Skip to main content

GE Lighting will rebrand to Cync, launch new devices for CES 2021

Changes are coming to C by GE, and not just a new lineup of products. The company is getting a brand-new name after integrating with Savant. Now GE Lighting is known as a Savant company. The company is making major changes, including a rebrand of all C by GE products into Cync for CES 2021.

The C by GE app will transition to the Cync app in March. This app controls more than lighting — it allows users to control their entire home, inside and out. It also uses the patented TrueImage feature to preview changes to lighting through a picture in-app. You can know what your room will look like before you commit to changing the light color.

In addition to the re-brand, C by GE (hereon referred to as Cync ) has announced a new lineup of products. The first of these products is the Cync Outdoor Smart Plug. This smart plug allows users to independently control two different outlets through the app or through Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. The Cync Outdoor Smart Plug is expected to launch in March.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Cync is also dipping its toes into the home security industry. The Cync Indoor Camera is designed to provide peace of mind and home security with a focus on customer privacy. The Cync Indoor Camera includes a physical shutter that can be moved down when not in use. This turns off not only the video but also the audio. It also allows users to choose between on-device storage via an SD card or through a cloud subscription. Although it may seem negligible for a security camera, privacy shutters continue to be a rarity — so this is a trend we’re hoping to see more of this year! The indoor camera is expected to launch in May.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The final new addition to the lineup is the Cync Fan Speed Smart Switch. It allows for easy control of any fan in the home, not only from the switch but also from the Cync app — no hub required. It provides access to up to four different fan speeds, as well as the ability to schedule the fans to turn on and off at specified times. It can also be linked to other Cync/C by GE devices for expanded control. The Cync Fan Speed Smart Switch is expected to launch in June.

While we have release dates for these new gadgets, pricing has yet to be confirmed, but we’ll certainly know more of what to expect from CES as those dates draw closer.

Patrick Hearn
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Patrick Hearn writes about smart home technology like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart light bulbs, and more. If it's a…
Nanoleaf reveals new Matter-enabled smart lights at CES 2023
The Nanoleaf 4D TV syncing lights to the colors on TV.

Nanoleaf, a manufacturer of smart lights, introduced several new products to its lineup during CES 2023. The most exciting addition is the Nanoleaf Skylight, which mounts onto your ceiling to provide an impressive array of light shows. It’s also completely modular and can be arranged into a variety of shapes to fit every space in your home.

The Skylight connects to your smart ecosystem through Wi-Fi and works with Matter -- meaning you shouldn’t run into any compatibility issues with your current setup. The modular ceiling fixture can produce more than 16 million colors, its brightness can be adjusted through the accompanying smartphone app, and you can even set schedules to automatically adjust its settings throughout the day. The only downside? It won’t be launching for quite a while, with an expected release date in the third quarter of 2023.

Read more
GE Lighting shows off flashy new smart lights at CES 2023
The GE HD+ Wafer Downlights set to vibrant colors.

GE is expanding the capabilities of its smart lights, with Matter support, new product launches, and improved functionality all arriving throughout this year. The news dropped during CES 2023, with GE Lighting revealing not just new smart lights, but also an intriguing integration with Schlage smart locks.

Matter integration might be the most exciting announcement from GE, although we still don’t have specific dates for its arrival. The company did mention that Matter compatibility will be coming to the GE Lighting lineup throughout 2023. The team did reveal, however, that the Cync Full Color Direct Connect Smart Bulb and the Cync Indoor Smart Plug will be the first to receive Matter-compatible versions. Unfortunately, previously produced Cync gadgets are not expected to receive an over-the-air update adding Matter support.

Read more
Eve MotionBlinds Upgrade Kit and Blinds Collection join the Matter lineup
The Eve MotionBlinds Upgrade Kit being installed.

Eve is a prominent name in the smart home world, with the company responsible for a variety of devices covering everything from smart plugs and security cameras to smart light switches and motion sensors. Its catalog is growing even more enticing today, with the Eve Blinds Collection and MotionBlinds Upgrade Kit gaining Matter support.

The MotionBlinds Upgrade Kit will likely appeal to more customers, as it costs just $200 and works with most existing setups. Installation is as simple as removing your shades, placing the MotionBlinds Upgrade Kit through the roller rod, then reinstalling the unit on your windows. Blinds with a roller between 1.5 inches and 2.0 inches are compatible with the upgrade kit.

Read more