FabianOne question has been asked again and again over the past few days, perhaps because of the announcement of the new Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 8K: When is the Hue Sync app finally coming to other TVs? A year and a half after its launch, the €129 application is still only available on Samsung televisions. It can be used to control Hue lamps to match the screen content and create Ambilight-like effects.
Philips Hue has not yet been able or willing to convince other manufacturers to use the Hue Sync app. And yet something is happening on the market, as Yeelight has now announced the first option for light synchronization of the TV without any additional aids such as a Sync Box or camera. The company has entered into a partnership with TV manufacturer Hisense.
Yeelight will not be limited to a light strip behind the TV, as announced at IFA 2024: “While most brands limit TV backlighting to light strips, Yeelight offers a wider choice with products such as the Yeelight Cube, the Beam RGBIC Light Bar and the Obsid Lightstrip. These options offer a richer, more dynamic synchronization experience.”
When will Philips Hue take the next step?
After the first test run with Samsung, Philips Hue now has two options in my view: Either they will increasingly rely on the HDMI Sync Box in the future to equip as many living rooms as possible with TV synchronization. Or they can enter into partnerships with other TV manufacturers before other lighting manufacturers suddenly want to get involved.
In my opinion, however, the full focus on the Sync Box looks different – because ultimately the Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 8K is not a major update with countless new features, but ultimately just a long overdue product update.
Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 8K
$349.99 / £299.99 / €349.99
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Do you happen to know when they may restock the 8K box for the states? I was on vacation in the woods when it released. It sold out before I got back in town as well as Best Buy.