Signify has just announced two new Philips Hue smart lighting products, plus two adaptations to existing products. The new Amarant linear spotlight can brighten walls outdoors for a bit of contrast, but for most people, the Philips Hue wall switch module is much more interesting, fixing one of the longest problems with smart lighting: a smart light in ‘ a dumb link holder.
The Philips Hue wall switch module is the only non-wire frame piece in the exploded diagram.
In the times – as will always be known now before the Philips Hue wall switch module – when someone turned off the switch that controls your smart lighting, it was curtains. You should actually get up, walk to it, and turn the switch back on so that it can work again, complaining about every time-consuming step on the way back and forth. Fortunately, the period is coming to an end.
While the new Philips Hue wall switch module will not turn dumb lights into smart lights, it will turn your switch into a smart control itself, which can activate remote scenes and reset remote commands. This means that the switch to which it is connected can control your lights without interfering with the assistant or app-based controls. Or, more anecdotally, you can turn the lights off the couch again after accidentally turning off Uncle Kevin for the thousandth time after explaining it very clearly that switch can not be turned off due to your beautiful lights. (It really is not very complicated, Kevin, just do not touch the one switch.)
The Philips Hue wall switch module is battery powered, with the permission of a button battery, and although expensive at least If you charge for five years, take the switch apart again to replace it as soon as it is dead. It’s not a deal, but it’s something you should plan for, especially if you’re not comfortable installing or maintaining such a thing yourself – although we may not think it’s too difficult to do.
It will be available this summer for those in North America and a little earlier in the spring for people in Europe. Prices vary by market, but we can expect to pay $ 40 for one or $ 70 for two here in the US.
The Amarant linear spotlight in action – they can be chained continuously.
The Amaranth linear spotlight will be available a little faster: March 2 in North America, starting at $ 170. As before, the EU will get it a little earlier on January 26th.
The new Philips Hue dimmer switch.
There is also a redesigned Philips Hue dimmer switch with full wireless controls and a magnetic back. In essence, it will allow you to pull the switch (or at least the controls) straight off your wall, turn around and get lost in the couch. But at least you can still control the lights with the help of the assistant.
The new dimmer switch is available from February 23 in North America (January 26 for the EU) at $ 25.
The company also announced that its Philips Hue Appear, launched last year, is now available in a brushed stainless steel finish, apparently EU only, available on January 26 at € 150.