Philips Hue is making its TV lighting setup more accessible, with a new camera-based sync box, a cheaper 4K model and support for Nanoleaf lights.
The new Philips Hue Play Screen Sync uses a fisheye camera mounted on top of your TV to capture the colours on screen and sync compatible Hue lights accordingly. Unlike the existing Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 8K, it doesn’t rely on HDMI inputs, meaning it can also work with content played through your TV’s built-in apps.
That makes the Screen Sync a more flexible option for users who don’t want to spend around $385 on the existing 8K Sync Box. Philips Hue says the new model will start at $119, while the Play HDMI Sync Box 4K will cost $149.
The 4K model sits between the two options, offering a similar HDMI-based experience to the 8K version but with a single HDMI connection. That could make more sense for setups where you only need to connect something like an AV receiver rather than several consoles and media players.
Both new sync boxes can also connect to Hue lights over Bluetooth without requiring a Hue Bridge. Adding a Hue Bridge or Bridge Pro still brings some advantages, including support for up to 10 lights rather than being limited to a single light strip.
Philips Hue is also expanding its entertainment lighting range with new gradient light strips designed for TVs up to 100 inches.
Elsewhere, the company has announced a new partnership with Nanoleaf. Compatible Nanoleaf Shapes can be brought into the Philips Hue ecosystem through the Wall Light Module, allowing them to work with Hue scenes and automations from within the app.
The Philips Hue app itself is getting some useful upgrades, too. Backup and restore functionality is coming to both Android and iOS, meaning your scenes and automations won’t be lost if you delete the app or switch phones. Philips Hue is also adding AI-generated scenes designed around specific user needs. Both app features are scheduled to roll out from autumn 2026.
The new Philips Hue Play Screen Sync and Play HDMI Sync Box 4K are available now through Philips Hue and retailers including Amazon.
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