Philips has introduced several new products to its Apple HomeKit-capable Hue lighting system, most notably the Motion Sensor, which can be used to trigger different actions based not just on movement but the time of day.
The Sensor is both wireless and battery powered, and can be attached to a variety of surfaces such as walls, ceilings, and furniture. Instead of simply shutting particular bulbs on or off, the unit can optionally trigger different scenes, such as dimmer lighting at night. An ambient light detector can be configured to turn lighting on or off at sunrise or sunset.
The product requires a Hue Bridge to work, but up to 12 Sensors can be connected to a single Bridge. The Motion Sensor should ship in October for $39.95.
Also due that month are new White and Color Ambiance A19 bulbs, which should feature richer and brighter colors, especially in blue and green shades. Philips is also adding two new White Ambiance bulbs, in less conventional GU-10 and BR-30 formats.
The company hasn't said whether the Sensor itself will be HomeKit-enabled, which could in theory be used to trigger complex scenes even with devices that aren't Hue bulbs.