IKEA To Get Home Automation With New Smart Hub

Shopping in IKEA got more fun as the Swedish retailer specializing in ready-to-assemble furniture got into the home automation game with their own system for smart lighting. The new range of products they would offer is called Trådfri, which means "wireless" in Swedish.

In the official IKEA page, it could be seen that Tradfri is built around the ZigBee Light Link standard in order for the lights to be connected. The system has rolled out in selected European countries last Fall but it is expected to have a larger release at the end of March.

The Verge has reported that the core of the Tradfri system consists of a gateway device that could connect to the internet through the Ethernet connection. This creates a local Tradfri network to connect to the local bulbs offered in IKEA.

Compared to most of IKEA's wares, it is also likely for the company to pursue an aggressive pricing scheme. For example, a base set off an internet gateway, a remote, and two Trådfri bulbs is priced with roughly $85.40.

The most interesting part of this system is not actually the internet gateway. What may catch the attention more of the customers is the motion-controlled dimmer switch which exists as a colorful standalone puck. In this switch, one could dim lights by simply rolling it around in their hands. It costs $20.41 if converted to dollars in the IKEA website.

Standard Trådfri bulbs are seen as dimmable LED lights that are composed of three color temperature options (2200K, 2700K, and 4000K). IKEA claimed that these bulbs last around 25,000 hours.

There are also smaller GU10 and E14 sizes available in IKEA priced $16.99. The company is also offering various options of standalone bundles like the motion sensor set and light/remote bundle which is priced $28.39 and $34.09, respectively.

In addition, IKEA would also be selling a series o LED Float panels and illuminated doors for various IKEA storage products. These products are seen as something compatible with the Tradfri system.

Currently, the IKEA availability of the Tradfri system is only available on their Swedish website with their products going to be available to the public by March 31. In near future, this feature is also expected to expand in other parts of the country.