Pros
16 million colors.
Dimmable.
Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.
Long lifespan (up to 25,000 hours).
Energy efficient.
Cons
Expensive.
Requires Hue Bridge for remote access and to use other Hue features.
Not compatible with all smart home devices.
Can be difficult to set up.
PHILIPS HUE WHITE AND COLOR AMBIANCE A19 STARTER KIT SPECS
Product Dimensions | 2.4 x 2.4 x 4.3 inches |
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Connectivity | Wi-Fi, ZigBee |
Integrations | Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, IFTTT, Nest |
Base Type | E26 |
Light Color | Color |
Light Color Temperature | 2000K-6500K +16 million colors |
Output | Up to 1100 lumens |
Wattage | 10.5 W |
Watt Equivalence | 60 W |
Mfr. Est. Lifespan | 22 years |
Requires Hub | |
Dimmable | |
Geofencing/Location Services | |
Scheduling |
The Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance A19 75W Smart LED Starter Kit is a great way to get started with smart lighting. It includes four A19 smart bulbs that can be controlled with your smartphone, tablet, or voice assistant. You can use the bulbs to create a variety of moods, from bright, white light for working to soft, colorful light for relaxing.
The starter kit also includes a Hue Bridge, which is required to connect the bulbs to your home Wi-Fi network. The Hue Bridge also unlocks additional features, such as the ability to create custom scenes, set timers, and control your lights from anywhere in the world.
Design and Features
The Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance A19 75W Smart LED Starter Kit boasts a simple and elegant design. The A19 smart bulbs feature a white finish with frosted glass exteriors and are designed to effortlessly fit standard E26 light sockets. Meanwhile, the Hue Bridge, a compact white box accompanied by a power adapter, is intended for easy plug-and-play installation in a central location within your home.
The design of the Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance A19 75W Smart LED Starter Kit perfectly marries functionality with style. The bulbs are not only user-friendly but also simple to install, while the unobtrusive and diminutive Hue Bridge seamlessly complements any home decor.
Additional design specifications for the kit include:
- A19 smart bulbs measuring 4.6 inches in height and 2.4 inches in diameter.
- The Hue Bridge with dimensions of 1.2 inches in height, 4.7 inches in width, and 3.2 inches in depth.
- Inclusive of a power adapter and Ethernet network cable for your convenience.
The Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance A19 75W Smart LED Starter Kit is a standout product in the realm of smart lighting. Offering a combination of versatility, functionality, and style, this kit has become a go-to choice for those seeking to transform their living spaces with smart lighting solutions. Here's a comprehensive feature review:
- Brilliant Color Customization:
Pros: This kit allows you to paint your world with a stunning array of colors. With millions of color options at your fingertips, you can set the perfect ambiance to match any mood or occasion. Whether it's a calming, warm white glow or a vibrant burst of color, the Hue bulbs have you covered. Cons: While the color customization is a definite advantage, some users may find it overwhelming to choose from such a vast spectrum of colors.
- Dimmable for Every Situation:
The ability to adjust brightness levels gives you full control over your lighting. Whether you need bright, focused light for work or a gentle, dim glow for a romantic dinner, these bulbs deliver on versatility.
- Seamless Smart Home Integration:
Pros: The Hue system integrates smoothly with popular voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. This means you can effortlessly control your lights with voice commands. Cons: While it integrates well with major smart home platforms, some users may find the initial setup and connection process slightly complex.
- Scheduling and Automation:
Pros: Create lighting schedules and automation routines to simplify your daily life. Wake up to a gentle sunrise simulation, have the lights turn off automatically when you leave home, or set the perfect movie night ambiance with just a tap. Cons: The setup of schedules and automation may require some technical know-how, which could be a minor drawback for beginners.
- Expandable Ecosystem:
Pros: The Philips Hue ecosystem is expansive and compatible with various accessories like smart switches, motion sensors, and outdoor lighting. This allows you to tailor your smart lighting setup to your specific needs. Cons: Expanding your ecosystem can incur additional costs.
- Energy Efficiency:
Pros: LED technology in these bulbs ensures energy efficiency, reducing your electricity bills while being environmentally friendly. Cons: The initial investment is higher compared to traditional bulbs, but the energy savings over time make up for it.
- Stylish and Functional Design:
The kit's design is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The bulbs have a sleek, modern appearance with a frosted glass exterior, and the Hue Bridge is compact and unobtrusive.
- Memory for Future-Proofing:
The latest version of the Hue Bridge includes 512 MB of memory, allowing it to handle more lights, accessories, and support for advanced features like Apple HomeKit Secure Video and Thread.
Installation and Performance
Before starting the installation, you need to prepare the following items:
- Hue White Smart LED Bulb (A19)
- Hue Bridge
- Power adapter
- Ethernet cable
Make sure you have a Wi-Fi network with an active Internet connection. Download the Philips Hue app on your smartphone or tablet. It is available for both iOS and Android devices.
Installation steps:
- Bulb screw:
Start by removing any existing bulbs from the light fixture where you want to install the Hue White Smart LED Bulb (A19). Carefully screw the Hue White Smart LED Bulb (A19) into the same luminaires. Make sure they are secure but avoid over-tightening.
- Establishing Hue Bridge:
Plug the supplied power adapter into an electrical outlet. Connect the Hue bridge to the power adapter. Use the included Ethernet cable to connect the Hue Bridge to an available Ethernet port on your home router. The Hue Bridge will power on and you will see an indicator light on the front. It may take a minute or two to fully initialize.
- Download and open the Philips Hue app:
Open the app store on your smartphone or tablet. Search for "Philips Hue" and download the official app. Once installed, open the app.
- Set up your Hue account:
Follow the onscreen instructions to create a Philips Hue account if you don't have one. Log in to your Hue account.
- Explore your Hue Bridge:
In the app, select "Settings" or similar option. Select "Add Hue Bridge" or "Connect to Bridge". The app will guide you through your online exploration of Hue Bridge.
- Pairing the bulbs:
In the app, select "Add lights" or similar option. The app will search and detect the Hue White Smart LED Bulb (A19). Follow the app's instructions to pair the bulb with your Hue Bridge.
- Customize your lighting:
Once the bulbs are paired, you can rename them, group them into rooms, and customize their settings. Adjust brightness, create schedules, and even explore color options if available in your set.
- Voice assistant integration (Optional):
If you want to control your lights with voice commands through Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit, follow the respective setup instructions for your voice assistant. This usually involves linking your Philips Hue account to the voice assistant platform.
- Enjoy your smart lighting:
With the Hue White Smart LED Bulb (A19) successfully installed and configured, you can now control your lights remotely, set schedules, and enjoy the convenience and space they provide.
Be sure to refer to the user guide that came with your Philips Hue set for any specifics or troubleshooting tips.
The Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance A19 75W Smart LED Starter Kit performs well in terms of brightness, color, and energy efficiency.
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Brightness: The bulbs can be dimmed from 1% to 100%, and they can produce a wide range of brightness levels. This makes them ideal for a variety of lighting applications, from creating a soft, relaxing ambiance to providing bright, focused light for tasks such as reading or cooking.
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Color: The bulbs can produce 16 million colors, which gives you the freedom to create the perfect lighting for any occasion. Whether you want to create a romantic mood, a festive atmosphere, or simply a relaxing space, the Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance A19 75W Smart LED Starter Kit can help you achieve your desired look.
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Energy efficiency: The bulbs use 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. This means that you can save money on your energy bills while also reducing your environmental impact.
In addition to its performance, the Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance A19 75W Smart LED Starter Kit also offers a variety of features that make it a good choice for smart home enthusiasts.
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Voice control: The bulbs can be controlled using voice commands with compatible smart home devices such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This allows you to turn the lights on and off, dim the lights, or change the color without having to touch a switch.
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Scheduling: The bulbs can be scheduled to turn on or off at specific times, which can be helpful for setting the mood for different times of day or automating your home's lighting.
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Away mode: The bulbs can be set to automatically turn off when you leave home, which can help you save energy and improve security.
Overall, the Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance A19 75W Smart LED Starter Kit is a good choice for those looking for a high-quality, versatile smart light kit. It offers excellent performance, a wide range of features, and a sleek design.
Conclusions
The Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance A19 75W Smart LED Starter Kit shines brightly as a smart lighting solution. With its extensive color options, seamless integration, automation capabilities, and elegant design, it's a worthy investment for those looking to elevate their home lighting experience. While there may be a few initial setup challenges for some users, the overall benefits far outweigh any minor drawbacks. Philips Hue continues to lead the way in the smart lighting arena, and this kit is a testament to its excellence.
If you are looking for a high-quality, versatile smart light kit that is compatible with a wide range of devices, the Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance A19 75W Smart LED Starter Kit is a good option. However, if you are on a budget or are not sure if you are ready to commit to smart lighting, there are other kits available that may be a better fit for you.