At the beginning of the year, Philips Hue announced several software innovations at CES in Las Vegas. First and foremost, of course, is the new SpatialAware, which we will have to wait a few more weeks for. Philips Hue has already implemented other announcements, such as the availability of the Hue AI assistant in additional languages.
The Philips Hue Secure video doorbell, which was launched last autumn, has learned something new. Following the app update to version 5.60.1, two new features are now available that actually have a significant impact on everyday life. You can customise the doorbell button sound and set your own trigger areas and options for the integrated motion detector.
Philips Hue announced it at the beginning of the year, and with today’s update, it’s finally here. The Hue AI Assistant is now available not only in English, but also in German, Spanish, and Dutch. After updating the app and possibly updating your Hue Bridge (Pro), you can get started right away.
Philips Hue continues to tweak its software. Version 5.60 of the Hue app could be released in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store as early as this week. Before that happens, however, there will first be a firmware update for the two Philips Hue control centres. Since 29 January, Philips Hue has been distributing software version 2071209010 for the Hue Bridge Pro (previously 2071193000) and software version 1975134020 for the Hue Bridge (previously 1975104000).
Philips Hue usually releases updates for its app every two weeks. We had to wait much longer over the New Year, but now the next update is finally here. The Philips Hue app has jumped from version 5.57.0 to version 5.59.0. ‘Various bug fixes and stability improvements,’ the development team tells us in the update description.
As expected, things have quietened down somewhat at Philips Hue over the New Year period in terms of the regularity of software updates. For example, there have been no updates for the official Hue app since mid-December. Now, a new software version for the Hue Bridge and Hue Bridge Pro has been rolling out for several days.
At the end of the year, the developer of iConnectHue (App Store link) for iPhone and iPad has another surprise in store. There is a major update that adds support for the Hue Sync Box. However, there is one important point to note: the new feature is only available with a Pro membership.
I’m using my time on the train home to bring you up to date on the latest software developments. Yesterday, we had our team meeting in Hanover, and on Thursday, we had the Philips Hue Christmas dinner in Hamburg. There, I actually picked up two previously announced items that are not yet available for purchase.
At the end of the year, Philips Hue has once again delivered a comprehensive update this week. Version 5.57 is now available for download from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store and not only offers the new multi-bridge migration, but also numerous other new features. And that’s exactly what I’d like to tell you more about today.
I noticed this “negative” aspect particularly on Halloween night: in the dim light, many visitors did not press the bell button on the Philips Hue Secure Video Doorbell, but instead pressed the camera lens. This is, of course, more than inconvenient. Now Philips Hue has responded, as Hueblog reader Marcel noted in our community.
Fabian