Skip to main content

Philips Hue makes it easier to manage smart lights with new module and switch

Anyone with a smart light has experienced this one particular problem: If you turn the wall switch off, your light is useless. Smart lights can turn on and off on their own, but if they rely on a power source from a wall switch, then a well-meaning friend or family member can flip the switch and throw all of your routines out of whack.

Philips Hue offers a solution through the Philips Hue Wall Switch Module. This module fits behind an existing wall plate and lasts for up to five years. It allows you to use your smart lights even if the switch has been flipped, and you can also activate your favorite scenes directly from the module. The Wall Switch Module will be available in summer  2021 for $40 for a single module or $70 for a two-pack.

Recommended Videos

One thing to note is that this Wall Switch Module will not turn regular lights into smart lights. It only works to maintain a connection with your Philips Hue lights, even if the power supply has been turned off. It works in conjunction with an existing system.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Philips Hue also announced the Amarant, an outdoor light bar with a maximum brightness of 1400 lumens. It gives you the ability to create ambient mood lighting on your balcony, patio, porch, and anywhere else you can imagine. The light bar is 31 inches long and fits easily along walls or underneath the roofing of your porch to help you set the mood.

The Philips Hue Amarant will launch in March 2021 in the U.S. with a price of $170. It will need a Hue power supply unit that can be purchased separately.

Philips also made another surprise announcement: An upgrade to the current Philips Hue Dimmer Switch that includes a detachable wall plate. This allows visitors to your home to control the lights without needing an app. This is not an in-wall switch; the new dimmer switch attaches to almost any wall with adhesive. It’s not a permanent installation and can be removed relatively easily.

The Hue Dimmer Switch will have a slightly reduced price from the original model, coming in around $25 and launching on February 23.

Patrick Hearn
Patrick has written about tech for more than 15 years and isn't slowing down anytime soon. With previous clients ranging from…
Philips Hue and SmartThings teamed up to make your smart home better
Philips Hue and Spotify

SmartThings, Samsung's connected smart home platform, has announced a stronger partnership with Philips Hue and support for an expanded number of products. Hue worked with SmartThings to certify an additional 155 products as Works With SmartThings, or WWST.

So what does this mean in everyday terms? Basically, it's become easier for companies like Philips Hue to link products with SmartThings. The Certification by Similarity program, as it's called, allows companies to "certify" entire product portfolios with ease.

Read more
SwitchBot’s new smart shade is highly adjustable and doesn’t require a professional install
SwitchBot Roller Shade at night

First revealed at IFA 2024, the SwitchBot Roller Shade is now available for purchase. The smart gadget is designed to be highly adjustable and support DIY installation, allowing you to bring a bit of smarts to your windows without needing to contact a professional. Pricing starts at $200, scaling upwards for larger sizes and maxing out at $310 for the biggest option.

The SwitchBot Roller Shade uses interchangeable fabrics, allowing you to install blackout, full UV protection, or thermal insulating curtains. They’re also fully trimmable and expandable so you can quickly get them sized to most windows without any hassle. Windows with a width between 22.8 inches and 72.8 inches are supported, thanks to the availability of four different models that expand to various lengths.

Read more
Eve reveals its first smart light switch with dimmer functionality
Eve Dimmer Switch installed on a wall.

Eve has launched a variety of smart home gadgets over the years, including a smart plug, energy strip, and indoor camera. The company is now planning to launch its first smart light switch with dimmer functionality in March -- and with support for Matter, voice commands, and remote access, it’s looking like a solid choice for discerning shoppers.

The Eve Dimmer Switch will be one of the most expensive options on the market, carrying a price tag of $50. However, you’re getting a lot of great features for your investment. This includes Matter-over-Thread support, a premium button/rocker dimmer design for enhanced control, and the ability to sync it with Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa to unlock voice commands. You’re also getting the ability to dim your lights, a feature missing from many other smart switches.

Read more