Amazon's Alexa can help you run smart bulbs, sockets, etc. Just ask

Smart lights are one of the simplest and cheapest connection gadgets to install in the home: they do not require wires, additional hardware, or even a long set-up time. Controlling smart lights via an app instead of a wall switch may require some adjustments. But now you can actually use Alexa Skills to talk to your lights to turn them on and off—just like The Clapper device launched decades ago.

Dim the lights, link them to the "scene", let them change color-you can make all these requests through special Alexa skills, and just ask her to get the job done.

Set the mood without a hub

Haven't installed any smart home devices? Don't worry-light bulbs are a good starting point. Smart bulbs made by different lighting brands can work even without an extra device called a hub, just running on your home’s Wi-Fi. All you need is Amazon speakers like Echo or Echo Dot and Amazon Alexa skills.

Depending on the bulbs, sockets, and switches you install, you can use multiple Alexa skills to run your lighting at home. Amazon

Alexa can also control the lights in your home, as well as smart switches, these gadgets can turn regular lighting devices into connected devices.

Want to keep all devices under the same brand? Many companies produce bulbs, sockets, and plugs at the same time, so you can put the bulb in the ceiling light or plug in the desk lamp and use the same Alexa skills to control the entire room.

The skills to control everything, including lighting

Connecting Amazon Skills to your smart lighting can open up the possibility of setting moods in your home. iStock

Many security systems also control lights, including Kuna, Wink, and Home8, to name a few. Therefore, you can integrate your lighting and safety with the right hardware, equipment, software, skills, and your Amazon Echo, Echo Dot or Echo Spot. So far, there is no universal standard, so different brands of light bulbs or sockets may or may not be used with specific hubs or specific Alexa skills.

The great thing is that a lot of new skills are emerging all the time, so if one skill does not apply to the smart light bulb brand you buy, another skill may be useful.

If you have this tendency, you can try light bulb jokes to get some old-fashioned light bulb humor, and at the same time indulge in those days when light bulbs are just a bit of filament and light.

Visit GearBrain's What Works with Amazon Alexa to see the connected devices that can be used with Amazon Echo and Alexa-enabled devices.