Philips Hue Confirms Matter Update Will Rollout in September 2023 + New Festavia String Lights & MR16 Smart Bulb

By: Author James Smythe

Posted on 31st August 2023

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At IFA 2023, the main launch from Philips Hue was the new Hue Secure range of cameras and a contact sensor.

However, they also confirmed that they would finally start rolling out Matter via a software update to the Philips Hue Bridge, which will be available in September 2023.

With the launch of this update, users will see a simplified experience when connecting their Philips Hue system with other Matter-compatible smart home devices and apps.

Matter will work on all Philips Hue devices that are connected to the Hue Bridge. The only exceptions are the Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box and the dial on the Tap dial switch.

It is worth noting that nothing was mentioned about the cameras working with Matter. However, at the moment, there isn’t any support for security cameras within the Matter framework.

The next iteration of the much-loved Philips Hue Festavia string lights is set to launch, boasting suitability for both indoor and outdoor settings. Whether it's imbuing a warm ambience indoors for festive occasions or adding a splash of vivid colour to outdoor barbecues and garden parties, these new string lights have got you covered. They're available in three configurations: 100 LEDs spanning an 8-metre length, 250 LEDs along a 20-metre stretch, and a whopping 500 LEDs extending over 40 metres.

Enhancing the Festavia line are three freshly designed light effects accessible via the Philips Hue app—Prism, Glisten, and Opal. While these effects will also be compatible with the first-generation Festavia lights, the Prism effect will extend its compatibility to all Philips Hue lights capable of colour variations.

Finally, the latest addition to the lighting range, the Philips Hue MR16 smart bulb, allows you to infuse the intelligence of Philips Hue lighting into traditional spotlight fixtures throughout your residence. Operating on the same 12V low voltage as typical MR16 bulbs, these smart alternatives are compatible with the majority of existing transformers. With their bi-pin base and conventional dimensions, these bulbs seamlessly integrate both in fit and aesthetics into most pre-existing setups.

I am a UK tech blogger and have been in the industry for over 10 years now, running Mighty Gadget and its sister sites and contributing to other sites around the web. I am passionate about all tech, including mobile, wearables, and home automation. I am also a fitness fanatic, so I cover as much fitness tech as possible.

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Posted on 31st August 2023

Categories News, IFA 2023, Smart Home & Home Automation News & Reviews