As mentioned before, this bulb is fully controlled via bluetooth using the free app on your smartphone. The app is sleek in design and has an intuitive user interface; I was able to learn to use the app without having to read a “how-to,” which is a huge plus for me (if I have to read how to use the app, I’m done).
While the big brother, The Pulse, communicates using a combination of Bluetooth and Wifi, controlling the dim amount and other settings through Wi-Fi while using the bluetooth signal to stream music. The Pulse Solo narrows its options down to just Bluetooth which helps to make the Solo cost effective and thus a great value proposition while keeping it very simple and easy to use. Bluetooth ranges about ten meters (roughly 33 feet) when unobstructed by let’s say giant steel beams or solid concrete. Sure, this may mean I can’t walk around my backyard with my phone while music is playing inside, but most people aren’t about to do that anyway. I could argue that Bluetooth connectivity is limiting when I want to shut off the light while I’m away from home, but when I walk out of the house, the speaker will shut off when I’m out of range and the bulb draws only nine watts anyway! So really, I’m none too worried.
Another great thing about the bluetooth connection is that it is a short range connection. Meaning, if you leave your house someone can’t “hack” your Pulse Solo and get all your phone information.
