Linkind EP6 Smart Hexagon Panels and Linkind EL8 Smart Light Strip review — Revitalize any space with these fantastic lights

I’ve spent quite a bit of time reviewing a variety of lighting options throughout recent years and have been constantly surprised by the sheer variety of fixtures and brands currently on the market. There’s a light for any price range, though you do often get what you pay for. Occasionally, I do still stumble upon a brand I was previously unfamiliar with and get surprised by their products’ qualities and features. That’s exactly what happened when I installed my Linkind EP6 Smart Hexagon Panels and Linkind EL8 Smart Light Strip.

What’s unique about Linkind’s lights is their proprietary lighting mode AuraScape, which allows for RGBIC precision blending for unparalleled control over exactly how your lights behave. Additionally, many Linkind lighting products also make use of their ImmerSpace technology, which works seamlessly with other Linkind products to improve immersion between what is appearing on your TV and your lights. Both modes are fantastic, and their inclusion helps Linkind products to stand out amongst a crowded lighting field.

Of the two technologies, AuraScape is the most unique, as it enables each of the six edges on every hexagon panel of the EP6 to be controlled independently, allowing the use of multiple colors and brightness levels on all sides of the panel. By utilizing this incredible technology, you can create dynamic transitions, effects, and patterns which you are unable to create on similar products. Sure, it takes a bit of effort to create custom effects which take full advantage of what AuraScape allows, but it is certainly worth the time investment and is sure to mesmerize any who see it in action. I foresee many individuals finding themselves spending hours in the app creating the perfect lighting scheme, tweaking every edge for the perfect brightness and color, ensuring that the timing is perfect. All that work won’t go to waste either, as the app provides you with an opportunity to post video of your creations, allowing other users to vote and comment on each, and even download the file itself to use in their home. Votes aren’t arbitrary either, as they can award the creator with points usable on Linkind’s online store, further incentivizing creativity.

ImmerSpace is a function which, as its name implies, helps with immersion. Essentially, ImmerSpace allows the user to combine Linkind ET6 Smart TV Backlights and other Linkind products to accentuate the colors displayed on the TV. Now, TV lighting has been done by countless other companies, but ImmerSpace goes one step further, syncing behind-the-TV lights with the various other lighting products in your room seamlessly. ImmerSpace can also be used to synchronize up to 32 devices to respond to music with any of the 16 built-in music modes, without needing a hub, which is impressive.

First, I installed the EL8 Smart Light Strip, putting it to use to light up my stairway since an overhead light burnt out a while back and I’ve been far too lazy to replace it. As expected, the EL8 is extremely simple to set up. Simply unroll the light strip, peel off the backing, and adhere it to whatever surface you’d like. Afterwards, simply plug it in, turn on your bluetooth, load up the Linkind app, and add the light. Once added, you are able to easily swap between different lighting patterns on a whim and even set schedules for the lights to follow. During my testing, I found that the connection between the lights and the app to be seamless, with no perceptible lag, and during my time toying with different settings and schedules, I never experienced any errors or other issues. Also of note is that Bluetooth is not required for daily use, only for the initial setup, and that the EL8 is IP65 waterproof, which makes this a versatile strip for use nearly anywhere.

The AuroScape feature on the EL8 divides the light strip into 10-inch segments which can be individually programmed to display different colors or patterns simultaneously, allowing for a huge array of unique designs to be combined, or to simply ensure a consistent lighting pattern throughout the light strip.

Setting up the EP6 Smart Hexagon Panels was a bit more complicated, but that was expected. The EP6 comes in packs of seven, with each pack containing a controller, a power adapter, the panels, multiple mount links, adhesive, and material to help arrange and align patterns before placing the panels on the wall. Despite each box coming with a controller, you are actually able to connect up to 21 panels using a single controller, though you will need a power adapter for every seven or so panels.

To set up your design, you first find a flat surface and wipe it down, ensuring there is no dust or other residue which may affect the adhesive. Then, once you’ve settled on a design, you can use the included templates to begin placement. The templates allow you to accurately place your design without using the actual panels and adhesive yet. Simply place a template, use the included level to ensure it is straight, then use some tape to hold it in place. Continue this pattern until your entire design is laid out. Each template has a place for you to add a mount base, and to do so you simply attach the adhesive to the back of a mount base and then place the mount base in the designated spot on the template. Each mount base has three small holes in which you can add nails if necessary. Now, you can remove the templates, leaving only the mount bases. 

Now, you can use the mount links to connect the various mount bases. Only one link needs to be used for each connection, though you can place more than one mount link on a mount base if required for the design. Once everything is connected, you may then place the light panels atop the mount bases. 

To begin use, open up the AiDot app and add your device. To do so you will need to enable bluetooth and connect to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. Next, you must select the number of panels in use and either allow the app to auto detect your layout, or manually add your layout, and ensure that the placement of the controller in the app matches its physical placement in your design. Now that you’re set up, you can easily choose from one of the 66 pre-set lighting patterns available, or create your own using the built-in AuroScape mode on the app. To create your own AuroScape lighting scheme, simply select the “Edit Canvas” option in the app, after which you can use your finger to paint each individual edge of the panels with different colors or brightness levels, or adjust the entire panel at once.

I did have a few problems during set up, such as mounting links not seeming to work properly despite being firmly locked in place, forcing me to remove panels and check the links. Unfortunately, the adhesive was so strong and the panels fit so snuggly that many times removing the panel took the mounting base off too, and with it a portion of my wall and paint. This did become quite frustrating as I was attempting to figure out what my issue was, but eventually I did get my glorious cactus design functioning. That said, normally, having a snug fit and great adhesive is a pro rather than a con, and it is, provided you don’t have issues. I’ll fully admit these issues may have been user error, although I am not sure what I may have done wrong.  Thankfully, once I got the design working, I have had no further issues with the links. My only other issue is that a design featuring 21 hexagons does require 3 power adapters to run correctly, which quickly becomes messy and requires access to multiple power outlets or a safe surge protector.

Once in use, the EP6 is stunning. The panels look great on a wall, and the lighting effects are fantastic, featuring bright, vivid displays which light up both the panel and behind the panel thanks to its slightly raised design, providing a sense of depth to the lights which I didn’t even realize was missing from some of my other wall panels which laid flush with the wall. I took the time to browse the available selections and tweak my favorites to match my style, and then saved everything for quick access. Now, I can switch between a warm, calm light, party lights, and even music-responsive lights in mere seconds. The lights work flawlessly, and I am able to turn them off and on, or switch up the lighting pattern, at any time via the app with no delay or connection issues. 

Overall, Linkind has managed to impress me with the quality of their products, their easy-to-use app, and their fantastic lights and features. I highly recommend checking out Linkind if you’re in the market for some creative home lighting.