Philips Hue has inadvertently revealed its upcoming smart doorbell through an update to its application. The leak proves the existence of a “Hue Secure doorbell” as an option on the device setup menu of the application, showing that the company is working on a novel smart home gadget. It will be a valuable addition to Philips Hue’s Secure lineup, which currently includes intelligent security cameras.
The leaked information reveals that the Philips Hue Secure doorbell will have a classic design, featuring a camera at the top and a large round button encircled by an LED at the bottom. The device also appears to require a wired power source, as indicated by an error message stating that the doorbell may not be powered. This also means that it won’t have a rechargeable battery, unlike other smart doorbells in the market.
Doorbell installation makes use of both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. Physical mounting of the device will be necessary prior to initiating setup, and setup involves scanning a QR code from the owner’s card. The QR code is likely used to provide an encryption key for video transmission security, allowing end-to-end encryption of video feeds.
The leak has created a lot of interest, as it indicates that Philips Hue is more advanced in the development process than initially believed. The product has not been officially revealed by the company, and pricing, along with exact technical specifications, is not yet known. Nevertheless, given Philips Hue’s current Secure camera range, which provides features such as 1080p video quality and smart alerts, it would be safe to assume that these kinds of features will be available in the new doorbell.
The Philips Hue Secure doorbell should be available for release later this year, perhaps in the autumn. This will tie in with the company’s strategy of expanding its smart security range, which already includes indoor and outdoor cameras. A video doorbell would reinforce the Philips Hue Secure product range, providing consumers with an entire smart home security system.
Although the leak was inadvertent, it highlights the growing trend of technology companies inadvertently revealing upcoming products through app updates or other online means. The incident also highlights the importance of secrecy in product development, especially in the competitive smart home market.
The design and specs of the Philips Hue Secure doorbell, as revealed by the leak, suggest the device will be a sleek and practical addition to the company’s lineup. The presence of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity for linking with other smart devices is a bonus, while the wired power requirement will appeal to those who favor a consistent power supply.
Overall, the leak of the Philips Hue Secure doorbell has generated a buzz among smart home fans and illustrates the ongoing evolution of smart security devices. As additional details emerge, it will be interesting to learn how the new device fits into the broader ecosystem of smart home devices.
