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.
I'm currently in a bit of a spring slump when it comes to exciting Hue topics. May and June should definitely be more interesting again. So today I'm taking a look at a question from the community. ManniHue would like to know: Is it possible to use the Hue app to realise that pressing a button on the dimmer switch switches a lamp on and then switches it off again after a set timer time?
Today I would like to take care of another question from our community. Whether in the comments, by email or directly in the community section of hueblog.de, there are always interesting questions. Like the following question about colour temperatures: When configuring White Ambiance bulbs, is it possible to set the colour temperature in Kelvin, or at least read out the value set “in the colour wheel” in Kelvin?
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.
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.
About two years ago, Philips Hue introduced a new API. API stands for Application Programming Interface and is an interface through which apps can send commands to the Hue Bridge to perform certain actions. In development, however, there are still major restrictions, as Stefan Göhler, the developer of iConnectHue, told me in conversation.
Once again, it's time to take a look at the App Store. Because there are two updates available for our favourite smart lighting system. In addition to the official Philips Hue app, the third-party application iConnectHue has also been updated, with which you can configure your lamps and accessories even more professionally.
For years I have been using iConnectHue (App Store-Link) to configure my Hue system. From my point of view, the universal app for iPhone and iPad has only one major shortcoming: it doesn't really look that great. The look just doesn't appeal to me to use the app for the daily control of the Hue system.
Fabian