Hue manufacturer launches new Skylight and forgets smart connectivity

About a year and a half ago, I visited Signify, the manufacturer of Philips Hue, in Eindhoven. While there, I had the opportunity to experience the Lighting Application Center—and saw a truly impressive ceiling light: the Philips Skylight with NatureConnect technology. A ceiling light that looks like a skylight.

Until now, this product was intended for professional settings, such as offices, lobbies, and medical practices. Now Signify has announced that the Skylight will also be made available to consumers. Four different models will be offered: the Philips Skylight Medium and Large, with or without VitaUp technology.

All models include a flat ceiling profile for surface mounting and a remote control. There are five preset lighting scenes and automatic adjustment of brightness and light color throughout the day. Thanks to IP44, the Philips Skylight can also be used in bathrooms or humid environments. The launch is set for later this month, with prices starting at 499.99 euros in Europe.

Signify has overlooked just one detail: The Philips Skylight is not a Philips Hue Skylight. There is no smart connectivity, no smart control. No Zigbee, no Wi-Fi, no Matter over Thread. The wall light switch is off-limits—control is intended only via the included remote control. We should definitely add a Hue version of this ceiling light to our wish list.

Like a skylight through which the sun shines

The Philips Skylight is capable of mimicking not only the brightness but also the various color nuances of daylight. This creates the impression that the sun is actually shining into the room. This is enhanced by the depth effect of the frame.

Thanks to automatic adjustment to the time of day, the Philips Skylight regulates brightness and light color independently according to a fixed schedule. Supported by the Philips BioUp LEDs inside the fixture, the light produces brighter, blue-enriched light during the day and warmer light in the evening.

The Philips Skylight family also includes the Philips Skylight VitaUp models. These feature an integrated UV-B module that promotes the body’s natural production of vitamin D indoors.