Philips Hue

Last updated
Philips Hue
Type LED lamp
Manufacturer Signify N.V. [1] [2]
AvailableYes
Models madeGeneration 1
October 29, 2012;11 years ago (2012-10-29)
Generation 2
October 4, 2015;8 years ago (2015-10-04)
Generation 3
October 2, 2016;7 years ago (2016-10-02)
Website www.philips-hue.com OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg

Philips Hue is a line of color-changing LED lamps and white bulbs which can be controlled wirelessly. The Philips Hue line of bulbs was the first smart bulb of its kind on the market. [3] The lamps are currently created and manufactured by Signify N.V., formerly the Philips Lighting division of Royal Philips N.V. [1] [4]

Contents

Products

2020 Hue Iris (gold) with white light Philips Hue (gold) with white light 2021.jpg
2020 Hue Iris (gold) with white light
Hue Lightstrip Outdoor strip light Philips Hue, IFA 2018, Berlin (P1070272).jpg
Hue Lightstrip Outdoor strip light

Operation

The Hue Bridge is the central controller of the lighting system which allows the bulbs to "communicate" with Apple HomeKit [5] and the app. In 2016, Philips released a new square shaped v2 bridge with increased memory and processor speed which replaced the round v1 bridge. The first-generation bridge received a final software update in April 2020, and support from the Philips web servers was discontinued. Functionality including grouping lights into rooms and scheduling scenes that depended on Philips servers to pack the instructions into a form the bridge executed could no longer be created. Users of the earlier v1 bridge had to update to a v2 bridge to be able to control their configuration.

The Hue system was released in October 2012 on Apple Store, [3] and was marketed as the first iOS-controlled lighting appliance. [6] Products released before 2019 use the Zigbee Light Link protocol, a compatible subset of Zigbee 3.0, to communicate, while lighting products released later use either Bluetooth or Zigbee 3.0. Smart switches, motion detectors, and other accessory devices such as the Hue HDMI sync originally used only the Zigbee Home Automation protocol, but later supported Zigbee 3.0. Hue system components can be controlled over the Internet, typically by smartphone apps over cellular or WiFi networks, or a Home Automation voice command interface. Commands are delivered to the bridge via a wired Ethernet connection which transmits the commands to the devices over the Zigbee mesh network. [3] The initial system had bulbs capable of producing up to 600 lumens, a limit later increased to 1600 lumens.

Hue White and Color Ambiance Hue whiteandcolorambiance.jpg
Hue White and Color Ambiance

In July 2018, an outdoor version of the Philips Hue suite was introduced, [7] and in October 2018 a suite of entertainment-focused, free-standing light fittings. [8] In January 2019 Philips announced outdoor sensors and lights. [9]

Color ranges

Three different Philips Hue color types are available, all dimmable: White, White Ambiance, and White and Color Ambiance. The White bulbs produce white light with a color temperature of 2700 K (warm); the White Ambiance bulbs produce white light of color temperature adjustable between 2200 K (warm soft white) and 6500 K (daylight). The White and Color Ambiance range can generate white light adjustable from 2000 K to 6500 K, and also adjustable colored light.

Bulbs with Bluetooth

Since June 2019, all Philips hue bulbs support Bluetooth through the Philips Hue Bluetooth app, [10] so that a Philips Hue Bridge is no longer necessary for basic operation, though it enables further features. [11] Up to ten bulbs can be controlled by Bluetooth (which requires location services to be enabled) over a range stated to be 30 feet (9.1 m).

Use of the Hue Bridge enables control of up to 50 lights, assignation of room names, full voice control, configuration of Hue smart accessories, setting of timers and schedules, away-from-home control, routines to switch on and off, and synchronisation of lights with entertainment devices. [12]

Security concern

A security flaw was found and resolved in 2016: the bulbs, and potentially other ZigBee devices, could be remotely controlled by anyone, using inexpensive equipment. Researchers tricked the lights into installing a malicious firmware update enabling them to be controlled from 70 metres (230 ft) away. [13]

Reception

In an article in Forbes , Seth Porges called Phillips Hue the "best product of 2012". [6] PC Magazine reviewed the white variation and named it as an editors' choice, saying it was bright and affordable and had many features. [14]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Color temperature</span> Property of light sources related to black-body radiation

Color temperature is a parameter describing the color of a visible light source by comparing it to the color of light emitted by an idealized opaque, non-reflective body. The temperature of the ideal emitter that matches the color most closely is defined as the color temperature of the original visible light source. Color temperature is usually measured in kelvins. The color temperature scale describes only the color of light emitted by a light source, which may actually be at a different temperature.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Electric light</span> Device for producing light from electricity

An electric light, lamp, or light bulb is an electrical component that produces light. It is the most common form of artificial lighting. Lamps usually have a base made of ceramic, metal, glass, or plastic, which secures the lamp in the socket of a light fixture, which is often called a "lamp" as well. The electrical connection to the socket may be made with a screw-thread base, two metal pins, two metal caps or a bayonet mount.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lighting</span> Deliberate use of light to achieve practical or aesthetic effects

Lighting or illumination is the deliberate use of light to achieve practical or aesthetic effects. Lighting includes the use of both artificial light sources like lamps and light fixtures, as well as natural illumination by capturing daylight. Daylighting is sometimes used as the main source of light during daytime in buildings. This can save energy in place of using artificial lighting, which represents a major component of energy consumption in buildings. Proper lighting can enhance task performance, improve the appearance of an area, or have positive psychological effects on occupants.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">High-intensity discharge lamp</span> Type of electric lamp/bulb

High-intensity discharge lamps are a type of electrical gas-discharge lamp which produces light by means of an electric arc between tungsten electrodes housed inside a translucent or transparent fused quartz or fused alumina arc tube. This tube is filled with noble gas and often also contains suitable metal or metal salts. The noble gas enables the arc's initial strike. Once the arc is started, it heats and evaporates the metallic admixture. Its presence in the arc plasma greatly increases the intensity of visible light produced by the arc for a given power input, as the metals have many emission spectral lines in the visible part of the spectrum. High-intensity discharge lamps are a type of arc lamp.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Compact fluorescent lamp</span> Fluorescent lamps with folded tubes, often with built-in ballast

A compact fluorescent lamp (CFL), also called compact fluorescent light, energy-saving light and compact fluorescent tube, is a fluorescent lamp designed to replace an incandescent light bulb; some types fit into light fixtures designed for incandescent bulbs. The lamps use a tube that is curved or folded to fit into the space of an incandescent bulb, and a compact electronic ballast in the base of the lamp.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hydrargyrum medium-arc iodide lamp</span>

Hydrargyrum medium-arc iodide (HMI) is the trademark name of Osram's brand of metal-halide gas discharge medium arc-length lamp, made specifically for film and entertainment applications. Hydrargyrum comes from the Greek name for the element mercury.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Architectural lighting design</span> Field within architecture, interior design and electrical engineering

Architectural lighting design is a field of work or study that is concerned with the design of lighting systems within the built environment, both interior and exterior. It can include manipulation and design of both daylight and electric light or both, to serve human needs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Parabolic aluminized reflector</span> Type of electric lamp

A parabolic aluminized reflector lamp is a type of electric lamp that is widely used in commercial, residential, and transportation illumination. It produces a highly directional beam. Usage includes theatrical lighting, locomotive headlamps, aircraft landing lights, and residential and commercial recessed lights.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lighting control system</span> Intelligent network based lighting control

A lighting control system incorporates communication between various system inputs and outputs related to lighting control with the use of one or more central computing devices. Lighting control systems are widely used on both indoor and outdoor lighting of commercial, industrial, and residential spaces. Lighting control systems are sometimes referred to under the term smart lighting. Lighting control systems serve to provide the right amount of light where and when it is needed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stage lighting instrument</span> Device that emits light to illuminate performers

Stage lighting instruments are used in stage lighting to illuminate theatrical productions, concerts, and other performances taking place in live performance venues. They are also used to light television studios and sound stages.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Multifaceted reflector</span> Light bulb

A multifaceted reflector light bulb is a reflector housing format for halogen as well as some LED and fluorescent lamps. MR lamps were originally designed for use in slide projectors, but see use in residential lighting and retail lighting as well. They are suited to applications that require directional lighting such as track lighting, recessed ceiling lights, desk lamps, pendant fixtures, landscape lighting, retail display lighting, and bicycle headlights. MR lamps are designated by symbols such as MR16 where the diameter is represented by numerals indicating units of eighths of an inch. Common sizes for general lighting are MR16 and MR11, with MR20 and MR8 used in specialty applications. Many run on low voltage rather than mains voltage alternating current so require a power supply.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grow light</span> Lighting to aid plant growth

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">LED lamp</span> Electric light that produces light using LEDs

An LED lamp or LED light is an electric light that produces light using light-emitting diodes (LEDs). LED lamps are significantly more energy-efficient than equivalent incandescent lamps and are significantly more energy-efficient than fluorescent lamps. The most efficient commercially available LED lamps have efficiencies exceeding 200 lumens per watt (lm/W) and convert more than half the input power into light. Commercial LED lamps have a lifespan several times longer than both incandescent and fluorescent lamps.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holiday lighting technology</span> Decorative lighting for festivities

Holiday lighting technology has been subject to considerable development and variation since the replacement of candles by electric lights. While originally used during the Christmas holidays as Christmas lights, modern electric light arrays have become popular around the world in many cultures and are used both during religious festivals and for other purposes unconnected to any festivities.

The L-Prize competition was designed to spur development of LED light replacements for 60W incandescent lamps and PAR38 halogen lamps as well as an ultra-efficient "21st Century Lamp". It was established by the United States Department of Energy (DOE) as directed by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. The original competition, launched in 2008, focused on an LED replacement for the common 60-watt light bulb and this L-Prize was awarded in 2011. The PAR38 competition was launched but received no entries and was suspended in 2014. The 21st Century Lamp competition was never opened.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fluorescent-lamp formats</span> Types of lamp

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">LIFX</span>

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eve Systems</span> German home automation producer

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Signify N.V., formerly known as Philips Lighting N.V., is a Dutch multinational lighting corporation formed in 2016 as a result of the spin-off of the lighting division of Philips, by means of an I.P.O. The company manufactures electric lights, light fixtures and control systems for consumers, professionals and the IoT. In 2018, Philips Lighting changed its name to Signify. The company still produces lights under the Philips brand.

Homey is a smart home hub manufactured by the Dutch company Athom B.V..

References

  1. 1 2 "Signify is the new company name of Philips Lighting, the maker of Hue smart bulbs". TAS. 2018-04-13. Retrieved 2018-07-10.
  2. "Philips lighting is now Signify". Signify. 2018-05-16. Retrieved 2018-07-10.
  3. 1 2 3 Stern, Joanna (29 October 2012). "Philips Hue: The Light Bulb You Can Control With Your Phone". ABC News.
  4. "Signify releases Hue Sync, hoping to launch the era of immersive home entertainment lighting". LEDs Magazine. 2018-06-04. Retrieved 2018-07-10.
  5. "Philips Hue 2.0 Starter Kit review: A new Hue, with Siri, too". CNET. Retrieved 11 November 2016.
  6. 1 2 Porges, Seth (28 December 2012). "The Best Product of 2012: The Philips Hue LED Lighting System". Forbes.
  7. Smith, Jake (12 March 2018). "Philips Hue outdoor connected lighting hits US, Europe this July". ZDNet . Retrieved 22 March 2018.
  8. "What Philips Hue can actually do". Smartdigs. Archived from the original on 4 August 2020. Retrieved 22 November 2018.
  9. Clover, Juli (8 January 2019). "CES 2019: Philips Hue Gains New Outdoor Lighting Range and Outdoor Motion Sensor". www.macrumors.com. Retrieved 2019-01-10.
  10. "Set the perfect look and feel in your room with new Philips Hue with Bluetooth". Signify.
  11. "Philips hue". smartlampen.nl (in Dutch).
  12. "PHILIPS HUE White & Colour Ambiance Smart LED Bulb > Specification > Features". Currys. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  13. "New study details a security flaw with Philips Hue smart bulbs". CNET. 3 November 2016.
  14. Torres, Timothy (25 May 2016). "Philips Hue White review". PCMAG.