Hueblog: Hue manufacturer launches new Skylight and forgets smart connectivity

Hue manufacturer launches new Skylight and forgets smart connectivity

Natural daylight indoors

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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.

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Over the last few years, I've become a real expert when it comes to Hue & HomeKit. I now have over 50 lamps and numerous switches in use. I'm happy to share my experiences with you in my little blog.

Comments 6 replies

  1. That’s a shame. I would have bought two straight away if they were Hue compatible

  2. Over here in The Netherlands, Philips/Signify mentioned on their Dutch (original) website, that the Skylight will be availbale in The Netherlands as from june 2026.

    At this moment no Dutch webshop offers the Skylight yet, also no pre-order option, or any product picture.

    Personally I miss a 60x60cm (59,5x59m5cm) model for recessed office ceilings. Like 60x60cm LED panels.

    There are some Chinese brands who sell natural skylight panels for quite some time already. Even the old Philips factory “Opple” (Old Philips People Love Eindhoven) has some models, costing quite a bit…

  3. I would want it in the Hue system as well, but I get where they’re coming from just like many other “skylight” systems. It’s meant to be on all the time like a circadian set and forget 24/7. I just wish we could actually see how it looks and works. All the videos are just AI garbage which makes me think it’s not that impressive, nor a quality LCD panel for the sky illusion and light source.

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