Philips backpedals on controversial compatibility policy, plans to allow third-party lightbulbs

Users who rely on non-Philips bulbs should avoid resetting their Hue bridges or disconnecting those bulbs for now, as doing either will break compatibility until the next firmware update arrives. Philips recently rolled out a firmware update to its network-connected Hue light bulbs and disabled connectivity with third-party bulbs such as those from rival company GE. “This change was made in good faith”, Philips said. Users will be able to install it with the Philips Hue application.

The statement by Philips Hue mark the company’s U-turn on its earlier-this-week announced plans to roll out a software update which would discontinue support for third-party smart bulbs which have not received certification from Philips’ Friends of Hue program.

“Philips has just slapped fans like us in the face and kicked interoperability out the door, without any communication they delivered a new firmware to the system that disables adding products that they don’t approve of”. But with the latest update, it fiddled with the stack to lock out competition and make sure the lights work as the firm wanted them to.

The company stresses that it is still committed to open technology and that it will continue to push for the ZigBee Light Link being the best standard for private homes’ lighting control. Called the “Friends of Hue” program, it will allow Philips to certify and test third-party products “to guarantee a consistent and long-term interoperable experience also for these products”. Customers using uncertified lights may continue to have the same incompatibility issues as before, such as lights not dimming to off, creating the right colors or scene experience. This is a wise move on Philips’ part, but I have to wonder what’s causing the problems beyond the setup and reset confusion.

Philips was one of the first few mainstream companies to jump on the connected devices bandwagon with its Hue lineup of smart lighting products. In addition, Philips products have a much higher price tag than other light bulbs.