Innovation… Light bulbs that play music from your gadgets

Astro, a home products manufacturer has launched its first product, Twist, a wirelessly-controlled LED light bulb, with a built-in speaker that can screw into any existing lamp.

The bulbs, which are controlled by a dimmer, are programmed to change from white light to yellow light depending on the time of day, location, season and weather. Each light bulb consumes 8 to 10 watts (compared to the generic 60-watt light bulb), and is designed to last for at least 12 years.

The speakers, made by Sonos and Bose manufacturer Tymphany, connect to Airplay from your iPhone or laptop and sync across all rooms in the house. When you set it up, there’s no pairing — your iPhone discovers the device, and allows it to connect automatically to WiFi.

Twist is controlled by a circular dimmer, meant to sit on a bedside table or kitchen shelf, as opposed to a mobile app.

Astro has raised $3 million in seed funding led by Lerer Hippeau Ventures, with participation from Crosslink Capital, Winklevoss Capital, Zelkova Ventures, Rugged Ventures, and Maiden Lane, among others.

Twist is available for pre-order for $249, which includes one speaker bulb, two LED bulbs, and a dimmer.

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