Yes, the hue Lightstrip Plus and the hue Gradient Lightstrip are Bluetooth-enabled and can be controlled via the Philips Hue app or voice assistants. However, to unlock the full potential of these smart LED strip lights, you will need a Hue Bridge, which allows you to access more features and automations. In this article, we will explore the benefits and drawbacks of using the hue Lightstrip with or without the Hue Bridge, and help you decide which option is best for you.
The hue Lightstrip is a flexible and versatile smart lighting product that can be attached to any surface, such as cabinets, furniture, or walls, to create stunning light effects. The hue Lightstrip comes in two variants: the hue Lightstrip Plus and the hue Gradient Lightstrip. Both variants can produce millions of colors and shades of white, and can be dimmed, brightened, and synced with music, movies, or games. The main difference between them is that the hue Lightstrip Plus produces a single color effect, while the hue Gradient Lightstrip blends multiple colors along its length.
The hue Lightstrip Plus and the hue Gradient Lightstrip are both sold as base kits that include a power adapter and a 6-foot or 80-inch light strip. You can also buy extensions of 40 inches each to extend the length of your light strip up to 33 feet or 10 meters. The extensions are only compatible with the same variant of the base kit, so you cannot mix and match the hue Lightstrip Plus and the hue Gradient Lightstrip.
One of the advantages of the hue Lightstrip is that it is Bluetooth-enabled, which means you can control it directly from your smartphone or tablet without the need for a Hue Bridge. All you need to do is download the Philips Hue Bluetooth app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices, and follow the instructions to pair your hue Lightstrip with your device. You can also use voice assistants such as Alexa or Google Assistant to control your hue Lightstrip with simple commands.
Using the hue Lightstrip with Bluetooth allows you to enjoy some basic features, such as turning the light on and off, changing the color and brightness, setting timers and schedules, and creating scenes and presets. You can also use the Hue Labs feature in the app to access some experimental functions, such as sunrise and sunset routines, candlelight romance, and living scenes.
However, using the hue Lightstrip with Bluetooth also has some limitations, such as:
You can only control up to 10 hue lights with Bluetooth, while the Hue Bridge can support up to 50 hue lights.
You can only control your hue lights when you are within Bluetooth range, which is about 30 feet or 10 meters, while the Hue Bridge allows you to control your hue lights from anywhere in the world via the internet.
You cannot sync your hue lights with your entertainment devices, such as your TV, computer, or gaming console, without the Hue Bridge and the Hue Sync Box or the Hue Sync app.
You cannot access some advanced features, such as geofencing, which automatically turns your hue lights on or off when you arrive or leave home, or routines, which allow you to automate your hue lights based on the time of day, your location, or other triggers.
How to use the hue Lightstrip with the Hue Bridge?
If you want to unlock the full potential of your hue Lightstrip, you will need to invest in a Hue Bridge, which is a small device that connects to your router and acts as the brain of your hue smart lighting system. The Hue Bridge enables you to access more features and integrations, such as:
Syncing your hue lights with your entertainment devices, such as your TV, computer, or gaming console, to create immersive lighting effects that match the content on your screen. You will need a Hue Sync Box or the Hue Sync app to do this.
Using Matter, a new smart home standard that allows you to connect your hue lights with other compatible smart home devices, such as thermostats, cameras, or doorbells, and control them with a single app or voice assistant.
Creating zones and rooms, which allow you to group your hue lights by location and function, and control them individually or together.
Setting up scenes and routines, which allow you to customize your hue lights for different moods and occasions, and automate them based on the time of day, your location, or other triggers.
Using widgets and shortcuts, which allow you to access your favorite hue settings with a single tap or swipe on your device.
Using third-party apps and integrations, which allow you to enhance your hue experience with additional features and functions, such as music synchronization, color picker, party mode, and more.
To use the hue Lightstrip with the Hue Bridge, you will need to download the Philips Hue app, which is different from the Philips Hue Bluetooth app, and follow the instructions to connect your hue Lightstrip to your Hue Bridge. You can also use voice assistants such as Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri to control your hue Lightstrip with the Hue Bridge.
The answer to this question depends on your personal preferences, budget, and needs. If you are looking for a simple and affordable way to add some color and ambiance to your home, and you don’t mind the limited features and range, then using the hue Lightstrip with Bluetooth might be enough for you. However, if you are looking for a more comprehensive and customizable smart lighting solution, and you want to enjoy the full spectrum of features and integrations, then using the hue Lightstrip with the Hue Bridge might be worth the extra cost and effort.
Either way, the hue Lightstrip is a great product that can transform any space with its flexible and versatile design, and its millions of colors and shades of white. Whether you use it with Bluetooth or the Hue Bridge, you can create stunning light effects that suit your mood and style.
