As someone who recently moved into a college apartment shared with four roommates, I’ve been thinking a lot about how to automate our lighting setup. The goal is to create a system that’s both convenient and respects everyone’s privacy, but it’s been a bit of a puzzle figuring out the best approach.
Initially, I thought about using individual smart bulbs in each bedroom, with shared bulbs in the kitchen and living area. This way, each person could control their own space without interfering with others. But then I started wondering about the practicality of managing multiple devices—would everyone need their own app, or could we centralize it somehow?
That’s when I came across the idea of using voice control with Alexa. It seems like a great solution because it allows for hands-free operation and can integrate with multiple devices. I’m thinking of setting up Echo Dots in each room so that voice commands can handle the basics, like turning lights on or off. But here’s where I hit a snag: if we use separate Wyze accounts, how would we manage the shared bulbs in the common areas? Would there be conflicts or overlaps in control?
I also want to avoid adding cameras due to privacy concerns, so the focus is purely on lighting automation. Maybe setting up routines based on time or motion could help. For example, lights in the living room could automatically dim when it’s late at night or brighten when someone enters the room. But I’m not sure how to implement that without a more advanced setup.
Another thought is about the types of bulbs to use. Should we go with Wi-Fi-enabled bulbs for direct control or stick with traditional wall switches paired with smart plugs? The latter might be easier to install but could limit some of the automation features. I’m leaning towards bulbs that offer both local and app-based control, giving us flexibility.
I’d love to hear from others who’ve tackled similar setups. How did you handle multiple users in a shared space? Did you find certain brands or systems worked better than others? Any tips on balancing convenience with privacy would be invaluable as we prepare to set everything up in a few weeks.
This project feels like a great way to get everyone involved and ensure the apartment feels like a true smart home, even on a student budget. Let’s make it happen!