Most modern lighting operation is fairly straightforward – switches flip on/off, maybe even dim. More recently connected bulbs have offered the additional benefits of wireless settings, and some even double as speakers. Now directional control is being added to the smart lighting mix. The Fluxo smart lamp is designed to cast light, directly and/or indirectly, with simple finger swipes on a mobile device.
Fluxo installs as a fixture that hangs from a ceiling. The included ceiling mount is designed to be compatible with any type of flat ceiling surface, and the universal power supply connects to standard 110/220 V outlets.
But what makes the saucer-shaped Fluxo interesting is the array of over 300 white and colored LEDs. Controlled by specially-designed electronics, Fluxo is able to create directional lighting without any moving parts. These individual LEDs are patterned in rings on both the bottom and the top for direct/indirect lighting through anti-glare diffusers.
Fluxo connects to mobile devices via Bluetooth, and the free app provides intuitive adjustment with real-time feedback as users "paint" light how they want. Single strokes create direction, while additional, overlapping ones increase the brightness. Rooms can be illuminated evenly and/or have separate areas lit with specific color, temperature, and/or intensity. This one lamp achieves by itself what would generally require multiple, single-light sources.
All of Fluxo's white LEDs have adjustable temperature ranging between 2700 and 4000 K. The down-facing LEDs are capable of white LED light up to 2000 lm in brightness. The up-facing LEDs deliver only up to 800 lm, but also benefit from red, green, and blue LEDs for full-color indirect lighting. Given the near-infinite combinations of direction, brightness, color, and temperature, the Fluxo app allows users to save and name favorite light scenes.
In addition to the Bluetooth wireless module, Fluxo is equipped with sensors to detect presence and light switch clicks. With presence detection activated, Fluxo can save energy by automatically turning on and off when people enter and leave the room. The click sensor allows users to cycle through saved light scenes without the app, simply by clicking the connected light switch off and on again.
The Fluxo smart lamp is currently funding on Kickstarter, having raised 112 percent of its EUR$50,000 goal in less than a day, with another 33 days left to go. A pledge of €339 (approximately US$368) puts you in line for one Fluxo lamp (the expected retail price is around double that).
Although the team has successfully beta tested Fluxo with fully-functioning prototypes, a few steps remain before the product becomes a commercial reality. If tooling, certification (cautioned as a complex process), and production go according to schedule, backers can expect shipments of Fluxo to start in August, 2016.
Check out the video below to see how Fluxo works with its companion app.
Source: Fluxo
Ideally one could integrate it with your remote, home theater, and security system.
I'm all for smart widgets for the home, but so many are tied to some stupid app and/or cloud which severely limits their usefulness.