Philips on Tuesday pushed out an update for its Hue connected lightbulb and accessories controller app, adding iPad support and new home screen widgets for iPhone users running iOS 10.
The updated Philips Hue app brings the remote lighting control software to Apple’s tablet for the first time since the connected home product line launched in 2013. Previously, iPad users had to rely on third-party apps or hubs to manage individual lights.
Alongside iPad support, iPhone owners can access preset widgets via a 3D Touch press on Hue’s app icon. This feature is particularly useful when users need to quickly change scenes or activate macros like turning room lights on and off.
In addition, today’s app update includes an improved scene edit tool, allowing users to customize lighting scenes both with and without a reference picture. Previously, the Hue app required users to select a color scheme from a camera roll photo or a stock image provided by Philips.
The Hue app also includes the usual bug fixes and improvements.
Today’s release builds on Philips’ “Gen 2” Hue app, which delivered a raft of features to its HomeKit-enabled lighting products, including routines, voice control options and Notification Center widgets.
The Philips Hue app is a free 73MB download from the iOS App Store.
