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”.
More than a year after the original announcement, Philips Hue unlocked the new Natural Light feature yesterday. A 24-hour scene that provides the optimal white light throughout the different times of the day. Cool, activating white tones in the morning and relaxed warm white in the evening. The first big problem: Natural Light can so far only be activated manually in the app.
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.
We really don't need to discuss that Philips Hue is expensive fun. But apparently expensive is not yet expensive enough. After the prices were already increased in January 2021 for outdoor products and then in May for almost all other Hue devices, the next price increase is now imminent. According to my information, Philips Hue will adjust its official price recommendations again on February 1st 2023 – upwards.
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.
I was able to tell you a few weeks ago that Philips Hue is planning to kill off the Sync app as well, following the end of the Bluetooth app. Instead of a separate app for the Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box, the entire functionality is to be integrated into the normal Hue app.
It has been more than a year since Philips Hue introduced dynamic scenes. Since the launch in September 2021, numerous functions have been added, such as speed adjustment or, most recently, automatic activation. As I have now learned, there should soon be another improvement that actually also has major implications for practice.
Electricity costs have become a big issue in recent months. Many of us already have to pay more each month, which naturally raises the question of whether a gimmick like Philips Hue is even necessary? Of course, you don't necessarily have to light up your garden just because it looks nice.
We have been waiting for the Natural Light feature in the Hue app since 2021. Earlier this year, I was able to tell you that the new feature is coming later. Then in July it was briefly available, but it was a bug and not an intended release of the feature.
Fabian