I don’t want to get too involved in politics, but I would still like to report on the impact this has had on Philips Hue users. As announced last week, prices for Philips Hue products in the US have risen as a result of tariffs. As of 1 July, it is now clear by how much: almost all Hue products in the US have become around 10 percent more expensive.
When it comes to configuring the Hue system, especially the settings for switches and motion detectors, iConnectHue remains my first choice. The app from German developer Stefan Göhler received another comprehensive update this week. Version 5.10 includes proper integration of the new Hue Smart Button, which can now be configured with all the options offered by iConnectHue.
In recent years, Philips Hue has always unveiled new products at the International Radio Exhibition in Berlin—and this year seems to be no different. An invitation has just landed in my mailbox. Under the motto “Reimagine your home,” Philips Hue plans to introduce new products on the evening of September 3, which is Wednesday during IFA week.
Voice control of Philips Hue with Alexa has now become a whole lot easier, at least if you use more than one Hue Bridge in your household. After what felt like an eternity, Philips Hue has finally delivered a feature that many of us have been waiting for for years. “Now you can use Alexa to control multiple bridges in your home”, says the update description for version 5.45.1, which is now available for download in the Apple App Store and will soon be available in the Google Play Store.
Not a single month has passed this year without an update for the Philips Hue Bridge. Although it is already a good 10 years old, the control center is not yet ready for the scrap heap. Philips Hue is currently distributing software version 1972004020 with minor adjustments and improvements. The update primarily serves to adapt the Hue Bridge to the new devices.
There is bad news for the many Hue fans in the United States: from July 1, numerous Philips Hue products will become even more expensive than they already are. The manufacturer announced this in a marketing newsletter at the beginning of the month and has now officially confirmed it to the Hueblog.
Along with the launch of new products last week, Philips Hue has made a significant change. This is not something that is done lightly, but rather after careful consideration. Philips Hue has changed its logo. This is clearly visible when comparing the old and new packaging. On the right side of the image, you can see part of the packaging for the new Philips Hue Play Wall Washer, which was unveiled last week.
I have already introduced you to the most important new releases of the summer, namely the new Wall Washer and the redesigned Smart Button. In addition to the removal of the dimmer switch from the Hue Aurelle ceiling light, there has been another small change to the Philips Hue range.
In addition to the new Philips Hue Play Wallwasher, a new Philips Hue Smart Button was also released this week. Whether this is the second or third generation is debatable. One thing is clear: the new Hue Smart Button is significantly larger and more angular than its predecessor. I have gathered my first impressions for you and will be happy to answer any questions in the comments.
Yesterday, Philips Hue launched two new products: the all-new Wallwasher and a revamped Smart Button. But there’s another name on the list of new products: Hue Aurelle. The Philips Hue ceiling light has been around for a few years now, but it’s still super popular thanks to its handy White Ambiance technology.
Fabian