TL;DR
Philips Hue is rolling out a connectivity upgrade that allows its smart bulbs to operate both Thread and Zigbee protocols at the same time. This update enables direct integration with Matter-compatible platforms while maintaining Hue ecosystem features. The change is enabled by Silicon Labs’ new concurrent multiprotocol technology and is expected later this year.
Philips Hue has announced a firmware update that will enable its smart bulbs to run both Thread and Zigbee protocols concurrently, allowing direct connection to Matter-compatible ecosystems like Apple Home, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa without sacrificing Hue features. The update is based on new radio synchronization technology developed by Silicon Labs and is expected later this year.
The upcoming firmware update will leverage Silicon Labs’ concurrent multiprotocol technology (CMP), allowing Hue bulbs to operate both Thread and Zigbee protocols in parallel. Currently, Hue bulbs can only support one protocol at a time, requiring users to choose between Zigbee or Thread during setup, and resetting devices to switch protocols. The new feature will enable Hue bulbs to listen to commands from both protocols simultaneously, improving flexibility and future-proofing.
This development means Hue bulbs can connect directly to Matter ecosystems via Thread, bypassing the Hue Bridge for Matter traffic, while still maintaining connection to the Hue ecosystem. The update will be compatible with Hue devices built on Silicon Labs MG26 and SiMG301 wireless SoCs. The same or similar concurrent technology is used in some Ikea devices, indicating industry movement toward dual-protocol support.
George Yianni, Hue CTO, explained that this technology allows a Hue light to be linked to both a Hue Bridge and a Thread network, responding to commands from both sources without user intervention. He noted that while the current plan is to support both protocols, the company is also considering future applications of Thread if standard evolutions provide new features like improved entertainment syncing or motion-aware networks.
Enhanced Compatibility and Future Flexibility
This upgrade is significant because it improves the interoperability of Hue smart lights with the broader smart home ecosystem, particularly through Matter, the new universal smart home standard. By enabling simultaneous support for Thread and Zigbee, Hue devices can be integrated more seamlessly into diverse smart home setups, reducing complexity and increasing reliability. Additionally, the technology opens possibilities for future features, such as more advanced entertainment syncing or motion-based automation, should the standards evolve to support them.
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Industry Shift Toward Dual-Protocol Support
Until now, most smart lighting products, including those from companies like Aqara and Ikea, supported either Zigbee or Thread, but not both simultaneously. Users had to choose protocols during device setup, often resetting devices to switch. Philips Hue’s move to support concurrent protocols reflects a broader industry trend toward multi-protocol devices that can integrate more deeply into the rapidly evolving Matter ecosystem. The technology is enabled by Silicon Labs’ CMP, which allows devices to run multiple radio protocols in parallel, a capability that is gaining traction among smart home manufacturers.
This development follows earlier announcements from Philips Hue about supporting Matter and expanding device compatibility, but the new firmware update marks a significant step in making Hue bulbs more versatile and future-ready.
“The technology allows a light to listen to both sets of commands and respond without user intervention.”
— an anonymous researcher
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Remaining Questions About Implementation and Future Use
It is not yet clear how broadly this feature will be supported across all Hue devices or whether future updates will extend dual-protocol support to other product lines. Details about the exact timing of the rollout and whether all existing Hue bulbs will receive the update are still emerging. Additionally, while the technology enables simultaneous operation, the practical benefits for end-users and potential limitations are still to be fully demonstrated.
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Expected Timeline and Future Capabilities
The firmware update is expected to be released later this year, initially supporting Hue devices built on Silicon Labs’ MG26 and SiMG301 SoCs. After rollout, users will be able to connect compatible bulbs directly to Matter ecosystems via Thread while maintaining local Hue control. Philips Hue has also indicated that it is exploring additional features that could leverage Thread’s capabilities, such as enhanced entertainment syncing or more motion-aware automation, but these are not confirmed for immediate implementation.
Philips Hue Essential Smart LED A19 Bulb 4-Pack, White and Color Ambiance, E26, 7.2W, 2200K-6500K, 800 Lumens, Dimmable LED Bulbs, Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Home
SWITCH TO SMART LIGHTING: Simply screw in your new smart bulb, download the award-winning Hue app, then start…
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Key Questions
Will all Philips Hue bulbs support simultaneous Thread and Zigbee connectivity?
Support will be limited to Hue devices built on Silicon Labs MG26 and SiMG301 wireless SoCs, with the update rolling out later this year. Not all existing Hue bulbs may be compatible.
How does this update improve smart home integration?
It allows Hue bulbs to connect directly to Matter ecosystems via Thread while maintaining local Hue features, reducing reliance on the Hue Bridge and increasing compatibility with various platforms.
Will this feature require new hardware or just a firmware update?
The feature will be enabled through a firmware update for compatible devices; no new hardware is necessary for devices based on the supported SoCs.
Could this technology lead to new features like better entertainment syncing?
While the current plan does not include such features, the company has indicated that future standard evolutions might enable advanced functionalities leveraging Thread’s capabilities.
When will consumers see this update in their Hue devices?
The rollout is expected later this year, with specific timing depending on device model and region.
Source: The Verge
