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Originally Posted by ApK
Smart bulbs will work independently but can also be grouped like any devices, so you could have "bulb 1" and "bulb 2" in a group called "ceiling light."
I'm not exactly sure how dimming works in a group because you can group any devices, not all of which might be applicable to dimming. I could try it at home later if you like.
The "official" way to dim sets of bulbs would be through shortcuts or scenes and have Alexa execute that.
So on my Wink software, IIUC, I would create a shortcut that dims each of the bulbs to a certain level and name it something like "dim ceiling." Then Alexa will discover that short cut, and I could say "Alexa, turn on dim ceiling" to dim the fixture.
I use a mix of brands...a Wink hub to control the GE smart bulbs, and TP-Link outlet that doesn't use the hub, and once everything is installed and configured, Alexa is pretty agnostic about that. Just means you need more setup apps and enabled skills.
I started with the Wink hub and GE Link for no reason other than a starter set was dirt cheap when i got it. I don't know enough about the field to recommend to others except to say my system does work and I'm happy with what I have, but several of the GE Link bulbs I tried were unreliable, and I would not recommend that brand of smart bulb.
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So ... I screw in my two bulbs, and I can potentially set them up as three items: bulb one, bulb two, and ceiling light (both bulbs). And then I instruct Alexa accordingly. Probably I would want them to function as a unit most of the time, not independently so I'm glad I can have them work that way.
I haven't investigated hubs. I keep seeing "no hub required"; I don't know the potential advantage of a hub and it seems like more of a commitment to the technology than I want to make right now.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DiapDealer
Yes. Each smart lightbulb would work independently, regardless of fixtures. But the Alexa app allows you to easily create groups of smart devices that you can control as one.
I don't feel that a brand commitment is strictly necessary, myself (functionally speaking). But I imagine putting all of one kind of bulb in a fixture would be wise. And depending on the devices' capabilities, voice commands could vary from brand to brand (but not very likely with typical "on/off/dim"-type devices).
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Since Alexa and I often have a rocky relationship, I would probably be better off making a brand commitment, I think.
Thanks!