Lighting brand Philips Hue has quietly launched refreshes of their Pillar and Runner spots in Europe. Their respective lines consist of multiple models with several similarities between them.
Starting with the Pillar line, they hang from the ceiling with the point down, replacing the main bulb. The series includes the company’s recently released GU10 bulbs, which can deliver a maximum brightness of 400 lumens and a total “lifespan of 25,000 hours.”
The lights also have a White Ambiance. As explained by NotebookCheckThe feature allows users to adjust the color temperature from 2,200K for warmer tones to 6,500K to mimic daylight. You can remotely control up to 10 individual Pillar fixtures via the official Philips Hue app for Android or iOS. The light intensity can be dimmed by pressing the buttons on the side of the Pillar or via the mobile app.
Voice commands are supported through Google Assistant and Alexa; however, you will need to own a “compatible Google Nest or Amazon Echo device.” Philips Hue says homeowners can connect the Pillar bulbs to a Hue Bright to unlock additional features, such as the ability to set up automated lighting.
There are three individual Pillar models available in the EU. The basic lamp costs €89.99, the double spot €159.99 and the extension lamp costs €69.99. The latter does not have a dimmer, however.
Double and triple lights
Philip Hue’s Runner bulbs feature the same GU10 bulb with the same lumen and color temperature ratings. Unsurprisingly, the bulb lifespan is also rated at 25,000 hours. The main difference between this and the Pillar series depends on the model. For example, the Runner headlamp is arguably more flexible. It hangs on a wall with its beam at a 40-degree angle, so you can think of it as a small personal lamp.
Then there are the double and triple Runner spots. These, like the Pillar, go up to the ceiling, but they have the potential to be brighter. Each of the fixtures emits light of 400 lumens. All things considered, the double Runner model has a maximum output of 800 lumens and the triple model a maximum of 1,200 lumens.
In addition, the Runner series has all the features that the Pillar line has. Voice commands via Alexa, compatibility with the Hue Bridge, the ability to control 10 lights via the app, and so on.
Availability
The Runner lights are available in the EU and the UK. The base model costs €89.99, while the switchless option costs €69.99. UK customers can purchase the latter alone for £59.99. The Runner double spotlight costs £134.99/€159.99, while the triple array costs £189.99/€219.99. It’s important to note that all UK offerings are currently out of stock, and the same products are running low in the EU.
There’s no word on whether there are plans to restock anytime soon, so we’ve reached out to Philips Hue for more information on this and to see if they plan to launch both in the US. We’ll update this story if we hear back.
Be sure to check out Ny Breaking’s list of the best smart bulbs for 2024.