Before I take a look at version 4.29 of the Philips Hue app, I would like to revisit the topic of Matter. On Friday, I already reported that you can already activate the Matter beta on your bridge via the Hue developer website – mind you, this is a version that is not yet intended for the end consumer.
At the beginning of September, the Philips Hue White Ambiance Filament E14 candle lamp was officially introduced. It was immediately clear to me that this small lamp would fit perfectly in my house. In the staircase there is currently a chandelier with two classic E14 candle lamps. Of course, these could have been replaced with filament lamps before, but until now the E14 candle lamp was only available as Hue White Filament.
I'm sitting in my hotel room in Amsterdam right now. Yesterday I attended the launch event of the new smart home standard Matter and gathered numerous impressions about the new technology. One thing is clear: Philips Hue, which can already be connected to all the most important smart home systems, will not benefit as much from Matter as, for example, Eve Systems with its accessories that have so far only been geared towards Apple and HomeKit.
It was almost exactly ten years ago that Philips Hue was officially launched. On 30 October 2012, Signify, then still operating under the name Philips Lighting, introduced the first starter set consisting of three E27 light bulbs and bridge as well as an accompanying iPhone app. As a real premium product, sales started exclusively in the Apple Store at that time.
The Philips Hue Go portable table lamp was already introduced in the summer, but the launch has been considerably delayed. Originally, late summer was the target, but at least in terms of the calendar, that's long past. And in Europe we have to wait longer anyway – the certification has failed and the table lamp will not be launched until next year.
On 3 November, the time has come: Matter is finally to take off. To this end, the Connectivity Standards Alliance has specially invited to a media event in Amsterdam, where various manufacturers will present their Matter solutions. It is supposed to become the new smart home standard. What exactly is Matter?
If you have an eye on the classic Philips Hue White Filament bulbs, you need to pay special attention in the coming weeks. A change from the first to the second generation is imminent. Specifically, there are two things that have changed in the new generation: First, the maximum brightness increases from 550 to 580 lumens.
Light switches with dimmers were installed in many flats and houses many years ago. A practical thing to be able to adjust the brightness of a light bulb or a halogen lamp. However, it is not a good idea in combination with Philips Hue. Benjamin asked me a question on this topic this week that I have not heard for the first time in this form: A dimmer switch is already installed in the flat.
I have already reported about the new Philips Hue Perifo track system, especially my impressions around the external power supply turned out very positive. For me, the rail, which I currently have equipped with three spots, is a real problem solver in my kitchen. As a test, I have now inserted a Perifo pendant luminaire into the rail.
Not only with the update for the iConnectHue app – introduced at the weekend – you can call up little Halloween animations, but the official Philips Hue app has also found a place for the spooky festivities. In the Hue light scenes gallery you can now find six “spooky” Halloween scenes.
Fabian