Engineered for Fun

Escaping Lights

The problem with most smart bulb apps is that they're just not that fun. You open the app, change your lights, and then ... that's usually it. Even apps that are designed for "Entertainment" often just do the same repetitive effects over and over. I built Light DJ because I wanted to make an app that could actually impress your friends.

That's why here at Light DJ HQ, I spend lots of time testing the app to make sure that it's actually fun to use. New features generally go through 2-4 iterations where I build a complete feature and then test it to make sure that the controls are intuitive, and that the app is just fun and easy to use. Inspiration for new features comes from many sources: friends and family, loyal Light DJ fans, music festivals, etc. Sometimes ideas work great, other times not. I've written tons of unused code from various prototypes I've done. Only the best effects make it into the App Store, which is why Light DJ is quickly advancing up the iTunes charts.

For example, my latest controller, SceneMaker, plays through a list of effects automatically. I originally intended users to use the list of effects as a checklist, so you could choose which effects you wanted to include or not include in the show. The problem I found is that there was no way to play a specific effect at a certain time and as a result I changed the functionality of the app to handle this. I could have released the app that way, but that wouldn't have been very fun. No one wants to mess around with a poorly designed app, especially when you're showing off your toys to friends.

Creators and makers alike know all too well the plight of being your own worst critic. Through the process of building new effects, I'm constantly fine-tuning and making adjustments to the app so that everything works seamlessly when you launch it at home. Not such as easy task when there's different hardware configurations involved, but I enjoy doing it knowing that somewhere in the world I've helped to make someone's party extra special.

Cheers,

Kevin

Introducing the SceneMaker!

Create light shows with ease with the all-new SceneMaker automated effects controller. The SceneMaker comes with over 10 effects that you can customize with your favorite colors. Brand new multi-color effects bring a new level of customization to your lights. The controller is designed to set and forget, so you can get your party on without having to oversee the app!

This new controller replaces the old Effects controller. If you've already upgraded the Effects controller then you'll get the SceneMaker Basic Effects pack for free! You don't have to do anything except update the app to get the added benefits of the SceneMaker.

As always, I love to hear your suggestion for the app. What would you like to see Light DJ do? Send your suggestions to kevin@mangobee.co.

DJ Lights without a Lighting Rig

Let's face it - DJ lighting is an expensive and time-consuming hobby. You can easily spend thousands of dollars on lights that can only do one or two things and will sit in the closet 90% of the time. Setting up a lighting rig for your next party can take over an hour, and that's after you've had to haul all of the heavy equipment to your friend's house across town. DXM lighting rigs use a lot of power and generate a lot of heat too - as if your crowded party isn't hot enough. And of course someone has to watch over the lighting controller during the party - hopefully no one spills their drink on it.

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Light DJ eliminates the hassle that comes with setting up a DJ lighting rig and let's you focus on more important matters, like hosting an epic party! By using advanced smart lighting technology, you can use the same smart bulbs that are now becoming commonplace around the home. You don't need for a special lighting controller - you control all of Light DJ's effects right from your iPhone or iPad. You don't need a lighting rig either, the bulbs screw in just like a traditional light bulb.

Customize your smart bulbs with over 16 million colors.

Light DJ is incredibly easy to learn, too. You can hand your iOS device to one of your party guests and let them go to town. It's so simple that even my cat can use it.

Plus, rather than let a lighting rig collect dust in the closet, you can use your smart bulbs for thousands of other uses. From scheduling wake-up timers to alerting you when you receive a text message, smart lighting will change the way you live. Click here to learn more about the lights that Light DJ is compatible with.

Light DJ is available for download now for FREE on the App Store. Give it a try and make your next party one to remember.

Cheers,

Kevin

 

New Matrix Controller Puts the Power of Light in Your Fingertips

Introducing the all-new Matrix Controller for Light DJ!

The centerpiece of this new controller is the Matrix MEGA Button - an interactive, multi-touch light pattern generator that makes creating light shows easier than ever before. Just touch the multi-color matrix with up to 4 fingers - your LIFX or Philips Hue lights will react instantly by creating a light show with your chosen colors. Additionally, if you have a 3D Touch-enabled iPhone you'll be able to control the intensity of the lights by varying your touch pressure on the controller.

Users can select from 10 color palettes, 3 light modes, and 6 rhythm selections to match any style of music. The iPad version includes two additional customizable color gradients that make it easy to find the perfect color to fit the mood.

The best way to experience the power of the Matrix is to try it for yourself, risk-free! The full-featured controller is now included with Light DJ and is free-to-download today in the App Store. Unlocking unlimited playtime is only $6.99.

Free Upgrades for Pro users!

Hey everyone, Kevin from Light DJ here!

Life as a developer is always full of challenges and learning experiences. While I've been developing software for just over two decades now, I've only been doing mobile development and sales for just over a year. With a better understanding of how app marketing and development works, I've decided to make some changes to to the product that will benefit all users!

Generally, apps are sold in one of two ways: free to download (with in-app purchases), or pay-up-front. The trend lately has been to move to in-app purchases over the paid model, as people generally want to test out an app before they buy it. [Me too!] This poses a problem though, as I can only offer promotions and support giveaways on pay-up-front apps. Support requests rarely come in, but if you're having an issue with the app, I'd like to know about it! (And I'd like to compensate those people for their time with an unlocked version of the app.)

As a result, Light DJ Pro will be moving to a paid-up-front model. Existing users won't have to pay a penny though! Your update will include iPhone and iPad versions of Light DJ with all controllers unlocked! As an added bonus, you'll receive any future updates free-of-charge!

Light DJ users will now receive a Universal app that will include the iPad version (formerly only available with Light DJ Pro). Light DJ will continue to be free-to-dowload with the ability to test out new controllers before you buy them. Creating a Universal binary will also allow me to integrate with other new Apple devices in the future. ;)

So... I think that covers it: 

  1. Light DJ Pro users get a super-awesome, fully loaded app!

  2. Light DJ users now get an iPad app included.

Look for the update to come in the next day or so with the all-new Matrix controller for both iPhone and iPad!

-Kevin