Picture Philips Hue
If Philips Hue has made a name for itself in the world of connected lamps, the company has not extended its field of activity beyond that. And this, until today.
Starting this fall, Philips Hue will launch its first range of home security cameras. Of course, they will work with the brand’s connected lamps. The announcement was made on Hue’s official blog.
At first glance, this is a fairly standard surveillance camera. The Hue Secure (which can be installed indoors or outdoors) produces a live video feed, records footage, provides motion alerts, allows two-way communication, has night vision and also an integrated alarm. A low subscription (€4 per month) allows you to access a longer history of recorded video footage and set custom motion zones.
The interaction with the lights does not happen automatically, however.
But this is where things get interesting. If you have Hue smart lights, you can set a custom motion response. And that doesn’t just mean the lights go on if someone is snooping around your home. With Hue security cameras, you can set custom actions for your lights, such as going from dim to flashing red.
While it was technically possible to do something like this before with a third-party app or protocol like IFTTT or Tasker (Android), this is definitely an easier method.
The interaction with the lights does not happen automatically, however. When motion is detected, users receive a notification. On this screen, there is a button to sound an alarm, call the authorities (or another emergency contact) and turn on the lights.
How much does Philips Hue Secure cost?
Philips Hue is also launching touch sensors for doors and windows that offer the same customization options, with lighting automation happening automatically when a door or window is opened.
Four security cameras will be available this fall: a wired version and a wireless version, each in black or white. A fifth camera, the “Philips Hue Secure Projector with Camera” (thus incorporating a lamp), is expected to be launched early next year.
What are the prices of these cameras? Philips Hue Secure Secure cameras will retail for €200 for the wired version and €250 for the wireless version. The version with projector will bring the price to 350 €. It should be noted that these prices are significantly higher than those of the competition, for example Ring and Blink who both offer indoor and outdoor cameras around 60-70 € with integrated projector versions from €140 or €170.
Source: “ZDNet.com”