Apple Inc. (AAPL), Philips (PHG) Release ‘Smart’ Lightbulb

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has developed a reputation of lighting up people’s worlds in terms of communications and computing over the last three decades. Now, in conjunction with Philips Electronics (NYSE:PHG) to light up rooms using mobile technology.

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)

Allow us to introduce Hue, the newest version of a “smart” light bulb that is touted as the first to work with the web. In this case, this means that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPad and iPhone users can control the light bulb from an app on their mobile device. Better yet, the bulb will be availabe for purchase in an Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) retail store. Don’t worry, though – Philips Electronics (NYSE:PHG) has also developed apps for Android platforms as well, though the bulbs at this point are not being sold in Android retailers.

While the bulb itself is not revolutionary in that it is LED, which is longer-lasting, more environmentally friendly and more expensive than tradional bulbs, it is the concept of marrying mobile technology, the web and lighting into essentially turning an iPhone into a remote control for lights in your home. It is reported that a set of three of these bulbs sells in Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) retail stores for $200. When the app is downloaded, the mobile device user can regulate the light bulb’s color, brightness and timing (set up when it turns on or off while you’re away, for example).

This release definitely slid under the radar, but with the enthusiasm of people going into Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) retail stores to buy the new iPad 4 or iPad Mini, not to mention the iPhone 5, there likely could be at least some visibility for Philips Electronics (NYSE:PHG) and its new Hue LED lighting system. Whether this will affect Apple Inc. (AAPL) device sales or perhaps enhance them because of the company’s investment in helping develop the system, remains to be seen. What do you think, readers? This is rare for an Apple Store to sell anything that does not have the Apple logo on it; what do you think this means? How would investors like billionaire fund manager Dan Loeb of Third Point see this new concept? Leave your comments below!