What the Philips Hue Perifo track system is still missing

Philips Hue is set to introduce its first proprietary track lighting system, Perifo, in late summer 2022. This system allows for flexible configuration with various starter sets, beginning at 649.99 euros, and can be further customized with additional light sources and accessories to create a personalized lighting experience. The author, having had a preliminary look at the system, provides insights into its features and capabilities. The Perifo system is designed for both wall and ceiling mounting and will be available in white or black. For ceiling installation, it utilizes the existing lamp connection, while wall mounting requires an external power supply plugged into a standard socket. Both configurations provide 100 watts of power for the 24-volt track system, which is sufficient for approximately 20 spots. This power capacity allows for brighter illumination than would be achievable with standard GU10 spots, as the LEDs in the Perifo system's spots and pendant luminaires are permanently installed and offer a maximum brightness of around 500 lumens. At its launch, the Perifo system will offer four distinct light sources that can be easily plugged into the rails. These include swivel spots and pendant luminaires with integrated LEDs. Additionally, a version of the Philips Hue Play Gradient Tube, available in two sizes, will be part of the Perifo lineup. These Gradient Tubes are essentially existing models adapted with rail-compatible adapters, capable of displaying color gradients and offering rotational adjustment to direct light as desired. Philips Hue will also provide Perifo Light Bars, which are rigidly integrated into the rails and feature standard White and Color Ambiance technology, but without the gradient effect. Accessories for the Perifo system will include various connectors to link the 50, 100, and 150-centimeter long rails. The rails themselves can be shortened to achieve specific lengths. Standard connectors and corner connectors will be available, although T-pieces and corner connectors designed for wall-to-ceiling transitions are not yet offered, but are a desired future addition. The pricing structure for the Perifo system, set to launch in late summer, involves various starter sets and individual accessories. Philips Hue plans to provide an online configurator to assist customers in selecting suitable products. Initial pricing for starter sets includes the Hue Perifo Set 3 pendant lamp at 649.99 euros, the Hue Perifo Set 4 Spots ceiling lamp at 749.99 euros, the Hue Perifo Set 3 Spots + Lightbar ceiling light at 799.99 euros, the Hue Perifo Set 3 Spots wall lamp at 649.99 euros, and the Hue Perifo Set Wall Lamp Gradient Tube at 799.99 euros. Individual rails will cost between 49.99 and 89.99 euros, connectors between 19.99 and 29.99 euros, power supplies for wall or ceiling at 99.99 euros, and individual Perifo lights between 119.99 and 299.99 euros. While acknowledging the premium pricing, the author suggests that the system's high quality and unique capabilities justify the cost, and expresses interest in a hands-on review. #PhilipsHue #PerifoTrackSystem #SmartLighting #HomeLighting #LEDLighting #TrackLighting #HomeAutomation #GradientLight #Hueblog

The Philips Hue Perifo track system is introduced, highlighting its functionality and design. The author, having previously praised the system for solving a lighting problem in their kitchen, focuses on the Perifo pendant luminaire. The pendant light, costing 149.99 euros, is part of a larger, generally expensive track system. While alternatives exist for integrating Philips Hue GU10 spots into universal pendants, the Perifo pendant light offers a notable advantage in brightness. A key distinction of the Perifo pendant light is its significantly higher light output compared to a standard Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance GU10 spot. The Perifo pendant light delivers 490 lumens at standard white (2,700 Kelvin), which is more than double the 230 lumens produced by a typical GU10 spot. This enhanced brightness justifies its higher price point within the Hue ecosystem. The installation process for the pendant light is straightforward. Its adapter simply clicks into the Perifo rail, establishing the power connection. The light can then be easily paired with the Philips Hue app using either Bluetooth or ZigBee, allowing for seamless integration into an existing smart home lighting setup. A practical design feature is the adjustable cable length. Users can effortlessly modify the cable's length by unscrewing a small cap on the metal body and pushing or pulling the nylon-braided cable. The cable can be extended up to 146 centimeters, accommodating various ceiling heights and placement preferences, or it can be completely retracted. The physical dimensions of the pendant lamp are 25.5 centimeters in length and 6.7 centimeters in diameter. The article concludes by inviting readers to share their opinions on the pendant light's elongated shape, acknowledging that the author is still forming an opinion on its aesthetic. The Perifo track system is marketed as a sleek, chic, and adaptable lighting solution for any interior design, offering flexibility with multiple light options and movable fixtures to tailor lighting to specific room requirements. #HuePerifo #PendantLight #TrackSystem #SmartLighting #PhilipsHue #HomeAutomation #LightingDesign #InteriorLighting

The author shares an in-depth review of the Philips Hue Perifo track system, highlighting its practical application and effectiveness in solving a specific lighting challenge in their home. The article focuses on the system's installation, brightness, and cost-effectiveness for a particular use case, rather than providing a general recommendation. The author notes that the Philips Hue Perifo track system was officially launched recently, with availability expected to improve over the coming weeks. The author has been testing a Perifo bundle for over a month and offers a summary of their experience. They emphasize that a general conclusion about the system's suitability is difficult due to the wide array of available bundles and individual components, which allow for numerous configurations. Therefore, planning is essential before purchasing and installing the system. The author illustrates the problem-solving capability of the Perifo system using their kitchen lighting as an example. Their L-shaped kitchen had inadequate lighting over the freestanding work surface. The existing Philips Hue Surimu ceiling light, while bright, cast shadows on the work area, and an under-counter Philips Hue Lightstrip provided only partial illumination. A key feature that made Perifo an ideal solution for the author was the availability of an external power supply with a conventional plug. This allowed them to connect the track system to an existing socket located above a wall unit, originally intended for a mood light. This eliminated the need for complex electrical work or modifications to their satisfactory Philips Hue Surimu ceiling light. Installation of the Perifo system was described as straightforward, involving the mounting of two rails (one meter and 0.5 meter in length) to the ceiling. The author expresses minor confusion regarding why a 1.5-meter rail bundle isn't offered, suggesting it might be due to shipping costs. A small design consideration noted is the placement of mounting holes on the rails; the author suggests that more evenly spaced holes, particularly at the ends of the one-meter rail, would better accommodate uneven surfaces. Once the tracks are in place, bulbs and the power supply are simply plugged in, and plastic covers are inserted to finish the look. The process requires minimal manual dexterity. A significant advantage highlighted by the author is the superior brightness of the Perifo spots. Unlike other track systems that might use standard GU10 spots with a maximum output of 350 lumens, the Perifo spots feature permanently integrated LEDs that achieve over 500 lumens. This marked difference provides noticeably better illumination. While the author initially tested only the spots, they express interest in trying the pendant lights and the Lightbar for their kitchen due to their flexibility, promising future reviews of these individual components. The article also touches upon the pricing, noting that the author's tested bundle, originally priced at 649.99 euros, was later reduced to 599.99 euros at market launch. The author acknowledges that 600 euros is a substantial investment, making a universal recommendation impossible. However, for their specific need, the Perifo system proved to be the right decision, offering an effective lighting solution with minimal installation effort, no major structural changes, and leveraging the external power supply for easy integration. The author also sees potential for the Perifo system on walls, especially with light sources like the Gradient Tube, which could enhance bedroom lighting. #HuePerifo #SmartLighting #TrackSystem #HomeLighting #KitchenLighting #ProductReview #PhilipsHue #InstallationGuide

The Philips Hue track system is introducing a new flexible corner connector this month, enhancing its adaptability for various lighting installations. This accessory, now available for order in the Philips Hue online shop for 34.99 euros in both black and white, offers new possibilities for configuring track lighting. While the price point is not considered inexpensive, its functionality significantly expands the design options for users. One of the primary benefits of the flexible corner connector is its ability to facilitate the transition of track lighting from a wall to a ceiling, or vice versa. This feature allows for more seamless and integrated lighting designs that can span different surfaces within a room, offering a continuous flow of light that was previously challenging to achieve with the fixed 90-degree corner options. Furthermore, the flexible corner connector addresses a previous limitation of the Perifo system, which only supported 90-degree turns for corners. With this new component, users can now freely adjust the angle of a track branch, providing greater creative freedom and precision in their lighting layouts. This allows for customized lighting paths that can accommodate unique architectural features or specific aesthetic preferences, moving beyond standard angular configurations. In terms of its physical specifications, the new connecting piece occupies 8.8 centimeters at both the beginning and end of a track section. This means that no other light sources can be installed within these specific areas. The central flexible cable portion of the connector measures 3.5 centimeters in length, providing the necessary bendable segment for angle adjustments. Currently, this flexible corner connector is exclusively available in Europe. A new T-piece, also announced in January, is expected to be released soon, further expanding the Perifo system's modularity. Despite the availability of the flexible connector as a standalone product, pre-configured sets that include this new accessory are not yet on the market. However, it is fully compatible with all existing Perifo starter sets, allowing users to integrate it into their current setups or build new customized systems. The Philips Hue online shop provides various options for exploring and purchasing these components. This expansion makes the Perifo track system more versatile for diverse interior design needs, enabling more complex and personalized lighting arrangements. #PhilipsHue #HuePerifo #SmartLighting #HomeLighting #FlexibleConnector #TrackLighting #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #SmartHome

Signify is developing Philips Hue 4.0, a new app that offers a redesigned interface and several new functionalities. Among the key enhancements, users can expect a tile view and a streamlined option for switching between multiple Hue Bridges. A significant improvement in Philips Hue 4.0 is the refined method for placing lamps within an entertainment area, allowing for more precise configuration. This enhancement is designed to improve the synchronization of lighting effects with on-screen content, providing a more immersive experience. The new feature, termed "2.5D Isometric Entertainment area setup," simplifies the process of lamp placement. Users first position a lamp virtually within a room layout in the app. Following this, a dedicated button enables free adjustment of the lamp's height. This marks a notable upgrade from the previous app version, which offered only three fixed height options: floor, TV height, and ceiling. The setup further integrates a 3D view of a virtual room featuring a television, where moving lamps on the screen dynamically changes their color. This visual feedback allows users to immediately observe how lamp placement influences the lighting synchronization. Previously, some users found it challenging to understand the exact impact of light placement on synchronization within entertainment areas. The new 2.5D Isometric Entertainment area setup directly addresses this concern by providing a clearer, more intuitive visual representation. This update aims to remove guesswork and make the process more accessible, ensuring that users can achieve optimal lighting synchronization for their media consumption. While the feature has not yet been personally tested, initial reports indicate it represents a considerable advancement in user control and precision for Philips Hue users. This update is part of a broader effort by Signify to enhance the Philips Hue ecosystem, reflecting a commitment to improving user experience and system functionality. The focus on more granular control over entertainment area lighting configurations highlights a response to user feedback and a drive towards more seamless integration of smart lighting with digital media. The revised app structure and improved setup process are intended to make the Philips Hue system more powerful and user-friendly for both new and existing users. #PhilipsHue #SmartLighting #AppUpdate #EntertainmentArea #HomeAutomation #LightingSynchronization #UserExperience

The Philips Hue app received an update to version 4.47, introducing a new feature that enhances the user experience for the Sync function within entertainment areas. This update directly addresses feedback from users who found the default brightness of synced lights to be too intense, particularly when consuming content on screens. The core improvement in version 4.47 is the 'Brightness balancer.' This new option allows users to individually adjust the maximum brightness level for each light within a defined entertainment area. Previously, while users could control the overall brightness of an entertainment area, the new feature provides granular control over individual lights, enabling a more customized and comfortable viewing or listening experience. To access this functionality, users navigate to the 'Entertainment areas' section within the Philips Hue app settings. Once a specific entertainment area is selected, the 'Brightness slider' option becomes available directly beneath the lamp placement configuration. Here, a slider interface facilitates the adjustment of each lamp's maximum brightness. This individual control means that if one light in an entertainment setup is consistently too bright, it can be toned down without affecting the brightness of other lights in the same area. This feature is particularly useful for setups involving multiple lights with varying distances from the screen or different light output capabilities. The update aims to provide a more personalized and less distracting ambient lighting experience when lights are synchronized with on-screen content, whether it's for movies, gaming, or music visualization. By offering per-light brightness control, Philips Hue is responding to user demand for greater flexibility and fine-tuning in their smart lighting setups, ultimately contributing to a more immersive and comfortable entertainment environment. #PhilipsHue #AppUpdate #HueSync #SmartLighting #EntertainmentArea #BrightnessControl #HomeAutomation #UserExperience

Philips Hue has begun rolling out new functionalities for its existing Smart Button and Dimmer Switch, an update that was first hinted at in September. These enhancements are gradually becoming available to users, with initial reports emerging from community discussions on social networks and blog comments. The core of this update allows for greater customization and control over lighting scenes. Specifically, the update introduces the ability to configure up to ten time slots in Time-based mode, a significant increase from the previous limit of five. Users can also now add up to ten scenes in Scene cycle mode, expanding the range of lighting scenarios that can be pre-programmed and easily accessed. A notable addition is the integration of the "Natural light" scene, which was previously limited in its direct activation via these switches. This feature enables users to seamlessly transition their lighting to mimic natural daylight patterns throughout the day, promoting a more dynamic and responsive home environment. While the article notes that these new options might not yet be universally activated for all users, the rollout is underway. A key improvement, from a user experience perspective, is the potential to assign fewer than five scenes to a switch, a flexibility previously only achievable through third-party applications. This streamlines the setup process and caters to users who prefer a simpler configuration for their smart lighting controls. The Philips Hue Dimmer Switch is highlighted as a product benefiting from these updates, capable of dimming or brightening rooms, toggling between light scenes, and now, activating natural light based on the time of day. This device is versatile, functioning as a wall-mounted switch or a portable remote control. The update aims to enhance the utility of these widely used accessories, making the Philips Hue smart lighting system more intuitive and adaptable to individual preferences. The article encourages users who have received the update to provide feedback, particularly regarding the activation of these new functions for the Hue Dimmer Switch and Hue Smart Button. The phased rollout indicates that not all users will experience the changes simultaneously, fostering community engagement around the new features. This development underscores Philips Hue's ongoing commitment to improving its smart home ecosystem through software updates that extend the capabilities of existing hardware. #PhilipsHue #SmartLighting #HueSmartButton #HueDimmerSwitch #NaturalLight #SmartHome #LightingControl #AppUpdate

The Philips Hue Wall Switch Module is introduced as a solution to a common problem faced by smart lighting users: the disconnection of smart lamps when a traditional light switch is used. This module ensures that Philips Hue lamps remain powered and controllable via the app, routines, and voice assistants, even when the physical switch is toggled. The article provides comprehensive answers to frequently asked questions about this new product. Regarding pricing and availability, the module will be sold exclusively through the Philips Hue online shop, initially launching in spring 2021 in Europe for 39.99 euros for a single module and 69.99 euros for a double pack. North America can expect availability in summer 2021. The double pack is highlighted as a cost-effective option due to free shipping on orders over 60 euros. The installation process requires basic electrical knowledge, advising professional help if needed. It involves switching off the fuse, removing the existing light switch, connecting the original wires to a provided clamp, and then connecting the module to the light switch with two cables. The module is compact, measuring 43.3 x 38 x 10.2 millimetres, and does not require a neutral wire as it is powered by a coin cell battery with an estimated lifespan of at least five years, contributing to its slim design. The module features two inputs, allowing it to connect to either two single switches or one switch with a double rocker. If multiple light switches control a single light source, each switch requires its own Wall Switch Module for continued functionality. Configuration is straightforward via the Hue app, where users can assign three different scenes to the converted light switch, activated by multiple on/off toggles. The module is compatible with both traditional switches and push buttons, with push buttons offering the additional benefit of dimming control. While Philips Hue states a limit of twelve accessory components per Hue Bridge, the article clarifies that the actual capacity is higher, as the bridge supports 62 hardware sensors. Each motion sensor, for example, uses three hardware sensors, while a switch typically uses one. The module will also feature a 'simple mode' for one-scene activation, conserving rule slots. At launch, time-based control is not directly available in the Hue app for the Wall Switch Module, but future app updates or third-party apps like iConnectHue or Hue Essentials are expected to introduce this functionality. Compatibility with HomeKit is not available "yet" but is considered a potential future update. It is crucial to note that the module only controls lamps paired with the Philips Hue Bridge; it cannot make non-smart lamps smart. #PhilipsHue #SmartHome #WallSwitchModule #SmartLighting #HomeAutomation #Zigbee #HomeKit #SmartDevices