New iOS 8 widget lets you control Philips Hue lights from Notifications Center

By Drew Prindle October 31, 2014

Philips Hue — Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Philips Hue smartphone app has come a long way since it was first released, but even so, the process of flipping on your lights with it is still a bit cumbersome. No matter how you approach it, you’ve still got to unlock your phone, open the app, and navigate to the correct tab before you can turn anything on.

But not to worry — thanks to the fact that the Hue API is open to third-party developers, there’s a new tool called Hue Widget that helps streamline the process a bit.

Once installed, the Hue Widget allows you to switch your lights on from the iOS Notification Center. This basically reduces the number of steps required to make things happen. Instead of unlocking your phone and navigating to the app, you can just swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hit a button. The interface is pretty bare-bones, but it still offers access to the Hue App’s most crucial functions — flipping lights on or off, adjusting brightness, and even activating preset lighting scenes.

The app is currently live and available for download in the App Store, but you’ll need to be running iOS 8 in order to install and use it. Unfortunately, iOS 7 doesn’t support widgets, so if you’re still rocking apple’s older OS, you’ll need to upgrade.

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Drew Prindle is an award-winning writer, editor, and storyteller who currently serves as Senior Features Editor for Digital…

Smart Home

The new Ring Intercom lets you buzz folks into your building from afar

Ring Intercomnext to an intercom handset on a wall.

Wish you had more smart functionality in your apartment? Ring has announced the new Ring Intercom to help renters have a slightly smarter home. The device makes it possible to buzz someone into your building from anywhere.

Ring typically creates products that are easy to install and don't require heavy modifications to your home. The Ring Intercom follows that same premise. The Intercom connects to your existing intercom handset and is powered by a rechargeable battery. It also connects to your home's Wi-Fi to provide always-connected service.

Smart Home

Philips unveils new Hue Go lamp, Tap switch, and app upgrades

Philips Hue Go Lamp on a patio table where friends are sitting together at night.

Philips Hue took the wraps off several new smart lamps and upgrades, including a portable lamp, a new twist on its physical switch, new indoor downlights, and a smattering of other upgrades.

The new Philips Hue Go lamp offers a lot of the same features as the previous generation packed into a new form factor. A wireless charging base lets you grab it and go with minimal fuss. The stem has a grip to help you move it around while a single button cycles through different scenes. The standalone runtime on the lamp is 48 hours. Expect to see this one on store shelves by the end of the summer for $160.

Smart Home

Philips Hue expands smart lighting to the great outdoors

The Philips Hue Inara brings smart lighting to the outdoors.

Philips Hue is a brand most people familiar with the smart lighting scene know and love. It has created a variety of smart lighting options to display in and around the home. Now, the company is expanding its outdoor collection with three new lights: The Inara, the Lucca, and the Resonate.

The Resonate is a black, minimal, rectangular wall light that casts light up and down your home siding. The light beams from the light are shaped in a unique and eye-catching triangular design. The Resonate will be able to display both color and white lights.