which method you choose.
Innovative technology is constantly being upgraded and improved. If you are experiencing any issues with your devices, try these methods to get your lights to strobe.