Homematic IP: Extended integration of Philips Hue and new exchange assistant

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Following the basic integration of Philips Hue into the Homematic IP smart home system from eQ-3 in autumn 2022, the manufacturer is now expanding the integration with another app update. In addition, the recent app update brings a swap assistant and a device search.

Number doubled, but still limited

The latest Homematic IP app update to version numbers 2.15.18 (Android) and 2.15.0 (iOS) now enables the integration of up to ten Philips Hue lamps and lights in a Homematic IP installation. Since the update in November 2022, up to five Philips Hue lamps and lights have been integrated. Criticism of the small number of lamps and lights that can be integrated into Homematic IP from the Philips Hue range came up last year immediately after the integration was announced. With the doubling, eQ-3 is now taking at least a small step towards a further opening. As usual, the Philips Hue lamps can be operated just like Homematic IP devices after pairing. It is thus possible to add them to groups, control them via automations or connect them to other elements of the smart home, for example with buttons or presence detectors.

Swap multi-channel devices

The new update also expands the Homematic IP app with a replacement assistant for multi-channel devices. The new function enables settings and button assignments to be transferred from a multi-channel device to a functionally identical replacement device that has at least the same number of channels. For example, if a user replaces a door lock drive or a 6-way wall button, the previous configuration can be transferred to the new device if desired, so that it can take over the task of the device to be replaced without a new, complete configuration.

New device search

In the device overview of the Homematic IP app, eQ-3 has now also integrated a search function, which can be used to search for individual devices in the installation using a search mask based on their name. Especially users with an extensive Homematic IP installation no longer have to scroll through all devices.

The update for the Homematic IP app with the version numbers 2.15.18 ( Android) and 2.15.0 (iOS) will be rolled out gradually via the respective app stores and will be available to all users within a few days.