The market for the best smart home lighting has been fairly static for a while now: we're essentially seeing endless variations on the same basic themes, with various manufacturers offering similar bulbs in slightly new shapes.
So it's nice to see something genuinely innovative happening in the smart home lights space, and for once it doesn't require a massive financial investment, either.
Wiz, the more affordable sibling brand to Philips Hue, has just updated its smart lighting app – and it's also added a new feature called SmartSense that's very clever indeed.
How Wiz can see you from your Wi-Fi
As officially confirmed, SpaceSense uses Wi-Fi sensing tech to detect motion without the need for dedicated motion sensors. Instead, it detects the little ripples people and pets make as they move around the room, slightly occluding the radio signals, and it can then measure the deviation to work out if a large human-sized object is in motion.
Another big advantage of this tech over standard IR motion sensors is that it doesn't require a line of sight; it's omnidirectional and simply requires you to have at least two lights in the room. It needs multiple lights so it knows where the signals are usually coming from and going to, but you don't need to replace your existing bulbs: the new feature is backwards compatible and should work on any Wiz or Wiz-compatible products bought since late 2021.
It's good to see privacy being up-front here too. SpaceSense is opt-in and everything happens locally: there's no face detection being done by faraway servers or data being transmitted to anyone else.
The new version of the Wiz app with SpaceSense will be available at the end of September 2022.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
Writer, musician and broadcaster Carrie Marshall has been covering technology since 1998 and is particularly interested in how tech can help us live our best lives. Her CV is a who’s who of magazines, newspapers, websites and radio programmes ranging from T3, Techradar and MacFormat to the BBC, Sunday Post and People’s Friend. Carrie has written more than a dozen books, ghost-wrote two more and co-wrote seven more books and a Radio 2 documentary series; her memoir, Carrie Kills A Man, was shortlisted for the British Book Awards. When she’s not scribbling, Carrie is the singer in Glaswegian rock band Unquiet Mind (unquietmindmusic).
-
eufyCam S3 Pro review: a smarter dual camera solution
This home security camera bundle works a treat although it comes with a high price tag that is thankfully justified
By Rob Clymo Published
-
Philips Hue Twilight review: bright, colourful and pricey – but the app is what really shines
The Philips Hue Twilight adds smart controls to your bedside lamp – but can it actually help you wake up naturally?
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
Did I leave the stove on?! This smart knob lets you turn off the burners remotely
Ome launches the Smart Knob 2.0 – and it could help prevent kitchen fires
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
Arlo launches its first-ever wired floodlight camera – and it’s pretty blinding!
Arlo’s new security camera has bright lights, an integrated siren and impressive resolution
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
5 spooky smart home gadgets you need to elevate your Halloween decorations
Looking for a subtle way to embrace the Halloween spirit? These gadgets are just what you need
By Lizzie Wilmot Published
-
Philips Hue upgrades its app with AR feature – but there’s a catch
Philips Hue app gets exciting updates, including AR tools and do not disturb modes
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
Aqara’s new smart lock supports Matter, Thread and Apple HomeKit for unlimited unlocking options
Aqara launches its U300 smart lock that’s compatible with any smart home ecosystem
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
Ring upgrades its subscription service with 24/7 recording and doorbell calls
Ring announces five new subscription features to the Ring Home app
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published