Newsletter (16th Sept 22): Ring & Philips Hue Updates (& More)

The new slim downlights from Philips Hue

(This newsletter was originally sent on 16th September 2022) The latest smart home updates from Smart Home Point Somehow we’re already in September (where’s the time going?!). In some ways September can be a slow month for the smart home industry. After all, June and July are always quite busy because of Prime Day, resulting … Read more

Can Philips Hue Control Other Bulbs (Smart and Normal Lights)?

Two full RGB smart bulbs from Hue and LIFX side by side

One of the greatest appeals of a smart home is the ability to control all of your devices wirelessly, from just about anywhere – in or outside of your home. In the quest to achieve this seamlessly connected smart home, being able to control all of your smart devices, including bulbs, from one central location … Read more

Can Hue Lightstrips Be Hardwired?

Power brick adapter for the Philips Hue Lightstrip V4

I’m soon going to be adding some under-cabinet kitchen lighting into my kitchen, and as a recent smart lighting fan, I was checking out Philip Hue’s Lightstrip range. These are designed to be plugged into a wall socket, but since I don’t have any sockets under my kitchen cabinets, I was wondering whether they can … Read more

Can Multiple Devices & Hue Apps Control Philips Hue Lights?

Screenshot from the Hue app, showing my four room names: "Living Room", "Landing", "Hallway" and "Master Bedroom".

Philips Hue is the biggest name in smart lighting, but what are you going to do when you need to give additional users access to your smart light controls? You can set up multiple users whether you are using Bluetooth enabled Philips Hue devices or the Philips Hue Bridge. Your secondary users will only need to … Read more

Philips Hue Range/Distance Guide: How Far Away Can It Work?

A recently installed Philips Hue v2 bridge which is setup in my loft.

I recently purchased a Philips Hue starter kit and four candle bulbs, but due to having limited space (and power outlets) by the router in my living room, I instead installed my Hue Hub (the Bridge v2) up in my attic. I was able to do this because I already have full networking (and power) … Read more

Philips Hue Bridge: How To Circumvent The 50 Bulb Limit

A Philips Hue starter kit, with the text "control up to 50 lights..." overlayed on it.

The Philips Hue Bridge (or the Starter Kits, which ship with a Bridge) are fairly clear about a seemingly unimportant limitation: “the Hue Bridge allows you to connect and control up to 50 lights and accessories” – Hue Bridge marketing information, 2020. When you’re just starting out on your smart phone journey, 50 lights seems … Read more