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Philips Hue Discussion

Starfyre said:
Is the brightness of the Hue's comparable to regular incandescent bulbs? Given the smaller surface area of the bulb compared to a standard one, I question whether a Hue bulb can be brighter...
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The new Hue 2.0 kit bulbs are 800 lumens, so the same as a 60 watt incandescent. Mine appear to put out about that same amount of light and it seems to be distributed evenly like a normal bulb. I would not say it is better than a 60 watt bulb, but it looks the same to me.
 
Starfyre said:
Is the brightness of the Hue's comparable to regular incandescent bulbs? Given the smaller surface area of the bulb compared to a standard one, I question whether a Hue bulb can be brighter...
Click to expand...
When using the different shades of white light I'd say they are as bright as incandescent bulbs.
When using the colours they're not as bright but that is to be expected really. Still plenty bright enough to see by or for a party etc.
 
chuyn said:
There are some pros to just getting switches though. Along with being cheaper, they'll allow app control/timers as well as keeping physical switches on the wall. The main downside to swapping everything to Hues (the white-only ones) is that you have to put up with leaving the switches "on" all the time and relying only on the app to control, while not getting the benefit of the different colours. I have some Hue colour bulbs myself, but personally, I wouldn't have them if I couldn't have the tap/dimmer switch for that room. I wanted the colours and they're all in lamps, so it was easier to add a Hue switch onto the wall. It's just a pain when guests are over and they can't easily control the lights. I didn't really want to add an extra Hue dimmer beside the existing switch in each room so I went with Insteon switches for those rooms.
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Interesting /:)

xraydoc said:
Doesn't appear to. The new app is missing several features of the old one though has some nice new features. I've unfortunately got both on my phone until the new one gets the missing features. New one doesn't even support the iPad (iPhone/iPhone emulation only).
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How do you have 2 diff versions of the same App on the device?
 
The White Ambiance version is now available... US $130 for the kit with bridge and dimmer plus two bulbs, and $30 for separate bulbs.

I've just ordered the White Starter kit - I have found the Ambiance bulbs do not eminate enough light to the side due to their shape for some uses, but have found that the Hue Go lamp's candlelight mode is ideal for getting sleepy so will definitely try some Ambiance bulbs.

Without the heat of incandescent bulbs, I hope to be able to soften the light by covering the top and bottom of the lampshades.
 
LiveM said:
The White Ambiance version is now available... US $130 for the kit with bridge and dimmer plus two bulbs, and $30 for separate bulbs.

I've just ordered the White Starter kit - I have found the Ambiance bulbs do not eminate enough light to the side due to their shape for some uses, but have found that the Hue Go lamp's candlelight mode is ideal for getting sleepy so will definitely try some Ambiance bulbs.

Without the heat of incandescent bulbs, I hope to be able to soften the light by covering the top and bottom of the lampshades.
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I use Flux on my Windows machine and was using it on my iPhone before my JB was gone - Gonna try to sideload it sometime.
In that same direction, I'd like to get the light/ bulb that works well with the Circadian Rhythm - Sundial. More natural sleep cycles - Thoughts?
 
I've tried switching to Huemote rather than using the Philips app (didn't try 2.0), but still have some issues.

I've added functions to the pull down screen, but every time I exit the app forgets the state. Example, I have a light on and want to turn it off. I go back to the pull down and it thinks all lights are off so I have to double tap to turn "on" then "off". Any thoughts?

Also, for anybody with the rope light kit, how did you attach to your tv if wall mounted?
 
crashnburn said:
I'd like to get the light/ bulb that works well with the Circadian Rhythm - Sundial. More natural sleep cycles - Thoughts?
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There's an iOS app for that with Hue.

I recommend the Hue Go because a) it emits light through the case unlike the Bloom which is opaque at the sides, b) it is capable of richer colours than the Ambiance socket bulbs due to not always using white LEDs, c) the White Ambiance option with tunable white light doesn't go warm enough.

• It combines the rich saturated colors of Hue Bloom and hue Iris with the high quality white light of Hue bulbs.
• The light output is substantially higher than hue Bloom and hue Iris, at 300 lm compared to 120 lm for Bloom and 210 for Iris.
• Hue Go also produces slightly different colors due to having both the colored and white LEDs

Hue Go delivers the same high quality white light as hue bulbs, with color temperature ranging from 2000K to 6500K. It supports the 4 Light Recipes (reading, concentrate, energize, relax) available for hue bulbs. The Color Rendering Index is above 80 throughout the whole 2000K-6500K range.
 
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Superman07 said:
I've tried switching to Huemote rather than using the Philips app (didn't try 2.0), but still have some issues.

I've added functions to the pull down screen, but every time I exit the app forgets the state. Example, I have a light on and want to turn it off. I go back to the pull down and it thinks all lights are off so I have to double tap to turn "on" then "off". Any thoughts?

Also, for anybody with the rope light kit, how did you attach to your tv if wall mounted?
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I'm curious about the light strips / wall mounting as well.

I currently have the light strips on my tv, but I'm thinking of mounting it on the wall.
 
LiveM said:
There's an iOS app for that with Hue.

I recommend the Hue Go because a) it emits light through the case unlike the Bloom which is opaque at the sides, b) it is capable of richer colours than the Ambiance socket bulbs due to not always using white LEDs, c) the White Ambiance option with tunable white light doesn't go warm enough.

• It combines the rich saturated colors of Hue Bloom and hue Iris with the high quality white light of Hue bulbs.
• The light output is substantially higher than hue Bloom and hue Iris, at 300 lm compared to 120 lm for Bloom and 210 for Iris.
• Hue Go also produces slightly different colors due to having both the colored and white LEDs

Hue Go delivers the same high quality white light as hue bulbs, with color temperature ranging from 2000K to 6500K. It supports the 4 Light Recipes (reading, concentrate, energize, relax) available for hue bulbs. The Color Rendering Index is above 80 throughout the whole 2000K-6500K range.
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I do have that app - atleast the one from the kickstarter that did not work out.

Thanks for the detailed comparative between the various models. I guess the Hue Go is dual 110/220 V?

I havent bought a Philips Hub as yet will older one work for this with Hue Go or needs 2.0?
 
Hue Go just has a DC adaptor which can handle up to 240V and has swappable wall socket prongs.

The original Hue Bridge doesn't work with HomeKit but I am sure you can use it with the original Hue iOS app to control things. But no way would I get the old bridge now - I don't think it supports Siri or remote access.

The Hue Go also works as a standalone product. There is a button which cycles through different colours or you can get it to do a continuous rainbow loop or flickering candle mode.

I've just ordered another one. I just couldn't find a more cost-effective option. It offers so much more than any of the lightbulbs. My daughter loves disco mode (Invadr app) and I love using it as a nightlight, camping and BBQ light plus notification or alarm with the colours. The new tunable White Ambiance lights don't go anywhere near warm enough and the colour Ambiance bulbs don't go deep enough.
 
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LiveM said:
Hue Go just has a DC adaptor which can handle up to 240V and has swappable wall socket prongs.

The original Hue Bridge doesn't work with HomeKit but I am sure you can use it with the original Hue iOS app to control things. But no way would I get the old bridge now - I don't think it supports Siri or remote access.

The Hue Go also works as a standalone product. There is a button which cycles through different colours or you can get it to do a continuous rainbow loop or flickering candle mode.

I've just ordered another one. I just couldn't find a more cost-effective option. It offers so much more than any of the lightbulbs. My daughter loves disco mode (Invadr app) and I love using it as a nightlight, camping and BBQ light plus notification or alarm with the colours. The new tunable White Ambiance lights don't go anywhere near warm enough and the colour Ambiance bul
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Given that I travel globally, this would be the best take along Night & Sleep light. I was considering the cheap 1.0 Hub as they are 20$ used - Something as a lower entry point to play with and go up 2.0 if it really works out for me.

How would the above 3 items you mentioned affect usage for me? or most people? Just need to visualize how those features play into ones life?
 
For travel I would actually consider smaller non-networking options such as Philips Imageo. You can get up to 20 hours per charge and they are very practical, e.g., reach out, grab and tilt to turn on or off.

This one is glass in the latest version and there is also a set of six smaller plastic tea lights, plus a larger pair that change colour via tilt.

I would also consider just getting a colour Hue bulb for travel as the bridge is very small and also DC. But I feel strongly that the new White Ambiance is definitely not warm enough for a good nightlight.
 
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LiveM said:
For travel I would actually consider smaller non-networking options such as Philips Imageo. You can get up to 20 hours per charge and they are very practical, e.g., each out, grab and tilt to turn on or off.

This one is glass in the latest version and there is also a set of six smaller plastic tea lights, plus a larger pair that change colour via tilt.

I would also consider just getting a colour Hue bulb for travel as the bridge is very small and also DC. But I feel strongly that the new White Ambiance is definitely not warm enough for a good nightlight.
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Thanks for the inputs. At the moment I am leaning towards the "Flux like Circadian Sundial controllability" which I doubt this Imageo has? But, when I meant travel I was thinking few weeks/ months; that way I dont end up having Lighting systems/ Bulbs which work only in 110 or 220/240.

Is there some place in the US; CA/ TX or in Asia where one can actually check these items out & compare - like a Showroom? Maybe that's the piece that Philips hasnt done - Show & tell
 
Yeah, the Imageos are manual tilt control only.

Hue is only available in Apple stores in many countries. The Imageos won't be there but rather in lighting or maybe hardware shops. Imageo and Go are not available everywhere though.
 
LiveM said:
Imageos are manual tilt control only.
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I noticed you mention TILT and saw pics on the site. Do clarify how/ what kind of color changes happen by Tilting it? Is this by design? What kind of Color spectrum does it support?
Ps: I realize there's no app control at all.
 
Yes, tilting them is how to turn them on/off or change colour with the colour ones.

I'd say you could get a broad spectrum but haven't checked out any videos.

I like the idea of these dim lights for when you need to check something or go to the bathroom at night and don't want to become too alert and unable to get back to sleep because of bright house lights.
 
Weaselboy said:
It is actually a different app. They kept the old one and added the new app, so they are both still available.
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That's what I do. It's so stupid having to use two apps: one for upd The worse thing about the new app is it doesn't even have Watch support yet.
 
Yay. Definitely a needed addition, both ambient light and motion sensing.

Is there any way with current apps to set sunset triggers sooner or later based on weather? On-time triggering has very limited uses.

I also wish IFTTT would extend to IFT/TTT and IFT+TTT.
 
Weaselboy said:
Thanks for this. I'm all over it as soon as they release it.
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xraydoc said:
Hopefully it'll be HomeKit-enabled. I'm concerned that since it's battery operated, it may not be able to act as a trigger for HomeKit actions, though obviously Philips will enable it to turn on (or off, I presume) Hue lights directly though the Hue hub.
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I'm also looking forward to this, WEMO has had this solution for years and I still use it to this day. Their motion sensor plugs in and sits atop a table or on the floor if you like, then when triggered can do a variety of things, such as trigger a light switch and then you can set timers to them as well. For example, after motion triggers a light, I have it automatically shut itself off after 5 minutes, etc. Their app is very intuitive compared to Hue but since I'm mostly Hue now, I'm holding out hope for this functionality.

I have a couple of the Hue remote dimmer switches and they take a little watch battery but they seem to last forever, I would be okay with this personally.
 
Has 3M tape in the back very easy to install
 

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I debated on using motion sensors for lights but when you figure the cost of them in it is much cheaper to just have the lights on while home. It is much cheaper in the long run. I only use one to turn lights on as night lights and porch lights. It has
Just costa more then your saving.
 
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