Gadget: Riversong Juno 10 Smart Bulb

Tech Specs: 10W smart bulb; can be remotely controlled via a smartphone app; works with Alexa, Wi-Fi and Google Home Assistant

Price: Rs 1,299

BEST FOR: Changing colour with voice command

Light bulbs have come a long way since Thomas Alva Edison invented them in 1879. The technology revolution in the last few years in the field of Internet of Things (IoT) — in which a flurry of gadgets can connect to the Net and “talk” to each other — has led to the invention of smart light bulbs. These are LED, or light emitting diode, bulbs that can be controlled via a hub or smartphone app.

Riversong, a technology company based at Shenzen in China, forayed into the world of smart bulbs with Juno, which uses a wireless technology that allows you to control the lighting of your home from anywhere in the world. Riversong India has made the bulbs compatible with Indian bulb holders.

It has been claimed that the Juno “supports 1.6 million shades and different colour contrast as per your mood,” as soon as you plug it in via a smartphone app (RS-CASA). While testing it, I found that it can indeed change into many shades — though I wouldn’t say that the shades run to millions — once I was able to link it to my phone. You can also regulate the intensity of the light with the click of a button.

I had a lot of fun making the bulb change colours as I pressed the phone screen. The thought struck me that if one could string a few of these across a room and have them change colour to the tune of loud, thumping music, it would provide just the right ambience for a party. Once the party is over, the bulbs could go back to their staple white shade.

Apparently the variations of light (or “colour temperature”) is believed to impact our psychological state. Cool light that’s closer to blue has an energising effect, and is best in the morning. Warm light is relaxing, and is best after the sun goes down.

I turned it into soft blue at bedtime and kept it white the rest of the time. I could even dim the white light if I wanted to. But the best part was being able to switch off the light remotely with just a click on my phone.

The Juno can work with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. When I uttered “change the light colour to light blue” to my smartphone at the end of a tiring day, it did so. I was also able to switch it off with a voice command.