Tag: Philips Hue

  • 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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    Philips Hue App Update Enhances Smart Lighting Setup Process

     

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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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  • New Philips Hue Aurelle Smart Ceiling Lights at Lower Prices Soon

    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.

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  • Philips Hue Update Enhances Battery Life for Smart Cameras

    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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    Philips Hue Update Enhances Battery Life for Smart Cameras

     

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  • WiZ HDMI Sync Box Launches at Half the Price of Philips Hue

    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.

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