GE Cync Direct Connect Full Color 80-inch Light Strip (1-Pack)

March 2023 update:Just a quick update to say that I can't remember the last time the app got stuck or failed to connect. It takes just a second to get in touch with the lights, but is every bit as reliable as I'd hope it to be at this point. Kudos to the folks at GE for sticking with this product.As a side note for people with adhesive struggles, the 3M velcro command strips I hung these with almost two years ago are still holding steady. They're the stiff, white, plasticy kind, not the soft fabric velcro. I've got about 16" total, cut into 2" pieces and spread out behind two of these 80" light strips.January 2022 update:I'm raising this a few stars. The app still gets stuck more often than I'd like, but it's much more reliable than it used to be.Based on my positive experience with the remote from this line in another installation, I picked up one of the cync dimmer/color temp remotes and it's smoothed out the problems with everyday use. I use that remote to control them in white mode most of the time, which makes them really reliable and versatile.The app is still required to use RGB lighting, and it still isn't perfect, but it's much less hassle than it used to be, especially with some presets configured. Once RGB colors are set, a remote (not included) can be used to turn them on/off or dim them, and tapping the color temp control on a remote will quickly reset all connected lights to white. You'll need to use the app again to get back to any other color.I'm using a different phone now, so I can't comment on whether or not they've solved the undersized screen issue, but it sounded like they were working on it, at least.With the caveat that you may want to consider a remote to go with them, I find these easier to recommend now than I did originally. I've been really happy with them, barring the occasional frustration changing RGB modes in the app.Original July 2021 review:One strip of these is enough to light up a 10'x10' room like a doctor's exam room, but they can also be dimmed nice and low for great mood lighting in a huge variety of colors. There is a big range of white tones and they all look great. I'm particularly fond of the "Early Morning" setting. Colors are fun, and if you have two devices, you can throw contrasting colors on different sides of a room for a really cool effect. They're great little lights, and I'd love to give them a good review, but the app hamstrings them something fierce.They updated it recently, and I don't know if the old one was any better, but this one is miserable. Connection to the devices is constantly failing, causing in-app controls to be unresponsive, or even to just reset themselves after input. Do you like flipping a light switch 15 times before the light turns on? Because that's the game you're playing with this one. The color selection screen is great when it works, but repeatedly greys out with "Unavailable," or just doesn't do anything. It's really frustrating and makes these things impossible to recommend, despite that they look nice and should be really easy to use (no hub is great!).For what it's worth, I have an outdoor smart plug and a remote from this same line that are working great, but those don't need the app after initial setup.A couple other nitpicks:- The physical power button is attached to the end of the strip by a 5" cable, which means it can be tricky to reach, or to hide, depending on where you're putting this thing. You wouldn't need it if the app worked but, as is, this could be an issue for some.- The adhesive tape on the back is listed by 3M as permanent (one suggested use is attaching architectural panels) and the instructions warn that it is likely to damage surfaces on removal. I didn't want a permanent installation, as I suspect many won't, so I tediously removed this by rolling it off with my thumbs. Some 3M velcro command strips, placed every 8" inches or so, worked great in its place. A more moderate mounting option out of the box would be much better, in my opinion.- The app, in addition to just not working most of the time, doesn't resize its UI for small screens. There is a workaround if you're zoomed in on a large phone, but if your screen is physically smaller (like an iPhone SE) then controls the right side of the screen will not be accessible. This means you will not be able to change light colors, setup scenes, etc. on some devices.I will be glad to update my review if and when the app is fixed.

These are RGBWW lights which are the better type because of the two dedicated white LEDs to give you temp control when just using them as white lights. It said on the package adjustable white but I could find anything saying RGBWW in the description or on the package. Very impressed with the thickness of the strip. Heavy rubber casing and the lights are super bright. The Cync app is fine in my opinion but if you are using with Google Assistant you don't need it other than to set the lights up and check for firmware updates. It has plenty of features in the app to set up routines and different rooms and all the normal stuff you would want. Unless you have a whole GE smart light ecosystem with lots of different lights you definitely don't need the app. I have had other LED light strips in the past and they were terrible. These are on a whole other level in both build quality of the strip itself and of the quality of the light as far as brightness and color. I got mine on a Treasure Truck deal super cheap and the only complaint is that I could only get 1 set at that price. I will be buying more but hate that I have to pay full price after getting the deal I got. But I will day the price is fair considering how good the lights are. Well done GE.

These lights were a great addition to my kitchen upgrade. They provide plenty of light to make my counter space more functional without needing overhead lighting. They get much brighter than the cheap RGB strips and the controllers work well with Alexa once they are set up.The one negative (and for me it is enough to drop a star) is that they do not provide a way to split a strip and use the full length. This makes it more expensive to light multiple smaller spaces because you need to buy a full strip with a control unit for each space. It is possible to split the strip and connect by soldering on extension wires (which I did) but it was not an easy process and could damage the strip. I don't recommend trying it if you haven't done detailed soldering before. I tried to find suitable connectors to make a proper extension cable but they don't exist, the strip wiring is a non-standard width. GE really should make clamp-on extension cables/adapters available at a reasonable price.

Works with Alexa. Lighten and dims. Many color choices. Using since sometime in 2022. No issues. Actually looked up old purchase to buy again to add under another cabinet.

If you want a mellow mood light ambience this the product! The main light strip is only 80 inches, so its best to add an extension (40 inches) or two for maximum effect. Note: up to 7 extensions can be added to one strip. My couch is 150 inches long, so I used one main light strip with 2 extensions (total length = 160 inches). These lights are extremely bright, so hiding them out of direct view is recommended. From my photos, see the beautiful dramatic halo effect the hidden light strip produces on the wall, up to ceiling, behind the couch. Depending on the gap under couch, the light creates a cool accent effect on the floor. Strip works directly with Alexa, so no hub device needed. Strip color can be changed simply by Alexa command, and there are an infinite number of colors to choose.

I purchased two of these units and installed them both and am satisfied. My problem is that one of the units was not as advertised "good as new". It was obvious that it was just as returned from previous purchaser and would not bluetooth link to the app until I investigated online to find how to factory reset. The second problem was that the 3M mounting tape on back had been previously used and required me to use other glue to mount. These problems are not indictment of the product but of Amazon's failure to ensure that product was as advertised: good as new. I have never had this problem with other refurbished or "good as new" products from Amazon.