FabianIn September, Philips Hue will launch some new products, besides the completely new security system and the second generation of the Philips Hue Festavia string lights, there will also be new spots. With them, Philips Hue will close a gap in its own product range, because until now, spots were only available with GU10 sockets.
The new models rely on the comparable MR16 design, but are equipped with a GU5.3 socket with two smaller pins. In addition, the power supply is not 230 volts directly from the household mains, but 12 volts with an external transformer. You can see a direct comparison in the following graphic.
Even before the official announcement, I can provide you with the first product photos and technical data thanks to the kind help of an online retailer in Austria. The new GU5.3 spots by Philips Hue will achieve a maximum brightness of 400 lumens at 4,000 Kelvin, which makes them even a bit brighter than the comparable GU10 spots. Otherwise, the technical data of the two expected models differ only slightly from each other.
- Hue GU5.3 White Ambiance: 2,200 to 6,500 Kelvin, 39 degree beam angle
- Hue GU5.3 White and Color Ambiance: 2,000 to 6,500 Kelvin, 37 degree beam angle
A simple Hue White variant of the GU5.3 spots will not be available at the launch of the new 12-volt series. As usual, the models are equipped with Bluetooth and ZigBee, so there are no surprises in this respect. Unfortunately, the colour versions in particular will be anything but cheap, especially since several spots are usually used at the same time. Here is an overview of the prices.
This is how expensive the new 12-volt spots from Philips Hue will be
- Hue White Ambiance 12V GU5.3 Spot for 39,95 Euro
- Hue White Ambiance 12V GU5.3 Spot Twin Pack for 64,95 Euro
- Hue White and Color Ambiance 12V GU5.3 Spot for 64,95 Euro
- Hue White and Color Ambiance 12V GU5.3 Spot Twin Pack for 109,95 Euro
After the official announcement around the electronics trade fair IFA in Berlin, which starts at the turn of the month, I expect sales to start around mid-September.
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do we know dimensions on the bulbs (either model)?
If you look at the bulb in the pic while it’s next to the current gu10 bulb it looks a bit smaller so if you have a gu10 bulb or can go to a retailer and physically see and hold or touch one then you can compare it that way just fyi
MR16’s and GU10’s are International standard size so philips will not be changing the standard, and you can assume them to be more or less the same.
Hi Fabian!
Is this 12v AC or DC?
I was hoping this would finally allow me to have Philips hue on my boat which as 12dc supply at the lights.
As far as I know, AC and DC is working both.