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Where Are My Philips LivingColors LED Lamps?
Today's New York Times article on the effect of color on people's mood and behavior was fascinating, but it got me to thinking about a cool LED gadget from Philips.
For over a year, Europe has been basking in the color shifting glow of LivingColors lamps. Available in regular and mini sizes, they allow folks to adjust the color of their lighting to just about any hue (16 million, only 256 on the Mini version). The problem is that you can only get them in the EU and parts of Asia. Sure, you can ferret one out online (eBay) but you'll be dealing with an exporter and hefty shipping charges.
Here's the official website and for your added enjoyment (or annoyance), a link to Gizmodo's LivingColors review published back in December '07.
So, Philips, where's the North American version? I demand an answer!
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Pedro and other loyal Philips Lighting fans -- Thank you so much for your interest in Living Colors! This product has indeed enjoyed much popularity in Europe over the last 1-2 years...so much so that it has successfully passed its consumer testing phase and we are preparing to launch it through major retail and online outlets in North America in the third quarter of this year. The process of bringing a product over from Europe can take time (securing UL and FCC approvals, repackaging, etc.) and this accounts for the delay in launching here. However, we truly appreciate your support and hope you will watch for Living Colors over the coming months as we prepare to launch it to the North American consumer market!
Interessante Informationen.
Any updates since then?
FYI to anyone who is interested:
I was at LightFair International this week in New York and talked to a "Consumer Products Rep" from Philips about this (she had the Dutch accent and everything). She informed me that things from Philips' side are "ready to go" claiming a UL rating for the larger Livingcolors and UL pending for the mini. She said the biggest hang up is suppliers, stating that the market is different here in the U.S. - they dont feel like they can just plop them in a Circuit City, Best Buy, etc, and that it will sell - so they're trying to team up with Amazon.com, Bed Bath & Beyond, etc to carry the product and see how it sells from there. She said Amazon and BBB are still a bit reluctant and that they are expecting the product to not be available until Quarter 4.
She also mentioned the option of buying a European version and getting the equipment neccesary to convert the voltage. Doesn't make me too hopeful to see things on this side of the Atlantic anytime soon. Maybe people interested can flood Amazon with emails about it? I just dont know if there are THAT many people that know what they're missing. I'll be going to Europe in a month or so.. if anyone wants me to pick them one up. =/
I contacted philips and this is what they said:
Thank you for contacting Philips Lighting North America. Per your inquiry, we expect to have Living Colors available for purchase through various online retailers only this 2009 Holiday season.
Sincerely,
Kathleen
Philips Lighting Consumer Support