Hue Bridge Pro – Faster Performance, Motion Sensing and More
Details have emerged about what appears to be the first major update to the Philips Hue Bridge in almost ten years. The new device, reportedly called the Hue Bridge Pro, will reportedly bring improvements in speed, capacity, and functionality, along with an entirely new way to use Hue lights as motion sensors.
Increased capacity and speed
According to the leak, the Bridge Pro will feature a faster processor and more memory, supporting up to 150 bulbs and 50 accessories. This is a threefold increase over the current Hue Bridge, making it far more capable for larger setups or homes with a mix of lighting and accessories.
Lights that act as motion sensors
One of the most talked-about features is something called MotionAware. This will allow compatible Hue lights to detect movement without the need for separate motion sensors. While Philips has not confirmed the details, the technology is thought to use Ivani’s Sensify wireless network sensing. This system detects changes in Zigbee radio signals caused by movement, and processes the data locally for speed and privacy. No additional hardware would be required, making it a potentially significant upgrade for automations.
Wi-Fi option
The leak also suggests that the Bridge Pro will include Wi-Fi connectivity. This means it could be used without an Ethernet cable, giving more flexibility for placement in the home.
AI and local voice control
It is also reported that the new bridge will bring more advanced AI-based lighting controls, along with the ability to control lights via Sonos speakers using local voice commands. This would allow adjustments to brightness, colour, and scenes without relying on cloud services.
New Hue products expected
Alongside the Bridge Pro, Philips Hue appears to be readying several new products. These include a wired 2K video doorbell, updated A19/E26 bulbs with up to 40 per cent lower power consumption and dimming down to 0.2 per cent, and new Festavia-branded gradient outdoor lights. There are also new indoor and outdoor gradient light strips with ChromaSync support, plus redesigned globe string lights.
As with the current Hue Bridge, the new model is expected to support Apple Home, Google, and Alexa via their legacy cloud-based connections. Leaked packaging images also suggest that Matter support will be included out of the box. However, there is no indication that it will act as a Matter Controller or a Thread Border Router, suggesting Hue is continuing to rely on Zigbee, while brands like Aqara have embraced Thread.
Hue products have a reputation for reliability, at least in my own experience, but their pricing can often be eye-watering. With strong competition from companies such as Govee, this premium positioning is even more apparent. In short, it would be unwise to expect the Hue Bridge Pro to be priced competitively.
Signify, Philips Hue’s parent company, is expected to officially announce the Bridge Pro and other new products at a press event in Berlin ahead of IFA.
