A Comprehensive Review of Philips Hue Secure
The Philips Hue line has expanded with the addition of Philips Hue Secure cameras and sensors designed for home security. The $200 Hue Secure Wired Camera offers features such as 1080p video recording, night vision, and motion trigger alerts. The camera can be mounted on a wall or placed on a flat surface with an additional desktop stand. The camera has a wide field of view and an interchangeable base for optimal positioning. Despite its clean design and strong magnets for base attachment, the camera lacks HomeKit support, which may be a dealbreaker for Apple users. While the camera does not require a Hue Bridge to function, integration with other Hue products and remote control functionality do require a bridge. In terms of reliability, the Hue Secure camera outperformed other HomeKit-enabled cameras in terms of staying connected. The camera can be added to the Hue app easily and offers features such as motion detection, customizable armed and disarmed states, and two-way talk. Additional functionalities, such as recording and activity zone setup, require a paid plan. The Hue Secure camera is intended for detecting and deterring intruders rather than general home monitoring. Overall, the lack of HomeKit integration and the relatively high price may make the Hue Secure system less appealing to some users compared to other smart camera options on the market.