About two years ago, Philips Hue introduced a new API. API stands for Application Programming Interface and is an interface through which apps can send commands to the Hue Bridge to perform certain actions. In development, however, there are still major restrictions, as Stefan Göhler, the developer of iConnectHue, told me in conversation.
I actually didn't think it would be such a big deal: Philips Hue wants to make registration with an account for the in-house system mandatory. I have always used Philips Hue with an account, but many of you actually don't want to. In a small survey, more than 60 percent of the participating readers said they would prefer to use the Hue system without an account.
Late last year, Philips Hue introduced the Natural Light feature. A 24-hour scene that adjusts colour temperature throughout the day, always providing the optimal white light for your well-being: Cool, activating white tones in the morning and relaxing warm white in the evening. In the last few months, the smart scene has already received several updates, including the ability to switch between time periods faster or slower if desired.
After the Philips Hue Secure contact sensors were already launched in mid-September, you can now also order the smart surveillance cameras from Philips Hue. For the launch, there are three different variants of the Hue Secure camera – each in white and black. I would like to give you a brief overview of the different models and the optionally available accessories.
I'm ready for the weekend and ready for my holiday. Starting Monday, I'm disappearing to Greece for a few days. But I will still keep at least half an eye on Philips Hue in the meantime, among other things the launch of the Hue Secure cameras is coming up. And I have already prepared a few articles for you for the coming week.
Back in February 2023, I published an article with the headline “Philips Hue soon only usable with an account? Today another news follows, where I unfortunately have to leave out the question mark in the headline. As Philips Hue has now confirmed, the use of the system will soon only be possible with an account.
Voice control and apps are a great thing, but sometimes you want to control your lamps and the many other smart homes directly on the wall. Classic switches offer few options, more options are available with the new Echo Hub. Echo Hub is an Alexa-enabled smart home control panel with an 8-inch touchscreen and a customisable smart home dashboard.
Actually, it was supposed to be ready in spring, in the end we had to be patient a bit longer. But now it is here: Matter support for Philips Hue. As of now, it can be activated in the settings of the Hue app – but there are some details to keep in mind.
Voice control with Alexa has actually always been a pretty reliable story. Apart from the fact that you can only pair a bridge with the Alexa Skill, of course, but that is hopefully something that will take care of itself with the upcoming Matter update. However, it is not yet time and in the social networks and also here in the comments I have been reading more and more complaints around the topic of Alexa and Philips Hue for about a week.
At the beginning of September, Philips Hue introduced the new Hue Secure Contact Sensor, which can now be ordered in the manufacturer's online shop. For 39.99 euros you get a sensor in white or black, in a double pack you pay 69.99 euros. How to connect the contact sensor to the Hue Bridge The contact sensor is ready for use immediately after unpacking.
Fabian