The Philips Hue White Ambiance Lustre color-changing smart bulbs are designed for enhancing the ambiance of spaces like bedrooms and living rooms. They offer options for creating an intimate atmosphere or providing soft, diffuse lighting suitable for reading or gentle wake-up calls.
Philips has established itself as a leader in the smart lighting industry, showcasing its expertise with these easy-to-install bulbs. They can be connected to a Wi-Fi network via Bluetooth or ZigBee, enabling seamless setup and control through the Philips Hue app. This app allows users to customize lighting scenes, set routines, adjust light levels individually or in groups of up to 10 bulbs and integrate with other smart devices.
Compatible with Amazon Alexa and smart speakers, these bulbs offer voice control capabilities, enhancing their functionality. Despite being primarily white smart bulbs, Philips demonstrates their versatility by showcasing various shades and lighting effects achievable from a single base color. Users often find themselves considering additional Hue lights for their homes, particularly appreciating the calming options provided by the Hue Lustre White bulbs.
Pros
- Bluetooth connectivity eliminates the need for a Hue Bridge in some cases.
- Offers a wide range of scenes and light settings.
- Supports wake and sleep scheduling, as well as voice control.
Cons
- Requires a Hue Bridge for remote access.
- Limited to controlling 10 devices via Bluetooth and the Hue app.
- The color version is significantly more expensive.
The Hue Lustre is compatible with Philips’ Hue Bridge, allowing centralized control of multiple smart devices within the ecosystem. However, for users seeking only a few colored smart lights, the Bluetooth-enabled, app-controlled option serves as a suitable choice. While recognized as a top smart home investment, these bulbs are also seen as impulse buys due to their accessible setup and functionality, reflecting Philips’ strategic move in a competitive market.
Specifications
- Fitting base: E14 / E27 / B22 / GU 5.3 / GU10
- Wattage: 5.7W
- Maximum brightness: 470 lumens
- Color channel: RGBCW
- Control options: Philips Hue app (Android & iOS), Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Matter, ZigBee; Apple HomeKit and Microsoft Cortana with Hue Bridge
- Connection options: Bluetooth; Matter, ZigBee
- Compatible Matter routers: Philips Hue Bridge; Apple HomePod mini [with Hue Bridge]
Design
The Hue Lustre is available in various fitting versions, offering Bluetooth connectivity for straightforward installation. It provides powerful illumination at 470 lumens, suitable for a range of lighting needs from focused tasks to ambient lighting.
In just a decade, smart bulbs have become mainstream, with early versions now accessible at lower prices. However, they may lack the advanced features expected by discerning customers. Statista predicts exponential growth in the smart lighting market, projecting a quadruple increase to approximately US $44 billion by 2030 from $11 billion in 2020.
Philips, an early player in smart lighting, has carved a niche with its Hue range. The brand continues to innovate by integrating more smart features into bulbs, eliminating the need for additional hardware while lowering entry-level prices.
Setup & App
Setting up the Philips Hue Lustre light is as simple as replacing a regular bulb. With an E14 screw fitting, it fits various lamp types, enhancing versatility. After installation, powering on the lamp and toggling its switch makes it visible on the Wi-Fi network. The standby mode consumes a modest 0.5Wh.
The Philips Hue app facilitates effortless control and customization. It requires minimal personal information and respects privacy by default. Upon setup, the app quickly identifies and labels Hue Lustre bulbs, enabling easy individual or group control. Scene selection is intuitive, offering seasonal options like Halloween settings. Mood-based presets simplify choosing appropriate lighting without hesitation.
Bluetooth connectivity embedded in the bulbs simplifies setup but limits the app to controlling up to 10 lights simultaneously. To centrally control additional Hue devices, including outdoor lights and to integrate with Apple HomeKit, users may opt to add a Hue Bridge. This setup also resolves connectivity issues with Bluetooth and app-based controls, which require the same network connection.
Performance
The Hue Lustre smart bulb delivers ample brightness and responsiveness. It supports a range of light effects, enhancing its versatility for different environments. However, to integrate with Apple HomeKit, a Hue Bridge is necessary.
The bulb’s 470-lumen output effectively illuminates spaces, creating a cozy atmosphere with warm white light at 2600K. While limited to white tones, the bulb offers various presets such as Nightlight, Dimmed, Energize and Relax, each tailored for different activities and moods. The Nightlight mode, for instance, emits a soft white glow ideal for reading or relaxing.
Voice control integration via Amazon Alexa or Google Home is straightforward, allowing users to manage the Hue Lustre lights effortlessly. Commands such as turning the bulbs on or off can be executed seamlessly once set up through the Philips Hue app.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is special about Philips Hue White Ambiance Lustre smart bulbs?
These smart bulbs offer adjustable white light ambiance, ranging from warm to cool tones, enhancing the mood and atmosphere of any room.
How do I set up Philips Hue White Ambiance Lustre bulbs?
You can set them up using either Bluetooth or ZigBee to connect to your Wi-Fi network. Use the Philips Hue app for easy installation and control.
Are Philips Hue White Ambiance Lustre bulbs compatible with voice control?
Yes, they are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to control the bulbs with voice commands.
Do I need a Hue Bridge to use Philips Hue White Ambiance Lustre bulbs?
While Bluetooth connectivity eliminates the need for a Hue Bridge for basic functions, advanced features and controlling more than 10 bulbs simultaneously require a Hue Bridge.
What are the different light settings available with Philips Hue White Ambiance Lustre bulbs?
These bulbs offer a variety of scenes and light settings, including wake-up routines, reading lights and relaxation modes, customizable through the Philips Hue app.
Can Philips Hue White Ambiance Lustre bulbs be used outdoors?
These bulbs are primarily designed for indoor use due to their design and features focused on creating ambient lighting in living spaces.
What types of fittings are available for Philips Hue White Ambiance Lustre bulbs?
They come in various fitting options including E14, E27, B22, GU 5.3 and GU10, making them versatile for different types of light fixtures.
What is the maximum brightness of Philips Hue White Ambiance Lustre bulbs?
These bulbs can emit up to 470 lumens, providing ample illumination for various tasks and environments.
Are there any color options available with Philips Hue White Ambiance Lustre bulbs?
No, these bulbs are designed to emit different shades of white light only, without RGB color options available in other Philips Hue products.
How does Bluetooth connectivity enhance the user experience with Philips Hue White Ambiance Lustre bulbs?
Bluetooth connectivity allows for easier setup and immediate control via the Philips Hue app without requiring additional hardware, offering a seamless user experience for basic functionality.