I am a dabbler in home automation and thinking about starting to get into lighting. I have heard mostly good things about the Philip Hue line and wanted to see what peoples thoughts are about it.
Our main current automation are a large number of Google Smart Speaker and Arlo video doorbells. Everything is working now on the Google ecosystem which I think Philip Hue will connect with. Our house is 100 years old which means that our possibilities to automate are lower than a new home since we have very few overhead lights, power outlets are at a premium (we have lots of power strips running through the house).
We are thinking about doing smart bulbs in some lamps which we can leave on and a chandalier. I think the biggest issue will leaving things always powered on.
I’ve had the same Hue bulbs for over 7 years now with no issues. The brand itself is very good. As other have said, you can interact with them via Google or Home Assistant directly, and when you’re ready you can directly switch them over to Zigbee or something more open if you want to ditch the online services. People here will pressure you to do that immediately, but I think dip your toes in with the official automations, see how you feel, and then see if you want to switch it over. Hue is a great way that will work from app based official all the way down to 6 years from now when you’re coding your own automations.
I leave my lamps powered on all the time with hue bulbs and have never had an issue. Even very old lamps have been completely fine. For usability and wife approval I would recommend getting a switch (which is useful for other reasons too) that you can stick on your wall and turn them all off at once. Even if your wife is onboard with automation, a switch will make it mother-in-law proof.
Mixing in some Ikea bulbs on the hue bridge will work just fine as well, with both Google and home assistant. The Ikea switches and sensors are paired directly to a bulb, so don’t buy those if you do get their bulbs.
I am glad that your bulbs have lasted 7 years. I knew the Hue were the high end brand and am glad it isn’t all branding but hold up over time. I didn’t consider the switch but that will be needed for a few of these. Some we were considering would be set on timers all the time but having a switch would be nice
I didn’t think I needed a switch until the mother in law came and turned off all my lights manually. A switch keeps things in line but lets family still work with your bulbs the old fashioned way
Makes sense to have a switch to make it simple and idiot proof. We have a sink that has a sensor and a handle that both need to be on to turn on. We have to explain it to everyone who tries to wash their hands at our house.