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Review on Recessed Lighting GreenSun Downlight Assistant by Jessica Lawson

Revainrating 4 out of 5

Simple installation and voice control, but with unexpected compromises.

[second update] I've installed several retrofit ceiling lights and this one is as easy as any, although the Wi-Fi setup requires additional steps, as does the Alexa integration. However, there were really no issues with the installation process - whether it was physically installing these lights into an existing fixture or connecting to the network via Alexa. I must also add that the installation guide is one of the best guides I've seen lately, with good information on the light's characteristics as well as clear steps to follow. However, the smart life app interface required to use these lights is not that clear. For example, you can select the Music tab, but it's hard to see how to associate the music with the lightbulb. I had to go back to the Revain list to find out that you can make those lights pulse to the beat of the music. In any case, the backlight is bright (if you want it bright) and easily adjustable to any color you want, and all the usual automated language options (procedures, groups, etc.) can be easily applied. then compromise? I suspect that anyone retrofitting an overhead light will definitely be doing so in a circuit controlled by some kind of wall switch. However, for these ceiling lights to work, the Wi-Fi connection must remain intact, which means that the wall switch must always be in the ON position. If the wall switch is turned off accidentally or out of habit, the light goes out (as expected), but you also lose connection to your router and the ability to control the light with an app or voice. Just to be sure, when you turn the wall switch back on, the light reverts to its previous setting and the Wi-Fi connection (along with voice control) resumes in just a few seconds. To take advantage of these lights' special features, you pretty much have to ditch the wall switch entirely to use your voice (like Alexa) or an app on your phone. Both are often uncomfortable for me, especially since some of my ceiling lights are controlled by a motion sensor. While these retrofit lights offer some great options and certainly do everything they claim to do, they seem suited to a specific type of entertainment space rather than general use around the home. required" but my set of 4 came with a tiny USB powered hub. When I unplugged the hub, the lights practically went out and I couldn't control it with my voice or the app. If there's a way, the To eliminate Hub, then I haven't found it.(Let me point out that all of these observations are based on a few days of use and experimentation at my home; if the manufacturer thinks I misinterpreted something , I hope he posts some clarification.)

Pros
  • Recessed Lighting
Cons
  • Slightly Torn