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Philips Hue launches a long-awaited light switch module and more

Philips Hue launches a long-awaited light switch module and more

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Also, new outdoor light bar and refined dimmer control

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The new Philips Hue Wall Switch Module make the switch smart, not the bulb.
The new Philips Hue Wall Switch Module make the switch smart, not the bulb.
Image: Philips Hue

Signify is introducing three new Philips Hue products today: an in-wall Hue module for existing light switches, a new outdoor light bar, and a refined dimmer.

The Philips Hue Wall Switch Module solves a problem long suffered by Hue smart light owners. Namely, you install a so-called “smart” Hue bulb into a lamp or ceiling fixture and then marvel at your ability to control it from your phone until a roommate flips the wall switch and cuts power to the bulb, rendering your expensive lightbulb useless. The new Wall Switch Module — powered by a battery with at least a five year lifespan, according to Signify — puts the intelligence right inside of the wall to make the switch smart. Unfortunately, the Switch Module doesn’t make regular lights smart, it only controls Hue smart lights. The Hue Wall Switch Module will cost $39.95 / €39.95, or $69.95 / €69.95 for a two-pack when it launches in Europe this March, followed by North America in the summer.

All the details about the in-wall installation can be found at Hueblog if you’re interested in replacing your home’s light switches with Hue.

Some installation and basic electrical knowledge is required.
Some installation and basic electrical knowledge is required.
Image: Philips Hue

The Philips Hue Amarant is a $169.99 / €149.99 light bar that can be installed outdoors to bathe the side of a house, hedgerow, or fence in multicolored light. Amarant measures 79.5-cm (31 inches) wide and maxes out at 1,400 lumens. It requires a Hue power supply unit which can be purchased separately. The Philips Hue Amarant is available now in Europe but won’t ship in North America until early March. 

Two Amarants on a single power supply.
Two Amarants on a single power supply.
Image: Philips Hue
Bathe an outdoor wall in light.
Bathe an outdoor wall in light.
Image: Philips Hue

Lastly, there’s an upgrade to the magnetic Philips Hue dimmer switch with a detachable wall plate that lets your family and guests control Hue lighting without an app. Unlike the new in-wall module, the dimmer is a faux wall switch that adheres to any wall with tape. At least in Europe, the new dimmer reduces the list price slightly from the original, according to Hueblog, while maintaining all the same functionality in a somewhat refined form. It’s available starting on January 26th in Europe for €19.99 before coming to North America on February 23rd for $24.99.

The magnetic dimmer can be attached to the wall plate or detached for use as a remote.
The magnetic dimmer can be attached to the wall plate or detached for use as a remote.
Image: Philips Hue

Update January 14th, 9:08AM ET: Added additional details about the Wall Switch Module.