Yesterday I was a guest at Logitech in Munich. You’re probably wondering: What does this have to do with Philips Hue? Well, the two companies have launched a partnership. For some time now, you’ve been able to control Hue lights using the Logi Options+ software in conjunction with MX products. But that’s another story, which I’ll explain in more detail to you soon.
Philips Hue provides us with software updates several times a month, but one important function seems to have been completely forgotten after the demise of Hue Labs in the summer of 2024. At present, there is no option in the Hue app to set a different schedule for sensors at the weekend.
In recent weeks, I have received several questions about Philips Hue motion sensors. At first glance, it seems as if the daylight sensitivity setting has disappeared. Fortunately, this is not the case, but Philips Hue has made it much more difficult to find. However, there are also new possibilities. How to find the daylight sensitivity First, you need to open the desired sensor.
We are unlikely to see an update to the Philips Hue Ap this week, but Signify has nevertheless continued to work on the software for its lighting system. A firmware update for the Philips Hue Bridge has been available for a few days. In the past, these updates have been rolled out over several days and are installed automatically if you have activated the corresponding function in the settings of your Hue app.
Without a major app update, Philips Hue activated a long-awaited function on the server side on Monday. You can now find the “Do not disturb my scene” function previously known from Hue Labs directly in the Hue app. It can be used with the Philips Hue motion detector, with the Outdoor Sensor and also with the motion detection of the Hue Secure cameras.
Even before the new releases for autumn are announced at the end of the month, Philips Hue has fulfilled the promises from the summer. Back in June, they had announced that motion sensors would retain more options. This update is now apparently being rolled out. Several people have already been able to confirm to me that the new functions are unlocked for them.
With full-blown smart home systems, such a setting is probably no problem, but in the Hue universe, on the other hand, you come up against your limits. It’s about a question about the Philips Hue motion detector that Mike sent me by email: I’ve been searching the net for a few days and can’t find what I’m looking for.
I have already been asked this question several times, and I also discover it again and again in social networks or in the community. Manfred also had problems with the motion sensor in the same room after setting up new Hue lamps. I connected two new Hue White bulbs on the bridge and put them in an existing room with two other bulbs and a motion detector.
Last week I was able to reveal to you that Philips Hue has not only changed the design of the packaging for the indoor motion sensor, but is also delivering a new hardware revision. On paper, there are the following changes: A new sensor that can detect movement at a distance of seven metres instead of the previous five, two additional sensitivity levels and a new setup button.
Secretly, quietly, Philips Hue has launched a new generation of its motion sensor. Okay, new generation might not be the right word, but in any case it is a new, improved hardware revision. The focus is on a new sensor lens that, according to my information, has a slightly higher sensitivity.
Fabian