![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/f8fa18e0698b41aeac37a4ede8db81a5-415-80.png)
Hue is the world's best smart bulb system. It's great hardware, but the software has often been what scientists call, "a massive pain in the ass."
However, we've been exclusively trialling Hue version 2 for the past fortnight, and even in beta it's been considerably less annoying than the old Hue app. It's easier to adjust brightness and change scenes, Siri voice control is better integrated (although that is less important since you could already use it much more easily via any Apple HomeKit app) and it seems to crash less often.
Hue 2 also comes with some brand new features you won't find in the older version. First off there's the 'Rooms' function, which enables you to group lights in a certain area together and control their luminosity as one room.
There's also 'Routines' for setting lights to switch on and off at different times - you can also set up a 'Nightlight' function that conjures a low level of light in child's room to ensure they don't get spooked by the dark in the middle of the night.
Elsewhere there's the intriguing 'Scenes' feature which extracts the colours from a chosen picture and creates a mood lighting based upon them and the super-useful new Widgets that give you access to up to 10 different lights for quick light control in a hurry.
Why not check out - At last: Philips invents light switch!
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
Dom Reseigh-Lincoln has been writing for T3 for over half a decade now, covering everything from mobile phones and laptops right through to video games and gaming peripherals. Purveyor of an excellent beard, as well as some perpetually cheeky offspring, Dom likes to wind down in his spare time by listening to heavy metal.
-
iPhone 17 slated for one massive camera upgrade which photographers will love
The question is, will it be too technical for non-photographers?
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
New Loewe TV sounds like a good deal with its integrated soundbar
This looks like a neat TV and it should have great sound quality
By Sam Cross Published