The company’s starter kit includes two smart bulbs that emit shades ranging from cool daylight (6500k) to warm white (2200k). It also comes with the Philips Hue dimmer switch and bridge, which supports Apple HomeKit. With the latter, users can control their lights with Siri voice control and Apple Watch, as well as the Philips Hue app.
Through the app, a new “Routines” feature allows users to design lighting schemes around their everyday activities. The “Wake up” routine, for example, imitates sunrise by getting gradually brighter, while “Go to sleep” dims gently until the light goes off completely. “Nightlight” minimizes blue light so that it doesn’t interfere with the sleep cycle of those who get up during the night. These “light recipes” are designed with specific daily tasks in mind, from working to reading to relaxing and more.
“Light impacts us both physically and emotionally, we experience this every day when waking up and going to sleep,” said Chris Worp, leader of Philips home lighting business, in a press release. “With Philips Hue white ambiance, we want to give people control of the impact that white light has on their wellbeing at home, particularly around day to day routines. By having every shade of white light at your fingertips, you can choose the perfect light you need to feel better, whether you want an energizing light for exercising or a dimmed nightlight for winding down to sleep.”
Philips Hue lights work with numerous smart devices, including Amazon Alexa, Nest Learning thermostat, Nest Cam, Nest Protect, and more. They are also able to interact with over 600 third-party apps. The company’s white ambiance lights will be available starting this spring, with integrated luminaires coming to Europe and North America in the fall.
