A new update has rolled in for the Philips Hue app, introducing an augmented reality (AR) tool that lets you preview how Hue smart lighting products will illuminate your space. As reported by Hueblog, this update also includes practical additions like a “do not disturb” feature for motion sensors.
AR Lighting Preview for Philips Hue
With version 5.27 of the Hue app, now available for iOS, iPadOS, and Android, users can use the following feature: interactive AR preview of 12 different Hue products. But again, it only works on iPhone Pro and iPad Pro devices equipped with a LiDAR sensor; the first time that technology was seen was on the iPhone 12 Pro in 2020.
In the Explore tab of the app, this AR tool allows you to view how many Hue lighting products will look in a room, such as the Hue Twilight sunrise lamp, the Hue Dymera wall light, or the Hue Infuse ceiling light. This is not your standard 3D preview; the tool instead shows how the lights will act under different conditions, showing effects, colors, and scenes of lighting in daytime and nighttime settings. While the AR function sometimes lingers a lamp floating, it’s incredibly realistic showing how such devices can completely transform the ambiance and visual feel of a room.
“Do Not Disturb” Mode for Motion Sensors
The company has also permanently implemented the “do not disturb” mode for its motion and security sensors previously introduced in Hue Labs.
The do not disturb mode makes sure Hue sensors only go on if all lights of a room or zone are off. This feature can also be scheduled to work at specific times, for more precise control over the automation of your lighting. The sensor-activated light won’t come on at night to mess with already manually turned lights, and that late-night bathroom run can just be that little smoother.
New Timer Functions and Mimic Presence Automation
An updated Hue app also offers more advanced control over timers when controlling Hue switches. The possibilities include programming switches to activate or deactivate timers so that lights or scenes turn on or off when the timer is running out. And the update includes the Mimic Presence Automation feature, turning lights on and off at seemingly random times to suggest someone is home if you are away.
With these updates, the Philips Hue app provides the home with an extension of the potential of smart lighting and ensures control over it as user-friendly as well as individualistic towards the users’ lifestyles.
