It is only through the numerous applications from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store that Philips Hue has become what it is today. Here you’ll find the best apps for your smart light.
In recent months, Philips Hue has released a new update every two or three weeks at the latest. Since the update to version 5.6 in mid-December, however, things have become quieter. Instead, version 5.7 has now been skipped and the update to version 5.8 has been released straight away. Although the Hue app has not been completely overhauled over the holidays, we can still look forward to some new functions.
It’s not a big surprise and it was already announced. But I don’t want to withhold this little announcement from you, because then we can put the issue to bed. Philips Hue has recently removed the Hue Bluetooth app and the Hue Sync app from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
Secretly, quietly and silently, Philips Hue has brought its Christmas scenes back to the Philips Hue app. As I have been asked about this several times over the past few weeks, I didn’t want to withhold this little hint from you. As always, the Christmas scenes can be found in the Hue light scenes gallery directly in the Hue app.
Controlling the Hue lamps directly with the mouse and keyboard is a very pleasant thing, especially when you’re sitting at your desk at home. I’ve already introduced you to a few options, such as We Love Lights, a nifty little app for the Mac. If you don’t want to spend any money, there is now another alternative.
Just a fortnight ago, iConnectHue delivered an update that, among other things, provided initial rudimentary support for the Hue contact sensor. Now developer Stefan Göhler has already released the next update. His premium app iConnectHue is now available in version 5.2 for iPhone and iPad. If you use iConnectHue in combination with music, you can now enjoy an improved strobe light that offers more speed and dynamics.
As I announced last week, Philips Hue is introducing new functions for the Hue dimmer switch and the Hue Smart Button. After a few users have already been able to try out the new options, they are now being officially rolled out with the update to app version 5.5.0. The official update description from Philips Hue states: “You can now customize your dimmer switches and smart buttons with up to 10 different time slots, your choice of up to 10 scenes to cycle through, the Natural light scene, and more for even more control.
I expressed this wish to Hue inventor George Yianni quite a while ago, and now my three Christmas fairy lights in the garden have reminded me again: Why does the light actually look the same every evening? This is how Philips Hue currently works: You switch on the light, such as the Hue Festavia in the garden, automatically.
Even though Philips Hue has integrated several new functions into its app in recent months, not all of the possibilities offered by the system are utilised by any means. For extensive installations, especially in combination with switches and sensors, I therefore recommend taking a look at iConnectHue. You can currently get the app for iPhone and iPad for less – and that’s actually relatively rare.
I was able to draw your attention to this upcoming innovation back in September. Now Philips Hue has apparently started to slowly roll out the new functions. I have discovered the first comments from the community both on social networks and here in the comments. Specifically, it’s about the Hue Smart Button and the Hue Dimmer Switch, both of which have been available on the market for some time.
When it comes to configuring accessories for Philips Hue, I have sworn by iConnectHue for years. The application for iPhone and iPad gives you far more options than the official Philips Hue app. With the update to version 5.1, developer Stefan Göhler once again delivers new functions – with the Philips Hue Secure contact sensor taking centre stage.
Fabian