Yesterday evening, Philips Hue released another update of its in-house application in the App Store. Version 4.37 is now available and it includes another feature for the Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box. “You can now set up Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa voice commands for the Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box in the Philips Hue app”, the update description for version 4.37 reads.
It has been a little over a week since Philips Hue released the update to version 4.36 of its app. In the comments and also in my email inbox, numerous word messages on a particular topic have piled up after the update. For example, Oliver writes: Why did the date and time of the last action of the respective sensor, dimmer, button or tap dial disappear in the settings of the accessories in the latest version 4.36.0 of the HUE app?
In contrast to many other smart home systems, Philips Hue has a decisive advantage: after connecting the bridge to the router at home, you can use the entire system, at least locally, without registering. No account needs to be created. “That’s the good thing about Hue, you don’t need to register for local use.
Just before Christmas, Philips Hue introduced a new scene: Natural Light. It automatically switches between individual scenes over a 24-hour period to give you the most appropriate light for the time of day. Philips Hue writes: “Start with bright, cool tones to energise you in the morning, and end the day with a warmer, golden hue to help you relax in the evening.”
Philips Hue has once again released a new update in the App Store. Version 4.35 of the official application for the smart lighting system is now available for download. Included is one small change in particular, which can prove to be quite practical. In the room and zone view, you can now create your own groups for scenes.
In my article “Philips Hue is working on member management” I already announced this feature, now Philips Hue seems to be pretty close to launch. After logging in with the web browser to account.meethue.com, you will already find a section called “My Homes” in the “My Philips Hue System” section, which shows the number of Hue Bridge and the number of members.
Back in February 2020, I wrote an article about how Philips Hue desperately needed multi-user support. But even three years later, there is still no way to limit the rights of individuals. The basic framework of Philips Hue has always made it so that control is only from one “account”.
Last year, Philips Hue already announced the new “Natural Light” feature. After a bit of a false start in the summer, the new feature is finally available with the release of version 4.32 of the Philips Hue app. I would like to briefly introduce you to what you can expect. This is how Philips Hue explains its new feature Natural light uses different shades of warm-to-cool white light that are designed to help you stay productive and feel supported in your overall wellbeing.
Just before Christmas, Philips Hue probably didn’t dare to release the big new feature “Natural Light”. Nevertheless, there is an update – and there are actually some useful functions. If you have a Gradient Lightstrip or another Gradient light source, such as the Signe, in use, you can now also use the mirrored mode known from the Festavia light chain.
It had been announced for a long time, but now the time has come: If you use the Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box, you no longer have to use the Hue Sync App to control it. With the update to version 4.31, the functions have been integrated into the Sync section of the Hue app.
Fabian