Question

Neewbe question.  The smart things hub.Neewbe question. The smart things hub. Do they control hue Bluetooth bulbs? My phone may be too old, can not get the hue BT app.  

Answer 1

No, they do not. The range of BT is, at best, 30 feet. Zigbee is the better communication channel for bulbs. Zwave works, too but not as well as Zigbee for bulbs

Answer 2

If you mean the new Philips Hue bulbs with Bluetooth, then yes - but via ZigBee, not Bluetooth.  

Answer 3

I'm just starting out, amazon had a discount on echo dot with clock, and had option to get some hue lights at a discount, or on a switch with a discount. Bulbs arrived first, and got switch as well. Switches I've found how to set up. Though Alexa app said I need the bridge. Was wondering if smart things was compatible. The dot with clock will arrive next month, so I'm trying to get a handle on the learning curve.  

Answer 4

Just wanted some advice on what would be be better purchase. The hue bridge, or the smart things hub.  

Comments

@tulley You want both

---

@tulley both are too expensive. buy an aqara zigbee gateway

---

Well I guess that's what I get buying an amazon dot and bulbs on their discount price. Amazon mains outlet switch works. Out of the box. Just don't understand why the lights they combine don't.  

---

OK other devices, since its bluetooth may be the bulbs are so new the app thinks all hue is hub based. Will try this when I get home.  

Answer 5

I wouldnt use hue bulbs without the bridge to be honest. it works flawlessly, never had a problem. I dont think they link well at all with just a smart home hub. I use a hubitat hub, but im sure smartthings is the same, you connect the bridge to the smart hub and use it for automations

Comments

@deck7 how would one connect the hue Bluetooth bulbs without the app, I believe my phone is too old google play indicates its not comparable.  

Answer 6

I use my Hue bulbs with the Amazon Echo Plus as the hub, haven't had any difficulties whatsoever.  

Answer 7

Thanks, should get the bridge by next Friday.