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(Image credit: Philips Hue / Signify)
(Image credit: Philips Hue / Signify)
The past few months have seenPhilips Hueintroduce a lot of new updates, announcements and products to its range. It started off with the launch of the brand’s new security system,Philips Secure, and more recently thePhilips Hue Bridge Matter update. Well, it doesn’t stop there. Philips Hue have now announced that its requiring users to sign up for a Hue account in order to use its lighting.
Whilst there are lots of smart home brands that require customers to sign up to an app and make an account, it’s something that Philips Hue hasn’t touched on before. Users that rely on their Philips Huesmart bulbsorentertainment systemsto add ambience to their home haven’t had to register any information with the company. In fact, the ability to use Philips Hue smart lighting without having to register is one of the main reasons why many people buy the brand’s products in the first place, particularly those worried about privacy data.
Only a few days ago, Twitter uses spotted Philips Hue confirming that this is all about to change. In reply to a customer enquiry, the brand replied with the following:
Hello Mysk, thanks for reaching out. Believe us, this change can only benefit the users, when it comes to security. Soon it will indeed be mandatory to have a Hue account in order to control the lights.September 20, 2023
Hello Mysk, thanks for reaching out. Believe us, this change can only benefit the users, when it comes to security. Soon it will indeed be mandatory to have a Hue account in order to control the lights.September 20, 2023
Philips Hue have been met with a lot of backlash about the decision, with many users hoping it won’t incur extra costs. The announcement comes soon after the brand exposed its plans to charge subscription fees for the incoming Philips Hue Secure system. The Basic plan (£34.99/€39.99 per year) provides access to 30 days of video history, while the Plus plan (£84.99/€99.99 per year) offers 60 days of video history. It’s the first time Philips Hue has requested extra costs after the product is purchased, and it’s an announcement that has also had a mixed response.
(Image credit: Philips Hue / Signify)
(Image credit: Philips Hue / Signify)
Weighing up the pros and cons or entering the smart lighting game? Check out ourcomparison guide between Philips Hue and WiZto find out which brand may suit you more!
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