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.
If you use an iPhone or iPad, the paid application iConnectHue (App Store link) is particularly useful for configuring switches and other accessory products. The industrious developer Stefan Göhler and his team constantly deliver new updates and functions. Since today, version 4.17 of the universal app for iPhone and iPad is available for download.
About a month ago I was able to report that Philips Hue is planning a member management for its Hue app. In future, a distinction is to be made between members and admins. Now the function has officially arrived in the Hue app. At least that’s what the manufacturer writes in the Discover section of the app: Manage access to your lights: Want to share access to your lights with other people?
Yesterday evening, Philips Hue released another update of its in-house application in the App Store. Version 4.37 is now available and it includes another feature for the Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box. “You can now set up Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa voice commands for the Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box in the Philips Hue app”, the update description for version 4.37 reads.
In contrast to many other smart home systems, Philips Hue has a decisive advantage: after connecting the bridge to the router at home, you can use the entire system, at least locally, without registering. No account needs to be created. “That’s the good thing about Hue, you don’t need to register for local use.
Just before Christmas, Philips Hue introduced a new scene: Natural Light. It automatically switches between individual scenes over a 24-hour period to give you the most appropriate light for the time of day. Philips Hue writes: “Start with bright, cool tones to energise you in the morning, and end the day with a warmer, golden hue to help you relax in the evening.”
Philips Hue has once again released a new update in the App Store. Version 4.35 of the official application for the smart lighting system is now available for download. Included is one small change in particular, which can prove to be quite practical. In the room and zone view, you can now create your own groups for scenes.
In my article “Philips Hue is working on member management” I already announced this feature, now Philips Hue seems to be pretty close to launch. After logging in with the web browser to account.meethue.com, you will already find a section called “My Homes” in the “My Philips Hue System” section, which shows the number of Hue Bridge and the number of members.
Just earlier this week I informed you that the Hue switches now also appear in the Alexa app as Smart Home devices. However, there wasn’t much you could do with the switches in the Alexa app yet. This has changed today, because the individual buttons of the switches can now be used as triggers for Alexa routines.
With the introduction of Matter, Philips Hue wants to finally change the course here sometime in spring, the story should be settled anyway. Perhaps they are already the harbingers. In the Alexa app, switches from Philips Hue are currently showing up, at least for the first time. So if you take a look at the devices section of the Alexa app and are surprised that suddenly numerous new devices have been found, then these could be accessories such as the Philips Hue dimmer switch or the Hue Tap Dial Switch.
Back in February 2020, I wrote an article about how Philips Hue desperately needed multi-user support. But even three years later, there is still no way to limit the rights of individuals. The basic framework of Philips Hue has always made it so that control is only from one “account”.
Fabian