Do you have to pay for the new Hue MotionAware?

It was announced several months ago that Philips Hue was working on an adaptation of SpaceSense. The light bulbs from sister brand WiZ have been able to be used as motion sensors for some time now. With the new Hue MotionAware, this is now also possible with 95 percent of all Philips Hue lights. One question I have seen particularly often in recent days is: Does Hue MotionAware cost anything?

There is no clear yes or no answer to this question – it always depends on which features you want to use. First, the good news: if you want to use Hue MotionAware to automatically turn on your Hue lights when motion is detected, then it is indeed free of charge.

In this case, Hue MotionAware costs something

However, if you want to use the motion areas created in the Hue app for MotionAware with Hue Secure, for example to send notifications when motion is detected, you need a Hue Secure subscription. In addition to the basic subscription for €39 and the Plus subscription for €99.99 per year, there will soon be a 99-cent subscription for Hue Secure without a camera.

However, you won’t be able to use it without making any investment at all. You will need a new Hue Bridge Pro to use Hue MotionAware. The old bridge does not have enough power.

Hue Bridge Pro

$98.99 / €89.99

The next generation of the Hue smart hub. Powered by a chip that’s capable of running complex algorithms and AI-powered features, it’s faster and stronger than ever. Turn your lights into motion sensors with MotionAware, use your security and lights together, and more.

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More exciting details about Hue MotionAware

In principle, MotionAware also works with two lights, but it is said to be less reliable and accurate. Philips Hue recommends at least three lights for a motion area.

Like the two Hue Go models, the Hue Smart Plug is not compatible with MotionAware. Some first-generation products, which are now over ten years old, are also not supported by MotionAware. They simply don’t have enough storage space.

Unlike previous Philips Hue motion sensors, which rely on infrared technology, the wireless Zigbee signals can also penetrate objects. This allows MotionAware to detect movement behind furniture.

Motion sensors and cameras can be used together with MotionAware in one area, including for brightness detection. MotionAware cannot do this.

MotionAware actually increases the power consumption of Hue lights. According to Philips Hue, standby consumption increases by around 1 percent. Once the lights are on, there is no measurable difference. Overall, MotionAware is therefore unlikely to have a significant impact.

If your pets accidentally trigger movements, you can adjust the sensitivity of MotionAware in the settings.