Now, a smart bulb that can be controlled with your mobile

Researchers have developed a new light bulb that you can switch on and off with your mobile from anywhere in the world to deter burglars.

The 'Hue' light-bulb connects to broadband networks and then lets smart-phone users change the colour and brightness with an app sitting anywhere in the world, the 'Telegraph' reported.

The bulbs, which cost 179 pounds for a starter pack that includes broadband connection equipment and three bulbs, screw into existing sockets and manufacturers claim it uses just 20 per cent of the energy of conventional bulbs.

The manufacturer claims that the new 50 Watts LED bulbs will give property owners the chance to deter burglars by remotely turning on lights, and will also allow them to save and adjust settings so that lights come on automatically, giving the impression that somebody is at home.

Settings can be saved so that users can recreate "scenes" instantly, and also be adapted to form a backdrop to photographs.

Light themes, called 'LightRecipes' will also help users to adjust lights to complement the body's biological response to light, the company claims.

The bulbs will be exclusive to Apple Stores and the manufacturer - Philips - says users can "tune shades of white light or create any colour".