I've had a similar experience myself. Initially, I was quite enthusiastic about motion sensors and presence detection, but quickly realized they weren't as intuitive as advertised. Even after extensive calibration, the lights would either trigger unnecessarily or fail to detect subtle movements—like when I'm quietly reading or working at my desk. Scheduled routines definitely improved reliability for me too, especially since my daily routine is fairly predictable.
However, I've also found that combining scheduled routines with voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant provides a nice balance. It allows flexibility for those spontaneous moments when schedules don't quite match reality—like staying up late for a movie or having guests over unexpectedly. Overall, smart bulbs have been a worthwhile upgrade, but it's clear that automation still has its quirks and limitations...at least for now.
I've had pretty good luck with motion sensors, but it took some trial and error. Placement is key—if they're too far or angled wrong, you'll get those annoying false triggers or missed detections. I ended up mounting mine at about chest height near doorways and seating areas, then adjusted sensitivity down a notch. Still not perfect, but way better. Agree though, voice control is a lifesaver for those random late-night Netflix binges...automation alone just can't predict everything yet.
"automation alone just can't predict everything yet."
True, automation isn't perfect yet, but honestly, I've found motion sensors more hassle than they're worth for living room lighting. Even with careful placement and sensitivity tweaks, there's always that one awkward moment when you're sitting still reading or watching a movie and suddenly—bam—the lights go out. Voice control is definitely handy, but personally, I've had better luck with routines and scenes triggered by time of day or sunset/sunrise schedules. It feels more predictable and less intrusive.
Also, smart switches have been a game changer for me compared to bulbs. Bulbs are great until someone flips the physical switch off out of habit (looking at you, guests...), and suddenly your smart bulb is offline. With switches, the automation stays intact no matter who's visiting or how forgetful they are. Just something to consider if you're still experimenting with your setup.
I've actually had pretty good luck with motion sensors, but I totally get your frustration—been there myself. Have you tried pairing them with presence detection through your phone or smartwatch? I set mine up so the lights stay on if my phone's nearby, even if I'm perfectly still binge-watching something. It's not foolproof, but it definitely cut down on those awkward "wave your arms around" moments...
I've experimented with phone-based presence detection too, but honestly, it wasn't the magic fix I'd hoped for. One night, my phone died mid-movie marathon, and suddenly I was plunged into darkness—talk about mood killer. Since then, I've leaned more toward strategically placed dimmers and voice controls. It feels less tech-dependent and more intuitive, especially when guests are over who might not have their phones synced up...
