Your Smart Lights Are Listening: Get Used to It
▼ Summary
– Lepro’s new AI Lighting Pro series integrates a microphone directly into the power cord, eliminating the need for a separate controller like a phone or smart speaker.
– The product lineup includes a light strip, rope light, floor lamp, and table lamp, each with distinct features such as diffusion, RGB modes, and configurable rings.
– These lights feature a built-in voice assistant called LightGPM, activated by “Hey Lepro,” which can control basic functions and create lighting patterns using an LLM based on moods or activities.
– While the lights support Wi-Fi and integration with Alexa and Google Assistant, their key innovation is standalone operation with always-listening capability.
– This approach raises privacy concerns about having another always-listening device in the home, similar to trends in vacuums and speakers, despite potential user reservations.
The way we interact with smart home devices is shifting, and lighting is no exception. Instead of relying on a separate hub or smart speaker, Lepro’s new AI Lighting Pro series integrates a microphone directly into the power cord, allowing users to control their lights using just their voice. This move toward embedded intelligence raises both convenience and privacy considerations as our environments grow increasingly responsive.
Lepro’s latest offerings include several distinct models: the S1-Pro AI light strip, the N1-Pro AI rope light, the OE1-Pro AI floor lamp, and the uniquely designed TB1-Pro AI table lamp. The S1 resembles a typical LED strip, while the N1 incorporates diffusion for a smoother, more uniform glow. The OE1 supports both RGB color and a dedicated warm-white mode ideal for reading or relaxing. Perhaps the most eye-catching is the TB1, which features three independently adjustable rings that twist and turn like a modern sculpture. Pricing and specific US release dates remain unannounced, though a late 2025 launch is anticipated.
Each model comes equipped with a built-in microphone and a proprietary voice assistant named LightGPM, activated by the phrase “Hey Lepro.” While its functions are currently limited to lighting control, the system’s capabilities are notably advanced. Beyond simple on/off commands or color adjustments, the assistant uses a large language model to generate dynamic lighting scenes based on verbal cues. For example, saying “I’m doing yoga” or “I’m a very stressed-out Mets fan” can trigger tailored light patterns designed to match the mood or activity.
Although these lights support Wi-Fi and can sync with Alexa and Google Assistant, their standout feature is the ability to operate independently. This places them among a small but growing number of always-listening devices in the home, a category that already includes smart vacuums from brands like Roborock and Ecovacs, as well as speakers from Sonos. While built-in voice control in lighting is still uncommon, Lepro’s approach signals a broader trend. The real question isn’t just whether we want another device capturing audio in our private spaces, but how quickly we’ll adapt as this becomes the new normal.
(Source: The Verge)
