One of the biggest problems with smart lights is the way they deal with traditional wall switches, and this is exactly what Philips Hue hopes to solve with its new Wall Switch Module.
Usually the problem with connecting smart lights to a traditional wall switch is that if you use the switch to turn off smart lights rather than using an app or voice command, the smart lights can no longer work with the rest of your devices do not communicate. This means that your smart lights will be unreachable until the next time you use the wall switch to turn it on again, which basically eliminates the purpose of smart lights.
To solve this, Philips Hue created the new Wall Switch Module, which is a small device that is wired in your existing wall switch, so you can use the switch to turn lights on and off while still on Hue light bulbs and lights to keep in touch with your phone or a Philips Hue hub. So, even if you turn them off with the switch, your Hue smart lights will not lose their functions.
Available for $ 40 each or $ 70 for a package of two, the obvious disadvantage of Hue’s Wall Switch Module is that the Wall Switch Module, except only works with Hue lights, is relatively expensive compared to ‘ a traditional wall switch, so instead of installing it throughout your home, Hue users may only want to install it in high installations.traffic areas.
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And to stay connected with the rest of your home network, the Hue Wall Switch Module is powered by a small disposable battery. Philips Hue says the battery that comes with the Wall Switch Module should last about five years on a single charge, but when it finally dies, remove the wall switch’s faceplate and fiddle with your wiring again to replace it.
On the bright side, Philips Hue says that the Wall Switch Module should work with the push button switches with both the traditional toggle and toggle switches. That said, if you want a more modular solution for controlling Hue lights, Philips Hue is also starting an updated Hue Dimmer Switch with a new programmable Hue button which can be customized to enable a specific lighting scene or recipe.
The new Philips Hue Wall Switch Module will be available in North America this summer for $ 40, with the updated Hue Dimmer Switch arriving earlier on February 23 for $ 25.