As you might remember from my previous post on this topic - the lack of an official native app for the PC, means you have to look for an alternative. With no decent website for doing this, one option is to explore the use of an unofficial app. In that prior post, I tried 'Huetro' from the Windows 10 app store. This worked OK, but there were some drawbacks and compromises, along with a few 'quirks' to using this app. In fairness the app has since been updated, so some of these drawbacks may have been addressed. Nevertheless, more recently I've been looking at another option - using the official Android app, on Windows.
Now, before some of you click away to another site, thinking this is going to be a really hard thing to do - it actually really isn't! That's because there are plenty of 'emulators' out there that let you run Android on Windows. One of the more popular choices is a software package called '. It's super easy to install and use - basically, anyone can do it.
To get started, simply go to the website and click the button to download Bluestacks 3. There's a handy on their website that shows you the process, but as mentioned, it's very simple to install and use. Once it's installed, launch it, and the software will load up. There's a first-run experience that basically involves you signing in with your Google account, just as you would on an Android smartphone or tablet.
Once done, you'll be presented with an app-store like home page. There are some advantages to this approach. First, unlike the Huetro app, you're not restricted to Windows 10. Bluestacks will work on Windows versions all the way back to Windows XP SP3 (although if you're still running XP - please upgrade!). There are some issues to be aware of. What you're effectively doing here is running Android, on top of Windows. If your PC is old or slow, performance might be poor, possibly prohibitively so.
Also, loading Bluestacks takes a few moments. Remember, you're loading up Android in the background. So, if you want to quickly and spontaneously jump into the Philips Hue app, you'll experience a delay. One solution is to just leave Bluestacks minimised ready for you to use, however that will again require your PC be up to the task, it could make other programs run more slowly. So, I'll add a qualifier to my earlier comment that 'anyone can do it' - it's not necessarily for everyone. However, anyone can try it, and see if it works for you.
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If you try this approach, let me know in the comments how you get on! This won't be my last attempt at Philips Hue PC control!
The app is due sometime in the second quarter of the year and will launch alongside a version 3.0 Hue app for Android and iOS. The mobile overhaul promises to simplify light groups, offer quick access to recently used scenes and provide 'seamless setup.' If you dislike the existing Hue app enough that you stick to the third-party options (such as the Apple and Google Home apps), it might be worth a revisit in the spring.
To top things off, there's new hardware on the way. Philips has teased the launch of outdoor Hue lights (shown above) in the summer. There are virtually no details, but the company suggests they'll be helpful for 'peace of mind' by turning on when you arrive home, or deterring burglars when you leave. And of course, they can set the mood - we could easily see these being used for a creepy Halloween or a supplement to Christmas lights. Just don't be surprised if they're expensive, since they'll have to both cover a large area and survive the elements. Click to catch up on the latest news from CES 2018.