New Philips Hue app update brings interactive widgets

The version 5.14.0 change log for iOS notes that more advanced Philips Hue widgets are now available. Earlier this year, we reported on rumors which suggested that the company would bring back this interactive feature. The widgets make it easier to access smart lighting controls and are available on your Home Screen, Lock Screen, and Today View. To add a Philips Hue widget, tap and hold on the screen, click the ‘+’ icon or the ‘+ Add Widgets’ button, and search for ‘Hue’. You can then press and hold the widget to customize its size and functionality, choosing a room, zone or switch to control.

The iOS and Android app release notes include improvements to the Friends of Hue switches, like the Lutron Aurora, which we covered earlier this month. These third-party devices can now access the natural light scene, scene cycle mode and time-based lighting. The final improvement listed is an easier way to save a change to a scene; users reported this tool in March. Rather than clicking on the pencil icon to edit your scene, a new ‘Save’ button in the top left corner of the app allows you to quickly save changes to your settings. You can download the Philips Hue app version 5.14.0 from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.