Does Philips Hue need a presence sensor?

Yesterday I was a guest at Logitech in Munich. You’re probably wondering: What does this have to do with Philips Hue? Well, the two companies have launched a partnership. For some time now, you’ve been able to control Hue lights using the Logi Options+ software in conjunction with MX products. But that’s another story, which I’ll explain in more detail to you soon.

While talking with the lovely folks at Philips Hue, I was asked again which product I thought was still missing from their portfolio. Among other things, a presence sensor came to mind—like the ones already available from manufacturers such as Aqara or Meross.

Here are the current options

Currently, Philips Hue offers the well-known motion sensor, which is actually celebrating its tenth anniversary this September. It works with a passive infrared sensor that detects changes in heat within its field of view and then triggers the lights. The problem with this is that dogs and cats can also trigger the sensor. And if you don’t move enough, you’re invisible to the sensor.

As a second alternative, at least for the Hue Bridge Pro, there’s the new MotionAware feature. Here, using three or four Hue lights and radio signals, the system detects whether someone is moving between these lights. But even here, a simple, quiet presence cannot be detected, and the technology can’t be used in some rooms at all—for example, if only a ceiling light is in use.

These are the advantages of presence sensors

Unlike traditional PIR-based motion detectors, a presence sensor detects not only large movements but also very subtle changes in the room. As a result, the light stays on, for example, even when someone is sitting quietly at a desk, reading, or working. While a PIR sensor, as mentioned, primarily reacts to heat movements and quickly “stops detecting anything” during prolonged inactivity, modern presence sensors monitor the room much more precisely and continuously.

Many modern presence sensors use high-frequency or mmWave technology (millimeter-wave radar). This technology can detect even minimal movements, such as breathing or hand movements, and often works regardless of temperature differences or direct line of sight.

Are you interested in a Philips Hue presence sensor?

Personally, I’m convinced that upgrading the Philips Hue motion sensor to mmWave technology would be a really great idea. However, I haven’t heard any rumors in that direction yet. Maybe we can get the manufacturer to consider it together—feel free to leave a comment below and let us know if a Philips Hue presence sensor like this would be of interest to you…