FabianPhilips Hue has kept its word. When the Hue Bridge Pro was launched in September, the manufacturer announced that it would be possible to migrate more than one bridge before the end of the year. With the update to version 5.57.0 of the Hue app and an accompanying firmware update for the control centers, this very feature was delivered. However, there are still a few issues that Philips Hue needs to address with the Hue Bridge Pro.
While the number of light bulbs was previously the major bottleneck, it is now the “rules”. Unlike with lamps or scenes, Philips Hue has not raised the limit here, which remains at 250 rules. With my two bridges, I am already using 81.2 percent of this capacity, while the maximum number of light bulbs is only 61 percent utilized (and 150 lamps are not even the hard limit).
But what are the rules all about? Each button assignment on a switch is a rule. And there are far more than just the four buttons on the Hue dimmer switch, for example, because multiple or long button presses require additional rules.
However, there are other areas where Philips Hue could improve. One example that comes to mind is the Hue Sync function, which is still limited to 10 lights and simultaneous syncing. A backup function is also long overdue, especially now with particularly large installations using the Hue Bridge Pro. Some new software features are set to be unveiled in January, and I’m curious to see exactly what we can expect.
Rules are definitely the bottleneck for me, too. I wanted to add a tap dial to my current setup but I met the rule maximum with that switch, so I am saving it for when I get the pro bridge
As far as I can tell rules seem to be used if you set up accessories using things like Hue Essentials or iConnectHue.
I recently added a new V2 dimmer switch and configuring it using the Hue app didn’t add any rules at all, but instead created a script on the bridge.
I’d say while some uses of Hue accessories still require more than can be achieved in the official app it has got much better
I’d still like extra space for rules as like you guys I’m also also close to the rules limit but I have managed to free up some space by reprogramming a couple of motion sensors using the Hue app freeing up some more space for rules.
The true problem is that the lights are still going on in the middle of the night. With the power outage setting enabled. With no third party stuff enabled. There is no way to assess history. Why did the lights go on? It’s still a superb dumb system. And it’s a pity that a big company can’t find the resources to make it truly amazing.
What about using multiple Hue Sync Boxes on a single bridge?
Currently, I have three Sync Boxes and still need to keep them on three separate bridges, as only one entertainment stream is supported per bridge.
Does anyone know whether support for multiple entertainment streams will be introduced on the Hue Bridge Pro?
As far as I understand, the Bridge Pro should be powerful enough to handle this kind of workload.