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In the first quarter of 2024, Philips Hue will definitely be launching a new product on the market: the Hue Secure Floodlight Camera. At a price of 349.99 euros, it is the most expensive camera that Philips Hue currently has in its portfolio. However, there are no big surprises, as it is actually just a combination of two other products.
It is one of the demands that Philips Hue users have repeatedly made: A backup function for the Bridge to be able to restore the installation that was set up with great care if the worst comes to the worst. I have never experienced a hardware defect that would make a backup necessary over the years, but you never know.
We have arrived in 2024 and hopefully Philips Hue will once again be launching numerous new products this year. But what exactly is coming? That’s still written in the stars. But I would still like to venture a small prediction. In any case, it will start with a product that was already announced last autumn.
Apple introduced a new HomeKit architecture this year with iOS 16.4. Apart from the fact that the iPad can no longer be used as a home hub, not much has changed in terms of handling the system. However, there is a big change in the interaction with Philips Hue. Pairing with HomeKit is now only possible if you use a home hub in the same network.
In September 2020, Philips Hue launched the first “Gradient” product on the market. The Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box, which was released in 2019, was followed by the Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip – a light strip for mounting behind the TV to create an Ambilight-like effect in combination with the Sync Box.
The Philips Hue Lightguide series was launched just over a year ago – if you can call it that. The Globe and Triangular versions were quickly discontinued due to quality problems, leaving only the Ellipse. And that’s exactly what Hueblog reader Tobi sent me a question about via Instagram: I would like to use a Hue Ellipse as a table lamp.
Light strips are a great thing and basically always work in the same way: you unroll them, stick them to a smooth surface and then enjoy the colourful light. And you can even extend the light strips, up to 10 metres in the case of Philips Hue, for example. However, both the Philips Hue Lightstrip Plus and the Philips Hue Ambiance Gradient Lightstrip have a problem: the power supply unit delivers a maximum of 20 watts and the maximum brightness remains identical.
The Philips Hue Play Gradient Light Tube is actually intended for installation under a TV that is already equipped with a Play Gradient Light Strip on the other three sides. However, the smart tube is versatile and also cuts a fine figure in the bedroom, for example. We’ve been using it in our son’s nursery since we switched to a new bed (again).
In my opinion, the Philips Hue wall switch module is one of the best accessories for the smart lighting system. It solves the problem of ceiling lighting being disconnected from the power supply and turns the classic switch on the wall, where everyone knows how to operate it, into a smart switch.
There are already a number of ways to control the smart lamps from Philips Hue. Via app, automation, voice control or with smart accessories such as the Hue dimmer switch or the Hue motion sensor. There could soon be a magical new alternative to the motion sensor – and Philips Hue smart lamps will be at the centre of this.
Fabian