Ikea home automation

Ikea Trådfri System. © Ikea.

Ikea is getting into the home automation game with its own system for smart lighting. The new range of products is called Trådfri — which means “wireless” in Swedish — and is built around the ZigBee Light Link standard for connected lights (the same as Philips Hue). The system seems to have rolled out to select European countries (Sweden, Czech Republic, Italy and Belgium) last fall, but will be seeing a larger release in April. The most interesting part of the system is in what might be a motion-controlled dimmer switch, which exists as a colorful standalone puck that — if the awkward Ikea promotion video can be trusted — can dim lights simply by rolling it around in your hand. The standard Trådfri bulbs are dimmable LED lights with three color temperature options — 2200K, 2700K, and 4000K. A standalone 980 lumen E27 Trådfri bulb runs for 199 kr (all taxes included, CAD $29.65).

⇨ The Verge, Circuit Breaker, “Ikea is getting into home automation with a new smart hub.”

⇨ Ikea, “Ikea Canada launches an app that allows customers to personalize lighting.”