Crestron has announced significant updates to its Home OS 4, focusing on enhanced lighting support, expanded audio-over-IP capabilities, and improved functionalities in the myCrestron portal. The new Crestron Home OS 4.1 update aims to refine user experience and provide integrators with more tools to manage and configure smart home systems effectively.

Introduced last year, Crestron Home OS 4 is now equipped with its first major update since launch, dubbed OS 4.1. This upgrade will be available at no additional cost to existing customers and looks to improve the user experience with several new features and improvements.

One of the key updates in Crestron Home OS 4.1 is the improved support for various lighting ecosystems. The new version introduces digital lighting drivers for third-party devices, enabling seamless integration with popular lighting systems like Philips Hue. Users can now import lighting scenes directly from the Hue hub, making it easier to create customized lighting experiences.

In addition to Philips Hue, Crestron Home OS 4.1 also supports Lutron’s lighting systems, specifically the HomeWorks HQP7-RF-2 wireless processor. This expanded compatibility allows homeowners to integrate their existing lighting setups into the Crestron ecosystem without the need for extensive reconfiguration.

Crestron Home OS 4.1 also brings extensive support for a range of DM NAX audio-over-IP devices. This update includes compatibility with the DM-NAX-4ZSA-50 amplifier and the DM-NAX-XSP Audio Return Processor. Furthermore, support for audio edge devices such as the DM-NAX-BTIO-1G, DM-NAX-2XLRI-1G, DM-NAX-AUD-IO, and DM-NAX-AUD-USB has been added. These enhancements provide users with more options for high-quality audio distribution throughout their homes.

The inclusion of audio-over-IP support aligns with the growing trend towards IP-based audio solutions, which offer greater flexibility and scalability compared to traditional audio systems. By incorporating these capabilities, Crestron Home OS 4.1 promises that users will enjoy a seamless audio experience, whether they are streaming music, watching movies, or hosting parties.

The myCrestron portal, a cloud-based platform for managing, deploying, and configuring Crestron Home OS projects, has also received a series of updates designed to enhance dealer efficiency. New features include the ability to upload and download diagnostic files, which simplifies troubleshooting and system maintenance. This functionality allows dealers to quickly address issues without needing to be on-site, saving time and resources.

Another significant update is the integration of thermostats and temperature sensors, along with support for occupancy and motion sensors. These additions enable more sophisticated climate control and automation scenarios, enhancing the overall smart home experience. 

Advanced device settings and the ability to copy and paste configurations further streamline the setup process, making it easier for dealers to replicate settings across multiple devices or projects.

Crestron has also expanded the Home Configurator tool in Home OS 4.1. This tool now allows for the setup of digital inputs and outputs before dealers arrive at the job site. By pre-configuring these settings, dealers can expedite the installation process, reducing the time and effort required to get a system up and running.

These updates are part of Crestron’s strategy to provide a more integrated and user-friendly home automation experience. By expanding the compatibility with third-party devices and improving configuration tools, Crestron aims to cater to the evolving needs of both end-users and installers.

Crestron Home OS 4 was initially launched to offer a new level of interoperability and control over both Crestron and third-party devices within the smart home ecosystem. With these latest updates, the system not only enhances its core offerings but also ensures that users can have a more cohesive and controlled home environment.

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SmartThings, Samsung’s global connected living platform, recently announced its expanded partnership with Philips Hue, a global leader in smart lighting, aimed at revolutionizing how users interact with their home entertainment systems. This collaboration introduces a series of exclusive updates and greater control of the Philips Hue Sync TV App through SmartThings, designed to elevate home automation and enhance control of light sync.

Enhanced Integration with the SmartThings App

SmartThings introduced features that gave new meaning to having a TV-centered smart home. This collaboration amplifies the TV’s role as the core of the smart home experience for families. Users gain seamless control over the Philips Hue Sync TV App from the SmartThings mobile application, unlocking unparalleled convenience and immersion.

The Philips Hue Sync TV App synchronizes lighting with the TV screen, elevating viewing or gaming experiences by adding immersive light experiences to complement what you’re watching/create an atmosphere. With SmartThings, users can adjust the brightness of their Philips Hue lights, switch between Video, Game, and Music mode, and even start or stop the light sync—all via their Galaxy mobile device without interrupting their show or gaming session.

This integration revolutionizes the entertainment experience, creating a connected, engaging, and intelligent environment for families to enjoy unforgettable moments together.

As part of SmartThings’ commitment to global smart home availability, the availability of Philips Hue Sync TV app will extend to additional countries, including Brazil, Hong Kong, Poland, Czech Republic, and Slovakia.

“We are thrilled to expand our partnership with SmartThings to empower users with greater control over their entertainment experiences,” said Jasper Vervoort, Business Leader Philips Hue at Signify. “The integration of Philips Hue Sync TV App into the SmartThings ecosystem allows users to create immersive multi-device entertainment routines, enhancing their smart home experiences like never before.”

Release and Compatibility

On the heels of the 2024 lineup, users can seamlessly activate this feature after installing the Philips Hue Sync app on their new TVs. This integration allows users to curate elaborate multi-device Entertainment Routines via SmartThings, synchronizing lighting, air purification, and other smart home devices to enhance their TV-watching environment.

“We are excited to continue our collaboration with Philips Hue to bring these transformative features to life,” said Mark Benson, Head of SmartThings US. “This partnership underscores our commitment to delivering seamless and innovative solutions that enrich the lives of our users, making their smart home experiences more immersive and enjoyable.

As SmartThings continues to push the boundaries of smart home technology, this partnership marks a significant milestone in redefining how users engage with their entertainment systems.

For More Information https://partners.smartthings.com/partners/philips-hue

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Signify, the global leader in lighting, has unveiled an innovative product category with the introduction of Philips Hue Secure. This new offering combines smart lighting, sensors, and cameras to bolster home security. Philips Hue Secure allows users to monitor their homes in real-time, receive instant motion alerts, and leverage the Security Center within the Philips Hue app to activate light and sound alarms and arm or disarm the system.

One of the standout features of Philips Hue Secure is its commitment to privacy. The system’s cameras feature end-to-end encryption by default, ensuring the confidentiality of video clips, snapshots, and live feeds. Additionally, the cameras have the capability to distinguish between human, pet, and package triggers, all without compromising security.

The Philips Hue Secure camera range is versatile, available in both battery-powered and wired versions, and in black or white. These cameras can be placed indoors or outdoors and seamlessly integrate with Philips Hue’s low-voltage outdoor system. For outdoor use, the Philips Hue Secure floodlight camera illuminates areas upon activation, adding an extra layer of security.

The Philips Hue Secure ecosystem also includes contact sensors that send real-time notifications when doors, windows, or cabinets are opened or closed. Users can program these sensors for various automation scenarios, such as turning on lights when a door is opened.

Furthermore, the Philips Hue app has introduced a new Security Center, offering advanced control over the smart home security system. Users can manually trigger alarms, create blackout zones for video privacy, and set up activity zones to fine-tune notifications.

Jasper Vervoort, Business Leader Philips Hue at Signify, emphasized the importance of integrating lighting into home security, stating, “As the world leader in smart lighting, we know that light plays a major role when it comes to security.”

To access Philips Hue Secure, users require a Philips Hue Bridge for advanced features like contact sensors, floodlight cameras, light and sound alarms, and automations. A Philips Hue account is essential to ensure privacy and security, allowing users to manage individual member permissions within the app.

Philips Hue Secure offers various plans to unlock additional security features and video history access. The Basic plan provides 30 days of video history, while the Plus plan extends this to 60 days.

In addition to Philips Hue Secure, the company has introduced Festavia string lights for indoor and outdoor use, new MR16 smart bulbs, and compatibility with Matter for streamlined device integration.

The availability of Philips Hue Secure products and accessories, along with their pricing, varies by region and is set to roll out starting in the fall of 2023.

For more information, visit www.philips-hue.com/newlaunches.

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Rithum has announced that the 2.3 software update is rolling out with many exciting new features. Rithum is an award-winning smart home touch panel for smart lighting, audio and climate control. The out-of-the-box Rithum Switch offers Philips Hue smart lighting and Sonos audio control. With temperature sensing built in, Rithum Switch includes Rithum Stat climate control and comes with their new Rithum Stat Scheduling screen. Software plugins also allow the Rithum Switch to integrate with Fibaro, Rako, HDANYWHERE, BluOS, Tado, Homey and Lutron Ra2 systems. Simply add the relevant software plugin via their shop before your checkout.

Highlights of the Software:

• From within Rithum Switch, the ability to rename scene button labels or add a 2nd label
• Additional Scenes and Gestures for Philips Hue
• Ability to create a toggle hold gesture for Lutron RA2
• Enhancements to web config for LutronRA2

The update will roll out in stages that started earlier this week and will be complete by the end of the week.

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Signify, the world leader in lighting launches a new product that is much anticipated by users from all over the world: Philips Hue Festavia String Lights. With the holiday season just around the corner, the Festavia string lights will light up users’ homes and create a cosy ambience inside for the holidays and special occasions.

The Philips Hue Festavia string lights feature 250 mini smart LEDs along a 20-meter cord, offering plenty of flexibility to decorate your Christmas tree, staircase, or any area in your home. No more crawling under the Christmas tree to turn the lights on or off – with the Festavia string lights, you can dim and brighten the lights, change colour, turn lights on and off, set timers and schedules and more, all within the Hue app. What’s more, users can choose several colour points to create a gradient light effect along the string, bringing the colours to life. As with all Hue products, the Festavia string lights work in harmony with other Philips Hue lights in the space. They can also be synced with music using the Spotify and Samsung SmartThings integration, allowing the lights to flash, dim, and brighten along with your favourite song or playlist.

New Features: The Sparkle Effect And The Scattered Style

Along with the Festavia string lights, new features are available in the Hue app. The new Sparkle effect makes each light on the string twinkle, creating an extra festive look. For a cosier setting users can of course choose the existing Candle or Fireplace effect. Adding to this, Festavia comes with a new style for users to select: Scattered. While the existing Linear style produces a seamless gradient of colour from one end of the string to the other, the Scattered style spreads up to five colours randomly along the string for a colourful, festive experience.

In a statement announcing the launch, Philips Hue’s Business Leader at Signify, Jasper Vervoort, said, “As the world leader in smart lighting, we are constantly innovating to expand the ways users can experience lighting in their homes. We are very proud to present our new smart string lights, an innovation that a lot of users from all over the world have been waiting for. With Philips Hue Festavia string lights, anyone can create a personal lighting experience during the festive season. Homes will light up like never before.”

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Signify, which owns the Philips Hue brand, has announced a set of string lights called Festavia. These string lights are controlled by the Hue App, which can be wrapped around the Christmas tree, deck halls, or hung along the bannister rail of the stairs.

With 250 smart mini LEDs along a 20-meter cord, Festavia string lights are the perfect decoration inside your home. These lights are different from the string lights available in the market because they are controlled by the Hue App, where one can adjust the brightness, colour and turn them On and Off without having to crawl under the Christmas tree.

These LEDs aren’t individually customisable, instead, they have a few options: you can set them to produce a gradient from one colour to another along the entire length (the Linear style) or use a brand new Scattered style which sets up to five colours randomly along the length, more akin to traditional coloured festive lights. Plus, they also have a new Sparkle effect that can be selected through App.

They cost $159.99 and are available only from the Philips Hue website

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The Philips Hue Bridge, a hub that connects Hue lights and accessories to your router, is now certified for Matter. The Hue Bridge still needs a software update to make your Hue lights work with Matter, and that update is due in the first quarter of next year.

Once your Hue Bridge is updated, practically all of your Hue devices, from colour A19 bulbs and white ambiance downlights to Hue smart plugs and buttons, will be compatible, meaning you’ll be able to configure and control them directly from your favourite smart home App.

Though you can control Hue lights from a wide range of smart Apps, from Amazon’s Alexa App and Google Home to Apple Home and Samsung SmartThings. But like other smart brands, Signify-owned Hue is prepping for a future in which (hopefully) the vast majority of smart home gear works with Matter, an ecosystem-unifying smart device platform that’s having its official kickoff today.

While the upcoming Hue Bridge update will make most Hue devices compatible with Matter, there are a couple of key exceptions.

Neither the Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box, the gadget that syncs your Hue lights with the colours on your TV screen, nor the Hue Tap Dial Switch, a revamp of the old Hue Tap switch, will work with Matter following the update. Those types of smart devices aren’t supported by the current Matter version, according to Hue.

That said, upcoming Matter specifications are expected to support more types of smart devices. For now, Matter supports smart lights, thermostats, window shades, security sensors, door locks, TVs, and smart hubs,

Of course, it’s important to note that all Hue devices will continue to work normally regardless of their Matter status, meaning Hue Play HDMI Sync Box and Hue Tap Dial Switch users won’t notice any difference in functionality following the Matter update.

Ratified in October and backed by Amazon, Apple, Google, Samsung, and many other smart manufacturers, the long-awaited Matter standard should make it easier for a wide range of smart devices to work together across different smart home ecosystems.

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The first-ever deep integration of lighting and music presents users with an experience like no other. The new feature was rolled out, among Philips Hue App 4 users from September 1, 2021. This new algorithm creates an advanced light script for each song, the lights match the beat of the song along with the song mood, genre, and tempo.

A world leader in lighting, Signify announced, Philips Hue and Spotify, together provide consumers around the globe, with an immersive light and music show in the privacy of their homes. The Philips Hue system is further enriched with a new algorithm, that analyses the individual metadata of any song to create the light effect in terms of flashing, dimming, brightening, and colour-changing to reflect the song’s rhythm and mood. 

Spotify & Philips Hue have teamed up to enable this awesome experience through the Philips Hue app itself. With the addition of a Sync tab in the Philips Hue app, the experience is easily personalized. 

“As a world leader in smart lighting, we are constantly looking for new ways to keep offering our Philips Hue users the most advanced smart lighting experience. Entertainment, of which audio is an important ingredient, is a key focus for Philips Hue. By innovating with Spotify as a leading industry partner, we are proud to offer our users an immersive integration of music and light in a way never done before.” said Jasper Vervoort Business Leader Philips Hue at Signify.

The Philips Hue and Spotify integration are free to use with the Philips Hue App. Consumers require a Hue Bridge and colour-capable Philips Hue lights to truly enjoy the experience. The integration is embedded in the Philips Hue app, this ensures that the lights react to the music without any interfering background noise. Providing users with the complete flexibility of using any other applications on their cell phones. It works with any Spotify-compatible audio device, such as a speaker, smartphone, or computer. 

“At Spotify, we’re always working to create the best listening experience for every moment, via any device, throughout your day. We’re looking forward to introducing our innovative integration with Philips Hue, where smart lighting will add another dimension to enhancing your next listening session,” says Sten Garmark, VP of Consumer Experience at Spotify

For more information and specifications, please visit www.philips-hue.com/earlyaccess.

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