App-Controllable Lighting, Via Socket

App-controllable light bulbs appear to be the next bright thing. Philips sells one, and so does Insteon. Now Spark Devices suggests an alternative system on Kickstarter-- the Spark Socket.

Spark SocketThe Spark Socket is a device customers screw into a regular socket, before screwing in any dimmable bulb. It allows users to control lighting (on, off, dimming) via wifi connection and iOS/Android apps, without the need for new lighting or major wiring.

The system also has a number of additional functions, such as a "sunrise" alarm clock (slowly fading on lighting at a set time), turning on/off all lighting via a single button, or flashing on lights when one receives a new email or text message. For further functionality, wannabe developers can also make use of the RESTful API.

Spark Sockets already exist in working prototype form, and the makers now look for funding (or "preorders," rather) on Kickstarter. One socket costs $60, with shipping estimated to kick off by around July 2013.

Go Spark Socket (Kickstarter)