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New 'Friends of Hue' Partner Lutron Debuts New Smart Bulb Aurora Dimmer

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Lutron, a new "Friends of Hue" partner, today announced the launch of the Aurora Smart Bulb Dimmer, a Hue accessory that's designed to be placed over a traditional toggle light switch to prevent it from being turned off and accidentally disabling Hue smart bulbs.

The Aurora Smart Bulb Dimmer is a wireless battery-powered dimmer that's meant to be mounted right over a traditional light switch, keeping guests and children from using the switch while also introducing dimming controls for Hue bulbs.

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You can tap the Aurora Dimmer to turn your Hue lights on and off or turn the knob to brighten or dim the lights.

"Lutron is pleased to join the Philips Hue 'Friends of Hue' program and offer this unique, wall-mounted smart lighting control that enriches the Hue experience," said Matt Swatsky, Vice President, Residential Mid-Market Business at Lutron. "Lutron prides itself on aligning with global, best-in-class companies like Signify to improve and evolve the lighting experience. Together, Lutron and Signify are addressing smart bulb user feedback with an attractive and practical solution that locks toggle switches in place to keep smart bulbs ready, while providing an additional point of control. The Aurora dimmer simplifies the use of Philips Hue smart bulbs and fixtures for everyone in the home."

According to Lutron, it takes just two minutes to install the Lutron Aurora Dimmer over a standard toggle light switch. The base of the dimmer locks the existing toggle switch in the up/on position to prevent it from being accidentally turned off, while the knob snaps right onto the mounting base.

Like the Hue system, the Lutron Aurora Smart Bulb Dimmer connects to the Hue base using Zigbee, so it can be used to control Hue lights even when the Wi-Fi is out.

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The Lutron Aurora Smart Bulb Dimmer, priced at $40, can be pre-ordered from the Hue website starting today and it's set to start shipping out in June. It will also be available from Amazon, Apple, Best Buy and The Home Depot.

Tags: HomeKit Guide, Lutron, Philips Hue

Top Rated Comments

S
sidewinder3000
96 months ago
This is absolutely amazing design. I love it when a company finds a real pain point and then comes up with a clever, minimalist workaround. I currently have white electrical tape covering all my switches in the “up” position. These are a significant upgrade.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
H3LL5P4WN Avatar
H3LL5P4WN
96 months ago
Just buy one of their Lutron Casetta switches and throw your Hue bulbs in the trash. Way better solution.
Except, yanno, those switches don't magically make regular bulbs change color. Or Sync to video. Or let you set up various themes.

But yes, clearly they're a "way better solution."
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Weaselboy Avatar
Weaselboy
96 months ago
Too bad, because my home has the larger size one and I do think most newer homes have the larger size ones.
All newer homes I have seen in the US have these "Decora" style switches now, so I while I think this new Aurora device is a very interesting design, I wonder if the market will be limited by the switch issue.

I converted all my switches to this new style a couple years ago.


Attachment Image
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
oneMadRssn Avatar
oneMadRssn
96 months ago
Also, does this even work on modern American light switches? USA TV programmes and movies often depict contemporary US homes with extra-large switches that I imagine to be user friendly and easier to switch using elbows, forearms when your hands are full (or even for those unable to apply enough pressure to a smaller switch).
Correct, this would not work on the larger size light switches. They still sell both sizes in all hardware stores around here, I am not sure which size/style is more popular.

Too bad, because my home has the larger size one and I do think most newer homes have the larger size ones.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DogHouseDub Avatar
DogHouseDub
96 months ago
Slick design. Very compact and unobtrusive. I’m impressed.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
R
robinp
96 months ago
The idea is great, looking forward to a UK version, preferably with one that works with double and triple switches too.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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