Yeelight, longa manus of Xiaomi in the lighting sector, is moving more and more towards direct Homekit compatibility of its products by adding new models such as the Star floor lamp presented
But the approach to Homekit also comes with new versions of products already on the market that keep the illuminometric characteristics almost unchanged (number of LEDs, color variations and power with adjustments also via remote control) and materials / mechanics (mounting systems, dimensions and finishes) of the previous models but which have as a plus the possibility of immediate insertion into the Apple ecosystem.
For one of Yeelight's most popular models, the 320mm smart ceiling light with Wi-Fi that we try on this page then Homekit arrives but at the same time compatibility with the Yeelight app remains on iOS and Android, the possibility of integration with Alexa, Assistant G. oogle and Siri quick commands for which we have shown you the step by step instructions in the review of the corresponding square model: now we have direct and instant compatibility with the Homekit and management in the control panel of Home or compatible applications.
There are also other small differences that we will point out but … let's proceed with order.
The packaging, details and assembly
The model we received is from China and is a kind of preview as Yeelight is bringing more and more products to our continent. What will certainly change is the packaging that here has all written in Chinese and a very basic recycled cardboard finish.
Inside we find the actual ceiling light divided into two you start with the classic Yeelight hook and the red spring buttons that allow mounting, a remote control, common to all ceiling lights with Bluetooth communication and the plugs for a traditional wall that allow ceiling mounting.
The ceiling light has a white painted aluminum coating on the side with wrapping the lower part and the base element with the transformer without interruption for colors and finishes. The diffuser element is not made of glass but ABS and this gives lightness to the lighting part.
The connection is made through a contact system activated by the insertion of the lighting block and the base block: the latter has holes for preventive positioning on the ceiling and a push-button terminal block for Neutral, Phase and grounding and this is the first difference with the previous series since the third connector did not exist in the first models.
To tell the truth these connections with a cable that is a little too easily extractable do not convince us at all: even if it is inconvenient to unscrew a recessed screw this makes the operation many times out of reach of a user or, even worse, a careless or spiteful kid. This is why we do not recommend installing the ceiling light at easily accessible heights without a ladder or at least a chair.
The second difference with the old model ceiling light is obviously the presence of the classic Homekit identification code positioned and a sticker on the outside of the diffuser (which we advise you to put aside in a special folder with all similar codes of installed products) both on the inside of the lighting fixture which will be hidden once mounted on the ceiling or wall.
Technical specifications:
The remote control
The ceiling light connects to your router via Wi-Fi but the remote control to save batteries and have a more direct access, it controls it via Bluetooth and has, in addition to the obvious on and off functions, also those for adjusting the light intensity, color temperature and a special Cozy Moonlight function, which lowers the brightness to only 1 lumen, useful for not leaving the room in the dark and consuming as little as possible to accompany sleep or have a minimum of visibility in the environment
How to connect the Bluetooth remote control with a Yeelight ceiling light
Remote control and ceiling light must be in the same room: press the buttons together and [M] and then release it within 60 seconds after turning on the lamp.
The LED at the top of the remote control flashes during the pairing phase
When the pairing phase is over, the LED stops flashing and the lamp modulates the light 4 or 5 times. At this point the two are coupled and you can manage the continuous level of brightness with [+] and [-], the color temperature in 6 different levels and finally the 1 lumen mode with the M key.
How it re-lights and how it lights up
Note that the light always turns on again with the last state you had when you turned it off even from the wall switch: it is certainly the mode we prefer to avoid “flashing” relatively small rooms with very high lights.
The lamp is in fact able to illuminate 16/20 m2 rooms with all color temperatures without problems: in our case we have an environment with dark bookcases, musical instruments and furniture that does not allow to take advantage of the reflection on the walls or floor.
Yeelight indicates for its ceiling lamp a color rendering index of 95% which makes the product advisable for installations also in homes, museums, graphic studios, hospitals, doctors' offices thanks to the fidelity of the reproducible colors with its lighting.
How to manage it with Homekit
As you could read on the review of his little sister with a square plan, it is not very difficult to include the lamp with the Yeelight apps for iOS and Android but with Homekit everything is always simpler.
Just enter the Home app and press the [+] key: the camera will be activated and by framing the code … “bam” the lamp is included without registering for a Chinese or German online service (Yeelight manages European customers with a server in Germany) and passes directly under your control, also suggesting inclusion in an automation.
This is the beauty of Homekit: you are masters of the objects all you have at home without having to depend on registrations and security passes through your Apple ID.
Attention however, some of the particular lamp modes such as the minimum lighting level of 1 lumen cannot be activated by Homekit as well as some particular effects of the Yeelight application (flickering candle, alarm clock with progressive lighting etc) and the shutdown when a Xiaomi smartband reveals your sleep condition are not available / activated. This is normal behavior with handling additional values of some parameters that Homekit does not handle directly. However, nobody prevents you from managing the lamp even with the Yeelight app if you want particular performance.
In the images below you can see all the activation and management options of Yeelight YLXD41Y with Homekit: you have both the lighting level and the color temperature from 2700K to 6500K available: the latter is quickly selected with the buttons available in 6 levels.
From automation it is possible to adjust both the intensity and the color temperature and this can help to automatically create optimal light conditions for the morning (warm light), an afternoon of study (slightly cold light), activities that involve neutral light and warm or very hot light for evening or in combination with the sunset time.
Finally, below the new management possibilities and the Yeelight app that we illustrated in the review of the lamp without Homekit.
Conclusions
The Yeelight / Xiaomi ceiling lights, while changing very few details, obtain excellent integration in Homekit with full management of intensity and color temperature. The ultra-linear design with the aggressive red inserts that can only be seen on one side make it aesthetically compatible with different types of furniture. The versatility of control is absolute thanks to the elegant and comfortable bluetooth remote control that allows access to all the capabilities of the lighting system. The Wi-Fi + Homekit connection allows immediate insertion into the Apple ecosystem. The price is absolutely interesting and competitive even with non-smart lamps given the power and versatility of use.
Pro
Very easy to install, control, manage and versatile in performance. Excellent illuminating ability. The Midnight function that can be managed by the remote control is a plus for those who want a very low consumption presence light. Good quality of lighting with natural colors.
Cons
I Spring clamps with easy insertion make installation easy but recommend a placement out of reach of the little ones.
Price to the public
The Yeelight YLXD41YL 320mm smart ceiling light with Homekit costs about 73 Euro on Gearbest.
