Tag: Philips Hue

May 13, 2025
New Philips Hue Aurelle Smart Ceiling Lights at Lower Prices Soon
Key Takeaways
1. New Products: Three new Philips Hue Aurelle smart ceiling lights, including round and rectangle panels, are set to launch in Europe.
2. Brightness and Lifespan: The round panel light offers 2,450 lumens and lasts up to 25,000 hours, while the rectangle panels provide 3,570 lumens with the same lifespan.
3. Pricing: The new round panel is priced at £129.99/€149.99, and the rectangle panels at £169.99/€199.99, both lower than their predecessors.
4. Dimmable Features: All models are dimmable Hue White Ambiance lights, allowing color temperature adjustments from 2,200 K to 6,500 K.
5. Connectivity: The lights support Bluetooth and Zigbee, enabling remote control via the Philips Hue app and integration with other devices through the Hue Bridge.
Three new Philips Hue Aurelle smart ceiling lights are set to arrive in Europe soon. These lights are suitable for various spaces such as living rooms, kitchens, or bathrooms, and they have been offered for a while now in round, square, and rectangular shapes.
New Round Panel Light
The Aurelle Hue Round Panel Light will come with a white aluminum frame. It shares many characteristics with the earlier round ceiling light, featuring a brightness of 2,450 lumens at 4,000K and an LED source expected to last up to 25,000 hours. The new model is slightly thicker, measuring 39.5 x 4.8 cm (~1.6 x 0.18 inches), compared to the older version, which is 39.5 x 4.7 cm (~1.6 x 0.19 inches). A notable advantage is the pricing; the new Philips Aurelle Hue Round Panel Light is set at £129.99/€149.99, a reduction from the previous price of £159.99/€179.99.
Rectangle Panels Available
Additionally, there are two new Aurelle Rectangle Panels offered in black and white. Much like the Round ceiling light, these versions are nearly identical to their predecessors. They come with an LED light source that’s also anticipated to last for up to 25,000 hours and produce 3,570 lumens of luminous flux at 4000 K. The new versions are larger, measuring 120 x 30 x 4.8 cm (~4.7 x 1.2 x 0.2 inches), making them 2 mm (~0.08 inches) thicker than the older models. In terms of pricing, the new Aurelle Rectangle Panel is available for £169.99/€199.99, which is lower than the previous version’s price of £219.99/€239.99.
Features and Availability
All newly released ceiling lights are dimmable Hue White Ambiance lights, allowing users to adjust the color temperature from 2,200 K to 6,500 K, with a Color Rendering Index (CRI) over 80. They are equipped with Bluetooth and Zigbee communication methods, enabling remote control via the Philips Hue app and connectivity with other devices through the Hue Bridge.
Currently, these products are listed as out of stock on the Philips Hue website, and there is no information regarding their launch date. The Philips Hue Aurelle smart lighting panels have yet to be introduced in the US, but other ceiling lights like the Philips Hue Datura Smart Ceiling Panel (Small Round) can be purchased for $299.99 at Amazon.
Tags: Aurelle Rectangle Panel, Aurelle Round Panel Light, Philips Hue
May 8, 2025
Philips Hue Update Enhances Battery Life for Smart Cameras
Key Takeaways
1. Philips Hue has released a new update (version 1.2.32.976150) for its Secure Camera line in 2025, marking the second update this year.
2. The update improves battery life and reduces accidental camera activations for battery-operated devices like the Secure Battery Camera.
3. Optimizations have been made to the Wi-Fi chip’s sleep mode after channel switches to help conserve battery.
4. A bug that prevented some battery cameras from reporting events has been fixed in this update.
5. The update began rolling out in early May and should automatically install on compatible devices; users can check for updates in the Philips Hue app settings.
Philips Hue has released a new update for its Secure Camera line. This marks the second update for these smart home gadgets in 2025, coming after a March release. The previous firmware aimed to boost battery life for certain devices and made the PIR cooldown settings more user-friendly.
Latest Improvements
The new Secure Cameras version 1.2.32.976150 offers additional enhancements for battery-operated devices such as the Secure Battery Camera (currently priced at $159.99 on Amazon). One of the key improvements is the decrease in accidental camera activations, which means that the camera should remain operational for a longer period. Additionally, the Wi-Fi chip’s sleep mode has been optimized after a channel switch, which should help in conserving battery life. Furthermore, a bug that previously stopped some battery cameras from reporting events has been fixed.
Update Availability
The rollout of the Secure Cameras 1.2.32.976150 update began in early May, so it’s probable that all users can now access it. The update should automatically install on compatible devices. To ensure that you have enabled these updates, you can check in the Philips Hue app by navigating to Settings > Software update > Automatic update.
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Tags: firmware update, Philips Hue, Secure Battery Camera
May 2, 2025
WiZ HDMI Sync Box Launches at Half the Price of Philips Hue
Key Takeaways
1. The WiZ HDMI sync box is a budget-friendly alternative to the Philips Hue HDMI sync box, priced at $89.99 for smaller TVs and $109.99 for larger TVs.
2. It features a single HDMI input port and a built-in microphone for syncing lights with audio, offering four preset lighting modes and adjustable settings.
3. The sync box supports HDMI 2.0 devices, allowing for 4K resolution at 60Hz and compatibility with HDR 10+ and Dolby Vision.
4. It can connect to unlimited WiZ lights on the same Wi-Fi network and is compatible with both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
5. WiZ has also introduced gradient light bars and floor lights, with prices ranging from $59.99 to $89.99, which can be used alongside the sync box.
After being revealed in a leak last month, the WiZ HDMI sync box has now been officially introduced. This HDMI sync box serves as a budget-friendly option compared to the Philips Hue HDMI sync box, which is listed on Amazon for $249.99. For those unaware, both the WiZ and Philips Hue brands are owned by Signify, a Dutch company that was formerly recognized as Philips Lighting.
Pricing and Options
The WiZ HDMI sync box comes in two variants, each equipped with TV backlighting. One model is designed for TVs measuring between 55” to 65”, priced at $89.99 in the US and €89.99 in Europe. The other model caters to larger TVs, specifically those sized 75” to 85”, costing $109.99 in the US and €109.99 in Europe.
Features and Functionality
This HDMI sync box includes a single HDMI input port, unlike the Philips sync box which has four. This port connects to your streaming device, set-top box, or gaming console, enabling the box to directly read the content being played on the television and replicate the colors displayed. It also features a built-in microphone that picks up the audio, allowing it to sync the lights accordingly.
Users can select from four preset lighting modes: cinematic, relaxation, vibrant, or rhythmic. They also have the ability to adjust brightness, color saturation, and intensity. The device can be set to auto-switch, meaning it will automatically activate when it detects a signal from the connected HDMI device. Additionally, users can manage the sync box via the WiZ app, a voice assistant like Google or Alexa, or the included WiZ remote control.
Compatibility and Additional Products
The WiZ HDMI sync box supports HDMI 2.0 devices, allowing resolutions up to 4K at 60Hz, along with HDR 10+ or Dolby Vision. It comes with its own backlight but is also compatible with other WiZ lights that support both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. There is no cap on the number of lights that can be connected, as long as they are all linked to the same Wi-Fi network.
WiZ has additionally unveiled gradient light bars and gradient floor lights that can be used with the sync box. The light bars, sold in pairs, are priced at $59.99/€59.99 while the floor light is available for $89/€89.99. These lights can display up to 16 million colors and are compatible with Matter.
Signify has announced that the WiZ HDMI sync box and the gradient lights will be available for purchase globally this month.
Source:
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Tags: gradient lights, Philips Hue, WiZ HDMI Sync Box
April 22, 2025
iConnectHue Update: Enhanced Switch Editor for Philips Hue
Key Takeaways
1. The iConnectHue app for Philips Hue smart lighting has been updated to version 5.9, introducing enhanced controls for users.
2. A new switch editor organizes actions by category and allows users to change color and brightness of individual lights.
3. The app includes eight Easter-themed lighting scenes available until the end of April.
4. Future updates may include new setup wizards for switch actions and improvements for widgets and shortcuts.
5. A 25% discount on the iConnectHue app is currently available, likely lasting until the end of April.
The iConnectHue application for Philips Hue smart lighting has received an update. This iOS application designed for iPhone and iPad users provides various new controls for those who own Philips Hue smart home devices, including smart timers, switches, and dynamic lighting scenes.
New Features in Version 5.9
The latest version, 5.9 of the iConnectHue app, introduces an improved switch editor, where actions are now organized by category. New switch actions have been added, such as the options to change the color or modify the brightness of individual lights. Additionally, users can reset the fade time using a new reset icon, and the lock screen icon is back after a short removal period. Support for new lights has been included, along with numerous bug fixes and enhancements for stability. There are also eight Easter-themed lighting scenes available, including ‘Eggs nest’, ‘Pastel eggs’, and ‘Crocuses’, which will last until the end of April.
Future Updates and Discounts
According to the release notes for version 5.9 of the iConnectHue app, there are several potential features planned for future updates, such as new setup wizards for switch actions and actions for coming or leaving. If you face any problems with widgets or shortcuts, the company suggests restarting your device to fix the issue. Moreover, there is currently a 25% discount available on the iConnectHue app, which is likely to continue until the end of April.
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Tags: iConnectHue, Philips Hue, smart lights
April 18, 2025
Philips Hue Update for Smart Home Users: What’s New?
Key Takeaways
1. Philips Hue launched version 5.40.0 of its app for iOS and Android, following version 5.39.0.
2. The previous update introduced new “Spring Breeze” lighting scenes, including Crocus, Blossom, and The Colors of Nature.
3. Version 5.40.0 includes various bug fixes and stability improvements, but no new features were added.
4. Users are still awaiting the release of the Philips Hue AI assistant for creating smart lighting scenes with voice or text commands.
5. The app version 5.40.0 is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Philips Hue recently launched the 5.40.0 version of its application for users on iOS and Android. This update comes after the 5.39.0 version, which introduced a fresh set of “Spring Breeze” scenes for smart lighting devices, such as the Play Light Bar (currently priced at $32 on Amazon). The new scenes include familiar ones like Crocus and Blossom, alongside an all-day scene called The Colors of Nature.
Update Details
According to the release notes for the Philips Hue app 5.40.0 available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, the update includes “various bug fixes and stability improvements.” Sadly, there are no additional specifics about how customers might benefit from these changes. We also explored the app but found no noticeable new features or enhancements.
Looking Ahead
In addition, users are still waiting for the much-anticipated Philips Hue AI assistant to be unveiled. A button that seemed associated with this feature was discovered in version 5.38.1. This expected capability would let users create smart lighting scenes using voice or text commands, but it has not yet been made available. If you’re interested in getting the Philips Hue app version 5.40.0, you can download it from either the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
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Tags: Philips Hue, Smart Lighting, version 5.40.0
April 9, 2025
Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box Adds 144Hz Lighting Support
Key Takeaways
1. Firmware version 2.5.0 released for both Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box 4K and 8K models.
2. Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box 8K introduces new features, including support for Display Stream Compression (DSC) pass-through for 8K@60Hz.
3. Improvements in input source switching reduce delay for LG TV users with PlayStation 5.
4. The update adds support for 3D pass-through and light syncing at 144Hz.
5. Firmware updates are automatically installed, and users can check settings in the Philips Hue app.
An update is being released for the Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box 4K and the Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box 8K. The 8K version debuted in October 2024, while both models received their last updates in December.
Firmware Enhancements
According to the release notes for firmware version 2.5.0, the Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box 4K has received several bug fixes and small upgrades; however, there are no additional specifics shared. On the other hand, the Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box 8K benefits from numerous new features and improvements.
New Features For 8K Model
These enhancements include the addition of support for Display Stream Compression (DSC) pass-through for 8K@60Hz, specifically for the PlayStation 5 Pro console, which is currently priced at $699 on Amazon. Furthermore, there are improvements in input source switching, which reportedly decreases delay for LG TV users utilizing a PlayStation 5. This update also brings support for 3D pass-through and light syncing at 144Hz. Philips Hue has also addressed issues related to CEC power on/off and auto-off functionalities.
Updating Your Device
Firmware version 2.5.0 will be automatically installed on the Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box 8K and the Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box 4K. To check if automatic updates are enabled, you can go to the Philips Hue app and navigate to Settings > Software update.
Source:
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Tags: HDMI sync box 4K, HDMI sync box 8K, Philips Hue
April 4, 2025
Philips Hue App Update Introduces New Smart Lighting Scenes
Key Takeaways
1. The Philips Hue app has been updated to version 5.39.0 for iOS and Android.
2. Eight new smart lighting scenes called “Spring Breeze” have been added, featuring various color transitions.
3. An all-day scene named “The Colors of Nature” adjusts colors throughout the day to align with circadian rhythms.
4. The Philips Hue AI assistant icon has reverted to its original magnifying glass design without changes to search capabilities.
5. The app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
A fresh iteration of the Philips Hue app has just been released for both iOS and Android platforms. The update, version 5.39.0, comes shortly after version 5.38.0, which introduced a QR code feature to simplify product setup and made improvements for users with several Hue Bridge units (currently priced at $44.99 on Amazon).
New Lighting Scenes
The latest Philips Hue app update, version 5.39.0, introduces eight exciting new smart lighting scenes under the title “Spring Breeze.” The standard scenes include Crocus, Blossom, Spring Lake, Spring Blossom, Precious, Narcissa, and Baby’s Breath. These scenes feature a variety of color transitions; for instance, Crocus showcases green, yellow, orange, pink, and purple hues.
All-Day Scene Feature
Another addition is an all-day scene called The Colors of Nature. Similar to other 24-hour scenes, this one changes colors throughout the day to match your circadian rhythm, typically displaying bright, cooler shades during the day and softer, warmer lighting in the evening. You can find the Spring Breeze scenes in the Hue scene gallery, allowing you to choose one for just a single smart light or for an entire room.
Icon Update
An interesting point to mention is that the Philips Hue AI assistant icon, which was introduced in update 5.38.1, has shifted back to the original magnifying glass design. However, there doesn’t seem to be any alterations to the search capabilities. You can easily download the Philips Hue app version 5.39.0 from both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
Source:
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Tags: app update, Philips Hue, Smart Lighting
March 29, 2025
Philips Hue Update Boosts Battery Life for Smart Home Devices
Key Takeaways
1. Philips Hue released firmware update 1.2.32.976110 for Secure cameras in 2025, following a previous update in November 2024.
2. The setup process in the Philips Hue app is now easier, with more accurate Wi-Fi router names and user-friendly PIR sensor cooldown settings.
3. Short video clips are no longer uploaded, and the overall upload success rate has improved.
4. Battery performance for the Secure Battery camera is enhanced, reducing unnecessary wake-ups and improving motion snooze settings.
5. The automatic transition between day and night modes is now more accurate, and the update will be automatically pushed to compatible devices.
Philips Hue has rolled out a new update for its Secure cameras. The firmware version 1.2.32.976110 marks the first update for these smart home devices in 2025. The previous update came in November 2024, which introduced several enhancements, including better motion detection, improved Bluetooth connectivity, and updates for clip uploads.
Improved Setup Process
The latest update for the Secure cameras, version 1.2.32.976110, has made the setup process in the Philips Hue app easier. As mentioned in the release notes, the Wi-Fi router names shown in the app are now more accurate. The cooldown settings for the Passive Infrared (PIR) sensor are reported to be more user-friendly. Additionally, short video clips are no longer uploaded, and the overall upload success rate has seen improvements.
Battery Performance Enhancements
Other changes affect battery-operated devices, such as the Secure Battery camera, which is currently priced at $109.99 on Amazon. This update enhances battery life by minimizing “unnecessary” wake-ups and fine-tuning motion snooze settings. Users should experience fewer issues with devices being unreachable or not entering sleep mode. Furthermore, the automatic transition between day and night modes is now more accurate.
For those interested, the full change log can be found below. The Philips Hue Secure cameras update, version 1.2.32.976110, will be automatically pushed to compatible devices. Recently, the company also released an update for the Philips Hue app, hinting at a new feature for AI-generated lighting effects.
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Tags: firmware update, Philips Hue, Secure cameras
March 25, 2025
Philips Hue App Update Introduces New AI Assistant Icon
Key Takeaways
1. Philips Hue is set to introduce a new AI helper in its app, as revealed by Signify.
2. The AI assistant button has replaced the search icon in the app’s latest update (version 5.38.1).
3. The AI feature will allow users to create custom smart lighting scenes using voice and text commands.
4. The app update does not mention the AI assistant and focuses on a QR code scanning feature instead.
5. The release date for the AI assistant is currently unknown, but it may be linked to the upcoming Hue Secure doorbell.
Philips Hue seems to be getting ready to introduce a new AI helper in its application. This new feature was revealed by Signify, the firm that runs the smart home brand, back in January. Along with this, the company also discussed a sound detection feature for smoke alarms and additional ways to access live video from a Secure camera.
Update Brings New Features
The AI assistant button has shown up in the Philips Hue application after the latest update to version 5.38.1. Users have noticed an icon for the assistant at the lower right corner of the app’s Home page. This new icon has taken the place of the magnifying glass icon, which was used to search for various scenes, devices, and rooms. However, when users click on the new icon, they are still directed to the same search feature.
Expected Capabilities
When the AI assistant was initially revealed, Signify mentioned that it would let users create smart lighting scenes tailored to their preferences. It will support both voice and text commands, and there will be a feedback option to enhance the lighting effects generated. This AI assistant is likely to be akin to the Govee AI Lighting Bot, which can be found in products like the Curtain Lights 2 (currently priced from $89.99 at Amazon).
App Changes and Future Updates
The change log for the Philips Hue app version 5.38.1 does not reference the AI assistant; it is the same as version 5.38.0, which was released a few days earlier and introduced a new QR code scanning feature. It looks like this update was made to eliminate the leaked Hue Secure doorbell, which is anticipated to be released later this year. It remains uncertain when the new AI assistant will officially be available in the Philips Hue app.
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Link
Tags: AI Assistant, Govee AI Lighting Bot, Philips Hue
March 24, 2025
Philips Hue Secure Doorbell Features Revealed in App Update
Key Takeaways
1. The Philips Hue app update (version 5.38) introduced a new smart doorbell called the Philips Hue Secure.
2. The app now features a QR code scanning option for easier device setup and enhancements for arranging Hue Bridges.
3. The new doorbell category appears under “Add Device,” indicating the presence of the unannounced Secure doorbell.
4. Setup instructions suggest the doorbell is likely wired, as indicated by an error notification about power connection.
5. No official details on the launch date or pricing of the Hue Secure doorbell have been released, and it’s unclear if it will pair with a Hue Bridge.
A recent update to the Philips Hue app has revealed information about a new doorbell called the Philips Hue Secure. This discovery came after previous speculations about the device, which included an illustration of this soon-to-be-released smart home gadget.
App Update Features
The Philips Hue app, now at version 5.38, was released a few days ago for both iOS and Android platforms. This version introduced several enhancements, like a fresh way to arrange Hue Bridges and improvements for users who utilize all-day scenes. Additionally, a new QR code scanning feature was added to simplify the addition of new devices into your smart home setup.
New Product Category
When users navigate to “Add Device” and select the “No QR code” option, they will find a new product category labeled “Doorbells.” Within this category, the unannounced “Secure doorbell” is listed. The setup instructions suggest that users should install the device physically, but no additional information is available. There is also an error notification that states, “your doorbell may not be connected to power,” implying that this device is likely to be wired instead of using batteries. The provided illustration depicts a straightforward two-tone style featuring a camera on top and a large round button, which seems to be encircled by LED lighting.
Uncertain Launch Details
Philips Hue has yet to make an official announcement regarding this new product. Therefore, the release date and pricing for the Hue Secure doorbell remain unknown. It’s also uncertain if the device will require pairing with a Hue Bridge, which currently retails for $42 on Amazon.
Source:
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Tags: Philips Hue, Secure Doorbell, Smart Home