One of the biggest problems with smart bulbs is how they interact with traditional wall switches, which is exactly what Philips Hue hopes to solve with its new Wall Switch Module.
The problem with connecting smart bulbs to a traditional wall switch is usually that if you use the switch to turn off smart bulbs instead of using an app or voice command, the smart bulbs will no longer be able to communicate with the rest of your devices. That means your smart bulbs will be inaccessible until the next time you use the wall switch to turn them back on, you basically eliminate the whole purpose of smart bulbs.
To solve this, Philips Hue has developed the new Wall Switch Module, that is a small device that is wired in your existing wall switch, so you can use the switch to turn lights on and off while still on Hue bulbs and lamps to stay connected to your phone or a Philips Hue hub. So even if you turn them off with the switch, your Hue smart lights won’t lose their functionality.
Available for $ 40 each or $ 70 for a pack of two, the obvious downside to Hue’s Wall Switch Module is that the Wall Switch Module not only works with Hue lights, but is relatively expensive compared to a traditional wall switch , so instead of installing them around the house, Hue users may want to strategically only want them in hightraffic areas.
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And to maintain a connection along with the rest of your home network, the Hue Wall Switch Module is powered by a small disposable battery. Philips Hue says the battery that comes with the Wall Switch Module will last about five years on a single charge, but when it eventually dies, you’ll have to remove the front panel from your wall switch and remove it fiddle with your wiring again to replace it.
On the other hand, Philips Hue says the Wall Switch Module should work with both traditional toggle switches and toggle switches in addition to push button switches. That said, if you want a more modular solution for controlling Hue lights, Philips is also launching Hue an updated Hue dimmer switch with a new programmable Hue button which can be customized to a specific light scene or recipe.
The new Philips Hue wall switch module will be available in North America sometime this summer for $ 40, with the updated Hue dimmer switch earlier on Feb. 23 for $ 25.