Hue Unveils Its First Video Doorbell: See Who’s There
▼ Summary
– The Philips Hue Secure video doorbell will launch in October for $169, complementing Hue’s existing security camera lineup.
– It is a wired doorbell requiring power, featuring both 2.4GHz/5GHz Wi-Fi and Zigbee connectivity to integrate with Hue lights.
– The doorbell offers 2K resolution video and includes free 24-hour motion-activated video storage without subscription.
– It works with Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and the Hue app, but won’t support Apple Home or Matter at launch.
– Signify will also release a new 2K wired camera in Europe in October, priced starting at €179.99.
Philips Hue has officially stepped into the video doorbell market with the launch of its Hue Secure video doorbell, set to arrive this October. Following a leak earlier this year, parent company Signify confirmed the device, priced at $169, as part of its expanding lineup of indoor and outdoor security cameras.
Visually, the Hue doorbell adopts the familiar candy bar shape seen across the industry, complete with a prominent button for visitors to press. Unlike some competitors, this is a wired doorbell, requiring a constant power source rather than operating on batteries. This may influence installation choices for those without existing doorbell wiring.
Connectivity options include both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands, along with a Zigbee radio for seamless integration with other Hue smart lighting products. Users can program the system to automatically activate Hue lights when someone approaches the door. A plug-in chime is included, which doubles as a siren for the broader Hue security ecosystem. It’s important to note that the doorbell will not function with traditional mechanical chimes, the included unit is mandatory.
The doorbell captures footage in 2K resolution using a fish-eye lens with a square aspect ratio, placing it ahead of several well-known rivals like Google Nest and Blink, and on par with offerings from Ring and TP-Link. Integration extends to Google Home and Samsung SmartThings, in addition to the native Hue app. Standard smart doorbell capabilities are present, such as motion alerts, package detection, and two-way audio communication.
A significant differentiator for Hue is its offer of free 24-hour video history for all motion-activated clips, a feature that eliminates the need for a subscription for short-term review. This contrasts with many competitors that charge for cloud storage. According to Philips Hue CTO George Yianni, this move is aimed at providing greater value without ongoing fees.
While existing Hue cameras will gain Apple Home compatibility through a future update, the new doorbell will not support Apple Home at launch. Support for the Matter standard is also under consideration, with broader camera integration expected alongside the release of Matter 1.5 later this year.
Also coming in October is a new 2K wired security camera for the European market, priced starting at €179.99. This updated model enhances the 2023 lineup with improved integration into the Hue Secure platform, including light and sound alarms. An upcoming software update will enable Hue cameras to detect smoke alarms and automatically switch lights to a red mode, which improves visibility in smoky conditions.
(Source: The Verge)
