That was fast: Last week Philips Hue released the new Hue Tap Dial switch, you could already read my impressions. Now the popular iConnectHue app also offers full support for the new switch. Before we get into the details, one small thing first: Existing customers might not get the update around the Hue Tap Dial Switch for free.
Since yesterday, a new version of the Philips Hue app is available. While we are still waiting for the final integration of the Sync Box and also the new presence simulation, this update gives us support for the new Philips Hue Tap Dial switch and delivers a new automation: Sunrise. Philips Hue writes in the update description: “Wake up to the colors of the morning sun!
For some time now, Philips Hue has been working on making its separate apps redundant. Since the end of February, it has been possible to pair Hue lights within the Hue app via Bluetooth and no longer have to use the separate Bluetooth app. Back in March, I reported that Philips Hue had also started work on integrating the Sync Box into the regular Hue app.
After several months of work, Stefan Göhler releases version 4.11 of his popular iConnectHue application (App Store link) for iPhone and iPad this afternoon. Included are 700 individual changes and, of course, numerous new functions. The update is worthwhile especially for users with many rooms, zones and perhaps even several bridges.
Actually, it was supposed to be released in April, but after a few days of delay, it is finally here: the firmware update for the Philips Hue Play Lightbar that many users have been eagerly awaiting. With the new software, the sometimes occurring annoying noises should be a thing of the past.
At least Philips Hue has a small update today. According to the update description, you can look forward to seven new scenes in the Hue light scenes gallery, of which only four are actually new. Miami, Cancun and Rio have already been available for a few weeks. Newly added are the scenes Blossom, Crocus, Precious and Narcissa in the “Refreshing” area.
Beeping Philips Hue products are a rarity, but with the sheer number of products sold, it is noticeable. Recently, it was mainly the Play Lightbars that caused problems. Already a few weeks ago, Philips Hue admitted to this error, which can cause a beeping sound with the Play Lightbars, especially with very bright light settings.
Only last week, I explained in a small guide how to control several bridges on the go – until now, it was necessary to set up several Hue accounts. I could have saved myself the effort, because with the update to version 4.16 Philips Hue seems to offer new possibilities. This new option is hidden in the settings of the Philips Hue app.
Yesterday evening Philips Hue released another update of its official app, the update description reads more than sober: “Bug fixes and performance improvements”, it says in the App Store. But beyond that, there are some new things to discover. There are some new scenes – and finally a flamingo in the Hue app.
A few weeks ago I already announced it, but there were probably some minor delays in the development. With today's release of Philips Hue 4.13, the previous Bluetooth app becomes superfluous – because a corresponding support has now been integrated into the “main” app. However, the development team states the following in the update notes: “New Philips Hue users can now use the Hue app to control their Bluetooth setup.
Fabian