Philips Lights Up Hue Line With New 3D Printed Bulbs, Lux Bulb, And Kinetic Energy Hue Tap Switch

Enid Burns for redOrbit.com – Your Universe Online

Remember when you needed a switch to turn on a light? The switch is shifting to the light bulb with new options such as web-connected light bulbs and switches. Philips released new additions to its Hue line, and a Hue Tap switch that uses kinetic energy to power itself by the action of tapping on it.

The Hue Tap switch will retail for about $60 when it’s released later this year. Tap is the control you use for connected light bulbs when you don’t happen to have your phone by your side. Its four buttons can control different lighting situations programmed into the device. And as you use Hue Tap, kinetic energy provides the power to operate, with no batteries and zero watts of power consumption.

“Hue tap is the perfect solution for users who want to control their personal wireless lighting with yet more convenience,” remarked Filip Jan Depauw, Senior Director, Philips Lighting, in a corporate statement. “It is more than just a modern take on the wall switch – it combines easy-to-use traditional lighting control with the smart, intuitive, fun world of hue.”

The Hue Tap from Philips is compatible with the company’s range of Hue lighting. These new bulbs, or luminaires as Philips is calling them, are being made with new methods. One such method is 3D printing. Philips claims to have made the world’s first 3D-printed smart luminaires. These 3D-printed bulbs have connected functionality so users can control a palette of over 16 million colors, shades of white and programmable light scenes from a smartphone app.

“3D printing provides more freedom, control and even personalization when designing lighting products. There are fewer boundaries for creativity with Philips hue as there are unlimited options to generate any mood or lighting effect. Combined, we have created the most advanced, digital (even futuristic) technologies for a functional, emotional and unique object,” commented WertelOberfell designer Jan Wertel, in a corporate statement.

An innovative feature that Philips built into its new Hue bulbs is the ability to program it for notifications. The light bulb can blink when an action occurs, such as a sports team scores. The white-only version of the Hue lux provides bright light, while many LED bulbs on the market are only capable of lower outputs. The Hue lux allows for digital dimming control to change the lighting setting. The LED lux uses the same backbone as the rest of the Hue ecosystem, so it can easily coordinate with other light settings, and can be controlled by an app to match the same output.

“Hue lux is another entry point for people who are ready for the connected home,” commented Filip Jan Depauw, Senior Director, Philips Lighting, in a corporate statement. “Hue lux offers personal wireless functional lighting, giving users perfect control over their homes by reinventing the dimmer switch and giving you control via an array of apps. Hue lux makes your everyday activity even brighter, with the ability to operate up to 50 bulbs with each smart bridge, once you have the kit, your connected lighting experience is completely scalable: you can add any hue-compatible product to any room in your home.”

The Hue lux bulb is expected to become available after summer, along with an app update.