Remember last dimmer setting app for dumb switch with smart led bulb?

[JDRoberts]

Cree are zigbee, not zwave, btw.

And there is a particular problem with the Cree, as it doesn’t notify the hub when it comes on, unlike some other brands.

[OBSOLETE] SmartBulb Power Outage handler

Good idea, I’ve been trying to think of a way to implement something like this. The only catch is that the bulb being used as the “canary” has to be able to detect when it’s turned on by providing it power. For example, if you use a dumb switch to turn on a GE Link Bulb, the Mobile App will show that the light was just turned on. If you do the same thing with a Cree Connect Bulb, the bulb will turn on, but the Mobile App will still think it’s off. I haven’t tried this, but in theory, as long as you use the GE Link Bulb as the “canary”, the overall concept seems sound.

Additionally with any smart bulb if you are turning them on and off by cutting current you can shorten the life of the bulb. These bulbs are intended to always have current. (See the user guides.)

So in this particular case, I’m not sure you can accomplish what you want. I agree you would probably be better off with a smart switch and using turn on and set level.

FAQ: Philips Hue and Other Smart Bulbs - What sort of light switches to use with them? (Long FAQ)

Thinking on a big move to Hue lights, the real question is - what switches to use with them? If they’re all automatable via ST and other devices, do I really want to put them all on controllable switches too? There’s the advantage that I can arrange to ensure those switches are on so that the the Hue bulbs would be too…but it also leaves open the ability for folks to just turn them off and leave them off. Hmm. Thoughts?