Looking to add further functionality to its range of smartphone-controlled hue light bulbs, Philips has announced a kinetic-powered, wall-mounted switch to extend control over color settings at times when your smart device might be out of reach.
Philips launched the hue range back in 2012. The Wi-Fi enabled light bulbs connect via a bridge to a home network, allowing users to control the bulb's color and brightness via a companion smartphone or tablet app.
With hue tap, users can use the app to assign particular light settings to one of the four buttons on the switch, meaning they won't be left in the dark when their phone is hiding under the couch cushions or in yesterday's jeans.
The other benefit is that the hue tap works via kinetic energy, meaning it requires no batteries or connection to the main supply, being powered purely by taps of the finger.
Alongside the announcement of hue tap, Philips is launching hue lux, a bright white-only version of the traditional hue bulb. Similarly, hue lux is controlled by the companion app, whereby users can select different settings ranging from dimmed to warm to bright light.
Both products will be available after summer 2014 (US). Philips is yet to release pricing information for hue lux, but the hue tap will retail for S$59.95 (€59.95).
Source: Philips
