Philips Hue parent company Signify today announced that it is introducing a paid Philips Hue Sync TV app for Samsung TVs. The partnership will allow those with Samsung smart TVs to link their Hue bulbs and lighting products to their televisions, so the bulbs can change colors based on what's on the screen.
Syncing lights to media content typically requires the Hue Play HDMI Sync Box, priced at $250, along with a streaming device like the Apple TV that connects to the Sync Box. The Samsung TV integration will let Samsung TVs interact with Hue lights directly for a lower $130 price tag, and it will work with all image formats and TV content, including native apps like Netflix.
The Philips Hue line is also gaining new PAR38 floodlight bulbs in white and color ambiance in the United States, allowing for white and color light in backyards and walkways.
The Hue Tap dial switch is also available with a new round mini mount that is an alternative to the regular wall mount.
The Philips Hue Sync TV app is available on 2022 and newer Samsung QLED TVs in the Q60 and higher range, and it can be purchased from the Samsung TV app store for $130 starting on January 5. The Philips Hue PAR38 White and color ambiance bulbs will be available starting on March 14 for $80, and the Philips Hue Tap dial switch with mini mount will be available on March 14 for $50.
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You’d think they’d rather give the app away and sell more hardware. $130 for an app feels like when turn by turn GPS apps were $99 in the iOS App Store…
I always think those colors syncing to your tv look good as static images, but how well do they actually work while watching tv? By that I mean, I think I would find constant changing colors on my wall to distract me from what is happening on the screen, i.e. not be a good overall experience.
And still no updated bridge with more capacity. Still no ability to backup and restore one to another. Still no realistic multi-bridge support as a workaround.
Their whole ecosystem is like Windows 3.1 - we used to describe it as an elephant (Windows) standing on an egg (DOS)...Hue is about in the same boat.
As a current Sync Box owner, this will be exciting if this allows me to get rid of the box and clutter. I just hope that the app can work with connected HDMI devices and makes it way to other TV brands. But did I read that correctly? The app will cost $130? Even when the PC app is free? ?
Every bulb in my house is a Hue, I have a bridge and like 10 buttons/switches. I also have purchased around 50 bulbs + accessories for family and friends. I'm making this company a lot of money!
I love the product. What else in your house hasn't been updated in 100 years basically?
Any advice on what other hue products I should explore? I guess all my exterior lights are still old school.
130 bucks to force me to stay with Samsung? No thanks! Maybe you guys can convince me?
