WeMo Smart LED Light Bulb, Wi-Fi Enabled (Starter Set Required) (Discontinued by Manufacturer)

Must update app and firmware frequently to address any issues. Updates are easy. App updates are automatic, firmware updates happen by opening the app but background app refresh (battery hog on any iOS app) will notify you of firmware updates which you click yes and you may close the app, firmware is direct to device.They fixed signal issues, daylight savings time as we use dusk to dawn offset by 30 minutes, item losing time, those were issues that occurred and were fixed rapidly. Belkin support is very responsive to bugs but we don't bother as Belkin fixes them fast.Will work with Amazon echo - we use IFT app (recipe) and while WeMo outlet switches (newest) work by default, the lights donot. So we tell Alexa to tell IFT "It's dark in blah blah" and IFT turns on the bulbs.We now use the newer WeMo OSRAM system which is Sylvania LED's color temp adjusting from 6000K to 2700K as we have the lights follow the sun for a natural look. Soon 256 color bulbs coming like Hue, anyway we also use the WeMo bulbs in areas that don't matter (bulbs work great, I just am very sensitive to light temperature) such as outdoor lighting.

I really wanted this Belkin WeMo set-up to be the solution to my "smart" lighting goals -- specifically for iPhone-controlled outdoor lighting with auto on/off around sunset/sunrise. I started with a WeMo Light Switch. Pretty easy to switch out the current light switch but serious difficulty getting WeMo onto home network and it kept insisting on firmware updates that took much more than the "up to 10 minutes" that pops up in the app. But after a few hours I finally got it working and the app is reasonably intuitive to create the on/off rule I wanted. So then I went on to a Wemo Switch and a couple of WeMo bulbs with a Hub. Total 2+week nightmare: first, the bulbs were slow to pair but then when I had them paired and tried to "group" them they both went out. As in, no light and no way to get the light to come back, even following the reset procedure on the Belkin web site or trying them in another fixture like a lamp. After an hour call with Belkin tech support (responsive and friendly but just had me run through standard procedures that I had already done), they thought it was a hardware issue and had me request an exchange with Amazon. So I did that, got the new bulbs, and the same thing happened. Belkin confirmed I had followed the correct installation procedures and, after another 1.5 hours on the phone, they agreed to exchange them directly (but I had to argue for 10 minutes that they should pay for the shipping). Two weeks later the replacement bulbs arrive and still grouping causes them to short out (you could even see black streaks inside the bulb. Meanwhile, the WeMo Switch took a while to install and be recognized but it was working. Even for the Switch and initial Light Switch, the app constantly loses them and the only way to find them again is to go off Wifi on the iPhone. Verizon LTE always refinds them, then I can switch back to Wifi. Complete pain. This is the short version of the saga. Not "Smart", not easy, not reliable.Meanwhile, two weeks ago I saw that Samsung SmartThings Hub version 2 had come out, read some good reviews, and ordered one. While waiting for it to arrive, I got some Cree Connected Bulbs from Home Depot. TEN MINUTES of installation and I had the bulbs and SmartThings Hub up and running. Bulbs recognized instantly, Hub has no wifi accessibility issues, and on/off response is very quick in the app. So I ordered a GE Smart Switch to expand, installed that on the garage overhead light switch and right away it showed up in the app. SO easy, SO much better than WeMo. More accessories on the way to my house right now. Only downside, just like a CNET review says, is that the SmartThings app is quite confusing. You really have to work at figuring out how to set up rules. But I figure that the key is for the hardware installation to be straightforward and then it's much easier to improve the app in coming months.

3 stars only, because it's only 60 watt.Comparing to Phillips hue is not proper as these bulbs are half the cost but do not change color.The App that controls the bulbs is fair at best. Also the bulbs require that you purchase the starter kit as the bulbs are just plain bulbs without it.The starter kit contains the control hub that requires very little set up and is half the price of the Phillips hue starter pack. But again no way to change saturation levels with the WeMo.If you're looking for a light that you can operate through your phone or tablet then this is a good buy.The App let's you create sets and sub sets of lights to set as you please.Using App in conjunction with the "ifttt" app you can greatly expand the usefulness of the bulbs.So PRO: relatively inexpensive, clear clean light, programmable, remotely accessible, low power usage so it will pay for itself in short order, very safe and does not get nearly as hot as a standard bulb. Can be turned on and off via regular light switch or pull chain. Can be used as a low cost regular 60 Watt bulb (electric cost)CONS: 60 watt Max, requires at least 1 base station that had to be plugged directly into a wall outlet, app is flaky and hard to use at first. Light switch has to be on to work ( duh, I know), slightly larger than a standard bulb and heavy.Compared to Phillips hue:Hue is twice the price. For that you get the following advantages over the WeMo bulb.1. Changes to almost unlimited colors.2. More compact so it will fit in most light fixtures.3. The bulbs work with Zigbee apps and products.4. Wider range of products that will work with app due to Zigbee.5. Belkin customer service is sub par at best.