As the internet of things makes its way into an increasing number of household devices, you have to wonder just how much functionality can be packed into something as simple as a ceiling light. Quite a lot, it turns out, as Sony proves with its new Multifunctional Light.
The device is made up of two sections - the outer circular lighting fixture and the central multifunction unit. The light part is of the LED variety provided by Toshiba, which means it should be kinder on your electricity bill. You can also adjust its color and set the times it comes on and goes off, like other connected lights.
The multifunction part of the device lets it do things like detect when a person walks into a room, at which point it can switch on the TV or air conditioning. The light has motion, luminance, temperature, and humidity sensors, so it can also turn itself on if it gets too dark or turn down the heating once the room reaches a certain temperature.
The motion sensors, meanwhile, can also be used as an intruder detection system, setting off the connected alarms if the light detects someone in the house who shouldn't be there.
The light also comes equipped with speakers and a microphone, meaning it can double as a household intercom system. There's even a microSD card slot, which can store recorded messages.
All of the Light's functions can be controlled using the accompanying smartphone app, which will work both inside the house and while your away from home. Sony says it will launch the smart light in Japan sometime during the first half of this year, but it didn't mention pricing or international availability.