Philips Hue Announces New Light Fixtures and Expanded Starter Kits

You need smart switches, not smart bulbs. Get the Lutron Caseta wireless switches ('http://www.lutron.com/en-US/Products/Pages/SingleRoomControls/CasetaWireless/Overview.aspx') for those kitchen and hallway lights. They work with HomeKit or the Lutron app. Or, just press the switch on the wall.

I have a mix of Hue bulbs and Lutron switches, and I prefer the switches.

Yes I'm familiar with Smart Switches. But they don't serve my needs the way bulbs do because most of my switches are three-way for an entire room or hallway. I'd like to be able to control each bulb individually. For example my stairwell is open and goes from the LL to the loft -- four flights in total. When I'm upstairs I don't need the downstairs lit. Smart bulbs would solve that problem. Smart switches would not.

I'd like some decent lumens in a normal sized bulb. 800 lumens doesn't cut it if you have a single bulb on a fan in the centre of a room.

Where was all the juicy information on HomeKit Expansion for the tap and motion sensors and the official support of syncing the lights with movies and games.

Yeah I'm wondering why they left that out, to me it's the most important information really. Good thing there are other sites out there covering that part ;)

Is there a technical reason why 1500-1600 lumen (90-100w equivalent) smart bulbs don't really exist, esp flood and spot lights. Heat maybe? That is the product that is sorely needed. 800w is fine for lamps but what about main house lighting. So many homes have recessed lighting, particularly in the kitchen and halls, that really needs 1500+ lumen bulbs.

I have 3 hue bulbs and enjoy them. But without a higher level of brightness I can't extend the system any further.

You need smart switches, not smart bulbs. Get the Lutron Caseta wireless switches ('http://www.lutron.com/en-US/Products/Pages/SingleRoomControls/CasetaWireless/Overview.aspx') for those kitchen and hallway lights. They work with HomeKit or the Lutron app. Or, just press the switch on the wall.

I have a mix of Hue bulbs and Lutron switches, and I prefer the switches.

Philips today announced ('http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170831005034/en/easier-light-home-smarter-room-room-extended/?feedref=JjAwJuNHiystnCoBq_hl-bV7DTIYheT0D-1vT4_bKFzt_EW40VMdK6eG-WLfRGUE1fJraLPL1g6AeUGJlCTYs7Oafol48Kkc8KJgZoTHgMu0w8LYSbRdYOj2VdwnuKwa') an expansion of its Hue smart lighting range ('http://www2.meethue.com/en-us'), bringing two new fixtures and two additional starter kits to its Apple HomeKit-compatible family of products.

The Philips Hue White Ambiance Cher Suspension is the largest new fixture - a hanging pendant light made for a kitchen island or dining table. The fixture outputs 3000 lumens and costs $230.



Meanwhile, a new Hue White Ambiance downlight is being introduced to replace existing ceiling lights. The downlight will be available in two sizes - 4-inches at 700 lumens and 5/6" at 750 lumens - costing $35 each.



In addition to the above, the company is bringing a $50 Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance candle bulb to its Color Ambiance range. The smaller E12 base of the 40W-equivalent candle, with a range of more than 16 million colors, is made for ceiling fans, chandeliers and decorative table lamps.



Finally, Philips is now including four traditional A19 light bulbs in its starter packs, all of which come with the Philips Hue bridge to set up and customize the system. The new starter kits come in White and Color Ambiance ($200), White Ambiance ($150) and White ($100). Multi-packs of Philips Hue light bulbs continue to be available separately for extending existing installations.

Philips says the new starter packs and fixtures will be available to purchase online ('http://www2.meethue.com/en-us') and in retail stores beginning October.

Article Link: Philips Hue Announces New Light Fixtures and Expanded Starter Kits ('https://www.macrumors.com/2017/08/31/philips-hue-new-light-fixtures-and-starter-kits/')

Where was all the juicy information on HomeKit Expansion for the tap and motion sensors and the official support of syncing the lights with movies and games.

Is there a technical reason why 1500-1600 lumen (90-100w equivalent) smart bulbs don't really exist, esp flood and spot lights. Heat maybe? That is the product that is sorely needed. 800w is fine for lamps but what about main house lighting. So many homes have recessed lighting, particularly in the kitchen and halls, that really needs 1500+ lumen bulbs.

I have 3 hue bulbs and enjoy them. But without a higher level of brightness I can't extend the system any further.