# Smartphone-Controlled Light Bulbs The Spark Socket by Scot Herbst Creates Tech-Savvy Lamps By Meghan Young | Published 2012-11-17 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spark-socket References: [fastcodesign](http://www.fastcodesign.com/1671276/kickstarting-a-wi-fi-connected-light-socket-connects-any-bulb-to-your-iphone) & [kickstarter](http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sparkdevices/spark-upgrade-your-lights-with-wi-fi-and-apps) The Spark Socket is a handy device for light bulbs that allow them to be [controlled wirelessly by smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sister-light). While individuals become much more tech-savvy, it is interesting to note the lack of advancements in the home. That is because such technology is often too expensive to even consider. Not everyone can be a real life Tony Stark. That said, with the advent of networked gadgets, cheaper alternatives such as the Spark Socket are on the rise. Designed by Minneapolis-based Scot Herbst, the Spark Socket is a Wi-Fi adapter that fits in any existing light socket. Completely with a color-coded system when in place, the Spark Socket informs people of its current status. Aside from switching on and off the light, if paired with a [dimmable bulb](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/star-bulb), the Spark Socket could be programmed to [act as an alarm](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wake-sleep-light) as well. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.6/10 - Popularity: 50% | Activity: 81% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Smart Home Lighting:** The Spark Socket highlights the increasing demand for smart lighting devices that offer control through smartphone applications. - **Affordable Home Automation:** The rise of cheaper alternatives to expensive home automation technology, like the Spark Socket, indicates the potential for more affordable smart home solutions. - **DIY Home Tech Upgrades:** The Spark Socket allows consumers to easily upgrade their existing light bulbs with tech-savvy functionality, indicating a trend towards DIY home tech upgrades. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Home Automation:** The home automation industry can capitalize on the demand for affordable alternatives like Spark Socket to advance the accessibility of smart home technology. - **Consumer Electronics:** Consumer electronics companies are presented with an opportunity to further expand their product offerings in the smart home lighting space. - **DIY Home Improvement:** The Spark Socket highlights an opportunity for the DIY home improvement industry to develop and market simple, affordable smart home technologies for the everyday consumer. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Candle-Inspired Lightbulbs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/velaflame.md) - [Smart Ambient Lighting](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ikea-varmblixt-smart-lights.md) - [Smart Candle-Warming Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/switchbot-candle-warmer-lamp.md) - [Retro App-Controlled Lava Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/appcontrolled-lava-lamp.md) - [Hanging Connected Light Fixtures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-pendant-light.md) - [Smart Rgb Power Outlets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invisoutlet-aura.md) - [Smart Fairy Lights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-fairy-lights.md) - [Compact Elaborate LED Smart-Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cup-lamp.md) - [Down-Lighted Smart Light Bulbs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wyze.md)