A few days after updating its iOS app to version 3.0, Philips Hue today is launching the "Philips Hue Sync" app for Mac and PC computers. Using the app, users can sync their Hue lights to films, music, and games that they're interacting with for an even more "immersive experience," according to the company.

philips hue sync
The app works by creating light scripts for nearby Hue lights, based on screen-grabbed content from the Mac and what Philips calls a "smart color algorithm." With this information gathered, the app then matches the chosen Hue lights to the on-screen action of games and films in real time.

For music, Philips Hue Sync creates light scripts based on the beat and type of song "on the fly," and matches the playing music with dynamic lighting effects. Any of these features can be further customized, including brightness levels, "immersion controls" from subtle to intense, and a mode change for easily switching out the color pallet.


To set up the app, users will need to create a new entertainment area within the updated Philips Hue app on iOS or Android devices. Entertainment areas can encompass everything from one Hue bulb to a collection of devices like Hue Light Strips and table lamps (totaling up to 10 lights), but they most be color capable. Then simply download the Philips Hue Sync app for Mac, connect to a bridge, and choose the new entertainment area in the start-up menu.

Following the 3.0 iOS app update and the new Sync app for Mac, Philips is planning a line of Hue lights for outdoors that will be coming in July. With the outdoor Hue bulbs, users can connect and control their lighting on a patio, balcony, or other environments outside. The new lights include the Philips Hue Lily, which can be used to highlight key features in a garden, and the Philips Hue Calla, which can be placed in the ground and light pathways through outdoor spaces.

Tag: Philips Hue

Top Rated Comments

Hermes Monster Avatar
Hermes Monster
100 months ago
This would make much more sense as a tvOS app
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BeardMan7 Avatar
BeardMan7
100 months ago
Sigh.

Is it actually that hard to:

1. Get up.
2. Walk over to light switch.
3. Dim/turn off lights (using said switch).

Seriously?!?
Must be fun for you, standing at the light switch, dim/turn on and off the lights manually to sync to your watched movie. :D
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
larryj Avatar
larryj
100 months ago
Sigh.

Is it actually that hard to:

1. Get up.
2. Walk over to light switch.
3. Dim/turn off lights (using said switch).

Seriously?!?
You didn't read the article, did you?
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
x-evil-x Avatar
x-evil-x
100 months ago
This is way more immersive than just turning on a light though.
It's a cool feature but not necessary.
Some people dont get it, its ok. If you cant imagine what its like in a house full of voice controlled lights or watch/phone controlled then you dont get it. Changing how your place feels in .2 of a second is pretty fun to do. Laying in bed and turning the air on without getting up is nice. Turning off all the lights with one button or voice command is pretty big. It makes little things like turning on a light switch seem that much more ancient.
Try Turning off 18 lights multiple times a day dimming them, changing the color hue to fit how you want your place to look. Then turning them off when you go to sleep and see how much better having a smart controlled home is.
But its true if you dont have it you dont know what your missing
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
chrixxa Avatar
chrixxa
100 months ago
This would make much more sense as a tvOS app
^^ SO much this. I'm way past watching movies on my computer. tvOS app please. only makes sense people!!
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
steeevo Avatar
steeevo
100 months ago
Sigh.

Is it actually that hard to:

1. Get up.
2. Walk over to light switch.
3. Dim/turn off lights (using said switch).

Seriously?!?
Smart lights are more than turning them on and off like traditional light switches. You can set them up to be on timers when you are on holidays/vacations which is my main reason for purchashing them. After buying them for that reason i fou d out loads of other great features like geofencing your location so it turns the lights on when you get home andturn all lights off at 11pm. So good
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments

Popular Stories

Aston Martin CarPlay Ultra Screen

Apple's CarPlay Ultra to Expand to These Vehicle Brands Later This Year

Sunday February 1, 2026 10:08 am PST by
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly nine months later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon. In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. In his Powe...
Read Full Article • 90 comments
iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
We are still waiting for the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate to come out, so the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week or two away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
Read Full Article • 30 comments
Apple Logo Black

Apple's Next Launch is 'Imminent'

Sunday February 1, 2026 12:31 pm PST by
The calendar has turned to February, and a new report indicates that Apple's next product launch is "imminent," in the form of new MacBook Pro models. "All signs point to an imminent launch of next-generation MacBook Pros that retain the current form factor but deliver faster chips," Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said on Sunday. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated...
Read Full Article
Apple MacBook Pro M4 hero

New MacBook Pros Reportedly Launching Alongside macOS 26.3

Sunday February 1, 2026 5:42 am PST by
Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips alongside macOS 26.3, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "Apple's faster MacBook Pros are planned for the macOS 26.3 release cycle," wrote Gurman, in his Power On newsletter today. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated for the macOS 26.3 software cycle, which runs from...
Read Full Article • 141 comments
iOS 26 Home Feature

Apple Gives Final Warning to Home App Users

Tuesday February 3, 2026 8:55 am PST by
In 2022, Apple introduced a new Apple Home architecture that is "more reliable and efficient," and the deadline to upgrade and avoid issues is fast approaching. In an email this week, Apple gave customers a final reminder to upgrade their Home app by February 10, 2026. Apple says users who do not upgrade may experience issues with accessories and automations, or lose access to their smart...
Read Full Article • 64 comments