Tag: lights

  • These Brilliant BenQ ScreenBar Lamps Are My Favorite WFH Accessory

    These Brilliant BenQ ScreenBar Lamps Are My Favorite WFH Accessory

    [ad_1]

    I review a lot of home office gear for my job, which means my workstation is in flux. A new desk today, another office chair tomorrow—you get the idea. The one constant over the last three years? The BenQ ScreenBar. You may have heard of BenQ before—the Taiwanese company makes excellent monitors and projectors—but this lamp is my number one work-from-home accessory.

    The ScreenBar doesn’t take up any desk space, because it hangs over your computer monitor and brilliantly illuminates the desktop. It’s a simple little thing, but it brings me a lot of joy, and the company has been iterating on it, with the latest version being the ScreenBar Pro. I’m here to tell you that you should probably get one for your home office.

    Let There Be Light

    The ScreenBar comes in a few flavors: the ScreenBar, ScreenBar Halo, ScreenBar Plus, and the ScreenBar Pro. I have tested the original ScreenBar and the Pro—the Halo offers a backlight that pushes light behind the monitor if you want light on your desktop and the wall behind your computer screen. The Plus is the same as the standard ScreenBar, but it has a separate dial attachment to control the light’s settings rather than the touch controls on top of the lamp.

    You can configure these lamps to your preferences by changing the color temperature and brightness or even toggling on an auto-brightness function so that it matches the ambient light in the room. But what sets the latest ScreenBar Pro apart from its siblings is the motion sensor. Now, a few minutes after I leave my desk, the ScreenBar Pro turns off. When I come back, it lights up my desktop—it’s as if it’s booting up my battle station. Rad.

    These ScreenBar lights are designed to have minimal bleed so that those LEDs don’t blast your eyes, though you’ll want to make sure your monitor is at eye level to avoid them. There’s also not a ton of light bleeding on the monitor screen. That said, the only time I’ve noticed a glare on the screen is when I’m watching anything with dark content, like a moody video game or a movie. That’s when I turn off the ScreenBar to enjoy my OLED monitor’s rich blacks and deep contrast.

    I’ve not had any issues using these on all kinds of monitors either, including my current curved Alienware AW322QF 32-inch curved gaming monitor. The best part is you don’t have to use up a precious USB-A slot on your PC or laptop to keep the lights on—I just plug the ScreenBar directly into my monitor’s USB port for power. It makes the cable neat too.

    So where do you place a webcam if you have a ScreenBar on top of a monitor? Well, I used to have my webcam slightly off-center, but it took some finagling and software adjustments to the field of view for it to look OK. The better solution is to just get BenQ’s Webcam Accessory. This sticks to the top part of the ScreenBar and you can balance your webcam on top. It does put the webcam quite high, but I was able to angle my MX Brio nicely so that it doesn’t look strange.

    Leave No One Behind

    The ScreenBar is pointless if you don’t have a computer monitor at your workstation. But if you exclusively work off of a laptop, BenQ hasn’t forgotten about you! Last year, I tested the LaptopBar, which mounts on the back of a laptop screen to illuminate the keyboard and work area for those late nights at the office.

    There are some trade-offs in this version though. You need to stick a magnetic adhesive to the back of your laptop, which is how the LaptopBar stays affixed. When you don’t have the LaptopBar attached, there’s a permanent magnetic circle on the exterior, which doesn’t look great. The LaptopBar is also battery-powered and can last around two hours at full brightness, but you can plug it into your laptop to keep it running for longer (this will drain your laptop battery).

    Still, it’s a tiny little lamp on the go, perfect for anyone routinely typing up in the dark. The lamp comes with a carrying case, can be dimmed, and offers warm or cool color temperatures.

    All of this can sound a little silly—it’s just a lamp! Who cares! I know, I know. But the unique-looking ScreenBar series genuinely saves space on my already packed desktop. I also love light—I’m the one who likes to have the lights on around the house whereas my wife prefers to sit in the dark (I found her cooking in the dark once, which is just bonkers to me). So blasting my desktop with as much light as I want makes me feel happy at my workstation, especially in the months when the skies get dark a little after 4 pm.

    It’s little, comfy things like this that make working from home such a joy. And not having to change into work clothes. Or commute. Or pack lunch. Well, you get it.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • 5 Best Smart Christmas Lights (2024), Tested and Reviewed

    5 Best Smart Christmas Lights (2024), Tested and Reviewed

    [ad_1]

    Other Christmas Lights to Consider

    Nanoleaf Christmas Lights on Christmas trees

    Photograph: Nanoleaf

    Nanoleaf Essentials Smart Holiday String Lights for $100: These lights work with Google Assistant, Alexa, and HomeKit, and they’re similar in look, style, and price to our top pick. The only major difference is that the cord splits in two—the idea is you start from the middle of the tree, not the bottom, and wrap one cord to the top and the other down to the bottom. It’s a little disorienting, and the cords might be more of an eyesore depending on your tree placement.

    Ollny Christmas Cluster Lights for $56: If you want something a bit simpler, Ollny’s warm and welcoming Christmas lights are affordable. I tested this 49-foot light string, which has 1,000 LEDs in a lovely warm white color. They are IP44 rated and they come with a handy wee remote control that makes them ideal for outside your home. You can choose from eight effects, four brightness levels, and set timers to switch them on or off automatically after several hours.

    Govee Outdoor String Lights (48 feet) for $49: I love the look of big-bulb outdoor lights for the holidays. These lights from Govee have a little too much space between each bulb to be the perfect outdoor Christmas light, but they’re great for hanging off a fence or pergola. I like that you can combine ropes of these to make them longer or shorter, depending on your needs.

    Twinkly Net Lights for $100: These net lights work well, with a larger bulb and net style to make it easy to throw over your yard’s foliage and not lose the lights in the leaves. It’s a good size for a single hedge, but there’s no easy way to connect several of them if you have a lot of bushes you want to cover.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • 8 Best Flashlights and Headlamps (2024), Tested and Reviewed

    8 Best Flashlights and Headlamps (2024), Tested and Reviewed

    [ad_1]

    The two most important metrics to look for when shopping for a flashlight are the batteries and the lumens.

    Batteries: There are two big categories of both flashlights and headlamps: rechargeable flashlights and those that take batteries. The difference is in how you recharge them. AA or AAA batteries are easy to find and can be swapped out quickly. When your light dies in the dark, you’ll see the genius of separate batteries. That said, rechargeable lights can charge off the same power bank you’re charging your devices on, and these days, with USB-C, many lights can recharge in less than an hour.

    I used to swear by the battery option, and I still do recommend headlamps or flashlights with removable batteries for many situations (your emergency kit for example), but I must say I’ve come around to the convenience of a charging port for everyday-carry flashlights or camping headlamps. Personally, I rely on a Nitecore NU25 for most situations except long backpacking trips where I bring my Petzl Tikka and set of extra batteries.

    Lumens: Flashlight and headlamp companies like to make a big deal about lumens, which measure how bright a flashlight is, but the truth is you don’t always want more lumens. We didn’t test a single flashlight or headlamp that wasn’t bright enough. You’ll find lights in here with everything from 300 lumens up to 1,000 lumen spotlights that will temporarily blind you if you so much as glance at them. For most uses, this is a good range: 300 to 1,000 lumens. For something like reading in your tent at night you’ll want far less light, but any good headlamp will have a variety of brightness levels, usually with a low power mode that’s more like 40 to 60 lumens, which is about what you want for reading. Also, look for a strobe mode which will pulse the light. The strobe function is good for rescue situations since the flash is more noticeable than steady light.

    The light source for most flashlights and headlamps these days is LEDs. While there are still plenty of traditional bulbs out there, the light output to energy use ratio of LEDs is hard to beat.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • So You’re Underwater: Why Do You See That Circle of Light Above You?

    So You’re Underwater: Why Do You See That Circle of Light Above You?

    [ad_1]

    Have you ever sat on the bottom of a swimming pool and pondered your watery ceiling? Most of the surface is a sheet of light blue, and you can’t see through it, even though the water is clear. But right above you, there’s a round window of transparency.

    And here’s the awesome thing: Through this ring you get a fish-eye view that shows you not just the sky, but stuff around the side of the pool, like trees or people sipping mai tais on the pool deck. This cool effect is caused by the optical properties of water, and it has a name: Snell’s window.

    You can see this even if you don’t spend much time underwater. Perhaps, like me, you prefer to watch spearfishing videos on YouTube. Here is a beautiful example of Snell’s window from the channel YBS Youngbloods (the link takes you right to the 15-second segment of interest).

    One curious thing to notice there: As the diver (Brodie) and the camera person descend, the window seems to stay the same size. So what, you ask? Well, think about it: If you filmed a window in your home as you backed away from it, it would appear to get smaller.

    In fact, Snell’s window is getting bigger—see how the diver on the surface fills less and less of it? But unlike a window or anything else on dry land, its angular size, as perceived by your eye, stays the same as the distance increases.

    Mysteries of the deep! There’s some beautiful physics behind all this, so let’s investigate, shall we?

    Refraction and Snell’s Law

    Since light is an electromagnetic wave, it doesn’t need a medium to “wave in” (unlike sound). That means it can travel through empty space—as sunlight does, luckily for us. Since light travels at a speed of 3 x 108 meters per second, this trip from the sun to Earth takes about eight minutes.

    But something happens when the light enters a transparent medium like our atmosphere: It slows down. Air slows it by just 0.029 percent, but when light enters water it loses around 25 percent of its speed. It’s just like how you slow down when you run from the beach into the ocean, because water is denser than air.

    This speed differential varies for different media, and it is described by its index of refraction (n), which is the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to the speed in a particular material. The higher the index of refraction, the slower light travels in that medium. In air, n = 1.00027. In water, n = 1.333. In glass, n = 1.5

    But here’s the thing: Changing speed also causes the direction of the light to change. That’s actually what we mean by “refraction.” You see it when you look at a straw in a glass of water: The part of the straw underwater doesn’t match up with the part above. Why? The bending of light off the underwater portion causes you to see it somewhere that it’s not.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Lifx Beam Review (2024): The Lifx Beam Isn’t New, but It’s Super Fun

    Lifx Beam Review (2024): The Lifx Beam Isn’t New, but It’s Super Fun

    [ad_1]

    Once that’s recognized, you can start playing around with colors! Like most smart lights, there are plenty of options for various shades of white and bright colors, and tons of colorful themes that take advantage of the massive row of lights. Lifx’s app comes with tons of precreated themes, ranging from ones inspired by music and artists (I love the Bijutsukai and Matisse with my living room colors) to holidays and even sports teams. There isn’t a camera or similar tool to make it match what’s on your TV screen, so I usually choose a theme or color scheme to make it match the vibe of the show.

    Screenshots from a mobile phone app that controls a bar of lights

    Photograph: Nena Farrell

    You can use the in-app Paint tool to make custom light arrangements if none of the included designs pique your fancy. You can either paint the whole thing at once—it’ll let you choose three colors and arrange it for you—or manually control it by zone. My six bars and one corner piece have 61 zones, so 10 zones per bar plus one extra for that little corner. You can highlight and change multiple zones at the same time to get your perfect design, but it does take time.

    Buying Time

    The Lifx Beam isn’t anything particularly new, but I love how much easier it is to stick on a wall without worrying whether a section will pop off, and to add more segments or rearrange the shape whenever I want. It feels more like art on my wall than a regular light strip.

    My only complaint is that I wish it were a little cheaper; it’s $60 for four pieces, or $150 for six. And Lifx doesn’t sell corner pieces individually, limiting the fun you can have with designs. After all these years of it on the market, it might be too late to hope for more extensions. I’m still in love with mine, though, single corner and all.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Lux vs. Lumens and Explaining Other Lighting Gear Terms as You Shop (2024)

    Lux vs. Lumens and Explaining Other Lighting Gear Terms as You Shop (2024)

    [ad_1]

    Planning your lighting for a photo or video shoot can be complicated, and the terminology used to measure light in lighting equipment can make things even more confusing. When shopping online, most lights list “lumens” or “lux” among their technical specs, though sometimes “lumens” is written as “luminous flux.” You might even get tripped up on luminance versus illuminance. It’s a lot. So let’s break it all down.

    One thing to note: You’ve probably seen light bulbs with output measured in watts; LED bulbs often say something like “60W equivalent.” However, watts are a measure of how much power a light bulb uses, not how much light it puts out. This metric is a holdover from when incandescent lights were commonplace and used significantly more energy than today’s LEDs. However, as more energy-efficient lights have grown in popularity, it’s no longer useful to use watts as a shorthand for how much light a bulb puts out (it wasn’t super useful to begin with). This is why you’ll see terms like lumens or lux on professional lighting gear.

    If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more.

    What Is Lumens?

    The first term you should get to know is lumens. The amount of visible light that a source puts out is referred to as luminous flux and the lumen is a unit of measurement for that raw output. You can think of this as how “distance” refers to how far apart two places are, while “kilometers” is the unit used to measure that distance. Lumens in the kilometers in that analogy.

    This can be a little confusing because companies will list “luminous flux” without naming the unit of measurement. For example, one of our favorite lights for shooting professional videos, the Godox SL-60W, lists its luminous flux as 4,500 in its description. Using our metaphor above, this is like saying “Distance: 4,500” without listing what unit that number refers to.

    That said, while they’re not interchangeable, if you see “luminous flux” listed on a product spec sheet, it’s probably referring to lumens. However, this does make it important to double-check that you’re comparing comparable numbers when shopping for lights from different manufacturers.

    You might also see this metric as “luminance,” which is another, less common way to refer to a light source’s output. And, like “luminous flux,” it’s a general term for the concept, not a unit of measurement. However, this is distinct from illuminance, which refers to reflected light, not the light coming directly from a source. And yes, it’s confusing.

    What Is Lux?

    How much light a source puts out is only part of the story. After all, the sun puts out enough energy to melt … basically everything. Fortunately, the sun has a good sense of personal space and stays far enough away from the Earth to not destroy us all. For similar, less catastrophic reasons, factoring in how far away your light source sits affects the kind of light you’ll need.

    Lux is defined as one lumen per square meter, though the math can get tricky because we’re dealing with surface areas in three dimensions. Don’t worry, you don’t need to sweat it too much. Most professional lighting will simply list their output in lux (as well as lumens), and specify a distance. For example, the Aputure Amaran P60X is rated for 5,070 lux at 1 meter.

    This means a subject 1 meter from the light source will effectively perceive a little more than 5,000 lumens of light on them. If they’re farther away, less of the light from the source will hit them, and thus the subject will appear dimmer. This is helpful when shopping for a light because you might not need the brightest lights in the world. You only need to ensure the subject is the right distance away from the light source.

    The Inverse Square Law (and Other Math)

    Figuring out the right distance for a light source isn’t exactly intuitive, because of two major factors: The first is the inverse square law, one of those weird quirks of the universe that we have to deal with. Put very simply (mathematicians, please don’t yell at me), every time you double the distance between the subject and the light source, you quadruple how much light is needed to light them the same way.

    In other words, it means that every time you move twice as far away from a light source, only one-fourth of the light from that source will hit your subject. So, using the Amaran P60X above as an example, if it’s rated for 5,070 lux at 1 meter, then the subject will experience around 1,267 lux at 2 meters. Some lights will specify their lux at shorter distances, like 0.5 meters, which makes it crucial to make sure you’re comparing equivalent specs when looking at lights from different manufacturers.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Smartphones May Affect Sleep—but Not Because of Blue Light

    Smartphones May Affect Sleep—but Not Because of Blue Light

    [ad_1]

    Kids are more sensitive to blue light, so any potential impact could hit them harder, but another clue that blue light may not be the issue is the differing impact of interactive screen versus passive screen use. Chilling out in front of the TV, or even reading on your phone, is more relaxing than playing a video game or messaging in a group chat, even though blue light exposure is the same.

    Another issue with the way we use screens is that we tend to stare intently, blinking less frequently, which can cause our eyes to dry out. Whether you call it computer vision syndrome or digital eye strain, most of us have suffered from itchy or red eyes, blurred vision, headaches, or neck or back aches at some point, usually after working on a computer. Experts continue to recommend the “20-20-20” rule: Every 20 minutes, try to look at an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

    Can Blue Light Glasses or Filters Help?

    A whole industry has sprung from concerns about blue-light exposure. You can buy blue light-blocking glasses, filters, and special light bulbs, not to mention software options, including dark modes. But do any of them actually help, or is this just more scaremongering designed to sell snake-oil tech?

    They may theoretically work, says Peirson, but the evidence is not straightforward. He highlighted this review, which suggests a positive influence on sleep latency for people with sleep disorders, jet lag, and variable shift work. But he says the problem with most studies is that the actual light exposure of the participants is not measured, and the wavelength that these filters block is often poorly described.

    Blue light has a shorter wavelength (between 400 and 495 nanometers) than red light (620 to 750 nanometers). But different filters block different wavelengths, making them tricky to compare. Peirson says cutting off longer wavelengths can be more effective at reducing light exposure to our circadian rhythm (our natural sleep/wake cycle), but can also impact visual function, making it harder to see.

    This Cochrane Library review examined several studies and found “no clinically meaningful difference” between normal lenses and blue-light filtering lenses. The American Academy of Ophthalmology and the College of Optometrists in the UK say there is no evidence that blue light from screens is damaging our eyes, and neither recommends blue-light-blocking glasses.

    This study of blue-light filter applications suggests they don’t improve sleep either, and dark mode may not be as good for your eyes as you think. So what are we supposed to do?

    Lights Out

    If you are concerned about getting a good night’s sleep, establishing a bedtime routine is crucial. The intervention with the strongest evidence base is cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), according to sleep expert Sophie Bostock. She was part of the team that worked on Sleepio, which cured my insomnia. It’s a six-week course that combines various simple techniques:

    1. Wake up at the same time every day.
    2. Use a sleep diary to monitor your sleep patterns.
    3. Don’t get into bed unless you’re sleepy.
    4. Get out of bed when you’re not sleepy.
    5. Use cognitive techniques to address the racing mind, such as mindfulness, journaling, and cognitive reframing.

    Bostock also says that if you get plenty of natural light during the day, your body clock will be less sensitive to the effects of light at night. A morning walk or coffee in the garden before you start work can help get your circadian clock on track.

    While blue light has the potential to harm us, it can also be good for us. One study exposed students to either artificial blue light or warm white light for an hour each morning and found that blue light didn’t just reduce melatonin levels; several students also reported higher alertness, positive mood, and visual comfort.

    As with most things in life, balance is key. Ultimately, you should avoid bright light before bed, but the blue light emitted from a dimmed smartphone screen or TV is not worth worrying about.

    That said, taking a break from screens at night is probably a good idea, especially for kids. Podcasts and audiobooks are a great way to unwind without screens. And if you must use your smartphone in bed, follow this achingly simple rule: Stick to fun stuff and avoid anything stressful.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • 6 Best Nanoleaf Smart Lights (2024): Shapes, 4D Kit, and Installation Tips

    6 Best Nanoleaf Smart Lights (2024): Shapes, 4D Kit, and Installation Tips

    [ad_1]

    Here are some tips and tricks we’ve learned from testing Nanoleaf products over the years,

    Prepare before you install. Decide and map out what you want to do in advance. Nanoleaf’s lights attach to the wall with adhesive, so it’s possible to remove them without taking the paint off, but it’s easier to have your design already planned and set. Be sure to use a level to make sure they’re straight, since the geometric shapes will make it obvious if they aren’t.

    Plan for power. Don’t just plan your design, but make sure your panels will end close enough to an outlet. You can also try to design your lights to hide the power cord behind something, like a nearby bookshelf or plant.

    Scheduling ability might vary. If you’re using the Essentials bulbs, you can only set up schedules with Apple HomeKit or Google Assistant.

    You’ll need the Alexa Skill. If you’re an Alexa user, some smart devices can easily connect with your Alexa speakers, but you’ll need to add the Nanoleaf Skill to start using your Nanoleaf lights. (Even after adding it, I found it didn’t work 100 percent of the time.)

    Be careful where you click in the app. In the app, your Nanoleaf products will be listed by room, and they pop up as little squares with an icon and the name of the product. You need to click on the written name to go into the device and peruse the colors, scenes, and other options (like 4D if you’re using the 4D Kit) for the specific product. If you click anywhere else on the product’s box, you’ll just turn the device on and off over and over.

    Find more color options. The app includes a variety of scenes you can use, but you can click on the Discover tab—a cloud and downward arrow symbol—to find more lighting designs and download them onto your app.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • How LED Face Masks and Red Light Therapy Work to Reverse Wrinkles (2024)

    How LED Face Masks and Red Light Therapy Work to Reverse Wrinkles (2024)

    [ad_1]

    Topical retinoids, like over-the-counter retinol and prescription tretinoin, can also treat wrinkles and texture by slowing the breakdown of collagen and increasing skin cell turnover. Both retinol and LEDs typically take several months to see results, but retinoids come with more side effects, such as increased breakouts and sometimes flakey, burning skin.

    Unfortunately, not everyone will see results from red or blue light therapy—and this might contribute to the suspicion around these devices and whether they work. You won’t know until you try, though you should talk to a dermatologist to see what they recommend based on your skin type. Waldman says there’s no reason to believe red light could be harmful if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, but as there isn’t much research involving pregnant women, you should consult your physician first. We also recommend making sure the device you’re considering is FDA-cleared.

    Wavelengths, Explained

    Light therapy devices are often quite costly, but there’s good reason: You can’t get the same effect with just any red LED from the hardware store. If the wavelength isn’t strong enough, it won’t penetrate your skin—sorry to the one TikTokker sitting in front of a heated chicken lamp.

    These are the typical wavelengths, measured in nanometers, to look for:

    • Red light therapy commonly uses wavelengths in the 630 to 660 nanometer range, with the lowest effective wavelength around 600 nanometers.
    • Near-infrared red lights are commonly 800 to 1,400 nanometers. These penetrate deeper into the skin and are used mostly for healing and reducing inflammation.
    • Blue light is typically 405 to 420 nanometers to kill acne-causing bacteria.

    How to Use Red Light Therapy and LED Face Masks

    LED light therapy doesn’t work for everyone, but consistency is crucial if you want to try it. If you don’t think you’ll remember to use a light therapy mask multiple times a week, you won’t see results and it won’t be worth the money.

    Follow the directions for the specific device you’re using, but in general, you’ll want to wash and dry your face and use the mask before applying any skincare products. Devices should have a set session time, usually between three and 10 minutes. Use it for the full time unless it feels uncomfortable. Apply your skincare after as normal, focusing on hydrating serums or moisturizers, especially if you’re prone to dryness. Do not use these masks longer than indicated in their directions.

    While you can use red light therapy and retinoids in your routine, Waldman doesn’t recommend using them simultaneously as it can increase the chance of irritation.

    Take some photos before you start using a mask so you can track progress. You may not see dramatic results immediately, but with photos, you can at least tell if something is happening.

    Our Testing

    I’ve been using the Omnilux Contour LED mask, which is among the most popular LED face masks right now. The red light wavelengths are 633 nanometers and near-infrared are 830 nanometers. It has preprogrammed 10-minute sessions and the company says to use it three to five times a week for four to six weeks. Then you’ll want to keep up the results by using the device occasionally after that.

    Six weeks was not long enough for me to see results—I ended up using it for three months straight. Sadly, I haven’t noticed much of a difference in my wrinkles. Some people may see results sooner, but Waldman says that three months is typically the earliest amount of time that you’d see results. “You didn’t get wrinkles overnight and they’re not going to go away overnight. Consistency and patience are key,” she says.



    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • The Best Govee Smart Lights (2024): M1 Light Strip, Envisual T2, and More Tips

    The Best Govee Smart Lights (2024): M1 Light Strip, Envisual T2, and More Tips

    [ad_1]

    Here are a few tips we have learned from using Govee smart lighting for the past few years.

    Installation: Plan installations carefully, particularly with panels, by testing your intended layout before you stick anything to the wall. In particular, think about where the power cord will end up. Clean any surface you intend to stick smart lighting on thoroughly and bear in mind that the adhesive can damage paintwork or wallpaper if you ever remove it.

    Connecting: Even after connecting Govee lights to Wi-Fi, your phone will connect via Bluetooth for direct control and firmware updates. If you’re having trouble connecting, get physically close to your lights (within 6 feet).

    Calibration: Some Govee smart lighting, such as the TV or gaming syncing products, requires a calibration process to work properly. Take your time and follow the instructions precisely for the best results. You can always redo calibration in the Govee app.

    Names: If you didn’t choose a descriptive name during setup or you want to change your light names, select the Device tab, choose a device, and tap the cog at the top right, then Device name to edit. Remember these names will also be used for Alexa and Google Assistant if you set up voice controls, so short and memorable is best.

    Rooms: If you have multiple Govee lights, it is worth tapping the three dots at the top right on the Device tab in the app to select Room Management, create the rooms you want, and add your lights to them. This will make it easier to control groups of lights.

    Voice controls: Since the Govee app is such a mess, for basic stuff day to day, you may prefer using a voice assistant to control your lights. You can link most Govee lights with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. You can find detailed instructions in the Govee app. Choose a light on the Device tab, tap the cog at the top right, and look under User Guide. If any other connections, such as Razer Chroma, are available for that device, you’ll find the instructions for them too. Sadly, the Matter-supporting M1 above is the only Govee option so far to work with Apple Homekit.

    Automation: You can schedule lights to turn on and off by selecting them on the Device tab and choosing Timer. You can also create automations on the Automation tab. You can choose to turn all lights off at a certain time every night, but you can also set up triggers to change brightness, color, color temperature, mode, and more (available options depend on the device).

    Colors and effects: Choose a light on the Device tab and tap Effects Lab to find all the available colors and effects to try. If you want to cycle through different effects, tap on Auto-Play, specify how it should change, and create a list of effects to cycle through.

    Explore: You will find some suggestions on the Home tab in the app, but if you look at the bottom, there’s an Explore option (globe icon). The Explore section is a great place to learn more about what your lights can do. You can see group options or select individual devices at the top.

    Discover: One last thing worth looking at on that bottom bar in the app is the Discover section (compass icon). You can find different hashtagged topics and loads of posts and videos made by Govee light owners. It can be a good place to find ideas, tips, and troubleshooting help for your Govee lighting.

    [ad_2]

    Source link