Tag: smart lights

  • Philips Hue Lucca: New Brighter Outdoor Smart Lights Coming Soon

    Philips Hue Lucca: New Brighter Outdoor Smart Lights Coming Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. New versions of the Philips Hue Lucca outdoor lights are coming soon, including path, pedestal, and wall lights.
    2. The updated Lucca lights are expected to feature Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance E27 bulbs, offering colorful lighting options.
    3. Brightness may increase from 800 lumens to up to 1,100 lumens in the new models.
    4. The new lights will likely be controlled through the Philips Hue app or voice commands, similar to existing models.
    5. An official announcement and release date for the new Lucca lights have not yet been made by Philips Hue.

    The Philips Hue Lucca smart lighting series is about to get a makeover. Currently, this collection includes three products: the Hue Lucca Outdoor pedestal light, the Hue Lucca Outdoor wall light, and the Hue Lucca Outdoor path light.

    New Versions on the Horizon

    According to a recent report from Hueblog.com, new iterations of the Philips Hue Lucca path light, pedestal light, and wall light are in the pipeline. The original versions come with E26 LED bulbs that shine with a brightness of up to 800 lumens. Some models of the Lucca lighting only offered white light. Rumors suggest that the upcoming Hue Lucca lights will feature Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance E27 bulbs. This update will not only introduce colorful lighting options but may also increase brightness to as much as 1,100 lumens.

    Possible Features of the New Models

    It remains uncertain if the Philips Hue Lucca outdoor smart lights will have any additional changes compared to their predecessors. They are likely to be operated through the Philips Hue app or via voice commands, similar to the earlier versions.

    Philips Hue has not yet made an official announcement regarding the new Lucca smart lighting options. Therefore, the release date is still unknown. For reference, the original Hue Lucca White and Color Ambiance Outdoor Wall Light is priced at $99.99 (Amazon). Philips Hue is also updating the Flourish table lamp and the Hue Turaco outdoor wall light.

    Philips Hue, Hueblog.com

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  • New IKEA Varmblixt Smart Lights Coming Soon

    New IKEA Varmblixt Smart Lights Coming Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. IKEA will launch two smart Varmblixt lights in April 2026, expanding on the success of the 2023 donut-shaped light.
    2. The new smart table/wall lamp will have a matte white glass finish and offer twelve preset colors with adjustable brightness.
    3. Users can connect the smart table/wall lamp to the IKEA Dirigera hub for personalized lighting options.
    4. The pendant light version will feature multiple warm and cool white light shades while maintaining a similar design to the current model.
    5. Both new Varmblixt lights will include the IKEA Bilresa remote and support Matter for compatibility with various smart home systems.

    IKEA is set to introduce two innovative smart Varmblixt lights in 2026. This new line expands on the success of the donut-shaped light, which was developed with designer Sabine Marcelis and launched in 2023.

    New Smart Table/Wall Lamp

    The new intelligent version of the Varmblixt LED table and wall lamp is in the works. Unlike its previous version that features an orange glass exterior, the new model will showcase a matte white glass finish. It will have an integrated light source that provides twelve preset colors, smoothly transitioning from white to shades of pink, turquoise, and yellow. Users will be able to connect this smart lamp to the IKEA Dirigera hub, which allows for personalized light colors and brightness adjustments.

    Pendant Light Version

    The second smart offering from IKEA is a pendant light. It retains a similar design to the current LED pendant light but will now include a feature that changes through multiple warm and cool white light shades. Both of these new Varmblixt smart lights will be equipped with the IKEA Bilresa remote. Additionally, they will support Matter, enabling them to work with a wide variety of smart home systems.

    The launch for the IKEA Varmblixt smart table/wall lamp and smart pendant light is scheduled for April 2026. Nevertheless, the exact release date and pricing details for these smart home devices have not yet been revealed by the company.

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  • Philips Ambilight TVs with Roku OS and Immersive Backlights

    Philips Ambilight TVs with Roku OS and Immersive Backlights

    Key Takeaways

    1. Philips offers Ambilight smart TVs with built-in LED strips, eliminating the need for separate LED strip installations.
    2. The Philips 7875 Series Ambilight TVs come in four sizes: 43”, 50”, 55”, and 65”, all featuring Roku OS.
    3. Ambilight technology enhances viewing experience and reduces eyestrain by balancing light contrast between bright and dark images.
    4. The TVs support various streaming services and will receive a future update in Q1 2026, adding new features like Ambilight audio mode.
    5. Pricing starts at $229 for the 43” model, with availability at Sam’s Club, which is owned by Walmart.

    Philips is well-known for its Hue smart lighting products, which also feature strip lights designed for TVs. But if you want to skip the trouble of connecting an LED strip to your television, Philips has a solution with its Ambilight smart TV series that come with built-in LED strips.

    Size Options Available

    The Philips 7875 Series Ambilight TV comes in sizes of 43”, 50”, 55”, and 65”. All models come equipped with Roku OS right out of the box. Philips claims that the dynamic LED lighting of Ambilight not only elevates your viewing experience but also minimizes eyestrain and fatigue. This is achieved by easing the contrast between brightly lit images and dark backgrounds.

    Compatibility and Future Updates

    Ambilight is compatible with various streaming services, live television channels, and gaming consoles. It also functions when showcasing artworks and photos through Roku Backdrops. Furthermore, Philips has announced an update set to release in Q1 2026 that will introduce Ambilight audio mode and standby mode.

    Technical Specifications

    In terms of specifications, all four TV models feature an LED panel with a 4K resolution, a 120 PMR (perfect motion rate), and a 178º viewing angle. They support HDR10 and HLG, except for the 43-inch version. Each TV is equipped with stereo speakers that include Dolby Atmos, four HDMI ports (with eARC/ARC), and a single USB 2.0 port. Additional ports include an Ethernet port, an optical audio port, an audio jack, and an aerial input.

    Pricing and Availability

    The pricing for the Philips 7875 Series Ambilight TV starts at $229 for the 43” model, $259 for the 50” model, $329 for the 55” model, and $389 for the 65” model. These TVs are available for purchase both online and in-store exclusively at Sam’s Club, which is owned by Walmart.

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  • Philips Hue App Update Enhances Smart Light Reconnection Process

    Philips Hue App Update Enhances Smart Light Reconnection Process

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Philips Hue app version 5.47 has been released, focusing on improving user experience.
    2. Users can now easily reconnect unreachable devices through a guided settings page.
    3. The app allows users to verify power connections and reconnect devices via QR code or manual search.
    4. The app version is currently available on the Apple App Store, with an Android version coming soon.
    5. Recent updates have also been made for Philips Hue lamps, light fixtures, and the Philips Hue Bridge.

    A new release of the Philips Hue app is now available for the smart home brand’s customers. The latest version, 5.47, is the second update for July 2025, following version 5.46, which included small bug fixes and enhancements for stability.

    Enhanced User Experience

    The Philips Hue app in version 5.47 brings valuable updates for those using the brand’s smart lighting solutions. If a device becomes unreachable, users can now access the settings page to find guidance on how to reconnect it. When a light is disconnected, users can go to the device settings by selecting the product card, clicking on (…) > Light Settings > Reconnect. This will prompt users to verify the power connection. If everything checks out, users can proceed with the reconnection process, either by scanning a QR code or searching for the device manually. Once reconnected, the device is supposed to keep its previous configurations.

    Download Availability

    You can download the Philips Hue app version 5.47 from the Apple App Store right now, while an Android version is anticipated to be available soon on the Google Play Store. Additionally, there has been a recent update for various Philips Hue lamps and light fixtures, along with an upgrade for users of the Philips Hue Bridge, which is currently priced at $50.65 on Amazon.

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    Philips Hue App Update Enhances Smart Light Reconnection Process

     

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  • iConnectHue Update: Enhanced Switch Editor for Philips Hue

    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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  • Govee Curtain Lights 2: Now with GIF Display Feature Available

    Govee Curtain Lights 2: Now with GIF Display Feature Available

    The Govee Curtain Lights 2 have officially been released in various countries around the globe. These innovative indoor smart lights can showcase patterns and GIFs, allowing you to create the perfect ambiance. They come in three different sizes: 4.9ft x 6.6ft (1.5m x 2m), 9.8ft x 6.6ft (3m x 2m), and 14.8ft x 6.6ft (4.5m x 2m).

    Features and Connectivity

    Each version of the Govee Curtain Lights 2 is equipped with RGBIC LEDs, featuring 520 LEDs in the smallest size, 1,040 in the medium model, and 1,560 in the largest option. With Bluetooth connectivity, users can manage the lights remotely through the Govee app, which allows for the uploading of images and GIFs to be displayed on the curtains. Additionally, you can utilize AI to create effects based on your input or select from over 200 preset scene modes, including eight that can synchronize with music. These lights are also Matter compatible and can respond to voice commands from Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Notably, there is a themed version based on ‘The Wild Robot’ in the smallest size, which will feature special effects linked to the film through an over-the-air update at an unspecified time in the future.

    Pricing and Availability

    All three sizes of the Govee Curtain Lights 2 are now on sale in the US, with the smallest option priced at $149.99. The two larger variants are currently available at promotional prices of $219.99 (originally $259.99) and $339.99 (originally $399.99). In the UK, the two smaller models are priced at £149.99 and £259.99. Customers in the EU can acquire these products for €149.99, €259.99, and €399.99. The Wild Robot edition is priced at $149.99 in the US and €149.99 in the EU.

    Govee continues to innovate in the smart lighting space, offering unique solutions that blend technology with creativity.

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