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GE's smart light bulb reset process is a masterpiece of modern techno-insanity

theregister.co.uk

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Re: GE's smart light bulb reset process is a masterpiece of modern techno-insanity

#11

Post by inamberclad »

worldsayshi wrote: post #5
Phillipharryt wrote: post #3

I remember this being brought up on reddit. Yes it's ridiculously lengthy, but having a procedure instead of a reset button is actually a smart idea. So they've taken a kernel of a good idea and went overboard on trying to protect users from accidentally resetting. Having a procedure allows you to reset bulbs in hard-to-reach places or a whole set of lights in one room can be reset using the one lightswitch.

> having a procedure instead of a reset button is actually a smart idea I can't think of any user friendliness benefit for this. Are you thinking about component cost?

Reset all the bulbs in a room at once.

Re: GE's smart light bulb reset process is a masterpiece of modern techno-insanity

#12

Post by dangrossman »

The process is the same for my Cree Connected bulbs and my GE Link bulbs, except a bit shorter (2 seconds on, 2 seconds off, repeat 4-5x). I was able to reset a dozen bulbs in just a few minutes, to pair them with a new hub, by just flicking the light switches (that control banks of bulbs each) without removing the bulbs. Having to remove each bulb and individually reset it with a paperclip would be less convenient.

Re: GE's smart light bulb reset process is a masterpiece of modern techno-insanity

#14

Post by gravelc »

Jonnax wrote: post #4

Philips Hue is older I think and doesn't have this insanity. The bulbs have a serial number on them, you just input that serial into the app synced with a new bridge.

Even though the Hue app isn't great, the Phillips Hue lights are something I recommend to non-tech people I know as an intro to the smart home. I have them all over my house, and they pretty much never fail to do what you expect (just like dumb appliances). Wi-fi switches are great and haven't had to replace a battery yet after maybe 4 years.

I find waking up with the light slowly brightening so much better than an alarm, but just as effective.

Re: GE's smart light bulb reset process is a masterpiece of modern techno-insanity

#15

Post by tossAfterUsing »

> For some reason, GE decided not to install a physical reset button – you know, one of those tiny holes that you have to stick a pin or paperclip into. Instead, it programmed the devices to factory reset after being turning on and off in a specific pattern.

Physical reset switch would be great, unless you've got 20 lights all installed in a chandelier 30 feet up.

Re: GE's smart light bulb reset process is a masterpiece of modern techno-insanity

#16

Post by m-ee »

Hinrik wrote: post #7
worldsayshi wrote: post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> having a procedure instead of a reset button is actually a smart idea I can't think of any user friendliness benefit for this. Are you thinking about component cost?

> allows you to reset bulbs in hard-to-reach places

They didn't have to remove the switch to do that

Re: GE's smart light bulb reset process is a masterpiece of modern techno-insanity

#17

Post by wetpaws »

Phillipharryt wrote: post #3

I remember this being brought up on reddit. Yes it's ridiculously lengthy, but having a procedure instead of a reset button is actually a smart idea. So they've taken a kernel of a good idea and went overboard on trying to protect users from accidentally resetting. Having a procedure allows you to reset bulbs in hard-to-reach places or a whole set of lights in one room can be reset using the one lightswitch.

Why not have both?

Re: GE's smart light bulb reset process is a masterpiece of modern techno-insanity

#18

Post by knolan »

tossAfterUsing wrote: post #15

> For some reason, GE decided not to install a physical reset button – you know, one of those tiny holes that you have to stick a pin or paperclip into. Instead, it programmed the devices to factory reset after being turning on and off in a specific pattern. Physical reset switch would be great, unless you've got 20 lights all installed in a chandelier 30 feet up.

If you’ve got such a light fixture you’re probably not changing your own light bulbs.
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