Review: Philips Hue – does smart lighting shine?

Review: Philips Hue – does smart lighting shine?
The promise of wifi-enabled smart lighting is true customisation. How well does Philips' Hue product range live up to the promise?
Ben Moore
Smart homes are becoming all the rage these days and while smart speakers like Amazon’s Alexa may be the most popular smart home device, smart lightbulbs are perhaps still somewhat more niche.The promise of these bulbs is great – any colour at any brightness to turn your boring rooms into stages where the lighting matches your every mood.I was pretty excited when Philips sent me a Hue starter kit that, in theory, has everything you need to get started on your smart lighting journey for around $330 for the bulbs with colour, and $220...

More The Life

Talisk brings the sounds of Scotland to arts festival
The Life Review

Talisk brings the sounds of Scotland to arts festival

Scottish folk troupe brings Aucklanders to their feet. 

Helen van Berkel 30 Mar 2025
Tennessee Williams classic comes alive to new audience
The Life Review

Tennessee Williams classic comes alive to new audience

The ballet tells the old story in a new way. 

Helen van Berkel 30 Mar 2025
My Net Worth: Brooke van Velden, Cabinet minister
Editor's Picks

My Net Worth: Brooke van Velden, Cabinet minister

"There is strength in being a leader who listens, who doesn't just dictate."

Was it, in fact, Yoko's career that was derailed by the Beatles?
The Life Review

Was it, in fact, Yoko's career that was derailed by the Beatles?

Biography offers a welcome reassessment of the artist’s place in cultural history.