A third-party developer has released a new Mac app that allows control of Philips Hue light bulbs from a menulet in the Mac menu bar. Hue Menu, available on the Mac App Store, uses the Hue API to change the colors, brightness and more of Hue lights.

A year ago, Philips released its Hue iOS-controlled LED light bulbs exclusively on the Apple Store. More recently, the company released new LED 'LightStrips' and an accent lamp called 'Bloom'.

Hue Menu

Hue Menu is a simple and delightful way to control your Philips Hue light bulbs right from your Mac's Menu Bar.

This 3rd party App is the best companion for your Philips Hue light bulbs striking the perfect balance between ease of use and powerful features, making it as delightful to use as the official iOS Apps

Hue Menu is available for $2.99 on the Mac App Store. [Direct Link]

Top Rated Comments

robodude666 Avatar
161 months ago
Just a BTW, Colors for Hue (http://www.ambiancelabs.com/) does basically the same thing but is free (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/colors-for-hue/id581915465?mt=12) on the Mac App Store.

Does everything, except it doesn't have random modes, presets, or relax/energize modes Philips includes.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Generik777 Avatar
161 months ago
as for security I think you're mistaken. I think any client must 1) be on your network, 2) have paired with your bridge.

This is correct.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mdelvecchio Avatar
161 months ago
Now all we need are brighter bulbs (75/100 watt equivalent options), and better security so anyone walking by with the app can't change your lights!

agreed on the wattage.

as for security I think you're mistaken. I think any client must 1) be on your network, 2) have paired with your bridge.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
3282868 Avatar
161 months ago
I don't understand the need for this product....when would you ever need to turn your lights on through wifi?

Couple of reasons:

- Handicap: My father is a 77 year old double leg amputee from diabetes [neglect], I installed these throughout my family's home which allows them to control lights he couldn't normally reach

- Deaf: IFTTT recipes allow for a myriad of actions, and some are coming around that may allow the deaf to be alerted if an alarm is sounded (fire or break-in)

- Geo-fencing: Turn lights on when arriving at home and soon lights will be able to track your presence through the device currently connected and controlling the system (walking through rooms turns lights on and off)

- Monitoring: Control lighting away from home, saves energy and possible burglary attempts

- Energy: LED lights last a long time and are much more energy efficient, unlike most LED lights these allow for warmer whites in addition to colors (I've had mine since day 1, not one needing replacing, however a friend busted his and Philips sent him a free replacement)

- IFTTT recipes allow for certain lights to activate based on changes in weather forecast, stocks, emails from specific people, alerts - just about anything.

- Recipes: Install and name each light, then create recipes. Recipes can be made as one touch macros, select which lights, their colors and brightness, then decide if the lights should turn on automatically at dusk/dawn, a set time, through geofencing, etc. and save. The recipes will be available across all iOS and OS X attached devices.

There's a lot more, but it goes well beyond a novelty. I also installed a second gen Nest for my parents' and my own 2 and 3 stage HVAC Trane systems, saved money/paid for itself while simplifying home energy control.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
madsci954 Avatar
161 months ago
I don't understand the need for this product....when would you ever need to turn your lights on through wifi?

A possible use, though I'm not sure if it's implemented yet, setting timers, so you can simulate someone being home, ie turning the lights on and off at random intervals, when you're on vacation or away on a business trip.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
GoCubsGo Avatar
161 months ago
I don't understand the need for this product....when would you ever need to turn your lights on through wifi?

Laziness. I wouldn't mind it if I didn't have to run downstairs to turn off a light I left on by mistake when I am comfy in bed. :)
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iphone 17 models

No iPhone 18 Launch This Year, Reports Suggest

Thursday January 1, 2026 8:43 am PST by
Apple is not expected to release a standard iPhone 18 model this year, according to a growing number of reports that suggest the company is planning a significant change to its long-standing annual iPhone launch cycle. Despite the immense success of the iPhone 17 in 2025, the iPhone 18 is not expected to arrive until the spring of 2027, leaving the iPhone 17 in the lineup as the latest...
duolingo ad live activity

Duolingo Used iPhone's Dynamic Island to Display Ads, Violating Apple Design Guidelines

Friday January 2, 2026 1:36 pm PST by
Language learning app Duolingo has apparently been using the iPhone's Live Activity feature to display ads on the Lock Screen and the Dynamic Island, which violates Apple's design guidelines. According to multiple reports on Reddit, the Duolingo app has been displaying an ad for a "Super offer," which is Duolingo's paid subscription option. Apple's guidelines for Live Activity state that...
Clicks Communicator Feature

'Clicks Communicator' Unveiled — Will You Carry This With Your iPhone?

Friday January 2, 2026 6:35 am PST by
The company behind the BlackBerry-like Clicks Keyboard accessory for the iPhone today unveiled a new Android 16 smartphone called the Clicks Communicator. The purpose-built device is designed to be used as a second phone alongside your iPhone, with the intended focus being communication over content consumption. It runs a custom Android launcher that offers a curated selection of messaging...
Low Cost MacBook Feature A18 Pro

Low-Price 12.9-Inch MacBook With A18 Pro Chip Reportedly Launching Early This Year

Friday January 2, 2026 9:08 am PST by
Apple plans to introduce a 12.9-inch MacBook in spring 2026, according to TrendForce. In a press release this week, the Taiwanese research firm said this MacBook will be aimed at the entry-level to mid-range market, with "competitive pricing." TrendForce did not share any further details about this MacBook, but the information that it shared lines up with several rumors about a more...
Apple Fitness Plus hero

Apple Announces New Fitness+ Workout Programs, Strava Challenge, and More

Friday January 2, 2026 6:43 am PST by
Apple today announced a number of updates to Apple Fitness+ and activity with the Apple Watch. The key announcements include: New Year limited-edition award: Users can win the award by closing all three Activity Rings for seven days in a row in January. "Quit Quitting" Strava challenge: Available in Strava throughout January, users who log 12 workouts anytime in the month will win an ...
Low Cost A18 Pro MacBook Feature Pink

Apple's 2026 Low-Cost A18 Pro MacBook: What We Know So Far

Friday January 2, 2026 4:33 pm PST by
Apple is planning to release a low-cost MacBook in 2026, which will apparently compete with more affordable Chromebooks and Windows PCs. Apple's most affordable Mac right now is the $999 MacBook Air, and the upcoming low-cost MacBook is expected to be cheaper. Here's what we know about the low-cost MacBook so far. Size Rumors suggest the low-cost MacBook will have a display that's around 13 ...
Mac Pro Feature Blue

What's Happening With the Mac Pro?

Wednesday December 31, 2025 9:59 am PST by
Apple hasn't updated the Mac Pro since 2023, and according to recent rumors, there's no update coming in the near future. In fact, Apple might be finished with the Mac Pro. Bloomberg recently said that the Mac Pro is "on the back burner" and has been "largely written off" by Apple. Apple apparently views the more compact Mac Studio as the ideal high-end pro-level desktop, and it has almost...