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Samsung’s global connected living platform, Samsung SmartThings, recently announced its expanded partnership with Philips Hue, a global leader in smart lightning. SmartThings is already one of the leading smart home names while being a competitor of Apple HomeKit and Google Nest, and this partnership’s expansion can take things to the next level.
Philips Hue has lights for every occasion, so it is no surprise that they are the choice for SmartThings to go for the mood creation of their home system. While the Hue Sync TV app will be available in 2022 or later manufactured Samsung TVs and, in the Q60 and higher range, this expansion will hugely benefit users and change how users interact with their home entertainment systems.
SmartThings and Philips Hue partnership expands
In its step towards fulfilling its commitment to global smart home availability, Philips Hue is available in more countries. They include Hong Kong, Brazil, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. The users residing in these countries can now use the Philips Hue Sync TV app on their SmartThings televisions.
In addition, while users could only access the Philips Hue Sync TV app from their TV, they can now access it from their SmartThings mobile app. Naturally, this feature also includes other SmartThings-compatible devices. As Mark Benson, Head of SmartThings US said:
“We are excited to continue our collaboration with Philips Hue to bring these transformative features to life. 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.”
The Philips Hue Sync TV app was previously only available with a one-time payment of $129.99, but now users can also subscribe to a monthly plan if they want. It depends on the choice and convenience of the users if they wish to pay once and use it or if they prefer to pay $2.99 per month to be able to use the service. However, this added choice helps those who infrequently use the app subscribe only when needed.
Finally, those using the Philips Hue Sync TV app on compatible 2024 Samsung TV models will find a new “Music Mode” feature. As the name suggests, the Philips Hue lights won’t react to what’s on the screen, but will instead react to the audio of what’s playing.
Release and compatibility
The Hue Sync TV app is already available on Samsung TVs made in 2022 or later and in the Q60 and higher range. The newer products that will be released will already have the option to activate this feature after installing the Hue Sync TV app.
As for the music mode feature, the feature will come to compatible Samsung TVs manufactured in 2022 and 2023 “later this year.” While users don’t have an exact release date, they won’t have to wait too long to get the feature. The future is exciting for SmartThing’s expanded partnership with Philip Hue, and fans eagerly await what comes next.