Sengled Introduces Smart LED Bulb With Built-in Wi-Fi Repeater

Sengled announced the Boost LED bulb with a built-in Wi-Fi signal repeater and two antennas that can extend connectivity throughout the home. The Boost is designed to address issues of diminishing Wi-Fi signal performance that occurs the farther a Wi-Fi device is located from a transmitter, said Robin Foreman, Sengled North America vice president-marketing and business development. Problems occur when users connect smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles or home automation devices, “since the signal may be obstructed by walls or objects or the device may be too far away to get a strong signal,” said Foreman. Sengled Boost fits in standard lighting fixtures that are typically mounted overhead and “free from obstructions," she said. The smart bulb can be controlled from a free app via smartphone or tablet that lets users configure the Wi-Fi signal and control light levels, said the company, and the light can be dimmed or turned off while boosting the Wi-Fi signal. Boost will be available in A60/A19, BR30 and PAR38 bulb types. Prices weren’t available.