Key Takeaways
- The Philips Hue Bridge Pro price jumped over 40% in the U.S. and 35% in the U.K.
- Hue Essential multi-packs also saw a price increase, rising from €59.99 to €69.99 in Eurozone regions.
- A new software update allows for ‘Bridgeless Sync’, enabling Bluetooth control without the Bridge Pro.
Significant Price Increases for Philips Hue Products
Philips Hue has recently faced notable price hikes, impacting its flagship product, the Philips Hue Bridge Pro. Initially priced at $99 in the U.S., the Bridge Pro has now surged to $139, reflecting an increase of around 40%. In the U.K., customers are paying £129.99 following a rise from £79.99, leading to a nearly 35% increase. While the device is available at a temporary discount of £90.80 on Amazon, the overall trend indicates significant price adjustments.
These changes, which took effect in August, are not isolated to the U.S. and U.K. The Eurozone has also experienced a substantial increase; the Bridge Pro’s price climbed from €99 to €149, marking a 51% total increase since its launch at €89. Other Philips Hue products, such as the Hue Essential multi-packs, have seen smaller but still noticeable price increases. These multi-packs rose from €59.99 to €69.99, signifying a growing cost in the smart lighting market.
Manufacturing and material costs are cited as major contributing factors to these price surges. The Philips Hue Bridge Pro and associated devices were only launched last year, making these increases particularly disheartening for new buyers.
Despite the negative developments in pricing, Philips has announced a software update introducing ‘Bridgeless Sync’ capabilities for users with the Hue Play Screen Sync TV camera and Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 4K. This update enables Bluetooth communication between the devices and a single Philips Hue light without the need for the Bridge Pro, simplifying setup and reducing costs for users who don’t require a full smart home ecosystem.
This update might provide a glimmer of hope for potential users who wish to enhance their TV viewing experience without incurring hefty setup costs. By eliminating the need for a Bridge or HDMI Sync Box, Philips aims to make the integration of smart lighting more accessible. However, the recent price hikes may still deter those considering delving into the brand’s offerings. The balance between cost and innovation will be crucial for Philips as it navigates customer expectations in a competitive smart home market.
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