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.
A lot has happened around Philips Hue in recent weeks – and it's not getting boring. The Philips Hue Secure Contact Sensor released in September has now received a firmware update that adds a function that many Apple users have been missing. The latest update adds support for HomeKit to the Hue Secure Contact Sensor.
In my review of the Philips Hue Secure camera, I realised that video clips lasting a maximum of 15 seconds are recorded as soon as movement is detected. This was not sufficient in many cases and meant that events remained unobserved. Afterwards, Philips Hue even contacted me directly – it was a bug that would be fixed.
A few weeks ago, I took a closer look at the WiZ Portrait desk lamp on our german Apple blog. For 99.99 euros, you get a desk lamp that you can use not only to illuminate your workspace, but also as a ring light during video conferences. In addition to the direct Matter integration, there is another particularly exciting detail about the WiZ Portrait: the desk lamp is powered via a USB-C port.
Philips Hue has today released another update for its app, which is now available to download in version 5.4. This update focuses on small improvements to Hue Secure. For example, you can now use two filters for events in the timeline. You can use a drop-down menu to filter the events by date or device.
I had mixed feelings when I tested the Hue Secure camera. The integration into an existing Hue installation and the Hue app is really well done. In contrast to other smart home cameras, however, some functions and extras are still missing. From 14 November, Philips Hue will at least expand its hardware selection somewhat.
Philips Hue has not launched any new light strips this year. My favourite remains the Philips Hue Ambiance Gradient Lightstrip, which can display several colours and has quite small distances between the individual LEDs. However, at a price of well over 100 euros, the two metre long light strip is not particularly cheap.
Yesterday afternoon, Philips Hue released another update for its app. The official application for controlling your smart lights is now available in version 5.3.1. The latest update brings “various bug fixes and stability improvements”. I've gone through the entire app several times now, but haven't noticed any changes so far. If you have discovered an improvement, please write in the comments.
Innr already made a name for itself a few years ago as a manufacturer of Hue accessories. Just like Signify, the Dutch brand had already brought out some exciting products before Philips Hue followed suit. Innr was also a little quicker when it came to smart plugs, but thanks to ZigBee they were always compatible with the Hue Bridge.
Earlier this week I published my review of the Hue Secure camera for you. The new cameras are perfectly integrated into the Hue system, but there is still room for improvement in some areas. Among other things, I found out that clips with a maximum length of 15 seconds are recorded when movements are detected.
Fabian