Philips Hue, the smart lighting brand owned by Signify, has introduced a major refresh to its product range. The company is rolling out lights that are brighter, more efficient, and a little more budget-friendly than before. The update covers new A19 bulbs, a completely new Philips Hue Essential series designed for affordability, fresh fixtures, updated string lights, and smaller bulb types that fit into compact spaces. The broader goal seems clear: make smart lighting more accessible and appealing to everyday households, not just early adopters.
Key Takeaways
- New A19 Bulbs: Now 40 percent more energy efficient, with dimming that goes as low as 0.2 percent brightness.
- Philips Hue Essential: A new, affordable line of bulbs and light strips aimed at those entering the smart lighting space.
- New Fixtures: Includes the two-way Dymera wall light and the flexible Centris track lighting system.
- Updated String Lights: Festavia lights now come in three lengths, with a new globe-shaped bulb option.
- Smaller Bulbs: New MR16 and Luster P45 E14 bulbs designed for compact fixtures and chandeliers.
The New Lineup of Bulbs and Fixtures
The biggest introduction is the Philips Hue Essential line. This range offers a simpler, more affordable entry point compared to the premium Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance series. The Essentials include bulbs in standard fittings such as A19, BR30, and GU10, plus a flexible light strip. They still provide millions of colors and different shades of white, and they can be controlled via Bluetooth without the need for a Hue Bridge. However, they leave out some of the more advanced features, like full-spectrum daylight tones or expanded dimming options. Still, for people just starting out, they cover the basics quite well.
The standard A19 bulb, Philips Hue’s most popular product, also receives a significant upgrade. It is now 40 percent more energy efficient than its predecessor, which is a welcome change for households looking to cut down on electricity use. The updated version can dim down to just 0.2 percent of its total brightness, offering a level of subtle mood lighting that feels closer to candlelight. Combined with its wide color range, it remains the go-to option for most users.
Philips Hue is also adding more variety to its fixtures. The Dymera wall light, for example, shines in two directions, both upward and downward, and each beam can be adjusted individually. It works both indoors and outdoors. The Centris track light system adds another flexible option, with multiple adjustable spotlights on a single track. Outdoors, the new Resonate wall light introduces a modern angled design, while the Luminette lightbar provides compact, portable lighting that is ideal for accent use.
The Festavia string lights are getting more versatile too. They are now offered in three sizes: a 250-bulb set for large spaces, a 150-bulb set, and a smaller 50-bulb option for tighter setups. A globe-shaped bulb version has also been added, making them a bit more decorative and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Finally, Philips Hue is expanding into smaller bulb formats. The MR16 spotlight bulb is a compact 12V bi-pin bulb designed for traditional spotlight fixtures and delivers warm-to-cool white light. The Luster P45 E14 is a small, golf-ball-sized bulb that fits into narrow sockets, making it suitable for chandeliers and compact lamps. With these additions, the Hue lineup can now cover nearly every light fitting in the home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is a Philips Hue Bridge, and do I need one?
A: The Philips Hue Bridge is a small hub that connects to your home’s Wi-Fi router. It uses a different wireless protocol called Zigbee to communicate with your Hue lights, making the system more stable and allowing you to control up to 50 lights. You don’t need a Bridge to use Philips Hue lights with Bluetooth, but a Bridge allows for more features like automations, syncing lights with movies or music, and remote control when you are away from home.
Q2: What is the difference between Philips Hue and other smart lights?
A: Philips Hue is known for its high-quality light colour reproduction, reliability, and wide ecosystem of products. It also has strong integration with other smart home platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. While many other brands offer cheaper alternatives, they often lack the same colour quality, stability, or a wide range of accessories.
Q3: How do the new Philips Hue Essential bulbs differ from the main line?
A: The new Philips Hue Essential bulbs are a basic, more affordable option. They offer colour and white lighting but do not have the deeper dimming or advanced daylight spectrum features found in the main Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance line. They are an ideal entry point for those new to smart lighting.
