Upgraded our tree lights to a 100' set of the String Light 2's this year. So far I'm pretty happy with them. Bit of a learning curve on making the patterns but they look great and I've been happy with how the mapping looks as well. Only issue I'm having is my HomeKit automations seem to override my patterns and color choices (made in the Govee app) occasionally and I haven't figured out why.
Thanks for sharing! I recommend using a 3rd party homekit app (Eve app, Controller for HomeKit, etc.) to create the HomeKit automation. In these apps you can select only specific attributes, like power, while not selecting other attributes like color and brightness. Hopefully that will solve the issue where the automation overrides the last effect used.
Still super happy with the lights this year. Never solved the override issue from the Home app, but have been dealing with a workaround. The Eve app definitely helped! The Govee Christmas lights don't seem to like being stuck in a Scene in HomeKit, or included as part of a group with other accessories. I need/want to make the lights part of a Scene or group because there's a separate tree topper controlled with a smart plug. For now it seems to work to have both components "Loose" in the automation that turns everything on, but this may cause wifely frustration, as she is likely to ask Siri to turn the tree lights on and the topper may not come on. Still tinkering with it, but made it this far in the Christmas season and everyone is happy. EDIT: Actually, I think I got it! Making the tree lights and topper their own scene and controlling that scene with an automation seems to have done it. Always seems like you have to trick Apple into working for you! 😂
I bought the first Christmas tree lights last year and loved them. But 66FT wasn't enough for my tree. So, the fact this new version supports Homekit with matter, and comes in longer lengths, I bought some new ones.
What light is flashing on the tree? I just got some permanent govee lights, but I think i am going to do the icicles like you did on the garage and maybe some string lights.
I wish they would do something similar to Nanoleaf in where the app will make a scene based on their effect that you can then edit in HomeKit to add other lights/devices.
@@brianbeach3024 I believe that only works for Nanoleaf's non-matter lights. Their Matter products don't support the scene sync feature either unfortunately. Hopefully in the future they all will!
Govee's version looks great and they don't tangle as easy. So farI really like them but I won't truly know how they compare to Twinkly until I test them on our actual Christmas tree. Stay tuned for that!
Yes! “sponsored” or not, it will be great to compare the two. I’ve been using twinkly for years and it’s nice that there is at least another option now.
Shane always gives his honest opinion on any product he reviews sponsored or not! He gives us options with products and will always say the good AND the bad of each product..
@@applegeek8958 good! Because I own the cover Christmas lights 2 and their mapping feature is terrible and super finicky, and the results are “ok” at best. Looking forward to the mapping review.
Don't be afraid to call them Christmas Lights instead of "Holiday Lights." Don't worry, you won't offend any snowflakes. I'm currently holding the package and Govee clearly calls the product, "Christmas Lights." 🙄
Haha I’ve never been afraid to say Christmas. It just feels appropriate to say holiday when I’m showing how you can use them for various holidays throughout the year. This was published in early October and I have all the lights up as a part of my Halloween display currently. I’ll Switch them to Christmas after Halloween.
Hi Shane! 2 questions. Is the mapping in Govee 3D as the Twinkly? (Aka good enough) and is Govee a winner so far? Twinkly better? The same?
Upgraded our tree lights to a 100' set of the String Light 2's this year. So far I'm pretty happy with them. Bit of a learning curve on making the patterns but they look great and I've been happy with how the mapping looks as well. Only issue I'm having is my HomeKit automations seem to override my patterns and color choices (made in the Govee app) occasionally and I haven't figured out why.
Thanks for sharing! I recommend using a 3rd party homekit app (Eve app, Controller for HomeKit, etc.) to create the HomeKit automation. In these apps you can select only specific attributes, like power, while not selecting other attributes like color and brightness. Hopefully that will solve the issue where the automation overrides the last effect used.
@ Interesting I didn’t realize third party apps may have better control. I do have some Eve devices, I’ll have to try the app later.
And you don’t even need Eve devices to use the Eve Home app for controlling and configuring your HomeKit scenes or automations
Still super happy with the lights this year.
Never solved the override issue from the Home app, but have been dealing with a workaround. The Eve app definitely helped!
The Govee Christmas lights don't seem to like being stuck in a Scene in HomeKit, or included as part of a group with other accessories. I need/want to make the lights part of a Scene or group because there's a separate tree topper controlled with a smart plug. For now it seems to work to have both components "Loose" in the automation that turns everything on, but this may cause wifely frustration, as she is likely to ask Siri to turn the tree lights on and the topper may not come on.
Still tinkering with it, but made it this far in the Christmas season and everyone is happy.
EDIT: Actually, I think I got it! Making the tree lights and topper their own scene and controlling that scene with an automation seems to have done it. Always seems like you have to trick Apple into working for you! 😂
Do they all support homebridge govee plugin so that we can synch scenes,DIYs into homekit?
I bought the first Christmas tree lights last year and loved them. But 66FT wasn't enough for my tree. So, the fact this new version supports Homekit with matter, and comes in longer lengths, I bought some new ones.
What light is flashing on the tree? I just got some permanent govee lights, but I think i am going to do the icicles like you did on the garage and maybe some string lights.
Love it! Give me 14 of them, your sister n law loves Christmas lights👀👀👀
Nice video Shane. Govee have been my “Go To” at my house.
Can you move any of the effects to HomeKit as scenes like you can do with other light strips?
No. Unfortunately that seems to be a current matter limitation.
I wish they would do something similar to Nanoleaf in where the app will make a scene based on their effect that you can then edit in HomeKit to add other lights/devices.
@@brianbeach3024 I believe that only works for Nanoleaf's non-matter lights. Their Matter products don't support the scene sync feature either unfortunately. Hopefully in the future they all will!
I've got 3 different outdoor models but I can't sync with govee app. Could you please make a video showing how to sync. Thank you.
How bright about Govee Icicle Light?thanks
Reminder info. You cannot get the 164ft or the 328ft in Europe. The longest option there is 30 meter with version 2 lights.
How do the "strings" compare to Twinkly!?
Govee's version looks great and they don't tangle as easy. So farI really like them but I won't truly know how they compare to Twinkly until I test them on our actual Christmas tree. Stay tuned for that!
@@ShaneCreates
Hi what was the length you used on your test tree?
For that demo I was using the 99ft version
@ thanks
I got the icicle lights last week. Auto play doesn't work which is very disappointing. Did you have luck with auto-play?
how many of the net lights are you able to connect together?
You cannot connect them together physically, but you can control them together in the app.
@@ShaneCreates so I can put up and power 3 right next to each other and set up the app to make it look like 1 scene is what I’m hearing.
7:40 according to the creator, .gif is pronounced with a J sound
Is 50 meters too muchr for a 7ft tree?
Nope, but if you want a full lit tree, go for more.
10:25 put up the tree now, add lights, set to Halloween colors…. It’s never too soon =) Happy Holidays…. Can I get away with an Easter tree
Oh I agree! I definitely tried to convince the wife to do a Halloween Tree this year! She wasn’t going for it 😂
My family did a small 2-foot holiday tree for awhile. Change out the lights color and decor on the tree for any different occasion/holiday you want.
Sell me an icicle attachment to the “permanent” exterior lights
Omg how good is Govee doing hey. Surpassing Phillips Hue, wow. Seriously amazing.
I own the Christmas lights 2 AND twinkly gen II, Govee CANNOT EVEN COMPARE when it comes to mapping. Can’t wait to see your “sponsored” video.
Yes! “sponsored” or not, it will be great to compare the two. I’ve been using twinkly for years and it’s nice that there is at least another option now.
The Twinkly units are really still the best in the space. The traditional form factor, colors, brightness, and mapping are all fantastic.
Shane always gives his honest opinion on any product he reviews sponsored or not! He gives us options with products and will always say the good AND the bad of each product..
@@applegeek8958 good! Because I own the cover Christmas lights 2 and their mapping feature is terrible and super finicky, and the results are “ok” at best. Looking forward to the mapping review.
Don't be afraid to call them Christmas Lights instead of "Holiday Lights." Don't worry, you won't offend any snowflakes. I'm currently holding the package and Govee clearly calls the product, "Christmas Lights." 🙄
Haha I’ve never been afraid to say Christmas. It just feels appropriate to say holiday when I’m showing how you can use them for various holidays throughout the year. This was published in early October and I have all the lights up as a part of my Halloween display currently. I’ll Switch them to Christmas after Halloween.
@@ShaneCreates I'm just being an ass*ole today. All good. :)