A Bright Idea, Dimly Executed
Overall, the MagicGlow bulbs are a bright idea with a somewhat dim execution. They offer affordability and versatility but fall short in terms of practicality and smart home integration.
| Pros | Cons |
| Good Value For Money Bright Versatile Great Battery Life | Missing Smart Features Won’t Charge Via Outlet Clunky First Party Remote No RGB Options For Extra Personalisation |
The smart lighting market is a crowded space with few truly innovative products. That is, until Neporal introduced their MagicGlow Rechargeable Light Bulbs. These intriguing bulbs come in a pack of four, offering both standard screw and bayonet fitting options. The package also includes two USB-C cables for charging, two remote controls, and four plastic hangers.
At first glance, the bulbs appear unremarkable, fitting into standard light sockets. However, a closer look reveals a USB-C port on the side for recharging and a capacitive button for power and lighting mode adjustments.
Price and Features: A Trade-Off
At under $50 for a pack of four, the MagicGlow bulbs are aggressively priced compared to other smart bulbs on the market, where a single bulb can often cost as much. However, as we’ll explore, this affordability comes with certain compromises.
The standout feature of the MagicGlow is its internal battery, allowing it to operate independently of mains power. While the battery size isn’t specified, Neporal claims an impressive runtime of up to 24 hours on lower brightness settings. This could be a game-changer during power outages or for outdoor use.
The bulbs offer a decent brightness of up to 800 lumens, which is surprisingly powerful for a battery-powered option.They also provide versatility with adjustable colour temperature settings, ranging from warm to cool to daylight, making them suitable for various activities and moods.
Recharging: A Glaring Flaw
Unfortunately, the MagicGlow’s recharging method is where the concept starts to falter. Unlike some of Neporal’s other offerings that recharge directly from the light fixture, the MagicGlow can only be recharged via the included USB-C cable, even when installed. This significantly limits their practicality for everyday use, as you’ll need to remove them from the socket for charging. It also negates their potential as an emergency light source during power outages.
Control and Connectivity: Room for Improvement
Adding to the inconvenience, the bulbs can only be controlled via the included proprietary remote controls. While you get two in the box, losing one could be problematic. Moreover, even if you turn off the wall switch, the bulb remains on unless explicitly turned off via the remote. This further reinforces the notion that these bulbs aren’t meant to replace your everyday smart bulbs. The lack of Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity is a missed opportunity, as smartphone control would greatly enhance their usability.
Outdoor Potential: A Silver Lining
The included screw hooks offer some versatility, allowing you to hang the bulbs anywhere, indoors or outdoors. This makes them potentially useful for camping trips or creating ambient lighting in your garden. With their up to 24 hour battery life they could well be indispensable for even the longest of trips.
Moreover if you have spaces in your house such as cupboards and loft spaces that don’t necessarily have a dedicated light fixture, being able to hang one of these bulbs is a great way to shed some light onto some of those darker areas, just remember to bring that remote along and recharge every so often otherwise you may be left in the dark once again!
Conclusion: A Niche Product with Potential
In conclusion, the Neporal MagicGlow Rechargeable Light Bulbs show promise as a portable lighting solution for camping or outdoor use. However, their limitations in recharging and control make them less suitable for replacing traditional smart bulbs in your home. The battery backup concept is intriguing, and we hope to see it refined and integrated into more comprehensive smart home solutions in the future.
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