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I’d actually already had the new Philips Hue kitchen lighting on my list for September, but that didn’t pan out. The next launch window opens in January; Philips Hue typically unveils some new products at CES in Las Vegas. For me, kitchen lighting is now at the very top of my list, because last week new product pages briefly went live on the Philips Hue website.
A new Philips Hue product in November? While this may sound unusual at first, it’s easily explained. The Philips Hue Dual Slim Downlight, now available in two different sizes, was actually announced back in September—though only as a side note in a press release for the North American market. The product wasn’t shown at all at the major Hue event in Berlin, so it had actually flown a bit under the radar until now.
In early September, Philips Hue introduced Custom AI Behaviors, a new feature designed to make many settings both simpler and more comprehensive. The feature was actually supposed to launch about four weeks ago, but after a slight delay, it’s finally here. The required update to version 6.4.0 of the Philips Hue app is already available in the Apple App Store, and the update should be coming soon to the Google Play Store.
Amazon has expanded the Echo ecosystem a bit further today with the introduction of the new Echo Time. It’s essentially an upgraded Echo Spot, with a display that now spans virtually the entire front panel. The Echo Time is available in three different colors—Graphite, Coral Pink, and White—for 214.99 euros.
Just the day before yesterday, I was able to announce that the Custom AI Behaviors—announced in early September—would launch with a slight delay. Instead of early October, they are now scheduled to launch next week. The corresponding firmware update for the Hue Bridge Pro is already being rolled out. Philips Hue is now making software version 6.3.2071556020 available for download.
The Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box has been around for a few years now. Following the launch of the expensive 8K model—which costs a hefty 349.99 euros—and the discontinuation of its direct predecessor, I’ve already said: There’s something missing for beginners. And that’s exactly what Philips Hue is now delivering with the new Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 4K.
A few days ago, I took a detailed look at the Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip Pro, designed to be mounted behind the TV. Today, we’re taking a look at the next new gadget the manufacturer launched in September. With the Philips Hue Play Screen Sync, there’s now also a camera that can be used to detect what’s on the screen and then control the lights accordingly.
Earlier this month, Philips Hue unveiled two new light strips for TVs: the Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip (buy now), based on the Flux light strip, and the Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip Pro (buy now), based on the OmniGlow light strip. I’ve already taken a look at the Pro version and tested it on my TV.
Following the launch of the more affordable table and floor lamps from the Play series, Philips Hue introduced three new additions to the Signe family in early September. The table and floor lamps in this series have been with us for several years now. Joining the lineup are a light pole that leans against the wall, a ceiling light, and a hanging light.
Apparently, they couldn’t quite agree on a name. On the packaging, this little gadget is called the “Philips Hue Wall Light Module,” while on Amazon it’s listed as the “Philips Hue Wall Light Controller.” And then there’s also the name “Hue x Nanoleaf Controller” floating around. I think the latter provides the most accurate description of the new product.
Fabian