It may have been misreleased a few weeks ago, but news for the new Philips Hue Bridge Pro remains an exciting launch, and it is definitely being postponed.
More devices, smarter controls
The biggest problem with current Hue Bridges is its relatively low device count, with only 50 lights officially supported. It sounds like a lot, but it’s very easy to overcome this limitation as there are light strips, bulbs, lamps, outdoor lighting, and more. The current solution using multiple bridges is very flawed and I’m confused to set up.
With the Hue Bridge Pro, device support has appeared on 150 lights and 50 devices. It easily covers most people’s homes.
It’s been completely upgraded elsewhere, with a faster processor, 15 times the original memory, and supports up to 500 custom lighting scenes (again, the original lower limit was very easy).
Hue Bridge Pro also introduces Hue Motion Aware that transforms existing lights into motion sensors by skillfully monitoring Zigbee signals. Motion Sensing Tech uses Wi-Fi, but the same goes for technology burned into Wiz Lights.
Phillips Hugh has promised a simple transfer process from an existing single bridge to a new one. Those with multiple bridges will have to wait until the second half of the year.
Hue Bridge Pro will launch $89.99/£79.99 this September.
New light
Without the various new lights, it’s not a hue event. There were a lot this time. At the base level there were several new essential bulbs, which are still connected to the same ecosystem, but perform slightly lower as detailed in the image below. They are aimed at new entrants, but they can be a good choice for existing hue owners in areas that do not require full performance, such as utility rooms.
We also announced a new range of light strips. High-end features Philips Hue OmniGlow, which uses Chips Scale Package (CSP) technology to provide a smooth color gradient with clean, uniform light. The model produces brightness up to 4500 lumens.
Next, there is a range of both indoor and outdoor flux strip lights, with one model offering twice the brightness of the previous model. Special extensions, Connectros and brackets mean that you can place your HTE lights more flexible.
Hue Secure Video Doorbell
With the expansion of security camera offerings, Hue Secure Video Doorbell works like any other smart doorbell, offering a way to respond remotely to the door and act as an additional security camera. This model has an optional plug-in chime for recording video at 2K resolution and for use indoors. This was launched along with a new 2K plug-in camera.
Long-term video storage requires a subscription, but all camera owners will recognize alarm signals, provide emergency lighting, and get 24-hour recordings for free. Face recognition will be available in 2026.
The video doorbell costs $169.99/£139.99.
Sonos Voice Control
If you have lights in colour and need voice control, but don’t want to buy it for one of the larger systems, then the Sonos Voice Control might be the perfect choice. For compatible Sonos Systems, Private Sonos voice assistants can turn the lights on/off, control brightness, and activate the scene. This system was rolled out in September.
