When it came to configuring switches and sensors, iConnectHue has always been my go-to choice in recent years. However, I must also say that the official Hue app is catching up more and more. Most recently, Philips Hue has made switch assignments a bit more flexible, and soon, Custom AI Behaviors will also allow for extensive configurations.
Philips Hue released another update for its official app yesterday. Version 6.1.0 is now available for download from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. In addition to the usual improvements and bug fixes, this update focuses primarily on more flexible switch configuration. “All buttons on every switch now support the same set of actions.
Before I take another look at Philips Hue’s new hardware in the coming days, there’s first a small software update. Philips Hue began rolling out a software update for select hardware platforms last week. According to the release notes on the company’s website, this specifically concerns the 100b-12d hardware platform. Unfortunately, I can’t tell you exactly which lights are included, but I’m assuming it’s the newer models.
Last night, Philips Hue unveiled its new hardware at an exclusive media event in Berlin. We’re still working on our event video, which will go live by tomorrow morning at the latest. First up, there’s a “major” software update for you, as it jumps from version 5.73 to 6.0. First and foremost, the update focuses on support for the new products, most of which are available now.
It seems almost certain that Philips Hue will unveil new products this coming Thursday. Some details have already leaked, and most recently, a AMA session with Hue creator George Yianni was announced for this very Thursday. The control hubs are also already being prepared for the launch of the new products.
Version 5.72.0 of the Philips Hue app has been available on the Google Play Store for a few days now, and the update has since arrived on the Apple App Store as well. Unlike recent updates, however, there are no real new features this time around. The update description in the App Store simply states: “Various bug fixes and stability improvements.”
When some Hue users discovered in June that their Hue Bridge Pro had stopped working after an update, it caused quite a stir. Philips Hue identified the issue relatively quickly and, according to its own statements, determined that fewer than 100 devices worldwide were affected. So the damage was limited, even though the situation was, of course, extremely frustrating for affected users.
There’s yet another new update for the official Philips Hue app. Version 5.71 has been available for download in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store since yesterday evening. This update brings improvements not only for the Hue Secure camera but also for the MotionAware feature. But let’s take it one step at a time.
Earlier this week, the issue with the latest firmware update for the Hue Bridge Pro caused quite a stir. According to Philips Hue, however, fewer than 100 devices worldwide were ultimately affected. Was it really not that big of a deal after all? We can probably all agree that, after all these years, a backup feature for the Hue Bridge and Hue Bridge Pro is absolutely essential.
Throughout June, more and more reports began appearing online about Hue Bridge Pro units being rendered inoperable. Hueblog readers have now also confirmed that the Hue Bridge Pro could be completely disabled by a faulty firmware update. It stops working entirely; only a red status LED remains lit. Affected control hubs become completely inoperable and must be replaced.
Fabian