GE Lighting has released two new products today, following on from their initial unveiling at this year’s CES. Both are part of the company’s Cync lineup – the Keypad Dimmer Smart Switch and Paddle Dimmer Smart Switch.
Both products support Matter over WiFi, allowing them to work with Apple Home and other Matter-compatible platforms, and by extension, work with other brands in Apple Home, whether they’re Apple Home or Matter-certified products. As they use Matter over WiFi and not Thread, a Thread Border Router isn’t required, only a Matter Controller.
The Keypad Dimmer offers quick access to lighting scenes, while the Paddle Dimmer provides a more traditional design aimed at straightforward dimming control. As they are intended for DIY installation, most people should be able to fit them without professional help, although it should be noted that these require a neutral wire in order to work.
This release brings us back to the Smart switches vs. smart bulbs debate; A single switch can automate an entire circuit, but beyond dimming, you don’t get the option to control things like colour or access Apple’s own Adaptive Lighting feature. Aqara has the best of both worlds to a large extent, with the ability to uncouple their switches and allow them to act pretty much as wireless buttons.
GE Lighting is updating its full range of smart switches, with this first set available now and the rest due to launch nationwide early next year. The good news is it’s not necessary to replace every switch in the home to gain smart functions, as these switches can operate alongside standard ones on the same circuit.
There doesn’t seem to be any information on whether the additional scene buttons are exposed to Apple Home as programmable buttons, or whether they can only control other Cync products.
For More Information: https://www.gelighting.com
