Just a fortnight ago, iConnectHue delivered an update that, among other things, provided initial rudimentary support for the Hue contact sensor. Now developer Stefan Göhler has already released the next update. His premium app iConnectHue is now available in version 5.2 for iPhone and iPad. If you use iConnectHue in combination with music, you can now enjoy an improved strobe light that offers more speed and dynamics.
It's actually quite simple with Philips Hue, there are three different types of light. Products classified as Hue White only have white LEDs with a fixed colour temperature. White Ambiance uses cool white and warm white LEDs to create different shades of white. With White and Color Ambiance, in addition to the white LEDs, there are also coloured RGB LEDs so that a total of 16 million colours can be mixed.
As I announced last week, Philips Hue is introducing new functions for the Hue dimmer switch and the Hue Smart Button. After a few users have already been able to try out the new options, they are now being officially rolled out with the update to app version 5.5.0. The official update description from Philips Hue states: “You can now customize your dimmer switches and smart buttons with up to 10 different time slots, your choice of up to 10 scenes to cycle through, the Natural light scene, and more for even more control.
The negative reports started piling up back in September, and there are already around 30 comments under one of my articles on the subject – and more are being added all the time. It's about the link between Philips Hue and Amazon Alexa, which hasn't been working properly for months.
I expressed this wish to Hue inventor George Yianni quite a while ago, and now my three Christmas fairy lights in the garden have reminded me again: Why does the light actually look the same every evening? This is how Philips Hue currently works: You switch on the light, such as the Hue Festavia in the garden, automatically.
Even though Philips Hue has integrated several new functions into its app in recent months, not all of the possibilities offered by the system are utilised by any means. For extensive installations, especially in combination with switches and sensors, I therefore recommend taking a look at iConnectHue. You can currently get the app for iPhone and iPad for less – and that's actually relatively rare.
There is one thing that really bothers me about Philips Hue: I have not been able to manage with one Hue Bridge in my house for a long time. The first problems can occur with 50 or more connected lamps, the hard limit is 63 lamps. And with several rooms and the outdoor area, this limit is reached more quickly than you might think.
I was able to draw your attention to this upcoming innovation back in September. Now Philips Hue has apparently started to slowly roll out the new functions. I have discovered the first comments from the community both on social networks and here in the comments. Specifically, it's about the Hue Smart Button and the Hue Dimmer Switch, both of which have been available on the market for some time.
Today I would like to address you with a few words on my own behalf. As you have probably already realised, I come from Germany and originally started Hueblog as a German blog. For a few years now, there has also been an English-language version on Hueblog.com, which I hope you enjoy visiting just as much.
When it comes to configuring accessories for Philips Hue, I have sworn by iConnectHue for years. The application for iPhone and iPad gives you far more options than the official Philips Hue app. With the update to version 5.1, developer Stefan Göhler once again delivers new functions – with the Philips Hue Secure contact sensor taking centre stage.
Fabian