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.
Earlier this week I was able to report that Hue Essentials is now also available for download in the Mac App Store. However, the new app wouldn't start on our Macs – and we had no idea why. In the meantime, the developers from the Netherlands have found the error and fixed it: It was due to older versions of macOS.
If you no longer want to control your Philips Hue lights only by voice command or by app on iPhone and iPad, there is now another option: After the launch of the Windows application, the well-known app Hue Essentials is now also available for the Mac. The download from the Mac App Store is free of charge.
That was fast: Last week Philips Hue released the new Hue Tap Dial switch, you could already read my impressions. Now the popular iConnectHue app also offers full support for the new switch. Before we get into the details, one small thing first: Existing customers might not get the update around the Hue Tap Dial Switch for free.
Since yesterday, a new version of the Philips Hue app is available. While we are still waiting for the final integration of the Sync Box and also the new presence simulation, this update gives us support for the new Philips Hue Tap Dial switch and delivers a new automation: Sunrise. Philips Hue writes in the update description: “Wake up to the colors of the morning sun!
After several months of work, Stefan Göhler releases version 4.11 of his popular iConnectHue application (App Store link) for iPhone and iPad this afternoon. Included are 700 individual changes and, of course, numerous new functions. The update is worthwhile especially for users with many rooms, zones and perhaps even several bridges.
At least Philips Hue has a small update today. According to the update description, you can look forward to seven new scenes in the Hue light scenes gallery, of which only four are actually new. Miami, Cancun and Rio have already been available for a few weeks. Newly added are the scenes Blossom, Crocus, Precious and Narcissa in the “Refreshing” area.
In February, I already drew your attention to Jakob Lykke's project. The developer from Denmark has built a web interface with which you can control the lamps of a Hue Bridge via the browser. Now there is news about the Hue Controller. Via this website, the small software package can no longer only be run directly in the browser, but can also be downloaded as a small mini-app to the Windows PC or Mac.
To start the new week, here is another small update from the overcast week. Shortly after the update to version 4.16 of the Hue app, another new version was released: Philips Hue 4.16.1. With this small bugfix update, a new feature seems to have been unlocked in the Discover section – a demo mode.
Only last week, I explained in a small guide how to control several bridges on the go – until now, it was necessary to set up several Hue accounts. I could have saved myself the effort, because with the update to version 4.16 Philips Hue seems to offer new possibilities. This new option is hidden in the settings of the Philips Hue app.
Yesterday evening Philips Hue released another update of its official app, the update description reads more than sober: “Bug fixes and performance improvements”, it says in the App Store. But beyond that, there are some new things to discover. There are some new scenes – and finally a flamingo in the Hue app.
Fabian