Back in May 2017, GE announced that HomeKit support for the C by GE light bulbs would arrive soon, with expectations for a summer release. But summer, fall and winter all went by without a word from the company.
Now, GE has revealed that the HomeKit compatibility will finally arrive but only for a handful of C by GE products.
What Devices Will Be Covered?
Reports say the HomeKit compatibility will be added to the white-only C-Life lightbulb and the temperature-shifting C-Sleep bulb, using the C-Reach Hub.
Once the HomeKit support is added, iOS users will be able to add the bulbs to the HomeKit lighting scenes and control the lights via Siri on an iPhone or iPad. Specifics have yet to be revealed so it is not known what Apple software and hardware will be needed to use these devices.
The C-Reach Hub and both the C-Life and C-Sleep bulbs are already released and available for purchase, with the Hub priced at $49.99 and the light bulbs starting from $19.99. There's also a starter kit which is priced at $64.99.
At the moment GE's C-Reach Hub product description only lists support to Amazon Alexa. The product page only reads "enables voice control when paired with a voice assistant like Amazon Alexa." Then the buy button links users to GE's Amazon page.
But Wait, There's More
GE is also releasing a Smart Ceiling Fixture, which the company calls "the industry's first voice-integrated ceiling fixture" that provides audio and light with voice control. A small wall switch is also expected for release in 2018, which will provide control of connected lights using your own voice and a digital voice assistant.
Finally, GE will add more updates to its Sol Lamp Extensions, which will include enabling different music streaming services such as Spotify and the SiriusXM app. Furthermore, it will add the Amazon Echo Spatial Perception feature, which will allow the device to sync with other Alexa devices.
The Sol device was announced back in 2017 and became popular among users, with it being the first lamp to have Alexa built-in instead of just being supported by the Echo device.
Finally, the Sol is going to be available in Canada. There are no specifics on when it will launch in Canada.
As for the GE products announced today, there's no specific date for them to be released. However, GE will be showing off these products at CES in Las Vegas next week and should provide more information then.
