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Philips hue go 2 review for android#
Setting up the Hue Bridge takes minutes and can be done by anyone, no matter their level of expertise: everything is handled through the app for Android or iOS, and that's how you add bulbs as well. It all depends how many smart bulbs you want to install, and how much you want to spend. The Hue Bridge may seem superfluous considering rival Lifx connects its bulbs straight to your Wi-Fi, but if you think about how many gadgets are already trying to ping your router, there's some sense in creating a separate network.
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It plugs directly into your router via an Ethernet cable, and then creates its own Zigbee-compatible wireless network to communicate with up to 50 different bulbs. For smaller fittings, white and coloured E14 screw (opens in new tab) bulbs are also available.Īs we've already intimated, the Hue Bridge is the centre of your Hue world. Available models include the E27 screw (opens in new tab), B22 bayonet (opens in new tab), and GU10 spotlight (opens in new tab) bulbs, all with white light and coloured light options. With your Hue Bridge and choice of accessories in place, you can add bulbs and sets of bulbs as needed.
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Other Philips Hue accessories you can get include the Dimmer Switch (opens in new tab) we've already mentioned, the standalone Smart Tap (opens in new tab) remote control, and the official Hue Motion Sensor (opens in new tab). The Philips Hue Bridge (opens in new tab) can also be picked up independently without bulbs, if needed, giving you the flexibility to pick and choose the light fittings you want with it. Take your pick depending on the lamps and lights you need, and how much you want to spend up front. You can get these Starter Kits with colour B22 bayonet bulbs (opens in new tab), for example, or with white E27 screw bulbs (opens in new tab), or with colour GU10 spotlight bulbs (opens in new tab) and a dimmer switch. There's also now a growing range of Philips Hue Outdoor lights, which we also have a handy buying guide for. A good start is one of the aptly named Starter Kits, kits which come with a selection of bulbs and a Hue Bridge to connect to your router. Part of the appeal of the Philips Hue range is the sheer number of products to pick from.
Philips hue go 2 review Bluetooth#
Signify says more Bluetooth bulbs will be added and become available in more regions through 20. That means for the first time you've got a Hue bulb that doesn't need a Hue Bridge to work (though the Bridge does give access to extra features, like plugging in third-party apps and controlling your lights while you're away from home.įor the time being, only the A19 traditional bulb and BR30 downlight are available in Bluetooth-ready form, and only in the US. We've discussed the bulbs that make up the main Philips Hue range below, but the most recent lights released under the brand name are different from all the ones that have gone before: they can be accessed via Bluetooth as well as Wi-Fi.
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