Philips Hue Add New GU10 Bulbs to Bluetooth Lineup

After the recent introduction of new A19 and BR30 bulbs, that now include Bluetooth as well as Zigbee, Philips Hue have added White & Colour GU10 bulbs to this slowly growing list. Whilst the bulbs are in many ways the same as the current Zigbee-only GU10s – apart from the addition of Bluetooth of course – the overall size of the bulbs has been reduced from a height of 72mm to a mere 58mm. This will be great news to those who’ve found the current GU10s are a little too large for typical GU10 recesses. The diameter has not changed at all, which stays at 50mm. In addition to the reduction in size, Hue has changed the light diffuser significantly, with a more convex lens, that now matches the design of the Hue White Ambiance GU10, with the original GU10 being more recessed with a slightly rippled design.

Aside from the size difference, the new GU10 is 70% brighter, with 350lm compared to 250lm in the current model, whilst more energy efficient, using 0nly 5.7W compared to 6.5W of power consumption. Finally, Hue is claiming these have ‘Richer Colors’, which essentially translates as better greens and blues, which the current model is lacking.

The addition of Bluetooth to the company’s updated bulbs has come as a surprise to many, although it has been noted that the addition of Bluetooth gives consumers the chance to try out Hue products without having to first buy the Hue Bridge, which has been an issue for some wanting to get into smart lighting on a budget. It also helps in those situations where some in shared accommodation might not have access to a router to plug a bridge into. As these bulbs all still use Zigbee, people who want to expand beyond the 10 bulb limit can easily upgrade by purchasing the Bridge at a later date.

It looks as though the new GU10 Bluetooth bulbs are unavailable in many countries at present, but as with their other line of new bulbs, they should be available on Amazon.com and other online outlets before too long.

In the meantime, feel free to check out our review of the new Philips Hue Warm White bulbs with Bluetooth.