GE Lighting Touts Wi-Fi, Voice Control, App in Cync Smart Bulb Rollout

GE Lighting pushed the benefits of hub-free W-Fi operation, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice control and upcoming Matter compatibility in its newly shipping Cync line of smart light bulbs at Pepcom in New York Thursday. Spokesperson Ben Sabol differentiated the Cync line from other smart bulbs by their ability to be controlled by an app vs. a hub; the app also controls Cync smart security cameras, ceiling fans, smart switches, sensors and thermostats. Sabol noted the smart home is still a young market and consumers have been slow to adopt the technologies. Lighting could enable a tipping point, he said: “You can start with a bulb, and that can give you the confidence to do something else." Prices start at $13.99 for the decorative bulbs, available in white and full-color; $11.99 for Reveal general-purpose bulbs; and $24.99 for downlights. The bulbs launched in Lowe’s stores and will roll out soon to Amazon, Best Buy and Target.