Philips Hue launches surveillance camera
Philips Hue is taking a bigger step into the smart home industry. With the new Matter standard, delivering great products is more important than ever. The question is whether Philips Hue has taken on too big shoes given the vast array of surveillance cameras and sensors already on the market.
Philips Hue Secure
Many images have been leaked on Philips Hue's upcoming camera but now this one is along with a little more products to make your home safer. A little late, Signify (formerly known as Philips Lighting) has decided to deliver a surveillance camera. The camera does not have features that we have not seen before. It has night vision, two-way communication, 1080p, motion detection and IP65 rated. The camera comes in three designs and two colors. A camera with an electric cable, a battery-powered one that is slightly larger and one for indoor use with a desk stand. There is also a floodlight camera that, like all Philips Hue lights, can shine in a variety of colors.
Do I need a Hue Bridge for my Philips Hue Secure to work?
Some features such as videos, activity zones, video history, and notifications do not require Hue Bridge. If you want your camera to work with other Secure devices such as a contact sensor, you need a Hue Bridge.
What subscriptions are available?
You can subscribe to two different plans. A Basic plan and a Plus plan; these give you 30 and 60 days of video history, respectively. here You can read more about what is included in the plans.
Does Philips Hue Secure work with Matter?
Initially, the cameras will not support any ecosystem other than Philips Hue's own. According to the manufacturer itself, it will support Alexa and Google Home. Support for Matter looks set to come in conjunction with the launch of Matter 2.0. Then there will also be support for robot vacuum cleaners and a host of other devices.
Read more: Best battery-powered surveillance camera 2023
Philips Hue magnetic sensor
A magnetic sensor or door and window sensor as it is also called has also been launched. These can be mounted on the door or window to trigger your Hue lights or get a notification on your mobile when someone opens. Considering the price and functionality, it won't win any prizes with us but could well fit into your smart home if you're a Philips Hue user.
The magnetic sensor is mounted with an adhesive backing and is made for indoor use only.
Other products
Philips Hue is also launching a light loop (Festavia 2.0) and new MR16 spotlights. Learn more about these here.
In summary, there is nothing new that we see without an addition to the Philips Hue ecosystem. If you're aiming for a smart home with Matter, there's a plethora of competing products. If you're a loyal Philips Hue user and plan to continue with their ecosystem, it's a nice addition to the family.
