Philips to offer new, lower-cost Hue lightbulbs

Philips’ Hue lightbulb was one of the first smart home products that got wide acceptance from early adopters. The smart lightbulbs were able to change color based on commands from a smartphone as well as being able to sync with selected television shows to create mood lighting. However, one big issue with the bulbs was the price: the bulbs themselves are quoted at $60 each, in addition to the bridge, and a single starter pack lists for $200.

Now, the company has announced a less expensive version that may make it more accessible to consumers. The new Hue wireless dimming kit will start selling in September in the US for $40. The package is comprised of a controller and three dimmable LED bulbs, and has a few significant differences from the existing system.

First, the bulbs cannot be controlled via a smartphone unless the customer already has an existing Hue Bridge hub. Second, the lights cannot change color for they are only available in 2,700K lighting.

Does this mean that the existing Hue lightbulbs have hit the point of diminishing returns? It seems likely that the early adopters that have fueled the growth of the product have been tapped out, and consumers are wary of shelling out $60 for a lightbulb, however smart it may be. The new lower-cost and -capability setup may be the next step to broadening the Philips home ecosystem into a far greater number of homes, however.