The Philips Hue MotionAware feature could soon evolve in surprising ways, offering new capabilities without needing extra sensors or hardware. That’s according to George Yianni, founder of Philips Hue and head of technology at Signify.
Philips Hue MotionAware expands smart lighting automation
Initially released with the Hue Bridge Pro, Philips Hue MotionAware lets users trigger lighting changes based on motion alone. It already works with just three or more standard Hue lamps no external motion detector is required. Instead, the bulbs detect subtle changes in light and motion across the room.
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MotionAware may become a presence sensor
In a recent interview with HomeKit Insider, George Yianni hinted at where this feature is headed. According to him, future software updates could allow Philips Hue MotionAware to detect presence, not just motion.
This change would enable two major improvements:
- Lights could turn off instantly after someone leaves the room.
- Lights could stay on even when someone remains still, eliminating the need to wave arms or reset timers.
These changes would make the system smarter and more efficient, especially in low-activity spaces like offices or bedrooms.
No extra sensors required for presence detection
What makes this direction especially compelling is that the upgrade wouldn’t require new hardware. Existing Hue lamps would gain presence detection abilities via a software update. That means no new cameras, detectors, or motion sensors just smarter use of current tech.
Four area limits may soon increase
At present, the Hue Bridge Pro supports up to four Philips Hue MotionAware zones. However, Yianni acknowledged this might change. He said the limit exists to prevent network congestion, which can lead to slow responses. Still, he believes the hardware can handle more zones in the future, assuming performance remains stable.
When is it coming?
There’s no confirmed timeline yet. Yianni didn’t commit to any dates or release schedules. Even so, he said the technical groundwork is there. Philips Hue may simply need time to test, refine, and roll it out safely.
The potential to upgrade smart lighting this meaningfully without buying more gear is a rare promise in the smart home space. If delivered, Philips Hue MotionAware could change how people think about lighting automation entirely.
