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.
Almost a month ago, iOS 17 was launched and Apple finally allows interactive widgets on the home screen. In a nutshell, this means that actions can now be performed in widgets without having to open the corresponding app. This is exactly why Philips Hue removed widgets from the iPhone and iPad a few years ago and has not yet presented a new solution.
In a little more than three weeks it will be time for Halloween. And what is still a relatively small affair here in Germany is celebrated in the USA, for example. Of course, you can provide the right lighting with Philips Hue. The Halloween scenes launched last year are now available again in the Philips Hue app.
I greet you one last time from Greece, which is quite windy today, before I return home tomorrow. One child is asleep, the other is at the mini-club – enough time for a little article for you. Today I would like to take a first look at Hue Log, a new Mac app by developer Stefan Pettersson.
About two years ago, Philips Hue introduced a new API. API stands for Application Programming Interface and is an interface through which apps can send commands to the Hue Bridge to perform certain actions. In development, however, there are still major restrictions, as Stefan Göhler, the developer of iConnectHue, told me in conversation.
Back in February 2023, I published an article with the headline “Philips Hue soon only usable with an account? Today another news follows, where I unfortunately have to leave out the question mark in the headline. As Philips Hue has now confirmed, the use of the system will soon only be possible with an account.
Actually, it was supposed to be ready in spring, in the end we had to be patient a bit longer. But now it is here: Matter support for Philips Hue. As of now, it can be activated in the settings of the Hue app – but there are some details to keep in mind.
This afternoon Philips Hue released another update for its official app – and this time it’s a particularly big one. Philips Hue 5.0 prepares the system for the new Hue Secure components that were officially introduced at the beginning of September. These Hue Secure features have been integrated into the app I have already answered the most important questions and answers about the Hue Secure cameras and the new security system.
Philips Hue is launching three new effects for its smart lighting this month, two of which are exclusive to the 1st and 2nd generation Hue Festavia string lights. Today I would like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the three effects. What the three new Philips Hue effects can do The Philips Hue Festavia already started last year with an exclusive “Sparkle” effect.
Once again, it’s time to take a look at the App Store. Because there are two updates available for our favourite smart lighting system. In addition to the official Philips Hue app, the third-party application iConnectHue has also been updated, with which you can configure your lamps and accessories even more professionally.
Not only new hardware is in the starting blocks, because Philips Hue will also get new software features. In addition to the already promised launch of Matter, for which there is still no concrete date, they are also preparing three new effects. Supported light sources can display the candle and fireplace effects so far.
Fabian