Philips has introduced an extensive range of new items for its Hue collection, as part of a revamp revealed during the IFA event in Berlin.

In recent times, the Philips Hue series has encountered difficulties owing to the rise of less expensive smart lighting options that operate without a complicated hub.

The latest offerings feature smart light bulbs, the Hue Bridge Pro, and a total of seven new light strip variants. A standout addition named MotionAware will turn on the lights upon sensing motion.

A press statement mentions:

Equipped with a processor five times more potent and a memory 15 times greater than the Philips Hue Bridge, the Hue Bridge Pro enables users to save over 500 personalized lighting scenes and experience quicker response times throughout the system. It’s driven by the new Hue Chip Pro and facilitates advanced features like Hue Motion Aware – a sophisticated smart function that converts Philips Hue lights into motion sensors, activating them when motion is detected.

This function can be beneficial in multiple scenarios. It utilizes Zigbee to detect variations in wireless signal strength as a person passes by, prompting the lights to switch on automatically without the need for voice or app interventions.

An obvious utilization of this feature is having lights illuminate automatically upon returning home or rising during the night. It can also bolster home security by illuminating spaces when an unauthorized person enters.

Philips indicates that MotionSense can be installed in any room with sufficient lights to accurately measure fluctuations and can be tailored to function at designated times. It is meant exclusively for indoor use and is not applicable across different rooms.

While it’s an impressive feature, it necessitates a substantial number of Hue lights and the new third-generation Hue Bridge Pro, a nearly $100 enhancement that activates this function on compatible lights. The upgraded bridge also introduces features like lighting scenes and remote controls.

The positive news is that Philips claims the “vast majority of Hue products support Huge MotionAware technology.” Philips provides a useful list of devices that do not accommodate MotionAware, so if your lights aren’t on the list, they’ll be compatible. Most Philips Hue bulbs and light strips, including the latest models, are supported.

As per a press release, most new Philips Hue products will be available in North America starting in September, with more products arriving in November.