18. Software (overview)

My major project is based on smart devices such as the Hue system from Philips. It is a system that allows people to control the light in their home. This is one of the devices that greatly supports the daily life of disabled people who, for example, do not have access to a switch on the wall.

Application software is a type of program that allows users to execute specific tasks. In the case of Philips Hue, this task is to control home lighting remotely.

The Philips Hue software is a mobile application for smartphones that allows to control the Hue  products (e.g. bulbs or bridge) and perform commands such as changing the color of the light, brightness and even program automatic lighting scenes.

The Philips Hue system relies on wireless communication between a bridge (central hub) and individual lighting devices. The bridge itself has no special computing requirements as its main job is to manage communication between devices and the network. It uses ZigBee technology to communicate between the bridge and the bulbs, meaning that the more devices are connected to a single bridge, the greater the need for an additional bridge to maintain optimal performance. Practically, one Hue bridge can support up to 50 bulbs.

It is a commercial product created by Philips Lighting (now Signify). However, it is worth noting that Philips Hue provides an API (Application Programming Interface), which allows developers to create their own applications or integrate with the Philips Hue system. An API is a type of interface that allows other software to communicate and interact with a given system, however access to the software source code itself is limited.

This means that while you cannot change or customize the Philips Hue software directly, you can create your own apps that use Philips Hue features via the provided API.

It is a leading brand, but over the years, several alternatives have emerged that are starting to compete with HUE in this area:

• Lifx: This company offers LED bulbs that, like Hue, can be controlled via a smartphone app. it offers products that have similar features to Hue but do not require a bridge to function.
• Ikea Tradfri: This is a lighting system offered by IKEA that also allows you to control your lighting remotely via an app. Tradfri is a less expensive alternative to Philips Hue.
• Yeelight: It is a smart lighting brand that is part of the Xiaomi ecosystem. The Yeelight range includes smart bulbs, night lights, LED strips and other devices.
• Nanoleaf: This company offers smart light panels that are freely configurable. Nanoleaf panels are a unique alternative to traditional Hue bulbs.
• Sengled Smart: Sengled offers smart LED bulbs that can be controlled via an app. The Sengled Smart system is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit.

References:

Bright days summer sale (no date) Philips Hue UK. Available at: https://www.philips-hue.com/en-gb/products/promotions/bright-days?origin=p68512890054&gclid=CjwKCAjwyeujBhA5EiwA5WD7_fknztIzr4_04CKGZ3lNM-cLadSzPXgKwJWbyrAIAykm_CE17w7LfhoCcxsQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds (Accessed: 15 May 2023).

Sutrich, N. (2022) Best philips hue alternatives 2023, Android Central. Available at: https://www.androidcentral.com/best-philips-hue-alternatives-your-home (Accessed: 15 May 2023).