An upcoming Philips Hue doorbell has been accidentally leaked by the company though an update to the Hue app. The company already offers a range of smart security cameras.
The app content reveals quite a lot about the device, which is not expected to launch until the fall, including a significant limitation …
Philips Hue doorbell
The Hue Blog’s Fabian seems to have been right on the money when he recently predicted the product plan, name, and design of the device.
I can well imagine that Philips Hue will add further components to the Hue Secure system in the fall. At the top of the potential list of new additions could be a video doorbell, let’s just call it the Philips Hue Secure Video Doorbell […]
We can most likely expect a classic doorbell design with a camera in the upper part and a bell button with LED ring in the lower part of the device.
Less than a fortnight later, one of the site’s readers spotted the device in an update to the Hue app.
With the latest update, Philips Hue has introduced a new QR scan for lamps, lights and devices. However, the “no QR code” menu not only lists the devices we are familiar with, but also a “Hue Secure doorbell”.
The images show the design of the device, which is indeed very similar to the Ring doorbell, and reveal the name to be the Philips Hue Secure Doorbell.
The site suggests the requirement for a QR code indicates the use of encrypted video, the code being needed to provide the encryption key to the app.
One big limitation
The text in the app also indicates that the doorbell will only be suitable for wired installation. This means that you can only use it to replace an existing wired doorbell, unless you’re willing to install wiring from scratch.
This contrasts with many smart doorbells able to operate with a rechargeable battery, making it suitable for use in rental properties with no existing wiring.
It was last year suggested that Apple would also be moving into the smart home camera market, though not before next year.
Highlighted accessories
Image: Hue app screengrabs by Hue Blog on background by Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash
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