Exploring the Lack of HomeKit Support in the Philips Hue Line with Added Security Cameras

The Philips Hue line has expanded beyond lighting products with the introduction of the Philips Hue Secure cameras and sensors designed for home security. The author tested the $200 Hue Secure Wired Camera and found that it offers 1080p video recording, night vision, and motion trigger alerts, which are expected features for a security camera. The camera can be mounted to the wall with a screw, but a separate $30 desktop version is required for tabletop placement. The camera’s field of view is wide enough to cover an entire room indoors or a significant section of a yard outdoors. The camera’s design includes a white plastic casing and a standard camera lens. However, there is no support for Apple HomeKit, which may be a drawback for those in the Apple ecosystem who prefer to control all their devices through one app. The Hue cameras do not require a Hue Bridge to function but do need one for integration with other Hue products and remote control capabilities. The author found the camera easy to add to the app and experienced no connectivity issues or offline periods. However, compared to Ring cameras, the Hue cameras are on par in terms of reliability. The cameras can be paired with Hue lights for automations, and there are security features such as end-to-end encryption, recognition of people and packages, and two-way talk. Some features require a subscription, but basic features like live streaming and notifications are available for free.