Philips Hue announces AI automations and Sonos integration
Philips Hue has announced the Custom AI Behaviors feature, which will make it possible to create smart lighting automations using natural-language descriptions. The update was presented this week at the IFA technology exhibition. As The Verge reports, users will be able to explain to the AI assistant in the app how devices connected to the Hue system should operate.
Natural-language automations
Custom AI Behaviors goes beyond changing colors or creating lighting scenes. The feature is expected to make it possible to configure more complex scenarios that were previously unavailable directly in the Hue app.
For example, a user can set a scenario in which lights switched on at night operate in night-light mode when the person is asleep, while when they are awake, they use the regular color temperature configured according to the time of day. At the same time, the system needs a signal about the user's status — for example, pressing a button to launch a falling-asleep or waking-up scenario.
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Hue technology lead George Ianni said that the limitation on complex automations in the app was mainly related to interface complexity rather than technological capabilities. The new tool will also be usable for configuring Hue switches.
Sonos control
Philips Hue also announced integration with Sonos speakers. Owners of certain Hue switches, including the Hue Tap Dial Switch, will be able to launch favorites in Sonos, play or pause audio, change the volume, and skip to the next or previous track in a playlist.
The integration is expected to become available with a software update in November. Custom AI Behaviors requires the computing power of Bridge Pro: the feature will not work on other Hue bridges.
