After the start with the Hue Tap Dial Switch, Philips Hue has equipped almost all accessories with more functions in recent months and made them compatible with the 24-hour “natural light” scene. In December, it was the turn of the Hue wall switch module, followed by the dimmer switch and Smart Button in September.
It’s been almost a year since I introduced you to the unofficial Friends of Hue switch from Sunricher. The Asians have created a module that looks confusingly similar to the familiar and official EnOcean module. And they still stand by their statement that Philips Hue cannot exclude these not-quite-official switches, which are powered by a coin cell, from the Hue Bridge.
I have already reported several times about the Sunricher module, which is equipped with a battery and can be used in the Hue app just like a normal Friends of Hue switch. Since no kinetic energy has to be generated, the switch is much quieter when pressed. However, the frame and rocker, which Sunricher supplies as standard, are not really of good quality.
On Thursday, Philips Hue introduced the new wall switch module. An announcement I was very excited about – and not just since a few days. After all, I have been following the development of the module for some time now, even though I have never been able to hold it in my hands myself.
Around the CES at the beginning of the year, Philips Hue not only introduced new outdoor products, but also announced several new partners for its Friends of Hue program. Besides Voltus and Jung, who have meanwhile presented their Friends of Hue switches, the German company Insta was also named. On its own website Insta already announced on January 7th: “From now on we are also part of the Friends of Hue partner programme at Signify.
A few weeks ago, Senic launched the first Friends of Hue Outdoor Switch on the market. At the start it was sold for 69 Euros, but now it is at the regular price of 79 Euros. But you can still save money – if you need indoor switches as well. Senic has been selling the normal Friends of Hue indoor switch in a bundle of 3 for 189 Euros for some time.
Last week I was able to present the new Friends of Hue Outdoor Switch from Senic for the first time. Even before the official delivery to the first customers, the Berlin manufacturer provided me with a test sample – and of course I take this opportunity to give you the first impressions.
I have written several times in recent weeks about the switches and modules of the Asian manufacturer Sunricher. They can be configured via the Hue app like all other Friends of Hue switches, although they are actually not. They also offer the technically much more exciting solutions: Compared to the classic Friends of Hue models, there is a much quieter switch with battery and recently also a in-wall module.
The Friends of Hue switches have been on the market for almost two years and in principle there are still two problems: There are still manufacturers and switch series that do not offer a suitable Friends of Hue switch. In addition, there is a loud clicking sound every time a button is pressed, which provides the necessary energy for the wireless signal.
A few days ago I was able to give you the first information, now it is official. Senic, a small Berlin start-up, is now also offering a Friends of Hue counter for outdoor use. It is the first of its kind. The “Friends of Hue Outdoor Switch” has the same technology as the already known Friends of Hue switches.
Fabian