Tag: Smart Home Automation

  • Philips Hue App Update: New Tool for Better Organization

    Philips Hue App Update: New Tool for Better Organization

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Philips Hue iOS app has been updated to version 5.36.0, the first update of the month.
    2. New features include improved organization tools for user scenes, allowing users to group and ungroup scenes easily.
    3. Users need a Hue Bridge to set up multiple Rooms in the app.
    4. Future updates may enhance search capabilities, potentially allowing QR code scanning instead of using serial numbers.
    5. The release date for a similar update on Android is currently unknown.


    The Philips Hue iOS application has been refreshed to version 5.36.0. This update marks the first for the smart home app this month. It comes after version 5.34.0, which was released in late January and introduced the Arming schedule Automation. The reason behind the absence of version 5.35 from public release is still unknown.

    New Organizational Features

    The latest Philips Hue app version 5.36 introduces a new tool for organizing user scenes. According to the release notes, users can now shift grouped scenes into a different group. In addition, there’s an option to ungroup these scenes. To use this feature, simply click on the three dots icon in any Room within the app. Just a reminder, you need a Hue Bridge (curr. $42 at Amazon) to set up multiple Rooms.

    Upcoming Enhancements

    There are rumors that Philips Hue is aiming to improve the app’s search capabilities. It appears that the upcoming features may allow users to scan a QR code instead of having to search for a serial number. However, it’s still uncertain when this enhancement will be available for users. You can download the Philips Hue app version 5.36 for iOS from the Apple App Store. It’s also unclear when a similar update will be launched for Android users.

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  • Xiaomi Introduces People Presence Sensor

    Xiaomi Introduces People Presence Sensor

    Xiaomi has introduced a new sensor on its Youpin crowdfunding platform known as the “Xiaomi People’s Presence Sensor,” designed to accurately detect human presence without the need for installation or direct power supply. The official launch date for this sensor is May 15th, and it will be priced starting at 119 yuan.

    Xiaomi People Presence Sensor Specifications

    One notable feature that sets this sensor apart from Xiaomi’s previous model, the “Mijia Human Body Sensor 2S,” is the incorporation of a “low-power millimeter wave radar.” This technology enables a wider detection angle of 130 degrees and can detect human presence dynamically within a 6-meter range, with static detection capabilities up to 4 meters.

    Advanced Features and Connectivity

    The sensor is promoted as having the capability to accurately sense people even when they are stationary, as long as there is consistent lighting in the vicinity. Powered by a single CR2450 button battery, Xiaomi asserts that the sensor can operate for up to 3 years. It is equipped with built-in magnets for easy attachment to furniture and includes an adhesive base for flexible installation options.

    Smart Home Integration and Applications

    By connecting the sensor to the Mijia App, users can monitor 24-hour light intensity trends and establish smart connections with other compatible devices. This sensor can be particularly advantageous for smart home automation purposes. For example, users can configure lights to automatically illuminate when the sensor detects movement, offering a convenient and hands-free experience.

    Moreover, users can program lights to switch off when the sensor no longer detects any presence, contributing to energy efficiency. Additionally, the sensor can collaborate with a smart thermostat to regulate temperature settings based on occupancy, ensuring both comfort and energy conservation.

    If you are intrigued by the potential utility of this sensor in enhancing your living space, it presents a promising solution for integrating smart technologies seamlessly into your daily routines and enhancing overall convenience.


    Xiaomi Introduces People Presence Sensor