Sony launches an LED light with built-in Bluetooth speaker

Replacing your current bulbs with LED lighting isn't just about cutting energy consumption; it can also improve the look of any room. Upgrading to a smart bulb with extra features isn't anything new, but today it's Sony's turn: the company is bringing the new LSPX-100E26J light with an integrated Bluetooth speaker to the Japanese market.

When decorating a space, you have to consider many factors, including what it will be used for and how it'll be lit. If the plan is to plop down on the sofa and listen to some music, the lighting shouldn't be aggressive. At the same time, nobody wants an audio system with cables running across the floor, which usually means complicated setups with long, annoying wires. Wireless technology has brought solutions to millions of users, but when it comes to audio specifically, there's still some resistance. Even so, we're looking at this new Sony product that aims to offer two solutions in one: soft lighting and wireless audio without the 'pains' of installation.

This is the LSPX-100E26J smart light, which pairs a 7-watt LED bulb with a 40mm Bluetooth speaker pushing 2 watts. Light intensity, volume, and audio equalization can be adjusted through an iOS and Android compatible app, or with a dedicated remote that pairs with the bulb via NFC. The LSPX-100E26J uses an E26 screw base, which should guarantee compatibility with almost any lamp holder, assuming Sony ever decides to adapt it for voltages outside Japan (the official page doesn't confirm it's 100-240V). To minimize the shadow cast by the Bluetooth speaker, Sony designed a sort of 'optical glove' that redistributes the light more efficiently, with output reaching 360 lumens, according to the official site.

Sony's new LED light with built-in Bluetooth speaker goes on sale next May 23, at a price of 23,880 yen, or a little over 177 euros. Expensive? Without a doubt, but Sony seems to be riding a wave of popularity in Japan for specialized lights, and once prices become more reasonable, I imagine the invasion of similar products to the West will speed up.

Official site (in Japanese): Sony Japan product page