Philips Hue launches new upgraded Play HDMI sync box 8K

The Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box 8K is now available in Europe. The model leaked earlier this year and follows in the footsteps of the original Play HDMI sync box, which only supports 4K. The device allows your smart lights to sync with video or games on your TV, closely matching the colors without the need for a camera.

Upgrades compared to the older Play HDMI sync box include support for both 8K@60Hz or 4K@120Hz video content, with the same support for Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision and HDR10+. The HDMI 2.0 ports have been replaced by four HDMI 2.1 ports, which you can use to connect game consoles or streaming devices. You can link up to 10 smart lights via a Hue Bridge, with controls via the Hue app, voice commands or the TV remote. Settings include brightness level, lighting intensity and various sync modes.

One thing worth noting is that Play cannot sync with TV apps. You can buy the Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box 8K for £299.99/€349.99 in Europe, either directly from the company or via its Amazon storefront. The product will retail for $349.99 in the US, though it is currently listed as “Temporarily out of stock” on the brand’s website.