The Hue sync box finally adopts HDMI 2.1
Smart home purveyor Signify has finally launched its new Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box 8K, alongside the new Ensis pendant light and several new software enhancements.
The long-awaited update to the Hue sync box is here and it made the move to HDMI 2.1 which will allow resolutions up to 8K and frame rates up to 120Hz.
Notably, this also makes it fully compatible with the PS5 and Xbox One for enhanced gaming.
The new HDMI sync box keeps the same design but supports HDMI 2.1, 8K, and 120Hz
The Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box accepts inputs from your devices such as Apple TV, gaming console, and more, then connects to your TV. Your selected lights then mirror what’s displayed on your TV.
Signify offers several lights ideal for use with the sync box including a light strip that goes around the back of the TV, Play bars that sit around it, or stand lights for the far corners of the room.
AppleInsider originally reviewed the first sync box back in 2020 and enjoyed it, but much has changed since then.
For smart lights, the brand is launching its new Hue Ensis pendant in both black and white.
The new Hue Ensis pendant light looks like a beautiful solution for family rooms
This elegant light hands from the ceiling with two downward cables that connect to a long bar with both downward and upward facing lights. It’s shipping now for $479.99.
The Philips Hue app is getting a number of new features too. There are new effects, including Cosmos, Underwater, Enchant, and Sunbeam.
It will also soon allow for multiple bridges to be added to the same home, something necessary for large setups. There’s also do not disturb mode for motion sensors and starting and stoping the mimic presence scenes.
All of Hue’s lights, including the new Ensis, support Apple Home natively as well as Matter.
