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Signify has announced a new addition to the Philips Hue smart lighting range with the launch of the Play wall washer. This product aims to provide a more immersive home entertainment experience through wide-angle lighting and dynamic sync capabilities. Alongside this release, Philips Hue is expanding the rollout of its generative AI assistant, with the UK set to receive access in July and global availability expected by the end of August.
Immersive Lighting with a Design Focus
The newly launched Philips Hue Play wall washer is designed to enhance entertainment spaces, combining light performance with a minimal, modern aesthetic. Constructed from matte aluminium and featuring a transparent projection window, the wall washer differs from typical plastic-bodied lighting accessories. Its design allows it to blend seamlessly into home environments, whether switched on or off.
Using what Signify calls ColorCast projection technology, the Play wall washer creates wide-angle gradients across walls, delivering ambient effects for films, games, and music. These lighting effects react in real-time to on-screen content when used with Hue Sync apps or the Hue HDMI Sync Box.
When not in use with entertainment content, the device shifts into an ambient lighting mode, producing a continuous wash of colour that can be personalised. The projection range can be adjusted by repositioning the device closer or further from the wall, giving users physical control over the lighting effect.
Compatibility and Control
The Play wall washer integrates fully into the Philips Hue ecosystem. Control is available via the Philips Hue app, voice assistants (Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit), and existing Hue accessories. The app’s updated interface includes a 3D drag-and-drop tool that allows users to visualise and adjust the device’s light direction and placement more accurately.
This addition aligns with Philips Hue’s broader approach of treating lighting not only as a functional feature but also as a part of interior styling. The company emphasises that the Play wall washer is as much about visual appeal when idle as it is about delivering lighting performance.
Global Launch Timeline and Pricing
The Philips Hue Play wall washer will be available in various configurations and regions. All models are launching in the EU, UK, USA, and Canada in June 2025, with further availability in other global markets later in the year.
Availability Timeline:
- June 2025: EU/UK, USA, Canada
- September 2025: China, Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand
UK Pricing:
- Single pack (black or white): £169.99
- 2-pack (black or white): £299.99
Generative AI Assistant Expands to the UK
Alongside the hardware launch, Philips Hue is expanding its AI assistant – a generative tool designed to simplify and personalise lighting experiences. Already live in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg, the assistant enables users to input moods, styles, or occasions through text or voice. The system then either suggests an existing lighting scene or creates a new one if no suitable match exists.
The assistant currently functions when the Hue app is set to English and is expected to launch in the UK in July 2025, with a global rollout finalised by the end of August.
Future updates will add features such as scheduling, automation, and in-app chatbot support. These enhancements are part of Philips Hue’s strategy to make smart lighting more intuitive and responsive to user needs.
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