Unleashing the Magic: A Comprehensive Review of Govee Glide Hexagon Light Panels
Experience the next level of lighting with the Govee Glide Hexagon Light Panels Ultra Break free from 2D limitations as these smart lights transform your walls Discover if they live up to the hype in our comprehensive review
Quick Links
Contents of PackageInstallation
Software
Performance and Features
Conclusion
Related Products
Manufacturers like Govee and Nanoleaf have revolutionized the world of smart wall panel lights, adorning gaming rooms, media rooms, and bedrooms. These companies strive to enhance the already stunning appearance of these lights, which are capable of producing a multitude of effects. Govee has embarked on a journey that has led to the upcoming release of the Glide Hexagon Light Panels Ultra, featuring the innovative Glide Hexa Pro panels. These illuminated six-sided shapes create a mesmerizing 3D illusion, breathing life into plain walls.
Building on the success of the previous Govee Hexa light panels, the Glide Hexagon Light Panels Ultra represents a significant advancement in wall panel technology. These cutting-edge lights employ a combination of line and surface illumination, resulting in an even more compelling three-dimensional parallax effect. Furthermore, the number of LED bulbs within the panels and the chips controlling the intricate lighting system is significantly increased compared to previous iterations.
The highly anticipated release of the Glide Hexagon Light Panels Ultra from Govee is just around the corner on September 25th, accompanied by a hefty price tag of $349.99. Prospective buyers have the option to choose between the more subdued colors of the Meteor Gray version or opt for the Lunar White edition, which features vibrant RGBIC bulbs. Govee, recognizing the substantial investment required, kindly provided Game Rant with a review sample in Lunar White. After thoroughly testing these panels, it is evident that the realm of smart lighting will never be the same.
Govee Glide Hexagon Light Panels Ultra
The Govee Glide Hexagon Light Panels Ultra are the most sophisticated and captivating smart wall panel lights ever made. With both surface lighting and line lighting, they combine to create stunning 3D effects. Each Hexagon panel is equipped with 129 LEDs and 10 microcontroller units, making them among the most advanced smart lights currently available. Users have the option to select from various preset scenes or create their own patterns using the Govee Home app's DIY mode. The Glide Hexagon Light Panels Ultra are offered in two versions, with Meteor Gray providing a softer light and Lunar White showcasing the panels' vibrant illumination capabilities.
Govee brand offers compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Home integrations, and supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth protocols. These light panels do not require a hub for operation and are music reactive. With a total of 10 panels, they provide multi-faceted lighting that produces an impressive 3D effect.
Every scene looks distinctly unique
Govee Home app effectively guides somewhat lengthy installation
DreamView and Razer Chroma Connect enable room-wide synchronization
Cons More costly than competing wall panel lights
Difficult to create complex DIY effects in mobile app
Check for Preorder Info
Contents of Package
The Govee Glide Hexagon Light Panels Ultra are delivered in a remarkably hefty and sizeable black rectangular box. The Lunar White box showcases captivating graphics that delight space exploration enthusiasts, featuring a depiction of the light panels against the backdrop of a radiant moon.
Upon opening the main packaging, buyers will find some promotional materials and a quick-start guide set on top of the 10 panels.
Installation
The box includes 10 linking cables, a control box, a power adapter, and some additional double-sided tape. Additionally, Govee provides a small level to facilitate the installation of the light panels in straight lines.
When it comes to installing the Glide Hexagon Light Panels Ultra, there are several similarities with other Govee lights, but it's important to note a few differences as well. One notable advantage is that the light panels come equipped with three double-sided tape strips with Velcro, making it easier and safer to remove them compared to panels that use adhesive pads. Additionally, the included linker cables can be attached to six different points on the backside of each Hexagon, but it is crucial to place them in specific numbered spots as instructed by the app. Due to the more intricate lighting effects offered by the Hexagon Light Panels Ultra, the installation process does take a bit more time.
To ensure the proper functioning of every light, Govee recommends connecting each panel to the controller box and power adapter. Once this is done, users are required to access the Govee Home app, which offers a concise instructional video illustrating the setup process. Installers have the flexibility to choose from a range of suggested designs or create their own unique shapes. For a better visualization of the desired design's spatial requirements, Govee also provides thin black cardboard Hexagons. It is crucial to arrange the panels correctly, aligning the Y-shape lines in the lights in the same direction. To assist with this, the app prompts by flashing the upper right sections green.
Similar to other Govee products, the mobile application will scan the surrounding area in search of the Glide Hexagon Light Panels Ultra to establish a Bluetooth connection. Subsequently, users will need to link the panels to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network for extended control capabilities beyond the software interface. This enhanced functionality encompasses integration with Google Home and Amazon Alexa.
When it's time to mount the Hexagon Light Panels Ultra on a wall, the app provides step-by-step guidance on the panel placement and linker socket attachment. Thankfully, the linker cables are designed to conveniently hide behind the panels. Additionally, users have the option to choose the most practical Hexagon to connect the power cord to. Initially, the process may seem daunting, and if a purchaser fails to position a linker correctly before attaching a panel, rectifying the mistake without removing the light can be challenging.
Nevertheless, after installing several lights, this somewhat unconventional setup becomes almost instinctive. Although the panels are heavier compared to Nanoleaf Shapes, for instance, the three Velcro tape strips ensure that the installed designs feel secure once sufficient pressure is applied.
Software
The Govee Home app provides users with a visual representation of their Hexagon Light Panels Ultra design at the top of the screen. The app offers standard modes such as Music, Color, Scene, and DIY. Users can adjust brightness and relative brightness settings to ensure accurate color representation in most modes.
Music Mode allows the light panels to react to pulsating beats using either the built-in microphone or a smartphone microphone. With Color Mode, users can choose individual or multiple panels to display solid colors. Scene Mode offers 60 preset scenes, many of which highlight the new multidimensional effects. DIY Mode allows users to experiment with different animation styles and effects on various parts of each panel, although it may be overwhelming to navigate.
Govee fans frequently report that accessing the most crucial features and adjustments of its mobile app is challenging and lacks user-friendliness. While the Hexagon Light Panels Ultra do not address these concerns, the additional complexity can be attributed to the intricate designs made possible by the new lights.
Govee Desktop is an alternative for buyers who may not have access to all the modes and customization options found in the mobile app. Nonetheless, this software is essential for unlocking the functionalities of the Hexagon Light Panels Ultra, including Govee DreamView and Razer Chroma support.
DreamView enables the synchronization of light panels with other compatible Govee lights. It serves as a screen visualizer, allowing specific panels to replicate the scenes displayed on sections of a monitor. Although some additional setup is necessary, the results are astonishing, particularly when placing a Hexagon Light Panels Ultra design directly behind a gaming monitor.
Govee's PC software is relatively user-friendly, but there are occasional instances of dropped connections with the lights, which can only be resolved by reopening the program. However, Govee Desktop has significantly improved since its initial release, giving hope that these issues will soon be resolved entirely.
Performance and Features
The dimensions of the Govee Glide Hexagon Ultra panels are slightly smaller than Nanoleaf's Shapes Hexagons, measuring at 8 inches by just under 7 inches. While the Lunar White version boasts a glossy exterior instead of the typical matte white finish, it still manages to provide an elegant look. With the inclusion of 10 panels, there is ample coverage for a substantial portion of your wall space. However, Govee has yet to address the persistent issue of a dangling power cord, which presents a challenge for those seeking neat cable management.
With the continuous release of wall panel lights, such as the Nanoleaf Shapes Hexagons, it can be challenging to maintain the same level of excitement after installation. However, the Govee Glide Hexagon Light Panels Ultra aims to overcome this by introducing more complexity through various lighting sections on the panels' edges, lines running through the Hexagons, and individual zones on the panels themselves. The intricate lighting configuration of these panels creates a visually stunning three-dimensional effect.
To eliminate any concerns of disappointment, the Govee Glide Hexagon Ultra panels possess a unique appearance that sets them apart from other lights available on the market. The remarkable specifications of Govee's latest innovation provide insight into why the Hexagons offer a more dynamic lighting experience compared to other panels. Each light features an impressive 33 IC chips, surpassing the previous generation of Govee Glide Hexa panels by over five times. This quantity also exceeds the number of chips used by Nanoleaf in their Shapes. The distribution of these chips throughout the inner lines, borders, and surfaces of the Hexagon lights allows for individually controlled effects in every section.
The Glide Hexagon Ultra lights feature 129 RGBIC LED bulbs per Hexagon, surpassing the number of competing panels. With the ability to display three colors simultaneously, each line adds a touch of uniqueness to any scene. Say goodbye to the traditional red and green Christmas color scheme and welcome the dazzling animated patterns offered by the Hexagon Ultra lights.
In addition to their versatility, the Glide Hexagon Ultra panels are also adept at showcasing stunning single color scenes. The brilliance of these lights truly comes to life as they emit a remarkable amount of illumination, particularly when positioned near a wall. While the panels are highly responsive to commands, it is worth noting that their responsiveness is not quite as instantaneous as that of LED strips connected to screen mirroring kits like the Govee AI Sync Box.
Govee's latest lights also make a remarkable impression when it comes to integrating them into a gaming room or a PC rig. With DreamView, the Glide Hexagon Ultra panels can synchronize with other Govee lights, such as the Neon Rope Lights for Desks. By utilizing the screen visualization capabilities offered by the Govee Desktop software, the gaming experience can extend well beyond the confines of a monitor. Allocating the screen-mirrored effects among the different lights requires careful consideration, as the panels and LED strips may not always respond simultaneously to changes. Nevertheless, the overall display surpasses the expectations of a mere TV or monitor backlighting kit like the Govee Gaming Light Strip G1.
Razer Chroma Connect allows for seamless synchronization of RGB lighting across various components such as PC case fans, mice, and keyboards. To enable the Govee module and incorporate the Hexagon Ultra panels into personalized scenes, some initial configuration is necessary within the Razer Synapse app. However, once this setup is complete, the feature operates consistently and is particularly effective with simpler color schemes.
Conclusion
Govee Glide Hexagon Light Panels Ultra
The Govee Glide Hexagon Light Panels Ultra offer the ultimate in dynamic and stunning smart wall panel lighting. With a combination of surface lighting and line lighting, these panels create incredible 3D effects. Each Hexagon panel features 129 LEDs and 10 microcontroller units, making them among the most advanced smart lights available. Users have the option to choose from a variety of preset scenes or create their own patterns using the Govee Home app's DIY mode. The Glide Hexagon Light Panels Ultra come in 2 versions: Meteor Gray, which emits a softer light, and Lunar White, which showcases the full capabilities of the panels' vivid illumination.
Govee Brand
Integrations: Amazon Alexa, Google Home
Protocol: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Hub Required: No
Music Reactive: Yes
Number of Panels: 10
Pros: The multi-faceted lighting on the panels creates a 3D effect.
Every scene looks distinctly unique
Govee Home app effectively guides somewhat lengthy installation
DreamView and Razer Chroma Connect enable room-wide synchronization
Cons More costly than competing wall panel lights
Difficult to create complex DIY effects in mobile app
Check for Preorder Info
The performance of the Glide Hexagon Ultra panels leaves little room for complaints. Govee has successfully achieved the challenging task of making flat panels appear three-dimensional. Each panel offers a myriad of possibilities, allowing users to create unique scenes that can be shared with other Govee users. The distinctiveness of each lighting pattern makes it even more enticing for owners to experiment in DIY mode.
However, it's worth noting that installation is more time-consuming compared to previous light panels from Govee and Nanoleaf. This is due to the specific sequence and orientation in which the lights must be arranged and connected. Thankfully, the Govee Home mobile app effectively guides users through the process, despite occasional drops in connection. The linker cables provided are also sturdier than the flimsy plastic pieces found in other kits, securely snapping into the backside of the Hexagons.
Software controlling RGB or RGBIC lights is often disappointing, and the Govee Home app has room for improvement in this regard. The app becomes even more cluttered with additional menus needed to control different lighting areas and their various colors and effects. Creating custom scenes proves to be a challenging task, especially on larger smartphones. Therefore, it would be more practical to have desktop software that allows for easier selection of small sections on each panel.
Related Products
The cost is the ultimate stumbling block for the Glide Hexagon Light Panels Ultra. To somewhat justify the steep asking price, the lights themselves have a weighty and glossy appearance, giving them a premium feel even when turned off. However, the real test lies in how the Hexagon Light Panels perform when activated. Govee has achieved something remarkable, pushing the boundaries of innovation. Potential buyers will need to decide if the enhanced splendor these lights bring to a gaming room is worth paying twice or even more than the price of similar kits.
The Glide Hexagon Light Panels Ultra represents an exciting glimpse into the future of wall panel lights, offering a level of dynamism that sets it apart. With an unmatched number of IC chips and bulbs in each Hexagon, it sets a new standard. However, the relatively high cost of Govee's lights may lead some buyers to explore alternative options that are more budget-friendly.
Nanoleaf Shapes wall panel lights come in various shapes, such as Hexagons, Triangles, and Mini-Triangles. Similar to Govee smart lights, Shapes can be synchronized with other Nanoleaf products using Connect+ technology, and it is also compatible with Razer Chroma. Unlike the Hexagon Light Panels Ultra, Nanoleaf Shapes have the additional capability of functioning as Thread border routers. This means they can create a fast mesh network of low-latency Matter-compatible light bulbs and strips. Users can conveniently adjust the brightness or switch between preset scenes using touch gestures.
Another member of the Nanoleaf family is Lines light bars. These thin lights provide backlighting on walls, creating a subtle yet visually appealing display. Nanoleaf Lines are perfect for accent lighting on walls, as they offer a more understated alternative compared to a collection of panel lights directly facing viewers.
Govee's previous Hexa lights should be taken into account as affordable alternatives. The original Glide Hexa Light Panels offer great value, with RGBIC technology enabling each Hexagon to exhibit multiple colors concurrently. Additionally, these panels are slightly elevated, which results in a backlit glow on walls.
The Glide Hexagon Light Panels Ultra represent a more direct advancement from the Glide Hexa Pro lights. Although these panels also create a 3D illusion, they do not feature the same number of LED bulbs or lighting zones as the newer Light Panels Ultra.
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FAQ
Q: What makes the Govee Glide Hexagon Light Panels Ultra different from other wall panel lights?
The Govee Glide Hexagon Light Panels Ultra has more line and surface lighting zones, LED bulbs, and controller chips. This enables elaborate and unique animations and scenes.
Q: What are the most popular types of lighting to add near gaming desks?
RGB Enabled Peripherals and Smart LED Lighting for Gaming Setups
Gaming enthusiasts frequently equip their gaming setups with RGB enabled keyboards, mice, and headsets, which possess captivating color-changing effects. To amplify the visual appeal of these peripherals, gamers often opt for the installation of RGB cooling fans and LED strips inside their PC cases. Additionally, in recent years, there has been a surge in the popularity of other types of smart LED lighting, such as wall panel lights, which are commonly incorporated near PC desks.
Q: Do all RGB lights in a gaming room need to be made by the same brand to work together?
While it is typically more convenient to have all the RGB lights in a gaming room from a single manufacturer, there exist smart home platforms and software solutions that allow for the integration of various devices into a unified ecosystem.
