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.
Last year, Philips introduced Hue zones in the Hue app. This made it possible to either combine several rooms or group individual lamps within a room. Until now, the zones were a beta feature but this will change with the update to version 3.4.0 of the Hue app.
Even though most of us still rely on the full-grown Hue system with a bridge, I don't want to leave out today's update for the Bluetooth version of the Hue app. It is interesting for beginners who want to start with only a few bulbs – or for children's rooms where the child’s smartphone should only display lamps from their own room.
Last year in April, we announced that the popular Android app Hue Essentials will also be available for iOS. Now the release is online. Hue Essentials (App Store link) is now available for iPhone and iPad. Since we are rooted in the Apple cosmos we generally rely on the well-known and long-standing application iConnectHue.
Do you remember my previous articles from November 2019? Back then, I reported that using the Hue Smart Button causes problems with third-party accessories, especially when used with the popular Innr Smart Plug. Also affected were Innr lamps or ZigBee products from Paul Neuhaus. As soon as the Smart Button is connected to the Bridge, these devices lose their connection after a few hours.
Finally, someone has understood what it's all about. After numerous smart home systems have flooded the market in recent years, it feels like just as many standards have been established. Some systems work together, but other products cannot be linked. The Connected Home over IP project is intended to address this problem.
I keep coming across questions in my email inbox and social media about which smart home devices, such as radiator thermostats, can be linked to the Hue Bridge and controlled by the Hue app. The answer in these cases is always negative because Philips Hue is a pure lighting system. However, there are ways to connect to other smart home devices without external hubs.
On Sunday, the probably biggest update of iConnectHue (App Store link) was released. There are many new features, new in-app purchases and two different subscriptions – and of course many comments under my article here in the Hueblog and also over at appgefahren.de. Understandably, user comments drift far apart.
I was allowed to announce it to you a few weeks ago and in the comments there was already a lot of discussion around it. Now it is here: the new iConnectHue. Before I will go into detail in the next few days, especially of course with the new, optional subscription model, I would like to provide you with the new features of the update today.
MelLeave a Comment on Philips Hue App with improved HomeKit connectivity With the update to version 3.33, the Hue app for iPhone and iPad offers an improved HomeKit connection. With the update to version 3.33, the Hue app for iPhone and iPad offers an improved HomeKit connection.
HomeKit, which is at home in the Apple cosmos, is a fine thing. Not only can all devices be controlled via Siri, but also complex automations can be created. They also work across several manufacturers. In this regard, Apple definitely offers more possibilities than Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. The update of the Hue app (App Store link) released this morning contains three improvements for HomeKit integration: improved synchronization with HomeKit when changes are made to the Hue app fixed a HomeKit problem where names in the Home app do not match names in the Hue app corrected a HomeKit problem where saving a scene in HomeKit would cause the “value is higher than maximum” error Luckily, I haven't been able to find any of the three problems mentioned in connection with HomeKit.
Mel1 Comment on Hue Outdoor Sensor: temperature in HomeKit not correctly displayed The Philips Hue Outdoor Sensor also measures the temperature. Problems arise in combination with HomeKit. The Philips Hue Outdoor Sensor also measures the temperature. Problems arise in combination with HomeKit.
Any Apple user who has taken a look at HomeKit will have noticed that the Philips Hue motion sensors appear as three different devices: in addition to the motion sensor, there is also measurement data on brightness and temperature. And this is exactly where problems can arise as our friends from SmartApfel have found out.