Philips Hue: a popular wireless lighting system that has much more in store than you think. You need to know this.
Philips Hue: this is what you can do with it
This is what most people know about Philips Hue: you can dim lighting and change its color via an app on your iPhone. But you can do much more with this wireless lighting system. We list the functions for you!
Control your lights wherever you are
If you have the app installed and an internet connection, you can control your Philips Hue lamps no matter where you are in the world.
Automatic operation
You can also switch the lights on and off automatically. It is also possible to use them to wake up more naturally (as with a wake-up light) and fall asleep more easily.
Use wireless accessories
There are many wireless accessories available that you can add to your Philips Hue. Think of dimmer switches, motion sensors, smart buttons and more.
Connect to your HomePod (mini)
You can connect the Philips Hue system with your HomePod (mini) to control your lights with voice commands. The system also works with Apple Home.
Expand the system outside
Philips Hue is not only suitable for indoor use, but can also be used outdoors. For this you can buy outdoor spotlights, wall lamps and light strips, among other things.
This is how Philips Hue works
To use Philips Hue you need a router with a free UTP port, a stable WiFi connection, a Hue Bridge and of course a number of smart Hue lamps. You connect the Hue Bridge to the router. The communication between the Bridge and the smart lamps takes place via the so-called Zigbee connection and not via WiFi. The WiFi is only needed to control the lights with your iPhone. The range of the Zigbee connection is approximately ten meters, but each lamp shares the Zigbee connection further. This allows you to cover longer distances than is possible with WiFi.
The Bridge is the heart of the Philips Hue system and ensures that all lamps respond to your adjustments in the app. The lamps and accessories are linked to the bridge via the wireless Zigbee connection. The bridge is wired to your home network and your iPhone via WiFi. When your internet connection is lost, you can still operate the lights in your home with the switches. Only operation via the app is then not possible.
The latest Philips Hue lamps are equipped with Bluetooth. This means you no longer need a Bridge to operate them, because the connection between the lamp and your iPhone is direct. If you only need a few Hue lamps and you do not need advanced options, then Bluetooth control is ideal. If you want more options, it is better to purchase a Bridge. You can also simply connect the Bluetooth lamps there.
Hue Sync
It is also possible to synchronize your Philips Hue lamps. This can be done in a number of ways: with the sync box, the Hue app, the Hue Sync app for PC or the Hue Sync app for TV. In the latter case you create a kind of ambilight, but you choose which lamps in the room are used for this. Philips calls this Surround lighting. You can see which ones in the overview below syncbox you need.
Philips Hue: starter kits
You can expand the Philips Hue system practically endlessly, but of course you have to start somewhere. To help you get started, you can opt for a starter kit. You also have different choices here.
Most starter kits consist of a number of smart lamps, a switch or dimmer and a Bridge. Your choice then mainly consists of what kind of lamps you need and whether you want a switch or dimmer. You can then further expand the system as desired, and you can also opt for bundles with, for example, a sync box, Play light bars and a light strip.
Philips Hue: accessories
With the Philips Hue system you can choose all kinds of spotlights, floor lamps, light strips, motion sensors, switches, smart plugs and ceiling lamps. But you can also add a Hue Secure Camera, or a Hue Secure Camera with spotlight. This way you not only illuminate your home in a smart way, but you protect it at the same time.
Light strips are available in all sizes, from 1 to 10 meters, for indoors and outdoors, with colored light or white and colored light combined, and especially for your monitor. You can also choose custom track lighting to put in your room. This is a modular system, making virtually anything possible.
Philips Hue: conclusion
The Philips Hue system is extremely extensive and therefore the best choice if you want to provide your home and garden with smart lighting. Because the lamps communicate via the Zigbee connection that the Bridge automatically sets up, the lamps also work when your internet connection fails. Only operating via the app no longer works.
The only disadvantage is that it quickly becomes expensive if you want to tackle your entire house. This is also the case with systems from other brands, although you can save something with this. But at Philips Hue you will find everything you need. If you want to try it out, we recommend that you get one starter kit to choose one that suits your needs. You can then further expand the system step by step.
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