As 3D-printed objects and smart home technology become even hotter product categories, it makes sense that Philips is rolling out an app-controlled 3D-printed lamp.
Philips announced a collection of new products on Friday — from a new app-controlled light bulb to a kinectic-energy-powered light switch — but we're most entranced by its 3D-printed lamp line.
The lamp comes in two styles that work with the company's Hue line, the Entity (pictured above) and the Tempest (pictured below, in pendant form). Users can create lighting effects using more than 16 million color variations on the lamp and control the settings via an accompanying app. Lighting can also be programmed based on the time of day and personal preferences.
But the price of cool is hefty. The table lamps are $4,445 and the pendant edition is $4,135. The products are available for pre-order on Meethue.com, starting March 31.
Philips is also launching the Hue tap ($59), a product the company calls the first ever kinetic-powered, web-enabled light switch. If you don't want to use an app to control Hue bulbs, the light switch sticks to the walls and can be re-applied throughout the house. Users can also program up to four color sequences. It doesn't need batteries (it requires a bridge that plugs into a home Wi-Fi router) and can control up to 50 Hue bulbs. It will go on sale in North America and Europe this summer.
The light bulb line is also getting an update with the addition of the Hue Lux, an app-controlled light bulb that only emits white light. This option is significantly less pricey ($99 for two bulbs and a bridge) than the color controlled ones ($199 for three bulbs and a bridge).
Philips aims to make this the entry-level product for those looking to take their first steps toward creating a smarter home, but the Hue Lux still uses the Hue system so you can access third party apps, such as the disco app that syncs the light to music.
It's also compatible with the Jawbone fitness tracker, so it knows when you wake up and can automatically switch on the light another room. The Hue Lux will launch in fall 2014.
Image: PHILIPS