Latest news with #smartlighting
Globe and Mail
7 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Watts Lights and Lumenary Pro Announce Strategic Partnership to Disrupt the Smart Lighting Industry
Watts Lights, a North American leader in permanent smart lighting systems, and Lumenary Pro, an emerging force in the smart home sector, have announced a strategic partnership to build a national network dedicated to delivering permanent lighting systems to homes and commercial properties across the United States. Together, they're reshaping how smart lighting is sold, serviced, and experienced by homeowners. Founded by industry trailblazer Mike Bennett, Lumenary Pro is changing the game with its premium, white-glove remote sales model. After personally selling over $1 million in smart lighting systems, Bennett realized that the traditional way of delivering home services no longer aligned with how modern homeowners want to engage. His vision: a streamlined, digital-first process focused on high-touch service, curated consultations, and premium lighting solutions that add long-term value—not just seasonal sparkle. "Smart lighting isn't just decoration for Christmas—it's security, curb appeal, and convenience," said Bennett. "We're helping homeowners make permanent upgrades with a process that's as modern as the lights themselves." When developing the concept that would become Lumenary Pro, Bennett knew he needed partners who were as innovative as the idea itself. That's why he teamed up with Black House Marketing, a creative and performance-driven firm based in Calgary, Alberta. Together, Mike, along with Jayde and Zachary Syrnyk o f Black House Marketing, became the founding members of Lumenary Pro. Jayde, renowned for generating over $100 million in attributed sales through her authentic UGC-style ad videos, brings a sharp edge to content strategy. Zachary, a paid media architect with a proven ability to drive down cost per acquisition, leads the advertising efforts. This partnership bridges exceptional technology with best-in-class marketing and sales execution. Their combined efforts are building a coast-to-coast network of smart lighting professionals, empowering contractors and entrepreneurs alike to enter the rapidly growing permanent lighting market under a unified, forward-thinking brand. The partnership is built on the foundation of Watts Lights' industry-leading technology. As one of the most advanced smart lighting manufacturers, Watts provides the core product and cloud-connected, app-controlled platform that Lumenary Pro's network will deliver. Watts Lights are engineered for superior durability and all-season performance, ensuring the premium, long-term value Lumenary Pro promises its clients. "This partnership represents a perfect union of best-in-class technology and best-in-class market execution," said a Watts Lights spokesperson. "We have spent years engineering the most durable, customizable, and user-friendly permanent lighting system on the market. In Lumenary Pro, we have found a partner who can deliver our technology to homeowners with the high-touch, premium experience it deserves. Together, we're setting a new standard for the industry." Together, Lumenary Pro and Watts Lights are charting a new course for how home services are delivered—blending technology, marketing, and personalized service to meet the needs of today's homeowner. About Lumenary ProLumenary Pro is a smart lighting sales and dealer organization redefining how permanent lighting systems are marketed and sold in the U.S. Through remote consultations, visual design support, and a premium client experience, Lumenary Pro empowers homeowners to upgrade their properties with ease. Learn more at About Watts Lights Watts Lights is a North American leader in the design and manufacture of permanent, exterior smart lighting systems. Renowned for their durability, vibrant customization, and intuitive, cloud-connected app, Watts Lights are the premier choice for homes and commercial properties. Their commitment to relentless innovation ensures every system delivers year-round brilliance and lasting value. Learn more at Media Contact Company Name: Watts Lights Contact Person: Jamie Kembel Email: Send Email Country: Canada Website:
Digital Trends
12-07-2025
- Digital Trends
The 7 best Alexa features you're missing out on
'Alexa, turn on the lights.' In my home, that's one of the most common phrases you'll hear. With a full smart lighting setup all linked to the Amazon Alexa platform and two Echo Show 15s serving as hubs (one in my office, one in the kitchen), the voice assistant is a core part of how I handle everything from lights to groceries. Recommended Videos Most people know about those functions. Making a to-do list, checking the weather, and other day-to-day tasks are how Alexa is used most often, but did you realize the platform has a litany of powerful, lesser-known features? Show and Tell Show and Tell uses the Echo Show's camera to identify products and audibly announce what it is. Aimed at users with impaired vision, Show and Tell is most often used to identify daily items like pantry staples, especially those with labels. For example, it can help distinguish between a container of cumin and a container of cinnamon. Just say, 'Alexa, what am I holding?' or 'What's in my hand?' Your device will guide you through how and where to hold the item, with sound cues to indicate when you have positioned it correctly in front of the camera. Eye Gaze Most interactions with smart assistants are done through vocal commands, but a new feature called Eye Gaze allows users to control specific Alexa devices with only eye movements. This feature benefits people with vocal or mobility impairments, allowing them to trigger pre-set Alexa actions entirely hands and voice free. For now, Eye Gaze is only available on the Fire Max 11 Tablet, and only in a few countries. It's still relatively early in development, but Amazon hopes to bring the functionality to more devices in the future. Real-Time Translation While most people stick to their phones for making video calls, you can also use Alexa to chat with relatives, and she will put captions on the screen in real-time. That makes it possible to hold conversations in multiple languages at the same time, with both sides understanding the other. It also provides assistance to the hearing impaired, as real-time call captions make it easier to follow along if you aren't sure what the other person said. All you have to do is enable call captioning in the Alexa app or in the Echo Show device menu. Adaptive Listening Users that struggle with speech impairments might find they can't get the commands out fast enough for Alexa. Adaptive Listening is a feature that extends Alexa's listening window before processing the request, and it can turned on within the Alexa app or through specific Echo devices. Even people without speech difficulties report utilizing the feature, as it creates a more natural flow to the conversation versus the sometimes clipped language used when speaking with a voice assistant. Find Your Phone I'm scatterbrained, and I will often put my phone down and completely forget where it is. When it comes time to leave the house for any reason, cue a Yakety Sax montage of me checking under couch cushions, the top of bookshelves, and anywhere else I might have left it. Now I can just say, 'Alexa, find my phone.' The device starts a call, and I can listen for the sound of its vibration in the room (my phone has been on vibrate for years). There are also several Alexa Skills available that do the same thing, though I find the default feature works well enough. Whisper Mode When it's two o'clock in the morning and you just managed to get the baby back to sleep, the last thing you want is to ask Alexa a question in a normal tone of voice and wake the baby. Whisper Mode, once enabled, will let you whisper to Alexa and she will respond back in a whisper automatically. The device matches your volume, so you don't need to ask it to respond quietly. Just make sure you enable the setting first. It isn't on by default, and whispering, 'Alexa, what time is?' only to receive an answer of 'IT IS 11:55 PM' at full volume can be jarring, to say the least. Emergency Assist For years, fans wanted Amazon to add the ability for Alexa to call 911. While that still isn't possible, the Alexa Emergency Assist function can put users in touch with a trained 'Urgent Response' agent who can dispatch emergency services. The downside? This feature requires a subscription of $5.99 a month, or $59 per year. Without a subscription, you can have a single emergency contact. With Alexa Emergency Assist, you can have up to 25. It also enables other features and listens for the sound of glass breaking (like a window), carbon monoxide and smoke alarms, and more. Alexa has long been one of the most popular platforms for smart home users, and it only gets better with time. Of course, locking certain features behind a paywall with the Alexa+ subscription slowed its growth, but that's an argument for another day.
Times of Oman
12-07-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Innovative project of Musanadam govt honoured
Organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for its innovative project that develops smart street lighting systems using Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, it was recognised as one of the most outstanding in terms of sustainability and applicability. The project caught the attention of the WSIS competition committee, with experts describing it as a practical model that can be replicated across urban environments, due to its technical innovation and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Amina bint Mohammed Al-Shehhi, Director of the Information Technology Department at Musandam's General Directorate of Administrative and Financial Affairs, explained that the project relies on an integrated tech infrastructure. Smart sensors are installed on lighting poles to collect data on natural light intensity, pedestrian and vehicle movement, weather conditions, and the status of the devices themselves. This data is sent to a centralised operations platform that analyses it and makes automated decisions to turn lights on or off or adjust brightness levels, aiming for maximum operational efficiency. She noted that the system allows real-time monitoring of the lighting network, enabling early fault detection and immediate alerts to maintenance teams. This improves response time and service quality for residents and visitors. The platform also generates analytical reports to support infrastructure planning and decision-making. The project represents a major leap on several fronts. It reduces electricity consumption by up to 40% compared to traditional systems and extends lamp life through need-based operation and helps lower the carbon footprint and supports Oman's transition to green development and smart cities, and improves resource management and cuts long-term operational and maintenance costs. Al-Shehhi emphasised that this recognition marks a national achievement, solidifying Musandam's status as a leading governorate in leveraging technology for public service and sustainable development. It also reflects its commitment to Oman Vision 2040, which prioritises digital transformation and environmental sustainability. The WSIS, backed by the United Nations and managed by the ITU in collaboration with several international organizations, stands as one of the foremost global initiatives in ICT for development. The summit encourages digital innovation and fosters tech projects aimed at achieving the SDGs. Each year, WSIS hosts the WSIS Prizes competition, celebrating the most innovative and sustainable tech projects from across the globe. Entries come from governments, the private sector, civil society, and academic institutions. The awards span 18 key categories, including digital infrastructure, smart cities and environment, e-government, risk and disaster management, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
CNET
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNET
Last Chance During Prime Day to Snag This Immersive Real-Time TV Backlight at $60 Off
Govee has been busy stunning us this year with its latest smart lighting tech, but we've almost never seen its enhanced backlighting technology more affordable than during these last hours of Amazon Prime Day, when its Envisual TV LED Backlight T2's price dropped to 40% off, down to only $80 for the 11.8-foot version intended for 55- to 65-inch TVs. This isn't your grandma's glowy TV backlight, either. Govee's app-powered kit uses a camera to watch the TV and match the colors in real time, creating an immersive shifting lightscape that CNET Managing Editor Russell Holly raves about (for a lower-end model), saying it can upgrade a home entertainment system to a real home theater experience, making your TV look more expansive and enhancing movies and colorful games (I can't wait to see what it does to Expedition 33). That also put it on our list of best smart lights. You really have to see it to believe it. You can also use the app to adjust the Envisual system to any brightness and color setting you want, as well set it to a variety of shifting entertainment modes, a party mode and more, so those 60 LED lights act as mood lighting or simple illumination whenever you need. They can also sync to any music you have playing. Govee's Envisual system does require an included camera attachment. Govee Why Govee's deal caught our eye TV backlights has come such a long way in recent years, Govee's creations look nothing like what backlighting used to. And, as we've tested Govee products, we've found they're on the cutting edge of lighting technology with lots of creative twists to boot. The Envisual kit is one of its top-line models, capable of real-time visual effect matching, and it's cheaper now than it's been since the last Black Friday sales. To make the most of the last of Prime Day, make sure to stop by our constantly updated tracker of the remaining deals.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Watts Lights and Lumenary Pro Announces Strategic Partnership to Disrupt the Smart Lighting Industry
Appleton, WI, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Watts Lights, a North American leader in permanent smart lighting systems, and Lumenary Pro, an emerging force in the smart home sector, have announced a strategic partnership to build a national network dedicated to delivering permanent lighting systems to homes and commercial properties across the United States. Together, they're reshaping how smart lighting is sold, serviced, and experienced by by industry trailblazer Mike Bennett, Lumenary Pro is changing the game with its premium, white-glove remote sales model. After personally selling over $1 million in smart lighting systems, Bennett realized that the traditional way of delivering home services no longer aligned with how modern homeowners want to engage. His vision: a streamlined, digital-first process focused on high-touch service, curated consultations, and premium lighting solutions that add long-term value—not just seasonal sparkle. "Smart lighting isn't just decoration for Christmas—it's security, curb appeal, and convenience," said Bennett. "We're helping homeowners make permanent upgrades with a process that's as modern as the lights themselves." When developing the concept that would become Lumenary Pro, Bennett knew he needed partners who were as innovative as the idea itself. That's why he teamed up with Black House Marketing, a creative and performance-driven firm based in Calgary, Alberta. Together, Mike, along with Jayde and Zachary Syrnyk of Black House Marketing, became the founding members of Lumenary Pro. Jayde, renowned for generating over $100 million in attributed sales through her authentic UGC-style ad videos, brings a sharp edge to content strategy. Zachary, a paid media architect with a proven ability to drive down cost per acquisition, leads the advertising efforts. This partnership bridges exceptional technology with best-in-class marketing and sales execution. Their combined efforts are building a coast-to-coast network of smart lighting professionals, empowering contractors and entrepreneurs alike to enter the rapidly growing permanent lighting market under a unified, forward-thinking brand. The partnership is built on the foundation of Watts Lights' industry-leading technology. As one of the most advanced smart lighting manufacturers, Watts provides the core product and cloud-connected, app-controlled platform that Lumenary Pro's network will deliver. Watts Lights are engineered for superior durability and all-season performance, ensuring the premium, long-term value Lumenary Pro promises its clients. "This partnership represents a perfect union of best-in-class technology and best-in-class market execution," said a Watts Lights spokesperson. "We have spent years engineering the most durable, customizable, and user-friendly permanent lighting system on the market. In Lumenary Pro, we have found a partner who can deliver our technology to homeowners with the high-touch, premium experience it deserves. Together, we're setting a new standard for the industry." Together, Lumenary Pro and Watts Lights are charting a new course for how home services are delivered—blending technology, marketing, and personalized service to meet the needs of today's homeowner. About Lumenary Pro Lumenary Pro is a smart lighting sales and dealer organization redefining how permanent lighting systems are marketed and sold in the U.S. Through remote consultations, visual design support, and a premium client experience, Lumenary Pro empowers homeowners to upgrade their properties with ease. Learn more at About Watts Lights Watts Lights is a North American leader in the design and manufacture of permanent, exterior smart lighting systems. Renowned for their durability, vibrant customization, and intuitive, cloud-connected app, Watts Lights are the premier choice for homes and commercial properties. Its commitment to relentless innovation ensures every system delivers year-round brilliance and lasting value. Learn more at ContactCompany Name: Lumenary Pro Contact Person: Mike Bennett Email: mike@ Phone: 920-642-9724 Country: United States Website: CONTACT: Media Contact Company Name: Lumenary Pro Contact Person: Mike Bennett Email: mike@ Phone: 920-642-9724 Country: United States Website:
