Adding to an ever expanding list of products compatible with Apple's HomeKit, Philips on Tuesday activated preorders for the Hue White Ambiance 40W-equivalent candle bulb.
Up for order on Philips' website for $29.95, the candle-shaped bulb sports an E12 base for use in smaller sockets like those found in ceiling fans and decorative lighting fixtures. The internet-connected light was first announced in May alongside two Hue table lamps.
Philips initially rolled out candle-style lights with the E14 bulb in March.
Like other products in the White Ambiance line, the Hue E12 candle light communicates with Philips' Hue hub for wireless control both in and out of the house. The 40W-equivalent bulb is capable of outputting up to 450 lumens in color temperatures ranging from 2200k warm white to to 6500k cool daylight.
With HomeKit macro control, users are able to apply scenes to Hue bulbs. For example, an E12 candle light-equipped lamp might be programmed to automatically simulate sunlight in the morning, cool white light at dusk and relaxing warm light before bed.
Since its launch in 2014, Apple's HomeKit platform has grown to cover a variety of connected devices including lights, cameras, doorbells and more. With iOS 11, Apple is expanding functionality to allow for more complex triggers. In addition, the company is changing policy to accelerate adoption. For example, developers can now experiment on prototype devices without first obtaining an MFi license, while HomeKit itself will soon allow for hardware authentication through software.