Silicon Labs and Philips Hue advance smart lighting

Silicon Labs and Philips Hue advance smart lighting

-Using SDK to create Zigbee® wireless light switches for Philips Hue smart lighting ecosystem through Friends of Hue program-

Silicon Labs (NASDAQ: SLAB) and Signify, a global leader in lighting, are collaborating to promote an expanded Friends of Hue program that enables ecosystem partners to better develop smart light switches for the Philips Hue system. Silicon Labs provides Zigbee cluster libraries, software tools, reference applications and technical expertise to help member companies certified by the Friends of Hue program quickly design and produce light switch products that work perfectly with the Philips Hue smart lighting system.

The Friends of Hue ecosystem enables third-party vendors and brands to create certified, interoperable smart lighting products that integrate seamlessly with Philips Hue, the leading Zigbee-based smart lighting solution. Silicon Labs is a key partner of Friends of Hue, working closely with Signify to define the Zigbee cluster and provide compatible software to enable advanced light switch features, such as user-friendly setup in the Philips Hue app and deployment of firmware updates through the Philips Hue cloud . Silicon Labs ’ Zigbee software development kit supports the Friends of Hue specification, allowing third-party vendors to create certified devices that are guaranteed to integrate with Philips Hue .

“ We believe smart lighting will be accessible to everyone, and convenient smart lighting control through light switches is a key part of this vision,” said Duncan McCue , Head of Partnerships at Signify . “ The Friends of Hue Switches program is helping partners develop innovative light switches that integrate seamlessly with the Philips Hue ecosystem , bringing smart lighting experiences to millions of consumers around the world. We are excited to work with Silicon Labs to expand the Friends of Hue program, building on Zigbee technology with significantly improved reliability and interoperability, enabling battery-powered light switches to join the Hue ecosystem. ”

Typically when an end user turns off a smart light using a traditional wall switch, the light is powered off and cannot be controlled using apps, voice commands, schedules or sensors. The Friends of Hue switch enables reliable control of Philips Hue smart lighting directly from the wall switch and keeps Philips Hue lights “ always ready ” while providing an interface that everyone is familiar with. Silicon Labs ’ Friends of Hue software development kit ( SDK ) supports a variety of smart light switch designs and adds a choice of compatible switches for Philips Hue users.

“ With more than 15 years of experience in mesh networking and more than 250 million mesh nodes deployed to date , Silicon Labs is supporting the Friends of Hue program with its deep Zigbee expertise, best-in-class software and wireless development tools,” said Matt Saunders, vice president of marketing and applications for IoT products at Silicon Labs . “ As the Friends of Hue partner network grows, we are driving the advancement of smart lighting solutions for the IoT. ”

“ Smart lighting has redefined home automation with simple, affordable DIY solutions, ” said Mareca Hatler , research director at ON World . “As the leading IoT technology for smart lighting, Zigbee has played a key role in driving adoption and innovation in the smart home. Currently, 80 % of smart LED bulbs sold at popular consumer retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, Home Depot, and Bed Bath & Beyond use Zigbee . ”

To learn more about the Friends of Hue Switches project and the Silicon Labs Zigbee SDK , visit silabs.com/friends-of-hue .

About Signify

Signify ( Euronext : LIGHT ) is a global leader in professional, consumer and IoT lighting. Our Philips products, Interact connected lighting systems and data services deliver business value and improve lives in homes, buildings and urban spaces. With 2017 sales of € 7 billion, approximately 32,000 employees and operations in more than 70 countries, we unlock the extraordinary potential of light for brighter lives and a better world. News about Signify can be found on the Newsroom, Twitter and LinkedIn . Information for investors can be found on the Investor Relations page.

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