Philips Hue

Philips Hue is a smart wireless lighting system that allows you to control LED bulbs and create the right atmosphere for every moment. Find out how it works and instructions in my full review of Philips Hue bulbs.

To explore alternatives, you can also read the article LED Bulbs WiFi Smart | Which wireless lighting system?

philipes hue

Philips Hue | How the system works

The system consists of the four main components:

Smartphone/tablet app: allows you to control your lights intelligently (change their colour or turn them on or off even in response to a Philips Hue sensor)

Bridge: is the physical device that allows your Philips Hue bulbs to communicate with each other and with the Philips cloud on the internet through your home internet connection

Lights: these are intelligent LED bulbs that produce a wide range of colours and luminous intensities. The lights communicate with each other and with the Bridge via radio using the standard ZigBee protocol.

Philips Cloud: is a service that allows you to remotely control your devices even when you are away from home and to keep the system up to date

Please note some of the features of the system that I believe contribute to its great added value compared to other solutions:

the system works even when the internet connection should be absent because the app on your smartphone connects directly to the Bridge when you are at home

the wireless connection with Philips Hue bulbs is made through the ZigBee protocol with a range of about 30 meters (depending on the obstacles between the Bridge and the nearest bulb). The range can be easily extended, however, unlike WiFi, because each bulb is in fact a node capable of propagating the signal to other nodes in the system.

the latency time of the commands is certainly less than solutions that always provide for the communication of the App via the cloud on the internet and therefore allows applications where the lights are adjusted in real time, for example following a music stream or online gaming
open and well-documented APIs are available, allowing applications to be developed independently: this has allowed the creation of an ecosystem of truly excellent third-party applications

What can Philips Hue bulbs do?

Before we go into the system components, let's see how we can use Philips Hue bulbs in our home:

voice control lights: you can turn on the lights with your voice thanks to native integration with Amazon Echo, Google Home and Apple HomeKit

programmed light control: thanks to the geolocation of your smartphone, you can configure Philips Hue bulbs to turn on when you get home

Colorful Bulbs: 16 million colors at your fingertips

motion sensor lights: no more searching in the dark of the switch thanks to the Philips Hue sensor

remote light control: you can use the Philips Hue app, a third-party app, remote controls, Philips Hue motion sensor, Apple Watch

Lighting scenarios: light affects mood and behavior, you can find the perfect light for every moment

Philips Hue bulbs | System components

The lighting ecosystem revolves around the Philips Hue Bridge:

Control systems: bridge, dimmer switch, tap switch, motion sensor

LED Bulbs

LED Strips

Indoor (integrated LED or LED bulb with standard socket) and outdoor (LED bulb with standard socket) lamps

The system, based on the Philips Hue Bridge management and connection, also includes three additional control elements.

Philips Hue Bridge

It is the heart of the system and handles up to 50 Philips Hue bulbs
Supports up to 12 control elements (dimmer and tap switch, Philips Hue motion sensor)
Enables remote control away from home via smartphone apps
Voice control via Amazon Echo, Apple HomeKit and Google Home

Philips Hue Dimmer Switch

Controls the lights and adjusts their brightness from anywhere in the house
Battery powered and wall mountable with screws or adhesive
Can be used as a remote control by removing it from the magnetic base
Requires connection to the Bridge

Philips Hue Tap Switch

Recalls 4 preset light scenes or switches lights on/off at the touch of a button
Can be wall mounted with base included or used as a remote control
It is powered by pressing the keys, therefore without wires and without battery
Requires connection to the Bridge for operation

Philips Hue motion sensor

Automatically activates and deactivates a scene or light setting based on movement
Thanks to an integrated twilight sensor you can differentiate the brightness between day and night
It is battery powered, so it is completely wireless and easy to install
Requires connection to the Bridge

An important note: the Philips Hue motion sensor, having IP42 degree of protection, is suitable for outdoor installation as long as it needs to be protected from direct rain.

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