Smart Bulbs Lining up to March into the Smart Home says Strategy Analytics

BOSTON, April 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Philips kicked off the smart bulb market nearly three years ago with its pricey Hue bulb, 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".

SMART BULBS: MARKET POSITIONS

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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."

About Strategy Analytics

Strategy Analytics, Inc. provides the competitive edge with advisory services, consulting and actionable market intelligence for emerging technology, mobile and wireless, digital consumer and automotive electronics companies. With offices in North America, Europe and Asia, Strategy Analytics delivers insights for enterprise success. www.StrategyAnalytics.com

US Contact: Bill Ablondi, +1 617 614 0700, wablondi@strategyanalytics.com

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