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Philips' Hue Beyond looks like a lamp, only smarter
Philips Hue Beyond is the company's attempt at taking its connected lighting platform to the mainstream. That's why the new range of light fixtures -- lamps, pendant and ceiling lights -- pair a color-changing module with a "tunable" white light for actually being able to see. We managed to sneak around to the back of Philips' booth at IFA and into a demonstration area where we got to see the gear in use for the first time. It was here that we learned that the company will break out a standalone Hue Beyond app, specifically designed to cater to the more complex dual-bulbed platform. We also learned that there are a trio of Hue modules powering both of the lights, while a single hockey puck-shaped component can be found lurking beneath the lamp's cover. Still unsure if Hue Beyond is worth the investment? Check out the snaps.
Philips Afterglow promises a whole new generation of Ambilight TVs
Philips has been hawking Ambilight HDTVs with a series of customizable LEDs that let the picture "bleed" onto the wall behind for a decade now. At the company's annual IFA press conference, however, the company closed the show with a concept video called Afterglow, which, if it becomes a reality, might make TV viewing significantly more immersive. In a demonstration, action shots were recreated in detail beyond the bezel, as if some short-throw mini projectors have been welded to the underside of the TV. After asking around, it transpires that the tech isn't a concept as much as a very early prototype, and the technology won't be arriving until 2016 at the earliest. In terms of how the company has made the images, it won't say beyond that it's a "new" process, but since it hasn't been patented, no one's prepared to talk details. Still, given that Microsoft's Illumiroom isn't likely to become available to the mainstream, perhaps Philips' slightly more modest version might be the way forward.
Philips' Hue Beyond brings smart lighting to lamps and table lights
Here's a thing that we learned today: an enclosed light fitting, like a table lamp or a pendant light is technically called a luminaire. The reason that we now know this, is because that's the phrase Philips is using to describe the latest addition to its lineup of connected lighting devices. Hue Beyond, despite the sci-fi sounding name, is a range of lamps and ceiling lights luminaires with a dual light source -- a "tunable" white light for seeing and a color-changing bulb that you can tweak to your heart's content. Of course, as a Hue device, it's this second element that'll offer the same smart integration with online services like email alerts and IFTTT recipes. It'll hit stores in the US and Europe toward the end of this month, but be warned, adding a little bit of technical ambience to your home doesn't come cheap. The table lamp version of Beyond, for instance, will set you back €330 ($430, £260), while both the ceiling light and pendant light editions are priced up at a whopping €530 ($695, £420)
Spotify Connect's seamless streaming arrives on smart TVs
In order to properly celebrate the first year of Spotify Connect, the streaming outfit is rolling it out to a new set of devices. The feature already played nice with a smattering of wares, and now, you'll be able to leverage the seamless listening experience on that smart TV. Starting with Philips' Android-powered units, beaming tunes from your smartphone or tablet will be a breeze -- all while sorting the controls from that mobile device. According to Spotify, this is "the first in a long line of smart TVs" that will hit shelves with the add-on. Alongside Libratone, B&O and Sony, Connect is now available on Bose, Panasonic and Gramofon audio gadgets with support multi-room systems tacked on for good measure. With the news of new partners, the feature will be available on over 100 wares by the year's end.
Android TV will be in Sony, Sharp and Philips TVs next year
Google isn't giving up on TVs yet. While its new Android TV flavor of Android L will hit the streets in set-top boxes aimed at game consoles and media streamers, it announced that next year smart TVs from Sony (all of its 4K and smart TVs), Sharp and TP Vision/Philips will ship with the OS. It's also working with some familiar TV providers overseas like LG U+ in Korea (not LG Electronics TVs, which are moving to webOS) and SFR in France, as well as the chipmakers that build the components for smart TVs and boxes as seen in the slide above. The difference from the original Google TV approach is that the company isn't treating Android TV as an entirely separate platform from mobile, and everything needed to handle video from HDMI, TV tuners or IPTV receivers is now natively included in Android L. We'll probably have to wait until CES 2015 to find out if it's having any success convincing more TV manufacturers to join in (again), but these are a start.
UK court rules against Nintendo in patent infringement case
A UK court has found Nintendo's reasons for creating devices with both a camera and motion-sensing technology "unconvincing," and has ruled against the house that Mario built in a patent infringement case brought forward by electronics company Philips. The decision impacts the Wii and Wii U consoles, as both systems utilize such technology via Wii Remotes and the Wii U GamePad. "The common general knowledge did not include a device combining a physical motion sensor with a camera and the reasons advanced by Nintendo for putting those two sensors together in one unit are unconvincing," judge Colin Birss wrote in his decision, possibly channeling his inner Ron Burgandy. What this means for fines and damages is currently uncertain, as Nintendo has said that it will appeal. Philips filed against Nintendo in the US last month, seeking damages for Nintendo's "deliberate and willful" patent infringement, as well as a ban on the Wii family of products. [Image: Nintendo]
Logitech's universal remotes can now control your Sonos speakers
If you like to simplify your home theater with universal remotes, there's a good chance that you also like multi-room audio systems. Wouldn't it be swell if you could combine the two? As of today, it's easy. Logitech has posted updates for both higher-end Harmony remotes (the Smart Control and Ultimate) and its Harmony mobile app that let you control Sonos audio systems. All of the remotes can handle at least basic playback duties, while both the app and Ultimate also provide quick access to your favorite Sonos playlists and stations. They can steer Philips' Hue lights, too -- just in case you need to set the mood for a movie.
Philips helps to re-create Times Square in a Moscow shopping mall
Russia and the US may not be best buds right now, but that hasn't stopped the former building a homage to one of New York's famous landmarks in its newest shopping mall. The VEGAS Crocus City teamed up with Philips' booming lighting business to build a scaled-down version of Times Square, complete with the red bleachers found on the TKTS booth on 47th street. Naturally, the lighting company supplied both jumbo screens and its Color Kinetics LEDs for the inside and outside of the building, which can show off 16 million colors and broadcast text and graphics depending on what's required. We bet the team over at the Allianz Arena are now casting some envious glances east.
Philips is turning one of Germany's biggest stadiums into a huge LED display
Germany's Allianz Arena is already covered with color-changing plastic panels, but they can only currently display the red of Bayern Munich, the blue of TSV 1860 and the white of the national team. Philips is planning to swap out the old system in favor of 8,000 of its ColorGraze units, coating the stadium in 380,000 LEDs that can display 16 million colors. That way, the venue can play dynamic light shows and animations, keeping the fans entertained, and advertised-to, on their way in to watch the Bundesliga. We're hoping that some canny engineer can hijack the wiring and get video playing, because we'd love to watch soccer games on the world's biggest big-screen TV.
Report: Tech company files complaint to halt Wii, Wii U sales in US
Philips, the personal care, lighting and healthcare technology company, has filed a complaint for patent infringement against Nintendo, according to a document on Scribd. The complaint alleges Nintendo infringes on Philips' patent '379, "Virtual Body Control Device," with the Wii, Wii Remote Plus Controller, Wii Remote Controller, Wii Nunchuk Controller, Wii MotionPlus, Wii Balance Board, Wii U, Wii U GamePad and Wii Mini. Philips says it sent notice of induced infringement to Nintendo on December 16, 2011, and since then Nintendo has deliberately infringed on its patent: "The December 16, 2011 notice letter provided Nintendo with knowledge of Nintendo's and its users' infringement. Moreover, Nintendo has with specific intent or willful blindness, actively and knowingly induced infringement of the '379 patent." Philips alleges a second instance of patent infringement, this one number '231, "User Interface System Based on Pointing Device." Philips provided notice to Nintendo of patent '231 on the filing date of its complaint, May 14, 2014. Considering Nintendo's infringement has been "deliberate and willful," Philips is seeking damages up to three times the amount inflicted by Nintendo's continued use of these products in the US. Plus, the complaint seeks to prohibit Nintendo from "making, using, selling, offering for sale, and importing within the United States" the Wii family of products. Philips is seeking a trial by jury. [Image: Nintendo]
IRL: Three weeks with Philips' Screeneo projector
Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we're using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment. You'd never mistake me for an A/V geek, since I'm far more interested in what's on TV than how it gets to me. That said, I always felt like I was missing out on being able to try out projectors since they required a complex ceiling mounting process and needed me to know about things like lumen counts, aperture correction and blooming. That's why, when I first clamped eyes on Philips' Screeneo, I thought this was my chance to right that wrong.
Philips adds web-connected tap switch, white-only lux bulb to Hue lighting lineup
Think you're all done building out your Hue lighting collection? Think again. Philips' latest product is one you're likely going to want to own. The tap switch, available later this year for $60, lets you control connected lights wirelessly by tapping one of four buttons. More impressive, however, is the switch's ability to turn lights off and on without requiring a power source of its own. The device is powered by kinetic energy, so a tap creates enough juice to complete each task. Philips is also announcing a new "lux" bulb, which looks and operates like traditional Hue units, albeit without the 16 million colors. This bulb emits only white light, but it's reportedly very bright. Lux is set to retail for $40 per bulb (compared to $60 for the color version), or $100 in a set of two bundled with a Hue base as well. Like the switch, lux will ship in Europe and North America after the summer.
Philips Hue targets the ultra high end with $3,500 3D-printed luminaires
Philips' Hue collection of app-controlled LED bulbs has never been the cheapest option for lighting a room, but the company's existing products are at least priced to be accessible to many homeowners. That's absolutely no concern when it comes to this latest lineup of lamps, however. The table and pendant luminaries (a fancy word for light fixture) were designed by WertelOberfell and Strand+Hvass. These works of art are still perfectly functional, though -- each is capable of displaying any of 16 million colors, with full wireless control. These 3D-printed fixtures are hardly affordable, however. A selection of table lamps will be available for pre-order beginning March 31st for €2,500 (about $3,500) while the pendant versions will retail for a whopping €3,000 (about $4,150).
Philips' new LED bulbs are powered over Ethernet, provide occupancy and climate info to office managers
Get ready for a whole new generation of connected lightbulbs. Philips latest concept replaces an office's traditional electrical wiring with Ethernet, used to power LED bulbs and pass info to and from each lamp. Each fixture outputs light, but also collects information from a variety of sensors. A motion sensor can track the number of employees in a given area, for example, while a thermometer can report back on the current temperature. Facility managers can track any section of the office in realtime, adjusting lighting and heating from a smartphone app to save on utilities whenever possible. Of course, as you'll need to replace traditional cabling with Ethernet, the installation itself is sure to cost a pretty penny. Philips quotes a 50-percent reduction in installation costs for PoE over traditional wiring with new installations, however, so if you're planning to refurbish an office this is definitely an interesting option to consider.
Philips' 2014 4K TVs include an Android-powered model and smaller sets
Philips' 4K TVs last year were on the large side, but it's following up in 2014 with smaller models -- including one with a few tricks up its sleeve. The company's new 55-inch 8809 series set mates the extra-high resolution with Android, giving you both Google Play apps as well as access to your Dropbox content. It's also a capable set whether or not you like the mobile OS, with a 1GHz refresh rate and Ambilight illumination that plays nicely with both games and Hue lights. There are also 48- and 55-inch 1080p sets running Android (the 8109 and 8209 series), and you can pick up the 7809 series (pictured here) in 42-, 49- and 55-inch flavors if you're comfortable using a 4K set without Google underpinnings. All of the new 7000 and 8000 series TVs should be available in Europe and Russia in the second quarter of the year, although the Android variants aren't expected to reach the UK. Pricing isn't available at this stage, but we'd expect these screens to be more affordable than Philips' 65- and 84-inch behemoths.
Daily Roundup: Harmonix's musical first-person shooter, limited edition PS4 and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Philips' smart lighting tells you where to go in the grocery store
Ever spent ages wandering the grocery store while looking for a hard-to-find ingredient? If Philips brings its new connected retail lighting to your local supermarket, you may always know where to go. The technology uses light-based communication to create a positioning grid for your smartphone, telling you just what route you'll need to take to get everything for that recipe. Naturally, shopkeepers can also use the system for location-based discounts and suggestions; if you're looking for dessert ideas, the lights can point you to the pastry section. Philips is already testing its smart illumination with a handful of stores, so it might not be long before you're shopping with extreme efficiency.
A first look at Philips' TV Surround Base integrated Blu-ray and sound bar
Love Blu-ray? Kinda dig watching them with beefy sound? Then you'll love the TV Surround Base from Philips, we're sure. Made from wood, which the company claims offers better acoustics, the TV Base sits under your TV set just like any other soundbar, just with the Blu-ray player built right in. Along with the option for optical media play back, the unit offers up a smart TV-like experience, Bluetooth music streaming and NFC for pairing with your phone. The sound part of the unit runs 2.1 channel stereo with Dolby Digital along with audio in and USB for extra media playback options. If you already have a Blu-ray player, and just want the audio goodies, Philips has a cheaper model that comes sans-optical drive. The unit itself is attractive enough, if a little understated. The flat, black wooden box has a bit of a man-cave feel about it, accentuated by the felt/fabric-style finish on the front face of the unit (behind which you'll also find a simple red LED display. Both models will be available around April this year, with the full-fat TV Surround Base costing $299, and $199 if you just want it as a soundbar.
Philips' 27-inch monitor with NVIDIA's G-Sync tempts gamers with silky-smooth visuals
When NVIDIA unveiled its G-Sync tech that alleviates lag, screen tearing, and stuttering, it counted Philips among the companies that would make monitors with its secret sauce. Now that CES has rolled around, Philips has finally revealed a panel that uses the graphic titan's technology. The panel (catchily dubbed 272G5DYEB) measures up at 27 inches and carries a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080, a 144Hz refresh rate, 1,000:1 contrast ratio and displays up to 16.7 million colors. If you're fixing to connect the screen to your PC via HDMI, you're out of luck as it only sports a DisplayPort. Enjoying the buttery visuals will drain your pockets of $649 when the monitor arrives this spring. Of course, if you can't wait till then, a modified ASUS VG248QE is already available with G-Sync from a handful of boutique PC outfits.
Philips adds Spotify to some of its 2013 Smart TVs in Europe
Following in Samsung's footsteps, Philips has announced that it's bringing Spotify to its Smart TV platform in Europe. As of today, those of you across the pond who own a qualifying 2013 Philips set -- including the series 6008, 7008, 8008 and 9708 -- will have access to the renowned music streaming service. In addition, Philips is flipping the switch on the Cloud TV service it revealed back at this year's IFA, which allows viewers to stream "hundreds" of channels over the internet on Smart TVs from 2012 and 2013. That's not all though, as the manufacturer also added Cloud Explorer to 2013 models, giving users access to photos, videos and other documents they have stored on a Dropbox account. All in all, we'd say it's a pretty good day to be a Euro-based owner of a Philips intelligent television.
