Meet Hue. Your new Head of Security

Do you take regular trips away and leave your home unoccupied? Time to get smart with your lighting – and we don’t mean those fiddly plug-in things with cheap plastic pins to set the time your lights come on and off. They might seem like a good way to deter potential burglars, but not all plug-in lighting timers are compatible with all types of bulbs, fixtures, or circuits, like LEDs, dimmers or three-way switches. If your old-fashioned timer can only pre-set basic schedules, the regimented on-off times can appear obvious to seasoned criminals. Plus plug-in timers can also malfunction or fail over time.

Smart lighting is a far more advanced way to light your home while you’re away. And you won’t find a better choice than Philips Hue – probably the best personal lighting solution there is. Hue smart lights have a chip inside that communicates wirelessly with other devices, so they can connect to an app, smart assistant (Alexa etc), or smart accessory. And that means you can automate your lights, change their colour, and control them remotely. Anywhere from Whitby to Waikiki Beach.

How does it work?

Anything that’s “smart” has to be able to receive instructions. Hue smart lights use Bluetooth or Zigbee to do that, which means you have the option to use your mobile phone, or a Bridge smart hub – the key to unlocking all the benefits of smart lighting.

Smart lights do what you want, when you want. Set routines and timers for things to happen automatically, such as lights coming on to a certain setting. Or switch them on, off, or dim at the touch of a button. You can even use light effects that mimic a fireplace or cycle through colours. All from the comfort of your hotel room via the Philips Hue app.

Hue is at your command

Your command centre is the Free Hue app (available on the App Store or Google Play). It’s so easy, even your granny could get it up and running with the guided setup. In just a couple of ticks you’re in total control. Tap to turn lights on and off. Slide for the smoothest dimming you’ve ever seen. You can even use light effects that mimic a fireplace in the winter. All from the comfort of your air-conditioned hotel room via the Philips Hue app.

Millions of reasons to choose Hue

When you get back from your solo adventure, Hue has some other pretty cool features too. Philips Hue lamps are available in White (2700K), White ambiance (2200-6500K) and White and colour ambiance (2200-6500K + 16million colours). Play with the colour wheel on the app to change the shade of lighting to match your décor or your mood. Choose one of the pre-set ambiances like Tokyo or Tropical Twilight. And sync your lights to your TV, game or music.

Feel secure when you’re not there

Whether you want to start by lighting essential spaces like a living room or bedroom, add a smart outdoor security light, or connect the lights in every room, Philips Hue has the perfect light.

Bridge or Bluetooth?

If you’re not 100% sure you like the idea of smart lighting, you can check it out first with a Bluetooth setup that doesn’t need a bridge. Instead, use your mobile and Bluetooth to control your lighting, but be warned. There is a limit to how far away you can be for it to work. Probably about 30 feet from the light, which probably won’t stretch to the bottom of the garden, and definitely rules out the Bahamas.

What does it cost?

Less than you think. Smart bulbs start from £29.99. A Philips Bridge will set you back £49.99. Or you can personalise your solution and save 20% with a Philips Hue starter kit deals. Buy direct from Philips Hue for free shipping over £50, delivery in 3 working days, and a rock solid 2-year warranty.

Let’s go !