On Thursday, Philips Hue presented its new products for the autumn. The launch of the new multi-bridge support is certainly particularly exciting for many power users, but what really impressed me at the demo event in Berlin was the new augmented reality for virtually trying out Hue products. At the IFA 2024 event in Berlin, Philips Hue did not provide any specific details about these two functions or the launch of the new effects.
Anyone who has more than one bridge in their home knows the problem. Controlling the lighting in the Hue app is simply no fun, especially if you always have to switch back and forth between two or more bridges. The first multi-bridge support will be released this year, which is currently still in beta testing.
There have been many rumours, but now the time has finally come: the Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 8K has been officially unveiled. There are some improvements, but no big surprises – except perhaps the price, which is even higher at $349.99. For comparison: the ‘previous’ Sync Box without HDMI 2.1 is still being sold for $269.99.
If you’ve bought a new kitchen in the last few years, you’ll have quickly realised: Permanently installed lighting is pretty expensive, but it’s really not smart. It’s not without reason that I keep getting enquiries about which Hue products can be installed in the kitchen. Now Philips Hue has teamed up with kitchen manufacturer Nobilia to finally solve this problem.
My colleague Frederick and many other Hue users in Europe have had it hanging above their dining table for several years now. We’re talking about the Philips Hue Ensis, because the pendant light is perfect for this task. The Ensis is now also available in North America. At $479.99, the price is not necessarily low, but it’s worth it.
Before I take a look at what Philips Hue has to offer at IFA this evening, let’s take a quick look at the latest update to the Philips Hue app. It primarily brings further improvements for the Hue Secure system. “You’ll now only receive one push notification per video clip – even if there are multiple objects (e.g.,
This summer, Philips Hue launched two new ceiling lights on the market. The first is the premium model, the Philips Hue Datura, with two separately controllable light sources. The round ceiling light is currently available in two sizes. This was followed shortly afterwards by the Philips Hue Tento in various round versions, where the manufacturer’s focus is on the comparatively low price.
I already mentioned that Philips Hue will be focusing heavily on software development this autumn. This will probably include the introduction of four new effects that will allow your smart lamps to light up even more dynamically. Unfortunately, I can’t tell you exactly when the four new effects will be introduced.
Even after the Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 8K appeared at an Italian retailer in July, there were still doubts in some parts of the community that the second generation would be available soon. After all, the first ‘leaks’ appeared well over a year ago, some of which were mistaken for a Photoshop fake.
The Philips Hue software team really can’t be accused of being idle this year. After numerous app updates, there is now a new firmware for the Hue Secure cameras with numerous improvements and bug fixes. One new feature sounds very promising, but I haven’t been able to try it out myself yet.
Fabian