Signify, owner of the Philips Hue brand, is launching a Philips Hue Sync TV app for Samsung TVs. The $129.99 app will be available on January 5 on Samsung’s 2022 or newer QLED TVs (Q60 or later) and syncs everything you see on a TV with Philips Hue smart lights.
It’s basically the software version of the $250 Play HDMI Sync Box, which scanned HDMI inputs to sync lights with movies and TV shows. This $129.99 app does the same thing, but also works on native apps like Netflix and Disney Plus, which didn’t work on the Play HDMI Sync Box.
You’re really paying $129.99 for the software side of this setup, as you don’t get hardware like the Play HDMI Sync Box. There are also cheaper alternatives. The Govee Immersion Kit is only $79.99 and includes an LED light strip and camera to work on any 55- or 65-inch TV with all content (including smart TV apps).
Signify says all picture formats and TV content will be compatible with the Hue Sync TV app, and there will be several options to adjust intensity, brightness, auto start and more. The existing Philips Hue Play gradient light strip and Hue Play bars are designed to work best with this TV app and work well together if you mount the lights behind a TV. We’ve asked both Signify and Samsung whether this Hue TV app will expand to more TVs or other brands, but neither company would comment on future plans.
In addition to the Philips Hue Sync TV app, Signify has new Philips Hue PAR38 floodlights, which are designed to illuminate backyards or walkways with color. The white and colored bulbs will be available in the US from March 14 and cost $79.99 each or $149.99 for a pack of two.
