Philips Hue rivals Nest and Ring with camera that features a bright idea

Philips Hue might be famed for its clever connected bulbs but now the firm is launching a new camera that will keep an eye on things when you’re not at home. The new Philips Hue Secure camera does everything that you’d expect from a smart device including sending alerts to your smartphone when it spots something suspicious.

However, where things get clever is its full integration with Philips lighting products. This basically allows users to bathe rooms with light or even set off a police-style red and blue glow to deter intruders. This sets it apart from other cameras from the likes of Google Nest and Amazon’s Ring which don’t have the ability to easily link to smart lighting.

Footage can be stored in the cloud for up to 60 days and there’s the ability to film what’s happening inside homes in full 1080p quality. The camera is fully weatherproof so can be used inside and outside plus you can buy it in a battery or wired option.

Other features include blackout zones which stop the camera constantly going off if you live on a busy street and there’s even the option to call the police right from the Philips Hue app.

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Along with the camera, Philips has also announced the release of a Secure contact sensor which can be placed on doors and windows to reveal when they’ve been opened.

Once again, these can be linked to the smart lighting so that when the front door is opened, the Hue bulbs will instantly illumate.

Both the camera be sensors will go on sale this autumn.

Cameras start from £174.99 with the sensor costing £34.99.

Speaking about the launch, Jasper Vervoort, Business Leader Philips Hue at Signify, said: “As the world leader in smart lighting, we know that light plays a major role when it comes to security. After previously having introduced innovations like Philips Hue motion sensors and the Mimic presence automation, we’re now extending with a full suite of solutions for home security in day-to-day life.

“By integrating our smart lighting system with cameras, contact sensors, and app features, we offer a unique security solution through light to help users secure their homes. And it doesn’t end here, as we will continue to build and innovate to unlock the potential of lighting and security for our users.”