Signify has had to take some criticism around the major update of the Hue app. In particular, the omission of widgets and timers has not gone down particularly well with the community. But also in some other places, more clicks have recently become necessary than it was the case in the old app.
Exactly one week ago, Signify released the big update of the Philips Hue app. Version 4.0 was a big step, over 100 innovations and improvements were integrated according to the developer team. At the same time, however, some extras have been dropped, for example the timers. Others, like the widgets, have been replaced on iOS by shortcuts.
Since Thursday, the new Philips Hue app is available for iOS and Android. And there is one major criticism, especially among iPhone and iPad users: the previously available Today view widgets have been completely removed from the new Hue app. Why Signify had no other choice, I'll explain in this article.
Philips Hue has been compatible with Siri Shortcuts for some time now. This is very practical, for example, to be able to switch on and off smart plugs that do not come from Philips Hue via Siri. Unfortunately, creating Siri Shortcuts with certain scenes is not really intuitive so far. Fortunately, Philips Hue will do something about this with the upcoming major update to version 4.0.
In a few weeks Philips Hue will release a completely new app for iPhone, iPad and Android devices. I've already given you some general info and a first look at the improved entertainment areas, but today we want to take a look at the automations. In any case, this is the new name of the previous routines.
As I could tell you a little more than a week ago, Signify is currently working on Philips Hue 4.0 – a new app with a revised design and many new features. In addition to a new tile view, there will also be a quick option to switch between multiple bridges.
The current Philips Hue app was released almost exactly five years ago. So it feels like an eternity ago, especially when you consider the rapid development around the topic smart home. But today I have good news for you: Signify is working on a completely revised version of the Philips Hue app.
About a month ago, the Philips Hue Wall Switch Module was launched and now the corresponding update for iConnectHue (App Store-Link) is finally available. The app for iPhone and iPad is one of the best tools when it comes to configuring the Hue system. And of course it offers more possibilities around the new wall switch module than the regular Philips Hue app does.
After the Philips Hue Wall Switch Module launched three weeks ago, the app scene got moving for the first time last week: Hue Essentials delivered initial support for the new accessory. However, I quickly had to find out: The whole implementation is not yet really suitable for practical use. I am all the more curious to see how things stand with the most popular app for iPhone and iPad.
Fabian