An enterprising company has just introduced its take on the concept of smart lighting. Instead of LED or even the cruder incandescent bulb, it uses a real candle, applying "smart" to the entire product by controlling its flame through a smartphone app.
The company called LuDela promises that its smart candle can be paired with a smartphone, letting users control the fire to achieve a desired effect. For instance, if one is on a dinner date or simply wants to relax where ambiance is important, there are appropriate scene modes available to choose from. The idea is somewhat similar to the Philips Hue Motion Sensor except for the actual flame.
So how does it work?
The entire smart candle is constituted by three parts: a candle shell that encloses everything, a silicone contraption and the actual wax to be burned at the center sitting atop a spring cradle. The second component does the most work as the candle shell merely masks the little technology within.
The component, which LuDela calls Wi-Fire, produces actual flame through four electric nodes that ignite the wick. This is also where the amount of burned wax is controlled within a networked system. As a result, the flame could be remotely adjusted from a flicker to a truly bright candle. It can also be extinguished thanks to a fan discreetly attached near the wick.
The LuDela candle's app also has several other interesting features. For instance, it can program the candle's flame to be automatically extinguished when people, pets and possibly other objects get too close to avoid causing fire. The company also says that the same function is triggered once the smart candle is accidentally knocked over. The candle light can also be password-protected.
LuDela is also planning to equip the smart candle with voice control in the future.
According to the company, the smart candle has been developed in pursuit of a social mission. Noting the condition in several parts of the world where kerosene is still the main source of lighting, Jamie Bianchini, LuDela co-founder and CEO, reportedly decided to create an alternative product that is safe from harmful fumes.
Bianchini has also pledged to set aside a part of the LuDela smart candle profits for the delivery of solar lighting to communities in developing countries.
The smart candle is now available for preorder at the LuDela website and will potentially ship in time for the holidays or early next year. It will cost $100, including the base device, colored ivory wax shell and the beeswax that can last up to 30 hours. The cost of subsequent candles will range from $6 to $8.
