Tag: Philips Hue

  • Philips Hue Launches Minor Update for Smart Home App

    Philips Hue Launches Minor Update for Smart Home App

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Philips Hue app version 5.46 has been released, focusing on bug fixes and stability improvements.
    2. The previous version 5.45.1 introduced support for new products like the Hue Play wall washer light and better integration with Amazon Alexa.
    3. No new features were added in version 5.46, leaving users uncertain about its benefits.
    4. The Philips Hue AI assistant is being rolled out in the UK, with a global rollout expected by the end of August 2025.
    5. The app version 5.46 is available for download on the Apple App Store and will be on the Google Play Store soon.


    The new Philips Hue app version 5.46 has been released. The prior update, version 5.45.1, was launched at the end of June 2025 and introduced support for new products, such as the Hue Play wall washer light (currently priced at $219.99 on Amazon) and enhanced integration with Amazon Alexa for homes that have multiple Hue Bridges.

    Update Details

    According to the change log for version 5.46 of the Philips Hue app, there are no new features included in this update. The release notes mention “various bug fixes and stability improvements.” Sadly, the company hasn’t shared more details, leaving users uncertain about how they will benefit from this update.

    UK Users News

    There is, however, some good news for users in the UK. A few weeks ago, it was announced that the new Philips Hue AI assistant is being rolled out for users in this region. This feature was initially available to users in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg at the beginning of June 2025, and it is set to be accessible to all users worldwide by the end of August. The Philips Hue app version 5.46 is already available for download on the Apple App Store and should be on the Google Play Store soon.

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  • Philips Hue App Update Enhances Alexa Integration Features

    Philips Hue App Update Enhances Alexa Integration Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. Philips Hue app version 5.45.1 has been released for iOS, following version 5.44.0.
    2. The update allows Amazon Alexa users to manage multiple Philips Hue Bridges per account.
    3. Users must relink the Philips Hue skill in the Alexa app to activate the new multi-Bridge feature.
    4. The update adds support for new Philips products, including the Xamento recessed spotlight and Hue Smart button v3.
    5. The iOS app is available on the Apple App Store; no update timeline for Android users has been provided.


    Philips Hue has rolled out a fresh update to its iOS application. The new version, 5.45.1, comes just weeks after the previous version 5.44.0, which included minor enhancements, bug fixes, and improvements in stability.

    New Features for Alexa Users

    With the 5.45.1 update, there’s a notable enhancement for those who utilize Amazon Alexa. Users can now manage multiple Philips Hue Bridges, a feature that previously allowed only one Hue Bridge per Amazon account. To activate this capability, customers must relink the skill in the Amazon Alexa app. Philips assures that any existing automations and device links will remain intact throughout the relinking.

    Support for New Products

    Additionally, this update introduces compatibility for several of Philips’ latest offerings, including the white variants of the Xamento recessed spotlight and the Adore Bathroom recessed downlight, alongside the Hue Smart button v3 and the Hue Play wall washer, which is currently priced at $219.99 on Amazon. These new products are now fully supported by the Philips Hue Bridge due to a distinct software update.

    You can grab the Philips Hue app version 5.45.1 for iOS via the Apple App Store. It’s uncertain when Android users will receive a similar update; the Google Play Store indicates that the last update for Android was version 5.44.1, which rolled out in June.

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  • Philips Hue Price Increase Coming Soon in the US

    Philips Hue Price Increase Coming Soon in the US

    Key Takeaways

    1. Signify plans to increase prices on several Philips Hue items starting July 1.
    2. The price hikes in the US are due to tariffs affecting the costs.
    3. Signify reserves the right to adjust prices based on future tariffs.
    4. The new Hue Smart Button v3 in the US is priced at $31.99, a 28% increase from the previous version.
    5. A Philips Hue Flash Sale offers a 25% discount on selected items for email subscribers.


    Signify has revealed plans to increase prices on several Philips Hue items soon. Earlier this month, a promotional email sent to customers regarding a flash sale included an urgent note: “Act fast, prices go up on July 1! Buy now and save before the rise.”

    Details on Price Increases

    A recent article from Hueblog.com highlights that Signify, the company responsible for the Philips Hue line, has shared additional information regarding these price hikes. They stated that the increases in the US are “as a direct result of tariffs.” Furthermore, Signify mentioned in their communication with the blog that they “reserves the right to change prices based on new or additional tariffs that might take effect in the future.”

    Current Pricing Situation

    While Signify hasn’t disclosed the new higher prices for Philips Hue smart home devices yet, the extent of the increase may be seen in the pricing of the new Hue Smart Button v3. In Europe, this latest smart lighting accessory is priced similarly to the older version. Conversely, in the US, the new model is listed at $31.99, which is a 28% rise compared to the Hue Smart Button v2 (RRP $24.99). The Philips Hue Flash Sale continues in the US, providing a 25% discount on selected items for customers who are subscribed to the brand’s email list.

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  • Philips Hue Smart Home App Gets Exciting New Update

    Philips Hue Smart Home App Gets Exciting New Update

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Philips Hue app for iOS has been updated to version 5.44.0, focusing on bug fixes and stability improvements.
    2. The update does not include expanded access to the new AI-powered assistant, which users were anticipating.
    3. The AI assistant is currently available only for English-speaking users in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
    4. The AI assistant allows users to create custom smart lighting effects using voice and text commands, with feedback options.
    5. There is no information on when the AI assistant will be available to more users or when the next Android app update will occur.


    The Philips Hue app for iOS has received another update. Now, users can download version 5.44.0. This update comes just a few weeks after the last version, 5.43.0, which included improvements for Secure cameras, smart light switches, and sensors from the brand.

    Minimal Changes in the Update

    The change log for version 5.44 is quite short. It mentions “various bug fixes and stability improvements” but does not provide any further details. Sadly, this update does not seem to expand access to the new AI-powered assistant, which many users were looking forward to.

    AI Assistant Availability

    The Philips Hue AI assistant was recently launched for English-speaking users in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. This feature can be found on the Home tab and allows users to create unique smart lighting effects based on their mood or specific events. It supports both voice and text commands, and users can provide feedback through like and dislike buttons.

    Future Updates Uncertain

    It is still unclear when the Philips Hue AI assistant will be made available to more users. Additionally, there is no information on when the next Philips Hue app update for Android will be released; the last update for Android users was version 5.43, which came out in late May 2025. You can now get Philips Hue app version 5.44.0 from the Apple App Store.

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  • Philips Hue Updates Enhance Smart Home Device Performance

    Philips Hue Updates Enhance Smart Home Device Performance

    Key Takeaways

    1. New software updates released for Philips Hue Secure cameras and HDMI sync boxes.
    2. Secure cameras update (version 1.2.32.976160) fixes event availability issues.
    3. HDMI sync box update (version 2.5.3) includes general bug fixes and improvements.
    4. Updates are rolled out in stages and should install automatically.
    5. Users should ensure automatic updates are enabled in the Philips Hue app settings.


    Philips Hue has begun to release new software updates for its Secure cameras and Hue Play HDMI sync boxes. The last update for the security cameras occurred at the beginning of May 2025, which focused on enhancing battery performance. Meanwhile, the HDMI sync box got its last update at the end of April, which included various bug fixes and improvements.

    Recent Updates for Secure Cameras

    The new version 1.2.32.976160 for Philips Hue Secure Cameras has now been launched. This update aims to fix a problem where certain events captured by the camera were not available. However, Philips Hue has not disclosed how many users experienced this issue or the methods used to address it.

    HDMI Sync Box Changes

    For the Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box, the firmware version 2.5.3 is now available for both the 4K and 8K models (currently priced at $349.99 on Amazon). This update comes with a brief change log. Philips Hue mentions “general bug fixes and improvements,” but no further specifics were shared.

    Rollout and User Recommendations

    Typically, Philips Hue updates are released in stages, allowing all users to receive them over a few days. The updates for both the Philips Hue Secure Cameras and HDMI sync boxes should be installed automatically. Users are encouraged to verify that they have enabled automatic updates in the Philips Hue app, which can be found under Settings > Software update > Automatic update.

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  • Philips Hue AI Assistant Now Available for App Users

    Philips Hue AI Assistant Now Available for App Users

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Philips Hue AI assistant is now rolling out to select users in the Benelux area (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg).
    2. Currently, the assistant is only available for English-speaking customers.
    3. The AI assistant is free and located in the Home tab of the Philips Hue app, integrating with the existing search function.
    4. Users can create custom lighting scenes using voice or text commands and provide feedback on AI suggestions.
    5. Philips Hue plans to expand the AI assistant’s availability to other countries soon but has not specified a timeline.


    The Philips Hue AI assistant has started to roll out to select users. This feature was initially revealed in January 2025, and an icon related to it briefly appeared in version 5.38.1 of the Philips Hue app for iOS.

    Availability in Benelux

    Philips Hue has confirmed through its social media that the AI assistant is currently accessible to customers in the Benelux area, which includes Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. At this point, it is only available for customers who speak English.

    Features of the Assistant

    The Philips Hue AI-powered assistant is free to use and can be found in the Home tab, where it merges with the existing search function. This new feature lets users create lighting effects that match their mood or activities. It can locate existing lighting scenes or develop custom scenes using voice or text commands. Some example commands are “Set good makeup lighting”, “What’s the best scene for spring?”, and “Which scene should I set for dinner?”.

    Users have the option to give feedback on the AI’s suggestions through like and dislike buttons. Additionally, the company advises users to “use responsibly” and cautions against sharing any personal data. In a recent post on its Instagram, Philips Hue mentioned that they plan to expand availability to other countries “soon”. However, they haven’t provided a specific timeline for this rollout.

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  • Philips Hue Alexa Integration Issue Confirmed by Signify

    Philips Hue Alexa Integration Issue Confirmed by Signify

    Key Takeaways

    1. Philips Hue is experiencing integration issues with Amazon Alexa, affecting voice command functionality for smart home devices.
    2. Many users report that some Philips Hue devices are unresponsive or have limited control, with no error messages provided.
    3. Signify, the company behind Philips Hue, has acknowledged the problem but claims it affects only a “small number” of customers.
    4. The company is working with Amazon to resolve the issue, but no timeline for a fix has been provided.
    5. Affected users are encouraged to contact Philips Hue customer support for assistance, and a Philips Hue Bridge v2 is recommended, though some users report functioning without it.


    Philips Hue has acknowledged an issue related to its integration with Amazon Alexa. This integration is intended to let users manage their smart home devices using voice commands from Amazon Alexa. For instance, you can remotely turn lights on or off, or modify the brightness or color of bulbs like the White and Color Ambiance E26 (currently priced at $43.99 on Amazon).

    Users Report Problems

    Many users have been reporting difficulties with the Philips Hue Alexa Skill for a while now. Some Philips Hue devices are completely unresponsive, while others can be controlled but with some limitations. This issue seems to have come out of nowhere, without any error messages appearing in the Alexa application or on devices that support Alexa. Furthermore, users have noted that reconnecting Philips Hue with Alexa does not resolve the problem.

    Company Acknowledgment

    A recent article by Golem.de reveals that Signify, the firm that oversees Philips Hue, has confirmed that the link between Philips Hue smart products and Alexa is indeed malfunctioning in certain situations. They assert that only a “small number” of customers are experiencing this issue, though they did not provide any specific figures. Reportedly, the company has indicated it is collaborating with Amazon to find a solution. However, there is no timeline available for when users might expect a resolution.

    Customer Support Options

    If you are one of the customers facing this issue, it is advisable to reach out to the Philips Hue customer service department. It’s also important to mention that while Amazon recommends having a Philips Hue Bridge v2 to utilize this skill, many users say they can still operate Alexa without needing the hub.

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  • Philips Hue App Update Enhances Smart Lighting Setup Process

    Philips Hue App Update Enhances Smart Lighting Setup Process

    Key Takeaways

    1. Philips Hue app version 5.43.0 has been released for iOS, following version 5.42.0.
    2. New feature allows motion-activated lighting setup during the onboarding of Philips Hue smart cameras.
    3. Enhancements made for adding new accessories like switches or sensors, with automatic suggestion to create a zone.
    4. Users can later hide created zones by editing their home dashboard.
    5. Availability of these features for the Android version of the app is still uncertain.


    A recent update to the Philips Hue app for iOS has been launched. The new version, 5.43.0, comes out just weeks after version 5.42.0. The earlier version introduced modifications for the Home on/off switch and for various scenes.

    New Features for Camera Users

    According to the notes for version 5.43.0, there is a notable change for those using Philips Hue smart cameras, like the Secure Wired desktop camera, which currently retails for $99.99 on Amazon. Users can now configure motion-activated lighting when initially setting up the camera. This feature has existed for a while but was not included in the camera’s onboarding process until now.

    Enhancements for Accessory Setup

    Additionally, there is an improvement for those adding new accessories such as switches or sensors. Previously, these devices would not automatically link to a zone or room, limiting their usefulness. Now, there is an automatic suggestion to create a zone, which helps to eliminate this issue. Philips Hue indicates that users can later hide these zones by editing their home dashboard.

    You can obtain the Philips Hue app version 5.43.0 from the Apple App Store. It remains uncertain when these features will be available for the Philips Hue app on Android. The last update for the Android version was 5.42.0, which was released on May 14th.

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  • Xiaomi Smart LED Bulb: Affordable, Matter Support & 16M Colors

    Xiaomi Smart LED Bulb: Affordable, Matter Support & 16M Colors

    Key Takeaways

    1. Affordable Pricing: The Xiaomi Smart LED Bulb is priced at €12.99, making it a budget-friendly alternative to Philips Hue’s similar product priced at approximately $41.

    2. Energy Efficiency: The bulb uses only 8.5 watts while providing a brightness of up to 806 lumens.

    3. Color Variety: It can adjust color temperature from 2700K to 6500K and offers up to 16 million color options by mixing primary colors.

    4. Easy Installation: Designed for E27 sockets, the bulb fits into any standard fixture that accommodates a regular E27 bulb.

    5. User-Friendly Connectivity: It has a built-in WiFi module, eliminating the need for a separate hub, and supports Matter for integration with various smart home devices.


    Lighting plays a vital role in smart homes. While Philips Hue from Signify is a popular option, there are plenty of other brands providing similar lighting solutions. One of these brands is Xiaomi, who has recently introduced their new Smart LED Bulb (White and Color) in Europe.

    Pricing and Availability

    You can now purchase this new smart LED bulb from Xiaomi Germany at a suggested retail price of €12.99 (approximately $15). This makes it a much cheaper alternative compared to the Philips Hue White & Color Ambiance E27, which is currently priced at nearly $41 on Amazon. The Xiaomi smart LED is designed for E27 sockets, allowing it to fit in any fixture that can hold a regular E27 bulb. The dimensions of the LED bulb are 4.5 x 2.4 inches.

    Energy Efficiency and Features

    Xiaomi claims this energy-saving LED bulb uses only 8.5 watts while achieving a brightness of up to 806 lumens. In addition, the color temperature can be adjusted anywhere between 2700K and 6500K. By mixing its primary colors—red, green, blue, warm white, and cool white—this LED bulb can create a stunning variety of up to 16 million colors.

    User-Friendly Connectivity

    Differing from Philips Hue, the Xiaomi Smart LED Bulb (White and Color) does not need a separate hub. It features a built-in WiFi module, enabling it to connect directly with the Xiaomi Home app. Moreover, it supports Matter, which allows the Xiaomi smart LED to be integrated into a smart home ecosystem alongside devices from various other brands.

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  • Philips Hue App Update Introduces New User-Friendly Setting

    Key Takeaways

    1. Philips Hue app version 5.42.0 has been released for iOS users.
    2. Users can now choose to show or hide the Home on/off switch on the Home tab.
    3. The update simplifies scene creation with a new plus (+) icon for easy access.
    4. Users can browse the Scene Gallery, select favorites, or create/replicate scenes.
    5. The update is available on the Apple App Store, with no release date for the Android version yet.


    Philips Hue has rolled out a new update, version 5.42.0, for its app on iOS, making it accessible to users of their smart home products. This update follows version 5.40, while it appears that version 5.41 was skipped. The previous update reportedly provided several bug fixes and improvements to stability.

    Changes in the Latest Update

    With the release of version 5.42.0, there are two notable updates for Philips Hue smart home users. First, it now offers the option to show or hide the Home on/off switch on the Home tab. This can be handy if you often find yourself accidentally turning off all the lights in your house. To implement this change, navigate to Settings > App preferences.

    Enhanced Scene Creation

    Additionally, the release notes mention that creating a Scene has been made simpler. A new plus (+) icon is now present in either a Room or Zone, allowing you to either browse the Scene Gallery or select from your favorite Scenes. You also have the capability to develop your own scene or replicate a scene from a different room.

    You can obtain the Philips Hue app version 5.42.0 for iOS through the Apple App Store. It remains uncertain when this update will be available for Android users of the Philips Hue app, which was last updated on April 15th.

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