Just a few weeks ago, Philips Hue integrated a long-awaited function into its iOS app: Widgets for the homescreen. This allows scenes to be activated and rooms to be switched on or off without opening the Philips Hue app. Widgets will soon also be available in another very popular app: iConnectHue (App Store link) for iPhone and iPad.
An interesting comment from a reader drew my attention to a small but noteworthy innovation in the official Philips Hue app. There is now a third colour circle that has been specially created for scenes. Up to now, there have been two colour circles in the Hue app. One is the familiar “colour picker”, where you can move the light points to a colour of your choice.
It's finally time again on Sunday night: the 2024 Super Bowl is on. The Kansas City Chiefs take on the San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas. If you're watching the sporting spectacle on your TV, you can create an even more impressive atmosphere with your Philips Hue lamps. All you need is an app.
If you want your lights to light up rhythmically to music, you can do this directly in the Hue app. However, Hue Sync only supports Spotify, no other sources. If you prefer to listen to your music with Apple Music, the classic CD or another streaming service, then the Discotainment mode in iConnectHue (App Store link) could be something for you.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In a little more than three weeks it will be time for Halloween. And what is still a relatively small affair here in Germany is celebrated in the USA, for example. Of course, you can provide the right lighting with Philips Hue. The Halloween scenes launched last year are now available again in the Philips Hue app.
Fabian