Philips Hue has taken a significant step toward unifying smart and traditional lighting with the launch of its first wired wall modules. These devices, designed to fit behind existing wall switches, allow users to bring any non-smart light—such as recessed ceiling fixtures or pendant lights—into the Hue ecosystem. For years, Hue enthusiasts have been able to control only smart bulbs and fixtures through the Hue app, but this new offering bridges the gap for lights that do not use Hue’s proprietary technology. The wall modules act as in-wall relays, connecting to the home’s electrical wiring and enabling remote control via the Hue Bridge and app, just like any other Hue-connected device.
Hue Wired Wall Modules: How They Work
The wired wall modules are essentially relays that install behind existing light switches. They communicate with the Hue Bridge using Zigbee, the same wireless protocol used by Hue bulbs and accessories. Once installed, any non-smart light connected to the switch becomes addressable within the Hue app. This means you can integrate traditional ceiling lights, chandeliers, or even outdoor fixtures into the same scenes, schedules, and automations you already use for your Hue bulbs. The modules come in three variants: a one-channel module for single-rocker switches, a two-channel module for double-rocker switches, and a dimmer module that adds dimming capabilities to non-dimmable fixtures. A fourth module is a wired version of Hue’s existing battery-powered wall module, which lets you use your existing switch to control Hue smart lights, unlike the relay modules which control non-smart lights.
This approach is not entirely new in the smart home space. Companies like Aqara and Shelly have long offered similar in-wall relays that enable smart control of conventional lighting. However, until now, none of these third-party modules integrated directly with the Hue app. Hue owners had to use separate bridges, apps, or workarounds to control non-Hue lights. The new wired wall modules eliminate that friction by bringing everything under one roof—the Hue ecosystem. The modules also support Hue’s MotionAware feature, which allows the system to detect motion and adjust lighting based on occupancy. The wired wall module that mimics a switch can be part of Hue’s whole-home motion-sensing system, offering seamless automatic lighting control.
Pricing and Availability
The modules are priced starting at €44.99 for the single-channel relay, with the two-channel and dimmer modules costing more. They are available now, but only in Europe. Signify CTO George Yianni told The Verge that the company has no current plans to launch them in the United States, citing the less established DIY module category in the U.S. market. “DIY modules are not such an established category in the US; it’s more fully integrated switches,” Yianni said. “If people really want these in the US, then maybe we’ll look at it. I think the modules are quite exciting; it’s something that we’ve talked about doing for a long time.” This suggests that future availability may depend on consumer demand, though no timeline has been given.
New Play Lamps Offer More Affordable Ambiance
Alongside the wall modules, Hue announced two new Play series lamps: the Play Table Lamp and the Play Floor Lamp Large. These are positioned as more affordable alternatives to the popular Signe lamps, which have been a staple in Hue’s entertainment lineup. The Play Table Lamp is priced at $79.99 (€79.99) and stands 23.6 inches tall, while the Play Floor Lamp Large costs $149.99 (€149.99) and offers greater height and light output. Both lamps are designed to work with Hue’s entertainment ecosystem, syncing with movies, music, and games through the Philips Hue Sync Box or Hue Sync apps. They feature the same vibrant color and white light capabilities as other Hue Play products, making them ideal for creating immersive ambient lighting in any room. The Play series has long been popular for accent lighting behind TVs or in corners, and these new models bring that functionality at a lower price point.
Upgraded Candle Bulbs with Matter Support
Hue also introduced upgraded E14 candle bulbs (also known as B39 bulbs in the U.S.) that offer a broader white light spectrum and Matter-over-Thread compatibility. The two-pack of white-and-color bulbs costs $109.99 (€109.99) and includes several key improvements over previous generations. Lumen output has increased to 470 lumens, making them brighter while still fitting into small decorative fixtures like chandeliers and wall sconces. The white light spectrum now ranges from 1000K to 20,000K, offering everything from warm candlelight to cool daylight. The bulbs also feature Hue’s Chromasync color technology, which ensures smooth color transitions and accurate reproduction. They dim to 0.2% brightness, providing a very subtle glow when needed. Most notably, the bulbs now support Matter-over-Thread, meaning they can pair directly with ecosystems like Apple Home and Google Home without requiring a Hue Bridge. This is a significant step toward interoperability, though users who want the full Hue feature set—such as advanced scenes, accessories, and entertainment sync—will still benefit from a Bridge.
The Broader Impact on Smart Lighting
The introduction of wired wall modules marks a strategic shift for Philips Hue. The brand has built its reputation on replaceable smart bulbs and fixtures, but the ability to control any light from the Hue app opens up new possibilities for homeowners with existing non-smart lighting. It also positions Hue as a more comprehensive home automation platform, competing with systems like Lutron Caséta, Eve, and Legrand. The modules also appeal to renters or those who prefer not to replace all their lighting fixtures—they can simply install a small device behind the switch and gain smart control without altering the aesthetics of the room. While the European launch is a starting point, the company’s willingness to consider a U.S. release based on demand suggests that future expansion is possible. In the meantime, the new Play lamps and upgraded candle bulbs give existing Hue users more choices for expanding their smart lighting setups. The upgraded candle bulbs now feature Matter-over-Thread, enabling direct integration with Apple Home and Google Home, which simplifies setup for those who want a bridge-free experience.
Source: The Verge News