Philips Hue’s smart string lights work with an app to control their color and brightness. The app also allows you to set new effects, including Sparkle, Scattered, and random display of five colours. You can turn the lights on or off using the app, or any other Hue switch.
Hue lights use RGB LEDs, which means they contain a mixture of red, green, and blue. This allows for improved color rendition. However, their range is limited. This limitation can prevent them from working with other brands’ lights. If you have multiple Hue lights, it’s best to consider switching to other brands if you want the app to work properly with them.
Innr, a startup founded by former Philips employees, also sells compatible lights for the Hue system. Its lights use the same technology as Philips’s, but are less expensive. Their color lights cost less than Philips’ color temperature-only lights. However, you have to keep in mind that third-party lights are not able to upgrade their firmware through the Hue bridge.
If you have a Christmas tree that needs a touch of bling, Philips Hue Festavia smart string lights are a great way to add color to the room. They’re also compatible with the Philips Hue app and will sync with Samsung SmartThings and Spotify. They will cost about $160 when they go on sale on November 15. You can also purchase a smart plug to control Philips Hue’s smart string lights without spending a fortune.
The Hue Bloom provides a wider spectrum of colors than other Hue products, making it a great choice for dimmer lights. The Bloom also boasts a higher output power than its predecessor, with 500 Lumens versus 120 Lumens. It’s also easier to control with the Hue app.
The Friends of Hue model has a slimmer design that can fit behind the wall switch. It is slightly less sturdy than the Busch Jaeger model, but feels just as solid. It’s housed in a matte black box and includes magnets. It can also be mounted using screws or dual-sided adhesive tape. The battery should last about nine months.
Another benefit of iConnectHue is the ability to control individual lights. This lets you control the brightness of each individual light, and allows you to set different scenes for different rooms. It’s also possible to add multiple zones to your lighting system. You can also use iConnectHue to control all the lights in one room.
There are some downsides to the Hue lights. They are relatively dim (550 Lumens) and have a warm color temperature. Their dimming capabilities are limited, so you’ll need multiples for your entire home. They won’t mix well with other light sources. But, they’re great for the price.