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How to automate the lights in your home

How to automate the lights in your home

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Voice-controlled mood lighting is the DIY you didn’t know you needed.

By Vox Creative

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This is the second episode in our six-part video series where Bob Clagett of I Like to Make Stuff takes on home DIY projects inspired by the features of the new Ford F-150.

What’s cooler than mood lighting? Mood lighting that you can control with your voice. In this episode, Clagett was inspired by the Ford F-150’s SYNC 3 feature to show you how to DIY a connected set of smart light bulbs throughout your home. The new Ford F-150’s SYNC 3 feature allows you to connect your smartphone and apps like the Ford + Alexa app directly to the truck’s productivity screen. SYNC 3 can even respond to voice commands while you’re driving. Clagett created the same seamless connectivity with this smart lighting system.

Want your own connected home lighting system? Watch the video above and follow these simple steps.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Amazon Echo
  • Philips Hue starter kit
  • Philips Hue wireless dimmer switch
  • Smartphone or tablet
Step 1: Set up the Amazon Echo

Plug in the Amazon Echo to a power outlet and download the Amazon Alexa app on your phone. Name your device, especially if you have multiple Echos in the house. Make sure the Echo is located somewhere convenient for you to control it with your voice.

Step 2: Plug the Philips Hue bridge into your Wi-Fi router

The Philips Hue bridge is the hub that connects all of the smart light bulbs to your Wi-Fi. All you need to do is plug it into your router with an ethernet cable, which comes included in the kit.

Step 3: Screw in the Philips Hue light bulbs

Install the Philips Hue light bulbs into the fixtures that you want to add to the connected system.

Step 4: Install the dimmer switch

This dimmer switch mounts onto your wall with adhesive and looks like a normal light switch. But it’s also magnetic, so you can remove it and carry it around the house with you and use it like a remote.

Step 5: Download the app and set the mood

The Philips Hue app comes with fun pre-set lighting scenes such as “Savanna Sunset” and “Tropical Twilight.” You can play around with these settings or create your own colors and moods. Better yet, you can just shout to Alexa and control the lights with your voice.

In just a few simple steps, you now have a connected system of voice-controlled mood lights around your home! Stay tuned for more DIY episodes inspired by the Ford F-150.