GE's new smart lights and switches take a shine to Google

Initially published on 1/3/19, this piece has been updated with hands-on impressions and details of additional devices that weren't included in GE's initial announcement.Pendant light

GE Lighting got the avalanche of CES 2019 product announcements started a few days ahead of the show. Specifically, the lighting aisle mainstay announced several new switches, bulbs and accessories for the C by GE smart lighting lineup, all of which are slated to hit stores by the end of the year.

Like the existing C-Life and C-Sleep smart bulbs, the new devices will use Bluetooth to communicate with each other, with the C by GE app on your phone, and with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice controls. Later this year, GE says a software update will bring the C by GE line on board with Apple HomeKit to let iOS users control the devices using Siri commands, too. Google Home users get the added benefit of being able to connect directly with the C by GE bulbs, no C-Reach plug-in hub required.

I've chased the new devices down here in Las Vegas -- before I get to the details of each one, here's a quick rundown of what's coming and when, and for how much:Coming first: Two new "C-Start" in-wall dimmer switches, both already listed on the C by GE website and slated to hit stores in the coming weeks. The first includes built-in motion and ambient light sensors that you can use to automate your lights, and will cost $75. The second ditches those sensors and brings the price down to $50. Credit to GE for giving paying consumers a choice over how much tech they want in their light switches.
Later this spring, GE also plans to release a nondimming, standard on-off version of the C-Start switch that'll cost $40. That's more or less what you'd already expect to pay for a smart switch that doesn't dim. For my money, the dimmable versions of the C-Start switch sound like the better value, as dimmable competitors from popular names like WeMo and iDevices typically retail for at least $80 or so.

Still, some may question the somewhat awkward and asymmetrical design. I tend to be somewhat forgiving when it comes to light switches, but I've already had at least one colleague tell me that these things are ugly -- or, worse, unintuitive looking.

After seeing them for myself in Las Vegas, I don't think I mind the design, but to each their own. Anyone who thinks differently will be happy to hear that GE Lighting will also release more traditional looking toggle and paddle versions of the standard on-off C-Start switch later this year. The cost for those is a little less than the modern-looking switch, coming in at $35 each.