Image: WiZ
Having the lights on as soon as you walk into a room is exactly how we envisioned the smart home. But it hasn’t been easy to set up unless you program a routine or a motion sensor around the house to activate the lights. Signify, the makers of WiZ and Philips Hue smart bulbs, have figured out a way to turn on your lights without this tedious setup.
The feature is called SpaceSense, and it’s coming as part of WiZ’s next software release. SpaceSense uses Wi-Fi sensing technology to detect changes in signal strength based on mass moving through rooms. It works similarly to a security device I reviewed last year called Hex Home Security, which detects movement based on activity within range. Because it doesn’t use a camera, SpaceSense doesn’t recognize faces or locations, and there’s no cloud service needed to intercept the data.
WiZ’s Wi-Fi sensing capabilities are built right into the bulbs, and SpaceSense takes advantage of any existing Wi-Fi signal in a room. Like the Hex security system, it relies on at least two compatible light bulbs within range to set up a sort of digital fence. “By measuring the small deviations in signal strength caused by these disturbances, WiZ lights can determine if there is an object moving in the room,” WiZ’s press release explains. The sensor technology is omnidirectional and does not require a line of sight during installation. People with pets can also adjust the sensitivity of SpaceSense to prevent accidental activations.
SpaceSense is available for most WiZ products introduced after September 2021. Any Connected by WiZ product, including Philips Smart LED and other third parties in the WiZ network, can take advantage of the technology. However, you will need to upgrade to the new WiZ V2 app, which will be released at the end of September, as it was designed specifically for this feature. The app has also undergone an overhaul to streamline the interface.
SpaceSense will not work with Philips Hue as it uses a different connection mechanism than WiZ. Still, the capability is exciting, given the affordability and the brand’s commitment to support the upcoming Matter standard. A two-pack of the connected A19 bulbs costs about $22 at most stores. That’s all you need to spend to take advantage of SpaceSense.