We live in an age when we’re seeing smart everything. All those things that used to be dumb – watches, door locks, electrical sockets, lightbulbs and so on – are now smart, and controlled by an iPhone. As someone who loves home automation, I think it’s great. But I have to admit that even I can’t decide whether an iPhone-controlled smart candle is taking things just one step too far …
The Ludela – which the company calls the world’s first real flame smart candle – is essentially a candle-shaped gadget with a wax candle inside it. The app allows you to light and extinguish it remotely. Or, indeed, do the same with multiple candles. Instant romance at the flick of a button on an iPhone screen.
There’s some safety-oriented tech inside the Ludela. It carries out unspecified environmental checks to ensure that it’s safe to light the candle (hopefully including one that there’s nothing draped over it), and they automatically extinguish if knocked or tipped over.
The retail price is going to be $149 when they go on sale next year, but you can preorder now for $99 for shipping early next year. The company will offer refills, but hasn’t yet revealed the price of these.
The thing is … I love candles, and I love technology; I think I want one. Hopefully I’ll get a chance to check them out and will report back.
Via Engadget
