The first picture (above) shows a CREE 60W LED (regular bulb - not a Connect). Notice the grid that can be seen in the enclosed ceiling fixture. In my opinion, using the Cree 60W LED Non-Connect light bulb with my Lutron Caseta switches is not the optimum bulb. Perhaps if it was in a lamp it would be better because the grid would not be so apparent. I will say that I am going to purchase a different regular LED for the fixture and I will most likely try two (2) 40W LED bulbs because I think the 'glare' from the 60W Cree is too harsh and ugly as you look at the fixture. This may be the case with any 60W LED.
This is another picture of the CREE 60W Dimmable non-connect bulb in the ceiling fixture. The glare is not that nice to look at. The picture below will show the Cree Connect and you will see why it casts the ceiling crate look. All of the Cree bulbs that have the 4 flow filament design will show the crate-look in any application that is not in a table lamp. This design, in my opinion, is the reason why the crate-like look is cast in a downward/sideways use of the bulb (ceiling/wall fixture). I believe its also the reason for the 'flimsy' feel.
NOW THE CREE 60W CONNECT
First - the CREE CONNECT is the fastest connecting bulb to the WINK Hub. Virtually, instant recognition when you want to add it. That's a great feature.
Here iis the CREE Connect in the table lamp next to my bed.
What I don't like about this bulb in comparison with the GE LINK 60W is the build. You can see the "vertical equator" of the bulb. It's plastic, flimsy, and feels like it's going to break when you hold it. The plastic (yes plastic) bulb is not connected to the bulb and is not connected to itself. The plastic bulb is 'fitted' together (think of it as being cut down the middle of the bulb from above - there are 2 halves of a plastic bulb) but if you hold it too tightly the plastic will 'disconnect' from itself. I think you have to hold one to understand what I am trying to convey. Bottom line - the build feels cheap and flimsy whereas the GE LINK is a solid build, all glass, and much nicer looking bulb than the Cree (also much heavier).
Here is a picture of the CREE Connect and how the shadow cast looks on the ceiling
The CREE CONNECT 60W bulb is not as bright as the GE LINK, it has more of a yellow hue. I put it against a regular 60W incandescent and it had the same color value as the incandescent, but it seemed that it was not as 'bright'. I think if you wanted to read a book by a lamp you would want a slightly brighter light. In a table lamp I think the CREE looks better than the GE LINK because it diffuses the light as opposed to the GE LINK which 'shoots' the light straight up in a concentrated light and makes a pattern on the ceiling. However, the difference between the bulbs in a lamp with a traditional shade is not that different. I would go with the GE LINK because I like a brighter light. Just my personal taste. The CREE is a 2700 Kelvin Bulb with 800 or 810 Lumens. The GE LINK is a 2700 Kelvin Bulb with 880 Lumens.
Turning off the CREE Connect with the Wink App was nice, a quick dim down to off. The GE LINK Bulb is a slightly slower dim to off. Neither one, in my opinion, was better than the other.
GE LINK BULB
Here's a picture of the GE LINK in a table lamp in my living room. I like the light and it isn't harsh looking through the lamp shade.
Here's a picture of the GE LINK Bulb light cast onto the ceiling - it is brighter than the CREE Connect light cast to the ceiling.
BOTTOM LINE -
My preference is the GE LINK. I'm going to return the Cree Connect and the Cree regular LED to Home Depot. I will replace the Cree Connect with a GE LINK for my bedside lamp because I prefer more light over the dimmer light. I don't mind the ceiling look of the lamp with the GE LINK bulb. I will purchase an Osram or Utilitech (Lowes) 40W Dimmable or some other dimmable bulb for my ceiling fixtures (you must use dimmable bulbs with the Lutron Caseta/Pico switches or you will get some AMAZING non-stop flicker when you try to turn off the light!)