Philips Hue Launches New Bridge Pro, Affordable Bulbs, Smart Doorbell, and More

Philips Hue has announced several major updates, including a new Bridge Pro that turns existing bulbs into motion sensors, more affordable bulbs, brighter light strips, and support for Matter-over-Thread. The Hue Secure smart doorbell features a 2K fisheye camera, 24-hour video history without a subscription, and integration with Hue lights. The Bridge Pro is available for $90, while the Hue Secure Doorbell will launch in the US, Europe, and UK next month for $170.

Philips Hue, a leading smart lighting brand, has announced several significant updates to its product line, aiming to enhance both the functionality and accessibility of its smart home ecosystem. These updates include a new Bridge Pro, more affordable bulbs, brighter light strips, and support for Matter-over-Thread. Additionally, the company has introduced a new Hue Secure smart doorbell, marking its entry into the home security market.

The Philips Hue Bridge Pro, set to be released in September for $89.99 in the US and £79.99 in the UK, is a game-changer for users with large homes. It can support up to 150 lights and 50 accessories, tripling the capacity of its predecessor. One of its standout features is the MotionAware technology, which can turn existing Hue bulbs into motion sensors without additional hardware. This technology can trigger automations or security alerts based on detected movement, adding a layer of convenience and security to the user's smart home experience [3].

Philips Hue Essential is a new range of smart light bulbs and strips that offer a more affordable entry point to the world of smart lighting. These bulbs, available in A19 and GU10 spotlight versions, as well as strip lights, provide basic smart lighting functions at a lower cost. They can be controlled via Bluetooth or a Philips Hue Bridge, and they can be used as motion detectors with a Philips Hue Bridge Pro. The Essential range is expected to launch in September in the US and UK, with A19 bulbs starting at $24.99 and £19.99 each [3].

The Hue Secure smart doorbell, priced at $170 in the US and £140 in the UK, is set to launch in October. It features a 2K fisheye camera, offering more detailed video than some competitors. One of its standout features is the free 24-hour video history, allowing users to keep a day's worth of clips without a subscription. The Hue Secure can integrate with various smart home systems, including Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and Hue's own app. It also supports integration with Hue lights, allowing users to set up automatic light activation when someone approaches the door. However, it will not be compatible with Apple Home at launch but will receive an update for this feature later [2].

Another significant update is Philips Hue's support for Matter-over-Thread. This protocol allows for direct Matter support in Hue devices, potentially opening up new possibilities for integration with other smart home devices. While there is no official confirmation, evidence suggests that this support is being introduced to provide users with direct access to Hue bulbs from any Matter controller, with the Bridge only needed for advanced features [1].

These updates demonstrate Philips Hue's commitment to innovation and expansion in the smart home market. By offering more affordable options and enhancing existing features, the company aims to cater to a broader range of users. The introduction of the Hue Secure also positions Philips Hue as a serious player in the home security market.

References:
[1] https://www.theverge.com/news/768232/leak-philips-hue-lights-matter-over-thread
[2] https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/hues-secure-video-doorbell-can-turn-on-hue-lights-when-someone-comes-to-the-door-100017068.html
[3] https://www.techradar.com/home/smart-lights/new-philips-hue-launches-2025