FabianOver the past few weeks, quite a few leaks have surfaced, and overall, we can say that many of them turned out to be accurate. Only the Hue Go XXL and the kitchen lighting were not officially confirmed by Philips Hue today. In addition to the new hardware, we can also look forward to new software features, including the long-awaited “Backup & Restore.” However, this is still something to take with a grain of salt for now.
All the details on the Philips Hue Bridge’s backup feature
There was hardly a bigger software request from the community—and Philips Hue has finally listened. You’ll have to be patient until the first backup, though, because Philips Hue also lets us know: “The ‘Backup & Restore’ feature is currently in development and will be introduced at a later date.” Exactly when remains completely unclear for now.
But here’s what we already know: Personal settings like light scenes and automations can be backed up to the Hue Cloud via the Hue Bridge and the Hue Bridge Pro. Initially, restoring a saved configuration will only be possible via the Hue Bridge Pro.
Also new: Custom AI Behaviors and Sonos integration
A new software feature for the Hue Bridge Pro, called Custom AI Behaviors, is expected to launch as early as the beginning of October. Complex automations can then be easily created in the Hue app via chat or voice command.
By combining information about the trigger (for example: someone opens the door), the prevailing conditions (the sun has already set), and the specific lighting action (the hallway light should turn on in warm white), the AI assistant creates automations that couldn’t previously be configured via the Hue app.
Sonos integration for the Hue switches was also officially announced. You can freely assign functions to the buttons—for example, to start or pause music playback, adjust the volume using the Tap Dial Switch’s rotary knob, or skip to the next track on the playlist—without having to open an app.
The New Hardware at a Glance
Before we take a closer look at the individual new releases over the next few weeks, here’s a quick rundown of all the new products.
With the Hue Wall Light Module for 39.99 euros, Nanoleaf Shapes (Hexagon, Triangle, and Mini Triangle) can be easily integrated into the Hue app and controlled just like a Hue light.
Hue Wall Light Module for Nanoleaf Shapes
$39.99 / €39.99
The Philips Hue Play Screen Sync, priced at 119.99 euros, is a small TV camera that analyzes the screen and synchronizes Hue lights—as an alternative to the well-known Hue Sync Box. Since Screen Sync reacts immediately to what’s on the screen, it can synchronize the lighting with all TV content—whether it’s live TV, an HDMI device is connected, or a TV app is being used.
Hue Play Screen Sync
$119.99 / €119.99
Also new is the Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 4K, priced at 149.99 euros, which features an HDMI input and serves as an affordable alternative to the expensive Sync Box 8K.
Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 4K
$149.99 / €149.99
To complement these, there are new light strips designed for TV mounting: The Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip and the Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip Pro can be cut to size to fit any TV size (up to 100 inches) perfectly. Prices start at 99.99 euros.
Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip Pro
from $179.99 / €159.99
The new Philips Hue Liane 360° rope light is based on advanced OmniGlow technology, which enables exceptionally even lighting and smooth color transitions. Available in lengths of three or five meters (starting at 399.99 euros), the light strip can be mounted on walls or ceilings, draped over furniture, and wrapped around architectural elements.
Hue Liane 360° Rope Light
from $399.99 / €399.99
The Hue Signe portfolio is being expanded to include the new horizontally suspended Signe Pendant, the vertically suspended Signe Pendulum, and the Signe Pole light. Prices start at 299.99 euros.
Hue Gradient Signe Pendant
€399.99
Hue Gradient Signe Pendulum
€349.99
Hue Gradient Signe Pole
€299.99
The Festavia family is being expanded with three new variants: a light curtain, a light net for bushes and hedges, and the popular icicle shape, which is particularly well-suited for balconies and roof edges. All models cost 229.99 euros.
Hue Festavia Curtain
$249.99 / €229.99
With the OmniGlow Outdoor Lightstrip – available in three sizes – Philips Hue is expanding its
portfolio, starting at 199.99 euros, to include the first premium outdoor lightstrip that can be cut to size and features advanced OmniGlow technology.
Hue OmniGlow Outdoor Lightstrip
from $229.99 / €199.99
In addition, Philips Hue is launching a new line of affordable outdoor wall sconces and spotlights, available starting at 79.99 euros.
Hue Struana Spot
€79.99
Hue Semeru Wall Light
from €79.99
“can be cut to size to fit any TV size (up to 100 inches) perfectly”, however the box of the 65 inch versions says 55”-65”. Does this mean smaller TV sizes or even a pc monitor since that product didn’t get a refresh and is almost sold out everywhere, still can’t use these products and the any size is only between 55 inch and 100 inch?
As far as I understood you can also cut them shorter for smaller TVs or PC monitors.
Thank you for the answer. It gave me 1 more question, since the new Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip looks very similar to the Hue Flux Gradient Lightstrip, would it be possible to use the Flux connectors to reattach the cut off parts when you change to a different size tv?
No news on the rest of the bulbs (filament, spot, etc.) being upgraded to the latest hardware platform with direct Matter-over-Thread etc. as happened to the E27 last year?
Disappointingly the mounting system for the new Play gradients looks to be the more or less the same as before. Are the outer dimensions and total length of the strip (for a given size) the same as before? That is, can I drop-in replace a new Pro 65″ strip on the already fitted mounts of an “old” 65″ strip, or are the dimensions not quite the same so the mounts has to be replaced either way…
Also wondering how long the cutting zones are, for both the Pro and the new “standard” Play strip.
Found separate SKUs for the new mounts as spare parts on the Hue website, where better/larger pictures could be viewed. Looks like the new mounts are slightly different as the “angling” is now in the mount and the strip itself is flat, rather than the other way around where the old Play strips had a thick rounded/triangularish profile.
More questions regarding the new Play strips. Do they have more light zones than before or are they still the same, 3 up top and 2 on the sides? Are the zones still discrete or have they added any color blending between them?