Apple's smart home platform, HomeKit, has a number of
advantages that sound interesting. Basically, HomeKit serves to facilitate
communication between iOS devices with smart home devices. Unfortunately, so
far there's not many product that can be compatible with it.
But soon, HomeKit will get an important companion in the
smart home segment. A new product named Philips Hue Bridge 2.0 will make the
Philips Hue bulbs will be compatible with HomeKit platform.
What are the benefits of HomeKit for Philips Hue? First, the
users can ask Siri to help them to adjust the color or brightness level of the
Philips Hue lights. So rather than having to open a companion application, you
can give simple voice instructions such as “Hey Siri, turn all lights yellow.”
Secondly, HomeKit is enabling Philips Hue to communicate with
other smart home devices. For example, you can connect the Hue bulbs with the
smart lock that's embedded on the front door of your house, so that every time
you lock the door, the lights will be off, and vice versa. Unfortunately, this
feature will be available via a software update at a later time.
Philips Hue Bridge 2.0 itself doesn't bring other new
feature in addition to compatibility with HomeKit. The design is a little bit different;
this time the device is made with square shape and curved edges, not fully
rounded just like before. If you already have some Hue bulbs and want to try
the HomeKit, you just need to buy Philips Hue Bridge 2.0 for $ 60, which will
go on sale on 6 October.
For the new users, Philips will also offer Hue Bridge 2.0 in
the bundle form. The bundle includes a brand-new Hue bulb which has slightly
better specs, such as the level of brightness that reaches 800 lumens.