The IFA has many surprises in store for us this year. A first washing machine at Roborock, but also a security system at Philips Hue. Yes, we are talking about the connected lighting brand managed by the company Signify, just like Wiz, which also launched its first surveillance camera this year. Coincidence? In any case, we will soon also find Philips Hue or more precisely Philips Hue Secure cameras, not to be confused with Philips WelcomeEye Look cameras, as well as a contact sensor.
Three cameras for indoors and outdoors
More precisely, these are three cameras that are about to join the Philips Hue catalog. A wired model will be offered for the interior, and two models will be offered for the exterior: one on battery, the other with integrated lighting. The features otherwise seem identical. The cameras deliver 1080p images and promise an intelligent motion detection system, with activity zone and recognition of humans, animals, vehicles and also packages to limit false alerts. Philips adds that the analysis of the images is done directly on the camera and that an end-to-end encryption system is offered for storing images in the cloud. Smart detection and cloud are available by subscription, for €3.99/month with 30 days of video history and €9.99/month for 60 days.
It will of course also be possible to access the live video stream from the cameras, and to chat using a microphone and a speaker. The latter should also allow you to play a siren to deter intruders in the event of detection, and we imagine that the Philips Hue lights in the house can also be triggered.
A security center for the Philips Hue app
It should also be the same with the contact sensor designed to control doors and windows. Beyond the deterrent aspect, Philips Hue also sees it as a simple way to automate home lighting. It can thus make it possible to automatically light a room by opening the door. Sending an alert to the smartphone is of course also planned. As always with Philips, these interactions will require the installation of a Philips Hue bridge, whether for the contact sensor or the cameras. These will also be integrated into the Philips Hue application, which should soon host a Philips Hue Secure security center by update.
Philips Hue Secure products will be available in the fall of 2023. The wired camera will be available for €199.99 and the wireless version will retail for €249.99. Different packs will be available with additional sensors or supports.