FabianThere are already a number of ways to control the smart lamps from Philips Hue. Via app, automation, voice control or with smart accessories such as the Hue dimmer switch or the Hue motion sensor. There could soon be a magical new alternative to the motion sensor – and Philips Hue smart lamps will be at the centre of this.
WiZ, Philips Hue's sister brand in the Signify Group, launched a very similar function last year: SpaceSense. Is Philips Hue now simply copying this idea? At least from the information available to me, I know that they have been working on the function for several years.
The technical functionality is probably quite similar to SpaceSence, with the big difference of course that the basis is not WLAN but ZigBee. SpaceSence from WiZ relies on WLAN sensors and describes the technology as follows: “It uses the WiFi waves already present in most households to detect movement based on the interference caused by the presence of people.”
Movements of pets could also be recognised
The new motion detection by Hue lamps will certainly not work in all of your rooms. It can be assumed, for example, that several lamps must be present in a room in order to activate the feature at all. A certain distance between the lamps is also likely to be necessary so that the ZigBee signal can be “disturbed” by movements between the lamps.
The following two graphics show what this looks like at WiZ:
In comparison with a motion sensor, one detail in particular is likely to be very exciting: The sensitivity of the motion detection. With SpaceSense, it can be set so that pets, for example, do not switch on the light.
Unfortunately, I am not yet aware when exactly Philips Hue will officially present this new feature. A presentation around the Consumer Electronics Show, which takes place at the beginning of January 2024, is imaginable. Philips Hue has already presented the Sync app for Samsung televisions at CES this year.
Philips Hue Motion Sensor
$44.99 / £39.99 / €44,99
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This would be great if it worked so we could get rid of some switches to alleviate the accessory limit of the hubs.
I wish the Infuse and Xamento ceiling lamps had a built-in motion detector. Preferably a mmWave radar like the Aqara FP2 Presence Sensor. The ceiling is the perfect place for a motion detector.
I also wish Philips would make a ceiling light with a fan.
The images you are referring to are sourced from WiZ connected lighting, available at https://www.wizconnected.com. Kindly ensure that you respect the original source and refrain from misusing WiZ assets to create confusion between Hue and WiZ.