TL;DR
Philips Hue is rolling out a firmware update that allows its smart bulbs to operate both Thread and Zigbee protocols at the same time. This upgrade enables direct connection to Matter-compatible platforms while maintaining Hue ecosystem features. The update is expected later this year and represents a significant step toward more flexible smart home integration.
Philips Hue has announced a firmware update that will enable its smart bulbs to run both Thread and Zigbee protocols concurrently, allowing direct integration with Matter-compatible platforms such as Apple Home, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa while maintaining existing Hue ecosystem features.
The update leverages a new radio synchronization feature called concurrent multiprotocol technology (CMP), developed by Hue’s chip supplier Silicon Labs. This technology allows Bluetooth, Zigbee, and Thread to operate in parallel, a capability not previously available in Hue devices.
Currently, Hue bulbs can only support either Zigbee or Thread at a time, requiring users to choose which protocol to use during setup. Switching protocols later involves resetting and reconfiguring the device. The new CMP technology eliminates this limitation, enabling simultaneous operation without user intervention.
This development means Hue bulbs can connect directly to a Matter ecosystem, bypassing the Hue Bridge for certain functions, while still being controllable via the Hue app and ecosystem. It also allows powered devices like bulbs to act as mesh extenders for Thread networks, potentially strengthening overall smart home connectivity.
Philips Hue CTO George Yianni explained that this feature was always part of the plan but was not ready at launch. The update will be compatible with Hue devices built on Silicon Labs MG26 and SiMG301 wireless SoCs, with rollout expected later this year. The same concurrent technology is used in some Ikea devices, which could support similar capabilities.
While the immediate benefit is enhanced flexibility for users, the company also sees future potential if the Thread standard evolves to support new features like improved entertainment syncing or motion-aware networks, which could influence future product directions.
Enhanced Compatibility and Future-Proofing for Smart Homes
This update matters because it significantly improves the flexibility and usability of Philips Hue smart lighting. Users will be able to connect directly to Matter ecosystems without losing Hue-specific features, simplifying setup and expanding integration options. It also sets a precedent for multi-protocol operation, potentially influencing other smart device manufacturers to adopt similar capabilities, ultimately advancing the interoperability of smart home devices.
Furthermore, enabling devices to act as mesh extenders could improve overall network robustness, especially in larger homes or complex setups. The move toward dual-protocol operation reflects a broader industry trend toward more versatile, future-proof smart home ecosystems, reducing fragmentation and enhancing user experience.
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Background on Hue’s Protocol Limitations and Industry Trends
Until now, Philips Hue bulbs could only support either Zigbee or Thread, but not both simultaneously. Users had to choose one protocol during device setup, which limited flexibility and required reconfiguration if they wanted to switch later. This limitation has been a common issue among multi-protocol smart home devices from companies like Aqara and Ikea, which also use Thread and Zigbee.
The industry has been moving toward the adoption of Matter, a new standard designed to unify smart home device communication across platforms. Many manufacturers see Matter as a way to reduce fragmentation, but compatibility issues remain a concern. Philips Hue’s upcoming update aligns with this trend by enabling more seamless integration with Matter ecosystems while maintaining existing Hue functionalities.
The technology enabling this dual operation, CMP, was developed by Silicon Labs and is now being integrated into Hue devices. It represents a significant step in multi-protocol support, which has been a technical challenge due to radio interference and hardware constraints.
“This technology allows Zigbee, Thread, and Bluetooth to run in parallel, which was not possible before, opening up new possibilities for smart home devices.”
— an anonymous researcher
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Remaining Questions About Future Capabilities and Adoption
It is not yet clear how quickly the firmware update will be rolled out to all compatible Hue devices or whether future updates will expand support for additional features like advanced entertainment syncing or motion detection. The extent to which other manufacturers will adopt CMP or similar technologies remains uncertain, as does the long-term impact on the broader smart home ecosystem.
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Expected Timeline for Firmware Rollout and Ecosystem Integration
Philips Hue plans to begin deploying the firmware update later this year, starting with devices built on Silicon Labs MG26 and SiMG301 SoCs. Users should expect a gradual rollout through app updates and firmware releases. Following this, the company may explore further enhancements, potentially including new features enabled by the dual-protocol support, depending on industry standards evolution and user feedback.
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Key Questions
Will this update require users to reset their Hue bulbs?
No. The update is designed to enable simultaneous operation of Zigbee and Thread without requiring reconfiguration or resets.
Does this mean Hue bulbs will support Matter directly?
Yes, the update allows Hue bulbs to connect directly to Matter ecosystems via the new concurrent multiprotocol technology, while still supporting Hue ecosystem features.
Is this technology available for all Hue devices?
No. The firmware update will be compatible with Hue devices built on Silicon Labs MG26 and SiMG301 wireless SoCs, with rollout expected later this year.
Could this lead to better smart home mesh networks?
Yes. The ability for powered devices to act as mesh extenders could improve network coverage and reliability, especially in larger or more complex setups.
Will other smart device makers adopt CMP technology?
It remains to be seen, but the technology’s capabilities suggest it could influence other manufacturers to pursue similar multi-protocol solutions.
Source: The Verge
