With version 5.53 for iOS and Android, the Philips Hue app has received an update that promises greater convenience, especially for users of smart lighting and sensor solutions. In addition to officially announced optimizations, there are also two other, previously less highlighted improvements. For technology enthusiasts, smart home fans and gamers, this update offers interesting new features that will make everyday life with smart lighting even smoother.
Highlights
- Faster and more intuitive management of MotionAware areas (lamps as motion sensors) via the “Settings” menu
- Improved error messages and reconnection instructions if switches or sensors cannot be reached.
- Extended room overview (“Room View”): Now switches, sensors, cameras and MotionAware areas are also displayed – not just scenes and lights.
- New function for the Hue Secure video doorbell (with Plus subscription): Set up privacy zones to hide certain image areas.
Simplified access to MotionAware areas
One of the key innovations concerns the MotionAware function, in which groups of Hue lamps are used as motion sensors. In version 5.53, such areas can be accessed in the Settings menu. New areas can be created directly via the three-point menu in a room or zone.
For users with the Hue Bridge Pro (€ 89.99 *) this means that setting up and managing motion monitoring is more intuitive and is more firmly anchored in the central menu – instead of being accessed via hidden detours.
Notes on reconnecting devices
Sensors and switches are typical helpers in the smart home – but if they are not accessible, this can quickly become frustrating. With the update, the app now shows directly in the settings menu if a device cannot be reached and provides instructions on how to reconnect it.
Extended room overview (“Room View”)
Officially not mentioned in the patch note, the community has discovered a frequently requested enhancement. The room view now not only displays lights and scenes, but also switches, sensors, cameras and MotionAware areas. This clarity makes a difference, especially for users with extensive installations: all relevant devices in a room are visible together, which makes management and navigation much easier.
Privacy zones for the Hue Secure video doorbell
A new function has been activated for users of the Hue Secure Video Doorbell with a Plus subscription: You can now set up targeted privacy zones, i.e. hide certain image areas of the camera output. This is particularly useful in the smart home context – for example with cameras that are aimed at outdoor areas or shared spaces. This makes it a useful feature for reconciling privacy and security.
Conclusion
With version 5.53 of the Philips Hue app, the manufacturer has delivered a useful update that makes everyday life easier and offers additional control: MotionAware areas are easier to access, device connection issues become more transparent, the room overview is usefully expanded and video doorbell users are given more privacy options. The update is now available to download from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
