Skip to main content

GE Lighting shows off flashy new smart lights at CES 2023

GE is expanding the capabilities of its smart lights, with Matter support, new product launches, and improved functionality all arriving throughout this year. The news dropped during CES 2023, with GE Lighting revealing not just new smart lights, but also an intriguing integration with Schlage smart locks.

Matter integration might be the most exciting announcement from GE, although we still don’t have specific dates for its arrival. The company did mention that Matter compatibility will be coming to the GE Lighting lineup throughout 2023. The team did reveal, however, that the Cync Full Color Direct Connect Smart Bulb and the Cync Indoor Smart Plug will be the first to receive Matter-compatible versions. Unfortunately, previously produced Cync gadgets are not expected to receive an over-the-air update adding Matter support.

The GE HD+ Wafer Downlights set to vibrant colors.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Beyond Matter, several new smart lights were shown off by GE during CES 2023. The most notable, the Cync HD+ Wafer Downlights, can produce 16 million colors, have adjustable white tones, and are designed around a simple installation process. As expected, they’re powered by the Cync smartphone app — giving you dozens of ways to integrate their performance with the rest of your home. The Cync HD+ Wafer Downlights will drop in the third quarter of 2023, although pricing is yet to be announced.

Recommended Videos

Other notable product reveals include several new Dynamic Effects products, such as the Smart Hexagon Panels, Smart Neon-Shape Lights, and Smart Bulbs. Pricing for these starts at $20 and maxes out at $200. Expect to see these smart lights in stores this March.

GE Smart Bulbs installed in a game room.
GE

GE Lighting also mentioned a new integration with the Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt and Encode Plus Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt. Smart homes with either deadbolt will now be able to tie the locking action to smart lights throughout their house.

CES 2023 runs until January 8, so expect to hear more from GE Lighting over the next few days.

Jon Bitner
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Jon Bitner is a writer covering consumer electronics, technology, and gaming. His work has been published on various websites…
Host a flawless Thanksgiving with these smart home tips
Philips Hue Smart Dimmable LED Smart Light Recipe Kit lifestyle

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and if you’re worried about hosting a great party this year, know that your smart home is here to help. We’ve pulled together some simple ways your smart home can be optimized to help you host a flawless Thanksgiving. From building a cozy atmosphere with smart lights to setting Quick Replies on your video doorbell, here’s a look at how your smart home can help throw a stress-free Thanksgiving.
Create a temporary smart lock password

Many smart locks allow you to program temporary passcodes -- and this is an incredibly useful feature when you're hosting. Instead of telling all your guests your permanent passcode, you can create a temporary code that’ll only work on Thanksgiving. This ensures your friends and family can let themselves inside your home if you’re busy without giving them free rein to barge in other times of the year. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide on how to create temporary codes on the Yale Assure Lock 2, but you’ll find a similar process available for most other smart locks.
Use Quick Replies on your video doorbell

Read more
Echo Show 21 vs. Echo Show 15 (2nd Gen): which is best for your smart home?
Amazon's new Echo Show 21 and updated Echo Show 15.

Amazon just released two new smart displays -- the completely new Echo Show 21 and the updated Echo Show 15 (2nd Gen). Both are premium options for your home, offering powerful speakers, Full HD displays, and heaps of useful apps so you can stream videos or check your schedule. But which is the better option? The gigantic Echo Show 21, or the updated Echo Show 15 (2nd Gen)? Here’s a closer look at both to help you decide.
Pricing and design

The Echo Show 21 is the biggest member of the Echo Show family, and it’s got the price tag to prove it. Clocking in at $400, it’s a hefty investment. Its design is pretty premium, however, and it can be either mounted on a wall or placed on a table with an adjustable stand (sold separately). The Echo Show 15 looks much the same, though it’s quite a bit smaller. But from a design standpoint, it’s essentially a shrunken version of the Echo Show 21. It too can be mounted on a wall or placed on a table with an optional adjustable stand. But at $300, it’s much easier on the wallet.

Read more
Kwikset’s new Matter-enabled smart lock is now available
The Kwikset Halo Select installed on a door.

The Kwikset Halo Select Smart Lock is now available, and it’s aiming to bring some cool new functionality (and enhanced security) to your front door. Along with premium features like the ability to remotely lock or unlock your door, the smart lock supports Matter and is compatible with a variety of different voice assistants. This is Kwikset’s first new smart lock in years, and it looks to be a big leap forward.

Like all the best smart locks, you'll find a long list of capabilities on the Halo Select, giving you complete control over its performance. Whether you want to set up unique access codes for friends and family, check your door's status remotely, have it automatically unlock as you approach with your smartphone, or get notifications when a wrong code is entered, there’s a lot of cool tech packed into the smart lock.

Read more