Tag: Apple Home

  • Philips Hue Update Introduces New Feature for Apple Home Users

    Philips Hue Update Introduces New Feature for Apple Home Users

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Philips Hue app has been updated to version 5.52.0 for iOS, with an Android version coming soon.
    2. Users can now export their lighting scenes to Apple Home via Matter for easier activation.
    3. The update includes support for the new Philips Hue Secure video doorbell and smart chime.
    4. Philips Hue now integrates with Sonos, allowing remote control of lights using Sonos Voice Control.
    5. The Sonos voice assistant in this update currently supports only English and French.


    A fresh update is out for the Philips Hue app. The software version 5.52.0 is now ready for iOS users, and it will soon be available for Android devices as well. This update comes just a week after the previous one, which introduced new scenes inspired by the fall season.

    New Features You Can Enjoy

    According to the change log for version 5.52.0, users now have the ability to export their scenes to Apple Home via Matter. To utilize this feature, select your desired scene, press the (…) icon, and choose “Add to Apple Home.” This means that scenes from Hue smart lighting can now be activated by devices within your Apple Home setup. Additionally, this update includes support for the newly launched Philips Hue Secure video doorbell and the Philips Hue Secure smart chime.

    Exciting Integrations

    Philips Hue has also highlighted the new integration with Sonos in this latest update. As Sonos announced a few weeks back, users can now control their Philips Hue smart lights remotely using Sonos Voice Control. The functions available include turning lights on or off, changing brightness levels, and activating various scenes. To set this up, navigate to Settings in the Philips Hue app, then Smart Home, and tap on (+) for Sonos Voice Control. It’s important to mention that the Sonos voice assistant currently supports only English and French.

    You can get the Philips Hue app version 5.52.0 update from the Apple App Store. Once it’s available, Android users will be able to download the update from the Google Play Store.

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  • SwitchBot Hub 3 Now Supports Apple Home and New Features

    SwitchBot Hub 3 Now Supports Apple Home and New Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. SwitchBot Hub 3 is now recognized as a “Works with Apple Home” device, marking a first for the brand.
    2. The Hub 3 introduces a new Smart Schedule feature with five temperature modes: Home, Away, Sleep, Comfort, and Custom.
    3. The Away mode can be activated using the SwitchBot Motion Sensor to control air conditioning efficiently.
    4. A Manual Hold option allows users to temporarily bypass the Smart Schedule settings.
    5. The Smart Schedule feature is currently in beta testing with the SwitchBot app update version 9.13, available for iOS and Android.


    SwitchBot has revealed two major updates for the Hub 3. First off, this smart home hub, which debuted earlier this year, has now been recognized as a “Works with Apple Home” device. This marks the first time a product from SwitchBot has received this distinction, and the integration with Apple Home is said to be ‘smooth.’

    New Smart Schedule Feature

    In addition, the SwitchBot Hub 3 (currently priced at $119.99 on Amazon) now includes a new Smart Schedule feature. This feature offers a clever method for controlling your home’s climate system. There are five tailored temperature modes available: Home, Away, Sleep, Comfort, and Custom. For instance, the Away mode can be activated using the SwitchBot Motion Sensor, which can ensure your air conditioning is turned off or set to low power until you come back home.

    Temporary Manual Control

    Another feature is the Manual Hold option, which allows users to temporarily bypass the Smart Schedule. Moreover, after a period of 14 days, users will receive a suggested Smart Schedule that is customized to their preferences based on data collected during that two-week timeframe.

    At the moment, support for the Smart Schedule feature on the Hub 3 is in beta testing, introduced with the SwitchBot app update version 9.13. This update is available for both iOS and Android users. Additionally, it contains enhancements for those utilizing the brand’s Pan Tilt Cam Plus 2K and 3K with a Cloud Storage subscription, as the home page camera view now allows for live photos of events. You can download the SwitchBot app version 9.13 from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

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